Two blocks later, as Kylo was walking home, Luna caught up to him. "You didn't wait for me!" she said, a hint of reproach in her voice.
Kylo gave Luna a sheepish smile. "Oh, sorry, I was just trying to get away from Jack," he admitted. "I'm not sure why he hates me or why he insists on calling me wolf boy."
Luna frowned, a concerned look crossing her face. "Jack's just a bully, Kylo. He picks on people because it makes him feel powerful. But you know what? He's the one with the real problem, not you."
Kylo nodded, taking comfort in her words. "Thanks, Luna. It's just hard sometimes."
She gave him a reassuring smile. "I know it is. But you're not alone, okay? You have friends who care about you. Don't let Jack get to you."
Kylo nodded again, feeling a pang of frustration mixed with hope. "I know I have you and Cam, but I feel like everyone in my class is scared of me. I'm not sure why. I need at least one friend. I spoke to a girl named Anna today, but who knows."
Luna's eyes softened. "I don't know an Anna, but you should find a friend in your class, and Kylo, I know you will! I have Pearl, and well, she is nice to me and I like her. Others are a bit mean to her, but you will find the right friend, Kylo. You are special."
"Thanks, Luna. Well, here is your house," Kylo said, feeling a twinge of sadness that she had to go. "Come inside for a minute, please. I miss you when we are apart, and besides, my mom is probably home and she would want to say hi."
"Okay, but only for a few minutes. My mom and dad will wonder where I am," Kylo said, following Luna toward her house. As they walked up the steps, he couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and belonging. It was a feeling he cherished, especially after the day he had.
Luna opened the door, and they were greeted by the inviting aroma of freshly baked cookies.
Luna's mother called out from the kitchen, her voice warm and welcoming. "Hey Luna honey, how was school? Kylo, nice to see you again! I made cookies."
Luna's face lit up with joy as she responded, "School was okay, Mom. Kylo had a tough day, though."
Kylo nodded, and took a bite out of a cookie, not sure exactly what to say. The sweet taste and the comforting warmth of the cookie eased his troubled mind a bit.
Katie, Luna's mother, watched him with a sympathetic expression. "I'm sorry you had a rough day, sweetie. I hate how children insist on bullying; it's just awful," she said, shaking her head in disapproval.
Kylo managed a small smile, appreciating her kindness. "Thanks, Mrs. Jackson It's nice to be here," he replied softly.
"Oh for heaven's sake, Kylo, call me Katie please, and here, take some cookies home for your siblings," she said, giving him a bag.
Kylo chuckled, "Okay, but the last thing the triplets need is more cookies."
As Kylo accepted the bag of cookies, Luna suddenly looked at him with a puzzled expression. "Wait, Kylo, can you even eat chocolate?" she asked, surprised.
Kylo laughed, holding up the cookie he had taken a bite of. "Of course I can, Luna. I don't have any allergies. Why do you ask?"
"Well, you're a wolf and I thought dogs couldn't have chocolate," she said, her eyes wide with concern.
Kylo smiled and shook his head. "Right now, Luna, I'm a human, and it has never bothered me before." He took another bite of the cookie, savoring the taste. "Besides, I think the chocolate thing is more of a myth than a rule for us."
Luna seemed to relax, realizing her mistake. "Oh, okay. I just wanted to make sure you were safe."
"Thanks for looking out for me," Kylo said, appreciating her concern. He then turned to Katie, "These cookies are amazing, Katie. Thank you."
Katie beamed at him, "You're always welcome here, Kylo. And remember, there's always more where those came from."
Kylo smiled as he headed home, he was at least hoping his siblings were calm but honestly who knows. They were most likely bouncing off the walls at this point, the full moon was in a few days time. The anticipation always made the triplets restless, their energy levels skyrocketing as they sensed the approaching lunar cycle. He felt a mixture of amusement and trepidation, wondering what mischief they might be up to this time.
