36

Emilia’s POV
As I finish speaking, Alexander’s gaze lingers on me, his expression a mix of contemplation and resignation. “She’s not really in the power to do but yes, it is undeniable that she doesn’t show much concern for them.”
“And there’s something else,” Alexander adds, his tone shifting slightly. “Did you not notice that she doesn’t have a werewolf scent?”
His words catch me off guard, and I find myself trailing back to my encounter with Sophia. A sudden realization dawns upon me, and my eyes widen with astonishment. It all makes sense now. Sophia, the woman I had met, couldn’t have been a werewolf because she lacked the distinct scent that accompanies our kind.
A mixture of shock and understanding settles within me, and I turn to face Alexander, my voice trembling with realization. “She… she’s not like us, is she? She’s human.”
The weight of the revelation hangs heavy in the air, leaving us both grappling with its implications. The truth hits me with a surge of emotions. The woman who gave birth to the children Alexander and I now care for is not a part of our world, not bound by the same instincts and connections.
Alexander’s face reflects a complex blend of emotions-surprise, sadness, and perhaps even a touch of relief. “Yes, Emilia,” he responds softly. “Their mother is a human.”
A heavy silence settles between us as we come to terms with this newfound knowledge. The absence of their mother takes on a deeper meaning now. It’s not just a matter of irresponsibility; it’s a fundamental divide between their worlds.
“Does this change things?” I ask tentatively, my voice barely above a whisper. “Does it change how you feel about her?”
Alexander chuckles softly, a bitter edge to his laughter. “Emilia, I never had any romantic feelings for their mother,” he confesses, his voice tinged with a hint of longing. “The children were born through surrogacy.”
Surprise washes over me as I absorb his words. I hadn’t expected this revelation. The realization that their mother was simply a surrogate, someone chosen to carry the children for Alexander’s sake, leaves me speechless.
“Why?” I manage to ask, my voice filled with curiosity and a touch of disbelief. “Why did you choose surrogacy instead of… other options?”
Alexander’s gaze meets mine, his eyes holding a mix of determination and vulnerability. “For one, it was important for the sake of my grandfather’s legacy. He wanted an heir to carry on the family line,” he explains. “But more than that, I didn’t want to marry and be tied down by a conventional relationship. Surrogacy seemed like the most suitable option at the time.”
The weight of his words sinks in, and I struggle to comprehend the extent of the situation. The children were born out of a calculated decision, and their mother was simply a means to an end. A sense of sadness fills me, both for the children and their mother, who remains unaware of their existence.
“Does she know anything about them?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper. “Does she know they’re so close?
Alexander shakes his head, a touch of remorse flickering in his eyes. “She knows they exist, but she doesn’t know how near they are. She doesn’t even know they’re werewolves.”
Shock ripples through me once again. The magnitude of the secret being kept from their mother is immense. I can’t help but feel conflicted, torn between understanding the reasoning behind Alexander’s decisions and empathizing with the children’s longing to meet their mother.
“But… don’t you think they deserve to know their mother?” I inquire, my voice tinged with a mix of concern and disbelief. “The children, they seem to hope for that connection, for the opportunity to meet her.”
Alexander’s gaze meets mine, a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. He takes a moment to collect his thoughts before responding. “I’ve thought about it, Emilia. I’ve considered the possibility of allowing them to meet their mother,” he admits, his voice tinged with a hint of longing. “But it’s complicated. Their mother’s world is different from ours, and there are risks involved. I’ve been trying to protect them, to shield them from any potential harm or confusion.”
I nod, understanding the weight of his concerns. It’s not a decision to be taken lightly, and the consequences could be significant for both the children and their mother.
“Alexander, even if their mother is a human, they still have a right to know her,” I say gently, my voice filled with empathy. “Their longing for that connection is evident, and it’s important to address it.”
He falls silent and the tense air envelops us. I decide to break the stillness as I ask, a smile coming to my lips. “Are you sure you’re not secretly in love with her? Their mother?”
