Anything but ordinary

Chapter 20-21

It is better to be afraid than to be frightened

Ryder

A few weeks have passed by since the incident in the kitchen and every day more and more wolves were at Ariel's side. I am very proud of her, even at the moments when she prevents me to show much power. I am not merciful. Before her everybody who pissed me off went to the dungeons at least for 2 days without food. My father didn't like this either but it worked because everybody respected me and followed my orders unconditionally. My little mermaid showed me one of the greatest powers which I had lack of it and that was mercy. Don't misunderstand me I'm not cruel, just demanding. She tried to take part in every activity even practiced combat fighting, but only with Eric and Matthew. I don't trust the others. She spent a lot of time with my mother who found great joy in speaking with her in Spanish. She studied about our companies alongside my father and godfather and lots of times I found her in the kitchen helping Maggie. Today I decided to assign a new activity for her. She came out from the bathroom and jumped next to me giving me a peck. I grabbed her and pulled her on my lap, the water from her freshly washed hair was dripping to my face and chest. She started to play with the water drops on my chest and it made me shiver in a good way. I kissed her neck passionately. She pulled away with excitement in her eyes.

- You told me that today I will have a new task to do! What is it? - she was still laying on me I smoothed a strand of her face.

- Well my love, today the lady who normally babysits the young wolves after school and kinder garden isn't feeling well. I wanted to give this task to  Matthew but I think you are ready for it - she smiled showing her little white teeth, which seemed like she has beadwork in her mouth.

- Really?! That is so cool! - I laughed at her excitement and hugged her. She jumped off me and started to search for something.

- What are you doing?

- I'm searching for my notebook.

- Why do you need it for ? - she found it meanwhile and sat at the end of the bed looking at me very seriously.

- Now Mister Shadow, you will tell me where I have to pick up the kids and what time. Their ages and names. Come on I don't have all day - I sat up and grinned.

- Okay. You only have to pick up five pups at the kinder garden. They are between 5 and 10 years I don't know their exact ages - she smirked. - Their names are Ed, Candy, they are the oldest ones, and then Matt, Eva, and Lizzie - she was writing down everything with a lot of attention. My dear really took this new task seriously. She did the same in case of everything. I started to think that she is a little maximalist but when I asked her about it she said that she wants to be a perfect mate for me and Luna for our pack and to achieve that she must keep working hard. I loved this in Ariel, she worked hard for everything and never took anything for granted just because of her position.

- The bigger kids are coming home alone. One of them you already know, he is Tom.  Her face lightened up, as since she helped him out, Tom was following her everywhere and helped her with everything. First I didn't understand why she is so forgiving but I learned by now that this is her tactic to gain respect and trust and it was working pretty well. Even Chloe tried to get along with her. I thanked the Moon Goddess each night I held her in my arms, that she sent this angel to me. I got lost in my thoughts.

- Ryder are you okay? You seem like you are buffering- I caressed her legs while continuing. She was wearing short jeans and a large t-shirt with the label of her favorite series " 2 Broke Girls".

- Yes just got lost in my thoughts where was I? - she shook her head and smiled.

- Tom.

- Oh yes, so Tom, he is 13 years old, then there are Kate, Esme, Drake, Vic, and Sebastian -she kept on writing.

- Okay give me the directions and time to pick up the little ones - I gave these to her and said:

- I don't know how they are spending the evenings but I'm sure you will figure it out and Tom will help you I already warned him to behave - she smiled.

- He is behaving always like an angel.

 We had three hours until she had to go for the kids but unfortunately I couldn't spend this time with her. My Alpha duties called me. So I gave her a peck on her forehead.

- I will see you tonight and if there is any problem just scream or ask one of the kids to mind-link me.

- Don't worry everything will be fine! - she said putting her hands on her waist I had to chuckle she looked like a mini heroine ready for all. Actually taking care of the kids is one of the most difficult tasks here. They are hyper they want to play all the time instead of doing their chores so this will probably sweat a little Ariel, but I already learned not to underestimate her.

- Before I go - I lifted her up and gave her another kiss, she smelled like monoii flowers from Thailand and a little salty like the sea. I was wondering what would happen if she gets in the sea. Maybe she is a real mermaid. I put her down and gave her the keys for a minibus- You will need this. - She grabbed it.

