Aaron decided to talk to Kane

The early morning light filtered softly through the windows as Aaron moved about the small home, a sense of urgency propelling him forward. He peeked into Cris's room, hoping to find her there, but the bed was empty. Frowning, he turned his attention to the kitchen, where he began preparing breakfast for the kids, the familiar routine grounding him amidst the uncertainty.

As the smell of eggs and toast filled the air, he glanced at the clock. It was already past 10 in the morning, and Cris was still nowhere to be found. A knot of worry tightened in his stomach. She had never been this late, and he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.

He tried to focus on getting the kids ready for school, but his mind kept drifting back to Cris. He paced the living room, glancing out the window, willing her to appear. Each minute felt like an hour, and he found himself anxiously tapping his fingers against the counter, hoping she would walk through the door any moment.

After a few more hours of waiting, Aaron felt a wave of frustration wash over him. He knew he couldn't just sit and do nothing. He had to find out where she was, to ensure she was safe. Taking a deep breath, he resolved to search for her, the protective instinct flaring to life within him. With one last glance at the clock, he grabbed his jacket and stepped out, determined to uncover the truth.

Just as Aaron was about to step out the door, he heard the familiar sound of the gate clanking. Relief washed over him as he turned to see Cris coming in, bags of groceries swinging from her arms. "Hey, Cris! Where have you been?" he asked, a mix of concern and annoyance creeping into his voice.

"Ah, I just went to buy some groceries for the kids," she replied, a bright smile breaking across her face.

"Oh really? That was so nice of you," Aaron said, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. "Hey, I have to tell you something."

This time, Kane was ready to listen. She sensed a weight behind his words, something deeper than the casual conversations they usually shared. Last night, she had snuck into Aaron's room, and the things she had overheard left her unsettled. There was definitely something going on, and she felt an urgency to understand.

"Okay," she said, her voice steadying as she set the groceries down on the kitchen counter. "What's up?"

Aaron hesitated for a moment, gauging her expression. He could see the resolve in her eyes, the determination to get to the bottom of whatever shadow loomed over them. "It's about what I've been dealing with. Things are getting complicated, and I need you to be careful."

As he spoke, he could see her leaning in, hanging on every word. The atmosphere between them shifted, charged with unspoken fears and shared trust, and Aaron knew that whatever lay ahead, they would face it together.

Aaron's voice trembled with urgency as he spoke, "Cris, I need you to know that the situation is serious. I want you and the kids to get out of here." His pleading eyes searched hers, desperation etched across his face.

Kane, standing close by, nodded in agreement. "Yes, if that's what you want, Aaron," she said firmly, her own heart racing. She understood the weight of his words; the danger loomed larger than either of them wanted to admit. The voice on the other end of Aaron's call had carried an unmistakable authority—powerful and commanding, unlike any ordinary man.

Cris felt the tension in the air thicken. She needed to know more about this threat, but time was running out. Aaron had already found a place for her and the kids to vacate, and that sense of urgency pushed her to act quickly. The threat was real, and it was growing closer with each passing moment.

With a palpable sense of urgency in the air, Kane moved swiftly, her hands working quickly to pack her belongings. She felt the weight of the situation pressing down on her, but she pushed through, focusing on the task at hand. Aaron joined her, gathering the kids' things with a frantic but determined energy.

"Kane, you need to head to the apartment in the city first," Aaron instructed, his voice steady despite the chaos. "I'll pick up the kids right after school and meet you there."

Kane nodded, a twinge of disappointment stirring within her. She had her own mission, one that now felt insignificant in the shadow of the threat looming over them. But as much as she wanted to pursue her goals, the safety of the children came first. They were innocent in all of this, and she couldn't risk their lives.

"Just be careful," Kane said, glancing at Aaron as she zipped up her bag. They shared a moment of understanding, a silent agreement that their priorities had shifted. With one last look at the home they were leaving behind, Kane hurried out, determination fueling her steps as she set off toward the apartment, ready to protect what mattered most.

Kane pulled up to the big house Aaron had prepared for her and the kids, a blend of excitement and trepidation swirling within her. The house loomed before her, spacious and welcoming, but the reality of the situation pressed on her mind. Aaron had to leave, and now it was up to her to keep the kids safe and entertained.

Taking a deep breath, she reminded herself that chaos was part of the package when it came to children. She could already picture the laughter, the mess, and the whirlwind of energy that would fill the space. Kane had always envisioned a lively household, bustling with the sounds of multiple kids running around—her and Waden's dream finally coming to life, albeit in a way they hadn't anticipated.

As she stepped inside, the aroma of fresh paint and new beginnings enveloped her. She glanced around, assessing the rooms that would soon be filled with the joy and noise of children. There would be moments of chaos, undoubtedly, but Kane found comfort in that; it was a taste of the future she longed for.