The Reawakened Mates And Their Quintuplets: Read Chapters 1-5

Ardal

This is my last chance.

I never thought I would think those words when it came to Kadeem and me, but one way or another this is where we’ve found ourselves. My childhood friend, my lover, my husband, my mate.

Tonight is my last chance to win him back - even if losing him was never my fault.

Kadeem is lying in bed when I walk out of the bathroom, wearing the lacy lingerie that I picked out for tonight. There’s a gleam in his eyes as he stares at me, though he’s also skeptical. Only, his lust wins over as he sees my breasts nearly spilling out of my bra.

I go to him, wasting no time as I move to straddle his lap. Kadeem lets out a huff as I settle.

“Adral…” he begins, his large palms sliding up the sides of my thighs. I nearly shudder at his touch over my skin - I’ve come to know those hands so well.

I first experienced their touch when we were ten and Kadeem held my hand for the first time. And over the years, his fingers and palms began to explore other parts of me until he memorized every inch of my body.

And I memorized his too. We’ve become so familiar with one another. But it’s more than that. Not only is Kadeem’s body perfect under my touch, but it also fits perfectly against my own body.

For a while, we thought that was because we were childhood sweethearts. Kadeem was the Alpha’s son and I was the daughter of the Beta while my mother was one of the main pack fighters. We spent a lot of time together, grew close, and then we fell in love.

However, years later, we also discovered we were mates. Not only do our bodies fit together because we know each other so well, but because we were basically made for each other. Every curve of him is meant to line up with me.

It makes him feel heavenly underneath me now - the sensation only heightened as he raises his hips up, causing me to roll over him as I sigh. I feel his growing length underneath me, making my stomach become warmer.

“Come to play, sweetheart?” Kadeem asks then.

“Yes,” I breathe, knowing I’ve come to do more than play. This is not a game - this is desperation. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to keep Kadeem’s wavering attention. And that begins by reminding him just how perfect we were made for each other.

Upon my response, Kadeem takes over. His hands wander over my skin and the fabric of my lingerie as he reaches up to cover my breasts with his hands and then squeezes. I squeak at the warmth of his palms, my hips grinding over him once more.

“Fuck,” he draws out, a groan rumbling out of his throat. “You’re so beautiful. I need to be inside you right now.”

I moan, causing Kadeem’s fingers to swiftly unhook my bra before he flips us. Within the blink of an eye, he’s on top of me, leaving enough space between our bodies so he can tear off my panties.

He hums as I’m completely naked to him, his hands rubbing over my skin again as my eyelashes flutter from the tingles he leaves over my stomach and thighs. But then his fingers dip between my legs, running through the slickness and my obvious desire for him.

“So wet for me,” he purrs, sliding his fingers inside of me and making my whimper. However, he soon pulls his fingers away and I look down to see him removing his pants, his underwear. In the meantime, I pull off his shirt, leaving him completely bare to me as well.

He’s so beautiful. That’s all I can think as he moves to kiss me, his tongue sweeping into my mouth.

We kiss and pull on each other until neither of us can take it anymore. Kadeem’s hips come forward with ease, the velvety skin at the head of his cock parting me until he begins to slide in. His size causes my hips to jerk as I gasp into his mouth, trying to adjust to accommodate him.

“You know you can take it,” he reminds me, causing me to nod as he presses in again, giving me more of him.

Finally, my body relaxes enough that my discomfort is replaced by pure pleasure as he slides in deeper, making me release an uncontrollable moan.

“Good girl,” he murmurs as he kisses my throat. “You’re so fucking perfect.”

He thinks I’m perfect - at least in that moment.

Kadeem moves again, pushing himself even deeper inside of me, making me cry out as my back arches. Seemingly delighted by my noises, he thrusts harder into me, finding a rhythm as he fucks me again and again.

“Yessss,” I draw out, dizzy from the feel of him. My hands are in his hair as I hold him close, our skin coating with sweat as we move against each other.

It’s perfect. Every single second of it. The way he moves in me, the noises we make, the way we match every move. This is it…everything that I wanted. And I’m sure that I’m victorious, that Kadeem is mine, will always be mine.

But when our eyes meet again, I’m immediately proven wrong.

It happens in seconds, that deep gaze is filled with ravenous desire but then immediately goes blank, empty. And then my heart drops as Kadeem freezes, staring at me as if I’m nothing.

“Enough,” he says harshly, tearing away from me. “Enough with this poor performance!”

