reconnection

Chapter 8: The Reconnection

Lucian sat in his car across from Riverside Elementary School, watching the building with the patience of a predator.

School let out at 3:15. It was 3:10 now.

Dimitri sat in the driver's seat, looking uncomfortable. "Boss, are you sure about this? Kidnapping the kid seems—"

"I'm not kidnapping him." Lucian's eyes never left the school entrance. "I'm taking him for ice cream. There's a difference."

"Does his father know about this ice cream trip?"

"No."

"Then it's kidnapping."

"It's an opportunity." Lucian finally looked at his second-in-command. "That bastard is using the boy as a weapon against Amara. Someone needs to remind Kai that his mother exists. That she's real. That she loves him."

The school bell rang. Children started pouring out of the building, a chaotic mass of backpacks and laughter.

Lucian spotted Kai immediately. Dark hair, gray eyes, walking alone while other kids ran past him in groups. He looked small. Isolated. His backpack was too big for his frame, and he was staring at his shoes as he walked.

"There," Lucian said, opening the car door.

"Boss—"

"Stay here. Keep the car running."

Lucian crossed the street, timing it so he'd intercept Kai at the corner. The boy didn't notice him at first, too absorbed in whatever was playing on the phone in his hand.

"Kai Cross?" Lucian's voice made the boy look up.

Kai's eyes widened. Recognition flashed across his face. "You're the man from the gala. The one who stopped Dad."

"I am." Lucian crouched down to be at eye level with the boy. Up close, he could see Amara in Kai's features. The shape of his nose. The curve of his mouth. "My name is Lucian. I'm a friend of your mother's."

Kai's expression immediately closed off. "I don't want to talk about her."

"That's okay. We don't have to." Lucian stood and gestured toward an ice cream shop across the street. "But I was about to get some ice cream, and eating alone is boring. Want to join me?"

Kai hesitated, looking between Lucian and the ice cream shop. "I'm not supposed to go anywhere with strangers."

"Smart rule. Your mother taught you well." Lucian pulled out his phone and dialed a number, then handed it to Kai. "Here. Call your father. Ask him if it's okay. Tell him Lucian Volkov is offering to buy you ice cream."

Kai took the phone slowly and dialed. It rang three times before Damien answered.

"Dad? There's a man here named Lucian Volkov. He wants to buy me ice cream." Pause. "Okay. Yeah. Okay. Bye."

Kai handed the phone back, looking confused. "He said yes. But he sounded weird. Scared, maybe?"

"He's just busy with work." Lucian pocketed his phone. Damien was scared. Good. He should be. "So, ice cream?"

Kai nodded slowly. "I guess."

They crossed the street to the ice cream shop. It was one of those old-fashioned places with a million flavors and toppings. Lucian told Kai to order whatever he wanted.

The boy's eyes lit up slightly. "Anything?"

"Anything."

Kai ordered a massive sundae with three scoops, hot fudge, caramel, whipped cream, and a cherry on top. Lucian ordered plain vanilla in a cup and paid.

They sat at a corner booth, and Kai dug into his sundae with the single-minded focus of an eight-year-old presented with sugar.

"So," Lucian said casually, "how's school?"

"Fine." Kai didn't look up from his ice cream.

"Just fine? You must be in third grade now. Learning anything interesting?"

"Math is boring. Reading is okay. Recess is best." The boy scooped up a massive spoonful of ice cream and whipped cream. "Are you really friends with my mom?"

"I am."

"Why?" Kai finally looked up at him. "Nobody likes her. Dad says she's weak and selfish. Sera says she's crazy and mean."

Lucian kept his expression neutral, though inside his wolf was snarling. "Is that what you think? That she's weak and selfish?"

Kai pushed his ice cream around with his spoon. "I don't know. She left. Moms aren't supposed to leave."

"You're right. Moms aren't supposed to leave their kids." Lucian took a bite of his vanilla ice cream. "Do you miss her?"

"No." The answer came too quickly. Too defensive.

"Really? Not at all?"

Kai's jaw clenched. "She left me. She didn't want me anymore. Why would I miss someone like that?"

"Hmm." Lucian leaned back in the booth. "That's strange."

"What's strange?"

"Well, if she didn't want you anymore, why does she still wear that bracelet you made her? The one with the wooden beads?"

Kai's head snapped up. "How do you know about that?"

"Because I see her at work every day. And every single day, she wears it under her other jewelry. She thinks nobody notices, but I do." Lucian watched the boy's face carefully. "Seems like a weird thing to keep if she didn't want you anymore."

Kai stared at his ice cream, not eating. "Maybe she just forgot to throw it away."

"For three years? That's a long time to forget." Lucian took another bite of ice cream. "She also keeps your picture in her wallet. And she has your baby blanket in her apartment. I saw it when I dropped off some work documents."