I know it even if he doesn’t admit it. Alexander is hardly an emotional person and he mostly likes to hide in his shell so it is very much impossible for him to be so thoughtful about someone if they don’t matter to him. He would not waste time to think about her if he didn’t have feelings for her.
Alexander’s gaze softens, and he looks at me. It seems my words have touched a chord within him, unlocking a side of him that he hadn’t fully acknowledged. He lowers his head, his voice barely above a whisper. “I… I do have feelings for her, Emilia. It’s true.”
A mischievous smile creeps across my face as I take in his confession. It’s a surprising revelation, considering his typically cold and distant demeanor. I’ve always known that there was more to him than met the eye, and this confession confirms it. Falling in love with a human, especially the mother of his children, is unexpected yet heartwarming.
“Well, well, well, Alexander,” I tease, unable to contain my amusement. “It seems our stoic alpha has caught the love bug. How delightful!”
Alexander’s cheeks flush with a hint of embarrassment, and he shoots me a half-hearted glare. “Don’t make a big deal out of it, Emilia,” he mutters, averting his gaze.
I laugh softly, enjoying the rare sight of him flustered. “Oh, but I will make a big deal out of it,” I reply playfully. “You’re in love, Alexander. It’s a beautiful thing, and you should embrace it.”
“Why not go for it, then?” I ask, a sparkle of excitement in my eyes. “Just because you already have children together doesn’t mean you can’t court her officially. You can show her that you care, that you want to be a part of their lives.”
Alexander looks at me, his expression returning to its usual cold demeanor. “I fear that revealing my feelings and pursuing a romantic relationship might complicate things further. I don’t want to disrupt the stability we have now, especially for the sake of the children.”
“Go for it,” I tell him, not able to find other words of encouragement. The air is silent again and I stand up this time to return to the living room since the conversation has already ended.
But before I leave, he suddenly calls out, “Emilia…”
I pause and turn to him in surprise. “What else?”
He looks at me and pulls at the top buttons of his shirt, looking hesitant before suddenly saying something rather would shock me out of my senses.
“How do I court her?” He asks.
I lean in, staring at Alexander’s face, my eyes scanning his features as if I’m gazing at a rare treasure. I can’t help but shake my head, a complex expression crossing my face. “No way, you really have fallen for her. Did you ask me about emotional issues just to pursue her? No, no, this is an incredibly rare and historically significant moment. I must remember it!”
Alexander looks at me, his expression icy. He gives me a cold glance and says, “Can you answer the question?”
I grin and clear my throat. “Alright, I won’t keep you in suspense. We’re family, and I won’t hide anything from you. When it comes to pursuing a woman, it’s actually quite cliche!”
Alexander stares at me expressionlessly, still not speaking.
I continue my spiel, “Women are emotional creatures. Different people require different approaches, but they also have similarities. They like romance and prefer someone who consistently treats them well.”
Alexander looks at me, a mix of skepticism and curiosity in his eyes. “Is it really that simple?” he asks, his voice laced with doubt.
I nod enthusiastically, leaning in closer. “Absolutely,” I assure him. “It may sound cliche, but sometimes cliches work. Romance is about showing your affection and making her feel special. Take her on dates, spend quality time together, and open up to her about your emotions.”
He nods gently. “Okay.”
“Don’t act so cold and distant like you do. Or else, she’ll run off,” I say to him. After all, I’m not sure anyone would want to put up with his stubborness and cold demeanor.
He however gives me a side glance and retorts, “You sound as if you’re so well versed when you also don’t have a partner. You keep changing them that I’ve completely lost count.”
“What do you mean?” I laugh. “Are you schooling me now?”
He nods. “You better settle down soon. Otherwise, your kids will call mine uncle if you don’t hurry.”
I glare him. “Stop throwing shade. As if you’re so good, you better working on getting her to fall in love with you.”
He however grins. “You think I can’t get any woman I want.”
His confidence makes me scoff. “Don’t be so cocky. I hope she puts you a lot of trouble.”
He laughs. “You wish.”