Epiales had now been in the packlands for three days and the pack was getting restless; it could be felt throughout the land and the members seemed to walk on eggshells around him. He had this way of throwing people off and knowing their weaknesses. No one really approached him; he just drifted around like a ghost, almost phasing out of the shadows at will. The only people that went near him were my kids and even my mate gave him a wide berth but that was because he didn't like him rather than fear him.

I wasn't about to kick him out. He was still incredibly kind to me and my kids; he just didn't seem to be someone who wanted friends or even acquaintances. He walked around alone unless accompanied by me but Thatcher wasn't a fan of us being alone together he thought that Epi was dangerous which I didn't believe for a second. However it was hard to go against the words of both my mate and alpha.

Thatcher and I had also spoken more about giving the kids their own room but still room them together. There were several spare rooms on the alpha level where we lived. We had yet to bring the topic up with the kids, I feel that the only one who had a problem with it would be my little shadow Atticus. If he wasn't with Thatcher's parents he was following right behind me and when I dropped him off to spend time with the other kids and the babysitters he would cry and call for me through the mindlink.

I loved all three of them endlessly but I also wanted to better the connection between my mate and I. We had still yet to mark each other in our other form which was extremely rare for the shifter world. It was common for mates to spend around a week after accepting the mateship getting to know each other physically and mentally which would then lead to a mating mark. My hyena couldn't understand why his dominant partner had not marked him yet and it was very stressful on the both of us. we had done the human aspect of it but not the full thing nor the ceremony announcement of it to the pack.

Currently I was fixing up the bedroom and thinking of ways to tell the children they would soon be moving rooms. I felt like such a bad parent. How could I send my children away just to be closer to some man. Well not some man he was my mate but still my children should come first. I sat on the large bed and breathed in all the scents of the room I was in. We smelt like a family, all of our scents intermingling. I could feel tears gathering in my eyes just as Thatcher walked into the room.

"So this is where you've been hiding baby, I've been looking for you." He started before getting a good look at me and immediately coming to my side and gathering me into his arms. "What's wrong baby? Why are you crying?"

His arms around me were hard and warm making me feel just a touch better. I felt a little silly crying over this but I couldn't seem to help it. "Am I a bad parent, Thatch?" I looked at him as his face screwed up and he shook his head wildly, his hair flying everywhere.

"How could you even think that? You're a wonderful parent baby. Not only did you do everything to keep those cubs alive until you got here but also because since coming here you've given them the best life possible. You are a fantastic parent. What brought this on?"

"I'm just thinking of our conversation about moving the kids into their own room. Separating them from me, us. I know they will just be in the next room but what if they need me?" I brought my hands up to wipe the hot salty tears that were beginning their trail down my face.

"Baby, wanting your own space is very normal and the kids deserve that too. They are growing up and their own space would be good. All the other kids their age have their own rooms. A little independence is a good thing. You shouldn't worry so much baby . I know it's hard to think about but this is a good thing, love okay?" His arms tightened around me and were rocking us slightly. His chin rested on my head. I felt calmer and comfortable in his arms. Taking in his words I agree the kids deserved some independence i was just scared and had all kinds of what ifs running through my head.

"Should we tell them today? When we pick them up from the pack mothers? To get them used to the idea and then we can set up the room over the next week?"

"We can do it whenever you're ready, baby. I know Zar has been asking me why he sleeps with us when none of his friends do so I'm sure he'd appreciate it. You've been here for several months now. You know that no harm will come to them in this pack. But I understand it can be scary and I'm here for you the whole time Cas. okay?" Thatcher leant his head down and brushed his lips against mine. Sparks flew up my spine, kissing him back i smiled into the kiss. He was an amazing mate. I was so lucky to have him.

"Cas? Would you go on a date with me?" I stared at him. A date? "We could make some food and go on a run, the kids can come too. There's a really beautiful place just inside the forest line. I could take you all. I think it would be nice for us to spend some time as a family."

I stared at the man I deeply loved and couldn't think for a second. How had I gotten so lucky to have this man as my mate? Everytime I thought he was perfect he just got more so. It was incredible. Not only was he caring and loving but he was incredibly beautiful inside and out. His soul was the warmth mine craved.

