Chapter 158

Almara’s Pov

Arthur and I return home after the doctor’s appointment beaming off of one another’s heightened energy.

“Did you see the way she interweaved through the obstacles?” Arthur says, practically jumping into the air to demonstrate a bob and weave motion. “She’s going to be so sneaky when it comes to hunting.” He says with utter pride.

I laugh, giddy with the excitement. “I know.” I say in agreement. “But what about how fast she crawled?” I add thinking back to her speed. “She might be faster than you one day.”

“That’s the goal.” Arthur says without missing a beat. This is fun I realize. I hadn’t noticed how much I’ve been enjoying my time because I haven’t been in my thoughts at all. All our attention is focused on our daughter and how great she’s going to be at life.

“You did so good today, Grace.” I tell her and give her a little bounce in my arms which makes her smile a toothless smile. “Now we just need those teeth to come in.” I say and laugh, realizing how I was so concerned about her growing up for no reason.

It’s pointless to fight time and besides Grace is going to need her Alpha and Luna to train her properly. Graces growing skill set will just be something for us all to work on together as a family.

Just as I picture Arthur and me on all fours with Grace showing her how to stay low and keep a steady gaze, I see a mama bird fly to a nest she had made in the upper right corner of the house. “Look” I tell to Grace and Arthur pointing at the nest.

Three small wrinkly and squirmy creatures bob their heads just barely out of the nest and open their beaks for the mother to feed them. We all watch in awe until the front door swings open and scares the mama bird off.

“I can’t believe that.” My mother says to my father as they shut the door a little harder than needed behind them. “Oh, you’re back.” My mother says when she sees up staring at her with raised eyebrows.

“What was that about?” I ask handing Grace off to her grandmother.

“Oh, nothing.” My mother says, her demeanor already softening as she scoops Grace into her arms. She smooths her hair and gives her a kiss on the head.

“Mom?” I say, indicating she can’t just brush this under the rug

“Oh, fine.” She says, finally looking up at us. “Elenor said we have to leave the day after tomorrow.”

Arthur steps forward. “What? Why would she say that? There’s plenty of room.”

Though Arthur is being genuine, my mother still seems cold towards him as she shrugs in dismissal.

“I’ll talk to her.” Arthur says anyway.

“It’s fine. We’d really rather be getting back anyways. You should come with us, Almara.” My mother says, looking directly at me, purposely leaving Arthur out of the invitation. I give my mother a look to let her know she’s being rude, but she doesn’t respond to it.

“We’ll see.” Is all I say. “Don’t you want to know how the appointment was?” I ask, hoping to move on.

“Of course we do.” My father chimes in. “How was the appointment?”

“Really great.” Arthur says with a big grin. “Our daughter is a genius!”

“Well, of course.” My father says. “We could’ve told you that.”

“So, what does that mean then?” My mother asks, still keeping her loving gaze on Grace and making silly faces at her.

“Really all it means is looking at the best pup schools and begin training her to be the next Luna.” Arthur says.

“Already?” My mother says. “She’s still so young.”

“That’s the best part.” I say, joining forces with Arthur. “It’s better to start young than later.” My mother gives a shrug.

“Well, we’re going for a walk. Would you like to come?” My father asks.

“That’s okay. You guys go ahead with Grace though. Her stroller is in the garage.” My mother moves around the side of the house to get it without a word. My father watches her go and laughs.

“You don’t have to tell her twice.”

With my parents on their way, Arthur and I go inside. Once we open the front door, I see quick movement out of the corner of my eye. I see at the last second Elenor quickly closing the curtains.

Arthur and I look at her quizzically, thinking that being caught spying would muster about some kind of explanation, but nope. Not from Elenor. Instead, she pulls her Kashmir sweater tighter around her chest and lifts her nose to the air.

“What are you doing?” Arthur asks, though his tone indicates we already know.

“Almara, I’m sorry but your parents have to go.” Elenor says though she sounds anything but apologetic.

“So, we’ve heard.” Arthur says crossing and eyebrow and crossing his arms. I love when he acts like Mr. Know-It-All.

“Well, did they tell you why?” Elenor says slapping her hands down at her sides. She doesn’t wait for our reply as she tells us. “They started talking about how we need to not spoil Grace so much. I mean, Roman and I don’t tell them how they should grandparent, though I could think of a few ways.”

She adds the last part under her breath, but still loud enough to be heard. “All we did was go shopping and we got her a bike.”

“You got a baby a bike.” I confirm, but it comes out more like a question.

“Yes.” Elenor says as if it’s the most sensical thing in the world. “No kid likes the doctors, so we thought a bike would cheer her up. And now,” Elenor goes on, waving her hand at the window, “they’ve taken her off in her old stroller and we can’t even give her the bike.”

Arthur and I let out a sigh. I’m coming to the realization that as long as we continue to stay here, there will continue to be stress among the grandparents, and among Arthur and I as we deal with them.

“She doesn’t need a bike right now, Elenor.” Arthur says sounding tired.

“Fine,” Elenor grabs her purse. “But, I’m going to go get her a new stroller.” Elenor squeezes past us and leaves. Only once the door is shut do Arthur and I laugh.

“We have to get out of here.” Arthur says. I nod in agreement.

“You did say something about buying a house while we were on vacation, or was that just the tequila talking?” I say turning sightly to lean against his broad chest. Arthur welcomes me in and my body ignites with fire.

“Oh, it was definitely the tequila.” He says in a low whisper just before kissing me. “However, most tequila ideas rarely sound good when sober and this one still is appealing.” I squeal with excitement.

“Does that mean we can go looking?” I ask, hopeful. Arthur frowns at me.

“Have I ever told you no?” He asks, but I don’t answer I just kiss him repeatedly until somehow we find our way upstairs. Maybe the next time we make love, it will be in a new home.