40. Raising My Family.

I sank into the plush armchair, its velvety fabric enveloping me as I watched Apollo. He was eager to chase animals and was running after one of our mischievous goats, darting around in a playful chase. Mira, with a gentle smile, fed the turkey nearby while Tess stood in awe, marveling at the towering fir trees that had somehow taken root inside our home. Jake and Rob raced up and down the stairs, their laughter echoing through the chaotic yet joyous atmosphere. Alaric, ever the watchful presence, strolled alongside the boys, cautioning them to be careful. But I didn't mind, for Dexter was right there with them, playfully chasing and tickling them.

Meanwhile, Murdock diligently worked in the kitchen, adding the finishing touches to our meal, so that we could soon indulge in a satisfying feast. Emmylee and May sat beside me, their voices filled with anticipation.

May leaned in, whispering, "They can be quite wild at times, but you'll soon see their charm."

I smiled and replied, "Well, they say it takes a village to raise a child, and I have an incredible village right here."

My gaze shifted to my twins, Josephine and Jessica, walking hand in hand, their eyes fixated on the twilight lights outside the window. They, too, yearned to pet the lambs and birds that adorned our magical surroundings. Suddenly, Wulfe appeared, carrying a few laptops, and placing one in my lap.

He urged me, "Start ordering clothes for them, unicorn. We can venture outside and play in the snow."

I turned to May and asked, "Do you know their sizes?"

She furrowed her brow and admitted, "The magic house usually takes care of their clothing, so I haven't paid much attention. But I'm sure we can find the information somewhere."

Determined, I delved into the world of children's measurements, making snappy requests for Wulfe, Magnum, and Dexter to fetch measuring tapes and determine the children's sizes. After all, they were growing so fast that I needed to ensure I got them bigger clothes as well. I consulted May, Emmylee, Vivian, and Lily about the kids' preferences and likes as I swiftly placed the orders for fast delivery. I ordered an abundance of items, knowing that we would also embark on a shopping trip later for Christmas presents. But for now, I already had something special prepared, ready to give them the holiday of a lifetime.

Wulfe, as always, remained by my side, nuzzling my neck and guiding me in my choices. Once the orders were placed, we anticipated their arrival the following day. Alaric and the other men began herding the excited children into the kitchen for their meal, their laughter filling the air, creating a symphony of joy.

I smiled inwardly as I reminisced about the challenges of taking care of these four beautiful ladies.

Magnum stood beside me, observing them, and remarked, "They have grown up so well, no longer resembling those little mermaids who were impossible to bathe."

I smirked and replied, "I bet you have something else in mind for them..."

He looked at me innocently, his hot-blooded nature evident, and these four attractive packages didn't help.

He said, "I don't know, you were pretty perfect. I'm happy to give you another week since Salvatore wiped it from your memory."

I smiled and said, "You never know, but for now, let's go eat. It's going to be a wonderful time."

We made our way to the kitchen, where Alaric, Dexter, and Murdock had set up a separate table for the kids. They were already devouring their food, supernatural kids needing a substantial amount, just like me.

As we started eating, May sat next to me, and a question popped into my mind. "Did you inherit my rage? I've never really paid attention to how many children I've cursed or blessed, not to mention Damon's rage on top of it. I know Derek has some combination, but what about you guys?"

Vivianne replied, "I'm the only one who didn't inherit it. According to our studies, your rage is about 65-70% heritable, so many of us get it, while Salvatore's rage is limited to males."

I smiled and said, "So I passed on my fiery temperament to you girls, huh? It's interesting to see."

Emmylee chimed in, "Well, we have our own little quirks, Mom, and many of them come from you. Not all of them are pleasant. I have a pretty good memory, almost as good as yours, but thankfully, no nightmares like you've had. My life hasn't been that bad."

I raised an eyebrow, unaware that my memory was heritable as well.

Lily spoke up, "I'm more of a daddy's girl. I like order and logic, not chaos. May and Emmylee inherited your chaos. Vivian and I are opposites, and we're more impatient compared to their unwavering patience. It can be irritating at times."

I smiled and said, "I am patient when I need to be, but I can also be brash, abrasive, reckless, and sloppy. I am not perfect."

Wulfe looked at me and said, "You are pretty damn perfect for me, unicorn."

Vivianne chimed in, "Do you two have some sort of love story of the century going on or what?"

Wulfe looked at her and replied, "Love story of millennia, my child. For millennia to come. Soulmates aren't always lovers, but I haven't ruled that out, not entirely. She is one hot little minx."

