Changed Fate

Chapter Four

I pointed to Ben's favorite character, Donald Duck, getting a gasp of amazement in return. I couldn't help but smile at my son as he took in the wonders of the balloons and ribbons. Grandpa's house never looked like this.  

In the living room, the pile of presents was already started and growing as more people arrive. Being that werewolves were going to be the majority at this party, there were snacks all around.  

"Wow, Nikki," I said knowing she wasn't far. "You've been super busy." 

"You like it?" she hollered from down the hall. "I think I have gone balloon crazy." 

I handed Ben to Mikko, who managed to take all three kids outside to play.  

I went to where I had heard Nikki and couldn't help but gasp. The ceiling of the dining room was covered in balloons. It was an impressive feat since the dining room was built to hold twenty werewolves, comfortably.  

"Oh my goodness, Nikki! Has Finn seen this?" There wasn't one patch of ceiling visible anymore. 

"He did." She nodded enthusiastically. "He shook his head and left, but he saw it." 

I laughed. "Birthday cake pictures will be awesome in here!" 

"I know!" She tied off another balloon and let it float to the ceiling.  

"Hello?!" A familiar voice called from the front of the house. "Where is everyone?" 

Nikki and I exchanged a look before we walked to the living room to see Mikko's only human sister Margaret and her werewolf husband (and my ex-boyfriend) Eddy coming in.  The last time I saw Eddy, hadn't been a very good experience.

Margaret squealed when she saw me, causing me to wince at the high pitch. She rushed over and had her hands on my belly immediately.  

"I didn't know if I should've taken Philip seriously or not! You're having another baby!" She was practically jumping out of her skin.  

"I am," I confirmed. Nikki stood beside me, not trusting Eddy anymore. She had told me that they had gotten into a huge disagreement and haven't been the same ever since.  

"Do you know what it is yet?" Her joy at the news was refreshing.  

I shook my head. "Since this is the last one, I'm going to let it be a surprise." 

She nodded. "Good idea." She leaned down and kissed my belly, making me uncomfortable in the process. "I'm going to go see the triplets," she said to Eddy.

Then Margaret was bouncing out the door to see her nieces and nephew with Eddy trailing behind her. I couldn't really keep them from my kids. She was their aunt, and Eddy was their uncle by marriage. How messed up was that?

Nikki and I shared an exasperated look before getting back to business.  

We finished what little decorating was left and joined everyone outside. Most of Mikko's pack showed up before one. Those who came from my dad's pack showed up around one thirty, but no one had heard anything about JJ's pack by two. I knew it was a show of disrespect towards Mikko, even if he said it didn't matter.  

The packs were in negotiations. They should've been here as a show of their respect. They knew what they were doing, but that wasn't my problem.

The kids were chasing around the few older children of the pack members. Most of them had been adopted because most werewolves had a very hard time conceiving children. I was just thankful that this gave my kids an opportunity to grow up with other kids.

Nikki and I led games while Mikko, Finn, and Philip each took a birthday boy or girl, helping them participate.

The older kids were running around while the younger kids dirtied themselves in the sand box when JJ's pack finally showed up. I could tell by the look on his face that it had been intentional. I followed JJ's eyes to see his gloating smile directed towards Mikko. The pack was trying to create tension. The fact that they were using my children's birthday to do it pissed me off.