Hiding the Alpha’s Heir

We were having our dinner when Sander spoke. “Mama, have you told Papa that you are going to meet your male friend tomorrow?” I opened my mouth that he should just dismiss it but then Sander didn’t. “Mama said that you know Mama’s male friend, Papa,” he said before he was happily eating his meal.

“Male friend?” Desmond asked, creasing his forehead. He was looking at me and even dropped the dinner knife and fork to his plate.

I didn’t expect that Sander would even utter about it in our supper right now. I thought that he would dismiss it but I was wrong. I should have not told him about the letter.

Desmond’s creasing forehead didn’t flatten. I caught him gripping the utensils he was using.

“Nicklaus has sent me a letter. I am planning to see him tomorrow.” I gulped, feeling like I was being caught and that I had done something with the way Desmond was looking my way. Damn it! Why was I explaining myself right now to this man?

I heard him inhale sharply. Even his jaw clenched. I felt like I should be frightened right now. I was expecting that Desmond would growl but he coerced a smile.

“I see… Nicklaus.” He nodded his head. That was the only thing he said and didn’t say anything.

I got nervous. It felt like he was going to say something that he would restrict me from going out but… it seemed like that was not the case.

“Mama, Papa and I already thought of a name for my baby brother.” It was Sander who already placed his ear on my stomach again when we were in his chamber so he could sleep now.

I combed his hair. “Really? What is it?” I glanced at Desmond who had just returned the book he read for Sander. When our eyes met, he immediately looked away and sat beside Sander.

I got distracted when Sander purred and smiled, looking at my stomach. “Papa said that he wants the name to start with the letter S since my name starts with that, too. And of course, it is because Mama’s name starts with the letter S!” he exclaimed.

I chuckled. “It is because I started it. You silly little pup.” I tapped his nose which earned him a giggle. “So, what should be the name you two think of?”

Thrilled, Sander jumped in his bed. “Papa, say it! Please say it to Mama!”

Desmond chuckled, nodding. “Alright, alright.” He made Sander sit in his lap. “Don’t just jump in your bed. Mama will have a headache if you keep doing that.” As our eyes met, my heart suddenly skipped a beat. “The name we thought of is Sylvius. Sylvius Verlice.”

The moment he uttered the name they thought of, Desmond expressed how he was excited.

“How about you, Seraphina? Have you thought of a name in case our baby pup is a girl?”

I looked at my bumpy stomach and caressed it. “Actually, I am really planning to ask you. I really want you to think of a name for it.” I smiled at him.

He looked surprised. “Really?” I nodded. Then he released a nervous sigh. “I… I only have on my mind actually.”

“Oh? What is it then? Does it also start with the letter S?” Naming my son just because my name started with that letter was really intentional. Also, it was the part that Desmond and I talked about before that the letter of our future pups would start with S.

That was one of the memories I really cherished even though he… cheated on me.

“Yes.” His eyes darted on my stomach before he reached it and gently caressed it. “The name I thought of is Saoirse,” he said and stared into my eyes. “It is the first name we thought of back then when I told you that I wanted a daughter as our first pup.”

I had shivers down my spine. My heart suddenly ached with the way his eyes had a longing in them.

Saoirse…

Yes, Desmond really wanted a daughter as our first pup. He said that he wanted to treat our daughter as his princess. He really cherished that name.

“Well, we have Sander as our first pup so do not feel bad, alright, son?” He looked away and tickled Sander.

“Saoirse is a beautiful name, Papa,” Sander said and nodded with a smile. “I suddenly want a sister rather than a brother. You can make me a baby brother after Mama has my sister in there, right? Then, we can have Sylvius.”

Desmond and I exchanged glances before the two of us smiled wryly. “Um… We are not certain about that, Sander,” I said, finding this topic very strange right now.

“Why not?” He slightly tilted his head.

“Son…” I watched as Desmond made him turn at him. “Your Mama and I decide that after this, she will not give birth again.”

Bearing another pup was… another issue again. Desmond and I never engaged in sexual intercourse anymore. Ever since I got pregnant, Desmond never asked for my presence to visit his chamber.

Sander crossed his arms over his chest. “I asked Auntie Niscia how to make a baby since I cannot find it in any books in your library, Papa.” We gasped when we got to know that.

“Did you just ask Niscia?” I parroted. Oh no… I hope Niscia did not say anything to him that was something adulting.

“Auntie Niscia said that you can still make one if you love each other. You still love each other, right? Even though you two are now divorced?”

“Sander…” I must halt my son now.

