Chapter 74
Iris
Having nothing much to do in the pack house, I decided to have a tour around the market and familiarize myself with the market women and get to know what their challenges were.
I knew that I wouldn't have to do that all the time, but it would distract me from the sudden desire to have a child.
After ensuring that I wasn't looking too casual or formal, I wore a black shoulder bag and stepped out of our room. Elda was already standing by the door just as I expected.
He intercepted me and gently removed my hand from the doorknob then shut the door.
"Where are we off to, My Lady?"
I rolled my eyes and continued walking. Going about with another unwanted person behind me felt strange and if not for Gradel's explanation, I'd have asked him to get lost.
It was more annoying because I lost my freedom and I couldn't do anything, knowing that there'd always be someone on my tail.
"To the market." I finally replied, hinting at my irritation.
Fortunately, he got the memo and snapped his lips shut since I wasn't ready for any discussion.
We got to the market and the first person my eyes met was Mrs Hanlow. A wave of guilt rode through me when I remembered how I failed to fulfill my promise.
After that evening that I cajoled Gradel to play with the kids, I'd assured the Hanlows that I'd visit them once in a while. However, my life was bombarded with several problems after that time and I forgot about them.
She seemed not to be angry because she straightened her dress with a smile bright enough to light up a room and barreled towards me.
I stretched my arms and engulfed her in a warm embrace. We stayed like that for a moment until she let go and provided a stool for me to sit.
"You're the last person I expected to visit today. How have you been, My lady?" She mused.
"It was unplanned but now I see why the moon goddess stirred me from my comfortable bed to come over to the market. And as for your second question, I just wanted to tell you that my life has never been better." I replied enthusiastically because it was the truth.
I never envisaged being mated to the former most eligible bachelor in the pack who was also an Alpha Prince and soon-to-be Alpha. And it didn't end there, he loved me deeply even when he didn't know that what he felt for me was love.
"I'm so glad to hear that. Tell me, what can I offer you?"
I shook my head. "Don't bother about that, Mrs Hanlow. What about your son?"
She pointed at a group of children playing at one corner of the road and my heart melted as I began to imagine having a son that would be old enough to play around carefreely with his friend.
Or a daughter with whom I'd gladly practice my hairstyling skills. She'd be my best friend and come to think of it, having them as twins wouldn't be so bad.
"Should I ask him to come over?" She questioned.
"Don't bother, I'll just surprise him."
She agreed and I subtly searched for Elda who had mixed with the crowd intentionally. I sought him out and together we went to meet Dalian, Mrs Hanlow's son.
*********
Today was quite fulfilling, only that it would end on a sad note since Alpha Cronus would be buried tonight.
Dalian was such a jovial and clever kid. Well-mannered too. He apologized whenever he was at fault and he always looked out for his friends. I would give anything to come play with him every time.
And I didn't fail to reward him with some sweets which he gave to his mother.
It was evening already and the only thing I wanted to do was to bounce on the bed and have a good night's rest until it was time for the burial, but my plans were disrupted when I met Gradel seated at the edge of the bed, his face masked with a deep frown.
"What's the matter?" I pressed for an answer with a note of urgency.
"I don't feel like attending the burial. Others might be in mourning but it feels like he isn't dead because the consequences of his wrongdoing are still evident." He answered, tiredly.
I understood how felt but I wouldn't resort to convincing him to forgive his father upon remembering how it almost brought a rift between us. He didn't need an overbearing woman, all he needed was someone who would offer him solace and that was me.
He rested his head on my neck and I ran my fingers through his hair. "Will your brother be present for the burial as well?"
He snorted. "I'm not certain. He hates our father more than I do for obvious reasons and you know what I want?"
"What?"
"Don't hate me for saying this, but I'll be glad if he doesn't make it here. My father will roll when he realizes that his children don't care about him."
Immediately, I placed my finger on his lips to shut him up. "Don't think like that, Gradel. We all make mistakes,"
"I know, but I will never make such an intentional mistake," He retorted sarcastically.
I knew better than to respond; we'd only argue so I changed the subject.
"I ran into Mrs Hanlow today and I played with Dalian. He's so energetic and handsome, Gradel..." I said with so much longing that he fixed a quizzical look at me.
"You want something," His voice was breathy, filled with understanding.
Feeling slightly flustered, I lowered my lashes to evade his gaze as his eyes bore into my soul. I'd never felt so naked even though I was dressed.
"Well, yes. I want us to have a child. Get me pregnant, Mate," I intoned with his eyes staring hard at me.