In an instant, Fenris's demeanor changed as he turned toward me again.
"Oh?" I continued to mumble.
He walked towards me.
Did I... fuck up?
"Hey, do you truly love Rem, Alijah?" He asked.
Finally, something I could answer wholeheartedly, without even thinking twice.
"I do, love her beyond my wildest imagination," I answered.
He smiled gently, shaking his head before shifting his gaze.
"Well, that was something I needed to confirm personally. She's my baby girl, after all." He breathed.
Ah... Your heart only knows love. That's why you can smile so peacefully.
"Yeah, she told me how close you two were," I commented without thinking.
Fenris growled. "You mean are," he corrected.
It seemed I had stepped into a pitfall.
Oops…
"Ah, yeah. Sorry." I mumbled, scratching my head.
Damn it, Alijah sometimes you just got to think before you say something.
I wasn't trying to start any fights.
Ever since meeting Rem, I have wanted nothing else but to be at peace with her.
"It's interesting to see how you are. Well, compared to when I met you all those years ago. You have a gentler air around you." He noted, raising his eyebrows at me.
I tilted my head a bit again.
Huh? Rem also said that in her journals, but I don't really feel…
"Do I? I don't know. I feel the same, honestly. Maybe freer than I was from my temper." I bit my lip.
Everything comes back to you, Rem. You keep saving me from myself like always. Without you, I'm not grounded at all.
"My daughter did that. Didn't she?" Fenris asked, prompting my gaze to meet his.
"Yes, she did," I answered.
He smiled before suddenly punching me in the face, and I lost my balance and tumbled onto the ground because of it. For a moment, I was stunned, but it wasn't long before I realized what had happened, breaking out in a slight cackle.
This wolf… You… are…
There was no doubt in my mind that I probably deserved that for my past actions and the fact I fell for his baby girl when I pinned for his wife when we first met.
"That was for kissing my wife all those years ago and for letting my daughter fall into this predicament." He informed me, gazing down from where he stood.
I couldn't help but break out in laughter because of it. This family was insane.
Don't you know I can blow this world if I want? I'm just being nice because you're her father, and if something were to happen to you. She… wouldn't like it. Ah… Rem… You changed me; please come back already. I… don't…
"Noted, won't happen again, sir," I said, licking my lip, which had cracked open from his blow.
However, it soon disappeared as if it had never happened.
"You really have changed. Good." Fenris chuckled, feeling better after pulling one over me.
"Hah… You're just lucky she's your blood. Also, don't misunderstand my submissive cues about what I can do." I growled.
"Well, it's good to know I get a pass because I'm going to be your father-in-law, as odd as that sounds." He smirked as I sighed.
Eh… That's…
"Don't you know there are better ways to test someone than smashing into their face with your fist, Fenris?" I huffed, glowering at him.
In an instant, all my annoyance lifted when he beamed his radiant smile, and for a moment, I felt Rem was before me.
"Oh, I know... But it's better this way." He chuckled, reaching down to help me to my feet.
It reminded me of what Rem had told me. "Alijah, come with me if you want to live!"
Ah… You really are… father and daughter.
My heart was wide open, unable to close fast enough as I went to grab his hand, only for him to shatter any of my remaining walls.
"Alijah, come. Let's save my daughter together." Fenris grinned, prompting my strong demeanor to crumble.
It allowed all the agony I had been holding back to flood in as I still saw her within him. My eyes widened, unable to digest what he had said.
Eh… I… This family… I…
Before I knew it, tears streamed down my cheeks, causing Fenris to tilt his head in concern.
"Oi, are you okay?" He breathed, leaning down toward me as I covered my face with m! Shit!" I broke as my nerves finally got the better of me.
I had sounded so confident, but I didn't know if…
"This will work, right? Rem will come back to me, right? I really can't… lose her." I second-guessed myself.
