A cub that knows how to act spoiled has the best life.
The soaking wet wolf cub was held in its mother's arms, her hand gently stroking its head, soothing him.
"Oh my! You caught a big fish again, my little baby! You're the best, aren't you? Mommy's so happy."
"Look, your godmom Eulalia is also praising you! You're so young yet already able to catch fish; I'm so surprised, so delighted—how about a perfect score of 10,000 for you?"
The little wolf cub's whimpering gradually quieted down.
After a while, he was so shy from all the praise that he covered his eyes with his little paws and buried his head in his mother's arms.
Moments later, he peeked out from his mother's arms to look at the big fish his father caught, baring his little teeth.
With his mom's comfort, he knew he was the best.
He glanced at his dad, feeling proud, and his little tail started to wag gently.
Catriona's clothes were soaked by the little wolf cub, but she didn't mind; she could change them later.
Roderick watched the little cub's joy, his thin lips pulling into an almost invisible smile.
Just a young cub.
On the afternoon.
Catriona went to the kitchen and made a dish of braised fish chunks, cooking the fish Cedric caught.
It was the first fish her son had caught for her, so she had to eat it.
Black looked at the plate full of meat, sniffing the aroma wafting from the kitchen, drooling. Catriona couldn't eat so much by herself, could she? He really wanted to try a bite.
Catriona indeed couldn't eat it all. She had no problem if the werewolves wanted some. After setting aside her portion, she let them divide the rest.
She loved spicy food and made it very flavorful. Could the werewolves handle the spice?
As it turned out, they couldn't.
Black drank water frantically to cool the heat.
Ruby howled, running around the spacious living room.
Brownie's mouth was swollen from the spice.
Lightblaze made a splash as he jumped into the swimming pool.
Catriona awkwardly laughed, "I should have told you guys to eat a little less."
She remembered last time when she got up early on her day off to make human food for the werewolves, only Black and Draven ate it in the end.
After that, she stopped cooking for them.
Occasionally, she would go into the kitchen to make some fried snacks for her son to satisfy his little cravings.
Roderick sat in the main seat, watching his pack's silly antics, and sneered.
He didn't eat any.
Wouldn't he know how much spice Catriona could handle? Every time the three of them dined out, she would remind the restaurant to add extra chili to her dishes.
Once, out of curiosity, he tasted one of her dishes, only to frown and go silent.
This woman was... something else.
In contrast to the other werewolves' loud protests, Cedric was much calmer, sitting beside his mother, quietly eating his meal.
For Cedric's portion of fish, Catriona only pan-fried it until golden on both sides, without adding any chili.
The little one chewed on a piece of fish, bones and all, his chubby cheeks puffing with each bite. The crisp sound of him munching filled the air, and finding it amusing, he closed his eyes and broke into an adorable smile.
"Baby, is it good?"
"Yes, Mommy, listen." Cedric bit down with his little sharp teeth, making a crunching sound as the fish bones cracked in his mouth.
"Wow! Amazing, Mommy can't even bite through them."
Catriona remembered Roderick mentioning that cubs could now chew on meat with bones to strengthen their teeth.
Cedric's lips curled up, his eyes narrowing in a smile, and the little tuft of hair on his head wobbled. He was learning more and more now and could help his mom out, right?
He wanted to be a useful cub.
"Mommy, I'll go catch more fish for you to eat later."
Thinking of the big fish his dad caught, he furrowed his little brows. He could do it too...
"But you've been swimming so long today; aren't you tired?" Catriona gently touched his little face, noting how his features were already well-defined, even a hint of a small jawline showing—remarkably like Roderick's.
When he smiled, though, his little lips reminded her of herself.
"Mommy can't eat that much fish. How about just once a day?"
If she knew he had his sights set on catching a 20-pound fish, she'd be stunned. Her son only weighed about 40 pounds himself—what if he got pulled under by the weight? She knew he wasn't an ordinary human, stronger than other kids his age, but to her, he was still just four years old. Watching him dive into the lake to catch fish already had her nerves on edge.
With a touch of worry, she added, "When I'm not around, don't go to the lake alone."
She reached out, giving his chubby cheek a gentle squeeze. This little one, who could talk and laugh, was her everything, her reason to keep going.
So many times, just looking at him filled her heart with warmth, happiness blossoming and spreading in her chest.
Thank goodness for that night.
To others, she'd lost her education, had a child out of wedlock, and became a single mother. To outsiders, it was shameful, foolish, and difficult.
But only she knew how happy she truly was.
She was grateful for that fateful night and had never regretted bringing Cedric into the world.
Her grandmother had passed away peacefully in her sleep, free from suffering, though perhaps a bit lonely. Her life had come to its end, and she could only accompany her grandmother so far.
If not for that unexpected incident with Roderick, she wouldn't have been able to prevent her grandmother from leaving.
Sometimes, Catriona wondered if her grandmother had sensed she was about to have a child and found peace in leaving.
Her son had become her shield against the world, her drive to keep going, her source of purest love.
Living for her son wasn't something to be ashamed of. How many parents in the world did the same?
