It was to be just another ordinary day. As I prepared breakfast on a calm morning, Theo's chatter filled the kitchen. But my thoughts were anything but peaceful. Something inside of me had shifted when Logan returned. I always felt the weight of the secret I had kept and the truth I had concealed for so long when I looked into Theo's blue eyes, Logan's eyes.
"Can Logan join us at the park once more, Mommy?" I was startled out of my reverie by Theo's innocent question.
As I placed his bowl of muesli in front of him, I ruffled his hair and forced a smile. "My dear, I believe Logan has a lot of work ahead of him. He's...occupied.
Something in me twisted when I saw how disappointed Theo was. He was unaware of the suffering associated with the subject and the sacrifices I had made. Perhaps he never ought to.
I was startled back to reality when I heard a knock on the door. As I got closer, my heart was pounding, and before I even opened the door, I could smell a hint of musk and pine. Logan.
He was standing there when I opened it, his face determined but guarded. "We need to talk, Aria. Please.
To preserve the life I had created without him, I wanted to tell him to go. However, I had a gut feeling that this discussion was long overdue. I nodded, looking at Theo, who was deep in his muesli. "Let's head outside."
I took a final glance at Theo before grabbing my coat. "Remain right here, my love. I will return in a moment.
The cool air grounded me once we were on the sidewalk, allowing me to steel myself for a moment. Logan, what is it? With my arms crossed for protection, I asked.
His eyes softened as he hesitated. "I can't stop reflecting on everything I said and everything I did—and didn't do. Aria, I was mistaken. I was... completely mistaken.
I made myself look into his eyes. "Logan, you made your decision. I wasn't strong enough to be with you, so you rejected me. What has changed?
He raked a hand through his hair and swallowed. "I changed after losing you. Losing the opportunity to be... to be more than Alpha. Looking at Theo, is he... I mean, is he...?
I sucked in a calming breath. Indeed. He is your son.
The weight of those words hung between us, unavoidable and heavy. Logan's eyes filled with a mixture of guilt and astonishment, and his face contorted. "I had a son all this time, and I was unaware of it?"
"You didn't want to know," I said softly, with a hint of resentment in my voice. "I made an effort to let you know and to get your attention. However, you were so preoccupied with duty and the idealised picture of Luna that you failed to notice me standing directly in front of you. You didn't have enough of me.
He extended his hand and touched my arm briefly before I withdrew, bringing back memories I had fought so hard to suppress. "I know I don't deserve your trust or even your forgiveness, Aria. Theo, however, deserves to know me. To be acquainted with his father.
And when he took his first steps, where were you? When he became ill and required companionship? My voice was rising, and I could feel my emotions erupting in uncontrollable waves. Logan, I was by myself. All by myself. And you want a place in his life now that you're here? It's not that easy.
He swallowed hard as he looked down, his face etched with pain. "I am aware that it isn't. I am aware that I have no right to make any requests. But just give me a chance, Aria.
I shook my head, feeling torn. "Just because you're feeling bad, I won't let you take over and completely ruin his life. That kind of misunderstanding is not fair to Theo.
Logan gave me a fierce look, but I also noticed a softness and vulnerability in his eyes that I had never noticed before. Aria, this goes beyond simple guilt. I've realised that I've lost more than I can handle. I will live my entire life regretting hurting you. However, I'd like to know my son. I want him to be aware of me.
My determination was beginning to waver, and the part of me that had yearned for Logan and the life we could have had was trying to get out. However, this was no longer solely about me.
"All right," I said, barely raising my voice above a whisper. "He is visible. Logan, but on my terms. I will not allow him to suffer harm. And I'll permanently remove you from our lives if I notice any indication that you're prioritising your role as Alpha over him. Do you understand?
Logan nodded, his face serious. "Comprehensive. I'll show you both that I'm capable of being the father he needs. Aria, thank you.
Not daring to turn around, I turned and started back towards the flat. I had outlined the conditions and established a limit. It was now his responsibility to demonstrate that he could meet them.
Theo looked up when I walked in, his face brightening when he saw me. "Are we still going to the pack, Mommy?"
I smiled and embraced him, appreciating the small pleasure he offered me. Yes, dear. Let's leave.
Logan wasn't there when we left the flat. I could ignore the issue of his role in Theo's life for the time being. However, I was aware that this was just the start of something that could completely alter the course of events.