Alpha’s Rue: His Shunned Luna (Athena Enchanted) novel Chapter 128

Chapter 128

KINGSTON

I wanted to visit the children’s home, but before that, I checked in with the manager to find out if anything was needed for the kids. The only request they have is more diapers for the youngest pups. I take the liberty to pick out a few, grabbing every size I can because we have a lot of kids there, some came in three days ago from nearby packs where orphanages and aid homes were too full or didn’t care enough to take them.

An hour later than I should arrive, I have diapers, yoghurts, and enough packs of paper, and crayons in my tuck. I notice my mom’s car is parked in the front, I had no idea she would be here today and judging by the boxes being unloaded from her car. She brought a few things too.

“Alpha Kingston, you’re here.” Arnold greets me, one of the staff members around here.

“Yes,” I nod. “I brought a few things, get the guys to unload,” I tell him, tossing him the keys.

He salutes and starts calling out for some help. I make my way inside, and it’s fairly empty and much less noisy than usual. Which means the kids are outside today, I confirm it when I see the volunteers cleaning inside.

I like to come here every couple of weeks to check on things, sign a few checks, play a game of soccer, or basketball with the older boys, and sometimes chess. It’s one of the few places around the lack that brings me absolute joy. I admire the work and love my mom has poured into this place, and I wish I could do more for the children.

I follow the sound of loud laughter, screaming, and chatter to the huge backyard, complete with playground sets for the little and grown kids. “Hey, big NA!” One of the older calls to me, using their nickname for me. They refuse to tell me what NA is, and I’ve accepted it, hopefully, it’s nothing vile! “Nice shoes!” He smiles.

I shake my head, I came prepared for a soccer match, and I need to redeem myself today, I lost last time, thanks to Rowan and his inability to win against the kids.

I’m about to jog out to the field and ask to be put in the next match, but then my eye catches something-

someone.

Aeliana.

I left her and Noah at home but now she is here. Her back is turned to me but I can recognise her still, and if my instincts weren’t enough, the fact that Noah is here too proves me right.

Aeliana is surrounded by the younger kids, among them, the “brats,” as the older kids call them. For a moment, I’m alarmed, but when I see the calm on her face, I relax too. The brats are the most feral kids we have around here, they come in three stages, the littles, the teens, and the tweens who refuse to listen or compromise. The littles are the worst, God forgive me but those little kids are hell on feet, rules are suggestions to them and suggestions are ignored deeply.

I move closer, aiming to help her when I notice not the hell on feet crew are not sitting still like the rest. Micah is holding a plastic truck above his head like a weapon, and the other little terror named Sofia is tapping Aeliana’s shoulder repeatedly. Two others are arguing over a stuffed wolf toy, pulling it back and forth until the seams break.

Aeliana is flipping through the pages of a book, for a second I think she isn’t aware of her surroundings, but then her head lifts, gaze pinning the two kids pulling at a toy. “Micah,” she softly coos. “Give the doll back to Zuri.”

“No!” He screams, tugging at the doll again. He successfully pulls it from her but it slips from his hand too, flying across and hitting Aeliana in the face.

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Everyone gasps, “Wooo, you’re in trouble, bad kid.” Stacey laughs, pointing at him.

Micah pauses, eyes wide as he stares at her. Aeliana doesn’t panic, she appears calm. “No one in trouble,” she says. “Why don’t you sit down, and stop pulling at toys okay?”

Micah sits down, and she picks up a book. “We will read this one,” she smiles, showing them a book. I take a stroll to the other end, so I can see them all, more so her. The kids sit for a moment, and she begins to read to them, her voice soft, clear, and loud enough for all the kids around her to hear.

While some happen to be enjoying the story, I notice a few going about their usual disruptions. Sofia has her hands in Aeliana’s hair, but she remains focused.

“Luna Aeliana,” Zuri cries out. “Micah is being mean to me.”

Aeliana pauses, “What’s the problem, Micah?”

“She’s stupid.”

“No,” she tells him, her voice firm and yet soft. “We don’t call people names.’

“He is meanie,” Zuri huffs.

“You too Zuri, come on, say sorry to each other, and make nice. We’re all friends here, right?”

The kids stare at each other, others laugh, but Zuri gives in. She hugs Micah, and he doesn’t push her away. Aeliana smiles and goes back to reading once again.

“Luna Aeliana!” Tino screams, “Luna Aeliana, I don’t like this book.”

“Yeah!” Calen screams, now this is the one she has to watch out for. The boy bites, screams, and can talk your ear off. I’ve seen the staff lose it over his antics. They often raise their voice and send him to a time-out. “This story is stupid,” he says. “No wolves get lost, they’re tough.”

Aeliana gently closes the book and rests it on her knee. “You’re half right,” she says. “Wolves are big, and tough. But even tough wolves can get lost sometimes.”

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