With every inch that he retracts back, I feel myself shattering into smaller and smaller pieces. Especially as his gaze is practically dripping with hatred. My own desire and enthusiasm is quickly blown out like a candle as I lay there, self conscious by my nakedness and the sweat still over my skin.

“You’re pathetic if you think you can trick me,” he says then. “I don’t want you anymore, Ardal. How could I want a traitor who left me when I needed them most?”

His words are like a slap to the face and I have to bite the side of my tongue to keep from crying.

“I don’t love you anymore,” he says finally - as if he really needs to convince me. And officially, my whole world feels like it’s crumbling.

“I was only sleeping with you so I could see you try and please me for money,” he explains coldly. “But it’s a waste of my time - your body…everything about you does nothing for me.”

I bore him. My body bores him. Now I can no longer hold back the tears as I study the disgusted look in his eyes. In my mate’s eyes.

“I want Susan,” he states then, like a final nail in the coffin. “I want Susan.”

Susan. The woman who I thought was my friend, who I thought had been trying to help me. Somehow she has turned Kadeem’s head…and somewhere along the way I’d lost him to her.

He doesn’t want me anymore, and any courage I have to save our marriage is completely gone.

So I just breathe, words slipping out of me.

“Let’s get a divorce.”

~

It’s been days since Kadeem signed the papers. It was pure desperation that drove me to file for divorce, but I could no longer see another option.

The look on Kadeem’s face as he’d moved the pen across the page had been terrifying, even if he’d signed without any hesitation. Likely, he viewed my request for a divorce as proof that I’ve wanted to leave him for a long time, that I’d been planning this for months. Or maybe he believes I’m just trying to get more money from him with this separation.

But he doesn’t know, and he certainly doesn’t care, how much I still love him. How I didn’t want this divorce, but I felt pushed to it when I knew Kadeem would now always see me as a villain in his story. He believes every lie told about me and no longer loves me.

Today, I’m going to get all of my things from what was our home. I’m walking toward the door, pain and loneliness resting in my heart. The feeling only grows stronger as I let myself inside, immediately heading up to our room where I know boxes will be waiting.

However, when I finally pass through the door, I find Susan standing within my room…my old room…throwing my things on the floor.

“What are you doing?” I ask her. She pauses as she notices me, a hint of a smile appearing on her lips as she registers my tear stained cheeks. However, she holds back as she remembers the two servants also in the room, both of them carrying boxes of what I realize are her things.

“Leave us,” she tells them, and immediately they listen. They pass me on their way out of the room, giving me slightly regretful looks as they disappear. When they’re gone, I look back at her again.

And that’s when I notice her things are not only in boxes, they’re also already placed in various spots within the room. I haven’t even moved out yet and Susan is already moving in, taking my place.

“Glad to see he’s finally kicking you out,” she tells me smugly. “He should have done it long ago.”

I grit my teeth as her words find me, which only seems to please her as she hums.

“Or I guess you’re divorcing him, right?” she asks, clicking her tongue. “Poor thing. It was just too easy,” Susan pauses to laugh. “Taking him from you.”

Her words make my head pound, my palms twitch. And then she smiles again, smiles with evident and unapologetic wickedness.

“I’m going to take everything from you,” she states. “Every. Single. Thing.”

I can no longer contain myself. I’m blind with rage as I cross the room to her, practically pulled to her. And before I know it, I’m slapping her across the face with any strength I have left.

As I see the red stain against her face, I wait for her to laugh again. However, it’s not Susan’s voice that I eventually hear.

“Ardal!”

Kadeem’s voice calls out from behind me, making every inch of my tense as I turn back to see him. He’s standing in the doorway, undiluted anger fueling his gaze as he takes in the scene. From the corner of my eye, I can see Susan begin to play into the whole thing - painting herself as the victim as she gasps, shakes, and lamely touches her cheek.

Then I hear two words.

“Get out.”

Ardal

Kadeem clips out the words, instantly stabbing me right in the heart. I feel my chest rise and fall as I study his face, as I stare at the man who was once my everything.

Where is that man now? The one who would hold me when I cried and tell me over and over that he loved me? Or the one who laid in the field with me when we were twelve and told me it would always be me and him?

He’s nowhere to be found now. Every hint of him has disappeared and now…now this man might as well be a stranger to me.

But he doesn’t care. He may never care again.

“GET OUT!” Kadeem yells that time, practically shaking the house with his roar.

Part of me wants to cower away, but I keep my feet planted, my hands balling into fists as I hear a quiet sound beside me. It’s Susan - she’s secretly snickering at me again.

