Chapter 8

It was like Eli had disappeared from the face of the Earth. He was good at that, wasn't he? If they hadn't accidentally bumped into one another, Alvin would never know… He needed to stop going over it. He knew, and that was what mattered.

Several days had passed since Eli walked out of Alvin's house, and all Alvin had been able to do was think about his mate. One who didn't want him. Now he'd had time to think about it. The pain hadn't lessened, but he had decided to move on. Or try to. If Eli didn't want him, then someone would.

He wasn't that bad looking, and he had a good body. He'd even had sex. Once, but at least he'd had it. Not that he wanted to remember it. It had hurt. He'd expected it, prepared for it, but the guy he'd slept with hadn't been bothered about Alvin's comfort at all. At least he'd had the experience, so he knew what to expect next time and what to not accept.

Sighing, Alvin mopped the shop floor, his mind wandering. To his parents, his siblings, his mate. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't stop thinking about Elliot Young. It would hurt less if he was ugly, but no. The fucker had to be drop dead gorgeous with his silver eyes and short blond hair and hard body. Ugh! Life was so unfair.

Cleaning shelves didn't take his mind off his mate either, and every time he tried to focus on something else, his mind would eventually lead him back to Eli. Alvin didn't think for one single second Eli was thinking about him. Why would he when he'd easily walked away?

Except for that kiss.

That kiss was seared into Alvin's memory, and he wanted more. He wanted those large hands on his body, those full lips on his lips, on his skin, his dick. And there he went again. Thinking about what he couldn't have.

But there remained a glimmer of hope. Eli had kissed him when he'd mentioned being with other people. What did Eli expect? If Eli didn't want him, why would Alvin remain single and celibate? Did Eli think he would pine over him for the rest of his life?

Alvin was young. Sure, he had siblings he was raising, but he was still young with a life ahead of him, and he wasn't going to wallow in self-pity because his so-called mate had turned his back on him. No, he was going to live his life and find someone who would love him the way he should be.

So there, Eli. Alvin nodded his head. He'd made his decision, and nothing was going to change it.

The day dragged, and when Sax strolled in, he was a very much welcomed distraction. "Alvin," Sax clapped Alvin on the back, causing him to stagger forward. "Why don't you and the kids come over when you've finished work?"

Alvin didn't need long to think. "Sure. I'll pick them up from school and head over. Want me to bring anything?"

"Nope. I'm here to buy cheese." Sax winked. "I remembered what you told me about the power cheese holds when it comes to getting kids to eat anything healthy."

"Oh yeah, cheese is amazing at that. Also, making your own sauces where I can roast the veg, then blend it. The kids never notice."

"They're shifters, too, and they don't taste it?"

"Sweet tomatoes do the trick and plenty of them." Alvin arched back, stretching. "Today has been so long."

"Not long, then you'll be finished." Sax glanced at his phone. "You only have another hour or so. I'll grab the cheese and some cakes for after and get ready. I have toys for them in the box, so we're covered there. We have diapers and such as well."

It had touched Alvin to find out Sax and Jim had a box for all the kids, including Alvin's. Having young nieces who lived with them helped, but they had toys for Slater too. And the cartoons. The kids all loved the cartoons.

"You know the twins love the twins." Alvin grinned. Sax had groaned when he realized his brother had twins and his friend had twin siblings as well. The downside for Sax and Alvin was his twins could shift and run rampant. Especially when it was bath time.

"I'll get the stuff and see you in an hour."

Alvin waved and went back to cleaning. Once it was time to go, he collected the kids, then went to Sax and Jim's. By the time they arrived, the kids were excited, and as soon as Sax opened the door, they rushed him.

Sax laughed and hugged the kids, then scooted them inside. "Jim has something for you in the kitchen." Alvin stepped in, and Sax shut the door. "Some slices of apple while the food finishes cooking. Spaghetti with sauce and lots and lots of cheese. Messy and gooey and nice." Sax grinned.

"Who is the kid here?"

"Please. Everyone loves it." Alvin followed Sax into the living room, seeing Jim hand the kids bowls of fruit. He had to admit he liked how open the place was now that they'd taken the wall out between the living room and kitchen.

Rush sat on the living room floor, helping one of his daughters with her doll. They were changing the outfit the doll was wearing. "Hey, Alvin."

"Hi and hi to…" He paused and looked at Rush, who mouthed, ‘Erin' "Erin. Where is Kelly?" He knew their names; he simply couldn't tell them apart. Alvin was sure there were differences, but he didn't spend enough time with them to find them.

"Kelly had a cold, so is having a nap. I'll get her up soon so she can eat."

"Oh, poor Kelly. Colds are yucky."

