Chapter 18 Celeste
Celeste's POV
The wooden house Levi and I lived in during our time at the Alpha Eiden's pack was quite comfortable.
It only had a bedroom, a bathroom, and a living room. The mattress was soft, and the blankets were thick and cozy.
I didn't know what the long leather sofa in the living room was like; I wasn't interested in sitting there.
I brought all my bathing supplies myself, even five new towels. The last thing I wanted was to trouble Alpha Eiden.
Levi was already asleep. It had been a long time since we last shared a bed, and it made me stay awake, afraid I might accidentally roll onto him.
“This wooden house makes me feel like we’re on vacation somewhere.”
My eyes wandered over the light brown curtains, the high ceiling, the bright lights, the wall-mounted heater, and the soft dark brown rug.
“He built this house in five days,” I remembered Beta Serena’s words. “But this house doesn’t look like it was built in a short time.”
'I’m glad he put in so much effort to build this wooden house for you and Levi, but still, I can’t forget what he did to us.' My wolf snorted in annoyance.
'I can’t forget that either.' I nodded. 'But I don’t think we need to remember it.' I shook my head.
‘He and I are tied together now because we’re Liam’s parents. We need to show him we’re fine. I don’t want him growing up hating his real father,’ I said quietly.
'Yeah, you’re right.' My wolf nodded. 'Liam needs you guys.' She thought for a moment. 'Liam seems happy with his biological father.'
I was stunned, even though I knew it. They'd gotten along so quickly, I was surprised. I was happy because this was what I'd hoped for.
My eyes watered after a few yawns, and I eventually gave up trying to keep them open.
"Okay. Time for bed."
I lay down next to Levi. He was hugging his favorite stuffed tiger, the birthday gift from Benedict.
I just realized now that Benedict died after celebrating Liam and Levi's birthdays. But he died before mine.
It's okay. I'm not crying. Don't worry.
I’ve let Benedict go. He’s at peace in heaven with the Moon Goddess and our ancestors.
I woke up to my phone alarm ringing. Levi was still sleeping soundly. I smiled, ready to start the new day.
I drew the curtains open. All I could see were trees and grass. I couldn't even see the sky, no sunlight breaking through the thick canopy.
I shut my eyes and sharpened my senses, listening closely and catching the scents drifting around the wooden house.
I could sense five warriors guarding Levi and me. We were able to sleep safely because of them. Honestly, I wanted to know what this forest was for and why it was behind his house.
Never mind, that wasn't important right now.
I hurried to the bathroom and finished my business there.
"Mom?" I heard Levi shout over the sound of running water.
"I'm here," I replied, brushing my hair and letting it down. "I'm coming, my dear."
Levi was waiting in front of the bathroom, hugging me tightly as if I'd left him alone in this wooden house. I chuckled and stroked his hair. "I'm not going anywhere, my dear."
I told him to go to the bathroom. We were getting ready to meet Liam at Alpha Eiden’s mansion.
I wonder whether Alpha Eiden can read Liam a bedtime story without frightening him, or if the two of them just chat about anything.
It seemed Liam had a lot of questions for his biological father about the werewolf clan. Although he already knew a lot from me, I hadn't been in a werewolf pack for long.
“Come on, let’s go see Liam and Alpha Eiden,” Levi said excitedly as he held my hand.
“You’re excited to see them, aren’t you?” I poked Levi’s cheek, and his reaction surprised me.
“Yeah, I love playing with Alpha Eiden.” Levi beamed, his eyes shining. “He’s wrong a lot. He doesn’t know anything. He’s funny.”
I was happy that Alpha Eiden bonded not just with Liam but also made Levi feel comfortable around him. But suddenly, worry tightened in my chest, and I tried to push it away.
Levi couldn't possibly forget Benedict, but his biological father left him at three, and they hadn't yet created many memories.
Ugh. I was annoyed with myself. Why was I thinking about something I shouldn't have?
Levi and I walked down the hallway toward Alpha Eiden’s house. I didn’t know why we had to go through this route. Yeah, I knew we were guests being kept out of the public eye.
I felt like his mistress. Moon Goddess. My mind often came up with something ridiculous.
Alpha Eiden and Liam were waiting for us in the dining room.
"Levi," Liam shouted happily.
"Liam." Levi let go of my hand.
They ran to hug each other. Anyone would have thought they hadn't seen each other in decades.
I looked at Alpha Eiden, who was smiling, his gaze fixed on my two sons.
I noticed the dark circles under his eyes, which reminded me of what I’d heard about his nightmares keeping him up at night.
But it didn’t seem to affect his daily routine. So his condition wasn’t too concerning.
I didn't care about him. Really. It was because I read that file on him.
We had breakfast together. Alpha Eiden told the omegas what our favorite foods were.
Afterward, we sat in the living room, listening to Liam and Levi chatter while watching television. I let Alpha Eiden do most of the responding.
Three hours later, they headed to the gym. Alpha Eiden's equipment was surprisingly complete. I didn't join them; I stayed in the living room.
I gave Alpha Eiden plenty of time with Liam and Levi. If I were between them, my two sons would only focus on me.
I was on my phone, texting back and forth with Beta Dylan. My eyes read the messages, but my ears were glued to the door. I had to stay alert no matter where I was.
I quickly texted Beta Dylan to let him know they were done at the gym. Then I walked over. Liam and Levi were already inside the playroom.
Alpha Eiden was at the front of the room, talking to someone on the phone. I kept my distance so I wouldn’t overhear the conversation.
“I love spending time with them,” he said as he tucked his phone into his pocket and shot me a glance.
“I’m relieved to hear that,” I replied. “You seem to be keeping up with their energy.” I walked over to him and peeked into the playroom, smiling when I saw Liam and Levi arguing about what they were going to play this morning.
“Yeah. I’ll have to adapt quickly.” Alpha Eiden looked enthusiastic.
“You don’t need to be so close to Levi. Just focus on Liam,” I said quietly, making sure my two sons didn’t hear.
“It’s okay,” Alpha Eiden said with a casual wave. His eyes stayed on my two sons, a smile spreading across his face. “Liam loves Levi. Levi’s a good, fun kid. I want to get along with him, too.”
I was stunned and at a loss for words. He wasn't lying. It left me unsure whether to be happy or scared.