I blushed, not used to Wulfe talking to me about that fashion at all. We continued to eat and talked about what kids liked to do and what they had been through. As we conversed, I couldn't help but think about what we would need for them. But for now, the animals and the whole castle with its many stairs kept them busy. Magnum and Wulfe had been busy childproofing the whole damn castle, so no one would get damaged or hurt. They had even made rooms for the children. I somehow suspected that they would be out like a light in the evening at some point, or maybe they would be overtired. It would take time to get them to sleep, but for now, they were having so much fun.

After eating and having dessert, they wanted to go study and chase animals. It was quiet in the evening once the children had eventually passed out after visiting the spa and sauna. Even the girls had joined in, and let's just say that Magnum had a little problem when he saw them naked. But I was naked, too, and even Murdock and Dexter came into the sauna. We had fun there with the kids, seeing their joy.

Afterward, it was time for a late-night snack for them and then off to bed. They fell asleep pretty soon, the girls in their princess beds and the boys with their cars. I was in the kitchen making more coffee for myself. I planned to check on work during the night, no need to sleep. So I reserved my coffee and snacks, like creampuffs, for the bedroom.

Magnum came by and said, "You know, we can do many things at night."

He nuzzled my neck, and I tilted my head, allowing him to sink his fangs and feed. He didn't feed much. My blood was way too strong for him to guzzle in insane amounts. After he had eaten his fill, he pulled back and looked a little tired.

He said, "You are one strong creature, and I just overfed. I have to go sleep, it seems."

I replied, "I am a walking tranquilizer when needed, but go on. I'll check on work if there is anything acute that needs my help. Not going on missions, but trying to keep things cool so I can have my Christmas."

He nodded and strolled away.

After gathering everything I needed, I loaded my cart and teleported it into the cozy confines of the one-bedroom apartment. With no knowledge of what Wulfe was up to, I grabbed my work laptop and settled into work. As I delved into my tasks, savoring the taste of a creamy creampuff and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, a slight movement behind my partially open door caught my attention.

Curiosity piqued, I peered closer and called out, "Come in, Apollo. What's wrong?"

Apollo, with his raven-black hair like Damon and Damon's mouth, and my nose, a beautiful blend of both of us, entered the room.

He expressed, "I can't sleep."

Sensing his distress, I reassured him, "Bad dreams, huh? Come here, next to me. My bed is as comfortable as a cloud."

I crawled over to my bed, making space for him.

Placing my laptop on the table, I assured him, "It's alright. I'll keep you safe. There's nothing to worry about."

He nestled close to me, embracing me tightly. I turned off the night lamp, drawing him nearer, and gently stroking his back.

In a soft voice, he apologized, "I'm sorry you've been hurt."

I tensed up slightly but quickly composed myself. "Shh, Mommy is fine. Look, I'm not in pain. Do you have something on your mind? Do you see pictures, memories that aren't yours?"

He nodded, and I held in my arms this little telepath, bewildered and scared, but ultimately fine. As Damon was not here, I trusted my instincts, not knowing how common this was among our children. Apollo possessed great strength, his powers being suppressed when he was a baby, but now his telepathy was emerging. It would need to be addressed at some point. But for now, at this moment, I was just a mom, taking care of her child.

To comfort and protect him, I released my pheromones, their soothing scent enveloping him. And as he was also a vampire, it was time to employ my secret weapon.

I proposed to him, "Apollo, would you like to taste my blood? Would you like to experience being a real vampire, feeding from a vein? Are you ready?"

He looked at me uncertainly and asked, "But what if I'm not a vampire or not good at it?"

Calmly, I reassured him, "I will make a small cut on my wrist, and you can feed from it as much as you want. It will be just fine."

He remained hesitant, so I held him closer and used my nail to open a small wound on my wrist. I let him latch on and begin to feed. The sensation of his small but eager mouth on my wrist was a novel experience for me.

As I spoke to him in a soothing tone and continued to stroke him gently, I encouraged, "That's it, good boy. Keep going, as much as you want. You're doing great."

He finally slumped fully out of it, my wrist still in his grip. I gently repositioned him next to me, ensuring his comfort. Taking my laptop, I settled down to work, keeping a watchful eye on him. A few hours later, he stirred in his sleep and instinctively wrapped his arms around me. I didn't mind; usually, I was the one seeking comfort, but now I was the one providing it, and it felt incredible.

As the morning began to break, Wulfe appeared and remarked, "I noticed he was missing, so I figured he was here. Why...?"

I explained, "He is a telepath, and normally Damon would handle this, being the father, but I wasn't sure if he was in the right mood. I gave Apollo some of my blood to help him sleep, and he's fine now."

