CHAPTER 41

DOMINIC’S POV.
We drove in relevant silence, me keeping a watch at the passing trees. I couldn't help being watchful for any unnatural movements within them. I was relieved not to see any but my nerves were still a little on edge after last night. I released a big sigh of relief when we arrived at the school that housed the orphaned pups. We passed the gates and as we neared the building, the sounds of children's laughter and playful chatter reached my ears. I couldn’t help but smile at this. They sounded so carefree, so unaware of the dangers outside of these gates and I so wished that they would be spared to ever go through such things. But to be honest, I was sure that some of them must have already experienced their share of the outside world.
As we near the house, the kids' faces seemed to light up as they spotted us coming. I sneaked a look at Mia. She had a soft smile on her lips as she watched the children running towards our car. She looked better. A stark contrast between the joyful atmosphere that enveloped us and the darkness of the previous night. I was glad that I decided to bring Mia with me today.
As I observed Mia's reaction to seeing the pups again, I felt a new appreciation and insight to her compassion and kindness. It illuminated the space around her and I wanted to be close to that.
At first, I thought her sensitivity to the events of last night was a weakness but then I also saw her courage and resilience burst through as she risked her life to come back to me. At first I was angry, but I realized that, even though she was scared, that she would risk it all to defend those she cared about. That was all I could think it could be because why else would she have come running back into danger? I wondered. Whatever the reasoning, I was now more convinced that she would be able to navigate this unfamiliar part of our world.
We came to a stop and were immediately surrounded with smiling, happy faces. Without waiting for me to come around and open the door for her, Mia had already gotten out and immersed herself among the children, her face aglow with genuine warmth, her laughter intertwining with the pups.
“Luna, Luna, Luna!” The young pups chorused as each one tried to win her attention. This brought a small smile to my face. The young ones had already accepted her as their female leader. I watched her as she hugged the children and greeted all of them. Some of the younger pups that were shorter than the others had wrapped their arms around her legs and waist and I uttered an inaudible laugh at the sight. Mia laughed and turned to me, asking me in silence for help and I laughed.
“Hello pups.” I greeted them and it was then they realized I was there as well. I got instantly swarmed by little arms and grabby hands and I greeted them all. “Why don’t you all run along and tell the adults we are here.” I say kindly. There was a lot of nodding before the group stormed off towards the house, seeing who would be first. I shook my head at their antics and so did Mia.
We started to walk towards the house, side by side. “Have you ever worked in a school setting?" I asked. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw her looking towards me but I kept my gaze on the house in front of me. I was curious to know more about her. Dhe interacted with the children so effortlessly that it made me wonder if she had worked with kids before.
"Yes actually, I volunteered as a psychological counselor at an elementary school last year.” She spoke and I looked at her then. Her eyes sparkled with a warmth that I had only rarely seen on her. She had a slight blush on her cheeks and I found myself staring at her lips. They looked so plumb and I wondered if they were as soft as they looked.
"I loved it." She continued to speak, bringing me back to the present. "I always loved kids and I wanted to help them cope and overcome their difficulties. To help them understand the struggles they are going through." Her gaze drifted towards the kids at the house and another one of those smiles materialized on her face. "I find their minds and curiosity quite intriguing and the way they can adjust to their surroundings is remarkable. " She says, passion and sincerity was evident in her voice.
She was right, I thought as my gaze drifted to some of the kids. She saw so much potential in these kids, just like I did. I nodded, a plan forming in my mind. I mind linked Molly, one of the school teachers. She was a qualified educator.
We finally came to a stop in front of the house. The pups were running circles around us in joyful laughter and I watched how Mia laughed at their antics. “Mia.” I called to get her attention. She looked at me with a light in her eyes. “How would you like to work with the little ones?” I asked. Mia looked surprised but it was quickly masked with a bright smile. “Can I?... That would be wonderful.” She exclaimed and I smiled back at her. “I am glad to hear that.” I said and as if on cue, Gamma Nathan, his wife, Cassie and the teacher I mind linked, Molly walked out of the house. They were all smiling and greeted us with enthusiasm.
“Mia. You remember Gamma Nathan and Cassie.” I spoke as I shook hands with my Gamma. Mia nodded and I turned to Molly. “And this is Molly.” I introduced her to Mia as I turned to the teacher who was looking expectantly from me and then to Mia. ”She is the school’s educator. I would like Molly to show you how things work around here with the young ones.” I said and Molly looked slightly surprised, but happy, whilst Mia looked excited.”You don’t mind, do you Molly?” I asked although she would not have a say in the matter. I was her alpha after all.
“Not at all alpha.” She said with a smile and she immediately took Mia under her wing as she swept Mia away from me, my Gamma and his wife.
I watched as Molly began guiding and advising Mia as they maneuvered through the children. I observed Mia's nervousness fade away to confidence with every passing moment she spent with Molly and the pups. With newfound ease, Mia captivated the youngsters' attention and interests. The pups responded to her in kind, their faces lighting up as some of them wrapped themselves around her legs again. It was mesmerizing to watch as Mia's natural talent emerged. Her ability to connect with the children on their level seemed so easy and this was proof that she would be the perfect future Luna for my pack.
As the activities drew to a close, Mia helped Molly and my Gammas to usher the young ones inside for dinner where she soon returned to my side. "Thank you." she said. A smile on her face. "I really enjoyed this. Would it be possible…” She spoke and stopped, suddenly looking unsure. “Can I come back? To spend time with the pups again, I mean." She asked. I found myself smiling at her again. "Of course." I replied and I meant it. “You can come here whenever you want to. You just need to tell me what you need and I will get them for you.” I said and her eyes lit up at that.
With the kids inside and the adults tending to their hungry needs, our visit was at an end. I didn’t want it to end. “You know, this was such a great day… I don't really feel like going back just yet.” She spoke. It was like she read my mind but I didn't say it. I merely nodded. “How about a walk?” I offered. “That would be nice.” She said, accepting the offer and my heart did a little loop inside my chest.
As we strolled towards the lakeside on the other side of the orphanage, the vibrant rays of the sunset danced across the still water. There was an unsettling sense of comfort as we walked closely together. It felt like we were a couple taking a romantic stroll in the sunset, even though we were not holding hands. Suddenly, a cold realization dawned on me. My growing dependence on her presence and the possessiveness over her and to keep her close had uncontainable emotions banging in my chest. I have always prided myself on my control but this woman has managed to breach my defenses and was consuming my mind. I couldn’t allow that to happen. I refused to acknowledge the depth of my feelings, because if I did, it would make me vulnerable to my enemies. That thought sent a chill down my back as I thought about what could be at stake if I gave into my feelings… I had to remain strong and not delve deeper into my emotions for her.