Maggie woke up the next morning, feeling a strange mix of curiosity and unease. Something was different. The wolf hadn’t made an appearance in her dreams the previous night, yet the moon outside seemed to glow with an intense, blood-red hue.
Aldrich had already left for work, but he had made sure to arrange a delicious breakfast for her. As she sat at the beautifully set dining table, Thomas, the butler, approached with a warm smile.
“Good morning, Miss Maggie,” Thomas greeted her. “I hope you had a restful night. Mr. Aldrich asked me to ensure that your breakfast is prepared according to your preferences.”
“Good morning, Thomas,” Maggie replied, returning his smile. “Thank you so much for your kind assistance. Please let Mr. Aldrich know that I truly appreciate his thoughtfulness. He really didn’t have to go through all this trouble for me.”
Thomas nodded, his eyes filled with understanding. “It’s our pleasure to take care of you, Miss Maggie. Mr. Aldrich wants to ensure your comfort and well-being. If you have any specific requests or dietary preferences, please don’t hesitate to let us know.”
The dining room exuded an air of quiet opulence, adorned with polished silverware, delicate porcelain dishes, and a bouquet of fresh flowers as a centerpiece. Soft sunlight filtered through the lace curtains, casting intricate patterns on the tablecloth. The smell of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the aroma of warm pastries, creating a tantalizing sensory experience.
Maggie took a hesitant sip of her coffee, savoring the rich flavor as it danced on her taste buds. The warmth spread through her body, soothing her nerves and bringing a newfound sense of calm. She couldn’t help but marvel at the lengths Aldrich had gone to ensure her comfort, even in the smallest details.
With each bite of the flaky croissant, layers of buttery goodness melted in her mouth. The sweet tang of freshly squeezed orange juice complemented the indulgent flavors, creating a harmonious symphony of taste. Maggie couldn’t remember the last time she had enjoyed a breakfast so decadent, and it made her heart swell with gratitude.
Maggie felt a twinge of guilt. “I’m sorry if I’m causing any inconvenience for everyone. I never expected to be in this situation, and I appreciate all the support I’ve received.”
Thomas’s reassuring smile softened his voice. “No need to apologize, Miss Maggie. We are here to assist you in any way we can. Mr. Aldrich cares deeply for your well-being, and we all want to make this journey as smooth as possible for you.”
As she savored the delicious breakfast, Maggie’s apprehension began to fade. Her nerves had settled, and she found herself more open to Aldrich’s arrangements. If he was willing to accept her and provide for her, she would do everything in her power to become the best mother she could be. The thought of building a future with Aldrich filled her with a renewed sense of determination and hope.
After finishing their breakfast, Maggie and her lively maid, Elizabeth, embarked on a leisurely stroll through the sprawling garden. The vast expanse was adorned with an array of vibrant flowers, carefully transplanted from different corners of the world. Even in the midst of winter, the garden remained a breathtaking spectacle, captivating Maggie’s senses.
Maggie marveled at the sight, her eyes tracing the delicate petals and inhaling the fragrant air. “Elizabeth, look at these flowers. They defy the season, blooming with such beauty. It’s truly astonishing,” she exclaimed, her voice filled with awe.
Elizabeth beamed, her steps light and energetic as she matched Maggie’s pace. “Yes, Miss Maggie, this garden is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our gardeners. They ensure that even in the harshest conditions, the flowers continue to flourish, bringing joy to everyone who walks among them.”
As they meandered through the garden, Elizabeth initiated a conversation, eager to share the sentiments of the estate’s inhabitants. “You know, Miss Maggie, everyone here is overjoyed that you carry Aldrich’s offspring. He is a formidable and intelligent man, and his kindness extends to every person he encounters. Many hope that he will ascend to the position of Alpha King. However, his previous destined mate’s departure, due to her inability to conceive, has left him disheartened and placed him at a disadvantage in the election.”
Maggie’s curiosity sparked, and she gazed at Elizabeth with inquisitive eyes. “I wonder, Elizabeth, what was Aldrich’s former mate like? I can’t help but be intrigued by the woman who held such a significant place in his life.”
Elizabeth’s brows furrowed slightly as she pondered Maggie’s question. “I’m afraid I don’t know much about her, Miss Maggie. Their relationship was shrouded in secrecy, and Aldrich rarely spoke of her. It’s a topic that has always been veiled in mystery.”
Maggie’s mind buzzed with intrigue, and she couldn’t help but wonder about Aldrich’s past. As their conversation flowed, her thoughts took a turn toward the topic of age.
“Elizabeth, I’ve heard that werewolves possess eternal youth and retain their appearance. Does that mean Aldrich is an elderly gentleman?” Maggie asked, a mix of concern and curiosity lacing her voice.
Elizabeth burst into a merry laugh, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “Oh, Miss Maggie, you need not worry about that. Aldrich’s allure lies precisely in the fact that he is both powerful and youthful. Werewolves are blessed with everlasting beauty, and Aldrich is no exception. He possesses a timeless grace that captivates all who encounter him.”
Maggie’s worry dissolved, replaced by a sense of relief. She let out a soft sigh, allowing the weight of her concerns to dissipate. The sun cast a warm glow upon the garden, creating an ethereal backdrop for their conversation.
As they continued their leisurely walk, the beauty of the garden seemed to mirror the blossoming affection between Maggie and Aldrich. Each step brought them closer to discovering the depths of their connection and the mysteries that surrounded their shared future. In this idyllic setting, Maggie couldn’t help but feel a surge of anticipation, eager to unravel the enigma that was Aldrich and the world of the wolves that he belonged to.