Page 41 of The Wolf King's Demand

“Yes, I’m sure. I never heard the end of my mother’s preparations for this supposed carefree walk. I'm told she and Dad have put together a massive picnic basket. A veritable feast they plan to have at the water’s edge.”

“Yes! That’s a great idea. The older ones can swim to wear off all their pent-up energy, and I can teach Cassia how to swim, too.” Tyler’s heart lit up at the thought.

Addison laughed. “Oh, yes, Dad is also bringing all sorts of yard games. By day’s end, we will all be completely exhausted, but happily so.”

Once the brood was dressed and prepared by the nannies with Addison’s oversight, Tyler led the way with Addison’s father beside him. Alpha and father-in-law talked, joked, and laughed. They got on so well it was surprising even to Tyler.

Tyler looked back at Addison, bringing up the rear with her mother and the children. His mate’s wide smile pleased him. There was no more familial ice to break. Everyone was bonding as a fated mate's family should. That told Tyler more than anything else that his life with Addison was gifted by the gods.

Addison’s father chose a spot under a massive oak. Tyler unfurled the tartan blanket, and before anyone could say or do another thing, the alpha yelled, “The last one in the lake will eat rotten eggs for lunch!”

The kids squealed, quickly disrobed, and raced to the shore in their swimsuits. On the verge of crying, Cassia was scooped up by Tyler.

“You don’t think I would forget you, do you? C’mon, let's get our toes wet before they do.” Cassia giggled, and Tyler ran to the water’s edge with the little girl. Like father and daughter, he slowly taught the little girl how to tread water. Soon, both were giggling up a storm. Cassia would not be eating rotten eggs for lunch.

The afternoon floated by with swimming, water fights, and a huge meal. By late day, the kids played with their unofficial grandparents while Addison and Tyler were sleepy, half-dozing, half-bathing in the sun. Staring up at the fluffy clouds and making daisy chains kept Taryn and Lexi busy. Their mates, Declan and Xander, spent the day racing each other in the water, and Madison and Fletcher took a long, leisurely walk.

As the midday sun melted down to the horizon, the brood returned to the palace, happy and spent. Addison and Tyler came in last, holding hands. When they entered the great hall, Addison’s mother did a double-take.

“How did I miss it all day? Was it too much sun?” she wondered out loud. “I can sense it in you, you know. You’ve bonded. That’s fantastic. I guess you finally came around to the idea, then?” she teased gently.

Cheers and salutations echoed in the great hall as Addison’s sisters took turns hugging her. Meanwhile, their mates clapped Tyler on the back, and then everyone made way for the parents to give their hugs and blessings. Tyler saw Addison’s blushing cheeks, which made him smile all the more.

Cassia, her tiny body, did its best to bowl through the crowd to tug on Addison’s skirts and beg for a lift from Tyler. The couple laughed, and the alpha raised his girl.

“A family, my family, at last,” Tyler joyfully cheered.

Another pound of clapping and best wishes went on until Addison cut the merriment with her motherly duties.

“Okay, enough excitement for this little one today. Cassia needs her dinner, a bath, and a bed. She’s practically sleeping on your shoulder. The rest of you eat, too, and you’ll bathe in a bit,” she instructed Timon, Jacob, and Liddy.

Madison laughed and pried Cassia from Tyler’s arms. The girl reached out, trying to keep a grip on his neck.

“It’s okay, sweetie. You’ll see your daddy bright and early tomorrow. Let’s get you some dinner. And later, we can have a rubber ducky race in the tub. How does that sound?”

Tyler looked quizzically at Addison, and his mate shrugged her shoulders.

Cassia slowly let go and smiled at her new auntie. Madison delivered the little girl to the nannies, who led her to the table.

Madison leaned over and whispered in Tyler’s ear. “Cassia panicked earlier this morning when you and Addison had left the castle early to prepare for the picnic.”

“Why? Had something gone on when we were out?”

Madison shook her head. “No, not at all. She’s still traumatized, I think. If the little girl can’t see either of you, she thinks she’s being abandoned again.”

“Addison, are you okay without me for a little while?”

“Yes, of course. Don’t fret about Cassia. I’ll get her ready for bed. Are you still going out riding with the men?”

“If all’s well with you and the children, yes.”

Addison hugged her mate. “Yes. Go. All’s well. I’ll make sure Cassia knows we are never leaving her again. When you come back from your ride, look in on her and kiss her goodnight. She’ll be asleep, but she’ll sense you’re there and that her world is safe, and she’ll know we love her dearly.”

Tyler leaned down and kissed Addison.

“I won’t be long. Just a bonding session with your father. We got on so well at the picnic that he invited me for this ride with the men. I couldn’t very well turn him down.”

“No, you could not. My father is forceful. And as the newest member of his family, he’ll want to show you off.”

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