Kieran's POV
I knew she was stubborn, headstrong, and other synonyms you would find suitable for it. What I didn't know was how proud she could also be. When she realized the staring contest wasn't getting her anywhere, she slowly turned to Taylor, asking him to hold her dried fish for a minute, before she reached for her neck and began unclasping a pendant I haven't seen her take off, ever. My eyes widened. Could I have asked for a better Luna? She is an exact replica of me minus the rank, of course. She is an omega by birth. But her determination and courage surpasses that of a hundred warriors. She hesitated to hand over the pendant as she gazed at it longingly, which meant she treasured it a lot. But she would rather part with it than beg me to help her. That had me smiling as I watched the exchange between her and the vendor. She promised she would be back to pick it up as soon as she retrieved her cash. The poor man glanced at me worriedly, pleading with his eyes I end the lady's misery already. I glared hard, getting back in character fast.
"I will be back for it. Please keep it safe." Daphne murmured one more time. The minute she took a step away, I spread my palm and the vendor, who goes by the name of Charles, gladly handed over the pendant.
"Thank you, Charlie." I gave him one of my sizzling smiles for a job well done and followed my mate and son. Of course, I had to gloat about my accomplishment by jiggling the pendant, earning Daphne's attention.
"You…" She growled, attempting to snatch the pendant, but I clasped my fist, moving my hand from her reach.
"It's mine now," I declared, hoping it will vex her some more. I wanted to see her fiery side, but she didn't give me the pleasure. "I paid for it." I insisted, hoping she would rise to the challenge, but she just trotted away with a look I couldn't decipher on her face.
"Daph, can we have some dried mangoes?" Taylor asked, chewing the last bit of his…
"Anything for you, babe." She dragged him to the female vendor and asked for two bunches once again. And then she pointed at me so confidently. "He is paying." Without waiting for my response, she thanked the lady and walked off. And that's how the rest of our market escapade went. She and Taylor munching to their hearts' content and me paying the bill. When I tried to act offended, she was quick to remind me that I now own one of her prized possessions and shouldn't complain about a damn thing. For the first time in a long time, I was happy. Content. Perhaps I am imagining it, but I sense that she has let down her guard around me. She even included me in their little talks with Taylor. Funny thing is, we ended up rounding the market, and I am uncertain if there was anything these two didn't taste.
"I am so full now." Taylor breathed, caressing his already bulging Tummy. An action Daphne imitated with a chuckle.
"Can we sit down for a minute?" The question was addressed to me, though she was facing Taylor.
"Why not?" I moved fast and took her hand in mine. She looked up in panic, but her features softened when she realized I was just trying to drag them out of the market. She clasped Taylor's hand in return, and the three of us slowly made our way to the fields.
"My tummy hurts." Taylor moaned. Why wouldn't it hurt? I mused. The two greedily ate like they had been starved for weeks. I did keep that comment to myself because I was sure they wouldn't appreciate it. Though Daphne was playing cool, she too seemed uncomfortable, and I am sure it was her stomach.
"We shouldn't have eaten this much, babe." She cooed. And to me, she asked, "Where are we heading? We really need to sit for a little while."
"We are almost there." I couldn't hide my glee even if I tried.
"You are enjoying this, aren't you ?" She accused, and I didn't bother denying the obvious.
"Punishment well deserved for selfish and greedy ones," I smirked. The two hadn't even attempted to offer a crumb, and yet they had assumed I was paying for everything. What better dish could karma have served them? Daphne glared hard, but she couldn't keep it up longer, for her belly discomforts distracted her. We finally arrived at the lagoon that Taylor had been gushing about before we left the house. The view is breathtakingly spectacular, but I doubt our tourist will appreciate the view considering what has befallen her. Without a word, she lowered herself slowly onto the trimmed green grass, and Taylor followed suit.
"Are you okay, babe?" Despite her discomfort, she worried about Taylor. My boy shook his head, letting out a heavy breath.
"I think we ate a lot, Daph."
"You think?" I scoffed. "You two swept everything in the market, one would think I have been starving you."
"Don't listen to him." Daphne huffed. "He is just jealous he didn't get a taste of the yummies."
"Can we sleep a bit?" Taylor asked with a yawn. Looking at them, I can't help but wonder if we should head home. If I let them sleep on the grass, I am sure they will be scratching themselves all over the minute they step in the shower later.
"Shift," I murmured as an idea occurred. Daphne raised her head to look at me, possibly confused at my simple request. "All that food you packed will shift in the intestines, and you won't feel so uncomfortable." I could see she wanted to do it so badly, but something was stopping her. For a moment there, I assumed it was her disdain of being told what to do, but she surprised me with her next words.
"What about Ty? I will not have him feeling uncomfortable alone. " She reached out to ruffle his hair. "We are in this together, babe." I would be lying if I said her words didn't instantly warm my heart. This woman is destined to be the best mate, Luna, and mother. How could I have not seen this side of her earlier?
'Perhaps because you were too busy bedding Janice.' My wolf snarled. No matter how angry he was trying to sound, he too could easily call this our best day ever. We got to spend a day with our mate and pup. And now we have the pleasure of watching them love each other wholeheartedly.
"We will sleep, just a little while," Daphne whispered, her eyes fluttering close. Knowing there was nothing I could do but watch over them, I mind-linked my mother and asked her to bring some light blankets. At least they should lay on something. I thought, pacing around them like a mother hen.