When they gathered for dinner, a four-person table was set, laden with various meats. The air was filled with the savory aroma of juicy dishes, stimulating their senses.
Aldrich, the considerate host, signaled to a servant, “Please bring us some fresh vegetables and fruits.” Elwin and Marvin exchanged surprised glances. “You know the kitchen won’t bother with that.” Elwin raised an eyebrow, “Wolves aren’t known for their salads.”
Another servant chimed in, “The only fruits and vegetables were delivered to the lounge this afternoon for Miss Nelson.”
Aldrich realized his oversight, and his brows furrowed. Maggie’s company had become such a part of his life that he nearly forgot the dietary differences between humans and wolves.
“You’re right,” he admitted, “I’ve been dining with Maggie, and our steward, Thomas, is preparing suitable meals for the pregnant woman.”
“It’s alright, no need for anyone to feel sorry for me. I actually enjoy eating meat.” Maggie said, her tone gentle.
As they sat around the table, the room was filled with laughter and friendly banter. The rich aromas of the dishes, the clinking of utensils, and the heartfelt compliments to the chef intermingled in the air. The atmosphere was warm and lively, as if all worldly worries had vanished in an instant.
“Yesterday, I received an invitation from the Frost Moon Pack Alpha. That old wolf has never left his territory without a reason. You must have done something.” Elwin casually brought up recent events.
Aldrich openly admitted, “Since the election began, the Frost Moon Pack Alpha’s heir, Ethan, has been trying various strategies. He even made advances towards Maggie, which I can’t tolerate.”
“The Frost Moon Pack has never had moral boundaries, Aldrich. This time, you don’t have to consider surface-level peace between the clans.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll handle it. After Maggie gives birth to the child in her womb, I will conduct a genetic test in front of the elders. By then, Ethan will have no reason to bother us.”
Marvin couldn’t help but interject, “Be careful, he might have other tricks up his sleeve.”
“I understand.”
As the chef brought a dish to the table, Maggie suddenly snapped back to reality. The strong fishy smell hit her, making her stomach churn.
Aldrich quickly interrupted the conversation, “Maggie, are you okay?”
“I feel a bit nauseous,” Maggie covered her mouth and nose, “I need to go to the restroom to freshen up.” She glanced apologetically at Elwin and Marvin, then rushed out.
“Father, Marvin, please continue eating. She’s not familiar with this estate, I’ll go with her.” Aldrich quickly followed her.
Sure enough, Maggie couldn’t find the restroom. Aldrich hurriedly escorted her to the bathroom. “I’ll be right outside, if you need anything, just call me.”
Maggie rushed in, turned on the tap, and leaned against the sink, but nothing came out.
Outside, Aldrich was deeply concerned. He heard the rushing water stop, but Maggie hadn’t come out yet. He was getting anxious and entered to check on her.
He found her leaning on the bathroom sink, pale, with trembling hands. Without a word, he gently placed his hand on her back, silently comforting and supporting her.
“Maggie, are you okay?” Aldrich’s voice was full of concern as he scrutinized her eyes, looking for any signs of trouble.
“It’s just the smell of fish. It makes me nauseous.” Maggie admitted, trying to steady her breathing.
Aldrich’s protective instincts kicked in. He made a mental note to inform the staff about Maggie’s aversion to certain smells. “I’ll talk to the chef to make sure this doesn’t happen again.” He promised.
Maggie managed a weak smile and thanked him. “Thank you, Aldrich. I’m sorry for being a bother.”
He shook his head, his expression softening with affection. “You’ll never be a bother, Maggie. Your happiness is my top priority, and I’ll do everything to ensure your comfort.”
In the dining room, Elwin and Marvin were also discussing Maggie.
Elwin expressed his concern, “Maggie looks quite fragile. Can she really give birth to twins safely?”
Marvin furrowed his brow, “If it were Grace, this wouldn’t be an issue.”
“Yes, Aldrich wouldn’t go to such lengths for her. Their relationship has always been polite but distant.”
“Father, what are you trying to say?”
“You have to accept Maggie; she’s already a part of our family.”
“Just because of the children?” Marvin’s tone carried a hint of sarcasm.
“Why do you think so?”
