Ch 66

Ch 66
6th of January—————

“Your Grace”

Eden gave a deep curtsy like Alexis had taught her to do. 

Immediately her hands were grabbed, and one of the most handsome young men she had ever seen helped her to her feet.

“Please, call me Alastor, " replied the Duke of Avery, kissing her on both cheeks. 

“Ian,” he exclaimed enthusiastically, “where did you find such a pretty omega?”

“Just looking at her to know you don't deserve it.”

“You can let go of her now, Alastor,” Ian said quietly, smiling. 

The look on his face, however, indicated that he was ready to slay any man who got too close to Eden, whether he was a duke or a prince.

Eden felt overcome with excitement. She was a little apprehensive about this baptism reception, but, for the moment, everything was going wonderfully. 

The only downside in recent weeks was that Ian avoided sharing her bed, probably to let her rest a little after giving birth.

Since Amara’s birth, however, the alpha seemed more distant than Eden would have liked. 

Was it because of Frederica? Was he still thinking about their relationship? 

Ian was still attentive and tender but didn't give the impression that he had truly adopted the child, as Eden had hoped. 

The little girl was not his and would never have his love; only his good care, just like Eden.

Now was not the time to indulge in melancholy. Eden was recovering very well from the birth, Amara was doing wonderfully, and the guests seemed delighted with their welcome. 

Ian had just been possessive and jealous. 

Maybe it wasn't love, but it was nice all the same.

Eden entrusted the duke to the care of a valet, so that he could show him his room, and gave an amused look to Iris, who was chatting with Ian’s aunts. 

Iris smiled back, as Jackson opened the door to welcome Bishop and Mrs. Huntingford, their chaplain and servants. 

Eden had a moment of doubt, then decided that when you had a duke in the family, after all, you might as well invite a bishop.



After dinner, while coffee was being served, Eden thought to herself that she was very lucky.

If only her sisters had been with her, her happiness would have been complete. 

She looked up and saw Ian watching her. Yes, almost complete. 

What would be perfect is for her husband to be in love with her. 

Ian approached.

“Everything is going wonderfully, Lady Hadleigh,” 

Ian whispered to her.

“Is it true, do you like it? I am delighted.”

“Everyone seems delighted, just listen to the laughter and the hubbub of the conversations.”

The castle was invaded by Ian’s friends. 

The singles took advantage of the presence of several single omegas to flirt outrageously, and the two married alphas present had abandoned their omegas to discuss the serious issue of hunting dog reproduction, a debate in which the bishop had passionately joined. 

Mrs. Huntingford was speaking with Lord Abbotsbury, and the aunts were surprised that the young single omegas were not accompanied by chaperones.

“That's more than pleasing to me,” Ian continued, “I'm proud of you, Eden.”

“Proud?”

“I would never have imagined that the poor little lost kitten who came knocking on my door one evening in May could transform into a beautiful and radiant viscountess.”

“I'm not beautiful, you seducer!” protested the omega, trying to hide the rush of pleasure that these words gave her.

“But yes, you are. I just have to make sure you're happy too, otherwise, you'll become less attractive,” he replied, looking mocking.

Eden laughed, but her response was delivered in a very serious tone.

“You make me happy. All the time.”

“It's true?”

Sometimes, Eden felt like Ian’s soul was all in his eyes, in that deep, intense brown. 

Eden thought she sensed, at that moment, a feeling as strong as the one she felt.

“Yes, you are so kind to me.”

“Kind?”

It seemed as if the light was going out.

“And a wonderful father.”

Eden must have said something wrong. 

Usually, the omega tried not to show any tender feelings towards Ian, because he seemed to hate it. 

Ian himself never brought up these subjects, contenting himself with complimenting her on her competence in this or that area, or her outfit. 

Eden must never forget that by marrying him, Ian hoped to find a partner capable of playing the role of Viscountess Hadleigh.



Later that evening, when everyone had retired for the night, Eden entered Amara’s room, dressed only in her nightgown, and watched the baby sleep.

“Are you coming to bed, Eden?”

She turned around. 

Ian stood by the doorway, completely naked, breathtakingly handsome, and desirable. 

The omega felt shocked and amused at the same time.

“Oh my God, Ian, you're naked!”

“Have you noticed it? I think Amara is too young to be upset about it.”

“Perhaps, but Mary is not.”

Eden nervously turned her head in the direction of the room where the nanny was sleeping. The door was closed.

“Well, come punish me,” Ian whispered. 

“Every night I miss you.”

Ian lifted her in his arms and carried her through the nursery to his suite. 

“Since that’s how it is, " said Eden laughing, 

“no, I don’t want to punish you.”

“I want you to make love to me and tell me you love me” Ian smiled and placed her on the bed, he made love to her, very gently. 

It was wonderful, as always. As always too, when it was over, Ian whispered.

“Thank you, Eden, my angel.”

Before returning to his room. 

Eden wanted to cry. 

Domestic happiness, security, and even pleasure were not enough. 

Eden wanted it all. She wanted his love. She wanted all of Ian.