Loving yourself and living for yourself might be wonderful, but it isn't for everyone. Some people need others to live for; only then can life continue.
Some people have already lost the ability to love themselves.
Wearing the finest clothes, buying the most expensive bags, living in the best houses, and dining on the most exquisite food—that may be the goal for many.
But, Catriona was very clear that this was not her goal.
After her grandmother passed away, she knew that wasn't what she wanted.
What she wanted was pure, unwavering love, whether she was rich or poor, fat or thin, young or old.
To be realistic, this kind of love usually only comes from blood relatives.
What she wanted was this healthy, growing little treasure in front of her.
She gently pinched her son's soft little cheeks, her eyes filled with gentle affection, "Did you understand what Mommy said?"
Cedric tilted his head, resting his cheek in his mother's palm. Under his fluffy black hair, his big golden eyes focused intently on her. Then, his eyes curved into a sweet smile as he said, "I understand!"
His little tail swayed gently in the gap between the chair slats.
He would listen carefully to everything his mom said.
Only his mom's words.
"Catriona, don't worry, we'll keep an eye on the little one," Black said, holding a large bottle of milk. "If he goes to the lake, I'll go with him."
Catriona smiled at him politely, "Thank you, but let his dad accompany him. This is his responsibility."
As she spoke, she looked at Roderick, "Mr. Nightblade, do you understand what I mean?"
The child was so young; how could they not keep a close watch?
Their son belonged to the two of them; they were comrades, after all.
Then, she noticed a hint of pleasure in Roderick's expression as he nodded, "This is our little cub."
Catriona glanced at him strangely, feeling a bit perplexed.
The next day.
The two of them followed their usual routine of taking the little one to kindergarten.
Roderick adjusted his clothes several times in front of the mirror, scrutinizing his face to make sure nothing was amiss.
He looked at the men's cologne next to him, which Arden had prepared.
After a moment's hesitation, he sprayed a little on himself.
He didn't like purely human colognes, but Catriona was human; she might like it.
As soon as he sprayed it, Roderick frowned deeply. To be honest, he didn't understand what was so fragrant about it.
Hearing the sound of mother and son in the second-floor hallway, Roderick left his room on the third floor.
At the stairway landing on the second floor, he caught sight of the mother and son. He cleared his throat softly and approached them with measured steps, his gaze lingering on the beautiful woman in the white dress, her makeup perfectly done, his eyes dark and profound. "Good morning."
Catriona glanced at him, "Good morning."
Then she looked away.
Cedric also greeted his dad, but wrinkled his little nose and even refused a hug from him.
Dad smelled strange; it wasn't pleasant.
When Black rushed downstairs for breakfast, he greeted the other werewolves loudly all the way. Suddenly, he wrinkled his nose and sniffed the air deeply.
"Strange, what's that smell? It's unpleasant."
"Didn't you guys smell it? Ah, it's awful! So strong!"
The closer he got to the table, the stronger the smell became.
He didn't notice that the wolf pack was unusually silent; no one responded.
Brownie gave him a sympathetic look.
Black sniffed as he walked to the table, only to meet the cold, indifferent gaze of the Alpha Roderick.
Ah...
The smell was coming from Alpha Roderick.
Black froze.
His survival instincts kicked in, "Uh... I just remembered, I left the water running in my bathroom."
He turned and darted upstairs, "Can't waste water, ahhh..."
Help, ahh!
He ran straight into his room and shut the door, panting heavily. After a moment, he felt something was off. Since when did Alpha like human products?
Chewing her food, Catriona thought the cologne Roderick was wearing smelled nice. She had caught a whiff of it when they came downstairs.
It was just a bit strong, a little overwhelming.
Did Black find it unpleasant?
Werewolves vary from one to another; maybe Roderick liked it.
The three of them got into the car to go to kindergarten.
Catriona noticed Roderick's scent was getting stronger, and Cedric had already buried his head in her arms, covering his little nose.
Daddy smelled bad today.
He didn't even want a hug from him.
Sitting in the car with the windows closed, he let out a gentle breath, carefully opening the box.
Roderick was more uncomfortable than others.
He was almost unable to breathe.
He wondered whether Catriona liked this scent or not.
He had learned from the guide on "How to Make a Man Attractive to Women" that it was best for a man to stick to one fragrance—women would remember the scent and feel attracted to it. Of course, the cologne had to be the most expensive.
The most expensive was no problem; it was just that he was starting to feel like he might have an issue with smelling it himself.
He would have to change clothes and shower after parting ways with Catriona.
He would spray it on again when they picked up the cub in the afternoon.
Watching the little one enter the school, Catriona and Roderick got into the car. She gazed out the window, breathing in the fresh air.
To be honest, the cologne on Roderick was a bit overwhelming and gave her a headache if she smelled it for too long.
She personally didn't like wearing perfume; a bath and clean clothes were enough for her.
Why did this wolf suddenly think of wearing cologne?
Roderick cleared his throat softly and took a small booklet from his pocket, the cover showing a pink sports car.
"Catriona."
His voice was calm and light as he placed the booklet on the table.
Catriona looked over.
"I don't know what kind of car you like, so take a look at these."
