114
SOFIA'S POV
Light filtered in through the spaces in the curtains, hitting my eyelids. I groaned, fluttering them in succession.
The room blurred into focus. The grand, soft pink canopies above the bed caused my heart to leap for a second.
Before I remembered: Oh, we're at Diego's pack.
Last night, Enzo led us to our room, and, to my slight disappointment, it was the room beside Diego’s.
The room shared the same wall with him.
But it was honestly better than the worst-case scenario I had imagined—being forced to lie with him.
Especially as my son’s here, I still wanted to protect my image in his tender mind. If I can.
But the rays of the sun weren’t the only reason I woke up. A metallic ding sounded out through the room.
It was because someone was calling me.
I peeled myself off, away from my son, Alex, who lay cuddling with me on the bed, his face pressed flush against my chest, a serene expression, free of trouble, plastered on his face.
Reluctantly, I shuffled off the bed, dragging my feet to where the sound came from.
I snatched it off the bedside table, sliding the answer button without checking who the person was, grumbling out a “hello,” impatience dripping off my words.
At that point, I was ready to hang up any moment from now.
“Sofia…” A voice called out, hoarse, with so much emotion crammed into that one word.
Freezing, I mechanically withdrew from the phone, glancing at the caller. “LEON.” It showed the name in big, bold letters.
I wanted to facepalm. Of all the people to call me now, and of all the times to be careless.
Gritting my teeth, I’ve already picked it up anyway. What’s the worst that could happen? I shrugged, trying to drain out the nervousness raging within me—and failed.
I gripped the phone, my heart racing in my chest, my palm swiftly becoming sweaty.
I tilted my face up, throwing my head backwards, and placed the phone right beside my ear, not saying anything.
The line had gone silent. None of us said anything.
If not for the faint breathing I heard on the other side, I would have thought it had been hung up.
I couldn’t bring myself to say anything, and the more he acted like this, the higher my guilt rose.
If he had screamed at me, hurling insults at my face the second I picked the call, I would understand.
But I would have wrapped myself in an armor of needles, shooting back. But he didn’t. It made me realize even more just how much I meant to Leon.
“Sofia,” he called out like a wounded beast. “You know, I totally understand. I get it.”
“Even though I don’t want to accept it—I understand. I’ve forgiven you, okay. I don’t hold it against you. So will you… can you forgive me?” His voice lowered until it faded off.
Meanwhile, I was shocked. I thought he had come to confront me, and I was gearing myself for one, but he didn’t.
“Umm…” Honestly, I didn’t know what to say. But the injury my actions caused was still fresh in my memory. I don’t think I want to meet him right now.
Sensing my resistance, he swiftly interrupted my thought process. “Okay, I won’t force you. Just take your time.”
“But I’m saying this not just because of me, but also because of Emily.”
“Emily? Emily’s awake!” Stepping forward, my grip on the phone turned into a clutch.
“Yes, she is, and ever since she woke up, she’s been asking after her mommy. Yesterday, Diego barged into the pack searching for Emily, and that gave her a bad scare.”
At his words, my head faced the floor, my chin tucked. I knew on whose request that was.
Mine.
“She thought it was a bad guy who wanted to kidnap her. Thankfully, I was there to stop him. But still, Emily wants to see you.”
“I know you don’t want to see me. I can handle that. But this isn’t about me now—it’s about Emily.”
“So do you agree? I’ve actually promised her we’re seeing you today, and she’s already whining, begging Ava before the sun even rose to dress her up in her favorite dress.” He chuckled, but I still sensed it. It was laced with thick sadness he tried to cover up for my sake.
Hearing him like this, I couldn’t bear to do it. I couldn’t disagree just because of me.
My daughter, Emily—she’s finally awake.
“Okay, I’d like to see Emily.” It wasn’t a surprise when I gave in.
“Great!” I could feel Leon visibly perk up, the sadness in his voice reducing.
“So where will we meet?”
“Meet?” I repeated in puzzlement. Wasn’t it in the pack?
“We can’t meet inside the pack, Sofia.” As though he could read my mind, he reminded me. “First, it isn’t my pack, so I can’t just walk in. Secondly, considering the history between the two of us and our frequent frictions, Diego might not grant me entrance. And thirdly, Diego’s previous actions have already caused Emily to have nightmares. She feels safer in a place she’s been, around familiar people.”
“I suggest that Emily stays with me… and the pack.” I played his words plain. “But we’ll be coming to see you regularly. This would give Emily enough chance to adjust and get used to the environment,” he swiftly added.
I knew that what he said was right. Unlike Alex, Emily struggled to adapt to changes, especially if this was done abruptly and suddenly.
It caused her to become withdrawn, shrinking into herself for a while. She’d also be unable to sleep, and when she did, she’d wake up at the tiniest noise, losing appetite.
My mind flashed back to the sleepless nights I’ve had.
Staying awake just to accompany her.
Alex and Emily were awake and healthy once more.
In my extreme elation to reunite my children, I had forgotten this.
I squirmed, uncomfortable on the spot, inwardly criticizing my stupidity.
And when Leon said, “Everyone makes mistakes,” it didn’t make me feel any better. In fact, I felt worse.
This was the person I was supposed to comfort. Instead, it was the other way around. He’s still the same gentle, heartwarming, and intelligent person I know.
The surface of my heart rippled.
Everything he said was right. Knowing Diego, if Emily entered this pack, he’d likely snatch her away from Leon, taking advantage of the fact that it’s his pack.
“So where can we meet?” I asked. It was only fair that I asked after all his meticulousness.
As if waiting for my words, he spoke. “Don’t worry, Sofia. I know just the right place. Trust me, you’ll love it.”
Afterwards, a few seconds later, the call was hung up.
While I stared at my sleeping son, it seems I’ll have to prepare him for today’s surprise of seeing his twin.
I chuckled.
Picturing his tiny face, his eyes widening, squealing in delight at the sight of his sister.
Anticipation brewed within me.