Who told Artin about it?
And what exactly was he being told?
“You’re my REAL father, aren’t you?” Artin questioned.
“Who told you this? Your Mamma or Papa?”
“No One,” Artin replied, shaking his head. “Everyone says that I look like you. And that’s possible only when they’re blood-related. Uncle Colton and Uncle Calvin look like G. Pa Brandon.” He reasoned out. “In the same way, Papa looks like Grandpa Lorenzo, and except for my hair, I look like you.”
Santino didn’t know what to say then because he literally had no idea what to answer Artin and how to deal with his questions.
“Artin…” Santino tried to touch him, but he moved back, not letting Santino touch him.
“Why did you leave me?” Artin questioned, and tears started forming in his eyes. “Am I… am I that hard to love?” He quickly wiped the tears from his cheeks.
“There are things that you can’t understand at this age, but you know that you’re not at all hard to love; otherwise, Caroline and Artemis won’t be loving you more than their life. Hmm.” Santino explained, maintaining distance from him.
“I know at this moment; I will be the last person with whom you want to talk or trust my words but talk about it with your Mamma or Papa about it, okay?” Santino said, on which Artin kept glaring at him.
‘Where the hell are you, Arti!’ Santino thought and was about to mind linked him when Artin spoke.
“Don’t tell about this to Papa and Mamma.” Saying this, Artin left with the box of the doll and the gift wrapper.
‘Did he just order me to keep my mouth shut?’ Santino asked himself, to which his wolf laughed at him. ‘Whether he wants or not, his parents should know what is going on in his little mind.’
‘Agree. Because he is your blood and flesh, and there is no way he can take things in the right way.’ His wolf added.
‘OR… OR someone is misguiding him in the pack.’ Santino’s eyes widened when he realized that part. It was clear that neither Artemis nor Caroline had told him about it. At the same time, he knew other of his family members wouldn’t tell Artin about it, at least not in this way.
*
“So, what do you think about this watch?” Caroline asked while shopping with Artemis. After Christmas, it was Colton’s and Calvin’s birthdays on 31st December and 1st January, respectively. So, she was buying gifts for them as per their choice.
“I love it,” Artemis responded.
“Seriously? You’re saying, ‘I love it to all the watches.” Caroline frowned.
“That’s because I hate shopping.” Artemis finally admitted.
“You have changed. Earlier, you used to enjoy shopping with me.”
“I only enjoy shopping when I have to shop for anything related to you or Artin. Trust me, that man is faking it if he admits that he enjoys shopping with his brother-in-law.” Caroline kept glaring at her mate and then sighed. At least Artemis was himself rather than faking it.
“My shopping is almost done. Get Mcdonald's meals for Artin and Xav. I will join you there.”
“You sure?”
“Obviously. In this way, we will reach the pack as soon as possible. Artin will be waiting for us.” Agreeing with Caroline, Artemis left from there. At the same time, he felt someone bugging his mind. He opened the mindlink to talk with the person who was trying to contact him.
‘Where are you?’ Santino asked out of nowhere.
‘I didn’t remember that we share that kind of relationship in which you can ask my location.’ Artemis replied.
Santino controlled his anger before speaking, ‘Artin came to know that I’m his real father. I don’t know how but he asked me not to tell either you or Caroline about the same.’
‘Fuck!’
Santino disconnected the mind link without asking him to come soon, knowing he would be at pack soon.
*
“Sarah!! Artin finds out that San is his real father.” Artemis said, dragging her quickly from the mall.
“Why are you dragging me like a baby? Did you buy what Artin liked the most?” Caroline questioned in a calm down.
“Do you even hear me out?”
“I had already heard your thoughts when your body got tensed after hearing Santino’s words,” Caroline replied. “And there is nothing to worry about like this. One day to other, he was going to find out about it. The thing is how he is going to take this news. And most importantly, if he wants to keep this a secret from us, then let's keep it in the same way.”
“But why?”
“To understand what exactly he is thinking. He is still a baby, hon. He can’t keep secrets from us for long. So, relax about that part and first find out how he figured out this information on his own. And who talks about it near him.”
*
“She hits again.” Xavier cried happily, touching his mother’s baby bump. His mother smiled, caressing his hair.
“May I feel the same?” Artin asked, wondering how exactly it felt.
“Sure, Artin. You’re also her big brother. Come here.” She said on which Artin reached near her and touched her bump, and after a while, he too felt it.
“She hits,” Artin exclaimed.
“I.. I told you.” Xavier said. “Let me… let me call the dad.” Saying this, he ran away happily.
“Xav, be careful, son.” His mother yelled behind him and then smiled at his excitement.
.
#TBC