Kids at Heart

It honestly felt like the entire was in slow motion as those words left his lips. I had never spoken to a member of the Alpha's family let alone speak to any of them yet here he was, the son of the infamous Damien Clearwater sitting next to me with his golden eyes gleaming with warmth and his radiating smile captivating every second that passed. This felt so much different than when I came into contact with Mason. If anything, the only similarities I detected were that Vincent had that same intimidating aura to him yet, it wasn't suffocating like Mason's was. Why was that? It left me at a loss for words as my mind pondered that.

Vincent softly scooped my hand off my lap which broke me away from my thoughts and shook my hand very tenderly. His cheeks were a very soft pink as he did so and then tore his gaze away from me to look at the moon above us. "I heard so much about you but never got to really meet you in person, Ms. Hartt." My mouth gaped open in surprise and I stared at him, "you know who I am?" He smiled in full amusement and then I blushed a bit as his gaze shifted from the moon to me, locking his eyes with mine. "Yes, of course. The daughter of the hammer-fisted Alpha Alexander Hartt, Seraphina Hartt. The first-born with hair like freshly fallen snow and eyes of gold. When I say that I have truly anticipated our meeting…," he stood before me, stooped down to one knee, took me hand and pressed his warm, soft lips to the top of it and looked up at me with a very piercing and cunning gaze, "that would be an understatement, my lady."

My entire face became beet red and I felt like my entire body was on fire. I bit my lower lip and crossed my legs, "y-yes, it is a pleasure and honor to meet you as well, my lord." It was painfully difficult trying to contain myself and stay strong in this situation. This man was unbelievably hot and I could only imagine what was beneath those fancy clothes he had on. I bet he was ripped and not to mention I was a total sucker for tall guys. And DAMN was this man tall. He slowly came to his feet once more and yet he never released my hand. He gave me another dashingly handsome and warm smile before motioning with his apposing hand to the gardens, "Would you do me the honor of taking a walk with me this fine evening? I apologize but I am not keen on these frilly parties nor the idle demeanor of the guests." I was definitely not saying no to that and lose an opportunity like this. Absolutely not.

I smiled warmly in return and accepted following him to the gardens. The entryway had a beautiful arch covered in flowers. And I know what you must be thinking, why are there flowers blooming in fall? Well to answer that for you, we use garden fairy dust in the water supply to keep flowers thriving all year round. Living in a realm of creatures such as myself, there were quite a lot of remarkable things we could get our hands on. Along the path into the garden past the arch were all of the peonies and hydrangeas and I was absolutely smitten with how healthy and happy they were yet a bit somber all the same. Yes, they were thriving but without me. I used to tend to all of the flowers here with the attendants of the palace but that was no longer my duty as I no longer lived here and probably never would again. He kept a watchful eye on me and let out a sigh of content, "It's nice to get away sometimes. I did want to ask you something though, but only if you don't mind." I looked up at him and offered a little half smile, "sure, what's up?" He stopped us by the gazebo in the center of the garden and gave me a curious look, "How old are you? I only ask because this is the first time seeing you when you have definitely come before." I nodded and cast a look at the gazebo, "I just turned 16 after the festival last year so I was not able to attend the normal event and had to go to the pup house. I will be 17 this winter." He gave me an interested look and waved his hand in front of his face "Yeah, that would make sense. I just turned 19 this year. If I'm being quite frank, it's nice to see such a beautiful young woman so close to my age and with obvious good taste." I shook my head confused and gave him a look of misunderstanding, "taste in what? We haven't shared any interests."

He released my hand and walked over to the peonies picking the prettiest and puffiest one before walking back over to me and placing it in my hair softly, "I can tell you cared for these flowers and I am happy to tell you that I ensure they are carefully looked after everyday by not only the attendants but myself as well." His hand was very warm and feeling it brush my cheek as the flower was placed in my hair made my face heat up again. This guy was going to be the death of me, I could feel it. "Vinny! Where you at, bro?" A male voice erupted from behind in me making me jump and I turned to see a very tall and much more slender/skinny guy approaching. He wasn't quite as tall either. His brunette hair wisped around as he ran over to us and his green eyes glistened in the moonlight.

"Jericho, hello. I was just having a walk with Ms. Hartt here in the gardens." Vincent's voice was very plain and monotone with a highly unamused gaze. He seemed almost annoyed by this guy's presence but I was very unbothered. If anything, this guy was a perfect tension breaker. He made it over to us and pushed his hair out of his face with one of his hands before nodding to me with a very happy look, "Hey! Great to meetcha! I'm Jericho Marcais. This tall drink of water you've been hanging out with is my cousin." He playfully soft punched Vincent's shoulder and chuckled. Vincent smirked and straightened his suit top up where it had crumpled just a bit. "Yes, yes. I'm assuming you wanted to go to the event? Otherwise, I have no idea why you're pestering me."

