Leland, who could tell that Sophie's interest was really piqued, couldn't help but feel a bit tempted to suddenly take his mask off.
However, unless he was able to fulfill his promise of avenging her parents… the Alpha didn't feel like he deserved to tell her.
There were a lot of complications and explanations too.
He needed to be strong and hold back the desire to reveal everything.
"Ah, thank you. My cooks could prepare a meal, but I'm sure that the boys are more eager to taste your cooking. You have my compliments." Leland let out a satisfied sigh. "Shall we all eat out here in the garden? A picnic?"
"I would love to… er, that would be lovely, your grace."
Sophie did not want to admit it to herself at all, but as she looked at how her two sons interacted warmly with Duke Romanov, her heart softened at the sight of her boys snuggling and warming up to the Alpha.