I Stay

Erina holds all our attention, albeit in different ways.
Drina and her mother peek broodingly at the little girl, there will undoubtedly be punishment waiting for her when she returns home. Arthur, on the other hand, is greatly amused by the child's behavior, as if he is used to her mischief. Jace serves her like a servile servant, gets her a plate and cutler and everything she demands.
When dinner is finally served, we eat in a relaxed mood. My in-laws are genuinely wonderful people, It's really a pity I didn't meet them sooner. But I think everything happens at the right time, Drina sure knows why she held it off so long. Thank God, she relaxes next to me as we chat lightly with her parents. I feel so proud with her at my side, her attitude is more that of a Luna.
My mate helps her parents choose the dishes and pour their glasses.
She makes sure they don't lack anything. One of the waitresses nearly dropped a carafe with juice when Drina approached her for some more meat. Fortunately, the women were able to prevent a disaster and my mate managed to put the servant at ease. The whole scene touched me deeply, it reassured me once again that Drina is the woman of my life. Before the evening is over, I will again urge her to move in with me, if necessary, she can take her parents and other housemates with her. Erina already seems to feel at home here, there is enough space in the pack for the little one and her parents and also possible siblings.
And then, it is time for the guests to leave.
With Drina on my arm, I escort them to the porch, where their vehicle is already waiting. "Alpha King, I think it's appropriate now to be informal with each other. Please, call me Arthur and my wife Florence," my father-in-law suggested. I've probably gained his trust now that he sees how much I love his daughter. I caught him a few times as he examined me intently. Ecstatic that I could make a good impression on my mate’s family, I take Drina in my arms and press her against me. “Thank you, Arthur. And of course, you can now call me by name instead of using my title”, I indicate. “You are all welcome here anytime you want”.
Florence comes forward and hugs me again.
“Thank you for this invitation, my son. I promise we will visit more often. And don't blame our granddaughter for the invasion. She is always very unpredictable, she is a hand full," she apologizes for Erina's behavior. I smile when I think of the assertive girl. "Do not worry. She has brought some light into the packhouse. I can't wait for Drina to bless me with some pups that will enlighten my life and turn this boring mansion upside down”, I respond softly.
And then I notice Florence tightening and bowing her head to the ground.
An awkward silence ensues. Horrified, I look from one to the other, wondering if I've said something wrong. I mean, every couple wants their own family, I don't think I'm being unreasonable.
And then Florence lifts her head, frantically looking around. “Where's that naughty granddaughter of mine? I don't see her anywhere," she exclaims, concerned. “Erina!” she sounds imperative as she prepares to storm into the packhouse again. But to everyone's surprise, we see Erina walking outside with her hand Jace's. The two are in an animated conversation and seem to get along well.
“Erina”, Florence exclaims reproachfully. “Where were you, child! It's time to leave. Quickly say goodbye to everyone and get into the car.” To everyone's surprise, the girl lets go of Jace's hand and runs toward me. She grabs my legs with her small arms and hides behind them. Drina tries to pull her off but Erina won't let go of my legs. “Erina, it's time to leave. Go to grandma quickly”, she coaxes the child. But then Erina shakes her head and hides against my legs. “No, I'm staying here. I'm not going back."
Terror is carved on all faces, including mine.
I wonder how the child came up with this idea, I don't know how to deal with a child her age. Of course, there are many pups in the pack, but I don't deal with them on a daily basis. Having Erina in the packhouse creates different conditions. "What do you say, baby? How can you stay here? You're here for the first time and then decide on your own that you don't want to leave?” Florence responds in shock.
Drina squats in front of Erina.
“Baby, the Alpha King won't be able to take care of you, he's too busy. In addition, there are no other children in the packhouse, so you will probably get bored. At home, you still have your siblings to play with, my dear”, she tries to persuade the girl. But Erina shakes her head determinedly. "I stay here. I'm not going back with grandma and grandpa. From today on, I live here”.
There is it again. That slight authority in her attitude.
There's something about this girl that triggers my wolf to stir up. She speaks with a vague authority that is more seen with Lycans.
“But how is that even possible, Erina? You can't just decide to continue living in someone else’s house," Florence now teaches her. Now is the time for me to get into the conversation.
“Why don't we try it for a week first? If Erina feels at home here, she can live here as long as she wants. I hire a nanny who can keep her busy when I'm too occupied”, I offer as a solution.
Another oppressive silence. I see Arthur quietly signing his mate, the two are now communicating in the mind link. The girl is probably their favored grandchild and they are cautious with her.
Drina also stares at her parents. It seems like they are in doubt and having a serious conversation. “Enrick, caring for a five-year-old girl is not an easy job. She is lively and needs a lot of attention. Also, she has to go to school in a few months”, Drina begins cautiously, trying to get me off the idea. “And this is also so sudden. You weren't prepared to house a little pup," she adds slowly.
And then Jace steps forward. “Leave everything to me. I arrange her nanny and school. Everything will be fine. If Erina wants to stay, don't force her to go back."
With this statement, he drew all the attention to himself.
A small child's hand appears from behind my legs and high-fives Jace.
Hmmm…..