I made a very disgusted face and it was immediately noticed by both of them. Jericho gave me a look, "what's wrong? You don't like the games?" I shot them a look of confusion now realizing that we are clearly not on the same page. "Oh, I thought you were referring to the event in the palace. But in reference to the games the festival is holding, we can't go to the games outside of the gate. It isn't permitted during the festival. ESPECIALLY not for us." Vincent scoffed and gave me an amused look, "says who? We have a whole hour and a half to kill before the debate and I am definitely down for some bumper cars." This guy was definitely speaking my language and I was living for it but the feeling that we wouldn't end up making it back in time was eating at me. What if we got caught? It isn't that the royals were deliberately keeping us away from the fun but the festival games itself was used as a distraction for the pack wolves to enjoy themselves while we all got together for our own party so they wouldn't feel left out. The event out there was special for them and the fancy party in here was special for just the royals.

It still annoyed me though that I never got to enjoy the outside festivities when I saw literally no good reason, I couldn't have fun out there. It was way more interesting than the preppy crap in here. Vincent waved his hand in front of my face to catch my attention and gave me a very warm smile, his gorgeous golden eyes staring deep into mine. "Don't be afraid, I won't let anything happen to you. We do this literally every year and now you can come with us." His words were incredibly warm and welcoming. It felt like I was just wrapped in a mental blanket of care and safety. I beamed at him and my eyes shimmered in excitement, "Hell yeah, let's do this! But only if I can get a candy apple!" Jericho clapped his hands together and gasped as if he just got the idea of a lifetime, "The candy apple stand has those little candied raspberries, too! I am totally getting a container of those." My mouth watered at the thought and I could feel my walls falling down all around me. They really were so similar to me and Aaron that it almost came as a full surprise but in a way wasn't and I don't know of it was the hormones talking or the friendly and caring demeanor of this guy. Whatever the case was, I didn't care. This was the first time I could actually have a good time at one of these events and not be stuck in the pup house or in a fancy party eating tiny foods and engaging in foolish gossip. I could be a kid and enjoy myself as kids should be able to do. You're only 16 once after all!

They both grabbed my hands and led me to the wall of the estate but the closer we got to it, the more nervous I was. This wall was big and I mean MASSIVE. I got very concerned and grimaced just staring at it. How was I suppose to make it over this wall? If I was in my wolf form, it would be a sinch but that is extremely forbidden unless the need was dire and I am not at home nor am I in a life-or-death situation. Jericho turned his head to face me and bent down to meet me at eye level. "Yeah, the wall is intimidating but we can't go through the gate because of security. Gonna have to jump it, princess." I cringed at the term 'princess' and shooed him away with my hand, "okay yeah that's enough of that. I am no princess, thank you and there is no way I am making it over this wall." Jericho stared at me in all seriousness, "I could throw you over."

Vincent's jaw dropped, "WOW, okay, no. We can just carry her over." Carry me over? I squinted at him and gave him a very confused look. Male wolves were strong and fast, females typically were faster but all the power was in the males. Even so, there was no way they were going to make it over this wall in a human form, nevertheless carrying someone. Before I could protest, Vincent began removing his suit and shirt revealing his very tones and defined torso. I turned away almost screaming in embarrassment and my whole face lit up like a Christmas tree. "WHY ARE YOU- "Before I could finish what I was saying, a large hand covered my mouth and Jericho's voice whispered in my right ear, "Be quiet or you're going to get us caught." I closed my eyes and nodded forcing myself to relax.

When his hand removed itself from my mouth, I turned and froze. My entire body felt like it had been petrified by fear but also astonishment. Standing in front of me was no longer the Vincent that I had been spending the evening with but a very large red wolf with familiar, warm golden eyes. Even in wolf form, he was taller than me. I carefully reached my hand out and he immediately pressed his snout against my hand letting me know everything was alright. I stared deeply into his eyes, "I am going to climb up now… Can you lower yourself for me?" His voice rang out in my mind using wolvish telepathy and he jested, "Of course, short stack." I watched as he lowered his body to the ground and Jericho lifted me by my waist up onto the large beast before changing himself into one of similar but thinner stature. Jericho's wolf was a smooth chocolate color with daring emerald eyes. I ran my fingers softly through the fur on the back of Vincent and smiled softly and longingly, enjoying the soft feel of the currant pigmented fur between my fingers.