Anger boils through me, causing me to turn to face her. She’s won - she knows she’s won. Just as she planned, she’s officially taking everything from me again.

It’s enough for me to lift my hand once more, bringing it forward until I can slap her a second time. It’s all I can do to manage this pain in my heart - even if I’d rather strangle her. But for now, I’ll let this be my parting gift to her.

After my actions, Kadeem is screaming again as he comes toward us. “Ardal, just get the fuck out!”

I can tell he plans to grab me, but I sidestep him, keeping my features blank as I walk out of the room. I hear Susan’s screams and cries behind me, making me walk faster as I need to get away. Without another word, I leave the bitch and my mate alone as I grab a packed suitcase and leave the house in a daze.

Rain pours down on me as I’m outside again, soaking me quickly as I head toward the car. As I get in, I feel my emotions finally catch up to me, causing tears to fall from my eyes and mix with the rain as I pull out of the driveway.

It wasn’t supposed to be like this. I hadn’t expected to find Susan in my home and had hoped I would meet Kadeem alone. I wanted to tell him the news.

I’m pregnant. I’d just found out that morning and had planned to tell him. However, I didn’t have the chance.

Images of us rejoicing from the news and falling into each other's arms fill my head then. Only, they’re soon corrupted and destroyed as I know they'll never be real. Kadeem and I had always wanted a family, but now I’ll have to do it alone.

I lose myself to sobs, the road becoming blurry in front of me as I begin to shake. I blink as more tears fall, trying to clear my vision. However, I’m too late. I see the lights just before I feel the impact, my hand flying to my stomach as if to protect my womb.

I hear metal colliding, I feel undeniable pain as another car smashes into mine, throwing me out of my seat.

And then all I remember is staring up at the sky, rain falling down on my face as I keep my hands over my stomach.

I try to save my unborn baby with the only strength I have left. As my eyes begin to close, leading me to unconsciousness…I only pray they will survive.

~

It has been eight months. Eight months since the horrible accident and I’m back again in an operating room. Only this time, it’s not to tend to my wounds, but to deliver my babies.

However, I’m once again slipping in and out of consciousness as machines beep around me, as voices begin to yell and scream.

“We’re losing her!” someone calls out, but I know it’s me they’re talking about.

“Save the babies,” I try to murmur, but everything is foggy.

And then everything goes dark - the world is gone. All I can hear are muffled voices, sounding like a dream.

I listen as the doctor curses, as the doors to the operating room open.

“She’s gone,” he says. “We lost her in childbirth after what happened due to the complications of the car accident.”

I’m not dead, I want to say. I’m not.

But my words never meet the air. Instead, my ears are filled with my best friend, Julia’s, cries before the doors are flying open again. And right before I drift off again, I hear her gasp as she stops - staring down at what she believes is her best friend’s corpse.

“The babies?” Julia eventually asks through tears.

“Alive…All five of them.”

~

Six Years Later

“Have we met before?” I hear someone ask, causing me to look up at the man in front of me. I’m surprised to see him there, wondering why he’s not buckled into his seat. The plane is about to take off and I’ve been settled for nearly half an hour.

Eager to get in the air, I scoff at him and the obvious desire in his eyes.

“Really? You’re trying to use that old trick?” I ask. “How old are you?”

The man laughs, clearly not deterred. Instead, he keeps staring at me…almost like he knows me.

I’m not sure why…I’ve never seen this man before. And I don’t know why he’s drawn to me either. I’m dressed plainly, trying to stay comfortable for the plane ride ahead.

However, maybe it’s because my figure is still noticeable under the clothing, which also caught the eye of a few men on my way to my seat. They’re even watching us now as the man still stands in front of me. It seems my attempts have only aroused him more as he smiles at me.

“I’m Mateo,” he offers. I have to admit he’s quite handsome and dressed well, but I don’t care to meet his advances.

“That’s nice,” I tell him, still scowling at him.

“You know,” he continues. “You’re very beautiful. You have this…healthy glow about you. Sexy, mature -“

“Thanks,” I cut him off, not impressed. “Now take your seat.”

My words continue to amuse Mateo as he laughs again, but he still follows my request. He finally moves to take his seat a few rows in front of me, causing me to release a sigh.

With the plane finally settled, we’re able to take off. Beside me, my babies are seated, bouncing in their chairs as they experience their first flight. I smile at them, trying to make sure they relax before they cause too much noise.

