Chapter 49

CARLYLE’S POV “Who is Mason?” I asked to her utmost surprise.

Her initial calm demeanour shifted into a sudden state of stunned surprise. The subtle play of emotions on her face was unmistakable, and I couldn’t help but notice the transformation.

Her eyes widened ever so slightly with the usual glint of confidence momentarily replaced by a fleeting vulnerability. The subtle furrow of her brow revealed the internal processing of the unexpected query, as if it had caught her off guard. The pulse in her neck quickened, a subtle sign of the emotional ripple beneath the surface.

For a moment, her lips, which often held a poised and composed expression, slightly parted in silent astonishment. The silence that followed my question hung in the air, pregnant with unspoken thoughts racing through her mind. It was a fraction of time, blink–and–you–miss–it instance, but within that fleeting moment, the contours of her surprise were etched on her face. All in one swift moment!

I couldn’t discern the nature of her reaction just yet whether it was due to the nature of the question I asked or if it was something else that made her react that way.

“Why did you ask, Alpha Carlyle?” She asked in return with a composed tone.

“I noticed he’s quite cute and jovial. I saw the way he played with Athena the last time I was here.” I uttered half truthfully. Deep down, I wanted to see if I could figure out why her mood suddenly changed the last time when she saw me, Athena, and Mason.

“That’s just how he is. I guess he took that trait from Athena.” She heaved a sigh.

“How are they related?” I probed further.

“He’s her adopted son.”

“Wow, that’s quite shocking,” I blurted.

“What do you mean?” She directed her gaze at me.

“Oh, it’s nothing. I just felt this connected familiarity with him. I really can’t explain it.” I replied, staring into space. For some reason, I couldn’t trust Donnie’s response at that moment. Not after the expressions she made when I asked her the questions. Earlier, I would have asked directly from Athena, but it would be disrespectful to Donnie in some way, so I felt.

“It happens. Perhaps. Its just a feeling. She chuckled.

“That aside, did you check?” I changed the topic, expecting her to understand what I meant but she didn’t.

“What?” She asked.

“Athena’s identity.”

“I couldn’t bring myself to ask her. It felt like I am backstabbing her after the whole lot she has done for me.” She replied, and I nodded in understanding.

“But what’s your view about the whole thing? With her attitude and style, do you she is one? You know, we really can’t conclude based on our suspicions alone.”

think “Just like you said, it’s a suspicion. No sound conclusion can be made yet.” She replied.

“I know, but you can’t tell me you don’t have a feeling if she is or no As our conversation unfolded, a distant voice called out, disrupting the exchange. between Donnie and me.

“Mama!” The familiar timbre of Mason’s voice echoed through the air, and Donnie’s attention immediately pivoted in the direction of the sound.

In an instant, her eyes lit up, and a radiant smile graced her features. Without hesitation, she excused herself, a swift and graceful movement propelling her towards the source of the call. The unspoken connection between Donnie and Mason was quite noticeable. That, I could tell as I wasn’t dumb.

“Mason!” She called back, her voice carrying a warmth that reflected both familiarity and affection. As she ran toward him, the energy of the moment changed to the joyful anticipation of two sweet souls who missed each other.

Upon reaching Mason’s side, Donnie crouched down, her arms open and ready to embrace him.

“Hey, sweetheart! Did you have a nice time at the academy?” She inquired with so much. tenderness in her voice mirroring the genuine interest in Mason’s well–being.

“Yes, mummy. I did my classwork well.” Mason’s response carried the buoyant cadence of a child’s recounting of an enjoyable experience.

“That’s good, my boy. Go have some fun inside. I’ll be with you soon.” She brushed his hair with her fingers.

“Granny Ena said you should come inside now. She has something to say to you.”

Then, it all clicked! The addresses. Mason addressed Donnic as Mama and Athena as Granny.

Something was fishy. There’s nothing Donnie could tell me. I had a hunch that she was lying by what she mentioned of him earlier. Or it could be that she was keeping things from me which of course, I knew she was.

But how do I get to know the truth?

“Why don’t you ask the boy?” Laryl suggested.

The words of children are sometimes not true.”

“But you could get more closer to the answer you seek.”

Laryl was right. I had to look for a chance alone with Mason.

“Ok. then. Let’s go.” She stood up, holding his little hand.

“No, I want to stay here with your friend, mama. You should go see Granny Ena and come back soon.

We can’t keep Mama’s friend waiting all alone before you return.” He removed his hand from Donnie’s grasp. The heavens were on my side. If Donnie should leave, I would have the chance to question the young boy.

Donnie was reluctant to do as Mason said, but she took a look at me one last time and I assured her with my words.

“You don’t have to worry, he’s safe with me.”

With that, she turned around and left.

“Hey, mister,” Mason called out to me while walking towards me in a funny way. He wanted to act strong and tough. Perhaps he has seen some of the pack warriors in that vicinity act that way.

“How are you, little boy?” I replied to him, extending my hands.

“Don’t call me little boy, my name is Mason.” He pouted his lips angrily.

“Alright, Mason. Correction has been taken.”

“Who are you to mama? Granny Ena said I look like you.” He asked to my surprise.

18:58 Fri, 1 Mar 2D “Why do you call her mama?” I squatted to his height with my full attention on him.

“Because she is my maina.” He answered all smile.

“If she’s your mama, then who is Athena?”

“Athena is mama’s godmother, so I call her Granny Ena, or sometimes Thena. Anyone I feel like calling her.” He replied and his answer took a while to sink into my mind. From his response, I could deduce that Donnie was his mother.

“If she is your mother, then who is your father?” your “I don’t know. She never said a word.”