Chasing His Wolfless Luna Back Chapter 191: Trial Period

Thea's POV

I stayed a little longer at the Kincaids'. Phoenix was thriving under her grandparents' attention. Despite her young age, she absolutely loved being the center of attention, especially when that attention came in the form of kisses on her tummy.

Looking at her, I wished my life could be as simple as hers. Haven't we all craved a pup's life at some point? No worries except for food, milk, and diapers. Their innocence was like a balm to wounded souls.

Then they grow up, experience life, and become numb. If I could keep Leo and Phoenix away from this thing called love, I would, but I knew eventually I couldn't, because they both had their own destinies to follow, and they might find their mates whether that journey was filled with happiness, heartache, or both.

I continued watching Seraphina and Maximus playing with my daughter on the lawn. Seraphina was holding Phoenix, who couldn't stop giggling. You know what she found so funny? Apparently, watching Maximus roll around on the grass was fucking hilarious to her.

I got it, honestly. If I'd been in a better mood, I would've found it pretty damn entertaining too. Who would've thought the feared and respected Alpha Kincaid would do something like this for his granddaughter?

As for the Sterlings, though they loved Leo, I'd never seen them be as warm and approachable as Seraphina and Maximus. Their interaction completely touched my heart.

I took a sip of my drink, fighting against the decision I had to make. Part of me thought I needed time, but another part knew Sebastian and I couldn't continue living like this. That memory had destroyed everything we'd built since I woke up.

I'd already felt so much sincerity from him, but opening my heart wasn't easy. This time, what threatened our relationship wasn't his lack of care and love for me, but the echoes and memories of his past mistakes.

"Is there something else troubling you?" Seraphina's voice startled me, mainly because I'd been so lost in my thoughts I hadn't even seen her approach.

"I forgot to tell you why I asked to meet," I answered, trying to deflect.

Of course, there was a lot troubling me, but I didn't want to drag her into it. This was entirely my thing. I was the one struggling, I was the one who had to deal with it all. I didn't want to weigh anyone down with my problems.

"That doesn't matter," she said softly, "especially when you're obviously still struggling with accepting and forgiving Sebastian."

I just stared at her. Maybe what I needed was fresh air. I felt a bit suffocated, a bit unstable. I felt uncomfortable in my own skin.

"I'll be fine. I'm just struggling with what I need to do and what decisions I need to make."

She nodded understandingly, then pulled me into her embrace. Her warmth made me want to cry. My emotions were so heavy right now, weighed down by everything. I felt lost, like I was just drifting along. Fighting back tears, I pulled away from her.

"Would it be okay if I left Phoenix with you for a few hours?" I asked, trying to control the tremor in my voice. "I want to go pick up gifts for Leo."

Her eyes pierced through me. I knew she knew it was just an excuse, but she also understood I needed to breathe and be alone.

"Of course, dear. No problem," she smiled at me. "Take as long as you need."

After saying goodbye, I left. I had Kestrel drive me to the mall.

I already knew what I wanted to get for Leo, and maybe some shopping would give me a temporary escape from the constant turmoil inside me.

We arrived at the mall, and I immediately began moving from one store to another. Leo wasn't the type of kid who hinted; he flat-out told me what he wanted. All of which made for a pretty long list. He wasn't spoiled, but he also knew his parents had the financial ability to fulfill his wishes completely, so he could ask for anything he wanted without hesitation.

"Thea!"

I'd just finished buying the last item on the list when I heard her voice. Turning, I found Iris and Sophia rushing toward me. They both gave me a bear hug and then looked at me eagerly.

"What are you doing here? If we knew we'd all be here, we could've arranged lunch," Iris almost squealed, her obvious happiness at seeing me showing.

"Decided last minute to shop for Leo's birthday gifts," I replied, giving them both a smile.

"Where's Phoenix? Is she with Sebastian? I still remember how he left work to take care of her when you wanted to go shopping," Iris said in a dreamy voice.

God, why was this so hard? She looked so hopeful, so happy, living in her own world, dreaming about how happy Sebastian and I were. I said nothing. I wouldn't say anything until I'd made up my mind.

"Do you want to have lunch?" Sophia asked. She probably assumed Iris was right, that Phoenix was with Sebastian.

"Sure."

We walked to a nearby restaurant, with Kestrel following us. We found a table, and a waiter immediately came to take our orders.

