Chapter 80
Chapter 80
Chapter 80
47
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Cassia stood in the kitchen, the warm scent of pasta filling the air. Arthur sat perched on the counter, swinging his legs, his laughter mixing with the soft clatter of pots and pans. For a moment, it almost felt like old times, just mother and son in their little bubble.
It felt like when Eva was still alive. She would sit on the counter, giggling, while Cassia gave her spoons filled with soup to lick, and she would giggle happily. Cassia felt her heart break at the thought of her dead daughter. She sighed.
“Mommy,” Arthur said suddenly, his tone more serious, “does Ethan’s mom hate us p>
Cassia’s hand froze mid-stir. She turned slowly to him. “Honey, what makes you think that p>
Arthur fiddled with his fingers. “The way she looks at us. Like we’re… disgusting. I don’t know how else to say it p>
Cassia sighed softly, reaching over to brush his hair back. “She has her own battles, love. People show their hurt in strange ways. Let’s not bother her, alright? Just let her be p>
Arthur nodded, though his frown lingered. Cassia carried the steaming pasta to the dining table. To her relief, the room was quiet, Sofia was gone, the table was empty.
“Looks like Ethan’s already at school,” Arthur said, as cassia helped him onto the chair.
Cassia smiled faintly, dishing out a plate for him. “Go on, eat. I don’t want my little Alpha starving p>
Arthur grinned and dug in. Cassia leaned her chin on her palm, her eyes soft as she watched him eat. He caught her staring.
“Aren’t you going to eat too?” he asked, cheeks stuffed with pasta.
“Of course,” she chuckled, serving herself and taking small bites.
Arthur swallowed and tilted his head. “Will you go to the hospital today p>
“Not yet,” Cassia replied, shaking her head. “I can’t leave you here alone. When school starts again, then I’ll go back p>
Arthur nodded in understanding, though she caught the tiny flicker of disappointment in his eyes. Before she could say more, footsteps echoed down the hall. They both turned to see James approaching, sweat glistening on his forehead, a towel slung casually over his shoulder.
“Uncle James!” Arthur called, beaming.
“Hey, big man.” James ruffled his hair, smiling warmly. “How are you doing p>
“I’m fine,” Arthur said proudly, grinning back.
James looked up, his gaze settling on Cassia. “Good morning, Cassia p>
18:08 Sat, Oct 18
Chapter 80
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“Morning, James. Join us for breakfast?” she asked, and without hesitation, he sat.
Cassia served him a plate. James didn’t wait, he twirled his fork into the pasta, took a bite, and closed his eyes briefly. “Thank you,” he muttered. “This tastes just like it used to. I didn’t realize how much I missed it p>
Cassia smiled faintly, though her chest tightened at the memory those words stirred.
“Looks like you’ve been working hard,” she said, noticing the sweat still clinging to his temples.
James nodded, swallowing. “Yeah. I’ve been replacing the table Aiden broke in his office yesterday. Fixing up other things too p>
Cassia blinked. “The table was fine when I left last night,” she said quietly. She glanced at Arthur, who avoided her gaze, then back down at her plate.
Silence pressed in until James spoke again, his voice almost too casual. “This tastes exactly like before. Aiden would love it.” His words trailed off, guilt flickering in his eyes as he looked up and met her gaze.
Cassia’s lips pressed into a line.
“I mean, it’s just really good,” James corrected quickly. “Sorry p>
“It’s fine,” she said softly, though her mind betrayed her. She remembered mornings when Aiden would follow the scent of pasta into the kitchen, his arms sliding around her waist, his lips brushing her neck as he murmured about how good it smelled. She remembered the warmth, the electricity, how her wolf had stirred at his touch. She shut her eyes briefly, forcing the memory away.
Arthur’s voice broke the silence. “Where’s Alpha Aiden? I haven’t seen him since I woke up p>
James glanced at him. “He didn’t spend the night here p>
Arthur frowned. “Where did he sleep then p>
“No idea. He went for a run and never came back,” James replied, his tone light, but Cassia felt the words twist something inside her chest.
Arthur’s fork paused mid-air. “Do you think something bad happened to him p>
James chuckled. “Not a chance. He’s the Alpha of this pack. Nothing can touch him. He’s fine.” His eyes flicked briefly to Cassia, but she looked down quickly, hiding the faint crease of worry that had tugged at her brow.
When breakfast was over, Cassia began gathering dishes. James rose with her.
“It’s fine, James. I can do it p>
“I’ll help,” he said simply, taking some plates from her hands.
Arthur piped up, his eyes sparkling. “Mommy, I was thinking… maybe I could stay with Uncle James today. You can go to the hospital. They need you there p>
Cassia shook her head. “No. James has work to do. I’ll stay with you p>
18:08 Sat, Oct 18
Chapter 80
“I don’t mind,” James said quickly. “I’m not busy today. I can keep an eye on him p>
Arthur grinned. “See, Mommy? He said yes p>
Cassia looked between them, uncertain. “Are you sure? Arthur can be a handful sometimes p>
“I’ll be good, I promise.” Arthur said with exaggerated seriousness, making her laugh.
James smirked. “I can handle him. Don’t worry p>
Cassia finally sighed and nodded. “Fine p>
Arthur cheered, throwing his arms around James in excitement. Cassia couldn’t help but smile.
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Still, as she carried the last dishes into the sink, James close behind her, the question slipped out before she could stop herself. She turned, her eyes searching his face.
“James… did Aiden really not come home last night p>
TBC