Chapter 10
Daphne's p o v
Coming back to my home after almost six months sent a pang of nostalgia through me. It felt as if I had been gone for six years but hadn't forgotten what it felt like to be here.
I returned home to a warm welcome from the pack. Although I was always in touch with my beta, I had missed the company of everyone else and was excited to be back.
As typical of me, I made sure to step into the pack house in a fashionable outfit, a cream coloured fitted dress that stopped at my shin including a red chic hat that added a touch of elegance to my ensemble and matching my shoes and mini hand bag.
"Welcome back, alpha." They greeted me.
"It is so pleasant to see you again."
"The alpha is back and she is as beautiful as ever."
"Thank you all so much. I am more excited to see you all healthy and happy." I chummed with sincere satisfaction.
I could not help but feel overwhelmed with joy at being reunited with my loved ones, and I was pleased to have missed all the events that took place while away. I mean the usual drama between my mate and his mistress. I was glad I missed it all.
I walked into the room, my hat perched jauntily on my head. I knocked at the door once and he I heard Stephen's voice, I pushed the door open and walked in.
I was not surprised to see Rosie and Stephen together. While Stephen was lying on the bed with his legs crossed on top of the other, Rosie was standing near the vanity set hosing some of kian's clothes in her hands.
Their gazes were fixed on me as I walked in.
"Daphne, welcome back!" Stephen exclaimed, his face lighting up with a smile.
"Welcome beck, Daphne."
"Thanks," I said glancing warily at Rosie. "I did not know you were in here, I checked at downstairs but didn't see you?" I say glinting with a pretentious smile.
"Oh, Rosie was just helping with Kian's laundry," Stephen explained. "We're getting ready for his bath."
"I thought I would find some of his shirt here since he has been spending a lot of time with his daddy." She chuckled.
All I did was nod satisfied at how much they thought I was buying their cheap story.
"Welcome." Stephen draws nearer and drops a brief peck on my lips before pulling me into a tight hug.
Noticing Rosie's uneasy expression behind Stephen, Daphne decided to break the tension by extending a polite greeting after Stephen pulled away from me.
"Hey Rosie," I called with a tone friendly and sweet hit guarded. "How have you been?"
Rosie seemed to relax slightly, and she gave me a small smile. "I'm well, thank you. It's good to have you back."
"Thank you so much for taking care of Kian for me. Even though I haven't seen him yet, I know he was in good hands. Plus seeing you here now is just a proof of hie hard you have been working."
"Oh, she has been doing an awfully great work. I mean she does it all. I would not have been able to do half of what she is doing if she weren't here." Stephen added and I pulled his cheek.
"You lazy man!" I laughed bedew turning back to Rosie.
"It is nothing, Daphne. You don't have to thank me. I see it as though I were taking care of my own kid. Not to mention, Kian is such a sweet boy. I couldn't get tired of helping him."
"How sweet." I nodded, still studying Rosie's face. There was something off about the way she was holding the laundry- almost as if she was trying to hide something.
But before Daphne could hold her with my gaze, Kian came barreling into the room, his face lit up with excitement the moment he sees me.
"Mommy!" he exclaimed, throwing his arms around my legs. "You're home!"
My heart loosened at the sight of my son and I momentarily forgot about Rosie and her suspicions. I lifted him into my arms and hugged him tightly, grateful to be back home with him.
By the time I placed him down on his feet, Rosie had sneaked out of the room while I was distracted.
"How have you been, my baby boy? I hope you have been doing really well."
"He's mummy, I drew a wolf!"
"Is that so?" I laughed, while hosing his had and leading him to where my bag is so I could bring out the toys and chocolate that I had bought for him.
"How come you did not tell me you were coming today."
Still squatting beside my baggage, I turned to see him. "You know I normally don't do that. I always like surprising you with my visits. Or don't you enjoy those surprises any more?"
"It is just that you said you would be back in six months it is not six months yet."
"But it is five months and two weeks. Are you not happy to see me?"
"Of course I am happy to see you. You know, it's just that, I am worried that you rushed. I want to be sure that you had taken care of your business properly before coming. I wouldn't want you to leave your business unfinished because of us."
"You all are more important to me than any business. And besides I was missing my son so dearly. But do not worry. I finished my business really well."
I stand up and head towards the bathroom. "I am tired I need to take a shower."
* * * * * *
Later when it was getting dark into the night, I wrapped my night robe around my body and strolled out of the pack house.
I stood on top of the small bridge over a slow and almost stagnant river when my beta Mike walked up to meet me.
"Welcome alpha."
"How have you been, Mike?"
"I have been well. How was your trip?"
"It was tiring but somehow I made it through."
"You should be in resting."
"I'll do that Mike, let me just have the parcel first."
He hands me and envelope. "Thanks, Mike."
He was turning to leave when he suddenly hesitates on his next step.
"Is there a problem, Mike?"
"I think there is something I should tell you, alpha. I am sure you must have noticed it but decided to ignore."
"What is it, Mike?"
"It is about that acquaintance of yours, Rosie."
My eyebrows curved with interest. "I think you ought to put a limit to how close she is with your family. While you were gone, her presence in your place seemed a bit suspicious to me."
"Was she always with my husband?"
He hesitated before speaking. "Yes, alpha."
I remained silent for a while before looking up at Mike.
"Thank you for this observation, Mike but perhaps it would interest you to know that I was already aware if their sneaky movements long before I traveled."
"Do you want me to get Rosie far away from your family?"
"No ... That won't be necessary. There's just something you would do for me."
"What is it? "
"Keep an eye on them for me."
"Of course."
He said and walked on. As soon as he left. I opened the parcel which contained a hand- written letter.
After reading it, I folded it back and took out the picture that was attached to it. I sneered with interest as I glared at the person's photo.
After tucking the photo into my pocket, I tore the letter into pieces and allowed it to drop over the bridge. After which I watched the pieces of paper flow along with the current.