Kylo walked in the door and was immediately tackled by his brother Kato. "KYLO!" Kato exclaimed, his voice full of excitement. Kylo rolled his eyes, knowing this was just the beginning. The house was buzzing with energy, his siblings' excitement practically palpable.
Before Kylo could even catch his breath, the other two triplets, Selene and Taliyah, appeared, their eyes sparkling with mischief.
They both hugged me too, their arms tight around me and full of warmth. As I looked past their grinning faces, I noticed my mom standing in the hallway. She still looked worn down, and I couldn't help but wonder if she was alright. "Mom, are you okay?" I asked, concerned. I had no idea if the triplets were really that hard to manage. I know they are one and still little, but are they just way too rambunctious for my mom to handle?
"I am fine honey, how was school?" she asked, her voice gentle and soothing. Kylo sensed the fatigue in her eyes but chose to focus on her question, hoping to lighten her mood.
"School was good, Mom. " he replied, trying to convey a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos. He knew his mother needed some reassurance that things were under control, even if they weren't entirely.
She smiled, a flicker of pride brightening her face. "That's wonderful, Kylo. I'm so proud of you."
Kylo felt a warm glow at her words, but his thoughts quickly shifted back to his siblings. "Do you need any help with the triplets? They seem to be a handful today."
His mother laughed softly, shaking her head. "They are always a handful, but I've managed. Thank you for offering, though. Perhaps just keeping them entertained for a while would be a big help."
Kylo nodded eagerly. "Sure thing, Mom. I'll take them outside to play for a bit." With that, he ushered the energetic trio towards the backyard, their excitement bubbling over as they anticipated the fun to come.
After getting their jackets and shoes on, I was already tired, but I took them to the backyard where they could run and jump or whatever. The crisp evening air seemed to invigorate them even more, and they darted across the yard with boundless energy, their laughter echoing in the quiet neighborhood.
"Kylo! Watch me!" Kato said as he attempted to jump off something. Kylo reacted quickly and ran to catch him. "Kato, that is not safe," Kylo said, his voice firm but gentle as he held his brother steady. Kato pouted for a moment but then grinned, clearly eager for the next adventure.
"Good thing you were there", I heard a voice, and looked up to see Wild. I wondered if my mom had called him. He was our witch healer and helper, always there when we needed him the most. Wild approached with a gentle smile, his presence as comforting as ever. He did a lot for us, always knowing just how to bring peace to our chaotic lives.
"I just came to see your mom," he said, his voice a calming presence amidst the chaos.
Kylo nodded towards the house. "She is inside," he replied, keeping a close eye on the triplets. Each of them had their distinct personality that kept him constantly vigilant. Selene, the most rambunctious, was always a whirlwind of activity. Kato, ever eager to emulate Kylo, followed him like a shadow, trying to keep up with his steady guidance. Meanwhile, Taliyah, more reserved and often at odds with Kylo, preferred to stay out of the fray. She and Kylo had a bond tempered by misunderstandings and small conflicts, yet still filled with familial affection.
After about an hour, they headed back inside. Kylo was hungry, and he knew his dad would be home soon. He wanted to ask about the guardian bond thing with Luna, as it had been weighing heavily on his mind. As they settled back into the house, the triplets' energy gradually mellowed, each finding their own spot to unwind.
"Dinner will be ready soon," Kylo's mom said, and he nodded as the front door opened and their dad walked in.
"Daddy!" the triplets exclaimed as they ran to the door, their earlier fatigue forgotten in the joy of seeing him. He scooped them up in his arms, their laughter filling the room. Kylo watched with a smile, feeling the warmth of family enveloping him.
As the family gathered around for dinner, Kylo's dad turned towards him with a soft smile. "How was school, bud?" he asked, his tone warm with concern.
"Fine," Kylo replied, trying to keep his voice steady. His dad gave him a knowing look, his eyes searching for the truth beneath the surface. "Bullies still bugging you?" he asked gently.
