Catriona and Roderick returned to the Luna Palace.
Her pace quickened a bit, moving ahead of Roderick.
For some reason, she didn't want to be alone with Roderick or meet his gaze directly.
In short, she felt uncomfortable and uneasy.
As soon as she entered the hall, the werewolves, who had been playing with the cub, perked up their ears. Remembering what Draven had said—that Catriona wanted to maintain a harmonious atmosphere without making things awkward—they tried not to make it obvious.
At the same time, they really wanted to explain to her why they hadn't come down to eat back then and apologize to ask for her forgiveness.
Humans are delicate in their emotions, harboring thoughts unseen on the surface. They appear carefree and bold, but would approaching Catriona directly about that matter place her in an awkward position?
Lightblaze's paws clenched in hesitation.
The mere thought that Catriona might resent them deflates their spirits like a balloon losing air, slowly wilting away.
Bruce stole a glance at Catriona, then looked away dejectedly.
Sapphire sat nearby, his eyes already red-rimmed.
"Catriona's back! Alpha Roderick is back!!" Black howled.
Brownie was momentarily stunned but quickly chimed in, "Catriona, good evening."
"Catriona, did you have a good time today?"
They needed to greet her as usual; otherwise, Catriona might overthink things and end up getting unintentionally hurt.
Catriona indeed hadn't noticed anything unusual about the werewolves.
Or rather, she wasn't particularly focusing on them.
She smiled and nodded. "Good evening, everyone. Go to bed early, goodnight!"
"Mommy!" Cedric tugged his mother's hand as they headed upstairs, and the little guy turned around, waving his small hand. "Goodnight, everyone, and goodnight, Dad."
Hearing Roderick's steady footsteps behind her, Catriona tensed slightly, quickening her pace with an unease that made her wish she could retreat to her room on the second floor and close the door behind her.
Roderick's gaze lingered longingly on her back, and he spoke in a low voice. "The kindergarten has an outing and picnic tomorrow, and parents are required to join."
Catriona didn't turn around and simply responded with an "Mm, I know."
The kindergarten has arranged an outing for a picnic, where the main activities involve setting up tents with the children, preparing food together, and fostering parent-child bonding. The school encourages all parents to participate.
The tents and food would be provided by the kindergarten.
Both parents just needed to bring the child to gather at the kindergarten entrance.
Cedric had been looking forward to it for a long time. He was so excited, wagging his little tail, running around the room, and leaping with a little howl.
Will there be little bunnies in the wild?
Hearing this, Cedric licked his small lips.
He was full of anticipation for tomorrow.
He pulled up his little blanket, closed his eyes, and a small smile lifted his lips.
A night of sweet dreams.
The next morning, early.
Catriona got up, dressed, and freshened up. Knowing the outdoors might bring mosquito bites, she dressed her son in a comfortable, sporty outfit and packed a small water bottle, some snacks, and jerky.
She herself chose casual attire, pulling her long hair into a high ponytail that bounced energetically with her every step, giving her a vibrant, youthful look. She resembled a college student heading out for a game of badminton—the kind who's not only popular but also effortlessly charming.
Holding Cedric's hand, she walked down the long hallway, heading downstairs. Halfway down, she felt the sensation of being watched. Turning around, she spotted Ruby leaning against the opposite railing, staring at her with a pitiful gaze, letting out a weary little "aww."
Catriona:?
But in the next moment, Ruby wagged his tail and flashed his usual grin. "Good morning, Catriona, and little cub!"
Catriona:...??
Did she just see that wrong?
"Good morning." She smiled and nodded, then continued downstairs.
Ruby looked at Catriona's back and let out a small, sorrowful whimper.
The thought that Catriona might secretly dislike her filled her with an ache. Back then, when they hadn't gone downstairs to eat, Catriona must have felt hurt too, mistakenly believing she was the one being shunned.
Now, they couldn't even find the words to apologize.
Would bringing it up again ruin the atmosphere she'd worked to create? Catriona seemed to like the status quo, this situation where they kept a polite, surface-level relationship.
But not a relationship that was genuinely close or intimate.
Thinking this, Ruby lowered her eyes, and her lips unconsciously pouted in sadness, almost as if a coat hanger could hang from them.
The other werewolves felt about the same as Ruby. Their behavior carried a hint of caution, and their gazes held a bit of expectant eagerness to please whenever they interacted with Catriona.
They didn't know many humans and had hardly any human friends. Living under the same roof with Catriona and seeing her every day had initially felt novel to them, but now, it had grown into genuine affection.
But they had hurt her.
She didn't want to get close to them anymore.
And it wasn't just them—Alpha Roderick wasn't doing any better.