"She does?" Kai's voice was small now.

"She does." Lucian paused. "You know what else I noticed? Sometimes when she thinks nobody is looking, she gets this really sad expression on her face. Like she's missing something important. Or someone important."

Kai was quiet for a long moment. Then, barely audible: "I have nightmares sometimes."

"Yeah? What kind?"

"About being lost. And I'm calling for my mom, but she doesn't come." Kai's hands clenched around his spoon. "Sera comes instead. And she's nice and everything, but it's not the same. She doesn't know the songs Mom used to sing. She doesn't know how I like my sandwiches cut. She tries, but she's not Mom."

"Do you tell anyone about the nightmares?"

"No." Kai shook his head. "Dad would say I'm being weak. And Sera would get upset because she tries really hard to be a good mom."

"But she's not your mom."

"No." The word came out sad. "She's not."

Lucian let that sit for a moment. Then: "You know what I think?"

"What?"

"I think you do miss your mom. A lot. And I think you're angry at her for leaving, but underneath that anger, you just want to see her again."

Kai's eyes filled with tears. "What if she doesn't want to see me? I was so mean to her at the gala. I said horrible things."

"Do you know what your mom said to me after that?" Lucian's voice softened. "She said 'He called Sera mom.' And the way she said it, Kai, it broke my heart. Because even after everything, even after you were cruel to her, she wasn't angry. She was just hurt. Because she loves you."

"But I told her I hated her."

"Kids say things they don't mean when they're hurt. Adults know that." Lucian leaned forward. "Your mom knows you were angry. She understands. And if you wanted to see her, to talk to her, I think she would forgive you in a heartbeat."

"Really?" Hope flickered across Kai's face.

"Really. Because that's what moms do. They love their kids no matter what. Even when those kids are being little brats." Lucian smiled slightly. "Even when those kids say they hate them."

Kai wiped his eyes with his napkin. "Do you think she misses me?"

"I know she does. Every single day."

"I miss her too." The admission came out choked. "I miss her so much. I try not to, because Dad and Sera say I shouldn't, but I can't help it. I want my mom back."

"Then maybe you should tell her that."

Kai looked up at him, his face red and splotchy. "How? Dad won't let me see her."

"Leave that to me." Lucian pulled out his phone. "But first, you need to decide. Do you really want to see your mom? Because if I make this happen, you can't be mean to her. You can't say cruel things. You have to be honest about how you feel."

"I want to see her." Kai nodded emphatically. "I want to tell her I'm sorry. I want to tell her I miss her."

"Good." Lucian stood. "Come on. Let's go to a nicer place for lunch. Your mom is going to meet us there."

Kai scrambled out of the booth. "She is? When? How?"

"Very soon. And it's going to be a surprise." Lucian ruffled his hair. "She doesn't know you're going to be there. So when she walks in and sees you, I need you to be brave. Can you do that?"

"Yes." Kai grabbed Lucian's hand without thinking. "Thank you, Mr. Lucian."

Lucian looked down at the small hand in his and felt something shift in his chest. This was Amara's son. Her child. And he was so desperate for his mother's love that he'd grabbed the hand of a virtual stranger.

"Come on, kid. Let's go get your mom."

They moved from the ice cream shop to Riverside Bistro, a nice family restaurant a few blocks away. Lucian got them a booth near the back with a good view of the entrance.

Kai was fidgeting, nervous energy radiating off him. "What if she doesn't want to talk to me?"

"She will."

"But what if she's still mad about what I said?"

"She's not mad." Lucian pulled out his phone. "Now be quiet for a minute. I need to call her."

He stepped away from the table and dialed Amara's number. She answered on the second ring.

"Lucian?" Her voice sounded surprised. "I thought you said I didn't need to come in today."

"Change of plans." He kept his voice cold. Professional. Distant. If she knew what he was really doing, she'd refuse to come. She'd be too scared. Too worried about getting hurt. "We have an urgent meeting. Something came up with the security protocols. I need you at Riverside Bistro in twenty minutes."

There was a pause. When she spoke again, her voice was different. Smaller. Hurt. "Riverside? That's not near the office."

"I'm aware. I'm already here with a potential client. Twenty minutes, Amara. It's important."

"Lucian, I—"

"Twenty minutes. Don't be late."

He hung up before she could argue.

When he returned to the table, Kai was twisting his napkin into knots. "Was that her? Did you tell her I'm here?"

"No. I told her we have a business meeting." Lucian sat down across from the boy. "When she walks in and sees you, it's going to be a surprise. A good surprise. But you need to be ready, okay?"

"Okay." Kai nodded, but his hands kept fidgeting. "Mr. Lucian?"

"Yeah?"