"I would love that. My hyena misses your wolf. A run sounds amazing. I'm sure the kids and I would love to see this special place youre talking about. When would you like to go?" I asked, blushing at just how shy this man made me feel. He was far too good for me.

"We could go tomorrow, I'm ahead in the paperwork I need to complete. We could keep the kids with us tomorrow instead of sending them to the daycare. I'll ask the cooks to prepare us a small lunch. Sound good, my love?" I nodded in response, smiling big up at him. It sounded like such a nice idea to spend time together and I would love another run with him and the kids.

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That night we had a discussion with the kids about moving rooms. Two of the three were super excited but my little Atticus was whining and shaking his head no over and over. It took about an hour to console him. Everyone consoled him. His brother tried to tell him it was super cool to have a grown up room and Aria saying that we would just be next door. That had calmed him down until he looked at me and my mate and the tears began. I've never felt like a worse parent than I did at that moment. This is what I had feared. When he finally calmed down he crawled into mine and Thatcher's bed and curled up sadly. We decided he could stay with us tonight. His siblings did not seem to understand why he was so upset by it. But he was a sensitive soul and we tried to explain that to them.

"When do we move Ma?" Zar asked, nearly jumping with excitement. Aria was next to him bouncing on the balls of her feet. I had Atti in my lap. He was curled up and half asleep. I knew that this was going to be a hard transition for him but I hoped with his siblings by his side it would become a little easier.

"We are thinking sometime in the next week would you like that?" Thatcher called as he walked out of the attached bathroom, the steam billowing out of the room and giving the hair a hot smell. He had obviously overheard some part of the conversation. My two fearless kids gave a shout of joy and jumped around some more talking between themselves about how they could decorate their new room and all the games they could play together.

Atticus however wiggled more into me soaking in my scent and giving off very sad feelings through the mind link. I knew it would be good for him but it still hurt me that he wasn't as excited as his sibling. We had still yet to figure out what was cursing him being unable to shift but it wasn't a number one priority. He seems content in his small hyena body and nobody treated him differently my mate made sure of that, he was technically an alphas kid so no one really bothered him.

There was a knock at the door as we were getting ready to put the kids to sleep. It was around 9pm at this point and it was very bizarre for someone to come to us when they could just reach the alpha through the pack link. Thatcher went and opened the door and growled upon seeing who was out there. I looked around his large arm and saw Epiales standing there.

"Is it alright if you and I have a quick chat Cas?" he was looking at me completely ignoring the grumbling alpha.

"Oh yeah sure Epi, kids I'll be back in a minute." I exited the room walking into the white walled hallway and looked at the man in front of me. He was just slightly taller than me and had black hair and blue eyes. His skin was still translucent as when the ritual had taken place. "What's up?" I asked, leaning on the door frame still hearing my kids and mate moving around getting ready for sleep.

"Well, I'm going to be heading out for a little while tonight and I thought it was best to say goodbye for now," he said.

I took in his words. He was leaving? Where too? Why? "Where are you going? Do you not like it here in the pack?" I was worried that something or someone had made him feel unwelcome here.

"No nothing like that. The pack is fine. I just have some.. Let's say loose ends to tie up. When I'm finished I will get in contact with you if you like. Perhaps I will come back here. If your alpha mutt doesn't take too much offense with all the attention you're giving me. I can hear his growls from here."

"Are you going to be safe?" I asked, pulling him into a rather stiff hug. "You're always welcome here, Epi. You're a good friend."

"Thank you Cas. I must be off now. Say goodbye to the little ones for me, will you?"

"Are you sure this cant wait till morning?" I pleaded, "It's not safe to be wandering around at this time of night." His only response was a wave of the hand as he walked down the hallway and out of my sight.

I walked back into my family room and my mate came to my side to question me about what the other male had said and why he wanted my audience at this time of night. I relayed all he had said and all my alpha said was good riddance. I shook my head in disagreement but didn't say anything. I continued getting ready for bed. Kissed all my kids and tucked them in and then went to bed myself with my mate wrapped around me. I couldn't help but feel I should have done more to convince my friend to stay. I sent a quick prayer to the gods for his safe travels and return before going to sleep.

Epiales POV

Now the fun really begins.