Chapter 418: Werewolf pups grow rapidly
"I thought you wouldn’t see me until the evening," Sage said, glancing at Katelyn with a faint smile.
"I took a day off to take care of you," she replied, placing the groceries in the refrigerator and tossing aside a few items that had passed their expiry date. "You should have cleaned the fridge yourself to keep busy during your rut," she scolded him lightly, her tone carrying both care and irritation.
Sage leaned casually against the counter, a teasing smile tugging at his lips. "You act like you’re my wife."
Katelyn shot him a pointed look but said nothing.
"What did you do at my house? My dad came earlier asking me to apologize to you," Sage added with surprise.
"What? He came here?" Katelyn spun around, closing the refrigerator door.
Sage’s brows drew together in concern. "Why didn’t you tell me Eleanor called you? What did she say?"
"That bitch was telling me to end my relationship with you," Katelyn said. "She sounded like she was threatening me. I’m the Princess, yet people think my kindness makes me weak. The worst part? Your stepmother gave her my personal number without my permission. That’s why I went to your house, to show her exactly what kind of authority I hold. I told her not to play games with me. How could you even tolerate her?" Katelyn rolled her eyes with an annoyed tone.
Sage couldn’t help but smile at her fiery reaction. He stepped closer and, without warning, wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a firm embrace. The sudden closeness left Katelyn startled.
"Sage, why are you hugging me?" she asked. She swallowed hard, aware that his warmth stirred something unfamiliar within her.
"I’m thanking you," Sage murmured against her hair. "For showing my stepmother her rightful place. I’ve wanted to do that for years... but that doesn’t mean you need to do it every time."
Katelyn pulled back slightly. "I didn’t do it for you. I was angr. Also, you shouldn’t tolerate her annoyances in the first place."
Sage hummed softly, keeping the truth to himself that he couldn’t stand up to Blythe. His father always protected her, and Sage had learned to hold his tongue. Another reason for obeying William was that only his father knew where his mother lived, and he needed that information.
"Eleanor came here last night," he revealed. "She worsened my rut, and I lost my temper with her. Maybe that’s why she called you. I’m truly sorry, Katelyn. But I promise you... Nothing like this will ever happen again."
"Did you let her into the house?" Katelyn frowned.
"No," Sage replied simply.
"She’s obsessed with you. You should find a way to make sure she stops bothering you. And remember, you’re seeing me, so don’t even let other women touch you," Katelyn said, her voice carrying a strange possessiveness, born clearly of the mate bond.
"Are you saying I’m your mate... and only yours?" Sage mused, a faint smile playing on his lips.
"No." Katelyn turned away, unwilling to look at him. Her scent, however, pulled him closer, tempting him to lean in and inhale deeply.
"Since you’re staying here all day, let’s watch a movie together," he said softly. Before she could answer, Sage swept her up in one arm, carrying her effortlessly. The sudden motion startled her.
"Where are you taking me?" Katelyn hit his shoulder lightly.
"Inside the bedroom. The TV is there," Sage answered with a smile.
Katelyn didn’t protest and rested her head on his shoulder.
~~~~~
Gabriel cradled Noah gently in his arms as he finally decided to take him and Amelie for a short stroll in the garden. It had been several days since Amelie had stepped outside, and the fresh air seemed overdue.
Noah wriggled his tiny arms excitedly at the change of scenery, his little fingers twitching as if eager to touch the world around him. Gabriel adjusted the small cap on his head with care. "Looks like Noah’s eager to explore the garden with Daddy," he said softly, a warm smile in his voice.
Amelie glanced up and smiled. "Noah always gets excited when he’s with you."
At that moment, Casaio’s voice rang out from nearby. "Noah, my boy!"
Noah’s wide eyes followed the sound, and a sweet, innocent smile lit up his face.
"You’re healed," Gabriel observed, his voice tender.
"Yes," Casaio replied, nodding in quiet agreement.
Zilia waved cheerfully at Noah, who responded by waving his tiny hands vigorously in the air.
"You’re taking Noah out? And Amelie too?" Casaio said in surprise, stepping closer. "I thought Mom wanted them to stay indoors for a month." He gently placed his hand over Noah’s head over the cap.
Gabriel shook his head slightly, his gaze already sweeping over the garden. "I don’t think we need to follow such strict rules. Noah is growing so fast. Being an alpha means his development is quicker and his senses will sharpen sooner. It’s important to let him experience nature early. As for Amelie, she’s been cooped up for days. She needs a change of scenery."
Amelie squeezed Gabriel’s hand gently, a soft smile on her lips.
Casaio chuckled, watching Noah grasp his finger with surprising strength. "Oh, he’s got quite a grip. Are the babies usually this strong?" he asked with genuine amusement.
Gabriel glanced at Noah. "Yes. Werewolf pups grow rapidly. Their strength and instincts begin developing almost from birth. They surprise us with how much they understand."
Casaio’s eyes softened. "That’s wonderful. But I think Noah’s strength is still remarkable," he stated with a smile.
Zilia observed Casaio and thought, ’I think we should plan for kids too.’
"I won’t take much of your time. Go ahead," Casaio said, taking a step away.
"Are you two going somewhere?" Amelie inquired.
"Yes, outside for some work. We will see you later," Zilia replied. "Bye, Noah!" She waved at him.
Noah giggled at them, watching them going away.
"Let’s go," Gabriel said, gazing at Amelie again.