"It's just my family," Katherine quickly added. "I am not interested in magic and spells and whatnot. I would rather study human knowledge and become a teacher, like what I am doing now. But I know a spell or two."
"Oh... that sounds exciting," Sophie said truthfully. "What can you do with magic?"
Katherine shrugged. "Not much. But I can show you a trick or two someday."
Both women laughed heartily. Finally, Sophie felt relieved because she had opened up about herself and her family to Katherine, and the woman didn't think she was a freak for her background. In fact, they seemed to be able to stay friends like usual. This made her feel so happy.
***
Things went peacefully for the family. Sophie nursed her babies lovingly and went outside to bask under the morning sun every day to get them used to the outside world. Luciel and Jan studied diligently under their private teacher.
Katherine said they were really smart and could now probably start attending the local school if Sophie wished for them to mingle with other kids their age.
"Hmm... I will think about it first," Sophie said. She was sitting on a picnic blanket in the garden with Anne and Jack lying down in front of her, enjoying the warm sun on their fur. Their eyes were just opened and they were now resting comfortably after spending the previous half-hour exploring their surroundings with their eyes.
The world was such a beautiful place now with leaves falling down from the trees. The colors around them turned yellow, orange, and brown.
"Very well, Your Grace," Katherine said with a smile. "I can talk to the principal of Cawden Academy and ask if they have admissions for two new students."
"Thank you, Katherine," said Sophie. "I really appreciate it."
Katherine only smiled and didn't say anything. Her sight was focused on the two pups, basking under the sun happily. They both looked so relaxed.
Ahh... lycan puppies were so easy to care for. They only needed two weeks to open their eyes and now they could already walk on their own, albeit weakly. That's why Anne and Jack still preferred to lie down and be lazy.
Just being with them made Sophie feel so relaxed and happy. From the corner of her eyes, she caught sight of Leland walking toward them with a picnic basket and a smile immediately etched on Sophie's face.
"Hey, my husband is here with the picnic basket," Sophie gushed. She turned to Katherine. "Would you care to join us for a picnic?"
The teacher faked a smile and shook her head. "Sorry, I have to take a raincheck. I already have plans for my off days."
"Ahh... that's okay. Have fun." Sophie added, "Sorry, I don't mean to make you think you have to work 7 days a week. After 5 days of being with my children, I am sure the last thing you need on your break is to spend it with them and me again... ahahaha."
Katherine dismissed her apology and smiled more broadly. "Oh, that's not what I meant. I appreciate your offer, and it's not work for me. I just happen to have somewhere to go."
When Leland arrived, Katherine turned around and got ready to leave Sophie.
"Excuse me," she said weakly. Leland didn't even spare her a glance. He sat down next to Sophie and placed the basket in front of him, next to the babies.
"Have a good day, Katherine," said Sophie with a sincere smile. She waved at the teacher and then turned to Leland. Katherine could only watch the couple with a chest filled with anger and jealousy.
Eloise was such a good actress, however, she knew what she was capable of. She wouldn't be able to stay calm at seeing Leland and his mate being lovey-dovey.
She had had it during the first night when she was invited to their family dinner. After she excused herself, she had to sneak out to the forest and kill some animals to vent her anger.
So, that's why Eloise avoided being around them when Leland and Sophie were together. She was worried that she wouldn't be able to hold back and hurt Sophie, the woman she hated to the core and it would ruin all her plans.
She was in it for the long game. She shouldn't act carelessly like Isolde. Look where did that take her? Isolde lost her only son who could have been her source of glory and also protection. Now, she had to fend for herself.
Alpha Elias only spared her life because Isolde was the sister of the previous Alpha. However, she no longer had any tooth to influence Elias. Not after her niece, who was Alpha Elias' wife, was dead.
When Eloise heard how Isolde threatened a lowly servant to poison Sophie, she rolled her eyes so hard. She did provide the poison that Isolde used, but she didn't expect that old woman was so dumb to not play her cards right.
Of course, the stupid maid didn't do the job properly, and everything failed. Sophie, that wench, was now still alive and Leland immediately kick his mother out of the pack.
Both Isolde and Eloise knew the only reason Leland didn't kill Isolde was because he didn't have proof that Isolde had anything to do with what happened to Sophie.
That might soon change. Eloise planned to curry favor with Leland by giving him all the evidence of Isolde's crimes, including her involvement in the murder of Anne and Jack Hansley.
That could wait though. Eloise wanted to ease her way into the couple's lives before she struck them when they least expect it.
"Thank you, Your Grace," Katherine nodded at Sophie and barely look at Leland. She didn't want to falter when she see the man she loved showing such a gentle expression to the woman she hated, and their two babies.
Katherine walked away from the garden and went out of the castle. She smiled at the lycan guards who were stationed at the gate and waved. They let her out.
Meanwhile, Leland was all smiles when he watched the babies lying down lazily on their backs, all four limbs were outstretched adorably. Both were purring relaxedly. They really looked like they were enjoying life.
"I have never seen happier lycans," he commented. Then Leland looked up at Sophie. "Thank you."
"Hm? Thank you for what?" Sophie asked, not understanding.
"Thank you for being such a wonderful mother that they become so happy and content," Leland said these words very sincerely.
For him, who never received affection from his biological parents, seeing his mate act so loving and caring toward their children, in a way, healed him and filled the void he had in his heart.
He was scared that he wouldn't become a good father, that he would follow in his parents' footsteps, and pass down the hurt and rejection he received from his parents. However, even after more than six years together, he never felt that way when he was around her.
Seeing Sophie look so affectionate and motherly, and never once did she complain about his parenting, he knew he was doing a good job. This boosted his confidence and patched his own insecurities.
"Oh... that's easy to do when you are the father," Sophie smiled sheepishly. She tilted her head and grabbed his head to move closer to hers. Then, she planted a kiss on his lips.
Leland closed his eyes and kissed her deeper. For a few minutes, they made out under the tree. This was such a perfect day.
The leaves on the tree above them rustled when the gentle breeze blew. It sounded like sweet music to their ears. The warm autumn sun on their skin, the falling leaves, the cool breeze, and the sweet kiss were a perfect combination that filled their hearts with happiness to the brim.
Their kiss ended when Sophie and Leland felt two paws scratch their clothes. Anne and Jack decided to interrupt their parents's intimate moments.
"Ahaha.... hey, you are both awake," Sophie chuckled. She rubbed Anne's fur and then lifted her and put her on Leland's lap. Then, she took Jack and placed him on her lap.
Anne opened her eyes and looked at Leland with excitement. Her paws were flailing and she tried to climb Leland's body. The Alpha was amazed at her determination and couldn't help but laugh out loud.
As far as she remembered, Sophie had never seen Leland laugh so heartily like this. She looked at the man in awe. He looked like a completely different person.
For once, the cold man looked so warm today. Sophie was fascinated by the sight. Leland lifted Anne to his face and kissed her nose.
"I love you," he said dotingly. "You are so beautiful."
Anne moved her head forward and tried to bite Leland's nose. Seeing this, Sophie couldn't help but laugh too. Their babies were too adorable.
Jack didn't seem as active as Anne. He immediately curled up on Sophie's lap and continued his peaceful slumber.
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