- Thank you, this is so exciting. Before I go for them I'll do some shopping if this is okay for you- I looked at her suspiciously but nodded.

- Fine, have a nice day Roo! - she waved and I went to my father's office. What is she up to this time?

Ariel

Wow! I will take care of the kids today this is going to be so much fun! I grabbed my bag and ran to the garage. I planned to go to the mall, buy some helium-filled balloons and some sweets. But when I wanted to get in the car a hand touched my shoulder. I turned around and it was a man I've never seen before.

- Where, where? - he asked, he smelled like a homeless but his clothes were brand new.

- That is none of your business - I took of his hand off my shoulder but he pushed me against the car so hard that I hit my head.

- Better if you leave and never come back! Or you may have an accident very soon. -His breath was even worse than his smell. I was in a trap I couldn't open the car door and he had his hands closing every possible way out. I wish I could mind-link as well, but I guess this is all I have. I forced a sugary smile on my face staring at his yellow eyes.

- Thanks for worrying but I'm not clumsy. Nothing will happen and if you excuse me I have lots of things to do. - I tried to turn my back to him and open the car door but he pushed himself against me. Now it was enough he crossed a f*****g line! I was about to scream when someone grabbed him of me and with a shout throw him out of the garage. The unknown man ran away and I found myself in front of Chloe. She held my shoulders and started to check me.

- Omg! Ariel are you okay? Did he hurt you? - Am I dreaming? I pulled off her hand from me.

- Yes and no. I'm fine. Thank you by the way - she smiled although her smile wasn't really sincere.

 - Who was that man?

- A rouge. I have no idea why he was here. They are not brave enough to come even close to our packhouse. Probably he smelled you.

- Yeah it's possible - I didn't know exactly what she meant by that and I started to open the car door when she pulled it back.

- Excuse me Chloe but as I told him as well,  I have many things to do.

- He was right, you are in danger here and alone. Ryder can't protect you all the time, and now you have to take care of the kids as well. You will need help. - Is she serious? - Look I know we started bad, I'm sorry, I was jealous. Can I get another chance? - I looked at her and nodded. She smiled from ear to ear and jumped on the passenger seat. Well, if she decides to kill me at least they will know who did it. I got in the car and we left the pack house.

- We are going to the mall first - she nodded with a smile.

- Actually you are really going to be a big help today, I have no idea what kind of sweets these kids like - this was the first time since I met her that she looked at me with a sort of kindness in her eyes.

- Well, my sister loves sour gum.

- Who is your sister? - she smiled.

- Vic. She is the most adorable creature in this world.

 The way she talked about her sister made my heart a little warmer, maybe she is not so bad. I asked her about the rest of the kids to have some more information. When we arrived at the mall she wanted to check on a few clothes stores and we agreed to meet in an hour at the candy store. She went her way and I headed to a hunter shop.

- Good afternoon miss! How can I help you? – asked the shopkeeper.

- I know this will sound strange but do you sell dog whistles? - he laughed and replied:

- Of course!

- Great, can you please give me three and two pepper sprays as well? - he gave me my order and I paid. Before leaving the store, I hid this stuff in the secret pocket of my backpack.

- Have a nice day!

- You too! - I walked out and decided to walk around the mall to spend some time before meeting Chloe again. I found myself in front of a jewelry store. I went in, and bought some damaged silver rings and a thick silver chain. The shopkeepers looked at me as if I was a freak, but I didn't care. Now I can protect myself for the next time. I met Chloe at the candy shop and we bought a lot of sour gums, M&Ms, gummy bears and a lollipop for ourselves. She wanted to leave the mall but I stopped her.

- We have to buy one more thing before leaving.

- What is that?

- Helium balloons! 

Chapter 21

Ready or not?

Ariel

We bought one balloon for each kid and one for ourselves. We hid them in the luggage rack. Chloe was staring at me uncomprehendingly while we were parking at the kinder garden's parking lot.

-Why we need these balloons?

- It is a surprise - we heard the bell and got out of the car. Five little kids holding each other's hands were walking to us with eyes wide open. The oldest stared at Chloe with disgust and turned to me:

- Why did you come for us Luna? - The others were backing Tom basically as if he was their leader.

