Chapter 33

Olivia adjusted her dress and took a deep breath as she pushed open the door to her home. The familiar scent of warmth and comfort washed over her, a stark contrast to the whirlwind of emotions she had been trying to keep at bay. Before she could even set her things down, Kylian rushed towards her, his small arms wrapping around her legs in a tight hug.

"Mommy!" he exclaimed, his voice bubbling with excitement. Olivia couldn’t help but smile as she bent down to scoop him up into her arms. The weight of him, his giggles, and his bright blue eyes were an anchor in the midst of the storm raging inside her.

"Hey, sweetheart," she murmured, kissing the top of his head. "Did you have fun today?"

Kylian’s face lit up even more, if that was possible, as he launched into a rapid-fire recount of his day. "It was so fun, Mommy! There were rides and candy and, oh, oh! Aunt Helen found a new boyfriend!"

Olivia blinked in surprise and looked over Kylian’s head at Helen, who was standing in the doorway, looking slightly guilty. Helen offered a sheepish smile and a small wave, clearly aware of how this might sound to Olivia.

"Oh, really?" Olivia replied, trying to keep her tone light as she set Kylian down. "Why don’t you go to your bed, and I’ll be there in a minute?"

Kylian nodded enthusiastically and dashed off, his little feet pattering against the floor. Olivia turned to Helen, who was already stepping forward, wringing her hands nervously.

"Olivia, I’m so sorry," Helen started, her voice trembling slightly. "I lost Kylian at the funfair. Just for a moment, I swear. He got distracted, and before I knew it, he was gone. I panicked, and I was searching everywhere, and then... this handsome guy found him and was looking after him."

Olivia’s heart skipped a beat; the protective instincts flared up for a split second. But as she took in Helen’s genuine remorse, she softened.

"It’s okay, Helen," Olivia said gently, pulling her into a comforting hug. "You found him, and he’s safe. That’s all that matters."

Helen exhaled a shaky breath, her relief palpable as she hugged Olivia back. "I was so scared," she whispered. "But this guy—Carlisle—he was so kind, and... well, he’s the one I mentioned. The ’new boyfriend,’ as Kylian called him."

Olivia pulled back slightly, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "So, Carlisle, huh? Tell me more."

Helen’s cheeks flushed a deep pink, and she looked away, but Olivia could see the sparkle in her eyes. "He’s...he’s amazing, Olivia. He was so sweet with Kylian, making sure he was okay and not scared. And then, when we were talking, he was just... I don’t know; I’ve never felt like this before. I’m completely smitten."

Olivia chuckled softly, leading Helen to the living room, where they both sat down. "You deserve to be happy, Helen. If Carlisle makes you feel this way, then I’m happy for you."

Helen smiled, though it was a little shy. "I just... I feel like I’m in high school again, getting all fluttery over a guy. But he’s so handsome and kind."

Olivia listened as Helen gushed about Carlisle, feeling warmth in her chest. Glad to see her so excited and hopeful.

"And he seems really interested in me, too," Helen continued, her voice filled with a mix of disbelief and excitement. "He asked if we could meet up again, maybe for coffee or something."

Olivia smiled, nodding encouragingly. "You should go. Enjoy yourself. You deserve it."

Helen’s grin widened. "I think I will. But I promise I’ll be more careful with Kylian next time. I’d never want to put him—or you—through that again."

Olivia reached out and squeezed Helen’s hand. "I know you wouldn’t. And thank you for always being there for us, Helen. "

Helen’s eyes shimmered with emotion as she squeezed Olivia’s hand back.

They shared a laugh, but then Helen’s expression turned curious. "So... what about your date? How did it go?"

Olivia felt her face heat up, and she quickly turned away, trying to hide the flush creeping up her cheeks. "It was fine," she replied a little too quickly, focusing on adjusting a stray cushion on the couch.

Helen’s eyes narrowed with playful suspicion. "Just fine? Come on, Olivia, you’ve got to give me more than that!"

Olivia felt the heat rising in her cheeks as Helen’s curious gaze bore into her. The memory of her evening with Asher was still fresh—too fresh.

"Uh, I just realized... Kylian should have been in bed ages ago," Olivia blurted out, seizing on the first excuse that came to mind. She cast a quick glance in the direction where Kylian was playing, his toys scattered across the living room floor. "I need to get him settled for the night."

"Of course, go ahead. We can talk more later."

Olivia nodded quickly, grateful for the easy out. She turned and walked briskly towards Kylian, who was still engrossed in his game.

"Okay, buddy, time for bed," she announced, her voice filled with the forced cheerfulness of a mother trying to avoid any arguments. Kylian looked up at her, his little face scrunching in disappointment.

"But I’m not tired yet!" he protested; his blue eyes wide with innocence.

Olivia kneeled beside him, her heart softening. "I know, sweetie, but it’s getting late. You can tell me all about your funfair adventures tomorrow, okay?"

Kylian sighed dramatically but didn’t argue further. He allowed Olivia to scoop him up, wrapping his arms around her neck as she carried him to his room. She settled Kylian under the covers.

She brushed a strand of hair from his forehead, her fingers lingering for a moment. "Did you have a good time with Aunt Helen today?"

Kylian nodded, his eyes already starting to droop. "Uh-huh. It was fun. I like the funfair. And I liked Carlisle too."

"I’m glad," Olivia whispered, leaning down to kiss his forehead. "Now, close your eyes and get some sleep, okay?"

Kylian mumbled something incoherent in response, already halfway to dreamland. Olivia watched him for a moment, her heart swelling with love and protectiveness.

***

Carlisle walked into the bar, his steps a little slower than usual, and his expression a mix of confusion and wonder. Spotting Asher, he made his way over and slid onto the stool next to him. Asher glanced at him, raising an eyebrow.

"Weren’t you supposed to be on a date?" Carlisle asked, his tone curious.

Asher let out a small, bitter chuckle. "Yeah, the date’s over. We called it a night."

Carlisle nodded, though his mind seemed elsewhere. His usually sharp eyes were dazed, and he appeared almost dreamy. Asher noticed and frowned slightly.

"Where have you been?" Asher asked, genuinely curious.

Carlisle took a deep breath, as if trying to steady himself. "I was at the fun fair. And... I found my mate."

Asher’s eyes widened in surprise. "Your mate? That’s... unexpected."

"Yeah," Carlisle continued, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "She’s human."

Asher stared at him for a moment, then let out a low whistle. "A human mate, huh? That’s going to be interesting."

Carlisle nodded, still looking a bit dazed. "She’s... amazing. I’ve never felt anything like this before. It’s like my world just shifted."

Asher looked at his friend, a mixture of envy and happiness swirling inside him. "Good luck with that, Carlisle. Don’t screw it up like I did."

Carlisle turned to look at Asher, sensing the weight behind those words. "You didn’t screw it up, Asher. It’s just... complicated."

"Complicated doesn’t even begin to cover it," Asher muttered, taking another sip of his drink.

"But if you’ve found your mate, Carlisle, hold on to her. Don’t let anything come between you two."

Carlisle nodded. "I won’t. I’ll make sure of that."

Asher clinked his glass against Carlisle’s, a silent toast to newfound mates and the challenges they both knew were ahead.