Mellifuous ✔

Chapter 19: Mama?

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The morning air was crisp with the promise of autumn, and the sun hung low in the sky, casting its golden light over the fields where the pack gathered. The atmosphere was thick with quiet anticipation, the kind of stillness before a storm, where every breath seemed measured, every step deliberate. The air smelled of fresh earth and pine, and there was a distant murmur of conversation as the pack members prepared for the day's training.

Santiago stood just outside the main gathering area, a quiet sentinel, his sharp eyes scanning the horizon even as he kept his son close. Eli, nestled in his arms, was the quiet center of his world. The little omega had become more and more attached to Damion in recent days, his bond with the young alpha growing with an ease that surprised even Santiago. Eli found comfort in the way Damion moved—confident, sure of himself in a way that only a young alpha could be. It was as if Damion's presence soothed a part of Eli that Santiago couldn't always reach.

Today, Edward was at a birthday party and Mason and Matthew were off with their friends, Santiago had decided to bring Eli along to Liam and Damion's training. It was a good idea—there would be no shortage of adults to keep watch over him. He knew the little one would be content, as long as Damion was close by. They would be safe here, surrounded by the guardians of the pack, and the light of the day would hold off any darkness for a while longer.

Damion was with his father, Conall, engaged in a sparring match with Liam under Will's watchful eye. The young alpha's movements were still rough, still forming, but there was a certain grace in his determination. Every strike, every stance, was laced with purpose. Conall's gaze followed his son with pride, his body still strong and steady, his movements fluid as he guided Damion through the intricacies of combat. It was less about the physical blows, more about the way Damion was learning to move with intention, to feel the energy of his opponent before reacting. A lesson that would stay with him far beyond this training field.

Liam, younger but just as eager, watched his own father with wide eyes, mimicking his movements, trying to mirror them as best he could. Will stood beside him, offering quiet corrections, his voice low and steady. He was a patient teacher, always willing to lend a hand when needed, but never hovering too closely.

Santiago settled Eli down on the little that was left of the winter snow, his large hand resting gently on the pup's back as he knelt beside him. Eli's eyes, wide with wonder, followed Damion's every movement, his attention unwavering. There was a quiet joy in watching his son find someone to look up to, someone who could show him the world of strength and protection that had always seemed just beyond his reach.

Damion caught sight of them, his gaze flickering for just a moment before he smiled, his youthful face lighting up with a soft warmth. The way Damion moved with confidence, with strength, brought a sense of calm to Eli, even if the little omega still had moments of fear, of uncertainty.

"Dada," Eli whispered, his voice a soft tug at Santiago's heart as he looked up at him. Santiago's hand brushed his son's hair, pushing the curls from his forehead.

"Yes, little one?"

Eli's small hand reached out, his fingers brushing the air between them before curling into Santiago's shirt. "I want to play," he said softly, the innocence in his voice mingling with a quiet yearning.

Santiago's heart softened at the request. He could see it—the way Eli's gaze stayed fixed on Damion, the pull to join in. With a slow smile, Santiago nodded. "Go ahead, then. But stay close to Damion."

Eli hesitated for a moment, then scrambled to his feet, his little legs unsteady but determined as he made his way toward the young alpha. Santiago watched with a quiet pride, the flutter of worry in his chest mingling with the hope he felt for his son's future.