Page 29 of Big Bad Single Wolf Dad

Noah looks flustered, and slowly his frustrated demeanor softens. I can tell he likes Sarah and is already deferring to her as a mother figure. He’s been in sore need of a maternal presence in his life since Kya passed away. Her absence was felt very strongly by him. No one could replace her, but someone new could help guide him into being the strong man I know Noah can be.

“You’re welcome. Come on, Ollie, let’s check on the others.” Noah leaves with his brother in hand, taking responsibility for the other kids. He makes me so proud.

“You are so good with them,” Sarah says while flipping a pancake.

“Heh, well, I don’t know if werewolf kids are any different from normal human ones, but they’re certainly a handful. You just have to roll with the punches when they come.”

Sarah smiles and nods. “And enjoy the laughter when you have it.”

I marvel for a moment at how natural this feels. It’s the first time we’re all having breakfast together, but we’re working together so easily to make it happen. Sarah and I finish cooking and bring massive plates of pancakes, bacon, scrambled eggs, sausage, and potato hash to the table.

“This feels like a lot now that it’s all set out like this,” Sarah observes while taking a seat.

“Well, a werewolf’s appetite is legendary. I might even need to make more bacon.” I look at Noah, ready to tell him to help his brother serve his plate, but smile at seeing him already taking the initiative. A good alpha takes care of his pack, especially the ones who can’t care for themselves. It’s not all showboating and taking charge.

“Mom. Lily has a huge dollhouse and said I could bring my dolls next time we have a sleepover. Can I?” Mia pleads. Lily nods her head rapidly to back up her request.

Sarah hesitates for a moment. She takes a large bite of pancake, most likely to stall for time. I wonder what she’s considering when the answer seems so obvious to me.

Finally, she swallows and replies. “I don’t see why not!”

“Yes! When are we coming over again?” Mia asks excitedly. The other kids immediately shoot their heads up to look at us.

“Uh, well, that’s something Greg and I can discuss after breakfast.” Sarah looks at me and winks. I smile back, pleased at her response. I want to have this again. Soon. Hell, I want to have this exact same experience tomorrow morning. And the next. I want to joke that she may as well move right in, but I’m afraid the kids will take that literally and get their hopes up.

I know she doesn’t want to take this too quickly, but I’m so enamored with her. If she wanted to spend the night again, I’d say yes without hesitation.

As the kids finish their breakfast and take their dishes to the sink, I consider telling her that. I want to spend more time with her and get to know her just as intimately as I did last night.

“Oh, my gosh, is that the time?” Sarah asks, looking at the clock on the wall.

“It is indeed,” I reply with a heavy heart. I know what that question leads to. “You have somewhere to be?”

“Yes. I mean, I’m not late, but I’m not sure I have time to run home and get changed…”

I offer her my hand and escort her back to the staircase. “You can help yourself to my wardrobe if you wish. I’m sure there’s something in there that'd fit you.” Maybe not well, of course, but good enough. “I’ll round up the kids.”

“Thank you,” Sarah says, giving me a gentle kiss on the cheek and making her way upstairs.

I find the children, who somehow managed to make an even bigger mess while attempting to clean up. I sigh heavily.

“Alright, why don’t we get to the playroom and watch some cartoons,” I suggest. Ollie and Ethan cheer at the idea. Lily and Mia whisper and giggle to each other, obviously not paying attention. As for Noah, he doesn’t seem to like the suggestion.

“Cartoons are for babies,” he says under his breath.

“Yeah, they are. You think I enjoyed watching baby cartoons when you were small yourself? No, I didn’t. But it kept you busy and quiet. Come on,” I say, ushering all five of them into the room. It takes a few minutes, but they eventually agree upon a channel to watch. The youngest four are completely transfixed by bright colors and high-pitched voices, while Noah scribbles in his notepad from the couch.

Satisfied that these five aren’t going anywhere, I return to my bedroom to check on Sarah. While walking up the staircase, I think again how natural the last day has felt. Everything from the kids’ blanket fort to making breakfast to Sarah and I making love. We’ve fallen together so easily, and I want nothing more than to hang onto this happiness while I have it to hold.

I walk into the room, prepared to finally tell her when I hear Sarah talking to someone. The light in the walk-in closet is on, and I realize she’s in there talking on her phone.

“No, tonight isn’t good for me,” she says with exasperation.

My chest freezes as I can hear what sounds like a man’s voice on the other end. Is this the person she’s rushing off to see? Every alpha instinct in me goes on red alert, filling me with the urge to walk in and break her phone, or intimidate the competitor on the other side of the conversation. I steady myself with a few breaths. Violence isn’t going to get me anywhere.

“No, I don’t know when a good time would be. I have something else going on right now.”

Something else. Is she referring to me? Am I just something else to her, while this person is the main event? I can’t listen to any more of this and keep my instincts at bay. I walk away from the closet, out the room, and back down the staircase. I stop there, leaning on the banister and gathering my thoughts.

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