“I can still see you two love each other, Mama, Papa. I do not understand why you two did not fix your marriage instead of divorcing it. I believe your wolves do not even want what you two did.” He exchanged his glance between us. “And now, Mama will meet her male friend tomorrow and Papa does not even do anything. Papa should feel threatened about it. Act like a real adult, will you? Hmph!”

Both of us were silenced after that. I couldn’t believe my son just said those words. I couldn’t even look at Desmond after we tucked Sander into his bed.

We didn’t even talk much even after he escorted me back to my chamber. He just talked to my stomach and bid me a good night.

I was too preoccupied with my thoughts when Niscia snapped me back. “W-What did you say?”

She arched her eyebrow before gesturing her hand to the carriage door she opened. “We have arrived at the Steamy Espresso Cafe.”

I got down with her help. I had Niscia with me as Desmond wanted her to guard me.

In short, my chaperone.

I disagreed at first that I could handle coming here alone but Desmond couldn’t be at ease because of my pregnancy.

That was why he picked Niscia because… she was my friend.

“Don’t tell me you are also going to come in?” I arched my eyebrow, looking at her. I already spotted Nicklaus who was already inside the cafe but before I would come in, I felt Niscia’s presence.

“I was ordered to follow you inside but will remain my distance, Seraphina.” She raised both of her hands, surrendering. “I cannot defy Alpha Desmond.”

I squinted my eyes at her but dismissed it. “Fine. But don’t you dare to listen to our conversation. I know you are not missing any single detail to report with him.” Her eyes widened. “Desmond allowed me to read what you had done for six years, Niscia. Every single move I did while working and being with Sander… You wrote them down to report them.”

I was actually surprised that Desmond bestowed on Niscia’s report. I didn’t know what to feel at that time.

Niscia slowly nodded. “Fine…” That was the only word she said before I ignored her and entered the cafe.

As soon as I opened it and met Nicklaus’ eyes, his face brightened up. I automatically smiled as he met me halfway.

“I’m so glad that you came, Seraphina.” We hugged each other after that.

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Chuckling, I secretly sniffed him. Oh, boy… Why did he smell so good?

The smell of freshly baked bread and the smell of tea lingered in his clothes. They had a wonderful combination that made my stomach gnaw in hunger.

Nicklaus heard it. His eyes were fixated on my stomach. “Your stomach is growing bigger now than the last time we saw each other.” He looked amused.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

“Indeed. With this pup, I sometimes have these weird cravings lately.” And I hadn’t told this to Desmond yet.

I wanted some mixed sour fruit juice once we got home. That was what I had been craving for the past few days.

“Have a seat.” Nicklaus pulled me a chair to sit in as he sat across from me. “How are you and your son these past few days?” he asked after I told the steward about my order.

“I have been doing good. Sometimes, I have these dizzy spells due to my pretty normal pregnancy,” I answered him enthusiastically.

Nicklaus nodded. “I see. I can see that you are a great mother, Seraphina.” His expression softened. “I knew that motherhood suits you well.”

I chuckled and dismissed him. “Don’t be silly, Nicklaus. My body shape is not the same as the last time we saw each other.” I was expecting that Nicklaus would judge me but it was not.

“I am not actually looking at that. I am way proud of those female werewolves who become mothers and bear their pups. I am astonished. Salute!” He acted like he was saluting me.

Biting my lower lip, my wolf felt more proud of his words. “Thank you, Nicklaus.” I felt like getting emotional right now.

We started to catch up with each other. Nicklaus was still a good companion. I never regretted that he became my first love. He was such a gentleman and never made me feel alone.

As always, Nicklaus never failed to make me laugh when he jested about his work as the chief royal gardener.

“Have you found your mate now, Nicklaus?” I asked when he was sipping on his tea.

He released a sigh, shaking his head. “Unfortunately, I haven’t found her. That is why if I have a chance to take a vacation, I always go to places that I have never been to. Perhaps, I might be able to find my mate, right?”

“I see.” I understood him now. “I hope you will find your mate someday, Nicklaus.” I held his hand. “You deserve happiness.” I poured out my feelings by gripping his hand.

Nicklaus nodded and held my hand tightly. “Thank you, Seraphina. You are always as understanding as ever. I wish my future mate would have the same personality as you.”

We stared at each other. I really appreciated that I had come here to see Nicklaus. Our relationship before was something I really cherished just as I cherished my past relationship with Desmond.

I was feeling bashful at what he said. Just before I could utter another word, I flinched when a familiar small pair of hands wrapped around me. Then I turned my head and gasped to see Sander who had a beaming smile.

“Hello, Mama!”