Look at Alpha Roderick; his heart was entirely set on Catriona now, and he couldn't even hide it.
When Catriona ate, Alpha Roderick would openly or covertly watch her.
When Catriona went upstairs to her room, Alpha Roderick's gaze would follow her back.
When they chatted downstairs and someone mentioned Catriona's name, Alpha Roderick's sharp gaze would immediately focus on them.
And after that night of Alpha Roderick's hunting, with the things he had said, the wolves privately gathered to speculate. They were certain Alpha Roderick had confessed to Catriona and been rejected.
Thinking this way, they felt a slight bit of comfort.
The fact that Alpha Roderick liked Catriona didn't surprise them at all.
Catriona had a graceful figure and striking beauty, her clothes always tasteful, with a gentle, pleasant scent about her. She was warm and approachable, never dismissive in conversation. Whenever someone spoke to her, she would look them in the eyes, listen intently, and respond thoughtfully.
Every wolf who spoke with her felt valued, and that feeling was simply wonderful.
Most importantly, Alpha Roderick had shared the most intimate relationship with her—this was just too ambiguous! They even had a cub together; considering everything, it'd be strange not to fall in love.
When Catriona walked toward the European-style dining table, Roderick was already seated at the head of the table.
The moment she saw him, she thought of last night and those gentle, doting long eyes.
She considered herself an ordinary person, not some cold-hearted stone. Yet last night, Roderick had said so much and offered so much, like the moneyed simpleton. After accepting such a large "compensation," deep down, she felt... something for him that she couldn't quite define.
Was it gratitude?
When she was young, there were too many people who disliked her and hardly anyone who loved her, let alone treated her well.
Later, she had Grandma, Eulalia, Sylvaine, Aveline, friends who genuinely cared about her, and her precious child whom she loved most.
Roderick's sudden appearance gifted her with things an ordinary person could never hope to possess in a lifetime. She had previously expressed her indifference to the sweet nothings of suitors, believing that no matter how beautifully they spoke, their words were ultimately hollow.
She didn't care who said what.
She wanted to see what someone actually did.
As for Roderick, he was like those other suitors; he said he liked her.
He said it, and he did it.
He had everything, and he truly gave everything to her.
Last night's birthday gift—was it child support, guilt payment, or a token of his affection? Probably all of the above.
But a few of his words kept surfacing in her mind...
["I don't want to see you struggle; I want you to be worry-free your whole life."]
["I don't want anything from you, nor am I here to exchange anything."]
["I just want to help you."]
She was now somewhat confused about how to define Roderick's place in her life.
He wasn't her good friend.
He was her son's biological father.
They weren't husband and wife, nor were they lovers.
But he was kind to her, and he really seemed to... care about her.
So, he wasn't a stranger, nor just a casual acquaintance.
Were they comrades, partners in some sense?
But who, as a partner, would offer so much? Who would earnestly promise to always help her, vowing to guard her on the path to happiness, like a dashing yet humble knight?
What was going on? Every time she thought of this, Catriona felt a wave of discomfort. She wasn't some noble princess.
He had status, capability—what didn't he have? Did she truly deserve him doing all this for her?
When had she become so precious? Clearly... so many relatives had wanted her gone, and wherever she went, she was unwelcome. Though it was now a memory, Catriona hadn't forgotten.
Here, with Roderick, she had a strong feeling of being treasured...
To him, it seemed as if he was looking up at his star.
She had never felt this with her other suitors; to them, she was just dispensable. If they could win her over with some money, that was great; if not, they'd move on to the next.
Roderick gave her the impression that even if he couldn't be with her, there wouldn't be anyone else. He would never have another partner in this lifetime.
It had to be an illusion.
So, the partnership relationship was no longer valid.
Then, now, what was he to her?
This left her deeply confused.
"Good morning." The man's voice was soft and calm. He looked at her, his usually sharp, indifferent amber eyes now much softer.
Catriona paused for a moment, then responded, "Good morning."
Somehow, she felt a bit awkward.
It wasn't as comfortable as before because she had clearly realized one thing: this silly wolf liked her.
"Dad, good morning."
Cedric wiggled his little tail, his adorable dumpling face puffing up, and then he was scooped up by his father, settling comfortably on his lap.
The little cub was now much more familiar with his father. His tiny tail wagged excitedly, thumping against Roderick's leg with a crisp, cheerful sound.
It didn't hurt or itch, but it was a bit noisy.
He normally didn't like physical contact with others, but he held his son close, though this "little attachment" was anything but quiet.
Roderick pursed his lips, clicked his tongue, and pinched his son's chubby cheeks, speaking in a low tone, "Is this fun?"
