The Lost Queen

Chapter Eighteen

Daya's P.O.V.

After Kaden finished his speech, James and Liam took charge of settling everyone in. They led the rescued pack members to their temporary housing, making sure they had everything they needed. Even with the relief that they were safe now, I couldn't shake the heaviness in my chest.

I knew what it was like to live under an abusive Alpha. To survive it. But these people—especially the children—they never should have had to.

I walked into the pack house, my hand still gripping Malik's while my other arm held Aiden securely against me. They both clung to me in their own way, Malik's small fingers wrapped tightly around mine, and Aiden's little hand occasionally gripping my shirt as he rested against my shoulder.

"Are you hungry?" I asked Malik gently, glancing down at him.

His bright blue eyes met mine, hesitant at first, but then he nodded. "Yes. Aiden is too. We haven't eaten all day."

My heart clenched.

I didn't trust myself to speak, afraid my voice would break, so I just gave him a small nod before squeezing his hand reassuringly. I wouldn't let them go without food a second longer.

Leading them into the kitchen, I helped Malik onto one of the stools before turning to grab a high chair. I spotted one in the corner, unfolded it, and carefully settled Aiden into it.

As soon as I pulled away, Aiden blinked up at me with his mismatched eyes a mix between green and blue, making the tiniest little sound. My chest tightened with affection. Smiling, I leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to his chubby cheek. "You're too cute for your own good, little man."

He cooed in response, his tiny fingers reaching for me.

I chuckled softly before turning back to Malik. "Do you like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches?"

Malik nodded eagerly, his small legs swinging under the stool.

I quickly got to work, pulling out the peanut butter and jelly along with some formula and a bottle I found in the cabinets for Aiden. As I moved around the kitchen, I heard footsteps approaching. I didn't turn at first, focusing on making sure the kids had food, but I wasn't surprised when familiar voices filled the space.

I finished making the sandwich and grabbed the mixed up bottle for Aiden, turning just in time to see my friends and family standing in the doorway, watching curiously.

I hesitated for a second before offering a small smile. Instead of saying anything, I walked over to Malik first, placing his sandwich in front of him.

"Thank you," he said softly before taking a careful bite.

I reached for Aiden next, cradling him in my arms as I gently guided the bottle to his lips. He latched on eagerly, drinking as if he hadn't eaten in days. As I held him close, a sense of familiarity washed over me—it felt natural, almost instinctual, to care for these boys, as if I had been doing it forever.

Destiny stepped forward, her eyes shining with warmth. "Can I hold him?"

I glanced up at her, noticing the awe in her expression, and smiled. With careful hands, I gently passed Aiden over to her, watching as she cradled him like he was the most precious thing in the world.

She cradled him carefully, rocking him slightly as he continued drinking. "Oh my goddess, he's so tiny," she murmured.

The rest of the girls flocked around her instantly.

"Aww, look at his cheeks!"

"He's literally a little angel."

"Okay, I officially want one."