Chapter 38 She Always Thought of Others Before Herself

Lexi pushed open the door to the nursery quietly where the Omega's had said she could find Eleanor. She paused in the entrance of the cozy little bedroom and smiled to herself as her eyes fell on the scene before her.

Eleanor was sitting cradling Devante in the old fashioned rocking chair that had recently been added, as he drank from his bottle.

Eleanor had clearly been spending all of her time transforming this room from the beautiful nursery that she had hurriedly prepared, into the sanctuary that it was now.

The room exuded warmth, a reflection of the love this woman held for a grandchild that she thought she may never get to know and Lexi's heart suddenly swelled with an unfamiliar feeling as she watched the two of them.

Although there was no blood relation between Lexi and Devante, she still felt a bond that she couldn't quite explain that made her heart feel full when she saw the little boy so loved and cared for.

"Hey there, you two," Lexi greeted softly.

Eleanor looked up, her eyes lighting up with a fondness that mirrored Lexi's own. She offered Devante's bottle to Lexi, but she shook her head.

"I don't want to disturb him. He looks so settled with you." She smiled softly as she stroked his palm gently. Devante's tiny fingers wrapped around Lexi's tightly as the sounds of him suckling contentedly on the bottle filled the room.

"He seems to have grown so much since we arrived," Lexi remarked, her tone tinged with both admiration and a hint of wistfulness.

Eleanor chuckled knowingly.

"It's only been a few days Lexi. Perhaps it's because you haven't had him attached to your side as much as before. Or... perhaps you're getting broody." She teased before her face softened and she smiled up at her warmly, "You've truly brought a ray of light into our lives, Lexi."

Lexi's cheeks flushed at the praise, and she looked down at Devante.

"I didn't do anything, Eleanor. I just brought him home, that's all. I'm appreciative of your kindness though."

Eleanor's eyes shone with emotion as she gently stroked Devante's cheek.

"I know you put on a front in front of people , but I can see right through it you know? Underneath all of your fierceness you really do have a heart of gold, Lexi, and having you here has made a world of difference in my life. It's almost been like having a daughter in law here."

Lexi shifted in her chair, her voice taking on a more serious note.

"I've enjoyed my time with you as well Eleanor. But,I wanted to talk to you about something important. You're well aware of the situation with the Lycan Kingdom and how complicated things might get. I think we all know the potential for retaliation when our Alpha Queen declines their proposed alliance. It's going to put everyone here directly in the firing line."

Eleanor's expression turned somber, and she held Devante closer.

"Yes, I know. Honestly, the amount of nights I've lain awake with worry over what could happen…it doesn't bear thinking about."

Lexi nodded.

"That's why I came actually. I'm leaving tomorrow, back to the palace and I wanted to make sure that you know that If things get bad, we can arrange to have you both taken somewhere secure, at least until the storm blows over. Ann would want me to do this as well."

Tears welled in Eleanor's eyes as she gazed at Lexi with gratitude.

"I know…Ann was always thinking of others before herself. You two really were destined to be friends. Thank you for the offer. I'll think about what the best option is for us. I have faith that Brad can defend us, but I also know that the Lycans were never predictable in their tactical offensives so we'll see." She sighed heavily, "Honestly Lexi, I can't thank you enough for the support that you and your mates have provided. I don't know what we'd do without you."

"Well, you'd probably have far less excitement in your life." Lexi smirked as Eleanor chuckled softly.

"Perhaps, it's certainly been eventful since you arrived, but what's life without a bit of color."

As Devante finished his bottle and drifted into a peaceful slumber, Lexi and Eleanor chatted softly, reminiscing about Lexi and Ann's teenage years and her constant headbutting with Brad.

Lexi had known from quite early on that she and Eleanor were surprisingly similar in their personalities, despite their age difference and opposing backgrounds, and the interactions that Lexi had with her filled her with an intangible sadness, knowing that this was the kind of relationship she had yearned for with her own mother. A relationship that she would never get to experience fully because it had been cruelly ripped from her as a child.

Eleanor broke the momentary silence, her voice tinged with both warmth and sadness.

"Lexi, it's been such a pleasure having you here, even if it's only been a few days. You remind me so much of myself when I was your age."

Lexi grinned, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

"Oh really, don't tell me you used to be a troublemaker too, Eleanor? I can just see you haring about the place and creating havoc. I suppose you sent your husband gray before his time as well." she snorted.

"Well, maybe a little. But what's life without a bit of mischief, right?" Eleanor winkied, laughing as she did so.

Lexi nodded in agreement.

"You're absolutely right. And I have to admit, you're one of the few people who can handle my antics without breaking a sweat."

"You keep things interesting, Lexi. I hope our paths cross again soon." Eleanor smiled up at her fondly.

Lexi's heart felt heavy at the thought of leaving Eleanor behind, but she knew it was necessary to ensure their safety. The sooner she got back to Ann, the sooner things could be put in motion to help bolster their pack's defenses.

"I hope so too, Eleanor. You've managed to wriggle your way into a spot on my friendship list in such a short time and believe me that's not an easy feat…I don't generally like people as a rule."

Eleanor chuckled indulgently

"I'll consider myself honored then, shall I?"

Lexi grinned as she leaned down to place a gentle kiss on Devante's forehead. Then, she turned to face Eleanor.

"I should get going, Eleanor. I still have a heap to organize before we leave tomorrow."

"If I don't see you in the morning LExi, thank you. For everything. Make sure that you take care of yourself, okay?"

Lexi smiled, her eyes reflecting the sincerity of her feelings.

"I promise, Eleanor. I just want you to know that I'm glad to have had the opportunity to catch up with you as an adult…so you can see that actually, I turned out alright." she grinned, "I hope we catch up again soon."

With those final words, Lexi made her way to the door, her heart filled with gratitude for the connection she had found in Eleanor. As she stepped out into the corridor and made her way back to the bedroom, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness at the fact that it would probably be a long time until she saw both Devante and Eleanor again.

That tiny little thing would have grown into a monster of a baby.

Lexi snorted to herself, perhaps she was getting broody after all...