A Werewolf's Human Mate

39

Edwin's family

Aurora and Edwin step into the warmly lit living room, and their eyes fall upon a middle-aged couple seated comfortably on a plush sofa.

The man, Edwin's uncle, has a kind face framed by silver-streaked hair and wears a soft wool sweater over a dress shirt. His gentle eyes light up when he sees them, crinkling at the edges as he stands to greet them.

Beside him, Edwin's aunt/ his wife radiates warmth. She’s a tall woman with soft, welcoming features and slightly curly hair that falls neatly around her shoulders. Her attire, a flowy dress in pastel colors, perfectly complements her gentle and caring aura.

As Aurora and Edwin enter, both the uncle and aunt stand up, clearly eager to welcome them.

"You both have finally arrived," the uncle says, his voice deep yet friendly, as he opens his arms slightly.

"Hello, dear," her aunt says, pulling Aurora into an affectionate hug. Aurora, a bit taken aback, returns the hug, managing a small laugh as she says, "I'm here too... and you are?"

The aunt pulls back, a broad smile on her face.

"Lovely, dear. We’re so happy to know that you’ve finally met our nephew," she says, beaming at Aurora, then at Edwin.

Aurora smiles back, feeling at ease in their presence.

The uncle, with a chuckle, says, "Alright, we can continue the rest of the conversation over dinner."

The aunt rolls her eyes playfully, nudging him gently.

"You've barely arrived," she says with a laugh. "And you're already talking about food! All you think about is eating!"

They all laugh together, the warmth in the room only growing as they make their way to the dining table, set with a hearty spread.

Over dinner, the conversation flows easily, with the uncle sharing light-hearted stories and the aunt asking questions about Aurora’s journey, clearly excited to get to know her.

During the conversation, Aurora learns the names of the couple: Aunt Emilia and Uncle Boret.

Both are warm, expressive, and have a genuine curiosity about Aurora, making her feel slightly overwhelmed yet comforted by their attention.

Aunt Emilia leans forward with a kind smile, her eyes soft with warmth as she asks, "Tell us a little about yourself, dear. We’d love to know more."

Aurora fidgets slightly, glancing down at her plate before answering. Nervously, she begins to share her story — the way she grew up in various orphanages, moved from one place to another, how she did her schooling in a public school, and how she had to leave her education unfinished.

She explains, almost apologetically, that financial struggles and the challenges of managing life alone had prevented her from dedicating herself to her studies.

Uncle Boret, who has been listening intently, gives her an encouraging nod and says, “Listen, dear, if you ever want to complete your studies, know that we’re here to support you. Financially too, if need be. Right, Edwin?” He glances toward Edwin with a reassuring smile.

Edwin nods immediately, his expression full of encouragement.

Aurora’s eyes widen slightly, caught off guard by such kindness.

“Thank you,” she says softly. “I’d love to study again, but… working at the café has become something I enjoy. I’m not sure if I want to give it up.”

Aunt Emilia, ever understanding, offers a suggestion.

“Why don’t you try doing both, dear? You could work at the café part-time while studying. That way, you get the best of both worlds.”

Aurora’s face brightens at the idea, but she hesitates, as if weighing something deeper.

“That sounds like a good idea,” she begins, “but…”

Sensing her hesitation, Edwin reaches over to gently place a hand on her shoulder.

“Aunt,” he says softly, “let’s not push her on this right now.”

“She needs time to think it through. Let her take her time to make such an important decision,” he says with a reassuring smile.

Realizing the sensitivity of the moment, Aunt Emilia and Uncle Boret exchange understanding looks, both of them smiling warmly at Aurora.

As the dinner progresses, Aunt Emilia and Uncle Boret begin sharing more about themselves and the legacy of the Johnson family.

The room falls quieter, the warm light casting a glow on Aunt Emilia's face as she speaks with pride.

She describes the Johnsons as a family that has always been well-established, their success rooted in various businesses that have been passed down through generations. But there’s more to the Johnsons than just business — the entire family belongs to Moonbridge’s werewolf pack, a legacy as ancient as it is mysterious.

A heaviness settles in as Aunt Emilia explains that Edwin’s parents, Nolan and Julian, were tragically lost in a werewolf fight.

Aurora’s brow furrows in surprise.

“A fight?” she asks, her voice barely a whisper.

Aunt Emilia nods, her eyes distant, as if recalling that fateful night. “Yes, about twenty years ago, there was a major fight here in Moonbridge. It was a dark time for us all. Edwin’s parents were severely injured.”

Edwin’s expression is tense as he adds, “And then, on the way to the hospital, they passed away.”

His voice is low, filled with a quiet sadness.

Under the table, Aurora gently reaches for Edwin’s hand, squeezing it in silent support. He glances at her and offers a small, grateful smile, one that speaks of resilience but also a vulnerability that few get to see.

Sensing the weight of the conversation, Uncle Boret clears his throat and says with a cheerful tone, “But don’t worry, our Edwin is very strong. Isn’t that right, son?”

He gives Edwin an encouraging pat on the back, quickly shifting the mood.

Then he turns to Aurora with a mischievous glint in his eye.

“Now, Aurora, tell us — what plans do you two have for the future?”

Aurora looks puzzled.

“Plans for the future? In what way?”

Uncle Boret chuckles. “I mean, marriage? Or engagement?”

Aunt Emilia leans in, smiling warmly, “Or children, perhaps?”

Aurora chokes on her drink, caught completely off guard.

“Uh…”

“Stop it, you two,” Edwin says, rolling his eyes at his uncle and aunt, though there’s a hint of amusement in his voice.

“We don’t have any such plans just yet.”

Aunt Emilia and Uncle Boret laugh, clearly entertained, and let the topic rest.