Chapter 120 120

Chapter 120 120
Samuel

My morning routine hasn't changed much over the years. I still take my early morning jog to stay fit and strong. The only difference now is that I have two people who join me rather than being alone. I don't have a say in this arrangement, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

"Can't catch me, Daddy!" Rose squeaks and races off, her long carrot-top hair very noticeable in the spring green forest. Now six years old, she's becoming her own little person. I see more of her father in her every day, which I don't mind at all.

"Don't go too far ahead of us, Rose!" I call after her and shake my head. The man next to me chuckles, and I scowl at him. "Even if these are our woods, she can still get into trouble," I mutter. She's my pup, after all, so I'm always worried about her.

"She'll be fine. Don't sweat over it so much, Samuel. I'll just go and get her before she gets too far away," Peter shrugs. "I'll never let anything happen to our pup. You know me better than that."

I never confirmed Rose was his daughter, but I also never denied it either. It made things easier on me if Peter assumed she was—since he wasn't wrong in the slightest.

"I still like having my eyes on her at all times. Besides, she has to learn to listen. You can't keep spoiling her or she'll never learn," I point out and roll my eyes at his pouting. He's way worse than Rose, which does annoy me a lot, but I've also grown used to it. It's just one of his many quirks.

Over these four years, Peter and I have been great friends. As if our relationship reset, we were the same as before—and everyone seemed to notice. Daisy wasn't happy about it, but I already told her to buzz off. It's my life, and therefore, my decision in the end.

During this time, I finally remembered why we were friends in the first place. Peter is an amazing man and Beta of the pack. Always fair yet firm, he takes care of the pack alongside Aiden and keeps everything in working order. I find myself admiring him every day... even if I have to do it quietly so I don't get caught staring.

Even now, I make sure only to look at his face. Any more, and... I fear I may become a horrid mess. Some of it is Victor's influence, wanting to be with his mate, but the rest is my own thoughts.

Perhaps I forgave him long ago. Perhaps I wanted to be with him the moment all the misunderstandings were cleared up. Perhaps... deep down, I never wanted to reject him in the first place. I only wished to hurt him the same way he hurt me.

I frown deeply and close one eye as Peter pokes my cheek.

"What are you thinking about?" he asks curiously.

In my head, I see a flash of him in the woods that night and quickly look to the side.

"Something bad?"

I shake my head and sigh. "Nothing really. Nothing at all. It's getting late, so let's head on back. Rose needs to get ready for classes with the other young wolves. Rose!" I call after her and start to run to catch my hyper pup.

Peter's eyes pierce into my back, and I ignore it like always. If only he knew how badly he affected me... he'd be overjoyed indeed. He runs after me, passing me with ease and scooping up Rose.

"Hey! No fair! Daddy's supposed to catch me!" Rose protests, pouting with her cheeks puffed out like a little chipmunk. "You're so mean, Papa Peter!"

I tense slightly, like always. She's been calling him that for over three years now.

"You never gave us any rules to follow," Peter points out and pats the top of her head. Her little black ears flatten against her head, and her tail droops. "Don't worry, little pup! You'll be learning and playing with the Alpha's pups in no time."

Almost immediately, Rose perks up and her tail starts to wag happily. She's best friends with Lily and Davin and loves spending time with them. Davin especially enjoys her presence—even if he's shy about it. But it isn't like what Skylar felt toward Ebony, at least. I don't know what I'd do if I already knew who Rose's mate was.

"Yay!" Rose cheers happily. "They make learning fun! Lily especially—she's so smart! And Davin is so fun to play with." She giggles and leans into Peter. The two look so relaxed together. It makes me happy to know he's a part of her life.

"That's wonderful, dear. Now let's get you all cleaned up so that you can have a good day with your friends," I tell her, and we walk back to my house with Peter still carrying Rose.

As the two of them speak, my mind wanders once again. Victor keeps pacing around in my mind, grumbling about me not taking Peter back already. He's been impatiently doing this for two years now, and I do understand his frustration.

I hate being indecisive about this. In a way, I just want to be sure that this is the right path for me. I do love Peter, but he also hurt me as well. Forgive and forget... why is it so hard to forget? I still remember the pain of him cheating on me. I push away the thought and focus on the path forward.

We make it back to my house, and I go help Rose with her bath.

"I'll make us something quick!" Peter calls out, and I call back a thank you.

He is very helpful as well... so many great qualities. Peter is the whole package, for sure...

I need someone to talk to. Someone who won't let their emotions cloud their judgment. Immediately, Daisy is out of the question. Who else can I ask for advice?

Then it hits me. I know who can help.

"Daddy? I'm all clean!" Rose says, pulling me back to reality. I nod and start to help her dry off. I have a goal to look forward to now. I just hope I can get something from talking to this person. I'm beyond hopeless when it comes to relationships, for sure