The setting sun had already cast its outline, bathing everything in a brilliant orange glow.
Maggie and Elizabeth still waited by the front door, but to their surprise, Aldrich came up from behind and patted Maggie’s shoulder.
“Aldrich! How did you sneak up like that?” Maggie’s face was filled with a happy smile.
Elizabeth nodded to Aldrich and then left, allowing the sweet couple to have some time together.
Aldrich naturally put his arm around Maggie’s shoulder. “Seeing you waiting for me at the door, I’ve already imagined all the moments when you, along with the wolf pups, will be waiting for my return in the future.”
“But don’t think you can make me wait for you like this every day.”
Aldrich pinched Maggie’s cheek. After these few days of careful nourishment, Maggie’s face finally had a hint of softness, and he could finally relax.
“Once is enough; I can’t bear to have you wait outside for me.”
Saying that, Aldrich kissed Maggie’s rosy lips.
With one large hand, he cupped Maggie’s entire face, gently caressing her smooth, supple skin. It felt cool and soft, yet had an irresistible allure that made Aldrich want to hold Maggie even tighter, completely fusing her with his own flesh and blood.
Their gentle kiss grew more intense, and Maggie could only cling to Aldrich. He asked, and she surrendered, without any ability to resist.
Waves of heat coursed through their bodies one after another. Aldrich became even more intense, and Maggie was drawn into the passion. Deep in their feelings, Maggie suddenly had a glimpse of the nightmare from noon.
In the wilderness, a silver wolf wanted to drop her from a great height. She frantically sought help from Aldrich, who watched coldly.
“What’s wrong, my dear? After so many times, don’t you need to catch your breath?” Aldrich pulled away from Maggie’s lips, with desire still in his eyes, and gently tapped her rosy lips with his nail.
Maggie shook her head, catching her breath briefly. Aldrich stood still and let Maggie lean against his shoulder.
From behind them came Marvin’s voice, “Well done, you’ve even made the sun blush and hide underground!”
Maggie, feeling shy, tried to stand up, but Aldrich calmly kept her by his side. “Don’t mind him. It’s good for him to get some excitement.”
Passing by, Marvin quickened his pace. A werewolf’s hearing is quite keen, and Aldrich knew it, so he did it on purpose!
Maggie and Aldrich strolled leisurely towards the dining room. Maggie asked him, “Did something urgent come up?”
“Just had a transaction that required my presence. Don’t worry.”
“But the marks on your face… they’ve disappeared!” Maggie exclaimed, touching Aldrich’s forehead lightly.
Aldrich caught Maggie’s hand and gently kissed her wrist. “A werewolf’s regenerative ability is strong. The blow you delivered wasn’t much.”
“Very impressive.”
Suddenly, Maggie realized that a certain wolf had taken advantage of his injury last night and asked her for a few favors! Her tone turned dangerous. “You intentionally left the scar…”
“Indeed, I wanted you to leave a mark on me for a while.”
Maggie’s face flushed. How could this affectionate Aldrich be the same as the ruthless wolf in her dream? Even if something like that happened in the future, she believed there must be a reason for it, but that was a matter for later.
In the dining room, a delicious meal had been set out, and Thomas had already lit some candles. After taking their seats, Aldrich started by helping Maggie cut her steak. He usually cut a small portion, the tenderest part, and if Maggie had a good appetite and finished it, he would silently cut another small piece.
He seldom emphasized the importance of balanced nutrition verbally to Maggie now; instead, he achieved it through kind gestures.
Maggie took a few sips of milk and inquired, “Is there someone looking after Alisa over there?”
Elizabeth nodded, saying, “Of course, Mrs. We will take good care of Alisa.”
“Thank you.”
“That’s our duty. May you enjoy your meal.”
Elizabeth retreated to a distance just outside the dining room, not close enough to interrupt the conversation between the owners, but close enough to raise her voice a little if needed, so she could hear.
With no one else around, Aldrich’s conversation with her was more casual. “Mrs. Jenkins came to visit you?”
“Yes, we chatted for an afternoon. It was lovely to spend time with Mrs. Jenkins.”
“You really like her. Perhaps you can invite her over more often.”
Aldrich naturally hoped Maggie could build more of an emotional connection with Mrs. Jenkins, who was a far better candidate than Alisa, who had no intention of reforming. If Alisa’s true identity was exposed in the future, Maggie’s sorrow might be lessened.
Maggie shook her head, saying, “Mrs. Jenkins is going on a trip.”
“I hope her journey goes well.”
“Thank you. She mentioned she would return before I give birth, and if possible, I’d like her to be with me in the delivery room.”
Aldrich put down his knife and fork. “I didn’t know Mrs. Jenkins was a midwife.”
Of course, Mrs. Jenkins wasn’t a midwife, but she was the person who knew Maggie’s condition best. If any complications arose during childbirth, Mrs. Jenkins might be the best person to make the right judgment.
Maggie thought for a moment and said, “I consider her my grandmother. Mrs. Jenkins gives me a sense of unconditional security, like a chick’s attachment to its mother.”
“Okay, you’ve convinced me. Mrs. Jenkins is indeed an extraordinary person, at least she accepts the existence of werewolves.”
Aldrich handed the cut steak to Maggie. The aroma of the meat wafted through, and Maggie suddenly put down her cutlery and turned her head to the side, feeling nauseous.
“Maggie!”
Aldrich quickly got up and patted Maggie’s back. Outside, Thomas and Elizabeth heard the commotion and rushed in.
“Ma’am, this is warm water,” Elizabeth offered, handing over a cup.
Maggie took the cup and was about to moisten her throat but vomited again, her face turning deathly pale.
A storm cloud descended on Aldrich’s face. “Get the chef!”
Thomas remained rational. “Sir, all our ingredients are homegrown, and the beef comes from our own ranch. The chef has served at Barrett Manor since your father’s time. There can’t be any issues. Calling the chef without any investigation or evidence would hurt him deeply. He thinks of ways every day to ensure your meals.”
Maggie waved Aldrich over, and he immediately took her hand, while Maggie continued to retch uncontrollably.
Thomas breathed a sigh of relief, as at least Aldrich didn’t insist on pursuing the issue.
As expected, all his mood swings were solely because of Maggie.
“What’s going on? Morning sickness is the most terrible thing in this world!” Aldrich was deeply concerned for Maggie.
Maggie’s mouth was bitter, and she couldn’t stand the taste of even a little food. She struggled to speak to Aldrich. “Take me out of the dining room…”
Aldrich immediately lifted Maggie in his arms, and they headed out into the spacious outdoor area.
Maggie was desperately trying to wriggle out of his arms. “I can’t take it anymore, Aldrich, put me down!”
Aldrich gently placed Maggie on the ground, making sure she wouldn’t fall, and she quickly rushed to a tree in the corner, retching again.