"I only picked out ten."
I hope you like them all.
Roderick cleared his throat again; trying to court someone like a human made him feel a bit uncomfortable.
Catriona slowly frowned as she looked at the booklet on the table.
Roderick... is he trying to use the support payment again?
She thought for a moment, then picked up the booklet and opened it.
On the first page was a red sports car, with a woman in sunglasses sitting inside.
The second page featured a pink luxury car.
"..."
What is this?
All these bright red and pink cars... Is this Roderick's taste?
No, could he think these are the kinds of cars women like?
She suddenly remembered that this wolf had confessed to her.
Catriona was taken aback.
She slowly asked, "Why are you suddenly giving me a car?"
Roderick's heart raced as his gaze met hers. He held it for a few seconds before awkwardly looking away, a faint blush creeping up his ears.
"Because... I like you."
"I'm pursuing you."
"What others have, I want you to have too."
Catriona's eyes widened in surprise,
"You..."
Isn't this a bit too straightforward? Too honest!
She asked, and he really just said it!
The car fell into silence.
The atmosphere became subtle.
Catriona thought it was support payment, which she could accept without issue, but now that Roderick had said this, if she accepted...
She didn't even like him.
Nor did she plan to be with him.
Accepting such an obviously heartfelt gift would only give him false hope, wouldn't it?
Catriona pressed her lips together and put the booklet back.
"I might not have been clear last time, Mr. Nightblade. I'm not considering being with you, so maybe... let go of the idea."
"Not considering," Roderick was silent for a moment, pressing his thin lips down. "So, do you like that pure human, Lucian?"
What's so good about him!
All he does is joke around and sweet-talk!
"I don't like him."
Roderick was slightly stunned. "You don't like him?"
Catriona gave him a strange look. "I don't like him; if I did, we'd already be together."
"You mean... there's no one you like right now?"
Catriona thought for a moment and nodded.
Roderick's mood instantly lifted.
Even if he'd just been rejected once.
"Alright." He smiled faintly and nodded.
As long as there's no one else she likes, she'll end up liking him.
They arrived at the flower shop.
As Catriona was about to get out of the car, something awkward happened.
Actually, it was kind of her fault.
Feeling awkward in the car, she was eager to get out. As the car was still slowly coming to a stop, she unbuckled her seatbelt early, picked up her bag, and began to stand.
Unexpectedly, the car jolted, causing her to lose her balance and fall straight onto Roderick.
The werewolf's reflexes were so quick; she didn't even know how Roderick managed to reach out and grip her waist.
So now, the position was this: Roderick was seated, his big hands gripping her waist, while her hands pressed against his shoulders.
They were face-to-face, separated only by a small table.
Her skirt and long hair brushed against Roderick's shoulders and chest.
Roderick's eyes were fixed on her, their breathing audible, and Catriona felt his hands on her waist begin to tighten.
In that instant, she barely had time to react before feeling herself being gently pulled closer by her waist.
It's Roderick!!
The man's intense, invasive presence approached; his eyes darkened slightly, and his thin lips moved.
He actually wanted to kiss her.
Catriona's eyes widened as she quickly pushed against him and sat back into her seat. "You... you..."
She had been too careless.
This was a werewolf!
A male werewolf.
In every way, he was more aggressive than a pure human.
Roderick quickly regained his composure, though in Catriona's eyes, his sharply defined, handsome face had turned red. He bit his thin lip and took a deep breath.
"Sorry, I..."
"Please don't be angry, I..." A flash of self-annoyance crossed his eyes. "It's my fault."
Catriona looked at him, thinking, he was the one who tried to kiss her, yet now he was even more embarrassed than she was.
Anyone who didn't know might have thought she was the one who tried to kiss him...
She pressed her lips together and said seriously, "Control yourself."
Roderick nodded. "Yes, I'll control myself."
Catriona got out of the car.
The sound of her high heels faded away.
Roderick glanced out the window at her retreating figure, his ears still flushed. Retracting his gaze, he leaned back, resting his head against the seat. He lifted the back of his wrist to shield his eyes.
His fair, slender neck was exposed, and his throat moved up and down as he felt parched.
He was losing it!
It was as if he were under a spell.
He hadn't even won her over, and yet he already wanted to kiss her!
His hands moved unconsciously, the memory of her soft, warm, delicate waist still lingering.
Roderick's thin lips moved slightly, his face feeling even hotter.
He...
In fact, it was normal for male werewolves to have such thoughts about a partner they liked. Their desires were naturally stronger in every way compared to pure humans.
Roderick had grown up in the human world. His grandmother had always required him to behave like a pure human, something he had to learn to stay in the company, restricted by many human norms.
Moreover, he was an Alpha, the strongest wolf.
A strongest wolf who had been single for years, handling his heat cycles in the snowy mountains and icy lakes.
In his mind, he had the restraint of a pure human, but his body did not.
Just now, holding the waist of the woman he liked, he had really wanted to kiss her right then.
As Roderick thought about it, his throat bobbed once more.
His throat was dry; he was parched.
For a moment, he even forgot the scent of his cologne.
Time for a cold shower and a few bottles of ice water.
