Shattered

Chapter 26: Casanova

Kaden's POV:

"Ohana means family. Family means no one left behind." – Lilo and Nani

"And then the princess reached for her trusty sword," I said, lifting my hand dramatically and watching the little girl's eyes go wide. "And she drove it right through the beast's eye," I said, earning a gasp from her.

"In the eye??" She repeated.

"Right in the eye," I said, pointing to my own eye.

"Then what??" She asked, bouncing in her seat.

"Then the beast collapsed and," I said, pointing over at the mural painted on the wall of a tower in the middle of a forest. "The princess looked over at the tower that held her true love," I said, taking her arm and making sure she was still staring at the tower. "And she climbed all the way to the top and rescued her prince," I said, sliding the needle in while she stared at the painting. Kids hated shots but a lot of it was mostly because they got in her heads about. Distracting them with stories always helped. "And they returned to the kingdom and lived happily ever after," I said, placing a band-aid over the little bit of blood that came out from the shot.

"I want to be like the princess!" The girl said with a big smile, looking over at me.

"You can be anything you want, Lil," I said, lifting her off the cot and setting her down on the ground.

"You did it already?" Lily asked, checking her arm.

"That's how strong you are, Lil," I said dramatically. "You didn't even notice! You're going to be stronger than the princess at this rate. Good job," I said, holding my hand up for a high five.

She smiled wide and high-fived me before running over to her mom. Her mom mouthed a 'thank you' and I nodded and smiled, showing them the way out. The reception area was basically empty now except for the secretary behind the counter and Viktor. I glanced at the clock, seeing it was about time for me to leave.

"You're really good with kids," Viktor commented, setting a folder down on the counter. "I'm going to need to send all my younger patients your way."

"Bring it," I grinned. "I love kids."

"What's your secret?" Viktor asked, leaning against the counter.

"It's not really a secret," I shrugged. "Kids are the same as everyone else. They just want to be understood and listened to. Things that are little to us are big to them. You just have to treat them like people and treat their interests and likes the same you would an adult."

Viktor quirked a smile and nodded. "Easier said than done, sometimes they just throw a tantrum."

"Patience helps," I added.

"You seem to have a lot of it," he chuckled. "We're going to miss you when you go home. Any idea when that will be?"

Home. Thinking the word hurt. I hadn't seen Violet in two days and I wouldn't until the party this weekend. It wasn't easy. I wanted to watch after her and make sure she was okay but I couldn't do that to her, I couldn't watch her without her knowing. It wasn't fair.

"I don't know," I admitted.

"Well you're welcome to stay as long as you like," Viktor shrugged. "Really, as long as you like. We all love having you here."

"Thank you," I said, bowing my head. "I'm glad I could help. Thanks for giving me a chance."

"Anytime, Kaden," Viktor said, patting my back. "Our pack borders are open to you."

"Appreciated, Alpha Viktor. Much appreciated," I smiled. "I better get going."

"See you tomorrow," Viktor said with a small wave.