A Mother Before A Mate
Chapter 18

We get to the park at 11:30 am, and there are a few families here as well. Molly grabs her little bucket with sand toys in it and heads straight to the large sandy area. "She loves playing in the sand," Lexi tells me. We set up the blanket and sit on it, facing Molly so we can watch over her. She starts playing with another little boy in the sand, and I'm dying to hear what Lexi has to say.

"Ok, the suspense is killing me. When are you going to move to Black Moon?" I ask.

She chuckles and then pauses. It seems like the longest pause. I'm holding my breath hoping she tells me what I ache to hear. I can't imagine heading back to Black Moon without her, and only seeing her a day and a half a week. How am I supposed to get closer to either of them seeing them so little? I'm an Alpha of a huge pack, and I have a business and I have over 30 commercial investment properties that I manage. I can't consistently be away.

"I've given this a lot of thought. I weighed my options. My priority as a mother has to be what's best for Molly," she starts.

I feel a sinking feeling. I don't want to be apart. "We know that this is going to be a big adjustment for her. I believe Molly is my destiny, and I also believe you are my destiny, and that we are your destiny. Moon Godess is fiercely protective of children, and I know she wouldn't pair us together if you were capable of hurting her-"

I cut her off, "I could never hurt you or Molly," I say firmly.

She nods. "I know that, and on top of the fact that I believe we were all destined to be together, I also believe you'll be a really great father. So in conclusion, I think what's best for Molly is if we move to Black Moon right away. She's young. You've both missed a lot of time with each other. I don't want either of you to miss more. You're what's best for both of us," she finishes.

Relief floods me, and my heart feels like it's beating out of my chest. I thought she was going to tell me the opposite. I'm so happy, I can't contain it. I pull her into my arms and hold her tight. "Thank you!" I whisper.

"I need to warn you, there are going to be some tough days. Really tough. Maybe she's sick or didn't sleep well and she's miserable all day, crying and whining and having a fit, or she's just having an off day, or she gets hurt and we wind up in the hospital stressed out, and worried. It can be stressful. Are you sure you want that? I want you to understand what you're asking for. It's a big responsibility," she explains.

"I know what I'm asking for. I want this. That won't change. She's just little. I know it isn't going to be all rainbows and butterflies all the time. I also think she'll be more content with a father, and having two parents there for her when she's sick, or having an off day. Not to mention, it would be easier for you too to share the responsibilities with someone. I want to be that someone for both of you. I need to be," I assure her.

I can't imagine going back to my old life without Lexi and Molly. I look into Lexi's eyes, and they are red and glossy. "What's wrong, baby?" I whisper, as my hand replaces her face, and my thumb grazes her cheek.

"Nothing. I'm the happiest I have ever been. Thank you for wanting both Molly and me. We are a package deal, and it makes me feel so unbelievably happy that you make me feel like Molly isn't a sacrifice to your happiness," she sniffles.

"Never. You're both my girls." She gives me a grateful smile and it's the most beautiful sight. I pull her closer, and kiss her. She deepens it, but not for long, just enough for me to feel the love and desire she has for me. Damn! I love her, but is it too soon to tell her? "So I'll need a few days to pack. When do you have to be back? I know you're busy, if you need to head back home, I can stay behind and head down on the weekend?" she asks.

"I was supposed to be home this morning, but it doesn't matter. I've cancelled some stuff and shuffled stuff around. You're my priority. I'm not going to leave you to multitask packing and watching Molly all by yourself. I'll get a trailer rental first thing tomorrow, and I'll pick up some boxes, and we can get started on everything tomorrow. It's not like you need any furniture, so it shouldn't be that big of a move. We can probably be ready to go on Tuesday. It won't take us more than a day working together," I explain. "You're so thoughtful. I do have some furniture I'm taking though. I need all of Molly's stuff, and my dresser was my great grandmother's, then my mother's, so it's special," she explains.

"I know your parents passed, but I don't know the details. Would you be comfortable telling me?"

She tells me all about what happened on that Saturday morning nearly 2 years ago. "Is that what made you want to become a warrior?" I question.

