Midfield Academy: Book 3

Chapter 14: School Life (7 years 4 months)

"Don't forget this." Peter put the crayon box into his son's backpack. "Oh, and I made you a lunch." He handed the first grader a lunch box. "Eat it all. Even the carrots."

Archer whined.

"Please," Peter straightened his son's shirt. "For daddy."

Rupert eyed the child. "Eat them."

Archer bowed his head. "Okay."

The sub looked over the young boy. His son was all grown up and going to be in the first grade. He felt like crying. What was he going to do all day without him? Kindergarten was hard enough.

Rupert lifted Peter to his feet and put his arm around his shoulders. "He'll be fine."

"Still." Peter sighed. "It'll be weird not having him here for so long." He blinked back the burning in his eyes and took a calming breath. "Okay." He sat down on his heels and looked at his little boy. "You be good. Mind the teacher, and do what you're asked."

Archer nodded.

"You'll be going to the big school now. You'll get to have recess. It'll be a lot of fun."

Rupert held out his hand. "Come on, we're keeping the other kids waiting."

With a wave, Peter slowly stood.

Archer waved back.

"Have fun. Tell me everything you did today when you get home, alright?"

The boy nodded and left with his father. The sub's chest felt tight. School had been a nightmare for him. He was bullied, labeled the poor kid from day one. No one liked him, everyone said he smelt bad because his father was always smoking something in the house, and if Peter wanted clean clothes he have to wash them in the sink himself, since his mom was never around.

Peter hated school. He hated it so much. And he prayed with all his heart, his son would never have to experience anything like that. Peter sat down in the chair by the wall and gripped his knees. So many bad memories filled his head.

"Peter?"

He quickly wiped his eyes before his mate could see. "I'm okay. I'm being overprotective."

Rupert sat beside the sub and held him close. "Forget, just forget."

"What if the other kids don't like him? First graders are just thrown in with everyone else. It doesn't matter they're so much younger." Peter hid his face in his mate's chest.

"He's friends with Daven. That kid doesn't give a damn who likes him."

Peter laughed and cleared his eyes. "True."

"It's not going to be same." Rupert kissed the sub's head. "I won't let it be. I stole you out of that house. I broke every rule the alpha had set down involving humans. Do you really think I'd let my son go through anything slightly similar?"

Peter smiled and clasped the man's cheek. "No."

***

Saigon puffed out his chest as his dad did up the button on his shirt.

Aden ruffled his son's black hair. "Are you excited?"

He nodded. "I'm going to be smart. Grandma K said so."

"I'm sure you will be." Aden grabbed his son's hand. "We're leaving."

Titus waved from the bed. His eyes had big bags under them from spending all night leading the night patrol. "Be good. I better not get any phone calls."