Page 3 of Claiming the Wolf Daddy

I laughed, setting the tea down on the counter. “Yeah, it kind of is like drinking grass, I guess.”

“I like the warm milk better,” he said, picking up his cup to take another sip.

“Yeah, you have way better taste than I do.”

As we finished our drinks, we chatted about his grandfather’s new metal detector, school, and presents from Georgia. When we were done, Noah reached out his arms for me to pick him up.

“You might be too big for me to carry you by the time we get back from Georgia,” I teased as I carried him to his room. “First your teeth go loose, and now it seems like every time I see you, you’re a little taller and stronger.”

“Do you think the tooth fairy takes shifter teeth?” he asked.

“Oh, I’m certain she does,” I promised. “I’ve known shifters who got a visit from the tooth fairy.”

“Really?!” Noah asked brightly. “How much money did they get?”

“Well…” I said as I passed our bedroom, then pushed the door to Noah’s room open with my foot. “That depends on how well you take care of your teeth, but I think most shifters get around five dollars.”

“Whoa! I’m going to be rich!”

“That’s right,” I said with a laugh. “What are you going to buy with all of your fabulous wealth, Noah?”

“Hmm,” Noah said as he emulated his father’s habit of rubbing his chin. “Maybe another Adventure Hour toy. Or a dinosaur toy.”

“Those are both great ideas,” I said.

I settled him in his bed and covered him with his blanket, tucking it under his feet and legs so he was nice and snug. He squeezed his wolf plushie closer and snuggled into the covers.

“Do you think a bad guy will ever break into this house?” he asked.

I shook my head. “No, I don’t think so,” I said, genuinely meaning it. “Your super-strong dad scares bad guys, and this building has a lot of special locks and safety measures to stop people from getting in.”

I brushed my fingers through his hair, pushing his wild curls away from his face. It was starting to get a little too long. We’d have to get him a trim soon so his hair didn’t get in his eyes during class.

“How about a story to help you go to sleep?” I suggested.

Noah nodded and moved to face me more. “Can you make up a new one? I’ve already read all of my books, and you’re really good at it like Daddy is.”

I smiled down at him. “Sure. I love coming up with stories.”

I spent the next half hour telling him a sweeping story about a pirate ship on the high seas, with swashbuckling scallywags and mermaids and sea serpents before winding down and murmuring about the ship bobbing lazily on the seas.

Noah was asleep by the time I finished. I rose very carefully from the edge of his bed so as not to shift him. When I was sure he was fully asleep, I walked to the door and exited the room, quietly closing the door behind me.

When I walked back into our bedroom, Cole was sitting on the edge of the bed, giving me a look that was equal parts guilty and affectionate.

“What are you doing up?” I asked. “I thought you were getting some sleep.”

“I was,” he said. “But I heard that darling story of yours, and the questions my son asked about bad men getting into the house...” His gaze dropped to the floor and he leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “I feel like that new fear is my fault. If I hadn’t left you guys alone...”

I shook my head and sat next to him. “Don’t think like that,” I said. “It’s not your fault, nor is it mine. Wyatt was the one who frightened Noah. All we have to do is make sure we give him the chance to air out his feelings in a safe, loving environment and keep reassuring him that we’re safe.”

“Is that your expert opinion?” he teased.

“I mean, maybe ‘expert’ is a little strong, but generally speaking, kids just need a safe space to feel like they can communicate their worries and fears, process them, and hear from a trusted and reliable adult that their fear is understood but not necessary.”

Cole nodded and sighed before looking sidelong at me. “You know, I love hearing you talk to him like he’s your son.”

A flush crept up from my chest to my ears. “Y-you do?”

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