Page 77 of Homecoming

“Oh hey Diggs. How are you? It’s been a long time since we talked,” Rosie greets him with a kiss. “Yeah, they’re still here.”

“Sorry forbein’late, but there was a slight miscommunication about who was pickin’ them up. I only just got back from operations and Kat’s gone for a run, shemust’ve forgotten the time.” He looks up as the pups start making a yipping noise at the sound of his voice.

The nursery looks like it’s been well used, with various toys scattered on the floor and coloring books still laying open on the tables. The desk at the front of the room is filled with paperwork and drawings as one of the other staff cleans up.

“It’s okay, we’re getting used to it now, and I understand she’s been training extra hard this week?”

“Yeah, but what, you’resayin’she’s been late pickin’ them up before?”

“Mostly each day, but it’s okay. The nursery doesn’t officially close for another hour. I’m actually hoping to extend the opening hours soon and take on some more staff. I want to train some ofthe she-wolves so when I open the next daycare in the city, I’ll have more people to run it. Now papa’s gone and things are changing, thereare many more wolves going to the city to look for work. The nursery has been so busy. Digby, while you’re here, could I have a quick word with you about the pups? Look, I’m not criticizing or judging your parenting skills, but Lukas… well, I think he needs a little more discipline. He’s been pretty unruly during the day, climbing and jumping on things, mostly. The problem is that it’s rubbing off on Evelyn already. I know she’s still only a baby, but… boy, can she get around. I also noticed she never shifts—even at mealtime, she just stays as a wolf. I don’t have a problem with that, but she’s also going through a phase of biting the other pups. I actually had to put her in time-out earlier, which is something I really don’t want to do with a pup her age.”

“Shit, I’m really sorry about that. You know, I’ll get Kat to have a word with her.”

“Well, maybe her father could have a word instead? I just think the both of them have a little too much excess energy. I’m sure it’ll settle down, but perhaps with Kat training more, it’s upsetting their routine at home? I think you just need to make sure that you’re all disciplining them in the same way. Luka, on the other hand, is very different—so quiet and considerate about everything he does. He has a beautiful soul and is such a good-looking boy—just like his daddy,” she smiles. “Diggs, all I’m saying is if Evelyn is always going to be a wolf when she’s here, we need to stamp out this biting phase because as she gets bigger, it’s only going to get harder to manage her, and even baby wolf teeth are sharp. I know she doesn’t mean to hurt anyone, but I hope you can see why I had to say something. Perhaps you could try to get them both to shiftfornursery and keep the wolf stuff for later after they get home? I mean, when she goes to school, she’s going to find it difficult to fit in and learn anything if she constantly wants to be a wolf. Perhaps getting into a routine now would be a good idea?”

“Uh sure… I’ll uh… I’ll talk to Kat, but don’t worry, I can assure you, we’re on top of it.”

“Well, I hope so because if it continues—especially the biting—then I’m sorry, but I won’t be able to have her attend nursery.”

“What? You wanna exclude her already, but she—”

“No, I’m not talking about excluding her—just saying we need to stay on top of it until she gets through this phase. You don’t want the other parents complaining, do you?”

“No, I guess not,” Digby sighs with a loud resignation as he drags his fingers through his hair. “Damn, thisparentin’stuff ain’t easy, right?”

“I guess not, but then I wouldn’t really know about that, would I?”

“Oh Rosie honey, I’m so sorry. You know I didn’t meannothin’by that. So how are youdoin’now?” he frowns, stroking her cheek. “I have to say, you’relookin’pretty fine these days. A real little powerhouse. And this place islookin’amazin’. You’ve done a great job with it.”

“Yeah, I’m good. I knew I had to move on and this business is really giving some purpose to my life. It’s something positive from all the negative. Darius looked at my business proposal and it a said it was a great idea. He even gave me some of papa’s money from the trust he set up to help get me started. It feels goodto finally achievesomething of my own.”

“Wow… Go Darius, right? He’s alwaysplannin’ahead. Well, I’m glad he helped you because you more than deserve it.” Digby smiles as he brushes a gentle kiss against her cheek. “You know, I always really cared for you. What happened between us wasn’t just… well, it wasn’t just because I had to. I really did like you.”

“I liked you too—after all, you were my first, so you’ll always be very special to me. But that’s the past and I have to look to the future now. Did you know I have a new boyfriend? I really like him. He’s such a great guy, well-mannered, and treats me with respect and dignity.”

“What, and you’resayin’I didn’t?”

“No, that’s not what I meant.” She strokes his cheek and smiles. “You’re a strong alpha and you just need someone more feisty, like Kat. I need a Tyler.”

“Okay, well, as long as he treats you real good, then that’s okay in my books. If he doesn’t, you come find me, right? I’ll show you how strong of an Alpha I can be,” he growls.

“Actually… I think he might be ‘the one’ for me. I think we might, you know—do it.”

“Wow… he really is Mr. Special-Guy, then? Well, I’m happy for you. And if you say he’s a good guy, I’ll go with that.”

“Digby, I love you very much but…” Rosie clasps her hands around his face and kisses his lips, “I’m a big girl now and I can take care of myself.”

“I know you can, baby, but that doesn’t mean I don’t still care about you. Think of me like your big broth… your good friend,” he smiles awkwardly. “Right, I’d better get these pups home and go track down their mom.”

“Diggs, is Kat pushing herself too much? I know it’s not my business, but she looked exhausted when I saw her this morning. She said no to the invite I offeredto the monthly mom-meet-up. Some of the othermom'sfrom nursery have been having a night out once a month in the city. Your brother Rhys has been helping organize it. He and Tyler make sure we stay safe by letting us have a reserved area in the VIP bar at the club. I also think it helps to let the male wolves have a night bonding with their pups. Tyler organizes security and transport to get us home safely. It’s working out really well. Some of the girls even got jobs at the club.”

“Jobs at the club? What the hell…” Digby frowns. “And you say Rhys organizes these little soirees? Hm… I think I may have to have a word with my brother and find out the hell he’splayin’at. Rosie, I’m really glad it’s allworkin’out for ya honey, but one thing… be careful around Rhys, he can be a royal pain in the ass at times.”

“It’s fine, and please don’t worry. Right, I’ll go grab Evelyn and the boys. Oh… one more thing. I noticed the past couple of days that Evelyn’s eyes have been a really funny color. Perhaps you might want to get Kat to check her over in case she’s coming down with something. It seems in the sunlight, the gray color can look an almost reddish mauve. It may be a photo-sensitivity thing going on, so I just thought I’d mention it, in case you weren’t aware.”

“Yeah, thanks. I’ll let Kat know your concerns. Rosie. It’s good to know you’relookin’out for them. I know they’re in safe hands here.”

Budholdsuphisplate as he licks it clean.“Helena, that was delicious, have you got any more?”

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