After a while, they contain themselves, but they stare out the window in wonder. Still, I grin at them, loving the excitement across their faces. However, I soon have to get up to use the bathroom.

“Excuse me?” I say, touching the arm of a nearby flight attendant as I get up. “Would you mind keeping an eye on my babies? I’m just going to use the restroom.”

The woman smiles at me and nods. “I would love to!”

From there, I head toward the back of the plane before I’m able to slide into the open bathroom. I take care of my business quickly and then I open the door once more. However, my features fall as I see the man - Mateo - standing there.

“Hey,” he says, gracing me with another smile. Only, I don’t smile back.

“Excuse me,” I say, already slipping past him. Only, I only manage a few steps before I hear a sound behind me…a phone camera taking photos

Swiftly, I turn back, watching as he swiftly shoves his phone back in his pocket. But my eyes are already narrowing and I’m heading right toward him. Mateo’s eyes light up as I get closer, only adding to my anger.

When I reach him, I back him up against the bathroom door, caging him in with my slender arms. I can see by his features that he’s excited, but I continue to sneer at him.

“What the fuck are you doing?”

Ardal

“Nothing,” Mateo replies, shaking his head.

“Liar,” I grit out. “You were taking photos of me.”

Mateo gives me a sheepish smile, knowing he’s caught. “I just wanted a little souvenir to remember you by.”

His tone becomes smooth then, sultry. And I watch as his eyes flicker from my face, dropping down to my tight body and taking in every inch. Finally, his gaze returns to mine, but focuses specifically on my lips.

Holy Goddess. Does he really think I’m going to kiss him!?

Mateo answers my question by quickly licking his own lips, as if he’s prepping. I try not to shudder with disgust.

“And maybe,” he continues, his tone still sweet. “I wanted to send them to a friend. But I figured he should see how beautiful you are.”

What a creep!

I shake my head at him, knowing I don’t have time for this as I hear my babies starting to get louder at their seats.

“Give me your phone,” I say, holding out a hand.

“But I -“

“Give me your phone,” I repeat, firmer that time.

That time, Mateo listens, causing him to swiftly move and retrieve the phone from his pocket. The moment it meets my palm, I look down to see a message open.

He was in the middle of sending a text with my picture included. There’s a message written out and everything - ready to be sent to someone named “K.”

Mateo: Get a load of this sexy babe on my plane! Can you believe that body?

Disgusting.

Immediately, I erase the text before I go into my photos. There, I delete the photos before I hold the phone back out to him.

“There,” I say, not caring for the disappointment in Mateo’s eyes. “And if you take any more photos then I will make sure the police are waiting for you once you’re off the plane. Understand?”

Mateo gives a smile as he takes the phone back. “Yes.”

Rolling my eyes, I officially go back to my seat. I thank the flight attendant, sending her on her way before I begin to take care of my babies. They’re all chatter as they tell me about what they’ve seen below us.

I’m in a good mood as I listen. That is, until someone stops at the side of my seat, causing me to look up.

It’s Mateo. Again!

“What do you want?” I ask him flatly.

“I just wanted to say hello to your adorable kids,” he tells me, his eyes shining toward the babies. Immediately, I want to shove him away. However, I know my kids are capable of putting someone in their place, so I sit back and wait to enjoy the show.

“Hello, kids,” Mateo says, flashing another “charming” grin. “Enjoying the ride?”

My babies all turn to the man, blinking at him as they take in his face.

“Who are you?” my first born, Ezra, asks.

“I’m Mateo,” he replies.

“Ew,” the third baby, Silas, says. “Mateo is a gross name!”

“Yeah, gross!” the fourth, Milo, chimes, causing me to smile smugly.

“Well, some people would say Mateo is a very nice name,” the man tries.

“And why are you dressed so weird?” Silas asks then.

“What do you -“

“Mommy, I don’t like this man,” my second baby, Erbao, says.

“Yeah, I don’t like the way he looks at you,” Milo states.

“It’s creepy!” my fifth, Lottie, calls out.

I’m still smiling, staring at my kids with pride. But then I look back at Mateo, seeing how his eyes are wide and his face is flushed with embarrassment.

“Uh well…nice meeting you…” he murmurs, walking off with his head down. It’s then that I give a small giggle before I turn to Ezra to ruffle his hair.

I don’t care for Mateo’s deflation - I’m used to seeing men disappointed when they try to make a pass at me. And I’m also used to my quintuplets jumping in to tease whoever tries to woo me. They always make it difficult.

