Chapter 4-2

Nikki and I led games while Mikko, Finn, and Philip each took a birthday boy or girl, helping them participate. The older kids were running around while the younger kids dirtied themselves in the sand box when JJ's pack finally showed up. I could tell by the look on his face that it had been intentional. I followed JJ's eyes to see his gloating smile directed towards Mikko. The pack was trying to create tension. The fact that they were using my children's birthday to do it pissed me off. I crossed my arms over my chest and sent a glare in his direction. I didn't care about pack politics. I cared that my children were being used as a tool to create tension. JJ's eyes glanced to meet mine before his smile dropped completely. His gloating face was now a grim expression of guilt. Instead of following his alpha towards Finn, he changed course and came towards me. "Sorry we're late," he said sheepishly, shrugging his shoulders with his hands in his pockets. "It was just orders."