- Well Ryder thought that it can be fun, if you spent this afternoon with me. - he smiled and pointed towards Chloe who smirked.

- Why is she here then? - Chloe got frustrated.

- Careful with your words young man! - she snarled at him but Tom got some nuts.

- And you with your actions - I stood there with and open mouth but quickly pulled myself together and held Chloe's shoulder. She shivered at my touch and looked in my eyes.

- Let’s go! We still have to pick up the big ones! - and I started to pick up the kids and fasten their seat belts. Chloe jumped in the car as too when I continued :

- They are coming home alone. - I started the car and turned to her.

- Not today.

 Then I turned back to the pinch team:

 - Do you want some music? They nodded with big smiles. It made me feel really good that all their fear and insecurities gone away. They felt safe with me. We headed to the school of the older  kids .Tthey came out in a group and a little blonde girl's face lightened up when she noticed Chloe. She ran to her and she spun her around!

- What are you doing here? - she asked Chloe once she put her down. Tom looked at me with excitement and screamed to the rest of the group.

- Today Ariel is taking care of us until dinner! Ryder just told me! They cheered and got me in a group hug. I felt infinite happiness. At least the youngest members of the pack accepted me.

- Okay kids! - I said and they started to giggle. - What is so funny? - I stared at Chloe who tried to hide a smile.

- Well they are actually pups. - Oh... I started over again.

- Okay...pups. Hop in the car I have some great entertainment for today.

 They got in the car and we went back to the packhouse. We walked to the kitchen where I prepared a few mini sandwiches for them. They were eating licking their fingers. After brunch, ten pairs of eyes were staring at me with curiosity from the other side of the table. Chloe got uncomfortable. She whispered to my right ear.

- And now?

- Well I will take them to the playroom. Can you please bring in the surprises and hide them? - She nodded and went out.

- Okay pinch team! Follow me in a single line! - They followed me laughing and smiling so an idea came to my head  and started to sing a typical Hungarian children rhyme:

 'Who does not step at once

 Don't get strudel for the brunch

Because the strudel is very good

 This is the soldier's food! - ( Free translating) '

They chuckled and started to sing with me. We walked through the packhouse like a mini-army stepping at the same time. When we passed in front of Ryder's office, he peeked out his head for the sound and giggled. We stopped but continued the spot.

- What are you doing? -he asked, meanwhile forcing himself not to smile but he failed. His smile made my heart fill with joy. Before I could've say anything Tom, who was behind me, answered.

- I respectfully report to Alpha that we are the Full Moon Pack's first young army and we are following Ariel' commander to do our duty! - Ryder looked at him and at me, we were continued in spot. He busted in laughter and gave me a peck. The kids said "gross "from behind me.

- Well in that case I let you go on your way. Rest solders! - the kids laughed and we all saluted to Ryder and walked away. We arrived at the playroom where the kids sat down on the floor in a  circle around me.

- What do you usually do this time? - I asked them and Vic answered.

- We are doing our homework and then we must do some exercise that the nanny assigns. But we hate those.

- Yeah they are boring - Tom said.

- Normally she makes us copy fairy tales while she reads a book - EJ agreed.

- Okay so what do you think if we do first your homework and then I have some fun activities until dinner? - they smiled and started their homework meanwhile Chloe arrived as well.

-Hey! Have you hidden the surprise? - she nodded and winked to the direction of the cupboards. We helped the pups with their homework, then in about two hours later, when everything was done they were sitting in a circle looking at me. I had the bag of candies on my lap, they smelled the candy and waited nervously.

- The first activity is called two truths one lie - I remembered playing this with Ryder, Eric and Matthew on the plane. It was just a few weeks ago, yet it felt as if it had happened ages ago.

-The rules are easy, we go one by one. The person whose turn is, tells three facts about him or herself and the rest must find out which was the lie. The ones who guess correctly can choose a candy. Do you like the idea? - they were nodding and we started to play until we ran out of candies. WE had a great time laughing a lot . When we finished this game they stared at me with sparkling eyes.

-What will we do next? - Esme asked. I got up and went to the cupboard.

- Can you give me a hand Chloe? - she was lost in her thoughts.

- What?

