The One

5 years later

 Karol darted around the room, a whirlwind of motion as she picked, grabbed, and packed the last of her belongings. With a sense of urgency, she made her way to her son's room, determined to help him organise his luggage.

"Luka, darling, don't forget your toothbrush!"

"Here, Mummy!" he chirped back, his innocence shining through.

"Thank you, sweetheart," she smiled, their shared chatter weaving a comforting bond as they tackled the chaos of packing together. Just as their light-hearted conversation filled the room, the doorbell rang, jarring them from their task. Luka bolted downstairs, eager to see who had arrived.

As Karol finally zipped her suitcase, she straightened up and beamed; the sound of laughter filled the air.

"You know I can hear both of you talking," Leo said as he sauntered in, bringing Luka in tandem, the boy plopping himself onto the bed with a mischievous grin.

"Hey, it can't be helped. When Luka boy wants something, he goes after it," Leo teased, arms crossed, leaning against the door-frame.

Karol shook her head, rolling her eyes with a playful sigh, "You've spoiled him like the others." The laughter that erupted from both boys warmed her heart; they knew all too well that Luka frequently got his way.

"Leo, where's everyone else?" she queried, her brow furrowing slightly.

"Downstairs, waiting for your majesty," he retorted with a dramatic flourish.

"Jeez, wait until you have a child. You'll see how hard it is to be punctual!" she shot back with a smirk, gathering her things before leading the trio downstairs.

As they descended, Sharon's voice rang out playfully, "Aren't you early?"

"Aren't you punctual?" she replied, her smirk aimed at her sister. "You two stay close!" she ordered, nudging both their bags towards the car, though Leo offered his assistance.

"Let me take care of that," he insisted, and she gratefully nodded, adjusting to the idea of accepting help. Turning to her sister, she asked, "Where are Jason and Keira?"

Before Sharon could respond, Jason appeared, cradling a sleeping two-year-old Keira. Sharon gently took the child, placing her into the baby seat with practised ease.

"Alright, let's get going," Sharon announced, her tone imbued with urgency.

Jason hopped into the boys' car, while the women settled into theirs, embarking on their journey to the airport.

"So~," one began, prompting the other to respond with the same elongated tone, an indication of the familiar banter that always flew between them.

"Seriously, what's going on between you and Leo?"

"Ew, no! We're like brother and sister. Plus, Leo already has a girlfriend who's soon to be his fiancée," she clarified, a laugh escaping her lips.

"You're kidding, right?"

"Jeez, slow your horses before you wake Keira! I'm serious. I know his girlfriend; we've met several times. She's perfect for him - a werewolf, kind and nurturing. He's even going to propose tomorrow! That's why he's with us – to distract her while he sets everything up and needs witnesses."

"Oh wow," Sharon exclaimed, feigning surprise.

"You honestly don't remember? We all had dinner together, for goodness' sake!"

"Ah, now I know! Oh my gosh, I'm getting old and forgetful!"

"Not old and forgetful, just digging for nonsense," Karol laughed.

"Fine! Just kidding. But when are you going to find a dashing, attractive guy for yourself?"

She inhaled deeply, suppressing the frustration bubbling inside her and resisting the urge to punch her sister. Just then, Luka reached out to her through their mind link.

'Mummy, you okay?' he asked softly.

'Yes, baby boy, I'm fine. What about you?'

'I'm good, Mummy. Don't be angry, okay?'

'I'm not mad; I love you both,' she assured him, sending waves of love through their connection. His glowing smile lit up her heart like a child who had just won a million lollipops.

'We love you too, Mummy!' they both chimed in unison.

As their mental connection faded, Anna turned to her, curiosity bright in her eyes. "Talking to Luka again?"

Karol nodded, pride swelling in her chest. "I'm so proud of you, Karol."

"I'm proud of you too, baby girl. I'm proud of all of us and what we've accomplished," she replied, her heart swelling with gratitude for their unity.

Upon arriving at the airport, they checked in and settled their countless bags onto the private jet. After taking their seats, Karol gently laid a tired Luka beside his cousins, who had already drifted off to sleep once the plane took off.

As she settled into her seat, gazing out of the window, memories of her struggles and heartaches flooded her mind. She felt blessed, surrounded by her supportive family, the success of her flourishing business, and the unexpected ventures with her father.

"Thinking about the past again, aren't you?" Jason's voice broke through her reverie as he sat beside her.

"Yes, it seems these thoughts always linger," she admitted, a hint of melancholy hanging in the air.

"You know, and not to upset you, but Christian is still waiting and hoping for your forgiveness," he added cautiously.

"I know, but I'm just not ready to go back there yet."

"Sorry, baby sis," Jason chuckled, playfully ruffling her hair.

"Jeez, you big bully! Do you remember when I had you in a headlock and my sister almost punched you in the face?" she laughed, nostalgia washing over her like a warm embrace.

"Oh my goodness, it was both terrifying and hilarious, especially when you two join forces!" Karol exclaimed, her eyes gleaming with mischief.

"Thank you for being such an amazing and supportive big brother," she added, a warm smile illuminating her face.

"Most welcome, baby sister," Jason replied with a playful grin.

With a playful twinkle in her eye, she unbuckled her seatbelt, leaving him behind, and sauntered towards the bedroom, her footsteps light with the promise of rest. She flopped down at the foot of the bed, surrendering herself to sleep, her dreams already weaving a tapestry of adventures.