Fern's Perspective
I almost held my breath. I knew that the temptation embedded in that statement wasn't just a comment about Daniel.
My fingers brushed the edge of the tablecloth without thought, the cool fabric pulling me back from my musings. My gaze quietly settled on Daniel and Giovanni, their interaction like a subtle tug-of-war—effortless and fluid, but sending ripples through my mind.
Giovanni's gaze was intense and focused. The familiar scrutiny that sometimes swept over Daniel made a cold sweat break out across my back. I took a deep breath, reminding myself that everything was under control—at least for now.
To keep Giovanni from discovering Daniel's true identity, I'd turned to Peter the Wizard, the eccentric and mysterious old man. He'd given me a potion that supposedly shielded Daniel from the fluctuations of werewolf power, making him appear like any other ordinary child. However, the potion's effects were limited, and Daniel's werewolf powers still surfaced every full moon.
The last time Daniel had been at a party, only two days after the full moon, traces of his power had still been lingering. That's why Giovanni had sensed something off about him.
I knew all of this, but I could only mask my inner turmoil with a calm exterior.
I picked up my glass, using the simple act of drinking to hide my emotions while quietly observing Giovanni. He had clearly noticed something, but his demeanor remained as composed as ever. He didn't react on the spot, which was a small relief, though I knew it would only provide temporary peace.
Daniel took a bite of his steak and looked up at Giovanni with a carefree smile. His tone was casual and fluid as he discussed some of his favorite topics, behaving nothing like the young boy he was when faced with a powerful, unfamiliar man. My heart tightened slightly—this smooth ease was clearly inherited from Giovanni.
As dinner progressed, I couldn't take my eyes off the two of them. Daniel's manner became increasingly natural; his speech and logic were sharper than those of an average child. Giovanni seemed even more intrigued, going so far as to ask Daniel about his interests and hobbies.
"What sports do you like?" Giovanni asked casually.
"Basketball and swimming," Daniel replied, with a hint of nonchalance. Then, as an afterthought, he added, "But I'm also a fast runner."
My face went pale. I quickly interjected, "He's just your average kid—don't listen to him brag."
Giovanni smiled. "Running fast isn't bad. A man's physical condition is important."
I laughed lightly and fell silent.
"Mom, why aren't you eating?" Daniel asked, glancing up with genuine concern in his eyes.
"I'm fine," I whispered, forcing a small smile. "Mommy's just a little tired."
Giovanni smirked and muttered, "Tired? Or are you hiding something?"
"Excuse me, I'm going to the restroom," I quickly interrupted, standing and walking toward the bathroom.
The moment my back was to them, I allowed myself a long breath. My steps faltered slightly as I pushed open the bathroom door, standing before the mirror. I braced myself against the sink, my eyes locked on my own reflection.
I looked pale in the mirror, my lips pressed tight. A faint sweat beaded on my forehead.
Does he know?
The thought struck me like a venomous bite, making my knees feel unsteady.
How could I have forgotten just how perceptive Giovanni is? He's the alpha werewolf, and his powers of observation, intuition, and deduction are far beyond what most people could comprehend. If Daniel kept showing these similarities, there was no way I could keep hiding the truth.
"Calm down, Fern," I whispered to myself, trying to steady my racing heartbeat. As long as I can take control of the situation, everything won't be so bad.
I didn't have time to stand in the bathroom for long, though, before a voice from outside the door interrupted my thoughts.
It was Daniel's voice.
"Mom, come out here!"
I took a deep breath, adjusted my expression, and pushed the door open. Just in time to hear Daniel's cheerful voice: "Mommy! Mr. Giovanni is taking me to the amusement park!"
My feet froze, and my pupils contracted slightly.
"What?" I asked in a low voice, my eyes subconsciously flicking toward Giovanni.
Giovanni was gently wiping the corner of his mouth, his movements graceful and composed. He looked up at me with steady eyes, but I caught a glint of something dangerous in his gaze.
"Yes," he said slowly, his voice calm and measured, "Daniel mentioned that he hasn't been to an amusement park in a while, and I thought—since his mother's so busy—why not take him?"
I was momentarily speechless.
"Mom, you agree, right?" Daniel asked eagerly, his eyes wide and innocent, like a deer caught in headlights.
How could I refuse?
But I knew better. If I left Giovanni and Daniel alone for too long, I might not be able to keep my secret any longer.
"This..." My voice was hesitant as my gaze shifted back and forth between the two.
Giovanni, however, gave a faint smile—one that seemed to say, You'll only look petty if you refuse.
"Okay," I finally relented, my voice barely audible. "But I'm coming with you."
Giovanni raised an eyebrow, seemingly unfazed by my answer. He stood up, pushing his chair back with a graceful motion. "As you wish."