Growing Up Human

Kennedy, honey we have to go. Says my mate, in reply, the beautiful baby girl on my hip squeals at the sound of her daddy's voice. My mother laughs and says “ man, she's really finding her voice “. As I looked down, I nodded in agreement. At that exact moment, Gabe runs in with his paper airplane and proceeds to fly around the room.  “ Alright baby let's put the plane away so you can say bye to mommy and daddy”. I say “ momma I'm no baby, I'm 6 now “ pouts Gabe. “ Hey, don't talk back to your mother”. I looked over to the person who spoke to see a 6’4 man buttoning his shirt, with brilliant blue eyes, strong cheekbones and a mouth-watering body.  In my mind I was thinking about postponing our departure for another hour or so. My mate gives me a knowing look and through the mind link says “ I know what you're thinking . “ I chuckle and reply tonight or right now? Out loud, he calls Gabe to give him a hug. I do the same. My mother comes over to give the baby a kiss and my father gives both of us a big hug and a kiss on the cheek. Gabe walks up to me and says with a sad expression “why does Lila have to go and I have to stay here?” Pointing a finger to his little sister on my hip. I bent down and set Lila on the floor, wrapping him in the biggest hug. I say, well she's still a baby and only big boys get to stay and guard the pack. That's right, my brother Justin says as he walks in. As beta, I need an alpha to help me defend our pack. At Justin's words, Gabe's eyes light up and he runs around the room looking as if a bad guy could be around any corner. I roll my eyes as my mate John helps me off the floor. I looked over at my parents as they carried my baby girl to the car with my son and brother following. My mother turned suddenly. Are you sure you should go? You know it's OK if you don't. I reply to her saying I promise we would be back by her birthday on the 9th. As she leaves the room, I turn and give my mate a hug as he kisses the top of my head. I whisper I hope we're doing the right thing.  …………. We get to a sculpted shack not far from a small town when I realize where we are. I turned to John and said “ J is it OK that we're so close to the White Waters pack.” A little nervous to be so close to the borders. John looks at me with our luggage in both his hands and says Ragan told us to meet there. It's close enough that it won't be hard for him to get out of the territory but far enough that the scouts won’t smell us. A large man with broad shoulders and muscles the size of my head steps outside the threshold of the cabin and says all clear Alpha. Thank you Seth, John says in reply. J I can't shake this feeling that something is wrong. Turning to look at him with Lila in my arms. I know Kennedy. I feel it too. Let's just get in the house. He'll be here in an hour.