novelxo The Lycan King’s Secret Child: Chapter 7
The soft morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the cozy living room. Toys were scattered across the rug, and the scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. Amelia stood by the kitchen counter, sipping her coffee and watching her three-year-old son, Liam, as he played with his wooden blocks.
Amelia: Smiling ‘What are you building there, little architect?’
Liam: Looking up with bright eyes ‘I’m making a big castle, Mommy!’
Amelia: ‘A castle? Wow! Who lives in this castle?’
Liam: Thinking for a moment ‘A brave knight and his dragon friend.’
Amelia: Chuckling ‘That sounds exciting. Maybe they go on adventures together?’
Liam: ‘Yes! They save people and find treasure!’
Amelia walked over and knelt beside him, adjusting a block that was about to topple.
Amelia: ‘You have quite the imagination.’
Liam: Grinning ‘Just like you, Mommy.’
She ruffled his dark hair, her heart swelling with love. Liam was the spitting image of his father, with his deep green eyes and mischievous smile.
The doorbell rang, pulling her from her thoughts.
Amelia: ‘I wonder who that could be.’
She stood up and walked to the door, peering through the peephole. Seeing a familiar face, she opened the door with a smile.
Amelia: ‘Sophie! What a pleasant surprise.’
Sophie: Hugging her ‘Hey! I was in the neighborhood and thought I’d drop by. I brought muffins.’
Amelia: ‘You’re a lifesaver. Come in.’
They walked into the living room, where Liam was still engrossed in his castle.
Sophie: Waving at Liam ‘Hey there, little man!’
Liam: Looking up ‘Aunt Sophie!’
He jumped up and ran to her, wrapping his small arms around her legs.
Sophie: ‘Oof! You’ve gotten so big!’
Liam: Proudly ‘I’m three now!’
Sophie: ‘Three? No way! You’re practically grown up.’
Amelia laughed, watching them interact.
Amelia: ‘Can I get you some coffee?’
Sophie: ‘That would be great.’
They moved to the kitchen, leaving Liam to his play.
Sophie: ‘How have you been?’
Amelia: Pouring coffee ‘Busy, as always. Work is picking up, and Liam keeps me on my toes.’
Sophie: ‘I don’t know how you do it all.’
Amelia: ‘One day at a time.’
They settled at the kitchen table.
Sophie: ‘Have you heard from…?’
Amelia’s smile faded slightly.
Amelia: ‘No. Not for a while.’
Sophie: ‘I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have brought it up.’
Amelia: ‘It’s okay. I’ve come to terms with it.’
Liam ran into the kitchen, holding a drawing.
Liam: ‘Mommy, look! I drew us!’
Amelia took the drawing, her eyes softening.
Amelia: ‘It’s beautiful, Liam. Is this you and me?’
Liam: ‘Yes! And this is our house, and that’s our dog!’
Amelia: Laughing ‘We don’t have a dog, silly.’
Liam: ‘But I want one!’
Sophie: Teasing ‘Maybe for your birthday?’
Liam: Eyes widening ‘Really?’
Amelia: Amused ‘We’ll see.’
Liam beamed and ran back to his toys.
Sophie: ‘He’s such a happy kid.’
Amelia: ‘He is. I’m grateful for that.’
Sophie: Reaching across the table to touch her hand ‘You know, if you ever need anything, I’m here.’
Amelia: ‘I know. Thank you.’
They sat in comfortable silence for a moment.
Sophie: ‘So, tell me about work. Any exciting stories?’
Amelia: ‘Well, I’ve been freelancing for a few magazines. It’s flexible, which is great for Liam’s schedule.’
Sophie: ‘That’s fantastic. I always knew you’d make it on your own terms.’
Amelia: Smiling ‘It’s been a journey, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.’
Liam returned, tugging at Amelia’s sleeve.
Liam: ‘Mommy, can we go to the park today?’
Amelia: ‘I think that’s a great idea. What do you say, Sophie? Want to join us?’
Sophie: ‘I’d love to.’
—
Later that afternoon, they arrived at the neighborhood park. Children laughed and played on the playground, and the scent of fresh grass filled the air.
Liam: Running ahead ‘Come on, Mommy! Let’s go on the swings!’
