"Very well," Leland agreed with Sophie's request. He understood what his mate wanted. He did feel jealous when they stepped inside this hut because the memory returned to him as well.
He remembered seeing Sophie giggling and laughing freely with Nicholas when they returned from the forest. Sophie looked so happy around Nicholas and she chattered a lot.
The sight filled him with so much jealousy when he saw them from the distance.
For as long as Leland could remember, Sophie had never been that chatty when she was with him. She smiled a lot, but he realized he never made her laugh, unlike Nicholas.
When she was with Nicholas… Sophie talked to him with this big smile on her face and she laughed so much. Leland also heard how she was giggling and being playful when she and Nicholas made out and finally had sex in this very hut.
The jealousy Leland felt back then was so intense that he punched a big tree over there. Now, the same jealous feeling was starting to engulf him, seeing the wooden bed in the middle of the hut that Nicholas and Sophie used to sleep in together.
However, Leland could only keep that feeling to himself. He maintained his flat expression, not wanting her to feel uncomfortable. He knew he shouldn't bring up Sophie's past relationship because the other man was dead and she was now his wife.
"Yes, let's go now," Sophie said. "We are not far from Frisia, right? We should keep going."
Leland was glad she didn't want to stay in Blackwoods longer. He would have to work hard to keep the anger and jealousy within himself if they decided to linger here.
Fortunately, Sophie wanted them to continue their journey. That's what he wanted too.
"Luciel, Jan… let's go," Sophie called out to her sons who were excitedly playing with the pots and some firewood. They felt funny seeing such a small and shabby hut. All their lives, they had been living in luxury and didn't understand why their parents decided to visit this place.
Luciel and Jan immediately dashed out of the hut and went to the carriage. Duncan helped them go up because the carriage was still too high for them to jump on by themselves.
When Leland entered with Sophie, the boys were both standing by the open window, checking their surroundings.
"Let's go," Leland ordered his men to continue their journey. The carriage door was closed and they started moving again.
***
Before they knew it though, the small group had moved past the borders of Riga and reached Frisia. They had been traveling for one month.
"We're almost there," Leland said as he pushed the curtains in their carriage to the sides. The Alpha revealed to his mate and children the sight of a beautiful property located up in the mountains.
Sophie saw an enormous building up on the mountains and compared to the previous ones they had stayed in, it was far greater in size and seemed like a fortress, secured in the mountains.
"That's where we'll be staying?" Sophie's eyes widened.
"Yes." The Alpha nodded. "The height seems a bit steep, but the view is wonderful once you reach the manor. Not to mention that the air is also immensely fresh and crisp. I think you'll enjoy the morning chill there, Sophia."
Sophie grinned. "As long as you hand over your coat, Leland."
"Always."
"That's good," Sophie said and inched closer to her husband. "I was hoping that we'll still have some changes though."
Leland blinked but smiled. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and said. "If you have any desire to renovate the manor in any specific design, we can readily do it. It is our place, after all, Sophia."
Sophie poked at his cheek. "I mean your mask, silly. We're not in Riga anymore."
"Oh, you're right." Leland kept up with his disguise as Duke Romanov and included among it was the need to wear the dark leather mask. He had gotten so used to wearing it every day that he nearly forgot about it.
"You don't have to hide your face anymore," Sophie said. "Besides, that mask is really stupid."
"I'll take this off now." Leland smiled as he pulled it off and placed it away. "Are you happy?"
"Pleased!" Sophie chuckled and her eyes sparkled. "I know you had to wear the mask while we were traveling because of us being stopped over by multiple garrisons in Riga, but it's safe now."
After the attack of the Blood River Pack on Livstad, a lot of towns and cities were on high alert for a lot of travelers, but it was finally over.
"It is." The Alpha said. Leland felt himself relax at the sight of the place. At long last, after traveling for a month they finally arrived in the city where Duke Romanov once resided in.
It was already transformed into the Blood River Pack's settlement and the place where Leland wanted to take Sophie.
This area was much safer than Riga and more importantly, he considered it as the perfect environment for both Sophie and their children to dwell in. Last but not the least, it would give the Alpha a chance to gather strength once more.
Soon they arrived at the castle up in the mountains, and the moment that Leland opened the door, both Luciel and Jan happily scampered out.
"Gosh, they're so eager to get out," Sophie said.
"I'm glad that they're excited. It will be our new home after all." Leland offered his hand to his mate and helped her step off from the carriage.
This time, Sophie finally took in the sights of the property from up close and she smiled brightly. The castle was new to her and she felt enthusiastic about having a fresh start with Leland.
"It really is beautiful…" Sophie marveled at the view until she saw dark spinning circles in her vision and the sight of the castle blurred.
Luciel and Jan were already trying to barge into the castle doors much to the amusement of Leland and he stepped forward to follow them in. However, he sensed Sophie's discomfort.
"Sophia?" the Alpha glanced over to his mate so they could walk after their children, but his expression changed at how Sophie looked. There was a sudden paleness in her face and her lips were a touch dry.
"I'm fine. Let's go after the kids." Sophie tried to say, while a cough escaped her throat. "Gosh, it's afternoon but it's quite cold. I guess a Lycan's sense of temperature is really different from a human's."
"Sophia, please slow down a little. We don't need to rush if you're not feeling well." Leland said. Instantly, anxiety resurfaced in his mind as he looked at his mate's face.
"Don't be silly, it's just a little chilly here as you said." Sophie refused to be stopped and tugged Leland forwards towards their children already pawing at the door. "We don't want to be the last one…"
Sophie's grip on Leland's hand loosened as her legs went slack, but before she fell, Leland immediately caught her in his arms.
"Sophia," he spoke to her in a worried tone.
"I think my legs just felt weak after sitting for such a long period of time." Sophie touched Leland's chest and smiled. "Thank you for catching me."
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