Chapter 10: Standing Up Against His Father For His Mother
Chapter 10: Standing Up Against His Father For His Mother
Chapter 10: Standing Up Against His Father For His Mother
Over the course of the carriage's journey over the dirt lane that led to the estate, the sky was decorated with the gentle colors of the setting sun.
With a satisfied expression on his face, Alaric leaned back in his seat and half-closed his eyes.
On the other side of him, Kara sat with her hands neatly folded in her lap, but her gaze continued to linger on him with a confusing mixture of feelings.
Even though she made an effort to maintain her composure, the way in which her dark, soft eyes flickered to him and then away said a lot. She was struggling to make sense of her thoughts, and her passions were seething just below the surface.
Kara had been with the family for a considerable amount of time, which was sufficient for her to acquire sentiments that she was not entirely certain how to deal with.
As a matter of fact, Alaric was a great deal younger than she was. The way he constantly appeared to toy with her body, his touch somehow kindling a thirst inside her, was not consistent with his little face and hands, which were characteristic of a youngster.
There was something irresistible about the way he handled her voluptuous figure, the way he appeared to take pleasure to tease her, even though he was not fully aware of the impact that his actions had on her.@@@@
At the very least, it was what she believed.
Kara had no idea that Alaric was so much more than a simple, innocent young man.
It was the soul of a man who had lived before, reincarnated, and possessed the memories of his prior existence that was contained within his youthful body.
A man who was completely aware of what he was doing. It goes without saying that Alaric had no intention of divulging this information to anybody, not even Kara and not even his mother.
It served as the basis for his strength, and in this world, that strength was the most important thing.
Kara's stare lingered on Alaric for a microsecond longer than it should have, and Alaric was able to catch it. He gave her a grin and moved even closer to her as he did so.
He reached out with his little hand and placed his fingers on her leg, pushing into the softness that was there. Kara became more rigid, but she did not take a step back.
"You're thinking about something," Alaric stated in a casual manner, his voice being low and silky.
It seemed as like he was testing the limits of what he could get away with, as his hand continued to wander deeper, and his fingers traced the curvature of her calf.
"I..." In addition to her cheeks turning pink, Kara's speech became shaky. "Sir Alaric, we're almost home."
Repeating, "Almost," Alaric's fingertips softly touched her leg as he continued to speak. "Not there yet."
Kara let out a gentle sigh out of her mouth, and her eyes briefly closed for a brief second before she compelled herself to restore her calm.
To this day, even after two months of these brief "sessions," she was still not used to the sensations that he evoked in her.
It was frustrating to witness how effortlessly he appeared to control her body; it was as if he was intentionally fueling a fire inside her that she was unable to completely extinguish.
[Kara: +28 Experience]
There was a slight ping that reverberated in Alaric's skull, but he gave it very little attention.
Despite the fact that Kara was producing fewer and fewer points these days, every single one of them was precious. He was not the type of person to throw away opportunities, even if they were offered in a limited quantity. In the end, the flesh of a mosquito was still considered to be meat.
His thoughts drifted to his system.
Over the course of these two months, he had achieved a breakthrough and reached Level 4 of the Harem God System.
Even while he had not been able to unlock any new abilities this time around, there was something else—a weird and enigmatic force that seemed to hum just beneath his skin, merging with the powers he already possessed.
It seemed like magic, and it strengthened his "Wink of Flirtation" in subtle ways. He hadn't been able to pinpoint exactly where it came from.
There was no question in Alaric's mind that he would eventually acquire the ability to master this, but for the time being, it felt like an itch that was just waiting to be scratched.
---
As the sun began to set, the mansion came into view, its elegant exterior standing out against the darkness.
While they were exiting the carriage, Lyra let out a sigh of contentment and stretched her arms out in front of her. She mumbled, "Home at last," as she walked in.
The way in which she grinned at seeing their estate caught Alaric's attention, and he quickly turned his gaze to her.
Despite the fact that his mother had always been poised, elegant, and graceful, she appeared to have a newfound sense of lightness today.
It's possible that the trip was the cause, or perhaps it was simply the relief of being back home. To put it another way, he was relieved to see her in this state.
Kara followed closely after them as they made their way inside for the first time. However, the atmosphere changed the instant they entered the enormous entryway of the building.
It seemed as if the walls themselves were aware that something was wrong because of the heavier aura of tension that hung thickly throughout the room.
Instantaneously, Alaric's gaze shifted to the living room, where his father, Victor Steele, was standing, anticipating their arrival.