Amelia: ‘Alright, I’m coming!’
As they walked, Sophie nudged Amelia.
Sophie: ‘So, any prospects in the romance department?’
Amelia: Rolling her eyes playfully ‘Really, Sophie?’
Sophie: ‘What? I’m just curious.’
Amelia: ‘I’ve been a bit busy, in case you hadn’t noticed.’
Sophie: ‘You’re allowed to have a life, you know.’
Amelia: ‘Liam is my priority.’
Sophie: ‘I get that, but you deserve happiness too.’
Amelia sighed, watching Liam play.
Amelia: ‘I am happy.’
Sophie: ‘But maybe you could be happier.’
Amelia: Glancing at her ‘Are you trying to set me up?’
Sophie: Feigning innocence ‘Me? Never.’
They both laughed.
Amelia: ‘I appreciate the thought, but I’m fine. Really.’
Sophie: ‘Alright, I’ll drop it. For now.’
They sat on a bench as Liam joined a group of children playing tag.
Sophie: ‘He’s so social.’
Amelia: ‘He makes friends wherever he goes.’
An older woman approached them, smiling warmly.
Woman: ‘Excuse me, is that your son?’
Amelia: ‘Yes, that’s Liam.’
Woman: ‘He’s a delightful boy. My granddaughter is quite taken with him.’
Amelia smiled proudly.
Amelia: ‘Thank you. He’s a sweetheart.’
Woman: ‘It’s wonderful to see such kindness in children.’
She nodded and walked back to a nearby picnic table.
Sophie: ‘See? Everyone loves him.’
Amelia: ‘He has a good heart.’
They continued chatting as the afternoon sun began to dip lower.
—
Back at home, after Sophie had left, Amelia prepared dinner while Liam colored at the kitchen table.
Amelia: ‘What are you drawing now?’
Liam: ‘A rocket ship! I’m going to the moon!’
Amelia: ‘The moon? That’s far away.’
Liam: ‘I’ll bring you back a moon rock.’
Amelia: ‘I’d like that.’
The phone rang, and Amelia wiped her hands before answering.
Amelia: ‘Hello?’
Voice on the phone: ‘Is this Amelia Hart?’
Amelia: ‘Yes, who’s calling?’
Voice: ‘This is Dr. Reynolds from Silvercrest Elementary. I wanted to discuss Liam’s enrollment.’
Amelia: ‘Oh, of course. I’ve been meaning to call you back.’
Dr. Reynolds: ‘No problem. We just wanted to confirm his start date and schedule a meeting.’
Amelia: ‘That sounds great. When would be a good time?’
They arranged the details, and Amelia hung up, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension.
Amelia: Turning to Liam ‘Guess what, sweetheart? You’ll be starting school soon.’
Liam: Looking up ‘School? Like a big kid?’
Amelia: ‘Yes, like a big kid.’
Liam: ‘Will I make new friends?’
Amelia: ‘I’m sure you will.’
He smiled, but then his expression turned thoughtful.
Liam: ‘Mommy, will you be there with me?’
Amelia: ‘I’ll be there on your first day, but then you’ll get to learn and play with your teacher and classmates.’
Liam: ‘Okay.’
She sensed his uncertainty and walked over to kneel beside him.
Amelia: ‘Are you nervous?’
Liam: ‘A little.’
Amelia: ‘That’s okay. Trying new things can be scary, but I know you’ll do great.’
Liam: ‘Promise?’
Amelia: ‘Promise.’
—
That night, after putting Liam to bed, Amelia settled on the couch with her laptop. She opened her email and saw a message from an unfamiliar address.
Email Subject: ‘An Old Friend Reaching Out’
Curious, she opened it.
Email Content:
‘Dear Amelia,
It’s been a long time. I hope this message finds you well. There’s much I’d like to discuss, if you’re willing.
Best,
Xander’
Her heart skipped a beat. She hadn’t heard from Xander in years. Not since…
She closed the laptop abruptly, her mind racing.
Amelia: To herself ‘Why now?’
She took a deep breath, debating whether to respond.
The sound of footsteps startled her. Liam stood in the hallway, rubbing his eyes.
Liam: ‘Mommy, I can’t sleep.’
Amelia: Softening ‘Come here, sweetheart.’
