It's Only The Heat [18+]

CANON EXTRA: Raf & Benji adopt a child

This extra is CANON (meaning it does actually happen). It takes place between IOTH and RTH.

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*Benji's POV*

"Thank you so much for watching Sawyer tonight," Caleb grins as he hands me a duffle bag. "Normally, I would have asked Theo and Kit, but they've been swamped with Alpha duties lately, and they already have Remi to watch after."

"It's my pleasure," I tell him honestly. "I might not have any experience with pups, but I love kids."

"Keep in mind that Sawyer is also half-witch," Caleb warns. "He's still young, so his powers only come out when he's upset. If you can get him calm, his powers will retreat."

"Good to know," I laugh nervously. A witch? I've been around plenty of wolves now, but this will be my first time around a witch.

"Thank you again," Caleb says as he heads towards the door. "Jayden and I really appreciate this. We love our son dearly, but we'd really like a night to ourselves for our anniversary."

"Say no more!" I wave him away. "Go enjoy your evening with your husband."

Caleb waves goodbye as he heads out to his car. Shutting the door, I turn around and face Sawyer. The five-year-old is sitting on the couch, hands in his lap as he stares at me with a bored expression. I offer him a weak smile, already feeling awkward.

"Hey, Sawyer," I try to keep my voice upbeat and calm. Don't upset him, don't upset him. "What do you like to do for fun?"

Sawyer shrugs without responding. Biting my lower lip, I decide to pull out my art supplies.

"Do you want to try finger painting?" I ask him. "Art is one of my favorite things."

"I don't like messes," he responds plainly. I nod slowly, then run into my room to grab my paintbrushes.

"Here," I hold a brush out to him. "You won't get the paint on your fingers if you use a brush."

Sighing, Sawyer slides off the couch and grabs the brush. How can such a young child be so picky? Either way, I'm just glad that I found something he wants to do.

As we paint, I notice Sawyer keeps his strokes slow and purposeful, being careful to not make a mess. Shaking my head, I turn back to my own canvas on focus on my work. I get lost in my painting, letting my mind wander with the colors and swirls that form my abstract artwork. The painting is supposed to represent how happy I've been ever since I moved in with Rafael. Even if others can't tell what it means, I know in my heart the true meaning behind it.

Pulling out of my daydream, I turn my head and notice Sawyer staring at my painting intensely. I smile at him and tilt my head.

"Do you like it?" I ask softly, and Sawyer turns bright red.

"I guess," he mumbles. He lifts his brush to continue painting, but accidentally knocks over a cup of paint. "Oh no!"

"It's okay!" I quickly assure him. "It's just a little paint. We can clean it up."

"Forget it! I hate this!" Sawyer shouts, the furniture in the living room beginning to wobble. My eyes widen as Sawyer's powers start to unleash, affecting his surroundings.

"Sawyer, it's okay," I tell him gently. "It's just paint. It's not a big deal."

"Why can't I do anything right?" He sniffles angrily. "This is why my birth parents didn't want me, and why my dads left me here with you! No one wants me!"