"Oh my goodness."
Lucas was the first to see me climb down the stairs. The others raised their heads, including David. He was at the diner too but was putting on a bathrobe. An Alpha? In a bathrobe? I thought he'd be dressed as his title and status deserved before coming out. Was he not bothered by what people would say? I did not see any maid or guard around though. Aaron's eyes glittered with unbridled interest. That was a first. Zach had both his eyebrows raised to the highest.
"Hot legs sure do know how to kill it."
"Hot what?"
David asked, looking confused and waiting for someone to clear his confusion.
"It's nothing dad. Just a tease name for our dear sister."
David shrugged, then he smiled as I walked closer.
"You look very beautiful, Katherina."
He complimented.
"Thank you, David. And a pleasant morning to you."
"Ah, a girl after my own heart. A wonderful morning to you as well."
David was really a nice man. He was a wonderful father too, that saying goes without a single doubt.
"You look good."
Aaron smiled.
"Thank you."
He had an irresistible smile. I returned his smile with one of mine.
"Good morning, Trenton."
He did not reply as usual. It did not make me sad or feel bad. I just felt this sudden need to try harder with him.
"Good morning, Trenton."
I tried again.
"I heard you the first time."
Came his gruff reply.
"If you had answered, I wouldn't be greeting for the second time."
My voice was calm and I was wearing a polite, patient smile. He had not been expecting that, so he raised his head and looked at me.
"Morning."
He mumbled, then went back to his phone.
It was not much but it meant a lot to me. A small victory. I met David's eyes and he seemed impressed. Lucas gave me a thumbs up and his signature grin. Aaron did not say anything but his expression was enough telltale. He was also impressed. I was seated between Zach and Lucas, directly facing Trenton who had David on his right and Aaron on his left. There was an empty seat close to David and another one close to Aaron. Zach draped his hand on my shoulders and whispered.
"Hot legs, you are not all what I thought you'd be."
Then removed his arms and winked, going back to his phone. I was used to the nickname he'd chosen to call me, but I was glad that he too, was coming to accept me. All because of this single deed with Trenton. Well, living with boys was hard and also not hard. I would not be able to explain that statement I'd asked but I knew it was just so. This dining room was beautiful but small. Maybe I was expecting something more glamorous. Still, I did not mind. So long as we all got along together, I did not care about the size of an eating area.
"Where's my Luna?"
David asked. The possession when he'd said 'my Luna' made me feel lucky. Lucky that my mom landed a kind, loving man like himself.
"She'll join us soon."
"I thought she came to your room."
"Yes, she did. But she went back to dress up too."
"Mother of the Moon."
David mumbled under his breath but I managed to capture it.
"I understand you."
He passed me a smile.
"I hope she does not make you guys run late."
"She said she'll be down quickly. I reminded her of that."
"Alright, I hope she comes in on time."
David had just finished the sentence when mom walked in. She was all showered and looking her usual beautiful self.
"Sorry guys. I hope I did not keep you waiting for long?"
"It was worth it."
Lucas had spoken.
"Why, thank you darling."
Mom beamed at the compliment.
"You look beautiful as always, honey."
The Alpha complimented, kissing her temple.
"Thank you, Dave."
She returned the kiss. It was quite weird for me seeing my mom all lovey-dovey with a man. But it was all good. I was extremely happy for her, and for myself too. I get the chance to live a new life.
Mom served breakfast. It was not as quiet as I'd seen in movies, where rich families go mute and eat as though they were in a graveyard. Though it was too noisy, there were talks here and there. Only Trenton's voice remained unheard. I even spoke but not too much. Breakfast was nothing simple like me and mom were used to. There was lots of morning food and there were the bunches and bowls of fruits. Lucas was the glutton of the house. He ate like he might probably never see food for the next six months.
"Don't choke on your food, darling. Take it easy."
I was expecting David to talk but mom had and he did not contribute nor say anything to mom when she'd talked to Lucas. He was letting mom be a mother to his boys. The second glutton was Zach, but the difference was he did not hurry through his food. He eats normally but a very large portion.
Aaron ate a considerable portion but he paid more attention to the fruits, while Trenton ate an okay portion too but he was always going for more freshly squeezed homemade juice in the pitcher.
Breakfast ended.
"Don't worry dear. Keep them and follow the boys to school."
I wanted to help mom clear the table and do the dishes as we used to, but I guess the rules had changed.
"Are you sure, mom? I can spare a few minutes to wash them."
"Don't worry, Katherina. That's why we have maids. Just go to school."
David contributed.
"Alright. Goodbye."
"Goodbye darling."
I went out with the boys and saw four different cars. They pressed their car keys, I heard the mechanical open click of each vehicle. Wow! I was sure each of these cars cost a small fortune. I walked to Lucas' car, for now, he was the closest to me and would definitely have no problem taking me with him.
"Katherina."
I looked up to see David and mom. He pressed the car key in his hand and I heard the same mechanical sound of a vehicle nearby clicking open. That was when I saw it. A white new expensive car. My jaw dropped in shock. No, it could not be.
"Can't have you sharing with the boys."
"For me?"
I was so shocked my words came out as a whisper.
"For you. Now, take. Go to school, don't be late." He threw the key and I caught it. I was so overjoyed. My own car.
"You know how to drive, don't you?"
I nodded.
"Yes, thank you so much David."
"Now off you go."
I practically ran to my car. The boys except Trenton all had congratulatory smiles.
In a few minutes, we were in school. I realized there were also escorts that followed us to school but soon turned back immediately we entered the school gate. My car died and I remained seated in my car.
A knock on my car window. It was Lucas..
"Come out."
He mouthed.
I stepped down and tried to swallow nerves.
With shaky steps, I joined the boys and stepped into Stone Shadow academy with one nerve-wracking thought - what awaited me here?