This car was custom-modified. Catriona and her son sat on one side, with Roderick across from them, separated by a small table.
Cedric clutched his mother's hand, his eyes fixed on the person across from him.
After fastening his seatbelt, Roderick stared at his cub. "I'm asking you—who are you growling at?"
Cedric pursed his lips tightly and mumbled, "You're Dad."
Roderick's voice softened a bit. "Yes, I am."
"Oh." Cedric glanced up at him briefly, then quickly looked away, starting to swing his little legs back and forth, the tuft of hair on top of his head bobbing along with him.
Roderick added, "In the future, if you need anything, just tell me."
Cedric pressed his little lips together, "Okay."
Then, Roderick's gaze drifted to Catriona. She rested her chin on one hand, her face turned slightly as she watched the cub with gentle eyes. Her hand softly brushed through the cub's hair, occasionally straightening his collar with quiet care.
In her eyes and her gestures, there was nothing but love flowing through.
Roderick watched for a moment before finally looking away.
Half an hour later, they arrived.
Catriona hadn't expected the kindergarten principal, vice principal, and teachers to be waiting at the school gate, all respectfully and cheerfully welcoming them.
"Mr. Nightblade, please rest assured in letting your child come to our school. We certainly won't let you down..."
Roderick seemed accustomed to such flattery and replied calmly, "No need for special treatment."
"Yes, yes, of course. We understand."
Roderick looked down at the little cub, his cold gaze softening slightly. He squatted down, looking at his son, and said in a low voice, "Just be happy."
He didn't need the cub to follow human standards—scores, literacy, or achievements.
Those things were up to the cub himself.
When he grew up, whether he chose to stay in the human world or return to the Snowy Mountains, it would be his choice.
The Royal Kindergarten was a place of freedom and relaxation.
Cedric thought for a moment, then asked, "Happy means being glad, right? As long as I'm with Mom, I'm happy."
He was like a little sweet bean.
Hearing this, Catriona's heart felt warm and fuzzy.
Roderick caught the meaning and gave a quiet grunt, promising, "No one can take your mother away."
In the werewolf clan, cubs tend to fall into two extremes during their early years. Some become extremely attached to their mothers, while others, though aware of and caring deeply for their mothers, are more independent, not clinging to her or following her everywhere.
He was the latter.
Cedric hugged his mom, hesitated, then hugged his dad too before heading straight into school without looking back.
He was always sensible and never cried or threw tantrums.
Watching her son's small figure gradually fade into the distance, Catriona felt her heart melting.
Once the cub left, Roderick cleared his throat and said, "I'll take you to the flower shop first."
Next would be their time alone—was this woman going to take the chance to get close to him?
Catriona didn't refuse and got into the car, thinking she should close the shop early today to pick up her son.
Both had their own thoughts.
Roderick stayed constantly on guard, his sharp, cold brows lifted as he fixed his gaze on her. He was vigilant about Catriona's every move—he had no intention of accidentally revealing his ears or tail.
And then...
His gaze followed her movements, and he noticed how the seatbelt created a curve across her chest...
Tsk. Realizing where he was looking, he quickly looked away.
The whole ride.
Catriona was a bit worried about whether her son could adjust to the new school and didn't say a word.
Roderick, tense and expecting a sign of affection from Catriona, waited in vain.
"Well, I'll get out here, Mr. Nightblade. Goodbye."
Catriona got out of the car without looking back.
Roderick:?
She actually let go of a perfect chance for them to be alone!!
