Shenaya’s POV
The warm scent of vanilla and lavender filled my room as I stood in front of the mirror, smoothing my navy blue dress. It was simple yet elegant, perfect for a family dinner. I glanced at the perfume bottle on the table and picked it up, I sprayed a bit more to mask my new scent. My hand lingered on my abdomen for a moment-a silent acknowledgment of the tiny life growing inside me.
Today was special. Not just because I had something monumental to share about my career but because the second announcement would change everything for our family after going through so much chaos that could tear us all apart but we still stand tall regardless.
The din of laughter and chatter greeted me before I even reached the dining area. The large room was alive with energy, the long oak table nearly groaning under the weight of plates and bowls of food. Isla and one of the Omegas were bustling about, adding finishing touches to the spreads, their faces glowing with pride at the beautiful feast they had prepared.
Lucy sat at the far end with her seven-month-old baby, Andre perched in a high chair, he giggled as he repeatedly tossed a toy onto the floor.
“Andre, stop that” Lucy’s sharp but loving voice rang out as she tried to stop the baby’s antics. Across the room, Midrar and Zoey were chasing each other around the chairs with their laughter making a melodic echo.
Ethan, my twin, sat calmly beside our mother, his usual composed demeanor unwavering despite the chaos. Mother was leaning toward him, whispering something that made him chuckle, while my adoptive dad watched the scene with a quiet smile. I have been suspecting something between these two but not today.
And there, at the head of the table, was Aiden. My Alpha, my husband, my everything. He was already seated, sipping his wine, and his piercing ocean-blue eyes scanned the room. His presence grounded me, his calm amidst the noise was like a soothing balm to my heightened senses.
The scene was beautiful at the same time very chaotic, but for someone in my condition, it was overwhelming. The heightened sounds, the mingling scents of food and perfume, the energy buzzing in the room-it all felt like too much. Still, I managed to make my way to the table and slipped into the seat beside Aiden.
He turned to me with a warm smile and kissed me softly.
“You look radiant,” he murmured.
“I need everyone’s attention. Can you help me with that?” I smiled and leaned closer enough for him to hear my whispers.
He nodded picked up his glass of wine and tapped it with a spoon. The sharp, clear chime cut through the noise, and gradually, the room fell silent. All eyes turned to Aiden, and then to me.
“Everyone,” I began, my voice came out steady despite the excitement bubbling within me, “I have some news to share.”
The anticipation in the room was palpable.
“My fashion brand, the Roux Empire,” I said while pausing for effect, “has just opened its first branch in Rome.”
The room erupted into cheers and applause. Isla clapped enthusiastically, while Ethan gave me an approving nod, and my mother looked like she might cry with pride. Aiden squeezed my hand under the table, his smile wide and genuine.
But I wasn’t done. I waited for the noise to settle before standing, placing a hand over my stomach.
“There’s more,” I said, my voice softer now, but still carrying across the room. “Aiden and I… we’re expecting a pup.”
For a moment, there was silence, and then the room exploded with joy. Lucy rushed over and hugged me tightly despite the baby in her arms. My parents were crying now, and Ethan stood to clap me on the back, his usually calm expression filled with pride. Zoey and Midrar cheered loudly, clearly thrilled at the prospect of a new addition to the family.
But no one’s reaction was compared to Aiden’s. He stood, pulling me into his arms and twirling me around, his laughter ringing out.
“You’ve made me the happiest man alive, Shenaya,” he whispered into my ear, his voice thick with emotion.
Amid all the happiness, a voice cut through the celebration like a blade.
“I wish the pup died!”
The room fell silent, all eyes turning toward Leo, who stood trembling, tears streaming down his face. Before anyone could react, he turned and bolted from the room.
I froze, my heart pounding in my chest. What? I hadn’t even noticed him in the room. What could have caused him to say something so cruel? I moved to follow him, but Aiden caught my arm, his expression dark.
“I’ll handle this,” he said firmly.
I nodded reluctantly, watching as he left the room. But my curiosity and concern got the better of me so, i followed him quietly. I stayed far enough behind that neither of them would notice and because of my heightened senses, I could hear them clearly.
Leo’s sobs led me to the hallway near his room. I pressed myself against the wall while I listened to Aiden’s voice reach my ears.
“Little man,” he said gently, “what’s going on? Why would you say something like that?”
“Because I want the pup to die! Ever since Mom found out about Zoey’s powers, she’s forgotten about me. She doesn’t even look at me anymore, Dad! She even forgot my birthday, and now she’s bringing another baby?” Through his tears, I could hear the pain that was laced in his voice, and guilt rushed through me.
My heart sank as Leo’s words cut me deeply, the pain in his voice twisting like a knife.
Aiden sighed, his voice soft but firm.
“Leo, I know things have been hard, but you have to understand-Zoey’s powers are a lot to handle. It doesn’t mean your mother doesn’t love you.”
“It feels like she doesn’t, no one does” Leo whispered. “I feel like a stranger in my own home.”
“Even Zoey the adopted child gets more love than me in this house” I froze at the mention of that.
Tears welled up in my eyes. This is all my fault. Leo’s birthday. How could I have forgotten? But then I remembered. His birthday had fallen on the same day Zoey was trapped in the spirit world. We’d been consumed by fear and desperation, trying to bring her back.
Still, that wasn’t an excuse. I made my way back to the room while I planned how to make amends.
That night, after everyone had gone to bed, I made my way to Leo’s room. He was lying on his bed, staring at the ceiling, his face still streaked with dried tears.
“Leo,” I said softly, sitting on the edge of his bed.
He turned to look at me, his expression guarded.
“I’m sorry,” I began. “I didn’t forget your birthday, Leo. That day… everything with Zoey… it was overwhelming. But I should have made time for you, and I didn’t. I’m so sorry.”
His lower lip trembled, and he sat up, throwing his arms around me.
“I’m sorry too, Luna. I didn’t mean what I said about the pup. I was just… angry and hurt.”
I held him close, stroking his hair.
“It’s okay to feel hurt, Leo. But you can always talk to us. We’re your family, and we love you.”
He nodded against my shoulder, and I felt some of the tension ease from his small frame.
We sat there for a while, talking about everything he’d been feeling. By the time I left his room, I felt lighter, and so did he.
As I lay in bed that night, Aiden wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close. “Leo told me what you said to him,” he murmured.
“Did I do the right thing?” I asked softly.
“You did,” he said, kissing my forehead. “You always do.”
And as I drifted off to sleep, I felt at peace, knowing that our family, despite its imperfections, was bound together by love.