“That’s great. Actually, we have a slight change of plans. When John found out you’d be watching all three kids this morning, he offered to come up here and give you a hand.”
“Oh, that would be very helpful. Thank you!”
After she finished feeding Evan and getting him dressed, she made her way to the penthouse apartment. She rang the doorbell, and a few seconds later, a familiar face opened the door. “Oh! Hey, Jared.”
“Good morning, Isabelle.” The older Lycan gave her a kind smile. Jared Patrick had been her father’s personal assistant, and now served as the head executive assistant for the entire Fenrir Corporation. Dressed in his usual dark suit, his white hair combed neatly, he was obviously dressed to go into the office today. “It’s lovely to see you.”
“Yeah, it’s been a while. What are you doing here?” She entered the penthouse as he stepped aside to let her in. “Sofia told me that John was going to be here, but not you.”
“John told me that you guys were watching all three pups this morning,” Jared explained. “So I thought I’d join you before I head to work.”
John Patrick, Jared’s husband, had been a member of the Lycan Security Force and served as bodyguard to Isabelle’s family for years. He had retired a while back, though now he was Alessandro and Evan’s regular babysitter whenever Sofia and Isabelle were both at work. John was very loving and kind, and had a lot of experience with pups since he and Jared had adopted and raised three kids of their own.
“Well, it’s nice to see you,” Isabelle said. “I hardly do since you work all the time.”
“That’s what I keep saying.” John Patrick walked up to them, carrying Kier. He slipped his free arm around Jared’s shoulder and pulled him close. “See? Even Isabelle thinks you work too hard, honey.”
Jared smiled at him wryly. “You know I would drive you crazy if I stayed home all the time.”
John laughed heartily. “You’re right. Besides, who would pay for my expensive hobbies?”
“Oh, thank God you’re all here!” Sofia rushed into the room, hairbrush in one hand, while holding Alessandro to her hip. “I’m running a bit behind. Thank you,” she said to Jared as he took the baby from her. “I’ll be out in a sec!” She rushed back to the bedroom.
“Hello, Alessandro,” Jared greeted. “How are you today?”
Alessandro’s lower lip quivered, then he let out a cry. Jared looked taken aback and tried to calm him down.
“Let’s switch.” Isabelle handed Evan to Jared and took Alessandro. “There, there, now. Aunty Isabelle is here. Sorry,” she said to Jared. “Alessandro’s picky about who holds him.”
“That’s all right.” Jared nuzzled Evan’s cheek. “Our youngest was the same. Wouldn’t let anyone but me or John hold her.”
“How is Layla?” Isabelle asked. “John said she finished her training. How is she liking being part of the Lycan Security Team?”
They chatted about Layla and their sons for a few more minutes until Sofia came out, all ready and dressed for work. “Thanks again so much.” She kissed Alessandro on the cheek. “Be good, sweetie. I’ll see you soon. You know where to call me,” she said to John.
“Yes, Lupa,” he said. “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of them. Go catch some criminals and keep the streets of New York clean, okay?”
She laughed. “Will do!” With one last wave, Sofia left the penthouse.
“Now,” John began. “I think these kids have been cooped up indoors for too long. So, I was thinking we can go to the playground so they can have some fresh air and sunshine.” He motioned to the picnic basket by the door. “You don’t have to leave for work yet, do you Isabelle? Why don’t you join us? Jared’s playing hooky for the morning.” He winked at his husband.
“I only told the Alpha I’d be delayed by an hour,” Jared replied, but smiled warmly at John. “So I can at least enjoy some coffee.”
“That sounds good,” Isabelle said. “I have an hour or so before I have to get ready.” It would be nice to be outside, now that the weather was mild.
They all left the apartment and soon were on their way to The Enclave’s playground, located right in the middle of the compound. Isabelle had played here herself with Julianna when they were little, often in the morning like this with their mother watching over them before she went to work at Muccino’s. Usually it was busy on weekends or afternoons, but this morning, they had it all to themselves.
John handed Kier to Jared, then took a checkered blanket from the basket and laid it on the ground. They all sat on the blanket as John took out coffee and pastries for the adults, and some kid-friendly snacks for the pups.
“This is a good look on you, Isabelle,” John commented as she fed Kier bits of cereal. Alessandro stayed on her lap while Evan sat on the blanket in front of Jared. The older Lycan was trying—unsuccessfully—not to let the boy’s sticky hands leave marks on his otherwise immaculate suit jacket.
“Hmm?” She glanced up at him. “What do you mean?”
“I think he means you’re doing a good job as a mom,” Jared clarified as he finally wrangled Evan and wiped down his sugary fingers. “I happen to think so too.”
“Oh.” She blushed in embarrassment at their compliments. “I’m just doing the best I can.”
“You were meant for this, Isabelle,” John added. “I, uh, had my doubts when Jared told me about you being pregnant.” Jared shot him a warning look and then shot an apologetic grin at her. “But I always knew you were going to turn out great.”
Isabelle laughed. “I was a brat, and you know it.”
“But you have a big heart,” John said. “Always have.”
“And that’s why you were always my favorite, John,” she said. “And—” Suddenly, she felt all the hairs on the back of her
