Blood Floweret

« Chapter Two »

After they ate, Cassius led her into the living room. He seemed to know she didn't want any more interactions with the pack, she needed time to recuperate. It struck her that he might know her a little more than she knew herself.

Her eyes instantly found Andy playing with Calvin. Another boy with a golden head of hair was exaggerating a scene of the story that was being told. She was relieved that Andy was fitting in with everyone, he would enjoy making a home here, and she was even more relieved that he wasn't accompanied by his mother. She briefly wondered where that bitter woman had ended up and if she was actually making friends in this pack. That thought made her want to scoff. 

"Val!" Andy cried upon seeing her and he sprung up to wrap his arms around her waist. The other little boys stopped and watched with curiosity, along with her mate. 

She stumbled a bit from the impact but wrapped her arms around him, "Hi, bud." 

"Are you better? You don't have anymore boo-boos?" Andy inquired, "I've missed you!" 

She ruffled his hair, "I missed you, too. Do you like it here?" 

"Yes!" Andy exclaimed enthusiastically, and then he let go of her waist to grab her hand, "Come on, I made another friend! His name is Leo, he's super nice and his parents are really cool!" 

She spared a glance back at her mate, he shrugged and smiled. She took a seat on the floor in the semi-circle the boys had made. Andy sat down next to her, curling into her side, as if she would fade away and he wouldn't let go. It reminded her of the days they spent in the forest, bonding in the most unexpected circumstances. 

"Leo, this is Val, she's my superhero," Andy announced proudly. 

The little boy with golden hair, Leo, scooted closer with excitement in his eyes, "You're so cool! Can you teach me how to be brave, too?" 

"Yeah! Can you?" Calvin chimed in, "Nobody can kick butt like you!"

"Not even my Auntie Ree!" Leo exclaimed. 

She had no idea who he was talking about so she glanced back at Cassius for help. He had taken a seat in one of the armchairs and he mouthed the word 'Reeve' to her. She nodded and turned back to the boys. 

"Did you guys know that you can be your own superheroes?" She decided to ask. There was no way she compared to Alpha Reeve. The First Alpha Female. No, she was just a shell. A total fake in the real world of power. She had no right to hold the Alpha title and she desperately wanted to abandon it. 

All of the boys gasped, eyes widening, and she spent some time getting to know them so that she could point out their strengths. She wanted them to be themselves. Little kids grow up wanting to be like the person they perceived as incredible but sometimes they get lost trying to be someone they aren't. Like a child raised with strict parents, when it's finally time to be their own person, they are scared. 

She learned that Leo was the son of Alpha Leroy and Luna Beth. She definitely saw the characteristics, especially the golden hair from his dad and the blue eyes from his mom. She respected the way he acted, even for a four-year-old, and she knew that his parents were doing a proper job of raising him. She ended up telling them a few stories until her own eyes grew heavy again. 

She hadn't realized Cassius wasn't in the armchair anymore but she wasn't concerned. She knew he was the Beta of this huge pack and he surely had responsibilities to tend to. She definitely didn't want to burden him any more than she already had. Their mate bond was calm for once, not screaming for her to be next to him, and she was relieved. She had enough to deal with and she didn't want to get overwhelmed again.

She stood up and retreated to the couch. Her joints were stiff from sitting on the floor for god knows how long and she stretched a little before sitting down. She just needed a moment. Andy was glued to her side, he crawled on the couch and snuggled down against her side once again. He didn't seem to want to leave her now and she had to admit she didn't mind.

She could get used to this. He gave a little yawn and then his eyes closed. Somehow, that triggered her own body to respond and she found herself scooting down so she could prop her legs up. Just a moment, she told herself, as Andy's body heat lulled her thoughts. 

The next thing she knew, someone was gently shaking her shoulder. She blinked blearily, having no recognition of ever falling asleep in the first place, and she went to shoot upright until she realized there was weight holding her down. Her eyes fell, taking in the little boy who was fast asleep against her side. Or rather, almost practically on top of her chest as their positions had shifted slightly. Andy. She relaxed a little and then glanced up at who had woken her. 

Cassius smiled sheepishly, "I'm sorry to wake you but Leroy would like to speak with you." 

"Okay," She nodded and gently slipped out from Andy's grasp. He remained out cold and she smoothed a blanket over him before following Cassius out of the room. She had to admit, she did feel better. She didn't feel exhausted, like a corpse walking, and she wasn't forcing herself to place one foot in front of the other. Maybe sleep wasn't so bad. It was one of those rare times that the nightmares terrorize her.

She yawned and she decided that this feeling was nice. She almost felt normal, if she even really know what normal meant. After all the waves that had swept through her life, leaving her to paddle helplessly, right now she felt like someone had cast a life-vest into the waters for her. She could cling to it for a little while at least. 

 Even if just for a small moment, she could catch her breath before the next wave hit. 

♦        ♦        ♦        ♦        ♦       ♦ 

Baby steps. I'm so proud of my girl. 

Of course, nothing lasts forever, but I really enjoyed writing this scene; it's kind of like the calm before the storm. I can't wait to include more Andy and Val fluff! They are just too cute together and they melt my heart.