As I approached the little pup, he stopped playing and turned his attention towards me. I carefully observed him and noticed a crocheted charm on the sleeve of his shirt. It was Perseus, my sweet pup. I wondered if he recognized me.
Although Perseus was not yet able to communicate with me using words, our bond as mother and son enabled us to understand each other. As I moved closer to him, he stretched his little arms wanting to hold me. When I leaned in, he touched my face, and I saw flashes of his own memories.
I was both shocked and fascinated by what I just experienced. I pulled away from his hand, trying to understand what just happened.
Perseus showed me something, his memory, and I can't help but wonder if he has been gifted a special ability by the Moon Goddess.
"The one who took Perseus away from us was my stepmother? She did it to take her revenge on me!" I said to Claudius, not only did my pup show me his memories, but it felt like I was in the exact moment I heard everything that Vera had told my pup.
"Yes, Vera was the one behind this," confirms my partner.
"Our pup is still too young, but he's already possessing an immeasurable gift."
"I saw how scared he was when he was away from us, Claudius. Although Vera didn't inflict him any harm. I still want him to pay for what she had done."
"She will, Eero."
"Where is she? Tell me she didn't escape this time."
"Caspian caught her. She's locked up in a prison that's made with silver, so she won't be able to escape." I extracted a breath of relief from my lungs.
"I want her dead before the sun shines tomorrow," I said. Informing Claudius of the punishment that would suit Vera.
"You want her dead?"
"Did I stutter? Vera is an evil one, and there's no redemption for someone like her. If we keep her alive." I paused.
"She will soon find a way to escape from us, and if she finds out that the Alpha King has adopted me. Vera will find a way to use the truth about Perseus and our bond to get back at me."
"If we want to protect our secrets. The only way to do so was to get rid of those we couldn't fully trust.
"If that's what you want. I will execute Vera myself."
"I want to see you do it."
"You can't."
"Huh? Why not?"
"You need to be back in the realm before the sun rises. Your lady-in-waiting, Aelice, the Alpha King, everyone in the realm will look for you."
"I can't afford to be away from Perseus again, Claudius. I just had him back. It's not even close to an hour since I laid my hands on him.""Baby, have you forgotten about our plan?" Staring at my little boy, I brought my gaze back to my mate.
"But, still."
"You'll only be away from him for a few hours."
"Who will put him in front of the realm's door? And are you really sure that Delta will inform the shifters that they found a pup?""Caspian is going to be the one to leave Perseus at the realm's doorstep, and he will stay around the corner until our pup is found."
My little pup flashed a smile after he cooed like it was his way of telling me to trust this plan and that nothing would happen to him.
Wetting my lower lip, I lightly shook Perseus in my arm after he yawned, showing signs that he was sleepy.
"Eero."
"Do I have to go back to the realm now? Can't I stay for another hour? I still want to hold him in my arm, Claudius." Tears clouded my eyes.
"This is our pup's first time sleeping in my arms. I want Perseus to feel my warmth and affection."
"Just for another hour, baby, because you have to come back to the realm, or there will be suspicion, and that is what we don't want to happen."
"Yes, one hour will be enough, and I can understand you. Beta Octavio is keeping a close eye on me."
"He is? But why? Did something happen while I was in Thorne?" He asked.
"It's nothing, Claudius—"
"What did he do to you?"
"If I tell you. You'll come for him, and if you do, he'll likely be suspicious regarding our relationship." Holding his hand to ease his rage.
"Beta Octavio is the least of our concerns now, Claudius. Once we succeed in getting Perseus inside the realm and accepted by Codrus, then we'll face Octavio and his evil ways to get rid of me."
Claudius and I turn our heads at the door at the same time, "Caspian, thanks to you, we were able to get our son back."
"Vera isn't as bright as she thought she was. The only reason why she was able to hide Perseus from us was because we thought that he was. If we know that the young prince was alive, we'll have him back sooner."
"I'll find a way to reward you. Is there something that you want?"
"A mate, your grace? Do you think you can give me one?" I rolled my eyes at him, but then I remembered Aelice.
"If you really mean it. I can introduce a second chance mate to you."
"Lady Aelice, the Beta's daughter was the one you have in mind, is she not?"
"How'd you know?"
"How can I not? She's the only she-wolf in the realm that you're close to, but I'll pass to that; this isn't really what I came here for." Claudius shoots a questioning glare at Caspian, and we wait for his insights.
"I know how much you don't want to be away from your pup, but Perseus is safer here in The Howling Island than in the realm.""No. I'm not leaving my pup here. I can't be away from Perseus, please."
"Luna Eero, having more special ones around you means you're weaker, for the likes of Beta Octavio will surely use your loved ones to manipulate you into giving in to what he wants, and once he sees how much the young prince means to you." Caspian sighs.
"What makes you think that he won't do something to Perseus?"