Marvin looked at her, puzzled. “What did you just say?”
For the first time, he questioned his own hearing.
“I think Aldrich loves you. He doesn’t say it, but I can sense it from his words.”
“This is…” he mumbled, “I thought, when he came to see me that day and said those things, he was just trying to play the family card.”
No wonder Aldrich seemed so upset that day. Marvin didn’t even hear the crucial point when he said, “Although you’re terrible, you’re still my brother.”
“Could it be true?” he asked but still couldn’t believe it.
Alisa recalled the words Aldrich had said to her.
“He’ll defend you, speak up for you. Like that day, he came to apologize to me on your behalf. I said you were an irrational beast, but he claimed you were just impulsive and that deep down, you were full of justice and kindness. Maggie thinks the same.”
“Do you think I’m a beast?”
“Focus. Your brother loves you more than you think.”
If Aldrich or Elwin were present, they would probably applaud Alisa for training Marvin like a dog.
“Alright.”
Marvin had never received such treatment before. Elwin seldom spoke sternly to him, Aldrich rarely communicated with him, and the attendants refrained from reprimanding him due to his status. Grace mainly handled his aftermath rather than teaching him. This was the first time someone told him to listen.
Blunt and direct, but Marvin was receptive to it. He felt that Alisa could be his teacher at times.
In the end, he said, “I believe you.”
After taking a nap, Maggie began reading books on werewolf parenting from Aldrich’s bookshelf. When she reached the middle, she stretched and suddenly felt something was amiss. “Where’s Alisa?”
Elizabeth poured her a cup of tea. “Are you missing her?”
“We don’t call each other all day if we haven’t met, but I feel like the mansion is unnaturally quiet today.”
The all-knowing maid smiled but didn’t say anything.
“It seems like another noisy person is missing too,” Maggie murmured. “Oh yeah, where’s Marvin? How did he disappear with Alisa?”
“Don’t worry. When I passed through the garden on my way to the alpha’s study, they were having a heated argument occasionally, but they seemed to get along. I saw Marvin help Alisa climb onto his back.”
Maggie took a sharp breath. “Wait, are you sure Alisa got on Marvin’s back willingly and wasn’t forced?”
“I’m sure. I watched Miss Alisa struggle to climb up on her own. And to make it easier for her, Master Marvin even lay very low. I don’t know what they talked about, but from my perspective, they seemed to be getting along well.”
Maggie couldn’t help but feel relieved at that image. Especially after the scene when she had seen Marvin lose control, acting irrationally and almost killing Alisa, she had lingering fears.
“No, I need to get Aldrich and check on them.”
Elizabeth followed her. “You don’t need to rush. I think they’ll be back soon.”
As they walked towards the mansion’s entrance, they saw a gray wolf approaching with a woman on its back. If it wasn’t Marvin and Alisa, who could it be? Maggie’s anxious heart finally settled.
She looked at Marvin with a hint of blame. “Leaving without telling anyone, how could you?”
Marvin was perplexed. “I informed the guards. I thought they would tell you or Aldrich.”
The guard remained unfazed. “Alpha had important matters to discuss with the leader of another tribe today, so I didn’t report it.”
Maggie understood that not everyone here accepted her as Aldrich’s true mate, and she couldn’t rush it. She said, “This shouldn’t become a habit.”
On their way back, Maggie was quiet, and it was Marvin who broke the silence. “What’s the deal with those guys? I told them to remember to inform Alpha or Maggie, or at least Thomas.”
Elizabeth replied, “The steward went out with Alpha today.”
Marvin grumbled, “Those couch potatoes. I’ll tell Aldrich tonight.”
“Never mind,” Maggie reassured him. “The most important thing now is the council meeting next Monday. Even if there’s a big issue, we’ll have to wait until after the council meeting.”
“Are you sure it’s okay?” He was worried that Maggie’s gentle nature might make it challenging for her to deal with such hostility.
“Alisa taught me how to look out for myself.”
Alisa, standing nearby, blinked and recalled that she had indeed taught Maggie how to handle such situations.
“Then I’ll take Alisa back to her room. Can you stay by yourself?”
Elizabeth politely reminded, “I’ll take care of Luna; you don’t have to worry.”
Marvin gave a sheepish smile. “We’re leaving.”
The two women left behind watched the two of them depart. “How did they advance their relationship so rapidly? It’s even faster than when it was just Aldrich and me back then.”
Aldrich returned very late, and Maggie couldn’t sleep as her mind was preoccupied. She sat on the bed, reading a book while waiting for Aldrich.
“You need proper rest,” Aldrich said as he entered the bedroom, still wearing his coat. The light was still on, and Maggie hadn’t slept. He thought he should ask Thomas to provide her with some soothing herbs next time and have Elizabeth prepare them for her before bed.
“I can’t sleep.”
“I’ll have Thomas get you some calming herbs. Next time, I’ll ask Elizabeth to make you a cup at night.”
Maggie frowned. “Isn’t it bad for the baby?”
“That herb only affects the mother’s body. Besides, wolf pregnancies aren’t as delicate. Your child might already be protecting you, just like me.”
Maggie blushed. “You’re not serious.”
Aldrich didn’t quite grasp the nuances of human romantic exchanges but explained earnestly, “You are the most vulnerable among us, so it’s only natural for us to protect you.”
Maggie rolled her eyes inwardly; sometimes, having a mate who didn’t understand jokes could be quite frustrating.
“I want to talk for a bit.”
“Can’t it wait until you’re awake tomorrow?” He genuinely believed Maggie needed ample rest. He’d heard that many humans developed various health issues due to lack of sleep, and he didn’t want Maggie to become one of them.
“Let’s talk now, and then I’ll sleep.”
Aldrich had no choice but to let things unfold as she wished.
“The council meeting, do you really think I can handle it?” She was more concerned about this. “I’ve never held any titles before. I didn’t participate in student councils or clubs back in school. I don’t think I’m competent for this.”
Aldrich comfortingly pulled her closer, allowing her to lean against his shoulder. “Don’t worry. The Grand Elder is the most revered and wise elder in our werewolf community. His wisdom far surpasses others, and his experience is beyond what any other council member can compare to. If he has approved your entry into the council, it means that based on his extensive experience, he believes you are capable.”
Maggie’s large eyes seemed to be speaking. Those eyes, which were not as lively as usual, were now filled with concern. She was silently asking him, “I won’t disappoint you, will I?”
He kissed her forehead. “You will never disappoint me. I’ll be by your side until the end.”