He stood up and looked lovingly at the sleeping baby in Alia’s arms. “I assumed all babies were fast asleep already, including mine.”
The females giggled softly as they nodded. I gave him a grin as I walked and took his position in front of Nadia, scooping my sleeping mate off the couch in a bridal style. “Yes, and I need to take the biggest baby away from here.”
“Goodnight, ladies, Theodore.” I gave one last look at them before carrying her from the nursery room to the second floor, where our room was located.
Chapter 100
NADIA.
My eyes fluttered openas the sound of birds happily chirping reached my ears. My head, which was resting on a hard but comfortable surface, tilted toward the window. It was left open, and the cold morning breeze was making me sleepy again. I scooted my head a bit upward, my nose digging into my mate’s neck. I was lying on top of him again. I always wondered how I always ended up climbing on him at night, but since he wasn’t complaining, I didn’t even try to find answers.
But as much as his body’s warmth and his scent were lulling me back to sleep, I wanted to be up early and see if I could find my father.
‘Jenny? Are you awake?’I sent my Gamma Female a mindlink as I slowly rolled away from Riley’s sleeping form and kissed his nose, which scrunched up upon contact, before rising from the bed.
‘Good morning, Luna. Yes, I’m in the kitchen drinking coffee with Sebastian and your father.’
‘My father? Can you make sure he doesn’t go anywhere until I get there?’
‘Sure. Would you like decaf coffee or tea this morning? They have a variety of tea here.’
‘Maybe mint flavor, but make sure…’
‘... there’s no caffeine in it. Copied!’
‘Thank you, sweetheart.’I giggled as I replied before closing our mindlink.
I had just finished washing my face and was now brushing my teeth. I couldn’t remember getting to bed last night. I must have fallen asleep while we were in the receiving area of the kids’ nursery. Laura was there with me. I thought she would have a hard time accepting me compared to my father, but she was very welcoming, which I was thankful for. She and Zahra werelike mother figures to me when I was in Atlanta, and now I feel blessed to have them both as my mothers.
I entered the kitchen and saw Jenny and Sebastian sitting at the counter, and in front of them was my father. I flashed him a small smile before Jenny took my attention.
“I made you your tea. Sebastian and I will be at the training grounds. Just let me know if you need me.” She and Sebastian rose from their seats, and after excusing themselves, they walked away hand in hand.
“Good morning…” I greeted my father in a soft voice as I sat in front of him, my hands cupping the sides of the mug in front of me.
“Would you like something to go with your tea? I can prepare some sandwiches. Breakfast will be in an hour. But you might be hungry already?” He didn’t wait for my response as he stood up and went to pick up bread.
I didn’t have the heart to say no. I wasn’t hungry, but I did want him to make food for me, something I didn’t experience growing up. And it’s not too late to have this now.
“Now, I’m not really sure what you want to eat.” He smiled sheepishly at me.
“A toast will do. With butter.” It was the only thing that came to mind at this point.
He just nodded his head and started the toaster. He then came back in front of me. “Your mate, Alpha Riley, said we could visit you in your territory. I hope that’s okay with you.”
I couldn’t help the smile from curving on my lips at his words as I nodded my head. “That would be lovely. Our territory has nice forests and terrain. I’m sure you will love it there. Then we can run together. Arrow, my wolf, she wanted to meet you... and your wolf.”
I was already making plans. My eyes watered again as my father walked toward me, then opened his arms and hugged me. I felt his mouth on my hair as I closed my eyes, reveling in his calming scent.
“Riley told me about what you suffered under Samantha and her mate. I’m sorry, Nadia. I cannot change anything now, but I will make it up to you and your pup if you just let me.”
My hold on him tightened as tears fell from my eyes. “I would love that, Dad… Is it okay if I call you Dad?”
“Yes. Yes! You have no idea how much you’re making me happy today, Nadia. I never thought I would get to experience being called Dad. I always envy my brother when he talks about how proud he is of his pups, and just having you here in my arms is already making me a proud father. I don’t think anything can top this…” He kissed the crown of my head and kept hugging me. “We will start again and I promise you, Laura and I will be there as much as we can until you get tired of us.”
I chuckled as I wiped my tears. “You’ll be disappointed because I don’t think I will ever get tired of your presence.”
“Am I late for the hug fest?” Laura’s sweet voice came around and my eyes shifted to where she was standing. She stood by the kitchen entryway, her hands clasped together as she looked lovingly at Dad and me.