"Hold onto me tightly and lie down. This jump is going to be rough and I wouldn't forgive myself if you got hurt," his voice rang once more and I did as told. I tightened my eyes closed and as he leapt, I felt my soul leave my body just a bit, the tickle in my gut from the fall downward on the opposing side of the fence almost made me lose my grip on him. Next thing I knew, my hands were no longer latched to the rustic, fragrant fur but to hot, tight skin. I peered up to see Vincent blushing down at me, his gaze focused on me and I jumped backwards right off of him almost falling on my butt in doing so. Jericho caught me in his arms and he looked down at me. "You good? You act like you've never seen a shirtless guy before," he said questionably with a slight chuckle of amusement. I snatched myself away from him and fixed my dress, dusting off the little furs that got on it and pulled my hair to the side facing away from them. "Fuck off." They both exchanged amused looks as they put on their tops that they carried with them in their mouths.

"Alright, so what's first? We taking out the bumper cars first or what?" Jericho clapped his hands together and looked at both of us for a response. He looked like a puppy who was about to be given his very first bacon strip and I found it utterly adorable. "As long as we grab a candy apple afterwards, I will literally ride whatever." Vincent and Jericho both held out their hands to me and I blinked. Vincent huffed, "are you going to take our hand or not?" I quickly grabbed onto their hands with Vincent in my left and Jericho on my left. And that is basically how the evening went from thenceforth.

We rode the bumper cars, Ferris wheel, the twirly strawberries and I even got my candy apple. Life was good man, life was good. Plus, I got to parade around with two tall guys who were a million and a half times out of my league. I can honestly say this was the most fun I had ever had with strangers I just met less than an hour ago and that is not including Lily. Speaking of, I hadn't heard from her all day. I pulled my phone from a sandwich Ziploc I kept in my bra and pulled it out to text her. She was probably busy with their own festival and texting during it wasn't the most appropriate which was why I was quite surprised on how quick she responded: "Hey! Thanks for hitting me up! It's truly hectic over here and I'm waiting for the debate to begin. Apparently, it's going to be a doozy... blegh lolol… plus Mason and Malakai are being a pain in my side as usual. They always bicker when they're together but thatz normal for siblingssss…. Whatcha up to?"

Them being siblings was not a surprise to me considering they looked so much alike. I began texting her back when Jericho plopped on the bench next to me. "That guy is such a party pooper. Leaving the festival this early should be criminal." I stopped typing and immediately looked around, "huh? Did Vincent leave?" He pointed to the streets near where my house was, "No, that guy over there by himself just walking home, I guess. This is literally a once-a-year thing. Bummer he's leaving now." I stared off in the distance where he pointed and I immediately caught a glimpse of silver hair with black roots. I seriously felt like my eyes were deceiving me. Was that Malakai? I started walking towards the street to follow him and see if it really was him but Vincent ran over and grabbed my arm. "Whoa, whoa, where are you going, speedy? We have to get back soon and we cannot have you getting lost." I shot him a look of concern and confusion, "I have to find out if that guy over there is someone I know." I pointed in the direction I saw him but when I turned to look, the guy had vanished.

Vincent carefully cupped my cheek and had me look at him, "Are you alright, are you feeling sick?" I pulled my face away and shook my head, "I'm fine, but there really was someone and it looked just like Malakai. Jericho saw him, too." Jericho put his hands up and pursed his lips, "Guilty as charged, I witnessed a buzzkill leaving the party too soon." Vincent looked at the street at where Malakai was seen walking and shook his head looking quite frustrated, "Malakai, hm? Wouldn't happen to be Malakai Ledger, would it? The bastard son of the WinterMoon Alpha?" I furrowed my brow at him and blinked, "Bastard son?" Vincent nodded and led me towards the wall motioning for Jericho to follow. "Yes, the infamous bastard son, Malakai Ledger. Ever wonder why his last name is different from Mason's? Well, that's why. I also recommend steering clear of him. He's known for stirring up trouble and him being here while the royal blood festival is going on is not okay. I will be reporting this to my mother and father at once." I grabbed his arm and pulled him towards me, his eyes looked down at me in frustration but I held my ground and his gaze along with it, "I am not for certain that is what I saw. Plus, Lily told me they were all together right now so my eyes may be deceiving me." His gaze held mine right back and never faltered. His look turned sinister and voice went dark and menacing, "Have her send you a picture of them all together. Now. I need proof."