Wulfe came over, gently picked up Apollo, and carried him back to his bed without uttering a word. I continued working for about half an hour until Alaric entered my room, taking my laptop and papers without saying a word. It seemed I wasn't meant to work. I got dressed and headed to the kitchen. I peeked in their room. The kids were still asleep, their disheveled hair and sleepy eyes adding to their adorable charm.

There were plenty of feeders around, so I didn't have to do much but watch and enjoy. The kids eagerly joined me for breakfast, still in their pajamas. Their tiredness from the previous day lingered, yet they were bursting with energy. I wondered how long it would take for them to calm down, but I didn't mind. It was delightful to witness their pure joy, innocence, and awe at everything around them.

After breakfast, the kids ran off to continue their adventures, laughter, screams, and giggles filling the air. I retreated to the living room, observing them as they frolicked in circles. After a few hours, Magnum arrived with a bunch of boxes containing our orders for the children. We eagerly opened them, and with the help of Wulfe and the girls, we enchanted each garment with their names. Soon, everyone had their own personalized items. We were now ready to take this lively group outside to have some fun. I had also ordered warm coats for Magnum and Wulfe, as well as new boots for myself. 

In the crisp winter air, we stood outside, surrounded by the serene beauty of the snow-covered landscape. As I glanced around, I witnessed Wulfe scampering away, evading Magnum's attempt to playfully shower him with snow. Meanwhile, the children were gleefully frolicking with Murdock and Dexter. Though many would deem them the most dangerous men in the world, I knew them differently. They were dangerous when necessary, just like me. We were a band of misfits, finding solace in each other's company. They were my second family, my second pack.

Amidst the laughter and joy, I observed Josephine with a playful determination, trying to catch snowflakes on her tongue. Intrigued, I joined her in the pursuit, reaching out to feel the delicate flakes melt on my skin. However, our merriment was interrupted as a snowball collided with my neck, causing me to turn with a scowl on my face. Wulfe's laughter fueled my determination as I swiftly dashed towards him, trapping him on the ground and burying him under a mound of snow inside his jacket collar.

A moment later, we run away exchanged a triumphant high-five with Josephine. We reveled in the thrill of our impromptu snowball attack on the unsuspecting men. While the children playfully pushed snow into their jackets, I kept the men pinned down, ensuring they were thoroughly covered. With a mischievous grin, we swiftly made our escape.

Eventually, we decided to retreat indoors. We had accomplished so much outside, building snowmen and even a snow castle. The hours seemed to melt away as we immersed ourselves in the snowy wonderland. With more days ahead, we eagerly expected the opportunity to create even more winter marvels. Surprisingly, Wulfe shared the same enthusiasm as the children when it came to constructing snowmen and the grand snow castle. It was a delight to be a powerful creature, effortlessly lifting hefty snowballs.

We entered the castle back in, and Wulfe informed me he had to leave to teach his students. The excitement in his voice was palpable as he talked about how much he enjoyed teaching Mariella and Damon. He admitted he aimed to challenge them and make them feel like idiots at times, but it was all part of the learning process. Learning could be tough, even painful at times, but I pushed those thoughts aside and focused on the fun I was having.

There were plenty of adults around, eagerly helping the children remove their outer garments. They were full of energy, unaffected by the impending meal. Murdock and Dexter made their way to the kitchen to prepare the food, their footsteps echoing through the house. 

I settled into the living room, sinking into the perfect chair I had brought all the way from Moldova. Over the years, I had stumbled upon this gem, and it fit seamlessly into the massive hall, now serving as our living room. The scent of me lingered on the chair, a familiar fragrance that everyone recognized. 

After the satisfying meal, the kids' energy remained high as they explored the vast castle grounds, laughing and playing. It was a joy to witness their playful antics, and my imagination, my pretender side, noted unique personalities for each of them.

Josephine and Jessica, with their dark hair, were inseparable, despite their occasional arguments. They did everything together, sharing secrets and stories. Jake, the tallest and most courageous, had sandy-colored hair, exuding a sense of fearlessness. Rob, with his black hair, was the quietest of the bunch, always eager to learn and ask questions. Apollo, also with black hair, had a special bond with animals, often cradling a chicken in his arms. I wondered if he possessed a healing ability like Damon. Mira and Tess, both blondes, were incredibly agile, constantly encouraging each other to climb, jump, and run. They reminded little bit of me, adrenaline junkies, reckless too. Small nimble creatures.

As for the adults, Alaric assumed the role of a caring father figure, ensuring order among the children. Wulfe was absent, still teaching in Ireland. Murdock and Dexter were in the kitchen, slightly overwhelmed as the kids would frequently seek their attention, hugging them or asking to be held. Magnum had no issue with this, while Colin sat by my side, holding my hand tightly.

