Chapter 8

Erbao

The quintuplets quickly set their plan in motion, using the computer again so they could find any information about the man in the photos. And it was an easy task, seeing as the man was very well-known within the pack.

The babies sat stunned as they discovered just who he was. Apparently, his name was Kadeem, and he was the Alpha of the Red Moon pack. They found many articles about their daddy’s family business and the countless followers he had.

“Our daddy’s famous!” Lottie declared, squealing as Erbao finished trying to read an article aloud.

“And so is mommy, remember?” Silas said with excitement. “Both of our parents are important!”

Once more, the quintuplets began to rejoice at the news, causing them to squirm and laugh with joy. However, Erbao soon shushed them, pointing toward a photo of their father as he held determination in his eyes.

“We need to find a way to get to him,” Erbao announced then, causing a few others to nod.

However, Ezra seemed a little skeptical. “How?” the oldest asked, still looking at a picture of their daddy.

“I don’t know yet,” Erbao admitted, though he still didn’t deflate with defeat. “But we have to do it behind mommy’s back. She can’t find out.”

~

Ardal

It’s been a long day filled with surprises, which makes me beyond relieved as I return home. I can’t wait to see my babies and relax by their sides. Maybe they’ll be able to clear my head so I can stop thinking about Kadeem.

He’s been in the center of my mind for most of the day, but I need to get him out. I don’t want anything to do with him - not again.

As I enter the house, I call out to my babies, feeling my heart soften as I hear their little voices and feet coming down the hall. When they see me, they swiftly run into my open arms, gracing me with hugs as they rub their faces into me.

“I missed you,” I tell them lovingly. “What did you do today?”

“Oh, you know…just played,” Erbao offers with an odd smile, glancing at his siblings as if to keep them quiet. The action makes me laugh, causing me to give his cheek a gentle pinch.

“My little troublemakers,” I say as I smile at them all. “Come on - let's get you fed.”

As we go into the kitchen, I have every intention of starting their meal. However, the babies immediately scold me, telling me I needed to rest and that they would cook instead. I smile again as I take a seat at the table, watching them all fondly as Ezra leads them.

I even give a laugh, blown away by how talented they are despite their young age. I swear they’re a gift sent straight from the Goddess.

After our meal, Julia arrives at the house with pamphlets balanced in her hands. She gives me a wide grin as she comes inside.

“I spent the afternoon gathering some information about some nearby kindergarten programs,” she informs me as we go to the table. “I figured you could use the help.”

“Thank you,” I tell her as I take one of the pamphlets. Meanwhile, the babies are busy grabbing others. “Anything promising?”

“Definitely,” Julia tells me. “All of them had very impressive teachers.”

“Ooo! I like this one! It has fun colors,” Lottie says, holding up her pamphlet to show me.

“This one’s better,” Silas tries. “They have pictures! Look at the playground.”

I laugh as each baby shows off their own pamphlet, all of them insisting theirs is the best.

However, as I turn to Erbao, I can’t help but notice the lack of color in his complexion. Worry rushes through my veins as I kneel to him, touching his cheek.

“Erbao, are you okay?” I ask, trying to keep my voice calm despite my panic.

“I’m just tired,” he says, though he sways a little, making my stomach drop.

“Bring your brother to bed,” I say softly as I turn to Ezra. “He needs some rest.”

I watch in silence as my babies all gather around Erbao, their hands touching him sweetly as they lead him out of the room. My lips press firmly together as they leave, still concerned for my little boy.

“Hey,” Julia says then, gently touching my shoulder. “How about a smoke?”

I give her a weak nod, allowing her to lead me out until we reach the terrace. There, we quietly close the door before Julia pulls out a pack of cigarettes, lighting one for both of us.

I take a long drag from mine, enjoying the burn down my throat as I try to clear my head. I don’t smoke often, but it’s a way to calm my nerves in stressful situations. Someone once said it made me appear more charming and neutral - whatever that means.

“Have you contacted the hospital to find a suitable kidney source?” Julia asks after a few moments of silence. I know her question is a result of what just happened with Erbao.

“Yes,” I say as I blow out smoke. “But it doesn’t look too promising. I won’t stop trying, though.”

Determination coats my every word. It’s much different than how I would have addressed these hardships six years ago - but I’m not that fragile woman anymore. I’m a mother now, and I have to be strong no matter what.

“Erbao will grow up to be healthy - just like the others. I swear,” I say then.

“Oh, honey,” Julia offers kindly. “Trust me, I know you’ll make sure he’s okay - just like how you restored your own heartbeat so you could stay with them. You deserve a miracle.”

“I can’t wait around for a miracle,” I say in response, shaking my head. “Besides, courage is enough to overcome anything. It even creates miracles.”

Julia and I turn to each other then, a new silence hanging over us. However, after a moment, we both slide a smile onto our faces, understanding what sits behind the other's eyes.

“You’re right,” Julia tells me with a laugh. “Absolutely right.”

~

Early the next morning, the house is in a frenzy as I get the babies ready for the first day of kindergarten. Julia had suggested that I send them to the Red Moon Children’s Academy since it has the best reputation in the area. Thankfully, it was easy to sign them up, and they already agreed to take them this morning.

Once their backpacks are officially packed and their hair is combed, I send them on their way with Hannah, reminding the nanny to drive safely. I watch sadly as they leave, wishing I could take them myself, but I have to head out for my own day of work.

Only, I’ve barely started getting ready when I hear my phone chime with a new text message, instantly making me check it. I assume it’s Hannah, hoping to see she had no trouble dropping the kids off.

But instead, the text is from an unknown number, the message causing my brows to raise.

Unknown: Good morning, Chelsea. This is Kadeem’s personal assistant. He’d like to see you for an interview.