Maggie sighed inwardly, speaking in her mind that the Moon Goddess had little time to concern herself with these matters when she had her own troubles to deal with.
As her thoughts weighed heavily on her, Maggie gathered her courage and spoke up, her voice tinged with both curiosity and apprehension. “Aldrich, do you still have feelings for Grace?”
Aldrich’s gaze softened as he met Maggie’s eyes, his expression reflecting a myriad of emotions. “My connection with Grace has come to an end.”
“What if Grace gets into trouble…” Maggie’s mind conjured an image of Grace, looking altered and troubled.
His voice tinged with a touch of sadness. “However, she is still part of our pack, and I would never turn a blind eye if she were in trouble or faced any danger.”
Maggie nodded, understanding the intricate bonds that tied them as a werewolf pack. She empathized with Aldrich’s sense of duty and loyalty, even after the end of their romantic relationship.
Aldrich’s instincts prodded him to ask a pressing question, and his voice carried a mix of curiosity and concern. “Maggie, do you mind Grace?” Aldrich asked.
Maggie shook her head, “It’s never been about her, but rather about your attitude.”
Aldrich was first taken aback, then he understood, and he chuckled softly, “Seems like clever Maggie has already noticed. The previous cold war was due to my lack of experience in handling relationship.”
Maggie hesitated briefly, her mind racing as she considered the consequences of her answer. Ultimately, she decided to be honest. “Yes, Aldrich, I knew,” she confessed, her voice laced with guilt and determination.
Aldrich’s eyebrows furrowed, a blend of surprise and realization crossing his face. Leaning in slightly, he searched Maggie’s face for answers. “How did you discover the truth?” he asked, genuine curiosity and a hint of urgency in his voice.
With a deliberate movement, Maggie reached behind the picture frame and retrieved Grace’s photograph.
“I saw this in your study.”
Aldrich’s surprise was evident as he hadn’t been aware of the hidden picture.
Aldrich examined the photograph in Maggie’s hand, his brows furrowing with curiosity. “I had no idea there was another picture hidden behind it.
“At that time, I misunderstood you and thought you were protecting the attacker, Grace. My trust in you hit rock bottom, and while I never feared potential dangers, I was afraid of being let down again, especially by you, of all people.”
“I need to explain myself. This picture frame originally belonged to Marvin, and when he moved out, he left it behind. I had no idea there was a photo of Grace hidden behind this family picture.”
Maggie released a relieved sigh, a smile gracing her face. The dark clouds that had loomed over Maggie’s heart in recent days had finally dispersed, leaving behind a renewed sense of joy. “Now, everything is clear and out in the open.”
So, it was Marvin who had secretly kept Grace’s photo hidden all along. Aldrich had unknowingly held onto it as a memento of Marvin’s belongings, completely unaware of the hidden image of Grace behind the family portrait.
Maggie smiled and said, “I thought you still had lingering feelings for Grace, hiding her photo and secretly looking at it.”
Aldrich raised an eyebrow, “Hiding and concealing isn’t love. True love is open and honest, with no secrets.”
“I should believe you, Aldrich.”
“That’s good. After our arguments and cold wars, we understand and trust each other better. The benefits outweigh the drawbacks.”
Maggie agreed with Aldrich’s perspective.
As Maggie studied the photo, she was mesmerized by Grace’s stunning beauty. She couldn’t help but exclaim, “She’s absolutely stunning.” Her voice filled with awe and admiration.
“She’s a strong and resolute she-wolf, possessing qualities like righteousness and responsibility.”
“Grace must have gone through something that turned her into a terrifying assailant. She needs help.”
Aldrich looked appreciatively at Maggie, “Thank you for understanding. In fact, I’ve been thinking about this as well.”
“Any progress?”
Aldrich replied cautiously, “We need someone’s help who knows Grace the best and is dear to her heart.”
“I think I’ve guessed who that is. Marvin, right?”
“Yes,” Aldrich nodded, “Perhaps we need to visit my family.”
Maggie felt relieved to finally resolve the doubts that had been troubling her. She wholeheartedly trusted Aldrich. “Can I go with you?”