He climbed onto the couch beside her.
Amelia: ‘What’s on your mind?’
Liam: ‘I had a dream about the castle and the knight.’
Amelia: ‘Was it a good dream?’
Liam: ‘I think so. But the knight was sad.’
She brushed a hand through his hair.
Amelia: ‘Why was he sad?’
Liam: ‘He lost something important.’
Amelia: ‘Did he find it again?’
Liam: ‘I don’t know.’
She hugged him close.
Amelia: ‘Sometimes, when we lose things, we find something even better.’
Liam: ‘Really?’
Amelia: ‘Really.’
He yawned, his eyelids drooping.
Liam: ‘Can I sleep here with you?’
Amelia: ‘Of course.’
She settled him beside her, pulling a blanket over them. As he drifted off to sleep, she gazed at his peaceful face.
Her thoughts returned to the email. What did Xander want? Should she reply?
She whispered softly to herself.
Amelia: ‘Maybe some doors are better left closed.’
But a part of her couldn’t deny the curiosity, the unresolved feelings.
—
The next morning, Amelia woke to find Liam already awake, watching cartoons quietly.
Amelia: ‘Good morning, early bird.’
Liam: ‘Morning, Mommy. I didn’t want to wake you.’
Amelia: Smiling ‘Thank you. Did you sleep well?’
Liam: ‘Yes. Can we have pancakes for breakfast?’
Amelia: ‘Pancakes it is.’
As she mixed the batter, the phone rang. She glanced at the caller ID—unknown number. Hesitating for a moment, she answered.
Amelia: ‘Hello?’
Voice: ‘Amelia, it’s Xander.’
Her grip tightened on the phone.
Amelia: ‘How did you get this number?’
Xander: ‘I have my ways. Please, don’t hang up.’
She took a deep breath.
Amelia: ‘What do you want?’
Xander: ‘I just want to talk. In person.’
Amelia: ‘It’s been years, Xander. Why now?’
Xander: ‘There are things I need to explain. Please.’
She glanced at Liam, who was happily munching on a piece of fruit.
Amelia: ‘I don’t think that’s a good idea.’
Xander: ‘I understand your hesitation, but it’s important.’
She felt a swirl of emotions—anger, curiosity, nostalgia.
Amelia: ‘I have to go.’
Xander: ‘Amelia, wait—’
She hung up, her heart pounding.
Liam: ‘Mommy, are you okay?’
She forced a smile.
Amelia: ‘I’m fine, sweetheart. How about those pancakes?’
He nodded enthusiastically.
—
Throughout the day, Amelia couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling. She decided to confide in Sophie.
At the café, they sat by the window, sipping their drinks.
Amelia: ‘Xander contacted me.’
Sophie: Eyes widening ‘What? When?’
Amelia: ‘He emailed last night and called this morning.’
Sophie: ‘What did he say?’
Amelia: ‘He wants to meet. Says he needs to explain things.’
Sophie: ‘Are you going to see him?’
Amelia: ‘I don’t know. Part of me wants to hear him out, but another part wants to keep the past buried.’
Sophie: ‘I can’t tell you what to do, but maybe closure would be good.’
Amelia: ‘Closure?’
Sophie: ‘You never really got it, did you?’
Amelia sighed.
Amelia: ‘No, I guess I didn’t.’
Sophie: ‘Just be careful. Protect yourself and Liam.’
Amelia: ‘Always.’
—
That evening, after putting Liam to bed, Amelia sat at her desk, staring at her laptop. She opened Xander’s email again.
Taking a deep breath, she began to type a response.
‘Xander,
I’m not sure meeting is a good idea, but if it’s really important, we can talk.
Amelia’
She hit send before she could change her mind.
Moments later, her phone buzzed with a new message.
Xander (Text): ‘Thank you. Can we meet tomorrow at the café on Elm Street? Noon?’
She hesitated before replying.
Amelia (Text): ‘Alright. I’ll be there.’
—
The next day, she arranged for Sophie to watch Liam, not wanting to bring him along until she knew more.
At the café, she arrived early, choosing a table near the window. Her nerves were on edge.
The door chimed, and Xander walked in. He looked much the same, though perhaps a bit more worn around the edges.
