AURELIA
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I didn’t realize how much I needed to sleep until I did.
To be honest, I couldn’t recall the last time I had such a deep sleep without Inara having to induce my sleep. It was way before I brought myself and my kids to Raiden’s pack out of my stupidity.
As my eyes fluttered open that morning, I wondered what would have happened differently if I had stayed back at Black Fur… I wondered what life would be like for my kids.
Katie wouldn’t have been bullied.
Kyle wouldn’t have been kidnapped.
The twins wouldn’t be traumatized.
And of course, Jessica would still be here if Kyle wasn’t kidnapped in the first place.
But If I had stayed back, I wouldn’t have known that Dakota was gone or heard about how Larisa manipulated the bond between Raiden and me even before she returned.
Yes, I heard that part of her confession in the forest. I just didn’t know what to do with that piece of information and I haven’t had the time to let it sink in or make a difference. It shouldn’t even make any difference, right?
After all, I was engaged to Alpha Tristan and would be gone from Raiden’s life soon–
The door opened for the first time that morning, breaking the chain of my thoughts and letting Hazel in. She smiled and mouthed, “Good morning…”
I didn’t miss the food basket Hazel was holding and the way Raiden jolted up from his slumber. He clearly dozed off while he was meant to keep watch and I couldn’t blame him. He must have been up most of the night.
“Good morning, Alpha Raiden. I didn’t mean to disturb your sleep.” Hazel tilted her head as she acknowledged Raiden.
“I shouldn’t be sleeping in the first place,” Raiden responded gruffly, avoiding my gaze. Thankfully, Kyle didn’t experience any episode during the night and he was still sleeping soundly.
Hazel didn’t seem to understand Raiden’s reaction as she offered to take Katie to the restroom and clean her up for breakfast. “I brought enough food for everyone, a change of clothes, and the cell phone in your room. It has been blaring continuously since yesterday.”
Oh, Tristan.
I did say I’d call him today.
“You’re a darling, Hazel,” I muttered with a smile.
“I know,” Hazel replied with a smile of her own and lifted Katie from the bed without waking her up.
After Hazel left the room, Raiden announced that he had to check on Iris. “I’ll be back before the nanny returns with–”
“She’s not a nanny. She’s my friend.” I corrected with a frown. “Her name is Hazel.”
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