Not that I care - I’m not looking for a partner. But even if I was, it’s clear that the man would have to pass my babies’ tests. I’m thankful for it, though - after all, my kids are my everything.

Six years ago, they came into this world and changed my life for the better. We’ve had plenty of complications along the way - especially because I nearly died during childbirth. In fact, the doctor had declared me as dead, but I fought to stay alive.

We’ve also faced more hardships, though. My second born, Erbao, was born with a congenital kidney deformity, and I’ve been trying to do whatever I can to keep him healthy.

All on my own, I was able to survive, fully restore my health, and provide for my babies. After they were born, I started to work hard on my fitness and gained an excellent figure. That allowed me to eventually start a career as a personal fitness instructor, and my name is now well-known in the community.

Yes, I’ve worked hard - even after being driven out of my home years ago. But now…I’m back.

We’re flying to return to the Red Moon pack. Partly because we need to find a suitable kidney for Erbao, and also because GAINZ, a high-ranking fitness club within the area, has offered me an impressive salary to join their team. They even handled my Red Moon pack residence permit so I can return after being expelled long ago.

So I couldn’t say no…even despite the history that exists between me and Red Moon - Kadeem’s pack.

When the plane lands, the babies and I get off and quickly make our way through the airport. It’s difficult trying to keep all babies in line, but somehow I manage. However, I’m thankful when we exit the airport and I see my best friend, Julia, waiting.

Julia and I rejoice as we run into each other’s arms, squeezing each other tightly. Only, she soon pulls away so she can look at me and the kids.

“Ardal! You look amazing!” she says, taking in my figure. “And the babies…oh my Goddess - they’re so cute! It’s funny…they look a lot like -“

I clear my throat then, causing Julia to look at me. Once her gaze meets mine, I give her a wink - reminding her not to say the babies’ father’s name in front of them.

After all, they believe he’s long dead.

“Hey,” someone says then, causing Julia and I to turn. But my blood only runs warm as I see who’s approaching.

Seriously. This man will not leave me alone!

“Mateo,” I state harshly. “What do you want?”

He holds up his hands innocently. “I just wanted to make sure you got out of the airport okay. You got off of the plane so quickly - I thought something might be wrong.”

“We’re fine,” I reply flatly.

“Do you know this man?” Julia asks me.

“No,” I tell her. “I don’t.”

“What? We met on the plane, remember?” He says, baffled. “I’m Mateo and you’re…what was your name again?”

I narrow my eyes at him. “I never told you.”

“Ah, that’s right,” Mateo says smiling. “Care to tell me now?”

I open my mouth to respond to him, wanting to tell him to fuck off. But I’m stopped when Julia suddenly grabs my arm.

“Ardal,” she says in a panic.

“Erbao…he’s gone!”

Kadeem

It was like looking in a mirror.

The child before Kadeem looked exactly like him, like a miniature version. Not only because he had the same dark hair and green gaze, but the shape of his nose and eyes were almost a spitting image. Surprising Kadeem was no easy task, but he was left completely in shock as the child blinked back at him, his wide eyes adorable as he studied Kadeem towering over him.

How could the boy look this much like him? Who was he?

Trying for words, Kadeem’s lips began to move as if he planned to speak. However, he hardly uttered a single sound before there was a desperate voice calling off in the distance - one he recognized.

“Kadeem! Help me!”

Mateo - his childhood friend who he’d come to pick up. And from what Kadeem could tell, the man was in trouble.

He knew he needed to go run and see what happened, but he was hesitant to move as he remembered the boy in front of him. Swiftly, he turned back, ready to address him that time. Only, as he looked forward again, the boy was nowhere to be found.

It was as if he’d vanished. In the blink of an eye, he was gone.

“Kadeem! Quick!” Mateo’s voice was louder, causing Kadeem’s eyes to snap in the direction, watching as Mateo emerged from the crowd. Only, the man was disheveled, his nose and lip bleeding.

Mateo. Always getting himself into trouble. Sure, the man was good at his job and a pure professional, but he always seemed to cause an uproar here and there due his lust. And considering the messages Kadeem had received from Mateo about some “hot babe” on the plane - he couldn’t help but feel they were correlated.

A sigh emptied from Kadeem then as he spotted another man chasing Mateo down, a deadly look in his eye as he drew closer. If Kadeem had to guess, this was likely the “hot babe’s” boyfriend, ready to give Mateo another beating.

“Come back here, you fucking asshole!” the man yelled, still hellbent on making Mateo pay. But Mateo didn’t care for the man’s words as he officially reached Kadeem’s side, helplessness clearly shining in his eyes.

