Chapter 29

Gideon’s POV

We finally returned to my pack. I was walking to my office but I stopped my tracks and heard the laughter of Leo and Nova, their voices carried upward in bursts of joy that made something deep in my chest stir.

I entered the balcony and saw them playing in the courtyard. Leo was chasing after Nova, his steps were not steady but he was starting to get better. He was very happy, he showed his real smile which he rarely showed.

Nova was a ball of sunshine. She is active, bubbly and full of life. She is just like her mother, brave and fearless.

I was grateful to Nova, knowing she managed to convince her mother to bring her in this pack and she is happily keeping Leo company. I was even more surprised she managed to convince Alpha Ivan to let her come to this pack.

Unlike Leo Nova who was a fire-cracker, full of energy and bright, she bought the best side of Leo out.

At first, I tried to convince myself I am watching them just because I was wary. This child had come back with Raven, suddenly and without explanation, maybe that child came back because I invited her. But the more I looked at her, the less I could lie to myself. I wasn't just curious about her but I felt a connection with her.

There was something about her eyes, which felt like I had seen them before. Something in the tilt of her head, her stubborn little chin. She felt like a reflection of someone I had lost but still remember.

Claire.

That name itself felt like a punch in the gut, unwelcome and painful. I heard cracks and realized that I held onto the railing too tightly, my knuckles turned white. It was impossible.

Claire was gone. She had been gone for years. Yet this girl strongly reminded me of her, it unsettled me. It was as if Claire never really left.

I forced myself to shake the thought away. I shouldn't think about it much. My son was healing, healthy, alive, that's all that matters to me for now. I should not get distracted by a girl who reminds me of the person I lost.

Nova stopped running and leaned towards Leo to whisper something in his ear, her expression was serious yet tender, my throat felt tight. She was by his side. Somehow, it felt she belonged here.

Nova giggled and went somewhere and then came back with a cute big bag. I looked at the bag curiously.

I barely noticed the footsteps behind me until Daphne’s voice broke my reverie. “There you are.”

I turned to find her standing in the doorway, dressed immaculately as always, her eyes bright with expectation. She held a bunch of fabric in her hands, the white lace swaying by the wind.

“Can you come with me to go shopping today?” she asked softly, yet there was desperation in her voice. “The seamstress finished the first draft of my gown. I wanted your opinion.”

I felt guilty even though she was trying to be patient with me or she was pretending to be, my mind has been focused on something else entirely these days. I should have gone with her, should have done my duty as her future husband.

But I couldn’t. Not now.

“I won't be able to join you today.” I said gently. “There are too many things I need to tend to.”

Her smile vanished for a bit then appeared again thinner this time. “You’ve been saying that often, Gideon. What is keeping you so busy these days? The rogues? Leo or something else completely?”

Daphne looked at me with the expression of hurt “I am going to be your wife why are you being so cold to me? Do you feel anything for me at all?”

I looked shocked by her outburst but I stated simply “I am busy right now Daphne, let's do this later.”

Her eyes looked past me to the courtyard where she saw Leo and Nova playing. I didn’t like the way she looked at them coldly.

She continued as she stepped closer whispered in my ear “I heard that Raven bought a child with her. How convenient. Wasn't our Leo enough now she is trying to slip in another little wolf.”

I stiffened. “That’s enough, Daphne. Do you understand what you are saying?”

“Gideon, she is dangerous,” Daphne stated firmly stepping closer to me, her perfume strong. You can’t let her linger here, not with strange children in tow. People are talking, Gideon.

Everyone is wondering why you are tolerating her. Why do you protect her?” I met her eyes, unflinching. “I don't care what everyone thinks”

She looked at me with a surprised look, I have never spoken to her so firmly before. I have spoken with her gently for years, I tried to humor her and pacify her. But not this time.

I stood my ground and spoke firmly. “Leo likes her company and she protects him, That’s all that matters to me.”

Daphne looked at me annoyed “then what about me? What is my place in your life?” She asked, grabbing my hand. “Don't you like me anymore Gideon?”

I grabbed her wrist and made her leave my hand “Stop it, Daphne do you even realize how childish you are sounding right now?” I handed her my black card. “Just buy the wedding dress you like and leave me alone.”

Her expression darkened, I saw the mask of being perfect Luna slipping and saw a glimpse of hatred in her eyes. She wanted me to cave in and choose her comfort over my responsibility and instincts.

But I couldn’t. Not when it comes to Leo's safety and happiness. Not when I saw Nova, I don't know why, I felt protective about her. Daphne only stared at me coldly “Fine, I will buy the dress myself” and with that she left with the gown trailing like smoke behind her.

Alone again, I returned my gaze to the courtyard. And saw Nove sharing her toys with Leo, who looked at the toys curiously and nova answered them enthusiastically.

Nova took out a gift box from her bag and gave it to Leo whose eyes were bright with curiosity as he quickly started unwrapping the gift he gasped happily to see a stuffed wolf and hugged her happily. “Thank you, I love it.” He said joyfully.

After playing for a while, the children laid on the grass exhausted as they tried to catch their breath. Nova animatedly pointed at the clouds and saw their shapes, Leo laughed as she told him her imagination.

I let out a sigh.

I didn’t know who Nova truly was. I wanted to know how many secrets Raven has. Her eyes looked just as haunted as mine. But what I did know—what I couldn’t deny—was that the bond forming between these children was something I could not tear apart.

As much as I tried to forget about my past, it didn't leave my head stubbornly. The more I looked at Nova, the more I saw Claire.