This moment felt perfect, and I couldn't help but imagine the upcoming Christmas festivities. Decorating trees together, wrapping gifts in secret, all these experiences were new to me, but with the luxury of time and the prospect of more children in the future, I looked forward to incorporating these traditions into our lives. 

In the evening, as the children were tucked into bed, Wulfe returned and we found ourselves sitting in the cozy living room.

Wulfe's eyes fell upon a plush chair and he remarked, "That chair looks incredibly comfortable. I could definitely see myself sitting on it."

I shot him a look, raised my brow, and snapped, "Not gonna happen. Find your own chair and leave mine alone."

My voice carried a hint of irritation. That chair was mine, and mine alone.

Wulfe let out a sigh, his voice remaining calm as ever, as he said, "I'll go and retrieve the pack to visit us day after tomorrow. Then, with only a week until Thanksgiving, we'll see if they're eager to join us or if they're cowards who run away."

I responded, my voice sharp, "I don't know. They might just be ostriches, running away. But perhaps they'll stay and learn, to truly understand how a pack is meant to function, to include everyone rather than exclude them."

Time would reveal the truth. Later that evening, Apollo returned to sleep by my side, and a few hours later, Wulfe mercilessly scooped him up and carried him to his own bed. Wulfe then settled beside me, looking at me as I was simply browsing the internet for Christmas decorations.

He turned to me and said, "I've had my fair share of Christmases, some better than others. But this one will be the best of them all. Let's start a new tradition, just you and me. Let's make an effort to celebrate Christmas every year, even if it's a smaller celebration."

I replied, "I had that idea once before Mariella came into the picture. But considering how unpredictable my life was, I wasn't sure where I would be in the next week, let alone during Christmas. However, let's give it a try. Let's see how many Christmases we can have together. We'll need to get some horses, though. Remember that perfect Christmas I told you about, right here in Halifax, our Christmas of love? We still have that sleigh in the warehouse, but we need a horse so that the kids can enjoy a sleigh ride, too."

Wulfe simply smiled, wanting to be close to me. I couldn't help but wonder what the future held for us, what would come after this perfect time. I braced myself for whatever challenges the universe would throw my way, knowing that only time would reveal the answers.

Days went by, the sun setting and rising, as the children's laughter filled the air.

When Wulfe announced, "I am about to go and get the pack, so get ready," I nodded in understanding.

As Wulfe walked away, I approached the kids and whispered, "Now, Wulfe has gone to bring more people here, including your dad and other pack members. But remember, don't overwhelm them. Let them come to you. You can come sit on my lap, or Dexter's or Murdock's, but I'm not sure if your dad is ready for that. If he says it's okay, then it's fine. He's the pack leader, so let him make the decision."

Colin looked at me, surprised by my cautionary words. I had no idea what mood Damon was in, and I didn't want to risk any misunderstandings. It was better to be a little careful than to let them express their unconditional love too eagerly. 

Wulfe walked into the portal room, entering the majestic castle of Ireland. The pack was still celebrating their little Thanksgiving, and Wulfe felt a sense of satisfaction. This would be the perfect lesson for them. The kids had spent several days with the pack, and Wulfe had even carried Apollo to sleep in his own bed, before joining Mimi in their own rest. He longed to be close to her, but he knew that for now, he had to be patient. 

Entering the living room, Wulfe commanded, "Okay, it's time for a little field trip, whole pack. But first, everyone needs to shower. Where we're going, you don't want to smell like sex, old beer, sweat, or grease. Chop chop!"

He took a seat, watching as everyone obediently headed to the showers without questioning his motives. His authoritative voice carried enough power to ensure compliance, discouraging any inquiries. 

After half an hour, the pack was ready. They had all donned clean clothes and freshened up. The women's hair was styled, though Wulfe had personally taken care of Mimi's hair, not trusting Salvatore to mess with it.

"Come on, let's go," he urged, leading the way toward the portal room.

He had prepared the room so that they couldn't see where they were going, but the portal shimmered with anticipation. With a determined stride, Wulfe guided the entire pack through the portal, eager for the glorious lesson that awaited them. 

Damon felt a twinge of uncertainty as he stepped into the portal room, unsure of what awaited them. As he entered, the familiar sight of Halifax Castle, their Christmas haven, greeted his eyes. Regret and self-loathing washed over him once again, causing a deep frown to etch itself onto his face. 

In the hallway near him, a large turkey strolled calmly across a patch of grass, pecking at the ground. Their castle had now grass growing on the floors too. The air was filled with a gentle hush, interrupted only by the scurrying of a small goat in one of the corridors. Suddenly, laughter erupted, filling the space with joyous sounds. Damon followed the source of the mirth and glanced downward. 