Everything I tried to hold together felt like it was falling apart as a similar despair filled me. However, before I could entirely fall there, Fenris suddenly pulled me into his chest, radiating a warmth I hadn't felt before.
Why… are you all… First, Caden brought me food, then Lilith accepted me, and now Fenris...
This entire family shattered every single wall I had.
Ah… Why couldn't I have found them sooner? It… hurts, Rem… How do I make it stop?
"Hah, you really are just a kid, like my babies. It's okay, Alijah. Even if this doesn't work, we'll find a way to get to her. So, don't give up. We'll get her back. No matter what, for you and for us who adore her." Fenris reassured me as I couldn't help but weep like a tiny cub in his arms.
"I'm sorry we adults failed you back then. I promise no one will hurt you like that here." He added as I couldn't stop myself from letting the pain leak out.
Everything I held back suddenly was so hard to keep bottled up. My father had passed before I could have any memories of him.
Is this how it feels to have one? To have someone care about me?
I thought Rem was one in a million, but it appeared this entire family was exceptional. Placing Vera aside, I couldn't help but feel bliss with them. The little Luma who kept pushing herself into my heart had brought me this miracle, and I didn't know what to do with it.
"Oi... if you break, who'll go save her?" Caden suddenly said from behind us, startling me.
This brat... You're another one that is digging into me! Argh… Why do I feel like I don't want to win this fight?
"Even if I shatter into a million pieces, I'll still save her! No matter what, I'll make sure she opens her eyes and smiles at me again." I huffed, wiping my face.
The twin smiled at me, placing his hands on his hips.
"That look fits you better. Oh, scary, Alijah." Caden teased.
I wanted to say more, but Fenris came to my aid before I could. After all, he knew his son best.
"Hm... I don't know why you're acting so tough. After all, you cried before you went—" He started, only to be interrupted by the young pup.
"Oi! Shut up, Dad! He doesn't need to know that!" The silver wolf growled at his father.
I chuckled, remembering when Lucan and I went at it with my mother as a referee. Perhaps I could fit into this world after losing everything.
I just need you… Here with me.
"That time when you were so close to finding us. I swear I heard your voice squeak a bit." I shot back, feeling more like myself.
Caden's cheeks turned bright pink once again.
"Why you little—" He was about to snap, but I couldn't help but laugh.
Geez, they're all like you, Rem. You did mention growing up close to your brothers and father, but this is a bit too much.
"Thank you for everything," I breathed, feeling each step lighter.
It was like the rest of the chains that held me to my past slowly melted away, leaving me free to pursue the future before me. The tone in my voice caused both silver wolves to gaze at me, and then they were met with their radiant smiles.
This warmth you grew up with - there's no wonder how you destroyed every wall I ever built. Even now, I'm wagging my tail like an idiot, and I don't care.
There was no stopping Rem when she wanted something, just like there was no stopping me from reaching her.
"Let's go save her." I beamed, feeling lighter than ever before.
Yes… This family is worth getting to know and letting in, even if it scares me.
"Heck, yeah! Let's do this!" Caden pumped his fist into the air as I shifted my gaze toward Fenris, who used to be someone I thought I'd dislike, but…
There's no wonder Lily fell in love with you. I'm glad it was you because without you, there would be no Rem, which would've been a tragedy. Thank you for bringing her into this world and loving her, but from now on, I'll be the one loving her the most, okay?
"Where is Aiden? I thought you went to go get the ingredients." Fenris asked as I
"Oh… Well, Sophie joined him, and I felt like a third wheel again." Caden pouted, puffing his cheeks.
Turning to the rose garden allowed me to drift off into the colors as the two conversed behind me.
Rem, you really are an idiot. Fenris is proud of you beyond what you believe, and most importantly, he loves you so much that he's willing to put up with me. Your family is wonderful. So, rest easy. You will never be a burden to any of them.
Even the cranky witch that hates me adores you. I can finally tell why you told me to spare them, but a world without you has no meaning. So... you better come back to me.