The next morning the house is somehow…different.

I can’t place my finger on it but…something is somehow not right. I look around, trying to figure it out. In so many ways everything seems…normal. The Betas are buzzing, moving around doing their work. Burton is here again – thank god – doing some general dusting and straightening up, humming a little French song to himself.

Rafe is surly, standing at the Alpha’s desk and doing his work but…that’s nothing new…

Victor stands with him, but somehow I know it’s not him that’s off…

Instead, my eyes are drawn to my two children, who sit at the table, staring at each other, angry frowns on their face. I blink at them, suddenly realizing that it’s them.

That my two sons haven’t said a word to me the entire morning. And they’re not at all their normal cheerful selves, excited for their day.

Instead, they’re little copies of Rafe this morning, angrily chewing their cereal and refusing to look at me.

My eyes go wide and my jaw falls a little as I stare at them, holding my coffee tight in my hands.

What the hell is going on?

Before I can ask, though, Victor comes over to us.

“What is this,” he asks, crossing his arms and looking between them. “What’s going on with you two?”

“Nothing!” Ian says, almost shouting, throwing his spoon into his half-full cereal bowl and splashing milk everywhere. Then he crosses his arms, angry, and sits back in his chair. Alvin puts down his spoon less violently but likewise sits back, pouting.

Victor looks at me with wide eyes, asking me inside my mind if I have any idea what’s going on. I just shrug, shaking my head, totally baffled.

Who the hell body-snatched my kids and left these angry little gremlins in their place?

I try this time, leaning forward. “What is –“

“No!” Ian rudely interrupts, not even looking at me. “We’re not speaking to you!”

Alvin’s frown deepens as well as his determination. I move quickly to the table, putting my coffee down. “Alvin?” I ask, leaning forward, knowing that if we’re going to crack anyone it’s going to be this twin. “What’s wrong, baby?”

But he doesn’t say a word, just focuses on his brother. I can sense them talking to each other mind-to-mind, sharing some kind of secret.

Suddenly angry, I smack the table, making them both jump and look at me. “Enough of this,” I say, my voice stern and worried. “Tell me what’s going on. Right now! No more secrets!”

says, narrowing his eyes at

my eyes go round

a little more tremulous than his brother’s. I look to him now, still shocked, and am horrified to

pale as I stand up straight

What –

way that they

I don’t

look around the

says, likewise noting that we’re the center of attention. Quickly, he leans over

him, starting up the stairs. I look down

says, sighing. “I was just being angry because Ian wanted me to. I was doing solidarity. I want to talk.” He puts out his hand and I take it, nodding and following him towards the stairs. As I go I catch a glimpse of Rafe smirking at me, perhaps a little glad to see me brought down a peg after I watched him lay in the driveway for

roll my eyes at him and wave a dismissive hand in his direction, making him laugh. Then, I follow my kid up the stairs, still wondering what

the boys’ bedroom, we find Ian already sitting on his bed, sulking with his

frowning at Alvin and looking at

my angelic nature,” I murmur, brushing my hair back over my shoulder as if butter wouldn’t melt in my mouth. I see Victor’s mouth twitch with the start of a smile but Alvin drops my

nice to you, mama,” Alvin says, pulling himself up on the bed to

on Alvin’s bed, which is positioned parallel to Ian’s. I

you are keeping secrets from us!” Ian accuses, his voice very close

next to me. “We aren’t keeping any secrets from you – not

out an appeasing hand and patting his father’s knee. “You didn’t figure it

eyes go truly wide now and he turns to stare

them, trying to

Not this early –

my brain, thinking that it must be something else, something

and lets out an anxious little laugh. “Whoa!” he says, jumping up. “Are they – are you serious?

to Alvin. Ian, his arms crossed, nods to his father sharply. “Thank you for doing

desperate, reaching for him. “Victor, come back! Don’t leave me

Ian interrupts, “she’s keeping

“I’m not keeping –“

“Yes you are! –“

“I don’t even –“

“Mama is lying!”

voice rings out above all of us, close enough to the Alpha command that we all turn to him in surprise. I pay close attention

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