Kylo nodded, a slight frown creasing his brow. He wasn't sure if things would ever change, but he appreciated his dad's concern. "Yeah, a bit," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.
His dad reached out, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "We'll figure it out together, Kylo. You're not alone in this," he said firmly.
Kylo felt a wave of gratitude wash over him, the warmth of his dad's support making the burden seem a little lighter. As they sat down to dinner, surrounded by his family's chatter and laughter, he couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope. Perhaps, with their help, things would get better.
After dinner, Kylo sat down with his dad in the cozy warmth of the living room. The soft glow of the fireplace added a sense of comfort and intimacy to their conversation.
"Dad, I have some questions about me," Kylo began, his voice tinged with uncertainty. He hesitated for a moment, searching for the right words to express the turmoil within him. "I am just confused."
His dad turned to him, his expression filled with patience and kindness. "It's okay, Kylo. You can talk to me about anything," he replied, his tone gentle and encouraging.
Kylo took a deep breath, feeling a mix of anxiety and relief. "It's about the guardian bond with Luna," he started, his eyes meeting his dad's with a look of earnest concern. "I don't really understand what it means, or what I'm supposed to do."
His dad nodded thoughtfully. "Nothing, I mean she is meant to protect you and you are meant to protect her. As you get older, feelings might develop," he said gently.
"Feelings?" Kylo asked, his brow furrowing in confusion.
"Well, yes," his dad continued, a small smile playing on his lips. "One day, you will meet your mate, Kylo."
Kylo looked even more puzzled. "What does that mean?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.
His dad's smile widened, but he seemed to be searching for the right words. "It means there will be one person whose scent stands out to you more than anyone else. It's hard to explain, really," he said, his voice tinged with the wisdom of experience. "It's something you just feel, deep down, and you'll know when it happens."
Kylo nodded slowly, absorbing the information. "But what if I never find that person?" he asked, a note of worry creeping into his voice.
His dad squeezed his shoulder reassuringly. "You will, Kylo. Trust me, it's a journey, and sometimes it takes time. But when you do find your mate, it will all make sense. Until then, focus on being the best person you can be, and everything else will fall into place."
"Thanks, Dad," Kylo said, a small smile creeping onto his face as he felt a sense of reassurance wash over him. "Did Auntie Everest have her baby yet?" he asked, looking up with renewed curiosity.
His dad shook his head. "Not yet, but it could be any day now."
Kylo's face lit up with excitement. "Are you ready for the full moon?" his dad asked, shifting the conversation.
Kylo's expression darkened slightly, and he shrugged. "I guess. I mean, I still hate it so much," he replied, his tone tinged with frustration.
His dad's expression softened. "I know the forgetting sucks, but will you help Xayah with your siblings?" he asked gently.
Kylo sighed. "I guess so," he replied, knowing that his siblings were so energetic on a full moon. He thought back to when he was their age, remembering how he, too, had been full of boundless energy. But now, he found them exhausting.
"Dad, how come the triplets don't turn on the full moon like us?" Kylo asked, his curiosity evident.
His dad gave a thoughtful nod. "They are still young, Kylo. When they get older, they will, but the moon still affects them. It's just different for now."
Kylo frowned, trying to understand. "So, they do feel it, even though they don't change?"
"Exactly," his dad confirmed. "The moon's energy influences them, making them more energetic and sometimes a bit restless. But their time will come. Until then, let's be patient and help them through it."
Kylo nodded, feeling a bit more at ease with the explanation. "I'll do my best to help them," he said, determination in his voice.
Kylo could never remember why he hated the full moon with his siblings, but he knew he did. Being a wolf while they remained human made him think they did a lot of hair-pulling and other mischief. Despite the frustration, he felt a deep sense of responsibility towards them. The full moon nights were chaotic, filled with their laughter and his own suppressed growls, but the bond they shared kept them close. He took a deep breath, preparing himself for the night ahead, ready to embrace the chaos with patience and determination.