Natalia’s POV
The next morning, I decided to take the twins into town. Max still wasn’t talking to me, and it was making Jane act depressed. Even Hope was fussing more than usual, so I figured that getting out of the house would be good for all of us. Besides, I felt cooped up and needed the fresh air.
I bundled up Hope in a cute onesie and put her in a stroller, and we walked to town. Jane chattered the entire walk, pointing out flowers and birds and skipping away to find cool rocks that she insisted on keeping in the stroller even though I knew she would forget about them once we got home.
Max walked beside me in silence. He didn’t say a single word, not even when I asked him questions. He would nod or shake his head or shrug but that was it.
My jaw clenched. I knew what this was; it was the same thing he did so many times before when he was mad at me. The silent treatment.
But I refused to let it ruin our day. He would come around soon, just like he always did. This was just Max’s way of processing things.
The main street of Ashmoor was bustling, which was normal for a Saturday afternoon, especially when the weather was so nice. People were out shopping, talking, going about their normal lives. I envied them, wishing I could feel that carefree. I decided, though, to at least fake it until I felt a fraction of the way they felt. For the kids‘ sake, if not for mine.
We stopped at the bakery first. The smell of fresh bread and pastries hit me the moment we walked in, and Jane’s eyes went wide. She rushed over to the case and peered at the decadent confections through the glass.
The woman behind the counter smiled when she saw us. “Luna Natalia! It’s been a while, hasn’t it?” She leaned toward Jane. “What’s your name, cutie pie?”
“Jane,” she replied, wiping her nose with her sleeve. She pointed at the glass. “Did you make all this stuff?”
“I sure did. What would you like?” Jane looked at me inquisitively, and I nodded, smiling. She sheepishly pointed at one of the bigger treats in the case, which the woman bagged up and handed to her without hesitating.
The woman then turned to Max. “Would you like a treat, sweetie? How about a cookie? The peanut butter cup ones are my favorite.”
Max just stared at her.
“He’s shy,” I said quickly, forcing a smile. I patted his shoulder, but he shrugged away from me like my very touch had burned him.
The woman’s face softened. “Oh, that’s alright. They all go through phases like that.” She grabbed a peanut butter cup cookie from the display and slipped it into a bag, which she handed to me. “Here you go. On the house.”
“Thank you.” I paid for a loaf of bread and ushered the twins back outside.
Jane munched happily on her treat, but Max held his without eating it. He was still angry. Still punishing me with his silence.
“Hey,” I said, pointing. “How about we check out the shops down that way? I think there’s a toy store around here.”
“Okay!” Jane said, holding onto Hope’s hand in the stroller as we made our way in that direction. Max tagged along, dragging his feet, but didn’t show any interest.
We walked down the street, stopping at a few shops along the way. A boutique, a toy store, and a cheese shop
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Chapter 507
+25 Bonus
where I got some special cheeses to give Damon and Grace as a thank–you for having us. I bought Jane a hair ribbon she was eyeing at the boutique. I tried to buy Max a toy soldier he started staring at in the toy shop window, but he shook his head and walked away, feigning indifference.
“Max, come on,” I called after him. “Don’t you want it?”
He didn’t answer.
I paid for the soldier anyway and tucked it into my bag. I knew he would want it later when he wasn’t so upset.
As we were leaving the toy shop, I nearly ran into someone. It was an older woman I recognized from my days living in the pack. She gasped and smiled when she saw me.
Chapter 600
+25 Bonus
Chapter
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.

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