“Grace couldn’t bear children, and she suffered and left without getting Aldrich’s love and care. Now, with Maggie and the children, everything seems easy for her, even gaining your acceptance, right?”
Elwin shook his head. “You’ve kept yourself closed off for too long, my son. You’ve forgotten to open the window to your heart.”
“I just think it’s unfair to Grace. Aldrich has never cared for her this way.”
“Your heart is perceptive, you’ve seen it too. Aldrich deeply loves Maggie, and the current Aldrich is whole. In front of Grace, he has never fully opened up.”
Marvin fell silent for a moment. “Is that the real reason you accept Maggie?”
“Of course, I love Aldrich and you more. If you both accept her, she’s family to me.”
Marvin moved his lips as if wanting to ask something, but Aldrich and Maggie returned.
“Dad, Marvin, we’re back,” Aldrich helped Maggie back to her seat, pulled out her chair, wiped his hands on a napkin, and straightened her unruly hair. To Maggie, these considerate and tender gestures were a part of Aldrich’s daily care, nothing out of the ordinary.
However, Elwin and Marvin were surprised. Was this still the Aldrich who had been so engrossed in his work and ambitions, now showing such meticulous care for others?
Elwin sighed gently, “He has never cared for me this much.”
Closer to them, Marvin bit his lip. He couldn’t help but compare Aldrich’s behavior toward Grace and Maggie. He had to admit Aldrich loved Maggie. The conclusion was painful-why couldn’t Aldrich see Grace’s beauty? But at the same time, it was a relief. Did this mean that the fate between Aldrich and Grace had dissolved, leaving room for him?
Maggie, sitting down, suddenly felt self-conscious as she noticed both Elwin and Marvin were focusing their attention on her and Aldrich. The weight of their gazes made her feel quite embarrassed.
Aldrich didn’t mind and asked the servants to remove the heavily meat-laden dishes. Then he inquired, “Do we have starch, eggs, and sugar in the kitchen?”
Marvin asked, “You’re not trying to make dessert, are you?”
Maggie blushed further and said, “I’m sorry, I just wanted something sweet. I felt a bit hungry.”
Elwin quickly offered, “That’s not a problem. However, my chefs might not be very skilled in making desserts. But, Maggie, I’ll have them prepare something for you right away.”
“I don’t want to trouble you.”
Elwin replied, “No, it’s no trouble at all, and I promise that next time, we’ll treat you in the best possible way.”
As Maggie and Elwin spoke, Elwin leaned forward with a furrowed brow, expressing concern. “Aldrich, are you sure the hospital knows how to handle the birth of a wolf cub? They are not familiar with our kind.”
Aldrich soothingly placed a hand on Elwin’s shoulder. “I understand your concern, Elwin. But please rest assured, I’ve taken all precautions. Our medical team is highly skilled in handling cases like ours. They have received training for both human and wolf births.”
Marvin interjected with a note of concern. “But what if something goes wrong? What if they don’t understand the complexities of a wolf cub’s birth?”
When Aldrich’s eyes met Marvin’s, his gaze turned serious. “We’ve discussed all possibilities with the medical team, Marvin. They have contingency plans for any potential complications. I won’t let anything happen to Maggie or our unborn children.”
Elwin sighed, his worry still evident on his face. “I just hope everything goes smoothly. Maggie should get the best care.”
Aldrich comfortingly squeezed Elwin’s shoulder. “She will, Elwin. We won’t leave anything to chance. Our primary task is to ensure Maggie’s safety and our child’s health. Trust me, we’ve received excellent care.”
Elwin nodded, a glimmer of hope returning to his eyes. “Alright, Aldrich. I trust your judgment.”
Maggie sat at the dining table, feeling somewhat overwhelmed by the conversation. She couldn’t help but wonder how all of this might affect her future family.
As the conversation continued around her, Maggie’s thoughts turned to her unborn children. She imagined their little face, innocent, full of wonder, but a part of a world she had only just begun to understand-the world of werewolves. Would they inherit their father’s unique abilities? Would they be born as human babies or wolf cubs? The uncertainty weighed heavily on her.
“If the babies fall ill, will we need to take them to a vet?” Maggie silently pondered.