What A Year

Delacruz, Victor's parent's pov

“What if this plan doesn’t work, Richard?” Linda says, walking away from the window.

“Honey, Zeke’s land is protected. He has all those enchanted ponds. They won’t know where to look.” I reassure her. “But, we aren't safe at home anymore, amor.”

She turns her attention back to the window and the two boys outside. “I know, babe, but I also know my family and they will never stop looking for him.”

I walk over to her and watch our son playing with the neighbor’s son, whose name I’ve already forgotten.

“Sebastian,” she says, smiling up at me.

“Always reading my mind,” I pass waves of love through our bond.

She pulls me down for a kiss. “It’s my right,” she says softy. ”Mate.”

We watch the boys laughing and chasing each other in the yard. Several boxes sit unopened in the home my brother had given us.

I give my mate one last kiss on the lips and return to unpacking.

Victor comes running inside.

“Dad! This is Sebastian. He said I can call him Seb since we’re friends now!” He turns to his mother. “Mom, can we have something to drink?”

Victor follows her into the kitchen and I turn to the little blond boy standing just outside the front door peeking in.

“Hi, Sebastian, I’m Richard,” I say, giving him a friendly wave and smile which he politely returns.

Victor barrels out of the kitchen with two cups of sweet tea in hand. “Okay, bye!” he calls out shutting the door.

“This move won’t be so bad. Of course, I miss our home, but here could be a good place to make a new one.” Linda's thoughts echo gently through our bond.

I walk over and wrap my arms around her as we begin a new future— never noticing the looming shadow in the woods.