The Parenting Map Novels & Stories

"You even brought props. How earnest. Pity you can't fool me that easily." Someone scoffed. "Of course she can't. These yahoos thought they could pretend to be Mr. Shaw and his wife? They're dumb." "I think they're mad. They'd do anything just to get a slot at this place." The teachers started mocking us again. Quincy almost fell from rage. My face fell, and I took Harmony from him. Solemnly, I said, "I don't know who this Quincy you claim to be is, but the biggest stakeholders of this kindergarten are me and my husband. We have a share transfer agreement. If you need proof, that's it."

~ Harper’s POV ~ I frowned at the map laid out in front of me. The map depicted the large area of this pack, with the boundary highlighted and various important landmarks marked with an appropriate color. This map was the most updated version of our pack grounds and was made by a skilled cartographer who had been richly awarded for his efforts. Dad had called a meeting with the high-ranked wolves and some of his most trustworthy fighters. The room was filled with fifteen people, my parents, the old and new beta couple and the rest were fierce and loyal warriors.

Grace remarked as they finished buying Phoebe's kindergarten supplies for back-to-school. "I think we've given both children the security, confidence, and social skills they need to succeed in school and life while maintaining strong family relationships," Max concurred, "And I think our partnership has grown stronger through every phase of parenting," added Grace, "We've learnt to support each other and our children through all kinds of situations," "We've built exactly the kind of family we hoped to create when we first decided to have children together,"

“Kim you don’t have to do that.” Kim nodded. “I know. I want to help. Andrew and I have both talked about it. We have more leeway at the coffee shop than you will working in an office.” Mandy felt a tear slip down her cheek. “If I can’t be with the peanut, you’re the next best thing. Most likely, you will be better. What do I know about parenting?” Kim brushed the tears from Mandy’s cheek. “Don’t mess up your makeup! You will be a fantastic mother, Mandy. Besides, we have a million examples of what not to do.”

His laptop was open, coffee mug half empty, intelligence reports spread across the wooden surface like he had every right to bring them into her home. “Daddy!” Debbie bounced over from where she’d been coloring at the counter. “Look what Uncle Julian taught me! Map reading!” Map reading. My six-year-old daughter. “Julian says knowing where things are helps keep people safe,” Debbie continued, her face bright with excitement. “He showed me how to find our house on this map, and your house, and even the park! It’s like a treasure hunt!” My wolf snarled at the casual intimacy of the scene. This wasn’t a business meeting. Julian belonged here in ways I never had.

“Give it a few more months. The guilt will fade as the new normal solidifies.” One month in, Charlotte made an announcement at dinner one evening. “I figured something out. Mama is the WORK parent and Dada is the HOME parent. That’s how our family works.” “That’s exactly right,” Seraphine confirmed. “Is that okay with you?” “It’s good! Dada knows about school stuff and playdates and library day. Mama knows about work stuff and movies and big kid things.” Charlotte was very satisfied with her analysis. “And James just knows about causing trouble.”

Now, all that was left for them was endless regret. My son loved me a lot and appreciated what I did for him. He never took me or my efforts for granted. My parents adored him. Ever since he was born, they never urged me to find a mate again. "Forget it. We're old now and can't influence you anymore. As long as you raise your son well, there will be someone to carry on the Black Rose pack's legacy." I devoted all my energy to managing the pack. Soon, the Black Rose pack was one of the most powerful packs on the continent. With parents who loved me and a son who was an angel, my life was complete.