The One

Shamelessly Spying

 A few days have slipped by, and the full moon looms ever closer, casting a luminescent glow that stirs a tempest of restlessness and agitation between Karol and Christian. They both work tirelessly to maintain their stoic façades, concealing the tumult of emotions swirling beneath the surface—feelings that starkly contrast with the serene reality perceived by their families and friends.

At dinner, as was customary, the Randale family shared a harmonious meal with the Ethelwulf family, laughter and light conversation filling the air. Yet, amidst the jovial atmosphere, she felt the familiar pull of the mind-link as she reached out to her son. 'Luka, can you spare me a minute after dinner?'

'Okay, Mummy,' came the enthusiastic reply.

Once dinner concluded, the impatience in Luka was palpable as he bolted into the dining room, his gaze landing on his mother, who was deep in conversation with Accalia and Anna, leisurely indulging in leftover blueberry pie.

"Mummy?" he called, voice bright with anticipation.

"Yes, Luka?"

"Mummy, you want to talk, right?" he reminded her gently, bemused by her distraction with the pie.

"Oh yes, I had almost forgotten. My apologies, Luka. Ladies, if you'll excuse me, I have some urgent business to attend to." With a playful wink to Accalia and Anna, she rose, leading Luka out into the vast backyard of the mansion, the soft glow of twilight enveloping them as they found seats on a nearby chair.

"Luka my boy, could you invite Beau to join us? I want to speak to you both."

"Okay, Mummy."

Luka's eyes shimmered a moment, first glossy, then shifting to a vivid amber as both he and Beau presented themselves through the magical bond they shared. The transformation of his eye colour was a spectacle, different from his father's distinctive mismatched hues when both Christian and Arlo were present.

"Hello, my boy Beau," she crooned, her heart swelling with love as Beau nuzzled into her arms, emitting a soft purr. She embraced her son tightly, planting a gentle kiss atop his head. "I want to ask both of you—how have you been feeling these past few days?"

"We like it, Mummy," Luka responded with innocent delight.

"Both Beau and I, we both enjoy it here," he continued, snuggling closer, inhaling his mother's comforting scent. "It feels complete and homey, Mummy."

The warmth of her heart filled her chest at his words, and she smiled, "That's wonderful to hear. But if we were to return to Conchobar tomorrow, would you be aright?"

"No, no, Mummy, no!" they exclaimed in unison, shaking their heads vigorously, and Karol couldn't suppress a giggle at their reactions. "Can we stay here forever?" they begged, their faces adorned with comical pouts.

"I was merely teasing, my sweet little ones. Of course, you can stay—but only with your father's approval," she replied, raising an eyebrow knowingly.

"Okay, Mummy."

But just as the words escaped their lips, she caught a glimmer in their eyes, a flicker that hinted at a mind link between them, causing her to raise an eyebrow in suspicion.

"Mummy, can we all live here together with Daddy?" Luka asked suddenly, his question immediate and earnest, prompting a stir of curiosity within her.

"What's with the sudden inquiry? Did your father put you up to this?" she probed, eyeing her son closely, who wore a mischievous grin as if they had been caught in a secretive ploy. Luka and Beau immediately clung to her, drawing in her scent, laughter spilling from them as they inhaled deeply.

"You smell divine, Mummy," they chimed, their playful innocence radiating warmth.

"The scent of love, home, and protection," they declared in unison, their adoration evident.

"Let Mummy smell you too. Hmm... You boys smell like my sweet little babies. Hahaha!"

"Silly Mummy," they giggled.

Suddenly, her mate made his presence known, "Hey, hey. I feel so left out; I want to join too!" he declared, emerging from his previous hiding spot.

"Can I sit here?" he asked, casting a playful glance at his mate, who was still fully engaged with her son.

"Yes, Daddy, you can sit!" Luka and Beau stated enthusiastically, turning to embrace their father. The family shared scents, marking their bonds in a ceremony of familiarity, as Luka and Beau nestled between their parents. After a moment of shared affection, Luka asked, "Daddy, can you ask Daddy Arlo to come out?"

This simple request sent a ripple through Karol, and she gradually turned to regard her mate, curiosity mingling with anticipation.

Christian's eyes metamorphosed from their enchanting greenish-silver to a midnight black, flecked with deep blue and a rim of gold, signalling Arlo's presence. As Arlo's essence enveloped Christian, he smiled at the boys, his voice resonating with joy.

"Babies," Christian and Arlo harmonised, love evident in their tones as they gazed adoringly at Luka and Beau, before Christian's eyes transitioned gently back to their usual green-silver adorned with hints of gold, now echoing the budding amber of their sons' gaze.

A delightful shiver danced down Karol's spine, intensifying as the combined presence of Arlo and Christian washed over her, compelling her to feel emotions she fought so hard to restrain. The smirk that crossed their lips fuelled the desire within her, leaving her breathless at their effect.

'How can they have this overwhelming impact on me?' she thought, diverting her eyes to the right, trying to anchor herself amidst the familial warmth.

'It must be the full moon, playing its silly tricks,' she mused, battling the swell of feelings. 'I'm a composed and calm woman, well-behaved and dignified. Focus, Karol. You can do this—just ignore the stirrings of your heart towards your mate for now.'

"Mummy? Mummy?"

"Yes, baby boy?"

"Are you okay, Mummy?" Arlo/Christian asked, a cheeky smirk tugging at his lips, while she rolled her eyes, annoyance flickering across her face at her mate's playful antics. Luka/Beau, sensing the tension in the air, quickly chimed in,

"Mummy, you didn't answer our question!" Both boys leaned in, anticipation shimmering in their eyes.

"What is the question again?" Karol asked, feigning innocence.

"Just reply yes or no!"

A frown creased her brow. "I can't say yes or no if I don't even know what the question is! You can't expect me to answer something without context!"

"Can the three of us go out for breakfast tomorrow morning?" Luka/Beau inquired eagerly, his voice dripping with hope.

"Of course, my little darling, why not? I'll let your grandparents know so we can all go together. Sound good?"

"No, Mummy! Just the three of us—Daddy, Mummy, and me!" Luka/Beau declared, his sweet smile softening her heart while he shot a quick glance at his father.

"Okay, baby boy, anything for you," she replied, love radiating from her smile. Though inside, a storm brewed; she contemplated how much she wanted to throttle her mate for being such a nuisance. Yet, she understood the importance of family time for their son's sake.

'Ah! What a mess! This blasted full moon is driving me to distraction!'