Sleepover

POV: JACKSON

As I returned home from training, I noticed some unusual sounds coming from inside the house. It was already 10:15 AM, and typically, Aunt Cee and Beth would have finished their tasks by now and left. They had their own key, so they always locked the door behind them.

I stepped inside, trying to catch a familiar scent but couldn't detect anything. When I entered the kitchen, I found my older sister, Samantha, busy stocking the fridge.

"Oh, it's just you," I remarked, grabbing a handful of grapes and popping them into my mouth.

"What do you mean, just me?" she replied, feigning offense. "Aren't you excited to see your big sister, hmm?"

"It's not that," I explained. "I didn't catch your scent, and I usually walk into a quiet house after training."

"Aww, was my little baby brother scared?" she teased, a playful glint in her eyes.

I rolled my eyes. "I'm not scared of anyone."

"Alright, Mr. Big Bad Alpha," she chuckled. "I just came to replenish the supplies I got for you."

Samantha had stayed in behind in mexico when my parents died in the plane crash. She struggled to return for a year due to her fear of flying.

"Are you doing okay?" I often check in with Samantha, wanting her to know that I'm here for her.

"I'm fine, Jackson. You ask me this all the time. I promise, I'll let you know if something's bothering me," she replied, as she always did.

"Okay then. I'll just hop in the shower and get ready for work," I said, heading toward the stairs.

"I'm off now. I just stopped by to drop off what I picked up for you. Please say hi to my favorite nephew for me," she said, giving me a brief hug before leaving.

A familiar presence stormed into my office, and without even glancing up from the paperwork, I recognized it was Chris. He's the only one bold enough to do that.

"Back from your delightful vacation I asked, signing off on various financial decisions.

"Delightful? I'm very tired. Hopping from one gathering to another is exhausting," he replied, stretching his arms.

"Why not head home and catch some rest? There's no work until Monday."

"Yeah, but Lily would have my head. It's karaoke weekend, and you know how much she loves belting out tunes in her room," he lamented, resting his forehead on the table.

"Well, Tom has made a new buddy, Blake. You know Sam's son, right?" I said, and when he nodded, I continued, "They're supposed to have a sleepover at my place on Saturday, but I could start it earlier, from today until Sunday evening. Lily would have a blast with them."

"That sounds awesome! It'll just be Lynn and me at home," he replied with a broad grin. "Perfect."

"Speaking of which, what kept you up at the last pack?"

"Silver moon pack. The Alpha just didn't want an omega and his mom to leave. What's his name again? Saint," Chris replied.

At that, JJ's ears perked up. What's with that reaction? I asked my wolf.

"I can't say for sure; that name just excites me."

"What do you mean it excites you? It's just a name," I said, puzzled.

"You're asking too many questions. I already told you, I don't really know," he shut me out.

JJ had lost a part of himself when we lost our mate. He used to be bright and lively when Anto was still around. This was the first hint of excitement I'd seen in him since her death. All his frustration was directed at rogues, which is why I find myself losing my patience when dealing with them.

"Is something bothering you? You've been quiet for a while," Chris said, pulling me back to the present.

"No, I'm alright. Just lost in thought. You should really get some rest, Chris. Please let Lynn know I'll be picking up Lily from school and taking her to my place. I'll arrange for someone to bring her belongings," I informed Chris.

"Thanks, man," he replied, standing up. "Enjoy your time with those little rascals," he said as he headed out. By 2 PM, I set out to collect the kids, who were buzzing with excitement for the sleepover.

The doorbell rang, and I went to see who it was. Standing there were Evelyn and Blake.

"If you need any assistance, don't hesitate to reach out. I know they can be quite a handful," she said, giving me Blake's things. I only nodded.

I brought Blake inside, and the moment Tom spotted him, he dashed over and enveloped him in a hug. "Blakey, you're here! Come on, let me introduce you to Lily, my other friend," Tom exclaimed, taking Blake's hand and encouraging him to follow. Blake happily obliged.

"Lily, Lily, this is Blakey, my new friend Tom announced.

Lily looked at Blake with curiosity, inspecting him with keen interest before leaning closer to Tom and whispering, "He's really cute," followed by a giggle. It wasn't much of a whisper, as I clearly heard her, and I had a feeling Blake did too.

Tom frowned slightly. "Yeah, but he's my friend. I want you to be friends with him only," he insisted, and I couldn't help but chuckle.

"Alright, nice to meet you, Blake," Lily said, extending her hand with a bright, beaming smile that showcased her shiny teeth.

Blake shook her hand, responding shyly, "Nice to meet you too, Lily."

"Come on, let's show you our toys!" Lily exclaimed, taking Blake's hand, while he grabbed Tom's, and together they hurried off to their playroom.

I let out a sigh, knowing this weekend was bound to be filled with noise and excitement.