Page 54 of Shattered

“I’ll gather up the kids,” Mackenzie said. “Does Abby need her costume or anything?”

Aurora shook her head. “No, it’s at the schoolhouse.”

“I should also tell you, we have a couple of late arrivals,” Hayden added. “Kalkin was on his way to the airport when caught me with Emmeline. He should be back within the hour.”

“Couple of late arrivals?” Mackenzie cocked a brow. “Who?”

“Charisma and Penny Ann’s dad and a guest. He wouldn’t say who it is or anything. Just a plus-one type deal.”

“Huh, interesting,” Mackenzie muttered.

“You’re acting like her father doesn’t see her very often,” Aurora said.

“He doesn’t,” Mackenzie answered. “I’ve only met the guy twice. Once when Charisma’s home was firebombed and once when Charisma gave birth to the twins. He’s a senator, so he spends most of his time in Washington D.C.”

“Whoa. Where’s their mother?” she hedged.

“She passed away a long time ago,” Hayden replied. “She had cancer. It’s not something Charisma or Penny Ann talk about, and I can’t blame them.”

“I’m so sorry,” Aurora murmured. “I understand how it feels to lose a parent.”

Hayden joined Aurora on the couch, allowing Mackenzie a quick escape to gather the kids. “Would you like to meet my—our, mine and Nico’s new daughter? This is Emmeline.”

“It’s lovely to meet you, Emmeline.”

Mackenzie crested the stairs as Aurora greeted the young mountain lion. He went to Liam’s room first and knocked. When the boy answered, he appeared flustered and out of sorts. The top button on his jeans was open and his cheeks were red. “Bad timing.” Mackenzie tried to play it off. “I understand, son. This is also my fault. I forgot about tonight. Kalkin sent Hayden over to retrieve us, it’s family dinner night before the play.”

Liam snarled. “Damn it.”

“It’s a pain in the ass, but it’s for a good cause. Your little cousin is in the play. So is Abby. It would be rude of us to miss it.”

Liam frowned. “Fine. Give me five minutes.”

“Five it is. I’m going to get Riley and Abby ready. Meet us downstairs when you’ve taken care of your issues.”

“Dad,” Liam whined.

“What? I didn’t say it. I told you, I’ll give you all the space you need. You know where I keep everything in my room should you need it. This is my way of saying, you’re safe here.” He scrubbed his son’s head. “Five minutes.”

“I’ll be ready.” His son dropped his head as he trudged back into his room, closing the door behind him.

In a few days, Liam would be making his first trip of many to the orphanage for the full moon. Mackenzie had thought he had time to prepare his son for what was about to come, it appeared he was out of time.This, this right here is why you don’t need a mate at the moment. Your children need you more than ever, Liam especially.

He knocked on the door to Riley’s room, and her giggle of happiness pushed back the despair. His daughter opened the door with a flourish and waved him inside. “Welcome to the royal castle. Are you here to see the princess?”

“I am,” he answered, stepping into her room. Abby sat on Riley’s bed, wearing a crown and dress from Riley’s old dress-up chest he’d bought her several Christmases before. “Ah, Princess Abigail. It’s good to see you again.”

The little girl giggled and held out her hand. Mackenzie knelt before her, and he brushed his lips over her knuckles. “It’s good to see you, too, knight.”

“We have been requested for dinner. You have a play in which you must attend m’lady.”

“Oh!” Abby gasped. “I love plays. Will Mumsy be joining us?”

“Yes. We should hurry. Can’t keep your royal subjects waiting.” He stood then. “I gave Liam five minutes, and I’ll give you the same. Hayden’s here with a new family member, so I want you on your best behaviors.”

Abby and Riley nodded. “We will be dad. Come on, Abby, let’s get you ready to go.”

“Okay.” The little girl hopped off the bed with a laugh as she pulled off her crown. “Being a princess is fun.”

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