Alisha’s POV
As Gray materialized before me, a shock of astonishment rippled through me. How was it possible for him to be here, at this very moment? Swiftly collecting my puzzlements, I offered a courteous greeting, "Hi, Gray. I've come to visit my grandmother, Shaunda."
Before I could delve deeper into conversation with Gray, my attention refocused entirely on the person who mattered most in that instant—Shaunda. With haste, I crouched beside her chair, my voice infused with both concern and eagerness, "Grandma, are you feeling alright? Is there any discomfort? Have you consulted the doctor? Would you like to return to Golden Crest? The Pack's skilled witch doctors can provide excellent care. Please, let me know if anything feels amiss."
I was too anxious, bombarding her with a barrage of questions. It seemed Shaunda sensed my worries and nervousness; she gently patted my hand.
Shaunda, an embodiment of benevolence and warmth, greeted me with an initial surprise that swiftly transformed into a gracious and joyous smile. Her fingers tenderly brushed through my hair, radiating a sincere contentment that enveloped me. She then drew me into a tender embrace, and as I nestled against her, tears welled up instinctively. Shaunda held me gently, touching my back to offer solace. With my own grandmother, Magaly, confined to a coma, this gesture of affection had been an elusive comfort. Shaunda's kindness had extended beyond arranging my union with Archie and conferring upon me the title of Golden Crest's Luna. Her care had manifested in the practicalities of my life. She understood my background and the absence of a wolf, which meant I couldn't handle the daily member training in the Pack. So, she had Archie arrange for Suzy to assist me. Whenever Stephenie mocked or troubled me, Shaunda would step in to defuse the situation. In my eyes, Shaunda was like Magaly, treating me as family, caring for me wholeheartedly, expecting nothing in return. Magaly was already comatose, and I didn't want Shaunda to suffer as well. That's why I had been quite anxious on the way here.
After hearing my words, Shaunda appeared somewhat surprised. She tilted her head to look at me, then gently shook her head. What did that mean? Was she telling me not to worry?
Shaunda couldn't speak. typically, she communicated with other members through mindlink. Unfortunately, this avenue was closed to me, for I lacked a wolf to mindlink others. Initially, Archie translated Shaunda's words for me, but I noticed that each time he seemed impatient or not very pleased. It was evident that he didn't want to waste time because of me. So, later on, I used my phone to type and communicate with Shaunda or asked Shaunda's butler to help with translation. Just as I was about to take out my phone to let Shaunda type for me, a familiar voice—Archie's voice—reached me from behind, "Shaunda assures us she's perfectly well; she simply missed having you around." As his words hung in the air, Shaunda playfully arched an eyebrow and graced me with a soft smile.
Archie’s POV
The annoying voice reached my ears, instantly sending a ripple of unease coursing through me. Reacting swiftly to the discordant note, I hastened my steps, crossing the threshold into the tranquil garden, only to have my suspicion confirmed. There stood Gray, an unexpected presence casting shadows over my well-laid plans. Why on earth was this man here? I brought Alisha to see Shaunda precisely to avoid Gray. How could we run into him again? The destiny seemed intent on intertwining our threads once more.
As Alisha's voice danced through the air, laced with concern for Shaunda's health, my heart fluttered and faltered. my heart skipped a beat. Oh no, I had messed up. I had been so focused on observing Alisha's amusing expressions of anger during the journey that I forgot to inform Shaunda beforehand.
In reality, Shaunda hadn't actually called me; it was merely an excuse to get Alisha away, stopping her from seeing Gray. But now, hearing Alisha's questions, Shaunda would undoubtedly find it strange. She might reveal the truth. Nervous surged within me, propelling me to act swiftly. Even as Gray's presence demanded attention, I quickly used the mindlink to communicate with Shaunda firstly.
"Grandma, I am sorry, but please understand and help me in this moment. It was a means to bring Alisha here. Simply say you missed her company." I begged.
Shaunda's initial response held a note of reproach, her reply echoing with a blend of fondness and exasperation, "Archie, what do you want to do? Deceiving Alisha with my name is not the path to mending fences. Look at her, distressed and tearful in my embrace. You are way out of line, my dear."
My urgency grew, fueled by the realization that my intricate web of deceptions could unravel in an instant. "Grandmother, time is not on our side. Please, I implore you, grant me this favor. I’ll explain to you later."
"No way!"
Suddenly, my wolf chimed in, "Shaunda, please help your grandson; otherwise, he might lose his wife! That’s too bad."
Upon hearing this, Shaunda shot me a sudden glare, then gently touched Alisha's face as she held her close.
Alisha's care gaze, laden with a palette of emotions, was fixed upon Shaunda. Her voice trembled with uncertainty as she questioned, "Is it true, Shaunda? You simply missed me, and your health is not a concern?"
In response, Shaunda offered a reassuring smile, her omega maid at her side offering further affirmation, "Luna, you need not worry. Everything is fine."
A palpable relief washed over Alisha, her tear-streaked face a canvas of gratitude as she spoke, "As long as you're well, Shaunda, that's all that matters. I apologize for my absence recently, and I'm more than eager to spend time with you."
Gray, at this point, also beamed a radiant smile, "That's wonderful! Louie and I have been here recently too. With all of us together, it will be fantastic!"
Upon hearing Gray's words, I clenched my teeth. Absolutely, the next moment, Louie arrived with desserts in hand.