"No, I always wanted to be a doctor. My Mom let me tag along for years, and I loved it. My parents passed away just 6 weeks before I found Molly. I think the fact that I didn't have parents, and I was grieving that loss, only made the thought of this perfect little baby not having any parents to take care of her, all the more heartbreaking for me. We really had this connection from the moment I met her, too. After I got Molly, as I mentioned, it was a possibility that we would have to live among humans and rogues. I knew I had to be able to protect us, so training with the warriors was essential. I was so determined that I improved very quickly. The fact that I am a Gamma's daughter helped. Plus, you've seen Lev, he beat all those Beta's. My Dad was really strong too. Maybe we just naturally have good instincts?"

"I don't know about your Dad, but Lev is not a Gamma. Sometimes, in these really big packs, people just accept the lineage. Beta's son will be the next Beta, and Alpha's and Gamma's etcetera, but it's not always fair. Lev should be Beta of this pack, 100%. He beat out his own Beta and all the Beta's except mine, and Zac could be an Alpha. Not of my pack, because he couldn't beat me, but I have yet to meet an Alpha I thought could beat me if I'm being honest. Lev is bare minimum, a Beta, and you are an Alpha female. I wouldn't be surprised if your Dad was a Beta as well. Sounds like Alpha Maximus knew it too. Why did he send his Gamma to inspect everything that day?" I question, and I see her deep in thought.

"My Dad beat Beta in training so often that Alpha Maximus removed him as the lead trainer for the warriors and made my Dad train them," she says quietly.

"Really? Beta's or Alpha's lead the warrior men in training. That's how it goes. Your Dad was probably just too loyal to demand what was rightfully his," I admit. "In my pack, I wanted the best of the best in their rightful positions, so I literally made them fight for their position when I became Alpha. Kyle was supposed to be a Warrior, but he outfought the man who thought he was entitled to the Gamma position because of his bloodline. As the Alpha, if I wasn't the strongest, I would have had someone challenging me for the title."

"I think that's fair, and you're right, Lev should be Beta." she agrees. We enjoy a quiet silence together, sitting close, and watching Molly for a minute.

"Oh, by the way, you don't need Molly's furniture. I made a call this morning, and I've got a few people on it. Molly's room will be done by Tuesday, and fit for a princess. A bunny-loving princess. All hands are on deck today and tomorrow, so it'll be ready for her," I assure her.

"Really? You did that for her? That is really really sweet," she's looking at me with those eyes that always hold so much love and appreciation and I could get lost in them. I love making her happy.

"Anything for my girls!" I mean that too. I would do anything for them already. She takes a deep sigh.

"You okay?" I ask.

"Never better," she beams. I wrap an arm around her and hold her closer to me, while we watch Molly. When Molly's little friend leaves, we have a picnic. Lexi packed all sorts of delicious food. I wasn't expecting my fierce fighting, beautiful, and caring mate to also be such a good cook. After lunch, we play with Molly in the park. Pushing her on the swing, and helping her up the play structure to go down the slide. It's been a great afternoon. "It's almost your nap time, Molly. We have to go," Lexi tells her.

"One mow side, peas?" Molly questions.

"One more slide, that's it," Lexi agrees.

-

When Lexi is upstairs putting Molly down, I wait downstairs. I want to take the girls out for dinner tonight, but I don't want to go somewhere too fancy for Molly. I look online to see what restaurants are kid-friendly nearby. The closest town is just 10 minutes away. I see a diner called "Mama's Cookin"" in the nearby town.

I look for options in the city, it's only about 35 minutes away. Oh, BINGO! Molly will love this. 'Rainforest Café. It's a little bit of a drive but it'll be worth it. It looks like a jungle inside, they have large fish tanks full of fish, life-sized electronic animals, elephants and bears. Twinkly lights.

I've never been before, but it looks like a magical place for a kid. Reviews said the food was good too. Perfect. I called and made a reservation for 5:45 pm. When Lexi comes downstairs, I'm all too excited to tell her I have a special date planned for both of them. "I was gone for less than 10 minutes and you planned a date for us?" she chuckles.

"Yup, we have to leave here at 5, to be there in time," I explain.

"Okay, sounds fun!"