I swallowed hard feeling extremely under pressure but I did as asked: "That's awesome! Can I get a super rad pic of you guys together??" After sending the message, I waited patiently yet anxious all the same for her response. To my surprise, the picture was sent right away and sure enough there they were. Lily, Mason and Malakai all together at a dinner table posing. I sighed a very heavy sigh of relief and showed it to Vincent. "See? I was wrong… Please forgive me for my insolence..." He blinked and the menacing nature just melted away to his warm and caring demeanor once more. "You are not a servant; you are a high born and never have to apologize to me. It's I who should be apologizing. Forgive me for being so curt with you. But it is very important that we get back."

And that is exactly what we did. We managed to make it back in time and Vincent even took the liberty of helping me fix my wind whipped hair to a more presentable fashion before the debate began. I can safely say the debate was truly grueling and tiresome, not to mention stressful as all hell. I was thankful that I was never addressed but hearing them bicker and discuss policies and structure including forming new alliances was extremely boring beyond belief. The only thing that really caught my attention were all the royals in the room. I was more of an observer than a talker when it came to super serious situations like this but I could not help but notice how powerful and stood out the Alpha and his wife were. Vincent was the spitting image of his much larger father and his mother was surprisingly small. What surprised me the most about Maria, his mother, was that she was blonde with blue eyes and looked nothing like her son at all. There was hardly a resemblance and it was truly uncanny.

I snickered to myself at my own thoughts. 'Maybe Damien asexually reproduced Vincent,' I jested in my mind. After the debate, we began the banquet dinner and I was seated right beside my father on one side and my mother on the other. Right across from me sat Jericho and he waved at me like a little kid who just saw his favorite Teletubby come to life right before his eyes. I rolled me eyes at him and smiled, "dork..." I whispered under my breath. My dad glanced over at Jericho and then back at me, "made a friend? Sure, seems like it." I nodded and smiled up at my dad. "Yeah, his name is Jericho. He is Vincent's cousin… I hope that's alright." He gave me a serious look, "why would that not be alright?" I gave him a very blatant stare and he raised his eyebrows in realization, "Oh, well this is different. The Alpha's family of our pack is perfectly fine for you to make friends with. They are good people." My face had a look of utter surprise and shock that he wasn't eating me alive but that was a good thing I suppose.

I was able to exchange numbers after the banquet with both Jericho and Vincent. I was happy to have even more friends now than just Lily and Aaron. We ended up chatting via text on how we should all have a get together soon as we rode home and my mom watched me with full content that I was really coming out of my shell and showing a lot of happiness with my life. Everything was getting more and more perfect and nothing could possibly ruin this.

Right as we pulled into the driveway of our home, my dad squinted out of the window at a shape by the house. "Who is that?" I tore my gaze from my phone and my eyes went wide when I immediately recognized Malakai standing by the house seemingly scratching at something on the bottom of my skateboard. "Malakai?" I said and as the words left my lips, my dad stepped out of the vehicle in a rage and stormed over to him. Malakai saw him coming and dropped the board on the grass and froze, "Oh! H-hello Mister- "He snatched him up by his shirt collar making him choke on his words and he pulled Malakai up to meet his gaze, "Why the hell are you at my house and touching my daughter's board?"

I ran over with my mom freaking out at this point and she yelled, "Alex, drop him!" Dad did just that and dropped him to the ground aggressively. He glared down at the teen and growled loud and heavy, "I am nice to you because you're dating my little girl's best friend. That's it, kid. Now, explain, why are you at my house?" Malakai coughed hard and rubbed his neck staring up at my dad in utter fear and terror, "I-I meant no harm, s-sir! Please! I was wanting to see Sera to ask her for skating lessons and got interested at the design on her board! Honest!" He bowed his head and pressed his forehead to the ground, "Please forgive me! I was just waiting for her to come home!"

I walked over quickly and helped him to his feet dusting him off, "I don't mind but couldn't this have waited? It is extremely illegal for you to be here during a royal blood festival… You need to go home. We will talk more on this later." He bowed and nodded without any argument and hesitation before apologizing once more to my dad and running down the driveway. I watched him run and turned to look at my dad, "You probably made the poor boy piss his pants." He grumbled before turning towards the house, "good, maybe he learned his lesson."

When we all got settled inside the house, I looked at my phone and stared in frustration at the picture sent to me by Lily. I was getting a very uneasy feeling about all this as this photo must have been taken before he headed over here which would mean it was not freshly taken when sent to me. Plus, she spoke in present tense, not past tense so why lie and say Malakai was currently with her? Was that on purpose? Was I reading too much into it? I put my phone on to charge and went to wash up before bed. Nevertheless, it was weird but it probably was nothing. I couldn't see Malakai doing anything to cause me harm nor could I see Lily keeping anything from me.