Becoming Alpha’s Personal Caretaker
Chapter 173

Victor's

POV

I am thankful that my stomach is not empty or else I will be very gassy at this very moment. I would be creating a very bad impression of me to the woman who has been observing me since I set foot on her house. We were in the living room, Lauren and I. Grandmother Anna was seated in front of me while my mate was beside me in a love seat. Her eyes were on me.

I am identified as one, if not the most, formidable alphas among the tribes but here I am, fidgeting under the scrutiny of a woman under five feet. Anyone who encountered me in the past would be laughing now. Who would have thought that I, Alpha Victor of Full Moon Tribe, would be flush at the sight of Miss Anna?

This is the first time that I met Lauren's grandmother. I am also here to get the woman's blessing on Lauren and I's mating.

Although Lauren and I are mates blessed by the Moon Goddess, I still wanted to get the blessing of the woman who guided the woman I love into a wonderful woman that she is now. I still wanted to be in the good side of the person who means a lot to the person I planned to spend the rest of my life with.

Our staring contest halted when someone knocked by the door. I breathed easier when I saw Richard.

My beta bowed his head when we turned to him. His hands were full of shopping bags. Those were gifts for Miss Anna.

I had the hard time deciding on what to give her. I knew that the woman could afford to buy herself anything that she fancied but still, I wanted to give her present when I see her for the first time. I will still do it for the rest of my life if she granted her blessing on my mating with Lauren.

"Who might you be?" The older woman asked.

"This is my beta, Richard." I introduced.

Grandma Anna waved at Richard to enter. The beta drew near and bowed again at the older woman.

"These are presents for you, Miss Anna. Please accept them." I said. It did not escape my ears the gasped that went out of Lauren's mouth.

"All of them?" My mate asked. She was clearly bewildered.

I nodded.

Richard placed the bags on the floor. He bowed his head and left the cabin.

"Please do not see this as a bribe in order to buy your blessing, Miss Anna. On my defense, I did not want to be here empty handed." I clarified while staring into the eyes of the woman.

"Victor, this is too much. Looking at the tags, they are quite expensive, too." Lauren muttered while looking at the presents. "I recognized that orange bag even from afar."

I released a sigh.

Previously, my love language, not that I loved a lot of women in the past, was to give expensive things. Most of the time, it was received very warmly. Any indifferent attitude changes at the sight of a luxurious brand.

I should have known that the purse would not be appreciated this much. Lauren is a level-headed woman. There is no way that she got it somewhere other than the older woman in front of me.

I have ordered it online a while back with the thought of Miss Anna to go bag.

"I appreciate you doing this but your mere presence here is more important, Alpha Victor."

"Please call me Victor, Miss Anna."

To my relief, a hint of smile showed on the older woman's lips.

"Please seat, Victor. Thank you for the gifts."

"No, I thank you. Not only for being the best mentor and family for Lauren but also for welcoming me in your home."

"You knew the right words to say, Victor."

"I am only stating a fact. I personally experience how wonderful Lauren is. I knew that it was because of you."

"Maybe this is the part where I would I agree with Mila. I would like to see you walk on water."

I frowned and turned to Lauren when Miss Anna said that. My mate is giggling beside me.

"Please pretend that you did not hear that, my Alpha."

I nodded. I will ask Lauren about it some other time.

"Would like to have some dessert?"

"Please say yes. She baked a killer strawberry shortcake." My mate said with a wide smile on her lips.

"Your favorite?" "Yes."

"I would love to have dessert, Miss Anna. Lauren loves strawberry shortcake very much. To hear that you baked one and she loves it, must have been to die for."

"He has a sweet mouth, child." With a smile, Miss Anna stood up. Let's head to the dining area. Melinda prepared coffee for us, too. Well, tea for me."

I grabbed Lauren's hand and intertwined our fingers as we followed behind her grandmother.

The smell of freshly brewed coffee and the chamomile tea greeted my nose the moment we entered the pristine dining area.

Miss Anna occupied the head of the table while Lauren and I sat beside each other. Beside the cup of each drink were a slice of the coveted shortcake. Even at a distance, I could smell the sweet and citrusy scent of the strawberries. Lauren was right. The strawberry shortcake was to die for. It was the perfect match for the black coffee that has been served.

I have no words. No wonder, Lauren loves this particular cake. She was also very particular on where to buy one. She has a great proviso.

"I hope it is to your taste."

"Indeed, Miss Anna. It was a pleasure to have tried this. Thank you."

The woman smiled at me. I smiled back since I have felt the tension has finally ebbed a great fraction between us.

"I have one more thing to ask you, Victor."

I swallowed the spoonful of the cake before I gave the woman my full attention. I am halfway done with the portion that has been given to me.

"I am all ears, ma'am."

"What is your take about mates?"

I took a deep breath. I thought of Serena and the relationship that we had. I had to compare it with Lauren and I's bond. Although it was quite different since Serena and I's mating was of convenience than personal.

I knew that my answer will make or break Lauren and I's mating. I also knew that I have to be honest. The old woman will realize if I am being untrue.

"I have high regards with mates or in mating in particular, Miss Anna." I started. "In the past, I have asked a woman's hand in marriage as an obligation to the tribe. I have to present a woman so that my tribe will have a Luna. So that I will have an heir that would succeed my position as an alpha."

I gazed at Lauren who was chilling beside me. I felt no tension or angst coming from her. I am glad that my mate felt secure despite the mention of my ex-fiancée.

"I have no reason to disrespect a mate, Miss Anna. Although my previous mate was of my choosing, I did not once cheats on her until the day that she broke our engagement." I continued.

"What was the reason why she chose to leave you?"

"Because she thought that I will be disable for life. There was also a possibility that I will be stripped of my position as an alpha since my wolf became dormant because of my battle against a witch."

"Did you choose Lauren because she healed you and made your wolf returned?"

I chuckled. "Believe me, Miss Anna. I have doubts when Lauren told me that she will help me walk again. I became a skeptic when I lost my wolf. My disbelief on her became tenfold when she promised me that I will have my wolf back. That time, I did not know that we're mates since my wolf was no show. Moreover, what she said about making me walk again might be a hearsay but I have nothing to lose. I already lost everything."

"But?"

I stared at my mate. The woman that has been gifted to me by the Moon Goddess beamed at me as she continue eating her share of the shortcake.

"She made me believe again. My respect for her was so great that I am willing to be her defender for the rest of my life."

"That's him telling me that he loves me, Grandma." Lauren said with a grin.

"Miss Anna, I am here to ask for your blessing. Lauren is my true mate. She was a gift that I never ask but has been given to me by the Moon Goddess. I am a very lucky man." I disclosed as I turned to the older woman again. "I promise to protect her and be the person that she needs. I will love no one but her until the day that I die."

A tear fell on Miss Anna's cheeks. More followed.

"I will hold on to your promise, Victor."

"Yes, ma'am."

"Call me, Grandma."

I glanced at Lauren when I heard her sniff. My Luna was crying but happiness is shining in her eyes. Without looking at the mirror, I knew that my eyes were misty, too. Finally, I got the blessings from Grandma Anna.