The Mahani Wolves

Chapter 19 - Kayla

"And this is our house. I know it's small, but that should make packing much easier. If it's okay, we can start that tomorrow while the kids are in school."

My honey is talking a mile a minute as his stress increases. He wants so much for me to see the finest in him. So cute!

"Nicolas, hush," I whispered, while giving him a big smile. "I have a full week to finish everything here and can take more time if needed. Amber is more than capable of handling the castle. If she has a question, she can mindlink me."

"I'm sorry, my lovely lady. I want you to see my best, and looking around here, I'm not sure of that." He took my hand as his eyes moved from place to place.

As I looked around, I noticed that some walls had little fingerprints on them, toys were stacked in corners, and the laundry room was overflowing into the kitchen. But everything was clean, and the place looked like a home with a whole family.

Since I was seventeen, I've refused to dream of having that. But now that I do, it's a bit overwhelming.

Nicolas and his wolf felt that emotion and mistaking it for something wrong. It's not. I put Sydney in a playpen in the living room and hugged him fiercely, sending my thoughts to him.

"I don't think you could ever comprehend how happy you've made me," I said into his shoulder. "Now, let's make some dinner and start on that laundry."

I mentally was making a list of things that needed to be done. Get boxes, check cleaning supplies, and see what theme to make their new rooms. My mind was moving fast, jumping from one thing to another. I needed to slow down and spend some time with everyone.

"Will, would you like to help me cook dinner?" I asked.

"Can we have some mashed potatoes?" he asked.

"Sure! Let's see what else we have."

I was shocked when I opened the pantry. Not only was it full to overflowing, but I recognized some of these ingredients as chef quality. Someone cooks everything from scratch. I then opened the fridge and then the freezer. There was almost nothing pre-made or processed.

I think I'm in trouble. My cooking skills are good but could be better.

"Uh, Nicolas?" He was meticulously separating clothes, making about eight different piles.

"Coming," he said as he walked towards me. At that moment, he received about a hundred brownie points for not saying 'what'.

"Unless we have something simple, I may need help. I'm sorry to say I usually have ten people in the kitchen preparing unique items, and I'm slightly intimidated by making complex things. I want you and the pups to like my cooking, but..." I trailed off as I waved my hands toward the fridge and pantry.

"I can do that," came from Will. He walked over to the far counter and spoke in a more grownup voice, "KCS, open the recipe book for dinners with mashed potatoes."

A tablet on the counter before him glowed, and a voice started listing different menu options. I just stood and stared.

"Pause," Will said to the tablet. He turned to me and asked, "How about that one? I love Shepherds Pie made with beef!"

"Sounds good!" I said, turning back to Nicolas. "Don't go far, in case I need help." His smile lit up his face, and I was struck silent for a moment. My Goddess, he is gorgeous!

Dinner ended up being much easier than I imagined. Will helped in the kitchen a lot, as he knew what each ingredient was and where it was.

Wolf pups grow faster physically and mentally than humans. Our pups start school at 18 months old and finish high school by the time they are 13 years old. They spend the subsequent year testing for what profession suits them best and physically training their bodies while waiting for their wolf to emerge. Once they master shifting and learn their wolf's temperament, they learn their trade or go to university. We are adults and can start our new careers at 18 unless it's a Blood Alpha. They normally wait until at least 25, but some wait longer if the current one refuses to step down.