He’d brought his troubles straight to Kadeem, leaving the Alpha to clean up his mess.

~

Ardal

“Julia!” I call out, trying to manage the four children gathered around me as I search through the crowd. Other people continue to bump into us, causing me to try and hold the babies’ hands or shirts wherever I can.

I can’t believe that creep distracted me, which caused Erbao to slip away without my notice. I was only glad that I was able to get that other man’s attention, causing him to give the creep a couple of good punches to the face.

With Mateo fleeing, all of our attention is on finding Erbao. It’s a good thing Julia was here and was willing to go look for him.

“Julia!” I yell again, still searching. But then I spot my best friend coming through the crowd, a wave of relief meeting me as I see Erbao in her arms.

“I’ve got him,” Julia says as she reaches me. However, my son seems distracted by something over Julia’s shoulder.

“Erbao?” I begin. “You okay?”

Finally, my son turns around, his eyes glossed before he blinks it away.

“Yes,” Erbao says. “I was just watching daddy. There was a man in trouble, but daddy is handling it.”

Together, Julia and I stiffen as we take in his words, both of us sharing a look.

“What is he talking about?” she asks me quietly.

“I have no idea,” I tell her. “But you know how kids are…sometimes they spout nonsense.”

We nod at each other, both of us figuring that must be the case. After all, Erbao has proven he has quite the imagination.

When we’re finally driving away, the quieter the children become until we don’t hear them at all. Finally, I glance over my shoulder, seeing all of their sleeping faces as they lean on each other and Lottie practically lays across her brothers’ laps.

“So what’s the plan now?” Julia asks then, causing me to turn to her.

“Get the babies settled first,” I say, relaxing in my seat. “And then start my new job - they’re expecting me within the week.”

“Good,” Julia comments. “But, you know, if you want to save some money then you and the babies are more than welcome to move in with me.”

I smile at her offer, knowing it would be wonderful to live with my best. And yet, I shake my head. “I appreciate that, but we’ll be okay. I have plenty saved up from my last training position. And I already made the down payment to rent out a villa for us. It’s nothing special, but at least we’ll finally have a place for our family to live.”

“Ardal!” Julia says then. “That is so awesome. I had no idea you set that up!”

I smile before offering a shrug. “Like I said, nothing special. But it will be a home.”

“Well, I’m proud of you,” Julia comments. “But I have to ask…now that it’s been so many years - don’t you think it’s time to maybe…expand the family?”

“Meaning what?” I ask.

“Meaning,” Julia begins. “Don’t you think you should get back out there? Start dating? I’m sure the babies could use a father figure. You’re hot - a pure catch. Any guy would jump at the chance to be with you - if you let them.”

Julia’s words are flattering, and yet I don’t warm at their touch. Instead, I almost become cold, feeling myself freeze as I think about the babies’ actual father and the mess I’d left behind years ago.

“I don’t know if I’m ready for that,” I whisper, thinking of Kadeem’s hateful expression. “Besides…I don’t have time to focus on dating. I need to make sure I work hard, make money, and keep the babies healthy. You know Erbao’s kidney disease is serious - I need to keep saving up so he can get his surgery as soon as possible.”

“I understand,” Julia replies. “I’m sorry, Ardal. You’re right. Let’s just make sure the babies are okay.”

I nod back at her, now able to relax back in my seat again. And then Julia and I drop the topic completely, leaving me to glance out the window once more.

But I don’t see the distant trees or surrounding shops. All I can see is Kadeem's face as it still hasn’t left my thoughts.

Erbao

Erbao has never had a real home before and he still couldn’t believe they would be staying here. Seriously - he couldn’t believe it. No matter how many times mommy insisted that this was “theirs,” he still felt like someone was going to come in and take it away.

Everyone had already settled in, made themselves comfortable. And they’d even been introduced to their new nanny, Hannah, who mommy had already hired. Hannah was nice, funny, and she already seemed thrilled by the quintuplets' “adorable personalities” as she happily looked over Silas’ books.

“You are all so smart!” Hannah said enthusiastically. “And so darn cute,” Hannah continued, ruffling Silas’ hair then. But then she seemed to pause, noting the black shade of the boy’s strands before looking at the other children’s same color.

“Does your daddy have black hair?” Hannah asked, her eyes eventually falling on Erbao.

“We dunno,” Lottie replied instead. “We’ve never seen him.”

“Well…he must,” Hannah tried, her tone still kind. “None of you have your mommy’s brown hair.”