The smile on Victor's face was just the opposite of welcome. His face was contorted into a frown that cast a shadow over the room, and his arms were crossed over his large chest for further protection.
Not even waiting for them to completely enter the room, he said words that were so piercing that they pierced the air.
In response, Alaric murmured, "Of course, Mother," while pressing his cheek into her shoulder. He was trying to conceal the faint grin that was appearing on his face.
There was an undeniable sense of satisfaction that came from making his mother feel protected and safe.
Alaric's soul held the weight of many lives and experiences, and in this particular instance, it was evident that his mother needed him more than she knew she needed him.
This was despite the fact that she considered him to be a young man.
After what seemed like an eternity, Lyra eventually let go, and as she wiped away the tears that were in her eyes, she regained her composure.
Kara shuffled uncomfortably on her feet, visibly moved but at a loss for words as she saw the scenario unfold.
When Alaric's eyes shifted to Kara, he couldn't help but note the subtle way in which her body responded to the amount of tension that was there in the room.
Despite the fact that an argument carried a significant amount of emotional weight, Alaric was still able to see the desire in her eyes.
She desired him, despite the fact that she did not completely comprehend the reasons behind her desire. And he had been more than prepared to engage in it throughout the previous two months.
[Kara: +16 Experience]
Not much, but as always, it was something.
When he thought about it, his mind went back to the carriage journey.
Even now, after all that had just taken place, he was unable to forget the sensation of Kara's silky thighs beneath his fingertips, as well as the way that her body appeared to shiver ever so little whenever he touched her.
It had turned into a game of sorts: how far could he push her until she totally gave in to his demands?
Kara was able to catch his glance, and as she hastily averted her sight, her cheeks began to gradually blush. With a smile on his face, Alaric took pleasure in the fact that she always appeared to be struggling with her emotions while he was there.
"Shall we go upstairs, Mother?" Alaric inquired as he turned his attention back to Lyra. Although his tone was nonchalant, there was a certain knowing glitter in his eyes. His eyes were looking at you.
Despite the fact that his father's outburst had already dampened the mood, he was not going to allow it to continue to do so.
Lyra nodded, still in the process of recovering from the emotional storm. "Yes, we should. It's been a long day."
As the three of them started up the large staircase, the sound of their footsteps reverberated softly throughout the estate.
As the two of them made their way up the stairs, Alaric couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment.
His system had rewarded him handsomely for standing up to his father, and the sensation he experienced with his mother was unlike anything he had ever felt before. It was richer, more substantial, and clearly tied to the deep emotional connection they shared.
A momentary pause occurred when they reached the top of the steps, and Lyra turned around to face him once more. "Alaric, I'm... proud of you."
In spite of the fact that her voice was kind, it had a warmth that caused Alaric's chest to clench in a manner that he had not anticipated hearing.
"Proud?" Inquiring with a raised eyebrow, Alaric queried.
A grin appeared on Lyra's face, the type of smile that could only be given by a mother. "For standing up for me. For being so strong and mature. I... I just didn't expect you to grow up so quickly."
Alaric had a tiny ache in his chest, a sensation that was simultaneously gratifying and slightly astringent in its sweetness.
Ding!
[Lyra Steele: +102 Experience]
[Lyra Steele: +79 Experience]
He grinned, but it was more for himself than for other people. "Yes, Mother, I will always look out for you. Don't be concerned about anything."
Kara stayed behind them, watching the encounter with a kind look on her face. There was no resentment or animosity; rather, there was only... curiosity. This may be admiration.
~~
Over the course of several weeks, Alaric had been gradually taking away her resolve, and it was obvious that she was having a hard time maintaining the walls that she had constructed between them.
He was positive that he would finally succeed in breaking through the barrier.
[Kara: +14 Experience]
Kara's voice was quiet as she finally spoke, stopping himself in the middle of his thoughts. "Sir Alaric," she said. "Shall I prepare your room for the evening?"
Alaric cast a quick glance in her direction, the gleam of merriment returning to his eyes. "I think I'll handle that myself tonight, Kara. But thank you."
She soon regained her composure and bowed slightly, despite the fact that her cheeks had yet again become red. "As you wish."
There was a small swaying of her hips as she walked down the corridor, and Alaric couldn't help but let out a gentle giggle as he watched her walk away.
It was obvious that his presence was still having an effect on her, as her body was reacting in ways that she was unable to control.
When he looked at her, it was entertaining to watch her wriggle and writhe in response to his stare.
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