Sophia and Iris immediately began chatting. I wasn't in the mood today, but I needed the distraction. Anything to keep me from thinking about Sebastian.

"Has Graves visited you again?" Iris asked, her excitement obvious.

Sophia bit her lip, telling us all we needed to know.

"Yes. In fact, he did more than just visit," she said happily, admiration shining in her eyes. "He kept me up all night."

"What!" Iris screamed, nearly jumping out of her chair. "Tell us all the details, girl. Don't leave us hanging."

I wasn't interested before, but this piqued my curiosity. I hadn't expected her to do it, but apparently I was wrong. Even after she said she'd consider doing it just to piss off her father, I hadn't taken her seriously.

"Well, he showed up again; I let him in and then he fucked my brains out," Sophia smirked, clearly still on cloud nine.

"Seriously? That's all you're going to tell us?" Iris looked offended. "I want juicy details: how big he is, what positions he used, how long he lasted, how many times you came. More importantly, did he mark you?"

I giggled. Iris looked like she would die if she didn't get answers to her questions. She looked so desperate, sitting on the edge of her seat. I couldn't hold it anymore, I laughed. This was too funny, and that ridiculous expression on her face made it all even more hilarious.

"What?" she asked, looking at me like she didn't understand what I found funny.

I laughed harder. "You. Why are you so eager to know what her bedroom experience was like? Do you want a threesome or something?"

She glared at me, but I knew there was no anger behind that look. She knew I was only joking.

"No, thank you... I just want to know if they did anything novel because I like to explore some new things. Roman's dick is more than enough for me."

"Too gross." I made a face of disgust while she smirked at me. She had just gotten back at me in the best way she knew how.

They both laughed at me as I tried not to vomit from the image she'd painted. I really had no interest in knowing what Roman was like in bed.

Anyway, despite wanting a good match for my friend, I wouldn't interfere in this. If they were fated mates and she loved him, then I would accept it.

"So, as Iris just asked, did you let him mark you? What kind of relationship are you in now?" I asked curiously.

"I still haven't let him mark me. But since the experience was good, I'm willing to give him a mate trial period."

Iris looked confused. "What the fuck is that?"

"You know, we still don't know each other very well, and considering his identity and the danger it might bring me, I can't decide whether to fully accept him as my mate yet. So I'll give us a period to adjust. And of course, that means we'll enjoy sex one hundred percent." Sophia winked.

"How does that sound more like FWB or something?" Iris's jaw dropped, and I laughed.

I didn't say anything about it, but for some reason, I looked at Iris and found her looking at me too. A smile crept up her face because we had the same thought. Something told me one or both of them would fall deeply in love.

"By the way, have you decided what you're going to do?" Sophia turned to me.

I'd told them I was struggling, staying at home doing nothing. Relearning things was doable, but progress was slow. At this point, I thought it would take me a long time to get back to work.

"No. I still haven't figured things out."

"What about your foundation?" Iris asked, sipping her lemon water.

"What foundation?"

They explained everything to me, taking turns. When they finished, I was shocked by all the progress I'd made. I remembered feeling sad for a boy I'd taught and wishing I could help him. Turns out I actually came up with a concrete idea and implemented it.

"Fiona hasn't contacted you before because the doctors warned not to put pressure on you and make you feel exhausted. She managed to keep the foundation running, but I'm sure she'd be happy to see her boss back. That woman practically worships the ground you walk on," Iris said enthusiastically, making me feel a bit shy.

I didn't know this Fiona, but it was amazing to hear she worshipped me. I realized I could actually work. I didn't have to stay at home all day, and since the foundation had other children, I could always take Phoenix with me.

"I'm sure you can find something to do there that won't stress you out," Sophia added with a warm smile.

I returned her smile. "You're right. If it's a big foundation like you say, then I'm sure I'll find some things to do."

We continued chatting until our food arrived, then we ate. Once we finished, we talked a bit more and then decided to end our get-together.

I had just left the restaurant, saying goodbye to Sophia and Iris, when I felt a chill run down my spine.

I looked around but saw nothing unusual or any person out of place. Wrapping my arms around myself, I continued walking toward the car.

Kestrel helped me, but it didn't chase away the sudden fear that had come over me.

Kestrel hadn't seemed to notice anything, just drove away, but I felt it, that creepy gaze from someone who wanted to harm me.