“Guess so,” Lottie replied.

“So, you’ve never met your father?” Hannah asked, looking around at each child.

“No,” Erbao answered that time.

“Wow,” Hannah said. “I wonder who he could be…”

“Mommy says daddy is in heaven,” Ezra announced then. “He went there before were even born.”

“Oh…” Hannah drew out, seeming to realize the truth.

However, Erbao wore his own frown as he stared at Hannah. The shock she wore made Erbao sink into his thoughts, his memory sparked as he remembered the man from the airport.

The man had looked so surprised when he’d seen Erbao and the little boy knew it was because of how similar they looked. It had been like seeing himself all grown up, the resemblance between them practically undeniable.

It was so undeniable that Erbao knew that someway, somehow - this man had to be their daddy. He had to be. Mommy may have said that daddy went to heaven, but she lied.

Daddy hadn’t died - he was very alive.

~

The room was filled with yawns as their mommy turned off the light, telling the quintuplets she loved them just before she shut the door. Erbao could hear his siblings shifting in their bed, rolling around as they made themselves comfortable.

However, he had no intention of falling asleep - he had matters to attend to first.

“Pssst!” Erbao hissed out as he glanced toward the room. “Psssssssst!”

“What, Erbao?” Lottie whined then. “I’m tired!”

“This is important,” Erbao stated as he sat up, winning the others’ attention as they did the same.

“What is it?” the fourth baby, Milo, asked.

“Mommy lied,” Erbao announced, unafraid to deliver the blow.

“What!? No, she didn’t!” Lottie cried out.

“Shhh! Quiet, Lottie,” Ezra drew out before his eyes returned to his brother. “What are you talking about, Erbao?”

“Mommy said daddy went to heaven, but that’s not true,” Erbao stated then. “He’s alive.”

“What? How?” Silas asked, pulling on his round glasses as if needing to see his brother to believe him.

Knowing the news was important, Erbao officially climbed out of bed, taking his position of power as he stood in the center of the room - acting as their little military advisor.

“I saw a man today,” he said. “He looked like us, like me. I think he’s our daddy and mommy is keeping it a secret.”

“Why would she do that?” Milo asked.

“I dunno,” Erbao tried. “But he looked surprised to see me. We looked exactly the same! Our daddy is here. We have to find him.”

“We can find him?” Silas asked, moving to Erbao’s bed and climbing in, as if needing the support. As a result, the other babies did the same.

“Yes,” Erbao said, welcoming them as they all began to slide under the quilt. They wiggled down, needing privacy as they pulled the blanket over their little heads.

“What are we gonna do?” Ezra asked as they all cuddled together.

“Yeah, I wanna see daddy,” Lottie added. “I wanna know what he looks like.”

“Me too,” Milo agreed as Silas nodded.

“Don’t worry,” Erbao whispered finally, silencing them all.

“I have a plan.”

Ardal

As I walk through the doors of GAINZ, every pair of male eyes turn toward me. I feel their burn against my skin, but keep my chin high and head clear as I move through the fitness center.

It’s my first day of work and I want to be as professional as possible. I won’t let a little attention shake me - doing my best at my job is what matters.

As I continue to walk, I take in my room around me, noticing how much nicer it is than the last gym I worked in. GAINZ has top of the line equipment and is clean top to bottom.

However, as my eyes continue to scan the space, they eventually catch on a familiar face - one that makes my stomach nearly drop.

Standing off to the side…is Susan. I hadn’t expected to see her here, which only causes my dread to grow. Only, the sensation gets worse as I notice her outfit. She’s wearing the same jacket as the other staff member’s wear - indicating that she also works here.

I kick myself as I realize it, wishing I would have looked up the GAINZ staff team ahead of time. Having Susan on the team makes this less than ideal - in fact, it’s a nightmare. But I need this job.

Susan still hasn’t noticed me, allowing me to study her more. As much as I hate to admit it, she’s gorgeous - maybe now more than ever. Her blonde hair shines brightly, her skin is radiant, and her figure is impeccable.

It always was, though. Susan always managed to gain the attention of nearby men, which played a huge part in my own painful past. And right now, she’s standing next to an extremely attractive man. Only, his eyes are not on her.

They’re on me.

I notice it then - how Susan frowns due to his strayed focus. It causes her own gaze to wander, her frown pressing deeper as she realizes everyone is looking in the same direction. Finally, her eyes move to do the same.

The second Susan’s stare is on me, I feel my skin prickle. Her eyes widen immediately, her lips falling open. I fear that she may recognize me, but I need to make sure she doesn’t.

