Her voice carries a subtle undertone of concern that unsettles me; yet, I refrain from enquiring further and guide Ricky and Bray back to the guest home. During our stroll, Bray lightly taps my snout, offering a hesitant smile despite his chattering teeth.
May I request a ride?“ He enquires, his expansive eyes shimmering with optimism.”
“Not today, Bray,” Ricky responds on my behalf. “First, you require a bath.”
Ricky embraces Bray more tightly against her chest to maintain his warmth till they get at the house.
…Ricky’s Perspective
Jadi lingers outside momentarily, reluctant to change in my presence, and thereafter showers downstairs while I take Bray upstairs for a bath. My heart races as I collect Bray’s belongings, the adrenaline coursing through my veins from the frightening incident with the visiting Alpha. I feel anxious when I consider the rapid responses of Jimmy and Jadi. They promptly assumed control and reprimanded the Alpha for his rudeness towards me. It has been an extended period since I had anyone other than Tiana to safeguard me, and it was remarkable to realise that I am not as isolated as I previously believed. Jimmy exhibited ferocity against the Alpha, yet displayed tenderness immediately thereafter, nuzzling and licking me to ensure that Bray and I were unscathed.
I emitted a slight chuckle while preparing Bray’s bath, still incredulous that he had the audacity to urinate on Benoit. Throughout my tenure as Luna, no wolf has ever urinated on another’s behalf!
I struggle to concentrate on my task, slightly euphoric from the warmth enveloping my body. Upon completion, I dry Bray and attire him in shorts and a t-shirt.
“Mother, are you also a wolf?” Bray enquires while I groom his hair.
“No, I am not,” I murmur, sweeping some hair aside from his visage. “I am simply … myself,” I respond with a shrug.
“Am I a lupine creature?” He enquires, tipping his head to the side. “Am I similar to Jadi?” ”
Recognising no justification for withholding this information from him, I choose to be transparent. “You, my love, are a wolf akin to your father.” Upon maturation, you will become a formidable wolf capable of safeguarding me.
“Similar to how Jadi safeguards us!” He grins impudently at me. I persist in grooming his hair, although his expression twists as a new concept arises in his thoughts. “Mother, who is my father?” ”
My heart almost falters as my cognitive processes momentarily cease. I take a seat on the bed next to Bray, attempting to clarify my disordered thoughts.
Where should I commence? Your father is a despicable individual who engaged in an affair with your aunt when I was pregnant with you, and he is likely seeking you out either to harm you or to claim you as his successor.
“Bray, I-”
“Mother, why do I not have a father?” He intrudes, climbing upon my lap. “I desire a father figure.”
“I… Bray, I,” I falter in articulating my thoughts, overwhelmed by a sense of inadequacy towards my son.
I have exerted every effort to furnish Bray with what he requires to offset the absence of a parent in his life. A profound resentment permeates my emotions. Aldo and Nina have obliterated any possibility of our family reuniting and, in doing so, have undermined my confidence in establishing a new one.
The thoughts echoed in my mind whenever Jadi smiled at me, exacerbating the wounds of my still mending heart and reminding me of the anguish that accompanies deception. The butterflies in my stomach still frighten me, as they signify his gradual infiltration into my heart, granting him the potential to inflict me pain in the future.
I elevate Bray’s chin, compelling him to meet my gaze.
“Braylon…” I exhale, blinking to prevent my eyes from becoming teary. I once loved your father. “I cherished him deeply,” I whisper, gently tucking his hair behind his ears. “However, he encountered an individual he perceived as superior, and he ceased to love me.” Consequently, we had to part ways, allowing me to retain you exclusively,” I remarked, playfully tickling his abdomen. “You have been the most exceptional gift your father ever bestowed upon me.”
He smiles at me while encircling my neck with his arms. “Am I?” ”
“At times, you can be somewhat odorous,” I chuckle, as Bray beams broadly. “However, I have a profound affection for your odorous posterior.”
I also appreciate your odorous behind!Bray chuckles, pushing his lips against my cheek in a clumsy kiss.
His expansive eyes abruptly assume a grave expression. “Mother, may Jadi assume the role of my father?” ”
My cheeks redden at the inquiry, and I shake my head. “Bray, Jadi is merely a friend.”
“However, he kisses you,” Bray contends, his expression contorted in perplexity. “Only fathers kiss mothers.”
