Chapter 7
Daphne's p o v
Little Kian was a bundle of energy, always on the move and eager to explore the world around him. Just after a year, his growth had rocketed. He was very agile and active and this brought joy to everyone's heart.
As he ran around with the other children, his laughter ringing out across the field, Rosie and Stephen watched with barely -concealed delight.
I bet they were already imagining how their child would take over the pack from me before leaving me useless. Kian, a strong and capable alpha who would lead them to greatness- a greatness that neither of them worked hard for except through deceits.
But all I did was watch with a more guarded expression pretending I didn't see their ambitious eyes or hear their mischievous whispers. Despite all if these, I loved Kian with all of my heart, even though I knew the truth -that he was not really mine, I could not do anything to infringe on his innocent. Not yet.
I still felt a sense of pride from the job I did in raising him, watching him play. He was going to grow into a fine young wolf, and I knew that one day I would make him the alpha of this pack. They would think they played me but I am playing them even more.
Meanwhile I was careful not to show too much affection concerning their deceits or else, Rosie and Stephen would see through my facade and realize that I knew their secret.
But despite my reservations, I could not help but bring it to Stephen's notice, the frequency of Rosie's presence in our quarters and how I wasn't comfortable with it any longer.
Rosie's frequent visits to my house raised too much suspicion from not just me but the maids. I could hear them gossiping about it. While Rosie claimed to simply enjoy spending time with Kian, I knew well enough that there was something more to it.
Kian seemed to enjoy Rosie's company too, often running up to her when she entered the house, holding her hand and showing her his toys. She had succeeded in creating a familiarity between them.
When she was here all she cared about what Kian. Carrying him up and down the house and playing with him until he racked his ribs in laughter. The kind of things I didn't have the time to do with him.
It was as if Rosie was trying to form a special bond with Kian, almost like a mother would do.
Maybe just do that Kian could grow up to recognize her as his mother while putting on a show and trying to appear as the doting family friend when really she had her agenda.
Stephen observed all this too but he could only care less. Sometimes, he and Rosie even engaged in long conversations even in my presence. They just had to be careful about the things they said in front of me. But sometimes, they couldn't control themselves from ending up intense long conversations about trivial matters.
She wasn't just resting to take my place as a mother but also as a wife while Kian would take my place as the alpha in a few years. I laughed but didn't hide the anger in it. I knew Stephen would say I am being paranoid but I was going to ask him a anyway.
"Stephen, I really am concerned about how often Rosie comes to visit. I feel like she's spending an excessive amount of time with Kian. It's becoming unhealthy."
Stephen shrugs no chalantly. "I don't see anything wrong or unhealthy with it. She is just being friendly and Kian enjoys her company, even you know it."
"Don't you think it is getting a little too much? We need a little privacy too."
"But she's helping you look after the our big a lot. Especially when you are busy with work. She is helping. And I don't see anything wrong with that."
I knew he would support her but I had not thought he would be so direct about it. He was literally telling me that I was wrong.
"You should be happy Kian has someone else to bond with. That way you can concentrate on running the pack"
Even though, he had acted like I was just overreacting, he spoke to Rosie about what I said because I noticed her visits bacame less frequent. Even though I knew it was just a matter of time befire she came crawling back into my house like a snake that she was.
On one particular morning, I was getting ready for a press conference and Kian was crying uncontrollably. He had been doing so since morning making it almost impossible for me to concentrate.
At that very moment, Rosie arrived. I knew I could not leave Kian like this because he was crying uncontrollably until Rosie took him up to console him.
"I'll take care of him," Rosie offered, taking Kian into her arms. "You can leave for your appointment."
"Are you sure?" I asked, hesitantly.
Stephen nodded reassuringly. "We can handle it, Daphne. You focus on your conference."
"Okay." I left for the conference, but not before giving detailed instructions to Stephen and Rosie on how to take care of Kian. I also made sure to leave her contact information and the number for Kian's pediatrician, in case of an emergency.
"Come on, he will be alright. Just get going before you're late." Stephan warned me in a caring tone.
Through out the meeting I couldn't keep my mind off Kian. He was in the heads of his real parents so I should not have anything to worry about but I still don't feel like Rosie could take care of him the way I did.
This was not the first time I left him in her care but not this long.
As soon as the meeting was over, I hurried back home eager to see my son again.
But when I get back home, I was left in surprise as I called at the door. "Hello! I'm back!" But there was no response.
