Chapter 234:Unexpected visit
SONIA’S POV
Like it had so many times over the past few months, a familiar warmth suddenly bloomed in my chest. It was that deep, comforting pull I was almost ashamed to admit only Ramon had ever made me feel.
It came without warning, without any predictable pattern. One moment I was fine, and the next this gentle heat wrapped around me like a protective embrace. Even my baby seemed to sense it, settling or shifting in response, as if soothed by the same invisible presence.
The day had grown darker, heavy clouds rolling in and casting long shadows across the garden. Seth and I eventually headed back inside the house together. That comforting warmth followed us through the door like a silent companion.
We shared a quiet dinner that evening, talking about lighter things, and the next morning we had breakfast together before he finally left. Once again, it was just me and my little one.
There were moments when the solitude pressed in, when the quiet felt too heavy. But most days, the peace I had found here outweighed any loneliness. I was safe. My child was safe. That mattered more than anything.
I was curled up in the cozy reading nook upstairs, my mother’s old recipe book open on my lap, trying to make sense of her elegant handwriting and the ingredients she had listed for her favorite dishes. The familiar scent of aged paper and faint lavender from the pages always made me feel closer to her. Suddenly, my wolf stirred, strong and unmistakable.
I froze, heart skipping. It had been so abrupt. Then it happened again. And again. A restless energy rippled through me. I waited, almost afraid to hope. I didn’t want to get my hopes up only for her to vanish again. Could she really be coming back?
A wild thought took root. I closed the book gently, set it aside, and pushed myself up from the chair. My hand stayed on my belly for balance as I made my way down the stairs, each step careful on the polished wood.
The moment I reached the living room, the front door swung open.
"Oh!" I gasped, eyes widening.
Alpha Daisy stepped inside, and without thinking, I hurried toward her as fast as my pregnant body allowed. But just as quickly as she had appeared, I felt my wolf slip away again, retreating somewhere deep inside.
Still, I threw my arms around Daisy in a tight hug. In that instant, everything clicked, she must have sensed Daisy’s arrival. Someone familiar. Someone we both cared about deeply.
"Oh, Ivy was so right!" Daisy exclaimed, squeezing me close. Then she suddenly pulled back a little, eyes wide with concern. "I’m not hurting you, am I?"
"No, you’re not," I laughed softly, stepping back so she could see I was fine.
"I can’t believe I haven’t come to see you all this time," she said, still holding my hands. "You do understand, right? Did you get the message I sent through Ivy? I had to organize my army. I know Ramon thinks he doesn’t need them right now, but when your father decides to move..." She trailed off, staring at me with open awe. "I’m sorry, I’m blabbing again. I’m just so excited to see you after all these months."
I laughed, pure joy bubbling up inside me. Alpha Daisy had always been one of my favorite people. She was the only one who had ever tried to bring my mother to life for me as a real person, not just someone I resembled. Everyone else only ever commented on how much I looked like her. Daisy actually told me stories, shared memories, and made her feel close.
"Come inside, please," I said warmly.
We moved together into one of the comfortable sitting rooms, chatting easily the whole way. Her presence filled the space with energy and light.
"Ramon is such a fool," she declared the second I took her bag and placed it neatly in the closet. "And I know Ivy said you didn’t want his name mentioned, but I don’t care. I have to tell you the truth—he is an absolute fool."
I burst out laughing and turned to sit beside her on the bed. "I’ve missed you so much," I admitted, warmth spreading through me.
"Me too, my darling. You look absolutely beautiful! Maybe I should get pregnant too—just for this glowing skin," she teased, gently touching my cheek.
"I’m sure Tyler would be ecstatic to hear that," I replied with a grin.
"Oh, you remember my mate’s name?" She clutched her chest dramatically. "That damn Ramon! You won’t believe he still deliberately calls him every name except the right one."
I couldn’t stop laughing. This was exactly why I loved having Daisy around. She never felt like an Alpha when we talked. She felt like a real friend, funny, honest, and full of life. The way she described things always had me in stitches.
"Can I touch it?" she asked softly, glancing at my belly.
I nodded, giving permission.
Her hand trembled slightly as she reached out. The moment her palm rested on my stomach, the baby gave a strong, excited kick. Daisy pulled her hand back with a delighted gasp, then placed it there again. Another playful movement followed, and I broke into a giggle filled with wonder.
"I know that’s right. It’s me, your favorite Aunty," Daisy cooed, leaning down to speak directly to my belly. "I know you met Ivy first, but don’t get it twisted, sweetheart. I’m the one who’s going to spoil you rotten. I already brought so many things—I can’t wait for you to see them!" She clapped her hands excitedly.
"Between you and Ivy, this child is going to be the most spoiled baby in existence," I said warmly as she straightened up.
"I think they’re the lucky ones to have you as their mother," she replied seriously. "This is exactly why I keep saying how foolish Ramon is. He could have this, the family he’s always wanted—with you. It baffles me that Lorena is still hanging around. I hate that no-good bitch!"
I smiled, but the mention still tugged at something inside. "Well, he clearly doesn’t see it that way. I just want to be happy and take care of my child. Being out here does that for me. If I could just get my wolf back fully, I’d be okay."
"Yeah, I heard about that," Daisy said, her expression softening. "Didn’t you find any solutions in the book I gave you?"
"I know the solution," I sighed. "I just need to feel something intensely strong to trigger it. I thought loving my baby this much would be enough, but apparently I need more than that."
"Hey, don’t beat yourself up," she said gently, taking my hand. "Your wolf never truly leaves you. She’s always there, deep in your heart. When the time is right, she’ll come back and stay. Trust that, and stop worrying that pretty head of yours, okay?"
I smiled, feeling lighter already. "See why I’m always glad when you’re around? You always know exactly what to say."
She shrugged with mock smugness. "When you grow up surrounded by fools like Ramon and Liam, you learn to be the wise one among them."
I burst into hearty laughter as she pulled me into another warm hug.
"Are you truly okay though?" she asked after a moment, her voice softer. "Ivy mentioned your father still hasn’t looked for you."
"I don’t care about that," I lied, forcing a smile. "I just want to focus on my baby."
She knew I wasn’t telling the full truth, I could see it in her eyes but she didn’t push. That quiet understanding was yet another reason I adored her.
"The truth will come out," she whispered, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of my head. "And everything will be fine. It’s only a matter of time."
My baby kicked again, strong and sure, as if wholeheartedly agreeing with her. In that moment, wrapped in Daisy’s warmth and the promise of her words, I let myself believe it too.