I’ve already done as much as I can. I look wildly different after all the changes to my physique, and how I dress and carry myself. I can tell Susan notices the differences too as she begins to study me, scanning me from head to toe.

Her features turn skeptical - as if she recognizes me, but she’s uncertain. Still, I remain calm under her gaze, not letting my guard down. That’s when I see her shoulders relax a little, her lips beginning to move as if she intends to speak to me.

However, I turn away from her, ignoring her completely - not interested in anything she has to say. Instead, I need to and figure out where to go next. Only, I can see from my peripheral how Susan stomps her foot, clearly not pleased with my cold shoulder.

But I don’t care about her little tantrum. Not when I hear another voice far behind me, aimed in my direction.

“That’s her! The sexy stunner I was telling you about! What a coincidence.”

I know that voice - it’s Mateo. I can’t believe he’s here too, but his sudden appearance immediately makes me want to rush out of the room. Only, my back tightens instead and I find I’m unable to move. My reaction only becomes worse when I notice Susan still coming toward me, making me wonder what she wants.

I’m sure she’s about to yell at me, but she catches me off guard when she finally reaches me. Instead of scolding me, she makes me jump when she’s suddenly throwing herself at my feet, crying out as she hits the floor.

“You pushed me!” she whines.

I’m gaping at her, appalled by the stunt she’s just pulled. It has been years and this woman is still pulling the same childish tricks. Now I want to snap at her, but I’m incapable of trying as I hear people rushing toward us.

“My stomach,” Susan continues to cry, holding herself. “It hurts.”

Finally, people reach us, causing me to glance up from the woman. However, as I spot one of the men at my side, my mouth falls wide open.

“What the fuck did you do to my girlfriend?”

Kadeem…Kadeem is standing right in front of me. It’s like facing a ghost and I’m too stunned to reply.

“Don’t blame her, Kadeem,” Susan says weakly.

But Kadeem does not calm down. “She’s pregnant,” he clips out, making me nearly gasp. “You may have just hurt the baby!”

Pregnant…Susan is pregnant?

I’m filled with utter shock at the news, leaving me at a disadvantage as I stare right into Kadeem’s furious face.

“Kadeem,” Susan tries again.

Only, he ignored her attempts again. But this time it’s not because he wants to voice his anger - instead, he stops to stare at me more, his eyes searching my face. I fear he may recognize me, but soon his eyes turn away and he proves that he doesn’t.

I breathe a silent sigh of relief. It seems my disguise is successful. It’s amazing what a little change to temperament and physique can do thanks to fitness. Plus, I’ve also altered my appearance with the help of makeup and different hairstyles.

Not to mention Jane, a perfume designer Julia introduced me to, who helped me hide my real scent. As a mother herself, we hit it off right away and she provided a lot of suggestions to turn me into basically a whole new person.

It’s certainly doing the job now as Kadeem doesn’t catch on to my identity. He treats me as a perfect stranger, and Susan seems to enjoy the fact as I catch her quick, smug smile before she hides it away again. Apparently, she’s not worried about me snatching up her boyfriend.

“Apologize,” Kadeem says then, sending daggers in my direction. “For pushing down my girlfriend.”

That has me almost scoffing, but I hold it in as I remain calm.

“I don’t need to apologize,” I state boldly. “Because I never pushed her.”

I’m not going to let Susan take advantage of me with these tricks anymore - I won’t play into her little games. She’s already hurt me enough once.

“You’re trying to blame me for something I didn’t do,” I state. “And on my first day of work.”

“First day?” Kadeem asks, studying me.

“Yes. I’m the new senior fitness trainer - Chelsea Quinn,” I inform them, using my fake name.

“What!?” Susan calls out, shocked. “That’s impossible! You can’t be Chelsea Quinn. You’re a fake!”

From there, Susan begins to turn toward the side of the room, waving and gaining the attention of the security guard as she plans to throw me out.

“You can’t just claim to be Chelsea Quinn,” she snaps as the men come closer. “She’s famous - widely known in the fitness community.”

“I am Chelsea Quinn,” I insist harshly, glaring at the security guards as they gather around. “I can prove it.”

I have my identification right in my bag - the set that I had made to show my new name. I’m just about to get it out when Susan’s voice stops me.

“Chelsea won the championship at the last Golden Night Bodybuilding Competition,” she states coldly. “If you’re Chelsea then show us the medal. If you can’t - then you’re clearly a fake!”