Eclipsed Hearts

Getting Out

[Ian]

I cooked a breakfast casserole for the kids and made some pancakes, then sliced up some fruit. Since it was the weekend, I took my time with it. The kids would be up soon. I could practically hear them getting out of bed.

As the savory aroma of the breakfast casserole filled the air when I pulled it out of the oven and set it up in the dining room. The weekends were a precious time for us, a chance to slow down and savor these little moments as a family. I did for them what I thought their parents would have wanted for them.

Whenever there was a performance or event at school, I was there. I took them trick-or-treating. We had big holidays together. I took pictures of everything and each kid had their own album of pictures.

The sound of small footsteps echoed down the hallway, growing louder with each passing second. I turned off the stove, my heart brimming with excitement. The moment I had been waiting for was finally here.

The first couple of kids burst into the kitchen, their eyes widened at the sight of the breakfast spread laid out before them. Their faces lit up with pure delight, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of fulfillment.

“Wow! Look at all this food!” Emma exclaimed, her voice filled with wonder.

“Yeah! Dad always makes the best breakfasts!” Jacob chimed in, his mouth already watering.

I chuckled and ruffled Jacob’s messy hair. Most of the kids called me Dad. Only Jaden and Fern called me by my name. I never forced anyone to call me ‘dad’ but was more than willing to accept the name if it made them happy.

All twelve of the kids meandered in slowly and started dishing out food. Jaden and Fern followed them. They were probably getting them moving so we could get our day started.

As the kids filled their plates with food, their chatter and laughter filled the room. I couldn’t help but feel a surge of love for every one of them. They had become my family, and I was grateful for the opportunity to be a part of their lives.

Over breakfast, we shared stories from our week, recounting funny moments and minor victories. The children eagerly devoured their food, their animated expressions reflecting the happiness that radiated in our home. It was in these simple moments that I realized how far we had come since the night we lost everything.

We went over schedules for the day. Some kids had soccer practice, while others had art classes or piano lessons. There was always something happening in our busy household. I made mental notes of their schedules, ensuring that everyone would be where they needed to be on time. As their guardian and as their Alpha, it was my duty to support them.

I watched as the kids finished up their breakfast and cleared their plates, each one taking responsibility for their own dish. They had learned the importance of teamwork and pitching in, and it warmed my heart to see them taking care of each other.

Once breakfast was cleaned up, I gathered everyone in the living room for our morning ritual. We sat in a circle on the cozy rug, our hands clasped together, forming a tight bond. I closed my eyes, feeling the energy of the group flowing through me.

“Let’s take a moment to express our gratitude,” I said. “What are we thankful for today?”

One by one, the kids talked about something they liked, looked forward to, or just general things that made them happy.

“Fern, you’re up,” I said to our Beta after the last of the younger kids finished.

Fern took a deep breath and smiled softly.

“I’m grateful for all the love in this house,” she said, her voice filled with warmth. “We may not be biologically related, but we are a family in every sense of the word. And I’m thankful for every single one of you.”

The other children nodded in enthusiastic agreement, their bright eyes filled with genuine affection and admiration. Their small faces were lit up, as if they were basking in the glow of a warm sun.

“I’m thankful for Ian,” Jaden said quietly, his voice laced with vulnerability. “And I’m grateful for our pack.”

“What are you grateful for, Dad?” Jacob asked.

“Today, I’m grateful for the sunshine, full bellies, and big smiles. I’m glad that I will have a chance to spend all day with all of you.”

“Can we have a barbecue tonight?” Mateo asked.

I laughed. “Not tonight, buddy. I have to work tonight.”

All the kids looked disappointed. I needed to hunt this werewolf, but the kids were more important. I knew it was getting close to the anniversary of our pack being attacked. The ones who could remember their families would have a bad time. The ones who couldn’t would start asking questions.

When I saw her, I’d tell the Damson woman I needed to have tomorrow night off or we could meet later. My pack needed me to help them.

