Chapter 5 I Am Michael Vaughn

• Ava Morales.
• "We would advise you to be cautious with the way you handle your kid, Debra; she has become a nuisance on the school premises." The principal told me I was staring at her pleadingly. I don't want Debra to be expelled from this school again.
• "I'm sorry to say this, Mrs. Morales, but we would have to expel her from the school."
• I was expecting that. I have tried to talk to Debra in a calm voice to try and convince her to be a bit calmer, but at every school she was transferred to, she has always done one or two things that always warrant an expulsion. I don't know what else to do to make Debra change her ways; she has been adamant about being very stubborn and relentless, and she doesn't tolerate anyone.
• When we reached home, the alpha instincts kicked in as she hit one of the pieces of furniture with a loud growl.
• "What's so special about school anyway? I don't see the need to be in school." She curled her lips adorably as she said that. I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath, because I was frustrated. I don't want to yell at her; I want to talk to her in a way she'll understand me. I don't know how to handle her, so I can make her understand. I started by saying, "I know how you want to be in charge, but..."
• "Hello, Debra, come here to Uncle." The voice of Josh resonated.
• She ran to him as she hugged him tightly. "Uncle Mom is telling me not to defend myself in school whenever some bullies attack me." She pouted her lips when she said that.
• I shook my head. I couldn't help but curl my lips into a smile when he carried her in his arms, as he said.
• "You know Mummy is telling you the right thing because this is the third time you are being expelled."
• She looked down and said, "Okay, I'll be a good girl from now on, but only if you agree to let us go swimming this Sunday."
• "That's my girl; I'll take you swimming this Sunday," he said while ruffling her hair.
• I have never been happier; it's already been six years of living in New York, and I never regret leaving that torturous place. I recalled the way Josh managed to help me in New York; he was ready to accommodate me until I got a job and started a small business that was now flourishing.
• But whenever I stared at Debra—her beautiful brown curls, her blue eyes, her plumb lips—I knew for sure that she was not the daughter of Ethan. But I don't know what happened that day—the day I felt complete under the full moon, the day I was intimate with an unknown person.
• I let out a deep breath while trying to wave off the thought. Josh slowly brought her down as he told her to go to the room. I smiled at the way he did that. Josh has been so caring, and he has always been there for me. I just can't thank him enough.
• He came to me; he was staring at me wearily. "Something is happening back in the pack, so I'm sorry to inform you that I'll have to go back."
• "But_"
• "Don't worry, I'll be back within the next three weeks." He interrupted me.
• I let out a sigh. I am still so overwhelmed with the environment that I feel I just can't do without him. I let out a sigh, and I nodded my head, understanding the situation.
• Two days went by so fast. He managed to pack his belongings as he set out to leave. I went to see him off to the airport. I hugged him so tightly. I don't want to let go because I have gotten accustomed to his presence.
• Debra hugged him so tightly that she slowly started sobbing, something she had never done whenever I was about to leave for somewhere.
• "I'll miss you, uncle." She sniffled a breath as she finally let go of him.
• Debra looked up at me, and it was clear that she was sad that he had left because he had been more than an uncle to Debra; he was almost like a father figure to her.
• "Mom, when will I also go to the pack with Uncle?" I was startled when she made mention of that.
• "Don't ever think of that, because you are not going anywhere; you will be staying here in New York, and that's final."
• "But mom_"
• "I said that's final, Debra," I said with gritted teeth while trying to control my anger.
• I let out a deep breath. I don't want to be angry with my baby for long. I decided to leave the airport premises. We were approaching the cabs that were lined up.
• All the people stopped, and they were all frozen in place because well-armed men were trying to clear the road for a person whose face I couldn't see.
• I was scared, so I hid my child behind me. The man walked out in an expensive black Rolls-Royce. He was wearing a black suit, his hair was well-trimmed, and he was wearing glasses.
• The man took steady strides. I waited for him to walk towards the airport entrance, but rather he walked towards me. When I saw him walking towards me, my hands felt sweaty, the sun almost felt hotter, and everyone's gaze was on me, so I started moving backwards.
• He was now inches away from me, and as he introduced himself, I closed my eyes as I felt my heart palpitate. "I know you might have met me before, but it was a long time ago, so let me reintroduce
• myself. I am Michael Vaughn."