"Do you think she's pretty?"

The question caught Lucian off guard. "Your mom?"

"Yeah. Sera says Mom is plain and boring. That she let herself go. But I remember her being pretty. Before she left."

"Your mom is beautiful." Lucian's voice was firm. "She's one of the most beautiful women I've ever seen. And anyone who says otherwise is blind or lying."

Kai smiled slightly. "Good. I'm glad."

They sat in silence for a few minutes. Then Kai asked, "Do you like my mom? Like, like-like her?"

Lucian raised an eyebrow. "That's a very direct question."

"Dad says you're trying to steal her away from him. But that's stupid because he already has Sera." Kai tilted his head. "So do you like her?"

"Yes." There was no point in lying to the kid. "I like her very much."

"Are you going to marry her?"

"If she'll let me. Which she probably won't because she's stubborn." Lucian smiled slightly. "But I'm working on it."

"Good." Kai nodded seriously. "She should have someone nice. Someone who doesn't yell at her or make her sad."

Before Lucian could respond, the door opened.

Amara walked in, and Lucian's breath caught. She was wearing a business suit, her hair pulled back, her expression all professional efficiency. But her eyes looked tired. And there was a tightness around her mouth that hadn't been there this morning.

His cold tone on the phone had hurt her. He could see it.

She was scanning the restaurant, looking for him. Then her eyes landed on their booth.

On Kai.

Lucian watched her face cycle through shock, confusion, and then raw, overwhelming emotion. Her hand went to her mouth. Her eyes filled with tears.

Kai saw her and froze for half a second. Then he was scrambling out of the booth, running across the restaurant.

"Mommy!" His voice cracked on the word.

Amara dropped to her knees just in time to catch him as he crashed into her. Her arms wrapped around him tight, holding him like she'd never let go.

"Kai," she sobbed into his hair. "Oh my God. Kai."

"I'm sorry, Mommy. I'm so sorry." Kai was crying, his face buried in her shoulder. "I didn't mean what I said. I don't hate you. I miss you so much. Please don't leave me again. Please."

"Baby, no." Amara pulled back just enough to cup his face. Her hands were shaking. "You didn't do anything wrong. I'm the one who's sorry. I'm so sorry I left you."

"I miss you." Kai's words came out in a rush. "I have nightmares and you're not there. And Sera tries to help but she's not you. Nobody is you. I want my mommy back."

"I'm here." Amara was crying so hard she could barely speak. "I'm right here, starlight. I've always been here. I never stopped loving you. Not for one second."

They stayed like that, kneeling on the restaurant floor, holding each other. Other diners were staring, but neither of them cared.

Finally, Amara looked up. Her eyes found Lucian across the restaurant.

The gratitude in her expression hit him like a physical force. Her lips formed two words: Thank you.

Lucian smiled. A real smile, warm and genuine. His wolf was pleased, rumbling contentedly. We helped our mate. We gave her back what matters most.

Amara stood slowly, keeping Kai's hand firmly in hers. They walked back to the booth, and she slid in next to her son, keeping him close. Her other hand reached out and touched Lucian's across the table.

"How did you..." she started, looking at him.

"I picked him up from school. Took him for ice cream. We talked." Lucian kept his tone casual, but his hand turned over, catching hers and squeezing gently. "I hope that's okay."

"Okay?" Amara laughed through her tears. "Lucian, I—" She stopped, emotions overwhelming her. Her hand squeezed his tighter. "Thank you. I don't know how to thank you for this."

"You don't need to thank me." His amber eyes were soft. "I just thought you two should talk."

A waitress appeared, looking uncertain. "Um, are you folks ready to order?"

"Yes." Amara wiped her eyes and smiled at Kai. "Order whatever you want, baby."

"Even dessert?" Kai asked hopefully.

"Even dessert."

They ordered. Burgers and fries for Kai. A salad for Amara that she didn't eat because she couldn't stop staring at her son. A steak for Lucian.

And they ate like a family. Kai chattering about school and friends and his favorite video games. Amara hanging on every word, her hand never leaving his. Lucian watching them both with satisfaction.

At one point, Kai reached for his water at the same time Amara did. Their hands collided, and they both laughed. It was such a simple moment. So ordinary. But Lucian saw the joy in Amara's face, and something in his chest tightened.

She looked happy. Really, genuinely happy. The walls she kept up were gone. Her smile was real. Her eyes were bright with tears but also with love.

She caught him staring and mouthed, "Thank you" again.

He nodded. Words weren't necessary.

After they finished eating, Kai hugged Amara again. "Can I see you again, Mommy? Really soon?"

"Yes." Amara held him tight, her voice fierce. "I promise. We'll figure something out."

