Hendrix ✓

57 ★ Flag me down

"Good luck. You're going to need it. Kids are a challenge I never expected." He admits, clapping me on the shoulder before saluting me good night as he disappears in the other direction.

I've been thinking long and hard about the challenge that is Fatherhood. I also never imagined myself as a parent until I met Hendrix. It's easier to picture a steady future when your pup is still in the womb, out of sight, it's another thing to have one in your house. It terrifies me a little bit. A small person with so much growing and learning to do, and I have to help him find the way.

It's a lot of pressure.

The light on the front porch is on when I get home and Ryk sits on the porch, smoking a cigar.

I roll my eyes, knowing his love for smoking all too well. He still has an occasional cigarette, but his mate convinced him into taking up cigars since the smell is more pleasant.

He leaves without a word once my feet touch the welcome mat. He's anxious to get back to Tressandra. That's the reason I hardly ask him to watch over Hendrix. I know he hates being away from his mate for too long. After his past, I'm not shocked. She grounds him.

When I'm in the house, I hear giggling. It erases the burden a little more. It's an easy, sweet sound that I could come home to for the rest of my life.

Hendrix is laying in bed with Keifer, and she's tickling him under his arms. He's laughing his head off, trying to wiggle away from her. She grins mischievously when he rolls away, scattering a pile of books onto the ground from the tall bed.

"What's going on in here?" I tease, strolling in as two pairs of eyes flash up in surprise.

"Oh, we're just getting someone ready for bedtime." Hendrix replies, and Keifer nods his head as she runs her fingers through his hair as if she simply adores him.

She's already smitten with him, and I think she has been since the first day they met.

"Mommy was reading some books to me, but I'm not tired yet." He says with pride, obviously trying to impress me with his maturity.

I lift my eyebrows at him, putting my hands on my hips.

"Is that right?" I wonder gruffly. He's not fazed at all by me, not scared of my presence in the least. It's cute how brave he is.

"Yup. I'm not even a little bit sleepy." He insists, but Hendrix shoots me a knowing look as Keifer's jaw stretches with a yawn that he tries his best to hold back.

"Mmhmm. Why don't you go with Papa to brush your teeth." My beautiful mate offers, and with a sad look, he eventually agrees begrudgingly. He gives his new Mother a hug, and then pats her belly lovingly. I can't look away from the tender moment. This is my new life. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Only months ago this house was an empty place where I simply ate and slept, and now it's become a sanctuary for my family. Only love will dwell under this roof, and it's my job to ensure that.

Keifer hops off the bed, coming to me as he rubs his eyes. I chuckle.

"Let's get you to bed, little guy." I say, putting a hand on top of his head as I lead him to his own room. Hendrix calls my name, and I turn.

A flash of pain goes through her eyes, and she rubs at her back with a wince.

"Can you get me something to drink? I'm not feeling very well." She hedges, looking reluctantly at me from across the bed, huddled under the covers. I feel her anxiety touch me through our mate bond. My spine stiffens, and concern automatically bubbles up inside of me.