The sounds of claws on wood alerted Alvin to Killer's arrival. It still made him laugh that Sax and Jim had a dog. He couldn't see it for himself, but he had to admit seeing the gorgeous Golden Retriever's smiling, happy face did make him feel better.

Killer was always happy and loved nothing better than having his ear scratched, which Alvin was more than happy to supply. The kids loved him, too, so when they were visiting, Killer had lots of attention. Alvin stroked Killer's soft fur and felt the weight of the day ease. It was good to be with friends.

"Here." Sax held a bottle of beer for Alvin, and he accepted it. One only before he ate, then soft drinks after that. He had to drive home later.

"Thanks."

"Food won't be long." To Rush, Sax asked, "Want me to wake Kelly?"

"Yeah, thanks. I have to finish dressing Cindy."

Sax disappeared, and Alvin sat on the floor next to Rush. "How are you?"

"Good. Busy." He flashed Alvin a grin. "When are we not busy?" Rush was studying nursing at Salutem, and in between classes, he was often working at Salutem General for experience. He knew Sax and Jim didn't mind. They were all aware of the shortage of staff in both Salutem and Morefield.

With the increasing influx of shifters moving to both, the need for more staff grew. More staff everywhere. Doctors, nurses, police officers, dentists, fire… You named it, they needed it. At least with more shifters moving, it meant some of those vacancies were filled, but only after an extensive background check.

Alvin had often thought about what he'd want to do. When he'd finished high school, he couldn't decide, so had gotten the job at Emilio's. Then his parents had left and now he wasn't sure if he'd be able to. Time, money, day care…

"How's work?"

"Same old, same old. Which I'm grateful for. Don't know how you manage it all."

Rush shrugged. "I'm lucky. Between Sax and Jim here and Rand and Holden next door, there is someone who can help. Even Smith and Ray on occasion." A yawn caught Rush by surprise. "Sorry."

"Maybe you need an early night. Get some rest."

"I can rest when I'm dead." Rush flashed him a quick grin.

"Maybe when the twins are grown."

"Tell me it gets easier?" They both looked at each other, then laughed.

"We wouldn't be without them." Alvin sighed and watched the kids listen to Jim. They always did as they were told for someone else, but for him? It was a fight. "Why do they always behave for someone else?"

Rush snorted. "Tell me about it. Some nights it's a struggle to get them settled, but if Jim or Sax do it? They're asleep within minutes."

"To have someone help with that would be fantastic." Alvin said the words, then winced. He did have someone, but that someone didn't want him.

"I heard," Rush murmured. "I overheard Sax and Jim discussing it. I don't think they realized how loud they were. Neither are happy about it, but you can't force someone to do something they don't want to. I hope he gets his head out of his you know what and sees sense."

Alvin gave him a close-lipped smile. "You should have seen his face. He meant it, so I've decided to find someone who does want me and the kids. I'm not going to waste my life pining for a mate who doesn't want me."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah. Life goes on, and I'm young, so why should I let life pass me by? His loss and someone else's gain."

"Food's ready!"

Jim set the table and placed the high chairs together and had the booster seats in place. It only took a few minutes to get all the kids set up and then the real fun began. Feeding them.

The food was everywhere, which was expected with two two-year-olds and two four years old. Alison, being that bit older, mostly managed, but the area around the other kids was a disaster zone. One Killer thoroughly enjoyed.

"That's the good thing about having a dog. He cleans up really well." Jim smiled as he pushed his plate away. He looked at the table, and his eye twitched. "I'll wash."

"Nah ah! My turn to wash. You can dry, and these two are on clean up." Sax stood. "But we have dessert first!" He laughed as the kids cheered and brought back a plate loaded with chocolate chip cookies and various cups of milk.

Alvin sighed as he bit into one of the cookies and watched the twins and Alison eat. This was his family, and fuck Eli. He had no idea what he was missing out on.

Once cookies were eaten and milk drank, the twins became drowsy. It wouldn't be long before they were asleep. The adults cleaned up, then Alvin said his goodbyes and took the kids home. It didn't take long to get them washed, their teeth brushed, and into bed.

Alvin kept the hallway light on and crept downstairs. He had a few more chapters left in his book, then he would go to bed too. He would have gone as soon as the kids had, but he wanted a few minutes to himself to unwind.

And he had a prince and servant to catch up on.

Just as he settled with a drink and his book, there was a soft knock on the door. Groaning, Alvin put his book down and went to the front door. When he saw Eli standing there, he was surprised and not surprised at the same time.

Who else would be knocking on his door at this time of night?

Alvin stood and stared at Eli, then shut the door in his face. He'd had his chance and blown it. He didn't deserve a second. That wasn't what his heart wanted, but Alvin turned away and paused when there was another soft knock.

"Please open the door."