“But how about we have a barbecue tomorrow?” I suggested, with a twinkle in my eye. “We can fire up the grill, make some burgers and hot dogs, and have a fun-filled evening together.”

The kids’ faces lit up with excitement, their voices filling the room with enthusiastic agreement. It was moments like these that reminded me why I had taken on the responsibility of caring for them.

“Sounds like a plan!” Emma exclaimed, her eyes shining with anticipation.

With that, we got up and everyone started getting ready for their activities. As the kids scattered to their respective rooms, I took a moment to breathe and collect myself.

I knew today was going to be a challenging day, not just because of our busy schedules, but because of the lingering darkness that always seemed to hover over our pack at this time of year. The anniversary of the attack weighed heavily on Fern, Jaden, and me, a painful reminder of the losses we endured.

But I couldn’t let that darkness consume us. I made a promise to protect these kids, to provide them with a safe and loving environment. And so, despite the heaviness in my heart, I put on a brave face and began preparing for the day.

We loaded up the passenger van and headed out. Fern and Jaden went along, even though they didn’t do these activities anymore. We would rotate who watched which group of kids at their games and practices.

I sat in the bleachers, watching a few of the kids running around on the field. Their first weekend game was next weekend and we would all go to cheer them on. I loved watching them and they always looked for me in the crowd.

A woman came up beside me and sat down. Some of the single moms would make attempts when they started with the team. Usually, the others warned them away, but not all of them listened.

“Hi, I’m Ava,” the woman next to me said.

“Did your kid just join the team?” I asked as I kept my eyes trained on the field.

“Yeah, on Tuesday. I didn’t see you there then, or on Thursday’s practice, either.”

“I had to take kids to other practices. You would have met Jaden and Fern on those days. They’re my... little sister and brother.”

“Oh? That’s nice that they help you take care of your kid... or kids.... What about your wife?” she asked as she scooted closer.

“I don’t have a wife. Which one’s yours?” I asked.

“My son is the one with the red soccer jersey,” Ava replied, pointing toward a young boy who was eagerly running after the ball.

“He’s got some impressive footwork,” I complimented, glancing at her son briefly before focusing my attention back on the practice.

Ava smiled proudly. “Thank you! He’s been practicing a lot lately. Soccer is his passion.”

I nodded, but said nothing else. I never pursued anyone in the realm of the kids. If I were to hook up with a woman, it would be one who didn’t know me or anyone who was important to me.

Mari Damson flashed in my mind. I told her I wasn’t interested, but I could sleep with her. Have one night where I got to feel what it was like to be with my goddess-given mate before I killed her.

Part of me hated the idea of killing her, but the rest of me knew I had to protect the kids. As long as Mari Damson knew where I was, my pack wasn’t safe.

“Which is yours?” the woman next to me asked, drawing my attention back to her.

A smirk curled the corner of my lips. I might be handsome, but made sure I was a big enough red flag to run off most women. I put my hand up and my kids saw out of the corner of their eyes as they played. As each one turned to raise a hand at me, I listed off their names.

“Jenna, Chris, Emma, Jacob, and Kayla,” I replied.

She gasped. “You had quintuplets?”

I laughed. “No, they all have different moms.” I turned to leer at her. “What about you? I don’t see a ring are you single?”

The woman’s eyes widened, and she stood abruptly. She looked at me, then at the field, then, finally, behind her. I saw some of the other moms there and wiggled my fingers at them. I knew they’d clear up the misunderstanding, but it was easier for them to explain that I wasn’t looking for someone than for me to keep rejecting this woman.

I learned that a few years ago. They never listened to me or they thought they could win me over, but when the other women told them I was entirely dedicated to the kids, that there were more somewhere, and that I didn’t date anyone, they always accepted it.

As I watched her retreat after mumbling a goodbye, I snorted and shook my head. Turning my attention back to the practice, I took in a deep breath. This was a good day... so far....