Chapter 265: _Pink Hoodies Before A Storm
Kaelos’ POV
*****
Seeing her laugh and spin happily while we shopped in the mall, especially after everything we discovered this morning... brought a soothing warmth in my chest.
I have to admit... I hated the idea of getting into a pink hoodie in broad daylight in a popular store where CCTV cameras were probably watching our every move.
But as long as it helped her get her mind away from the fact that she was connected to a source of chaotic magic underneath the continent... Then all is good.
As long as she smiled... All good!
As long as I felt her happiness swarm into me through our mate bond... All fucking good!
"Hekate, have mercy, this is actually cute!" Odessa giggled, placing her right hand on her stomach as she drew out her phone and took pictures of me.
Her maid, Caroline, held the shopping bags silently, a small smirk on her face as she watched Odessa.
I clicked my tongue but then smiled for the camera.
’This must be a humiliation ritual for you.’ Damon chuckled in my mind, causing me to roll my eyes.
’Maybe I should shift into you and then ask for an XXL-sized pink hoodie so she can take pictures of us instead.’ I shot back and almost sniggered out loud when he gasped.
’You wouldn’t dare! Also, I would need twice the size of an XXL. Maybe even more.’ Damon growled but I ignored him as Odessa walked to my side.
"Time for a selfie." She whispered, staring into my eyes when I swerved my head toward her face.
We maintained eye contact for what felt like an eternity... But how could eternity feel so short?
Eventually, Odessa shook her head, her smile deepening as she removed her gaze from me and focused on the phone she held in the air.
I smiled as she took a selfie of both of us, my smile still lingering even when she dropped the phone and stared at the pictures.
"Now we can put you into those skinny jeans you were talking about." She raised her head and winked at me suggestively, causing me to bat my eyelids in horror.
Caroline giggled at the side as my face heated up with what I hoped wasn’t a blush.
"That... It was a joke. Don’t push it, little witch."
But Odessa was stubborn, leaning in closer until our faces were only a few centimetres away from each other, her breath hitting my face.
"Oh, come on. You don’t want to go back on your word, do you?" She cooed with a dangerously low whisper that made me swallow hard.
Goddess, this woman!
"I never made it a promise."
"Well, now you have to."
"But—"
"Come on, Caroline!" She screamed excitedly and turned to her maid before I could say anything more. "Let’s go pick out the jeans. I saw a pair close to the cashier that will bring out his ass."
My jaw dropped when I heard that but both women ignored me, giggling to themselves as they held arms and scurried along.
I blinked, standing silently before turning my head to see the glass that showed a view of the mall outside.
I smiled at my reflection, shaking my head to myself. I was almost unrecognisable under the pink hoodie... Although the shoulder-length black hair and silver eyes might be a dead giveaway.
"E–Excuse me, sir?" A voice in front of me interrupted my line of thought, forcing me to swerve my head.
Standing in front of me was a young boy who was probably around ten to twelve years old.
He blinked at me with his big hazel eyes, a small smile spreading across his face as he bowed. "Good morning, Alpha King. I like your hoodie."
I parted my lips at first before smiling warmly, crouching to his level and placing my right hand on his shoulder.
"Thank you, little one. My wife got it for me."
His eyes widened with surprise. "Your wife? You mean the hybrid you made Luna Queen?"
I sucked a breath as Damon grunted in my head.
’Ugh, where’s this gremlin’s mother?’
I ignored him, keeping the smile on my face as I nodded at the boy. "Yes, but you see, Odessa is beyond a hybrid. That part of her doesn’t need to be her only defining factor you know."
The boy’s eyes glinted with curiosity and understanding as he nodded. "I’m... I’m sorry if I offended you, Alpha King. That’s just what I’ve heard people of the pack call her."
Oh...
I sighed, gripping his shoulder softly. "It’s fine, little one. You’re still young and learning. We don’t always have to judge people without getting to know them."
He nodded in agreement. "I can tell the Luna Queen is really nice! Look at the pretty hoodie she got you."
I chuckled, shaking my head just as I heard footsteps approaching.
"By the moon, Gerald!" A female voice yelled, forcing me to raise my head, only to see a she-wolf in her early forties stepping forward.
She grabbed her son by the shoulder, pointing a scolding finger at him. "I told you not to move from that spot. Why are you—"
"It’s fine." I chimed, watching as she brought her gaze to me with hesitation in her eyes. "Your son was just curious and managed to keep things respectful. You raised him well."
Her eyes widened, glinting with slow realisation.
She bowed hurriedly, causing me to smirk slightly.
"G–Good morning, Alpha King. I’m... I’m sorry, I almost couldn’t recognise you with... With..." She stuttered, her voice shaking with disbelief.
Ugh, it must be this damn hoodie.
"It’s okay." I blurted, placing a hand on her shoulder and guiding her to stand straight. "I just came here for a little shopping. No big deal."
The woman blinked at me for a beat too long before a genuine smile spread on her face. "That’s lovely, my Lord. I hope you enjoy the rest of your shopping and find what you’re looking for."
I nodded at her as she pulled her son with her, waving at the lad when he smiled back at me.
I sighed lightly, about to go search for Odessa and Caroline when someone in the store suddenly yelled out.
"Look! The news broadcast is being interrupted..."
What?
I turned my head to one of the televisions in the store only to see the screen flickering before showing a familiar scene.
A large, dimly lit room with pillars and a man sitting on a throne. I tilted my head, furrowing my eyebrows when I saw the man’s face.
A cold shiver ran down my spine as my stomach dropped, my body shivering with dread.
That face... Was my father.