Xander: Approaching ‘Amelia.’
Amelia: ‘Hello, Xander.’
They sat down, an awkward silence settling between them.
Xander: ‘You look well.’
Amelia: ‘Thank you. Why did you want to meet?’
Xander: ‘I owe you an apology. And an explanation.’
Amelia: ‘It’s been three years. Don’t you think it’s a bit late?’
Xander: ‘I know, and I’m sorry. Circumstances kept me away.’
Amelia: ‘Circumstances?’
Xander: ‘There were threats—serious ones. I had to disappear to protect you and… our son.’
Her eyes narrowed.
Amelia: ‘You knew?’
Xander: ‘Yes. Marcus informed me after I left. I wanted to come back, but it wasn’t safe.’
Amelia: ‘So you stayed away, leaving me to raise him alone.’
Xander: ‘I thought it was the only way to keep you both safe.’
Amelia: ‘You could have told me. Give me a choice.’
Xander: ‘You’re right. I made the wrong decision.’
She looked out the window, emotions swirling.
Amelia: ‘So why now?’
Xander: ‘The threats have been neutralized. It’s finally safe.’
Amelia: ‘And you expect to just walk back into our lives?’
Xander: ‘No. I don’t expect anything. I just want a chance to be part of Liam’s life, if you’ll allow it.’
She met his gaze.
Amelia: ‘He’s a happy child. I won’t let anything disrupt that.’
Xander: ‘I would never hurt him. Or you.’
Amelia: ‘Trust is earned, Xander. And right now, I don’t trust you.’
He nodded slowly.
Xander: ‘I understand. I’m willing to do whatever it takes.’
She sighed.
Amelia: ‘I need time to think.’
Xander: ‘Of course. Take all the time you need.’
They sat in silence for a moment.
Amelia: ‘I should go.’
She stood up, and he followed suit.
Xander: ‘Thank you for meeting with me.’
Amelia: ‘Goodbye, Xander.’
As she walked away, he watched her, a mix of hope and regret in his eyes.
—
Back at home, Liam ran to greet her.
Liam: ‘Mommy! Aunt Sophie and I made cookies!’
Amelia: Smiling ‘Did you save any for me?’
Liam: ‘Maybe.’
Sophie emerged from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel.
Sophie: ‘How did it go?’
Amelia glanced at Liam.
Amelia: ‘We’ll talk later.’
Sophie nodded, understanding.
—
That night, after Liam was asleep, Amelia and Sophie sat on the porch, the cool night air surrounding them.
Sophie: ‘So?’
Amelia: ‘He wants to be part of Liam’s life.’
Sophie: ‘And how do you feel about that?’
Amelia: ‘Conflicted. Angry. But also… maybe it’s what’s best for Liam.’
Sophie: ‘Do you think you can trust him?’
Amelia: ‘I don’t know. But I think I need to give him a chance to prove himself.’
Sophie: ‘Just be careful.’
Amelia: ‘I will.’
—
Over the next few weeks, Amelia allowed Xander to visit, always under her supervision. Liam was shy at first but warmed up quickly to the new visitor.
Liam: ‘Mr. Xander, do you want to see my rocket ship?’
Xander: Smiling warmly ‘I’d love to.’
Amelia watched them from a distance, her emotions a complicated mix.
One afternoon, Liam turned to her.
Liam: ‘Mommy, can Mr. Xander come to my birthday party?’
She looked at Xander, who waited patiently for her response.
Amelia: ‘If you’d like that, sweetheart.’
Liam: ‘Yes!’
Xander: ‘Thank you.’
She nodded, a small smile forming.
—
As time passed, trust began to rebuild, slowly but surely. Amelia still held reservations, but seeing the joy Liam found in spending time with his father softened her heart.
One evening, after Liam was asleep, Xander approached her.
Xander: ‘I wanted to thank you for giving me this opportunity.’
Amelia: ‘I did it for Liam.’
Xander: ‘I know. But it means more to me than you can imagine.’
She met his gaze.
Amelia: ‘Don’t make me regret it.’
Xander: ‘I won’t.’
They stood in silence, the past and future converging in that moment.
—
Life continued, a new chapter unfolding. Amelia found herself cautiously optimistic about the future, embracing the new beginning that lay before them.