Chapter 6 Celeste
Celeste's POV
Liam didn't cry. I was so relieved that Levi was the only one crying.
I don't know if Liam didn't want Alpha Eiden to see his vulnerable side, still mourning his stepfather's death, or if he was respecting his biological father's feelings.
Alpha Eiden wouldn't be sad if Liam cried over his stepfather, would he? He shouldn't have made a big deal of it. It was natural for Liam to love his stepfather.
Liam coaxed Levi to play at the arcade after their ice cream was finished. Levi, who loved his older half-brother, nodded, though there was no smile, and his face was grim.
I saw Benedict walking next to Levi. He seemed excited to be playing with our two sons.
I clenched my fists and blinked back the tears that threatened to fall.
It wasn't Benedict. It was Alpha Eiden walking into the arcade with Liam and Levi. He smiled broadly, not caring about my sons ignoring him.
I sat on a chair near the gaming machine and looked around.
This place is crowded and noisy, as if everyone is gathered here.
For years, I had lived in the quiet Black Birds Group, and I often even heard a voice in my heart.
But I had to adapt. I had no reason to complain.
My brow furrowed as I watched them leave the ticket line and walk quickly toward me.
"What's wrong?" I asked, getting up from my chair.
"Levi has a stomachache. He needs to go to the bathroom," Liam replied anxiously.
"Stomachache." Levi touched his stomach.
We rushed to the men’s bathroom. Liam went along to help Levi.
I was touched to see Liam showing his responsibility as an older brother.
I leaned against the wall outside the women's bathroom. Alpha Eiden hesitated to enter with my two sons. Why was he like that?
He stood next to me, scratching his cheek. “I’ve never really dealt with kids. I don’t know… what I’m supposed to do.”
Levi isn't his son. He shouldn't feel so confused.
“Trust Liam,” I said. I glanced at him to gauge the distance between us. When I realized we were too close, I took a half step to the side.
Alpha Eiden turned to me. I quickly broke eye contact. He should have known I didn’t want us to be close.
“Levi’s face is pale. Did he just need the bathroom?” he said after a few seconds of silence.
“He’s like that when he has a stomachache,” I said.
I appeared relaxed on the outside. In reality, I had already contacted Beta Dylan, and the doctor was ready to examine Levi when we got home.
“Looks like I’m the only werewolf here.” He spoke quietly, not wanting anyone else to hear. “Ah, no, Liam and I.”
If he didn’t realize his mistake soon, I would take Liam and Levi home right now.
“Do I have to wear a mask and a hat?” He muttered, putting his hands in his pockets.
I was staring at the men’s bathroom door when Alpha Eiden turned and looked straight at me. I could see him clearly out of the corner of my eye.
“Aren’t you worried someone will spread the word about us?”
His question made me realize I had made a mistake. I hadn’t thought about it yesterday because Benedict was around.
“I’m not a famous Alpha. My pack only has three enemies,” he continued, staring at the men’s bathroom door and maintaining his low, whisper-like voice. “But you know people like to gossip.”
“If you’re worried about that, you should just wear a mask, a hat, and whatever else you have so people don’t try to find out about you,” I said flatly.
“Mm, you’re right.” He nodded. “Okay. I will do that next time we meet.”
The rogues would still notice him because he was a werewolf, but I wouldn't tell him my group sold perfume to disguise body odor.
Liam and Levi came out of the bathroom. Levi’s body was weak, his face still pale. He wanted to sit in the park at the mall to get some fresh, cool air.
I sat on a bench near the fish pond. Levi and Liam were delighted to watch the fish swimming back and forth. Alpha Eiden stood behind them like a bodyguard.
The bright blue sky, the blazing sun, and the wind that pushed the white clouds along so quickly almost felt like they were tricking our eyes.
The ground, the trees, and the plants still carried raindrops. I had nearly forgotten that just half an hour ago, this place had been heavily raining.
I gasped in surprise when Alpha Eiden sat down next to me. He apologized to me. I rubbed my chest, my heart almost jumping out of my chest.
“I actually wanted to bring up again when and where Liam and I first met,” he said, leaning back with intertwined fingers on his thigh.
This time, I didn’t look away. Don’t expect me to describe his face and appearance.
“We’ve already discussed it,” I said. “Liam decided. He only wants to see you on Sundays and at this shopping mall.”
He didn’t say anything. I felt uncomfortable. His gaze deepened, as if he wanted to capture my attention.
“You know I want to get to know Liam better,” he said without hesitation, determination in his eyes.
“If we only meet on Sundays, it’ll take us a long time to get to know each other.” The sadness etched on his face, as if it hurt him.
He wasn't wrong to complain, but he should have held on a little longer. He and Liam had only met about a week ago.
"I want to bring Liam to my pack. He'll stay with me. It's okay for just one day. The important thing is that we spend time together." He expressed his wish with frustration.
I thought he would say that next week or after a month of seeing each other. He was in such a rush.
“I’m not sure this is the right time to talk to Liam about that.” I tried to speak softly and choose words that would strengthen his patience.
“You know my mate died a week ago. We’re still grieving.” I touched my tight chest as I saw Benedict standing behind Alpha Eiden.
I turned my eyes to my two sons, who were chatting with other children their age near the pool.
“Liam and Levi are very close. They can't be apart for too long. I can't handle Levi alone when he misses Liam.” I smiled at their strong brotherly bond.
Liam was hospitalized for three days six months ago. His doctor forbade Levi from staying overnight. Levi couldn't sleep, so everyone took turns playing with him to keep him from constantly thinking about Liam.
Only Benedict could put Levi to sleep, and he was no longer in this world.
"I understand," he said, his face desperate and his shoulders slumped. "I'll wait."
I thanked him for understanding our situation.
However, he said something I hadn't expected, with an expressionless face and a faint smile that left me confused as to why he was smiling.
"How about you and Levi stay at my pack? I'll prepare a comfortable place for you two." He was enthusiastic about the idea. “But you’ll have to give me and Liam plenty of time together.”
At that point, I didn't answer and instead asked him to give me some time.