"Okay." Kai pulled back and looked at Lucian. "Thank you, Mr. Lucian. For letting me see my mom."

"You're welcome, kid." Lucian ruffled his hair. "You be good, okay?"

"I will."

Lucian glanced at his watch. "I should get you back home before your father starts asking questions."

Kai's face fell. "Already?"

"I'm afraid so." Lucian stood. "But I promise, this won't be the last time you see your mom."

Amara kissed Kai's forehead one more time, holding him close. "I love you, starlight. So much."

"I love you too, Mommy."

Meanwhile, across town, Damien sat at his desk with his head in his hands.

His phone had rung an hour ago. Harold Westbrook. The man who controlled thirty percent of his business contracts. The investor who'd been with the Shadowmoon Pack for fifteen years.

"Damien, I'm pulling out." Harold's voice had been cold. Final. "Effective immediately. All contracts terminated."

"Harold, wait." Damien had gripped the phone so tight his knuckles went white. "What's going on? Did I do something—"

"You offended someone, Damien. Someone you really shouldn't have offended." Harold's tone had turned almost pitying. "My advice? Figure out who it is and beg for forgiveness. Because if you don't, you're finished."

The line had gone dead.

Damien had immediately called three other major investors. All of them gave him the same answer. Contracts terminated. Business relationships over. Done.

Someone was destroying him. Systematically. Professionally.

And there was only one person with the power and resources to do it this completely.

Lucian Volkov.

"Fuck!" Damien swept everything off his desk in a rage. Papers scattered. His laptop crashed to the floor.

The door opened and Sera walked in, her expression concerned. "Damien, honey, what's wrong?"

"Not now, Sera."

"But I can help—" She moved toward him, her hands reaching for his shoulders. "Let me make you feel better."

She kissed his neck. Her hands slid down his chest, moving lower.

Damien snapped.

He grabbed her wrists and shoved her away hard. She stumbled, falling to the ground with a cry of shock.

"All you know how to do is have sex!" he roared. "Can't you see I'm in a crisis? My business is falling apart, and you're acting like some horny bitch!"

Sera's face went from shocked to furious. She scrambled to her feet, her eyes blazing. "How dare you—"

"Get out!" Damien pointed at the door. "Get the fuck out of my office!"

Sera straightened her dress, her expression cold. "You're going to regret this."

"I already regret plenty. One more thing won't matter."

She stormed out, slamming the door hard enough to rattle the frame. In the outer office, she knocked a stack of files out of the secretary's hands, scattering papers everywhere.

"Useless!" she screamed at the cowering woman. "All of you are completely useless!"

Later that evening, Kai was dropped off at the pack house by one of Lucian's drivers.

Sera was waiting in the foyer, her anger from earlier still simmering under her skin.

"Where have you been?" she demanded as Kai walked through the door.

"Mommy's rich friend took me out," Kai said, his voice happy. Glowing. "We got ice cream, and then I saw Mommy, and we had lunch together! It was the best day ever!"

"You saw Amara?" Sera's voice went sharp. Dangerous.

"Yeah! And she hugged me and called me starlight and said she loves me!" Kai's smile was huge. "She said we can see each other again soon. Mr. Lucian promised."

"That man had no right—" Sera started, her voice rising.

"He's nice! And he likes Mommy. He said she's beautiful." Kai was practically bouncing. "And Mommy was so happy to see me. She cried but in a good way."

"ENOUGH!" Sera's hand shot out, grabbing Kai's arm hard enough to bruise.

Kai's smile disappeared. "Ow, you're hurting me."

"Your mother is a liar!" Sera shook him. "She doesn't love you. She abandoned you. And this friend of hers is just trying to manipulate your father."

"No!" Kai tried to pull away. "Mr. Lucian is nice. And Mommy does love me. She wore my bracelet. The one I made her. She's been wearing it every day for three years!"

Sera's hand moved before she could think.

The slap echoed through the foyer.

Kai stared at her in shock, his hand going to his reddening cheek. Then tears filled his eyes.

"Mommy never yells at me," he said, his voice breaking. "Mommy never hits me. You're mean!"

Sera's anger evaporated instantly. She realized what she'd done. Realized the mistake.

"Kai, sweetie—" She reached for him, her voice turning sweet. Fake. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to. I'm just worried about you—"

"I want my real mommy!" Kai jerked away from her. "I hate you!"

He ran upstairs, his sobs echoing through the house.

Sera stood alone in the foyer, her mind racing.

Kai was her only leverage. The only thing that kept her relevant. She couldn't let him turn against her. Couldn't let Amara have him back.

She pulled out her phone, her hands shaking with rage and fear.

She needed a plan. A way to make sure Amara stayed away from Kai permanently.

And if Damien wasn't going to help her, she'd do it herself.

Whatever it took.