Below, children raced around, their laughter echoing through the halls. They reveled in the excitement. Those were their seven wonders, his and Mimi's creating an atmosphere of pure delight. As Damon and the others began to ascend the stairs, the children's gazes turned towards them, a hint of uncertainty in their eyes. 

Damon's attention was drawn to a black-haired boy who approached Mimi, who was seated in a massive chair that he didn't recall. The boy climbed onto her lap, and Damon watched as Mimi affectionately kissed the top of his head, embodying the role of a loving mother. Nearby, four beautiful women sat, a mix of Damon and Mimi, the children that Mimi had miraculously conceived during her time alone. 

Damon continued his ascent, reaching the living area. Mariella trailed behind him, mirroring the uncertainty felt by the others. Two little girls eagerly took Wulfe's hand, guiding him towards something intriguing. Just as another large turkey made its way downstairs, the boy from Mimi's lap leaped down and chased after it, determined to catch it. 

Damon settled into a seat, observing the scene before him. The room was filled with many sofas and chairs, inviting comfort and relaxation. The pack joined him, finding their own places to sit. 

I watched as the pack descended the stairs, Apollo, my little telepath, sensing something as he climbed onto my lap. I hushed him as a turkey approached, but Apollo couldn't contain his excitement and ran towards it. Josephine and Jessica pulled Wulfe to see something, while Damon came to sit beside me.

I informed him, "The kids will be with us over the holidays and will return after New Year's. They deserve their own holiday, and we'll take care of them. You and the pack are welcome to stay, although this is all new to me."

Mariella responded, "It's new to me, too. In the past, we were troublemakers, but the kids always had their parents around. Now I realize they didn't truly have fun. They were perfectly dressed and didn't run around, even during daylight visits, because their parents took care of them."

I asserted, "I am their mother and a parent, too. Our connection started in the womb, so this bunch is special. They won't be perfect little kids, but a mischievous bunch. Choose wisely."

Before I could finish, Jake ran up to me, saying, "Mommy, let's go outside. I want to have a snowball fight."

I replied, "Jake, it's almost time to eat, and it will be dark soon."

Damon looked at him and said, "Jake, come here. Let me see how big of a boy you are."

Jake looked at me, seeking approval. I nodded, and he went to Damon, who playfully tickled him, causing Jake to squirm and giggle.

Rob approached me and said, "Mommy, I'm hungry. When is it time to eat?"

Murdock stood up and said, "I'm on it. The food will be ready soon."

As soon as he entered the kitchen, several Salvatores followed suit, eager to help. Damon released Jake, and the kids ran off, while Mira and Tess pulled Mariella and Mimosa to see the chickens. I smiled.

Damon looked at them and said, "I apologize for the entire situation. I'm genuinely sorry, and none of us blame you anymore. Please let us stay. This is just perfect. I want so badly to be their dad, and it's wonderful to see you as their mom."

I gazed at him and replied, "Wulfe knows his job, huh? But be aware, he wants to be close to me, so he'll be by my side a lot."

Damon reassured me, saying, "Oh, I just need to stake my claim on you, baby. Don't worry, we'll figure it out."

Damon observed his children happily running and playing around, then he got up as Alaric began ushering the kids into the kitchen. I followed him, and when we entered, the kitchen was bustling with people. The Salvatores were there, along with the boys and Charles, who came over to me and kissed me passionately for a long time.

It was so intense that even number two jokingly remarked, "Time to eat Cornick, Mimi is hardly on the menu."

Charles looked at me and admitted, "My love, I know I've made mistakes, but deep down, my soul yearns to be with you."

I forgave him and suggested we go and eat. We had plenty of time since the holidays were about to begin, so everything was fine. We sat down to eat, and the Salvatores were engrossed in conversation with Alaric, making sure the kids ate enough. Number one, in particular, seemed determined to fill me up, bringing me several plates. Meanwhile, Mariella chatted with my four girls about kids and other things, and Wulfe watched me closely from the other side.

The table was full, and Damon hadn't had time to arrange everything as he would have liked. I could see his displeasure, but we had to make do. It was going to be an interesting time ahead, and I was actually looking forward to it, curious to see what this time would bring. The Salvatores mentioned they would bring Thanksgiving food that they had prepared. With only a week left until Thanksgiving, we still had a little time.

The future, unpredictable as it was, held the promise of something real. Maybe, just maybe, Damon and I could reclaim what we had lost. After all, he was still my biological half and the sense of calm that washed over me when he was near made my soul hum, if not sing.