Mated with a human

chapter 18

Meanwhile, at Luke’s house…

Luke had already changed out of his school clothes. He spent the late afternoon helping his grandmother in the garden — trimming, watering, and laughing over old stories.

She smiled, her wrinkled hands patting the soil gently. “I tried reaching your aunty today, but I couldn’t get hold of her. Her phone’s always on… I wonder what happened.”

Luke looked up from where he was cutting the leaves. “Maybe she’s busy, Grandma. She’ll call when she’s free.”

By the time they finished, the sky had started turning orange. They packed up and went inside.

Luke climbed upstairs for a shower. But halfway through, his body began to ache — sharp, deep pain running through him.

He finished quickly, took some painkillers, and lay down on the bed, breathing heavily. The pain didn’t stop. Soon, his body gave in, and he drifted to sleep.

When his grandmother finished setting the dinner table, she went to call him — but found him fast asleep. She smiled faintly, covered him with a blanket, and left him to rest.

---

The next morning…

June woke up early, showered, dressed, and left for her weekend shift at the coffee shop.

She was the first one there — as always. She cleaned tables, arranged the chairs, and set everything in order before the others arrived.

By the time the place opened, customers started pouring in — one after another, until the café was full.

---

Across town…

Sofia was still asleep when someone quietly opened her bedroom door. Soft footsteps crossed the floor, and the mattress dipped slightly as someone sat beside her.

“Sofia…” the voice said gently.

Sofia stirred, recognizing it instantly. Her eyes fluttered open, and she smiled brightly. “Good morning, Mommy.”

Her mother smiled back, brushing her daughter’s hair down softly. “Morning, my beautiful princess. How are you feeling today? Any better? Should I take you to the hospital?”

Sofia stretched and sighed. “Mom, I’m fine. No need for the hospital.”

Her mother nodded. “Alright, if you say so. Your father’s in the study, working.”

Sofia frowned immediately. “But it’s the weekend! Does he really have to work this early? No way…” She got up, heading to the bathroom. “I never want that kind of job. Everyone deserves a free day. Can’t be working every single day!”

Her mother chuckled softly as Sofia closed the bathroom door. “Alright, alright,” she said quietly. “Just don’t take too long, breakfast’s almost ready.”

Then she left the room, closing the door behind her.

______

When she was done showering, Sofia wrapped a towel around herself and stepped out of the bathroom. She dried her hair quickly, changed into comfortable clothes, and slipped on her slippers before walking downstairs.

She found her aunty in the dining area, busy setting the table.

“Good morning, aunty,” Sofia greeted.

Her aunty looked up and smiled. “Good morning, dear. You’re up early.”

Sofia smiled back briefly, then turned and headed toward her father’s study.

Reaching the door, she paused for a moment, then raised her hand and knocked.

“Come in,” a voice said from inside.

She slowly opened the door and peeked in. Her father looked up from his laptop, and when he saw her, his face softened immediately. A warm smile spread across his face as he motioned for her to come closer.

Sofia walked in and gently closed the door behind her.

He was in the middle of a conference call. Sofia walked to his side and carefully sat on his lap. On the laptop screen, a man was speaking, and even when Sofia came into view, he continued talking like nothing had changed.

Sofia didn’t pay attention to the meeting. She simply leaned against her father, enjoying the warmth.

After a few moments, the call ended. Her father closed the laptop and kissed her cheek softly.

“How are you feeling?” he asked.

Sofia smiled. “I’m feeling so much better… especially now that both my parents are home.”

He smiled back, brushing her hair gently. Then they both stood up and walked out of the study together, heading to the dining area to have breakfast as a family.

---

Luke’s side

Luke woke up early that morning and took a quick shower. After dressing up, he went downstairs and started preparing breakfast for his grandmother.

Soon, his grandmother joined him, and they ate quietly, enjoying the peaceful morning.

After breakfast, she decided to go shopping.

“I’ll be fine on my own,” she insisted when Luke offered to go with her.

Luke didn’t argue. After she left, the house felt unusually quiet. Feeling bored, he turned on the TV and decided to watch a movie.

---

At the private villa

Dyran stirred in bed as sunlight streamed into the room. He groaned softly before getting up and heading to the bathroom.

As soon as he opened the door, he froze.

A girl was inside, taking a shower.

The steam blurred the glass, but her silhouette was clear enough for him to recognize her — the same girl he usually hooked up with whenever he went out.

Memories of the previous night flashed through his mind. It had been wild… one of those nights that left him drained but restless.

Without hesitation, he stepped closer, opened the shower door, and stepped inside.

Sensing his presence, she turned around and smiled, moving closer to him. Soon, the sound of running water drowned out everything else.

Back at the mansion

Gerald sat alone in his study, staring at nothing in particular, lost in thought.

A knock sounded on the door, and before he could respond, it opened. Cillian walked in, holding a cup of coffee.

She stopped when she noticed his distant expression.

Walking over, she gently turned his chair so he was facing her. That was when he finally noticed her.

She sighed. “Thinking about that dream again?”

Gerald avoided her gaze, taking the coffee and sipping it slowly.

“Gerald,” she said again, her voice softer now. “Who is Rose? It’s not the first time you’ve said that name in your sleep.”

At the mention of the name, Gerald stiffened.

His hand shook slightly, and as he took another sip, the hot coffee spilled onto his trousers.

“Damn it!” he growled, jumping up.

Cillian rushed forward, grabbing a towel and handing it to him. He wiped at it angrily, frustration etched deep into his face.

Without another word, he stormed out toward the bedroom to shower and change.

Cillian followed, instructing a maid to clean the study before entering the bedroom behind him.

Inside the bathroom, water ran over Gerald’s face as he closed his eyes.

And there she was again.

Rose.

Her face… the pain in her eyes.

He inhaled sharply and opened his eyes, gripping the sink as he took deep breaths.

Outside, Cillian laid out clean clothes and waited silently on the couch.

When Gerald finally came out, dressed, she stood up.

“Gerald,” she began carefully. “We really need to talk. Is there something I should know?”

He paused.

“What do you want to know?” he asked flatly.

“Who is Rose?” she asked without hesitation.

Gerald swallowed hard.

“She’s not someone you should worry about,” he said after a moment. “She’s from my past. She’s gone.”

Cillian didn’t look convinced. “Gone… as in someone you loved?”

Gerald’s jaw tightened.

“I’ve said enough,” he snapped. “This conversation ends here. Never mention her name to me again.”

As he turned to leave, Cillian spoke again, her voice trembling. “How can you expect me to stay quiet when my husband keeps calling another woman’s name in his sleep?”

That was when he lost control.

“STOP IT!” he roared, his voice carrying through the mansion like thunder. “I said enough!”

The house fell silent.

Servants rushed out of the way as Gerald stormed out of the mansion, driving off alone without guards.

Cillian remained frozen in the bedroom.

Only when the silence settled did a tear slip down her cheek.

She wiped it away quickly.