MATED TO THE ALPHA AND HIS BETA - Season 5 Episode 31

Gabriela I hadn’t had this much spring in my step since long before Orion and I had been mated and had Xander. It was like I was looking at the world through brand-new eyes. Colors were brighter. Crisper, bolder, fresher. I stopped short with a small cry of surprise as the realization hit me. That’s just what I needed. A fresh start. My own life. The chance to pursue new friendships…or more, if the chance came up. Of course I loved my family, but Stella was now an adult. The twins were going to full-time school. My grandchildren didn’t need me, and my grownup children might simply have to adjust to living on their own, too. Wasn’t it time I lived my own life? Yes, there were still trials and tribulations ahead of us, but I could still be there for my family without living in the same space. It was long past time for my son and his three mates to have their own as well. Our living quarters were luxurious and four times the size of the cabin we’d all managed to survive, but that didn’t mean we had to keep living this way forever.

I stopped by the Housing and Responsibilities office to check for possible openings. Malachi had simply provided us with our original quarters, so I’d never been here before. The elderly witch at the desk waved a small wand over a parchment to reveal words that looked like they’d been typed with an old- fashioned typewriter. Such a strange combination of magic and technology…only in Brightsky, I thought with a laugh. “Something small. A studio would be fine,” I told her. “I don’t even need a stove. I’m looking forward to having all my meals cooked by someone else. But… ahem…I’d like a queen-sized bed.”

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The witch sl anted me a knowing gaze. She chuckled, “I think we have something coming open at the end of the week. It’s on a high level, though. Above ground. Those are usually our less desirable units. Would that be all right?” “If that’s what’s available, that will be fine. Are you able to look up the list of open responsibilities for me, too? I’d like to start giving back to the community.” I took a deep breath, thinking about how I’d tell the rest of the family of my plans to move out and take work in Brightsky. “I can help you with that.” Again, she waved her wand, this time to reveal a different list. “We’ve got many open positions, depending on your qualifications.” 1/2 Chapter 431 She waved the wand again, this time turning the words to face me so I’d be able to read them without twisting my head. For a moment, a flash obscured the words. My head ached. I took a step back from the desk, blinking. The words had gone blurry. I blinked again to clear my vision while the old witch looked on curiously. I could read the list, but the letters looked kind of scrambled. I could read some of the words easily-daycare, kitchens, retail. Other words in the list weren’t so easy to read. “You don’t have to decide right now, dearie. The list changes often, as people décide to switch things up. Like you,” she said with a kind chuckle. “How about I put your name down for the new living quarters, and you can get yourself settled in there before you go taking up a new job, eh?” “That sounds perfect. Thank you.” “My pleasure, dearie. That’s how we work here at Brightsky. Together.”

I thanked her again and set off once more for the apartment that would only be home for another week or so. I was a little disappointed about my weird vision thing, but at the same time, maybe it would be a good reason for me to call Dr. Alonius. I even thumbed his number into my phone before bursting into self-conscious giggles and putting my phone away. It was too soon. I pushed open the door to the Constantine quarters and pulled up short at the sound of voices coming from Alaina and Isaac’s room. Something told me to hold back and listen before joining them. “…but you’ll be good for Grammy, won’t you? We won’t be gone for long. We’ll be back before you know it.” Lanie’s voice sounded soothing. I heard the twins murmuring in reply. Gone? “Hello?” I called out and went to their door. All of them turned to stare at me…everyone except Stella. She wasn’t there. A coldness washed over me “Grammy!” Alaina cried and ran to take my hands. “Mama and the fathers are going on a trip, but we get to stay home with you!” I met my son’s gaze. “Is that so?” “Mom, why don’t we go into the other room,” Xander said with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “We have some important things to tell you.”