He observed her up the stairs with Dani and Macky, then remained still until she was enclosed within Rae-Hae’s chamber, subsequently exhaling deeply, “What a nightmare,” he whispered.
“You are correct in that regard, Luke,” Alpha Philip remarked from just behind him. He had rather neglected to remember his presence, to be frank.
“Notwithstanding my apprehensions, I observe indications that young Bella is becoming receptive to you.”
“I have much to atone for,” Luke stated candidly. “It will require time, but I am endeavouring to apologise and to make her feel valued.”
“Well, I shall allow her some space for the time being; she has numerous matters to attend to.” I would want to explore your pack, if that is ok to you.
I do not. I can arrange for someone to accompany you.
“Unnecessary.” The man’s gaze shifted beyond him. “Here comes Tomas; he will accompany me.” It had been some time since we last conversed.
Luke observed his father descending the steps, accompanied by young Halley, who was grasping his hand.
“Goodness, you have another,” Philip remarked with a grin.
“I did,” he heard his father respond with laughter.
Departed to allow them to catch up; Halley was unlikely to be their final companion, especially given their incessant mating behaviour. He was expected to get several additional siblings in the future years.
He dispatched Benzy, along by the pack doctor, to attend to Robyn’s injuries requiring treatment, while his wolf continued to facilitate his recovery. To enhance his appearance for Dani’s visit.
Upon approaching his office, he saw that Luna’s door was ajar. Driven by curiosity, he entered to see his mother seated on the sofa, holding a drink of bourbon. Immediately sighed at the forlorn expression on her visage.
“Distilled spirits?”He questioned of her.
“I have not had a pleasant morning,” she murmured. “I heard you had to explain to Dani what we are. How did that transpire?”She enquired while gazing into the glass and swirling its contents, the ice crystals clinking together.
He sensed that she did not perceive the outcome as favourable.
“Fairly acceptable.” She is currently distressed that Robyn was penalised and desires to visit him. He shook his head slightly, noting that their relationship superseded her displeasure towards him.
“That is satisfactory, I presume.” She groaned. “I do not derive enjoyment from defeating any of you.”
“I understand, mother.” He did trust her. “However, we wolves are inherently aggressive creatures, and he violated the rules, particularly the most critical one.”
“Then lied directly to us; I failed to recognise it.” An irritated inflection was evident in her tone.
“Neither did I, nor did any of us present in that room. Do not hold yourself accountable, mother.
He is evidently far more adept at deception than we both acknowledge.
“Her life is at risk.” He would have been aware of this. We do provide education on such matters’, she muttered. ‘Did I raise all my children to be so foolish? None of you appear to possess any common sense until it is far too late’.
Where did I err with all of you?She was gazing directly at him, her eyes penetrating his, indicating a desire for a genuine response.
He exhaled softly, thinking, “You did not rear us improperly.”
“Are you confident?” Abbey assaults a pack member, jeopardising her unborn offspring. Robyn partially marks his hum and mate, which could endanger both her and you.” She gestured towards him, “Your mistakes are too numerous to enumerate.”
He sensed Maddis’s indignation within his mind at the perceived affront, yet he refrained from growling at his mother. “What will be the outcome for Halley, or..”
– observed her slam the glass onto the coffee table before rising.
Luke rose and seized her. “Mother, you are an exemplary parent.” He informed her and embraced her tightly against his chest. He perceived her exhale and sensed her headshake.
“I must have erred at some point, failing to establish certain rules or overlook something.”
“You did not.” He informed her, “Maddis and I have our own issues, which did not originate from you or our upbringing.” However, from our initial Mate. You are not culpable in relation to us. Abbey has consistently been a significant challenge; her Mate must assertively manage her behaviour.
“I ought to have reprimanded her once during her upbringing; I was excessively lenient.”
I understand why you never did. I cannot envision myself ever disciplining my daughters.
Exceedingly adorable; they will undoubtedly take advantage of me.
“Bella will accomplish it,” his mother sighed. “She is resilient, that one.”
“Indeed, she is.” He nodded, “Regarding Michlael, none of us anticipated that, and certainly, he must be aware of the repercussions.” He sighed deeply, “Not to justify his actions, but it is probable that he became overly enthusiastic, that is all.”
“It is unjust.”
“No, it is not.” He concurred, “Halley is composed, akin to her father; you need not be concerned about her.”
“I hope not.”
