Chapter 107 WORDS
WILLA'S POV
I looked harried. I knew I did. But at the moment, it didn't matter. Not when I was rushing to be by Gallahan's side, with Zuleika and Maliya in tow.
I had a strong inkling that the Alpha King would make a fuss about Gallahan's chained-up and muzzled state. It didn't sit well with me either, but I knew it was necessary to an extent.
Gallahan was already a strong and aggressive werewolf as he was. Who knew how much his strength and aggression could grow if the blood of the rogue wolves infected him fully?
But even then, I was very much sure that the Alpha King wouldn't see it that way. He would only see his son, his own flesh and blood and his heir to the Alpha King seat, being mistreated.
And if he shared the same temper as Gallahan, he could use this to wage a pack war against my family and Wolverham.
While I did not have a shred of doubt that Gallahan would object to such a thing ever happening, especially considering our children and their well-being, I wasn't entirely certain that he had the power and influence to stop his father, especially that he had already gone against him regarding his betrothal to Elodie.
But even if the Alpha King would not go as far as waging a war against my family and Wolverham, there was still one more thing I was deeply worried about.
He might just take Gallahan away
From me. From us.
I didn't want that.
I couldn't...
I couldn't bear it.
Not even the thought of it.
Within months, Gallahan had wormed himself into our lives, so much so that his presence had taken root. He had been so persistent that he unknowingly made space for himself until there was a Gallahan-shaped in my heart and in my life. A space that no one else would be able to fill...
I didn't even want to imagine a life wherein it was just me and the twins again.
Such a sentiment was held by twins. This, I was absolutely certain.
Perhaps that was why I wasn't that much surprised when I saw them in the room, Gallahan kneeling a few feet away from them as he said his goodbye.
Fuck.
He was still manacled and muzzled, and he looked sick and exhausted beyond belief that it sent a sharp jolt of pain throughout my entire chest.
I quietly slipped into the room, and so did Zuleika and Maliya. I nodded my head to my Grandpa, a gesture he returned in kind. William stood rigid beside him, his face betraying the bubbling anger he was feeling.
Meanwhile, the Alpha King stood in the far corner, looking imposing and detached. But his eyes were firmly glued on the twins as if he was assessing them and the blood that ran in their veins. He was probably contemplating if he had a share in that very blood.
Zuleika and Maliya approached him, their steps measured and a tad bit wary. I, on the other hand, went to stand beside my Mom who remained by the door.
While I wished to be close to my mate and our children, I also wanted to allow Gallahan a moment wherein it was just them.
"I will be back, okay?" Gallahan said placatingly. "I promise I will be back, and when I do, we will all go on a short trip. To make up for that horrible night. We will make happy new memories to erase the horrible ones that had happened. Okay? Daddy will be back. I promise you..."
Calisto sniffled. Then he asked quietly in a wobbling voice, "But why do you even have to leave, Daddy?"
Gallahan blinked his misty eyes. "Because..."
He faltered as his gaze caught mine. He only offered me a small smile before redirecting all of his focus back to the twins.
"Because Daddy made a mistake while fighting the rogue wolves, Cal. It was a grave mistake too."
"What do you mean by mistake? You just fought to protect us and Mommy," Gillian argued. "It's not a mistake, Daddy."
Gallahan barked out a laugh, one that resounded with affection.
"My smart, smart girl. What I meant was just... I got sick because of it. I... I got infected with something, and so I have to get better first. Didn't I tell you that the chains and the muzzle are meant to help Daddy?"
"But... But why?" Calisto exclaimed, daring to get closer to Gallahan."
"Calisto," Grandpa and Mom warned at the same time.
But Calisto was defiant, and seeing the courage of her brother, Gillian crossed the gap between her and Gallahan too.
"Let them be," I piped in before anyone could express their objections. "I trust Gallahan around our children."
Gallahan gave me another smile. It was weak but it reflected his gratitude.
"Even if you are sick, couldn't you just stay?" Calisto asked softly, leaning his head on Gallahan's shoulder. "Gillian and I will help Mommy look after you until you get better."
Gallahan leaned closer, pressing his forehead against Calisto's. "Thank you, Cal. That is very sweet of you. But the sickness I have, it's better to be treated in my castle."
Calisto suddenly perked up. "Castle?!"
Gallahan smiled with a heavy sigh. "One day, I shall bring the two of you there. Maybe I could once I make my full recovery, perhaps fourteen days from now. I will fetch you and your Mommy so I can take you to the castle I grew up in. Of course, only if your Mommy permits it."
All of their gazes went to me. Calisto's eyes were shining in anticipation, while Gillian's were wide as if making a silent plea.
Melting at the sight of my family, I finally walked up to them and mirrored Gallahan's kneeling position.
"I don't see why not."
The gratitude and happiness in Gallahan's eyes shone so bright that it almost pained me.
Gods... I love this man.
And before I knew it, the words had slipped out of my mouth.