Chapter 125 125

Chapter 125 125
Peter

As I watch my mate sleep, I can’t help but smirk to myself. Dressing and carrying him home without waking him was easy enough. Even undressing him again and laying him down on the bed was, too.

Part of me wants to wake him just to torment him endlessly, but I must hold myself back. We have plenty of time now.

Back when I first saw Samuel, I knew Father was right. My feelings for Rosie were false projections, meant only for the one who looked so much like her. They were even family! Everything made so much sense then.

Too bad I can't talk to Father now. After stepping down and letting me take over Beta duties, he left with Mother so he could have her all to himself. I wonder if I’ll do the same when Rose is of age.

One thing is for sure... we won’t be having any more pups. Samuel’s attention can’t be divided too much, after all. Being jealous of my own daughter isn’t something to be proud of—but what can I say? It’s in my very nature to be this way.

“Always hide your true self.” Father’s words echo in my mind yet again. “If they learn what you are, they’ll fear you. Be disgusted by you. Create a perfect mask and never let it slip. Once you find your true mate, you’ll feel like you’ve never felt before. Be patient... and never let them go.”

I should have listened to him all along. My frustration over Victor protecting Samuel from the truth of us being mates only made me rash and arrogant. It didn’t help that I was feeling new emotions for the first time in my life.

This led to stupid decisions—especially with Zoey. I never loved her. I only saved her because it was something Aiden would have done. That clingy, love-struck girl was more annoying than anything. I put on a smile and went with it, but it was never fun.

It only got worse when I decided to mark Zoey as a mate out of anger. I had never felt that sort of burning rage before, and it made me reckless—nearly losing Samuel forever.Going through everything I did made me do something I’d never done before: cry.

Sorrow was never something I’d truly felt. I saw what it was when Aiden lost Rosie and his child, but I couldn’t grasp it. When would I ever feel that way? I pushed it away and never thought about it again... until I realized how badly I’d messed up.

Lashing out with violence wasn’t a great idea. The fear in Samuel’s eyes made that clear, but I couldn’t control myself. When he left me behind without listening to what I meant to say, I broke down.

This time, it was Aiden’s turn to comfort me in my despair. That hopelessness was like drowning in a deep lake—suffocating and dark... but now, I don’t have to worry anymore.

As Samuel stirs and opens his eyes, I chuckle and rub his back.“Welcome back. Did you get plenty of rest?”I desire nothing more than to take him once more, but I can’t overdo it. Not yet, anyway.

Samuel blinks slowly at me before pulling away to sit up. The coldness of his absence makes me want to growl, but I don’t.“No, not really...” he winces and rubs his lower back. “That... wasn’t what I had in mind, but... can’t worry about it now, I guess.” He shrugs.

I chuckle softly and place a hand on his cheek.“I couldn’t help it. You’re just so lovely, and I couldn’t contain my excitement.” I lean forward and peck his lips. “Knowing you wanted to give us a shot... what else could I do?”

Samuel rolls his eyes and pokes my cheek.“I wanted to take things slow and date first. Jumping into things didn’t go well last time.” He lies back on the bed and sighs. “I can’t say... I hated it though...” He covers his face with his hands.

I reach out to him, worried I did something wrong, but pause. With his pale complexion, his bright red blush is impossible to miss. A grin forms on my face, and I hug him close, making him squeak.

“You’re so adorable.” I purr into his ear, making his face burn even hotter. Teasing Samuel will be my new favorite pastime for sure. I kiss his forehead and hold him close.

Samuel relaxes—but only for a moment, much to my annoyance.“What time is it?” he asks and lowers his hands to look at me. “Isn’t it past time to pick up Rose?”

His worry for Rose stirs jealousy in my heart. I love our pup—don’t get me wrong—but I want his attention fully on me for once. Is that so much to ask? Remembering Father’s words, I only chuckle.

“I asked Aiden to let her spend the time with them,” I say and pat the top of his head.Seeing Samuel open his mouth to protest, I reach out and place a finger on his lips.“Relax, love. You know she’s best friends with the twins. Even Skylar is coming out of his shell around her, so it’ll be good for him too.”

Samuel frowns.“Maybe I wanted to play and hang out with my little girl...” he mutters under his breath, making my jealousy flare even more. Is this what Father felt toward me?

Before I can say anything, I hear a knock on the door and a warning through my link with Aiden.

'Daisy is on her way or may already be there. I’m sorry, but she’s not happy with you two being alone. I’ll be there shortly when Zoey and Hazel get here.'

While Aiden does sound apologetic and sheepish, it doesn’t stop the rage from boiling over. Samuel places a hand on mine and shoots me a firm look that makes me tense. Daisy must be talking to him through their own link.

“Stop and stay calm.”Samuel gets out of bed, much to my dismay, and walks to the door. I follow, feeling like a lost pup chasing after his mother. When he opens the door, our angry Luna stands there.

Her eyes are dark yellow—Naomi is in control and just as furious as Daisy must be. I snarl under my breath in annoyance, trying to keep calm.

Her odd beauty was the first thing that annoyed me—Samuel was always mooning after her. Then came her insistence on interfering with his life. Daisy always urged him to stay away from me. I’ve no doubt she pushed him toward accepting Hazel as a chosen mate, too.

While I silently seethe at her mere presence, Samuel cocks his head to the side.“Daisy... no, Naomi. What brings you here tonight? I’m here—Aiden explained what was going on, so I...”He trails off as she growls loudly.

“Don’t be surprised! You know by now that we want what’s best for you!” Naomi snaps, glaring daggers at me. If looks could kill, hers might have done the job well.

Samuel sighs and rubs the back of his neck. Part of me is proud of how annoyed he looks with the situation.“Look, I can take care of myself. I’m an adult and I get to choose who I’m hanging out with. Stop treating me like a child, I—”

“Then stop acting like one!” Naomi cuts him off again, making me snarl out loud. How dare she disrespect my mate!Before I can act, Samuel holds out his hand and shoots me a glare.

“You too. Stop treating me like some sort of pup who needs protecting,” he says lowly, then looks at Naomi.“I’m going to make you listen once and for all, and I’m only going to say this once... so you’d better shut up. No interruptions. It’s my turn, dmn it!”

Hearing his frustration and rage makes me shut my mouth and step back.Well, look at that. My mate is still a firecracker when he wants to be.If only he knew it made me love him even more.