Maple
Maple glanced at the door after Raymand drove away. Nerves filled her body about being home alone with Cora. Memories of the last time filled her mind, making her shiver. Instead of dwelling on the past she took another bite of her eggs.
“What should we do for today?” Maple finished her breakfast and sat next to Cora on the couch. Her sky-blue eyes lifted to meet Maple’s gaze.
“Where did the alpha go?” Cora wiggled away to face Maple. Her wolf didn’t like the small move.
“He left to talk to Drake.” Maple made the logical guess. They had talked about keeping Cora before they found her. She didn’t think he changed his mind. Oh, goddess above, please don’t let him change his mind.
“Did he find a family to give me away to then?” Cora pulled at her hair but didn’t meet her gaze. Maple’s wolf whimpered at the idea of Cora leaving the house.
“I’m almost ninety percent positive he’s not doing that.” Maple smiled, trying to convince both of them.
“Then what is he doing?” She folded her arms with a little sass she hadn’t seen before.
“To be completely honest I’m not sure.” Maple pulled out her phone and texted him. When she lifted her gaze, her eyes caught the book her aunt left in the store unfinished. She made a mental note to read the whole thing later.
“So, you could be wrong, and another family could be on their way here.” Cora glanced up at Maple then back at her knees. Maple grabbed the little wolf and pulled her closer.
“Cora, I will tell you this, I’m not giving you up without one hell of a fight.” Maple shook her head and her wolf agreed.
“But you’re in heat, right? Doesn’t it mean you’ll soon have your own pups?” Cora’s little sigh broke Maple.
“Yes, it’s true but there is still room in my heart for you.” Maple pulled Cora into her lap. “My sweetheart, I love you so much.”
“I love you too, Maple. But what about the alpha?” Cora’s little lip trembled a bit.
“What about me?” Raymand slipped into the house making Cora and Maple jump.
“How the hell did you get your truck up the drive without me hearing it?” Maple snapped at him. He shrugged while holding a large envelope stuffed with papers. She wondered what the papers were for too.
“What’s that?” Cora asked and pointed toward the envelope. Maple met Raymand’s gaze and the heat spiked in her system. She pushed it down and focused on Cora.
“This has to do with all of us actually.” He glided over to the couch and sat behind Cora. “And this is for Maple.” He handed another envelope to Maple who opened it to find a contract.
“What’s this?”
“The new contract between you and the lease owner. The nasty clause is out and all you have to do is sign.” He smiled brightly, and her heart leapt in her chest. So much hard work had finally paid off.
“Thank you.” She pulled him into a quick kiss. Her wolf bounced around in her mind with joy. Maple had finally accomplished standing on her own even if she had help from the alpha, this was hers. And her father wasn’t here to completely ruin it.
“Now I have one question for you before I tell you what it is.” He wiggled the other envelope and directed his comment to Cora.
“What?” Cora adjusted on Maple’s lap to face Raymand.
“Do you want to stay here?” Raymand placed the papers on his lap when he asked the question.
“I do want to be here if you want me to.” Cora pulled at her hair again. Maple mouthed ‘tell her’ to Raymand and he nodded quickly.
“These here are papers to legally adopt you. Maple would be your mother and me your father in the eyes of the law.” Raymand placed a hand on Maple’s and her heart swelled with joy.
“You mean…” Cora turned toward Maple, a big smile on her face. “I can stay?”
“I would love it if you stay here with me and Raymand.” Maple kissed her head. Cora bounced on Maple’s lap for a second before her face fell and she turned toward Raymand.
“What?” Maple asked her.
“But what about your pups? Who will I be to them?” she asked. Before Raymand opened his mouth, Maple placed her hand on his lap.
“You would be their older sister, of course.” Maple wouldn’t hear anything else.
“How many kids are you planning on having?” Cora’s eyes bounced between Maple and Raymand.
“At least two for me.” Maple pushed Cora’s hair from her face. So much love filled her heart as she glanced at her mate. She never expected her fresh start to begin with motherhood, but she wouldn’t change a damn thing.
“I’m thinking five.” Raymand’s serious face had Maple panicking a little inside before he smirked. “But since I know what kids can be like maybe I will lower the number.” He winked at Maple his chestnut-brown gaze moved to Cora.
“So, what do you think?” Raymand asked after a few minutes of quiet.
“I think I would be good with that, but what do you I call you?” Cora asked.
“What were you thinking?” Raymand moved the papers over and pulled her into his lap. Maple’s wolf loved seeing him in this new father figure mode putting her human side at ease.
“Would Dad and Mom be okay?” Cora turned toward Maple and then faced Raymand again. He paused for a few moments like he pondered the idea, then smiled.
“I think I like the sound of it.” He nodded.
“I like it too.” Maple leaned forward and kissed Raymand then kissed Cora’s head. “I think we need to celebrate!”
“No pizza!” Cora and Raymand spoke in unison.
“Don’t worry, there will be no pizza ordering for a month, I promise.” Maple laughed and grabbed the papers while Cora and talked with Raymand. With every step, she knew her family would be whole. The current attacks with the hunters shouldn’t happen for a while and with her alpha being so attentive with her and Cora, she felt safe in his home.
“But how long does the process take to be your daughter?” Cora asked, and Maple paused before she reached the fridge.
“Since I’m the pack alpha, it’s pack law. You’re my daughter and Maple is my mate. It’s final. I don’t care what the state says.” Raymand’s firm voice made Maple want to giggle.
“Okay good.” Cora nestled into his chest. Raymand glanced Maple’s way.
“I love you, Maple,” Raymand’s voice carried toward her making her heart flutter. She hurried over and kissed him again.
“I love you too.” Maple couldn’t believe how lucky she was.
“How about a movie day?” Cora suggested.
“We might have to take a small break later but I’m good with it.” Raymand kissed her head.
“Cool.” Cora scrambled off his lap and jogged for the tv remote.
“What’s the break for?” Maple asked, he leaned up and placed his lips next to her ear.
“I need to fuck you. I’m fucking hard and can’t stop thinking about this morning,” he whispered sending heat right down to her core.
“These next few days are going to be both hell and wonderful, aren’t they?” Maple whispered back.
“Oh, my sweet, you have no idea.” He nipped at her ear before turning toward Cora. She bounced on her toes with the movie Cinderella in her hands.
“This one?” Cora’s resilience surprised Maple. Only a few days ago, did her life get completely upended and now only happiness filled her soul.
“Okay, princess,” Raymand said and she stopped moving, a smile lit up her face.
“Is that my nickname?” Cora held the movie tighter.
“Don’t break the movie and yes, princess will be your nickname from me.”
“Cool.” She squealed with delight and ran up to hug Raymand. “I love you, Dad.”
Raymand picked her up and hugged her tight. “I love you, princess.”
They turned to face Maple and tears were rolling down her face. “Don’t judge me. This is too beautiful for words.” Maple sniffled and pushed away the tears.
“It’s okay, Mom.” Cora leaned on Raymand’s chest while she looked at Maple. Her heart squeezed tight. Maple hopped over the couch and joined in on the group hug. So much love filled her heart, Maple thought she might burst. She had found her fresh start with her alpha and little girl.