Chapter 90

Lily’s point of view

It began like any other morning. I tried to prevent Aiden from running around the house like an over-stimulated squirrel while trying to get him dressed while checking my phone for emails.

Aiden complained, pulling at the navy-blue hoodie I had chosen for him, "Mummy, I don't want to wear this."

I rubbed my face as I was already getting frustrated. "What's the matter? It will keep you warm, and also it looks cute.”

A pout formed on his lips as he crossed his arms. "I don't want to look cute."

I raised my hands in surrender and replied, "All right, anything will do, but it must be warm."

With a victorious smile, he ran to his drawer and began searching through it as if he were on a mission. I drank my now-lukewarm coffee during the little time.

Aiden was growing too quickly. He reminded me more and more of Marcus every day. His features were keen, and he moved with an unconsciously elegant gait. But there was more to it than his appearance. Beneath his skin was a calm, restless energy that I was ill-prepared to manage alone.

Later that afternoon, I was reminded of that in the most unpleasant way imaginable.

I was invited to join Nadine and the children for a laid-back afternoon. Her twin boys, Jonah and Miles, were only a year older than Aiden, and he had been ecstatic, ready to play with them.

As soon as we got to the park close to her house, Aiden ran to the playground, joining the other kids in laughing. I exhaled, appreciative of the brief silence.

As we sat on the seat, Nadine handed me a cup of tea and remarked, "You look tired."

I laughed half-heartedly. "Is it really that glaring?"

"You're a single mother with a child who has more energy than most adults," she remarked. "I'm shocked that you're still alive."

I shook my head and grinned. "It goes beyond that. He has been... inquisitive lately.”

"Interesting how?"

As I watched Aiden pursue Jonah and Miles, I paused. Concerning his dad, concerning the pack. He just has a lot of questions this days.”

Nadine's face became softer. "Lily, it was inevitable that it would happen eventually."

I was aware of that. However, there was a big difference between knowing and accepting.

Then it happened, as if the universe intended to emphasize the point.

Aiden was giggling and outpacing the others at one point. Then, before I could respond, his form changed, his breathing became labored, and his tiny body shook.

It wasn't a complete change. Faint patches of fur rippled along his arms, his eyes sparked gold, and his little hands curled into claws. Only a few seconds passed, but that was sufficient.

There was silence in the playground.

Miles and Jonah gazed, wide-eyed. Aiden stared down at his hands in astonishment, looking as surprised as they did.

I felt sick to my stomach.

Before I knew it, I was on my feet, snatching Aiden's shaking hands and drawing him toward. I brushed his hair back and whispered, "It's okay, sweetheart. You're all right."

His golden eyes flashed with terror. "Mom, I…."

I calmed him by embracing him tightly and saying, "Shhh."Don't worry, sweetie. I've got you.”

However, my own hands were trembling.

I hardly recalled contacting Lucas, but he showed up at the park fifteen minutes later, his piercing eyes sweeping the scene before focusing on Aiden and me.

He squatted next to us, his face unreadable. "What happened?"

I hardly managed to keep my voice steady as I added, "He…… he shifted although it was only for a moment."

Aiden clung to me like a lifeline while Lucas studied him. Then he grinned, which surprised me. "Little man, that is a huge moment."

Still trembling, Aiden gave him a quick glance. "Isn't that bad?"

Lucas gave a headshake. "Not too awful. Simply unanticipated. His eyes were full with shock as he looked at me. "Lily, you knew this was going to happen eventually."

I took a deep breath. "Not so soon."

With a sigh, Lucas got up and extended his hand to Aiden. "Let's go for a walk, please."

After hesitating, Aiden accepted. I heard Lucas whispering to him as he led him to the edge of the park. Even though I couldn't understand what Lucas was saying, I did see Aiden nod and his little shoulders gradually loosen up.

I shakily exhaled and put my arms around myself.

"This is something you should have planned for," I whispered to myself.

Lucas came back a moment later with Aiden, who appeared more composed but still reserved.

Lucas reassured me that he was alright. "But we need to talk, Lily."

When I got back to my apartment and put Aiden to sleep, I found Lucas with his arms crossed and resting on my kitchen counter.

He stated plainly, "You can't keep acting like he's just human."

I tensed up. "I don't…."

"You do," he interrupted. "I understand. You desired to provide him with a typical life. But he is not just a regular kid, Lily. He is a werewolf. That implies that whether you're ready or not, his skills and intuition will continue to develop.”

I averted my gaze, my throat constricted. "I only wanted to keep him safe."

Lucas's voice grew softer as he breathed. "I understand. But it won't happen if you keep him in the dark. He will need direction.”

The lump in my throat was swallowed. "And you don't think I can give that to him?"

After a moment of hesitation, Lucas shook his head. "Not by yourself."

I laughed resentfully. "What the heck, do you think I should let someone take over and make all the decisions?"

Lucas answered, "I'm not saying that. I propose that we begin modestly. Explain his ancestry to him in a way that he can comprehend. Before his impulses take over, provide him the means to manage them.”

He was right, and I detested it.

I leaned back against the counter and massaged my cheek. "What if he can’t get it yet, he still just a little baby?"

Lucas gave a shrug. “Then you give an explanation the way he will understand Lily, he's a child. He will be perplexed, possibly even angry. But above everything else, he loves you. He will comprehend.”

With everything pushing down on me, I let out a breath. "So, where should we begin?"

A tiny smile curved Lucas's lips. "Baby steps." Tales, history, and perhaps even a little training—just enough to ensure he isn't afraid of himself.

Slowly, I nodded. "All right."

Lucas put his hand out and squeezed my shoulder. "Lily, you're doing great. You're an excellent mother.”

I smiled hesitantly. "I'm grateful, Lucas."

I watched my son sleep as I stood in Aiden's doorway after he left that evening.

Perhaps it was time to face reality instead of avoiding it.

Perhaps it was time to support Aiden in accepting his true self.