Sophie thought about how Leland and Nicholas had so much in common, from the perspective of an outsider. The men themselves might be too blinded by their jealousy to realize that.
She could see that both men didn't have a good relationship with their fathers, but both were good fathers themselves. They both were also good leaders who took their responsibility seriously but deep inside they were not interested in power.
Looking at her mate, Sophie secretly thought that Leland and Nicholas could actually become good friends had the situation been different. Unfortunately, she could only dream of seeing the two men become friends. Just having them be civil and not try to kill each other would already be an accomplishment.
Leland looked at Sophie with a flat expression. Her words struck a chord in his heart. Did he really have many things in common with Nicholas? He was not a good talker. He also didn't have a sunny personality.
His perception of life was negative and bleak, while the other man seemed to always have good things going on with him. The only similarity he could see between him and Nicholas was the fact that they both didn't have a good relationship with their fathers. Other than that, he couldn't think of anything else.
However, he wouldn't call his mate a liar. Sophie must have seen things that he didn't see to come up with that conclusion. Leland only smiled at her words.
"You think so?" He looked at her with a twinkle in his eyes. "Well... I can at least agree that he and I have good taste in women."
His reply made Sophie's face flush red. She didn't expect him to say such a thing. It was good to see Leland joke about this. Sophie felt that her mate was no longer as uptight and jealous as before. So, what happened between him and Nicholas to make him more relaxed like today?
Sophie was sure that the men must talk about other things, not just the fact that her parents' killers were not the Royal Lycan Hunters, but Lycans. She was wondering what it was.
"How do you feel about meeting him today?" Sophie asked carefully. "You seemed to be in a good mood."
Leland sighed.
"I am actually conflicting," he said honestly.
He glanced at Anne and Jack who were rolling around in their basket, enjoying their fluffy bed. Then Anne's ears perked up, as if aware that they were being watched by their father. She batted her eyes and turned to look at Leland. The Alpha chuckled and rubbed her head.
"Having Anne and Jack, I could now put myself in his shoes," Leland said quietly. "I love these pups so much and I think if someone took them away from me, it would kill me."
"Oh..." Sophie held her breath. She was surprised to hear Leland's statement. She did hope Leland would be compassionate toward Nicholas and let him have a relationship with Luciel and Jan, but she didn't dare to bring that up after their last conversation where Leland was so adamant about not wanting to have anything to do with Nicholas.
Perhaps, having Anne and Jack truly changed his heart. Now Leland felt more empathy for Nicholas, which was a good thing because deep inside Sophie wished Luciel and Jan could get to know their biological father.
So... now that Leland had started to soften his heart for Nicholas, would they have peace? Thinking of this possibility made Sophie want to cry.
"I could see how much he loves Luciel and Jan from all the efforts he made to make sure they could have a better life in this kingdom," Leland added. "I can understand him."
"That's good to hear," Sophie said.
"Yeah." Leland wrapped his hands around her waist and kissed her nape. "I invited him for tea tomorrow in the castle. I will let him see Luciel and Jan and spend time together."
"You did?" Sophie's eyes widened. This was far beyond her wildest imagination. She pressed her lips in disbelief. Even though she tried not to look excited, she couldn't help but raise her voice. "Have you told Luciel and Jan about this?"
"Soon," Leland replied briefly. He sighed again. "I am not comfortable letting him inside the castle and see you, but..."
"That's okay," Sophie interrupted him. "I don't want to see him either. I just want Luciel and Jan to meet Nicholas and spend time together. See how it goes. I am sure Anne and Jack would keep me busy anyway. They can have tea in the front terrace. I will be busy inside."
She understood that Leland was still feeling jealous and she couldn't blame him. She didn't mind not seeing Nicholas when the man came here. She didn't want to be in an awkward situation.
Leland smiled and nodded. He didn't want to ask Sophie to hide when Nicholas came tomorrow, because he didn't want her to feel suffocated and caged, but he was really jealous if Nicholas were to see Sophie again.
So, when Sophie volunteered not to show herself during Nicholas's visit, the Alpha felt relieved. Leland suddenly remembered that Nicholas didn't come alone to Hastings. He was accompanied by a really beautiful female lycan from the Red Moon Pack and her men.
He didn't know what was Nicholas' relationship with that woman, but he noticed they seemed quite close. If Nicholas decided to come with Lily Moonchester to meet the kids, Sophie might find it awkward to see the father of her children with another woman.
So, from all angles, it was better for Sophie not to meet Nicholas at all.
"Then, it's settled," Leland patted Sophie's back. "I will tell the boys about the tea tomorrow so they could put on their best behaviors."
Sophie turned around and wrapped her hands around Leland's neck. "That's a good idea."
She was smiling from ear to ear when she realized things had started to get better. Leland no longer blamed the royal family for Jack and Anne Hansley's deaths, he no longer needed to attack Riga to take over power because Nicholas would just pass it down to both his sons, and finally, there was no more war to fight.
Sophie could see a good future for their family.
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