- Can you give me a hand with the next part of the surprise? - she shook her head.

- Oh, of course - she stood up and came next to me, we got out all the balloons the kids face lightened up even more and we handed the balloons out.

- What will we do with this? – asked Lizzie.

We helped them to carefully open the balloons without letting the helium escape from them. We were sitting in a circle again.

- We will choose a song and each of us sings a line of it.

- Yes but why do we need balloons for this? - Vic stared at me.

- Well we will sing the song with helium inhaled first. And the target is that we sing it without laughing. - Their faces lightened up even more. We helped them to open the balloons without letting the helium escape and then we  agreed on singing Avicii's : “You are my home” song.

- Are you ready? - I asked them and ten little kids sitting in circle with their balloons prepared, smiled and screamed.

-YEEES!

- Okay I'll start then we go counterclockwise. So me, Tom, Kate, Drake, Vic, Ed, Lizzie, Matt, Eva, Sebastian, Esme, Candy and Chloe. When we finish the refrain we will sing together okay?

- Yes! - Tom smirked.

- Just start this craziness – Chloe shrugged.

“Oh you shine bright - I started and my voice sounded even better with helium.

Brighter than all the stars - Tom sang it smiling.

Brighter than fireworks - Kate grinned after her line.

So I give you all my love - Drake winked at Eve singing this and they made me grin.

And you´re perfection even in your mistakes - Vic's voice was extremely beautiful and I saw on Chloe's face that she was very proud of her.

Give affection -Ed 's voice shook a little but we gave him an encouraging smile.

Even when your heart aches - Lizzie 's voice was very high.

When I'm away - Matt.

You´re who I'm thinking of - Eva

Because…” - Sebastian's voice sounded exactly like Alvin's in the Alvin and the chipmunks. We arrived to the refrain and everybody sang along with a huge smile on their faces.

“You are my home, home, home

Wherever I may roam

You are the place where

I can rest my weary bones

You are my home, home, home

You are my home, home, home

You're a diamond (brightening) -Esme

Brightening my cloudy skies (sparkling) -Candy

Sparkling all through the night (light) - And finally Chloe warmed up as well and she enjoyed the activity with us.

Light me up like fireflies - Ariel.

See you shining - Tom

Even in the darkness - Kate

Stand beside me - Drake

When I don't deserve it -Vic. While Vic sang Tom seemed like he was mind-linking with someone.

That's why I say - Ed

I give you all my love - Lizzie

Because -Matt. After Matt sang his line someone opened the door of the playroom but I didn't turn back I was enjoying this moment with the kids too much.

( All together )

You are my home, home, home

Wherever I may roam

You are the place where                                                   

I can rest my weary bones

You are my home, home, home

You are my home, home, home”

“You're my number one” -Eva

“There's no doubt” -Sebastian

“And we stick together throughout” -Esme

“Like boy scouts, we about”- Candy

“All for one 'till lights out” -Chloe. When she sang her line she turned around and kept staring back so I did the same without stopping singing. I saw Ryder leaning to the door of the playroom so I quickly changed "Dave" 's name to his.

So Ryder, where you at? - and I mimicked like I was searching for him. He grinned.

“Wave your hands, front to back “- Tom stood up singing and waved his hand to Ryder. All the other kids followed him. This is how we were coming closer to the end of the song.

“Everybody take a look around “- Kate.

“At my dad, out in the crowd (oh) “-Drake.

“I love you SIS!” (oh, oh, oh)” -Vic. Changed a little the lyrics as well and she sang it to her sister.

(All together)

“You are my home, home, home

Wherever I may roam

You are the place where

I can rest my weary bones

You are my home, home, home.”- we finished the song and all the kids were whooping and hugging me. Giving out high fives to each other,  Chloe turned to me.

- I have to admit, this was great.

- Thank you! - She nodded and walked out the playroom with her sister. Ryder walked to me, spun me around and gave me a long deep kiss. Our tongues were fighting and the heat was getting higher in our bodies. The moment was interrupted by nine kids screaming to us to stop. We laughed and pressed our foreheads together. I inhaled Ryder's sweet scent, he smelled like orange and chocolate.

- So how was your day? - he asked and his smile showed his teeth.

- You know, just the usual.