Cedric's big, wet eyes curved, and his little lips turned up as he replied in his sweet, crisp voice, "Yes! It's fun!"
Catriona chuckled softly.
Roderick froze for a moment, slowly released the cub's face, cleared his throat lightly, and said nothing more.
After breakfast,
The three of them got into the car to go to kindergarten.
They arrived just in time; many parents were already there.
The human children were full of energy, randomly shrieking from time to time, creating a noisy scene. Cedric frowned slightly, covered his ears, and was carried out of the car by his dad.
Catriona noticed too that Roderick really enjoyed holding their son. It seemed as if he wanted to make up for all the hugs he hadn't given in the past few years; wherever he was, he wouldn't let the little cub go if he could help it.
Unless Cedric protested, asking not to be held.
"Wow! The beautiful family of three is here!"
"I knew they'd show up."
"They're so affectionate, no way they'd miss an event like this, right?"
Roderick once again heard voices coming from not too far away.
Such discussions, unbeknownst to Catriona, often reached Roderick's ears. He had shifted from initial anger to indifference, and eventually to a sense of joy.
But now, it had turned into a pang in his heart.
They weren't really a married couple, and they weren't in love.
Watching the families of three and four gather in groups, Roderick felt a pang of envy in his heart, a bittersweet taste lingering on his lips.
How much he wished he could be with Catriona.
To become a real family of three.
The kindergarten had arranged for a spacious, comfortable parent-child bus, and the parents led their children onto the bus.
"Moms and dads, please watch your step, walk slowly, keep an eye on your children, and remember that safety comes first."
"Next, we'll be going to the camping park, which is an hour's drive away."
Catriona sat in their assigned seats, in row six.
On the right side was a row of three seats, with the child in the middle and the parents on either side.
Catriona had just sat down.
She saw a female teacher standing at the front of the bus with a microphone, gazing at the parents and children. "Moms and dads, please fasten your seatbelts and check that your child's seatbelt is secure."
Catriona was sitting by the window, and Roderick was on the aisle side. After hearing the teacher's words, both the woman and the werewolf reached out to fasten the little one's seatbelt.
Then, their hands touched, the backs of their hands pressing together.
Catriona was taken aback.
Roderick's gaze deepened.
Roderick didn't pull his hand back.
Catriona pulled her hand back and said to her son, "Well then, how about letting your dad fasten your seatbelt?"
Cedric pushed his father's hand away, shaking his head seriously. "Dad, Mom, I can buckle my own seatbelt! I've grown up a lot!"
Saying this, he lowered his gaze, his small hand carefully fastening the seatbelt, "Look! I can do it, right?"
Catriona couldn't help but laugh, "Alright, well done, little one."
Roderick glanced at Catriona's smile and gave a soft "Not bad."
The teacher said, "Alright, everyone has fastened their seatbelts, so our parent-child bus is now moving! Thank you to all the moms and dads joining this parent-child outing and cookout activity."
"It's out of love for your children that you've taken the time to accompany them."
"Kissing is one way to express love, so parents, please give your wonderful, adorable child a kiss on the cheek. Don't feel embarrassed or shy. Love isn't shameful."
The scenery outside slipped by in reverse, and after hearing the teacher, parents all leaned down to kiss their children.
Cedric lifted his face instinctively, smiling as he leaned toward his mom, "Mommy, kiss me here."
"Alright, sweetheart." Catriona smiled, leaning down to give her son a kiss.
Then it was Dad's turn.
Roderick cleared his throat softly, and Cedric looked a bit less confident, a touch of awkward silence hanging in the air.
Cedric reached up to pinch his left cheek and, after hesitating a moment, said, "Daddy, kiss here."
Roderick responded with an "mm," leaning down to give his son a quick kiss on the cheek. As he straightened up, he caught Catriona's gaze fixed on him. He pressed his lips together and sat up straight.
For some inexplicable reason, his ears felt hot.
The teacher spoke again, "Now, shouldn't it be the children's turn to kiss their moms and dads?"
Cedric kissed his mom on the cheek, then, clutching his small hands tightly, kissed his dad on the cheek too.
Whether from happiness or shyness, his cheeks turned a bit red, and his big, bright eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Kissing is a way to express love and can bridge distances between people. This applies to couples as well. Demonstrating affection in front of children contributes positively to their mental health."
As the teacher said this, Catriona suddenly had a bad feeling.
Sure enough, in the next second, the teacher continued, "And finally, would our dads please give a kiss to your beautiful, hardworking wife, and our moms give a kiss to your handsome and responsible husband."
Roderick:...
Catriona:...
The two of them, one human and one werewolf, froze like statues.
