Once again, Roderick became the driver.
The family of three headed to the old mansion.
Catriona had never been to the Nightblade mansion; it took an hour to reach the place.
The mansion was relatively sparse in terms of buildings, with lawns, forests, giant wolf statues, and a wolf fountain.
Indeed, it didn't resemble a typical human residence.
The walls were engraved with scenes of giant wolves hunting and howling at the moon.
Catriona looked around, trying to suppress her astonishment.
At the family gathering hosted by the Nightblade, aside from the usual meats,
the family had also arranged for a human chef to prepare a variety of dishes for humans.
To avoid making Catriona uncomfortable, they hadn't invited other clan members—only the few werewolves she'd met the previous day were there.
Cedric, holding his gift bag, greeted to each family member.
"Hello, Grandpa, this is your gift."
"Hello, Grandma, this is for you..."
"Hello, Uncle Brigham, these flowers are for you."
Brigham was stunned, the handsome youth staring in surprise at the flower specimen. "You gave this to me?"
"Oh my, little cub, is this a rose?" Angelina's red lips curved as she pulled the little cub into her arms, planting a kiss on his chubby cheeks. "Sweetie, I wanted to kiss you yesterday."
Cedric's little face blushed as he called out, "Hello, Auntie Angelina."
Angelina smiled warmly. "Here, sweetheart, I have a gift for you too. You're a hundred times cuter than your father."
Taking the cub to the living room, Angelina showed him a box on the table. "I collect stones from auctions—humans call them emeralds, ruby, crystals. And I've got some gold, too. All glittery, just how I like it."
Her nails painted red, her long, pale fingers gently pressed, and the box opened to reveal a dazzling display of light.
Inside were two rows of gemstones, three rows of gold bars, and a row of small gold balls.
Cedric covered his eyes. "So bright!"
Angelina chuckled. "Haha, little darling, do you like it? It's all yours."
Cedric picked up a heavy gold bar, a sweet smile spreading across his face as he hugged Angelina's neck. "Thank you, Auntie Angelina, I love it!"
Well, actually, indeed, it was Mom who would love this.
He clearly remembered how his mom once bought a small gold bar from the bank and said she loved the clear sound of gold. She planned to collect more over time.
Now, His Aunt had given so much; Mom would be thrilled.
Squinting his eyes in delight, Cedric beamed adorably. "Auntie Angelina, you are so nice and so pretty!"
"Oh my, such a sweet little cub." Angelina's red lips curled as she glanced at Roderick, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "See, some people aren't as charming as the cub."
Brigham, seeing his elder sister already bonding with the cub, burst out, "Cub, I have a gift ready too! Come to me?"
It was lively on their side.
Meanwhile, Catriona was being led into a room by Madam Nightblade.
"I just came down from Snow Mountain yesterday, so I didn't have much time to prepare anything for you."
Catriona quickly replied, "It's not necessary, Madam, I didn't prepare anything either..."
Madam Nightblade smiled gently. "I know you humans have your customs. Since you came to see me at the mansion, it's only proper for me to have a gift prepared."
On Madam Nightblade's vanity lay a black box.
She picked it up with both hands and handed it to Catriona.
"These are some pieces of jewelry I've collected from the human world. They're quite beautiful; I hope you'll like them."
"Madam, you...you've misunderstood our human customs," Catriona said hastily. "I'm not Roderick's mate; you don't have to give me..."
Madam Nightblade smiled gently, "Does it really not matter? You are the mother of the little cub, aren't you? We're already family now."
Catriona's heart jolted with a sudden, sharp pang.
Her eyes widened, but she still shook her head, stepping back. "Thank you, really. I appreciate the gesture. But... please..." Her words caught in her throat.
Madam Nightblade lowered her gaze, wiping at the corner of her eye. In a voice tinged with sadness and disappointment, she asked, "Do you dislike us? Did we overstep by treating you as family? Have we made things uncomfortable for you?"
Catriona was taken aback. "I don't dislike you, Madam..."
Madam Nightblade dabbed at her eyes again, her voice soft and hurt. "You don't dislike me, but you won't accept my gift. It makes me so sad."
Oh...
Catriona rarely found herself at a loss, scratching her head.