“I don’t see why not,” Aldrich smiled, taking Maggie’s hand. “It’s time to meet my father and Marvin. They are also eager to see our babies.”
Maggie followed Aldrich outside the study. “Knowing that someone loves our babies deeply brings such joy. I can’t wait to meet them!”
“Before that, my dear, let’s fill our stomachs first. The babies have reminded me several times…”
“Aldrich, you’re multitasking! What else did the babies say to you?”
“They want desserts…”
With their spirits lifted, Maggie and Aldrich made their way to the dining room, where a sumptuous lunch awaited them. The table was adorned with an extravagant display of culinary delights, rivaling the grandest of feasts.
The dining room exuded opulence, from the pristine white tablecloth to the gleaming silverware and crystal glasses, glistening under the soft glow of the chandeliers above. Delicate porcelain plates showcased an array of vibrant dishes, meticulously crafted with attention to every detail.
Platters of succulent roasted meats, tender and dripping with flavor, were surrounded by a colorful medley of seasonal vegetables, their freshness and vibrancy adding to the visual feast. Steaming bowls of aromatic soups filled the air with their tantalizing scents. Artisanal bread, freshly baked and still warm, completed the ensemble.
Maggie’s eyes widened with delight as she beheld the lavish spread before her. Anticipation filled her heart, and her taste buds tingled with eagerness for the gastronomic journey ahead. It was a sight that could make anyone’s mouth water and their stomach rumble with anticipation.
She reached for a juicy, perfectly seared piece of steak, its savory juices mingling with the velvety mound of mashed potatoes beneath. The first bite brought about a moan of pleasure as the tender meat melted in her mouth, releasing an explosion of rich flavors. Each morsel was savored, the symphony of tastes dancing on her palate.
Her attention then turned to a vibrant salad, a harmonious blend of crisp greens, ripe tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette. The interplay of textures and flavors refreshed her palate and invigorated her senses.
Equally enticing were the assortment of side dishes. Maggie scooped up a spoonful of buttery sautéed vegetables, their hues adding a visual feast to the already abundant table. She reveled in the medley of flavors and the satisfying crunch with every bite.
As they indulged in their meal, an air of contentment and camaraderie filled the room. Maggie’s laughter resonated, a melody that warmed Aldrich’s heart. The weight of their recent trials momentarily lifted, replaced by a shared moment of respite and joy.
The tantalizing aromas of the delectable food mingled with the warmth of their conversation, enveloping the room in a sense of comfort and ease. Aldrich found himself captivated by Maggie’s radiant glow, her smile illuminating the space, her animated gestures bringing a sparkle to her eyes. In that moment, he recognized the transformative power of a woman’s happiness and the profound impact it had on those around her.
The wolf’s words echoed in Aldrich’s mind once more.
“See, Aldrich, I told you before, Maggie’s lack of trust in you must be related to your concealment of Grace.”
“I underestimated the intricacies and tenderness of a woman’s inner world.”
The silver wolf shook its head, “You don’t understand a girl’s heart.”
Aldrich didn’t refute, “Yes, I can’t fathom how someone like Maggie, who can create such a delightful atmosphere just by enjoying food, is truly amazing.”
“Dummy, the reason you can sense all this is because you deeply love Maggie!”
“But I still don’t know Maggie’s true feelings.”
The silver wolf grew impatient again, “When are you and Maggie going to have a sexual relationship! When you visit your father, you must mark Maggie with your scent. Aldrich, seize the opportunity tonight…”
In his mind, the silver wolf roared, urging Aldrich to mark Maggie completely tonight. But as he looked at Maggie, savoring her food and being so lovely, Aldrich didn’t want to rush.
“My wolf, please be quiet,” Aldrich suppressed the wolf within him. “Maggie is worth my patience and protection. I will mark her completely on the day she willingly accepts it, making her forever mine.”
The silver wolf shuffled its paws with frustration, “Aren’t you worried that Maggie might be taken away? I can sense the sense of crisis in your heart.”
“I have decided, and I won’t make any mistakes.”
Aldrich looked at Maggie, his face showing a determined smile. “A high-end hunter enjoys the thrill of true conquest, luring the prey step by step into the trap without sensing any danger. A prey like this will never escape.”