I turn to look at Marius. “Things are going well with the three of you?”
“Yes.” When Gwen moves Faye’s pony past us, Marius blows Faye a kiss, making her laugh. “She is our light.”
“How is she holding up?”
“Well, considering what she went through. But not every day is good,” Marius explains. “That‘s to be expected. Therapy works well for her, and she is such a little fighter.”
“Of course she is.” I smile
“Yes, after all, she is…” Marius’ voice trails off. He clenches his fists. “She is an alpha’s firstborn.”
“Thomas’ pack is her birthright,” I note.
“Yes, we will prepare her for the task in case she wants to take over one day. The elders have meanwhile set up an interim leader there. But I want Faye to have a choice,” he says. “SheisCeline‘s and my daughter.”
“You mean, she could decide to lead Moon Blood instead.”
“Exactly.”
“She is still a little kid. You have plenty of time to think things through,” I remind him.
“You are right. There is no need to stress.” He pauses. “Did I tell you Celine decided to talk to a specialist for in vitro fertilization?”
“Gwen mentioned it,” I admit.
“It’s okay. She is not keeping it a secret anymore.” Marius’ eyes light up. “You know, I do want more children. But whatever happens, happens. Celine told me she isn’t that stressed about it anymore. I think Faye has healed her heart.”
“I am sure you will have more children,” I say. “I have a gut feeling.”
“One of us has to up Liam,” Marius adds.
“No way!” I laugh. “Sorry to burst your bubble, but he has his third on the way. I doubt one of us will catch up.”
“You are saying that now,” Marius grins. “But you don’t know how your own future will be.”
“We have only just started with our lives. A baby is too soon,” I argue.
Marius pats my shoulder. “I was just teasing you. Don’t worry. You have plenty of time.” He looks around. “Where is Dario? I wanted to catch up with him when I arrived, but he was nowhere to be seen.”
“He briefly met with Maddox for a class they are in together, but then went off to… I don’t know where. He has made himself scarce recently,” I admit. “I tried to talk to him about it, but I don’t know…”
“You think something is off?”
“Yes, but he won’t tell me,” I groan. “I hope it’s not because I have a mate now. I don’t want him to feel lonely.”
“I am not sure that’s it,” Marius frowns. “You always make time for family or friends, and even before, you two didn’t always go everywhere together.”
“I want to help, but I can’t if he won’t let me. Liam thinks I should give him room to come to his own decision and be patient. He said, Dario might not be ready to share whatever is bothering him yet.”
“I think Liam is right,” Marius admits. “He knows he can come to you. Just leave the door open for him in case he needs it. But you can’t push him.”
“I know. Doesn’t mean I like it, though.”
Gwen helps Faye down off the pony. They lead it to the stables together to clean it up and brush it. Gwen is adamant about teaching the kids how to treat a horse properly. It’s not just about horse riding. “You can go ahead,” Gwen calls towards us. “Faye and I have it covered.”
“Are you sure?” Marius asks, a worried expression on his face.
He tries to play it cool, but he can be such a helicopter parent when it’s about Faye. Faye beams at him and nods. “Yes, I am with Gwennie!”
