It wasn't until I spent the next day with them did I realize how much I missed my kids. It sounds horrible but I let my life get consumed by the trial and all the madness around it. I forgot to be a mother but I vowed I'd never let anything come between them and me again.

So as another month dragged on, followed by another I let Cain come with me when I would have to go to court or work. He loved every minute of it, because that was our time together. Now I'm not saying I didn't find time for my little girl, we'd go for a few walks and I'd read to her every chance I got. Maybe that's why as a young woman she's a slight bookworm.

So eventually I'd take her with me too to the bookstore. I'd sit them in the back in the children's section and leave them alone to explore their little world. It was okay since Sunday afternoons were normally slow days and half the time it was just me and the owner's Omega sister.

Lily was a sweet girl, and while she was small and soft spoken she was strong willed. "Alfred?" She asked me on late Sunday afternoon around the time I was about four months along. "Do you mind if I step out for a moment?"

Really I couldn't help myself as I gave her a big grin, "Oh is your boyfriend coming to see you?"

"Alfred, hush."

At that I let out a deep laugh, "So he is coming to see you. Well than I'm sure our resident Alpha will be able to protect the store while you're out playing Juliet." I winked at her, which got both an eye roll and a light laugh.

"What am I going to do with you?"

"Well you could tell me his name. Or her name, I don't judge really."

At that she kissed my cheek, "I know you don't but I also know you have a rather large mouth sometimes."

"Hey that was one time and I didn't know I wasn't supposed to tell Vash." I remarked pretending to be offended. I knew she was simply teasing me but I was slightly concerned that she was going somewhere alone.

She waved me off as she grabbed her coat, "I'll tell you eventually." But as she opened the door she looked back at me, "I should be back in an hour or so."

The look on her face gave me a slight pause, "Do you want me to come look for you if you're not back by then?" As she opened her mouth to say something she quickly shut it as she shook her head and ran off. It didn't take a rocket scientist to see that she was doing she shouldn't be but I didn't want to race after her just yet. No I'd give her that one hour just in case I was letting my mind get the best of me.

As the fifty minute mark came around my mind had already made a few dozen reasons why she wasn't still back. Most of them completely insane but still that didn't stop me from eyeing the door like a mother that just let their Omega go on their first date.

Finally at an hour exactly she opened the door and raced into my arms. Quickly I embraced her, it was clear that something was wrong. "Alfred…" She cried out as she held on to my shirt, "Please call my brother."

Before I could ask why, the front door opened again as a tall Beta male walked in as if he owned the place, "Can I help you?" I asked never taking my eyes off of him as Lily's grip on my shirt tightened fearfully.

He sniffed the air and chuckled, "Yeah I was trying to ask this lovely Omega out on a date."

"She's not interested so please leave."

"Why don't you let her decide that." He growled out as he took a step forward, "So move aside bitch."

Lily shivered but slowly I pulled her away from my shirt and advanced towards the Beta, "What did you call me?"

I knew he wanted to take a step forward but I already had his path blocked so he glared up at me, "I called you a bitch now move your fat ass before I move it for you."

My hand balled into a fist, "Okay I'm giving you one more chance to leave Dude or-"

"Or what, Bitch?" He found out a split second later when he was on his ass with his hands covering his bloody nose. His eyes started to water as he looked up at me in shock, "You…you hit me."

"You're damn right I did." I said as I pulled up him by his collar and pushed him out the door, "Now get the fuck out of here or the next time you'll be dealing with our mates." With that I slammed the door shut and sighed. "You okay Lily?"

She nodded rapidly now her eyes full of tears. "Alfred…"

After hugging her I kissed the top of her head, "You're okay. He was an asshole and I'm sure he won't be back."

"Thank you Al…" She whispered as she kissed my jaw.

"You're welcome sweetie just be careful next time you sneak out." I said as I picked up my children, "And I'll see you next Sunday." I joked as I gave her a warm smile, "And you'll tell me who your boyfriend is?"

Finally it got me a smile as she saw us out, "Yes I will…thank you again Alfie."

To me it wasn't a big deal but to my little co-worker it was something incredible and if I had to do it all over again I would have in a heartbeat. The only difference I would have done was that I won't have done it in front of my children.

My brother wasn't too thrilled that I had done that but I really didn't care although he'd tell me about it for most of the week. That Wednesday was like most, Toris had gone in my place so I could stay home with Mattie who had gotten a slight cold. I think it was the only reason he stopped talking about it, I'd make him soup if he would drop the subject well at least for the day he would.

Just as I handed him his lunch the doorbell rang. "Bet that's Vash here to tell you how stupid you were…"

"Didn't we have a talk about this? I made you soup."

"You opened a can and don't lie to me cause I'm blind not deaf."

While I wanted to mutter something I knew his ears would have picked it up so I just sighed and went to the door. "Coming." I said as I was a few feet away what I heard made me sprint to the door.

"Well hurry up Lad I want ta see these kids of yours."

I threw open the door and hugged him tightly as he chuckled, "Uncle Scott."

"Aye Lad it's me." He hugged me in return as he smiled, "I came as soon as your last letter came ta me. Now where are these grandkids and Nephew of mine?"

"They're in here." Really I didn't want to stop hugging the man in front of me, "Thank you for coming…" I whispered quietly.

My Uncle gave me a warm smile as he ruffled my hair, "Lad we're family. I won't just ignore yah." He picked up his bag as I let him in, "No matter what happens alright?"

"Alright." I smiled as I lead him into the living room not knowing if he'd do one last thing for me, "but…"

"Lad I'll talk to the Judges if I have ta." It was like he could read my mind, "Just tell me the day and I'll wear my good suit." I didn't know what to say as he walked over to my brother and touched his hand, "Hello Matthew, it's been a long time lad but I've heard so much about yah." His smile grew fonder as he sat next to him, "I'm your Uncle Scott…"