A Qualified Stepmother

Hours passed in tense anticipation as Seraphyne waited for news about Kieiran's condition.

Finally, a knock on the door signaled the arrival of the doctors.

Seraphyne rushed to the door. Anxiety etched across her face. "How is he? Is Kieiran going to be okay?"

One of the doctors, Dr. Amelia, stepped forward and offered a reassuring smile. "The surgery was a success, Luna. We were able to close his wounds, and he's in stable condition now."

A wave of relief washed over Seraphyne, and she let out a shaky breath. "Thank the heavens above. But... why didn't his injuries heal completely? He's an Alpha's son. His healing should have been faster."

Dr. Andrew, another member of the medical team, exchanged a glance with Dr. Amelia before responding. "That's what's puzzling us, Luna. His injuries should have healed much faster, but it seems like his healing abilities were severely slowed down."

Seraphyne furrowed her brow, concern deepening. "Is there any way to speed up his recovery?"

Dr. Amelia nodded. "We're doing everything we can, including providing him with blood transfusions and monitoring his condition closely. But it's still unclear why his healing process is so slow. We're running tests to get more information."

Seraphyne nodded thoughtfully, her mind racing. "Please do whatever it takes to find out what's wrong. Kieiran is strong, and he shouldn't be suffering like this."

Dr. Andrew reassured her, "We won't stop until we have answers, Luna. We're dedicated to his care."

Seraphyne thanked the doctors and watched them leave. As she paced the room, she couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Kieiran's condition than met the eye.

After eight long days filled with uncertainty, Kieiran's condition finally began to improve. Seraphyne couldn't have been happier when she received the news from the doctors that he was well enough to return home.

With a sense of relief washing over her, she set about preparing a special meal for her stepson to aid in his recovery.

Seraphyne wanted to make something comforting and nourishing, so she decided on a meal of porridge, a flavorful vegetable dish, and sweet and sour fish fillet. She knew that good food could do wonders for the spirit, and she was determined to make Kieiran's first meal at home as warm and inviting as possible.

She started by rinsing some rice and placing it in a pot. As the rice cooked, she carefully selected a medley of fresh vegetables, including broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers. Seraphyne loved cooking and had honed her culinary skills in her past life, so she approached each step with care and precision.

For the vegetable dish, she decided on a simple stir-fry with garlic and ginger. She chopped the vegetables into bite-sized pieces, making sure they were uniform for even cooking. The sound of sizzling in the pan filled the kitchen as she added the garlic and ginger, infusing the oil with their fragrant aroma.

Next came the sweet and sour fish fillet. Seraphyne marinated the fish in a blend of soy sauce, vinegar, and a touch of sugar to achieve the perfect balance of flavors. She coated the fish in a light batter and gently fried it until it was golden brown and crispy.

As the meal came together, the aroma of freshly cooked food wafted through the kitchen, filling the white house with an enticing scent. Seraphyne felt a sense of satisfaction as she plated each dish with care, making sure they looked as delicious as they smelled.

Finally, she carried the steaming dishes to the dining table.

She knew that her stepson had been through a lot, and this was her way of welcoming him back home and helping him on the road to a full recovery.

Kieiran's footsteps grew nearer, and soon enough, he walked into the kitchen. The aroma of the dishes hit him like a welcoming hug. He gave Seraphyne a grateful smile as he settled into his seat at the table.

"This smells amazing," he said, his voice still a bit weak.

Seraphyne beamed at him, her heart swelling with maternal pride. "I'm glad you think so, dear. I thought you could use a hearty meal to help with your recovery."

Kieiran picked up his chopsticks and eagerly dug into the porridge. "I appreciate it. Hospital food was… less than satisfying."

Seraphyne chuckled. "Well, I've always believed that good food has the power to heal both body and soul."

As Kieiran tasted the vegetable dish, his eyes widened in pleasant surprise. "Wow, this is delicious! You're quite the chef."

Seraphyne laughed. "You could say that cooking is a bit of a hobby of mine. I used to own a restaurant."

Kieiran's eyebrows shot up. "A restaurant owner? That's impressive!"

Seraphyne nodded. "Yes, it was quite the adventure."

Kieiran paused, looking thoughtful as he chewed on a piece of sweet and sour fish fillet. "You know, you're nothing like I expected."

Seraphyne raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? What were you expecting?"

Kieiran grinned mischievously. "Honestly, I thought you'd be more… regal, I guess. You know, like a traditional Luna, all formal and stern."

Seraphyne laughed heartily at that. "Well, I hate to disappoint you, but I'm just a regular person trying to find her way in this world."

Kieiran nodded, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

The two shared a moment of comfortable silence as they continued to enjoy the meal. Seraphyne couldn't help but feel grateful for this unexpected connection with her stepson. It was a reminder that despite the challenges and mysteries of this new world, there was always room for laughter and bonding over a good meal.

As they savored the last bites of their meal, Seraphyne finally broached the question that had been on her mind since Kieiran's return.

"Kieiran, do you know when your father will be coming home?" she asked, trying to keep her tone casual.

Kieiran looked up from his plate, a hint of concern in his eyes. "I'm not entirely sure. Dad's responsibilities often take him away from important pack business. It's hard to predict when he'll be back."

Seraphyne nodded, her expression understanding. She was well aware that an Alpha's duties could be demanding and unpredictable. "I see. It's just that I've been wondering when I might get the chance to meet my husband again."

Kieiran smiled. "I'm sure he's looking forward to coming home. He's just… well, he can be quite serious and stern at times, especially when it comes to his responsibilities."

Seraphyne couldn't help but smile back. "I understand."

Kieiran's smile widened, and he suddenly seemed more relaxed in her presence.

As Seraphyne and Kieiran finished their meal and cleared the dishes, Kieiran couldn't help but mull over his earlier assumptions about his stepmother. She had been nothing but kind and considerate since she arrived, and her genuine concern for his well-being during his recovery had touched him deeply.

'Having a stepmother seems not bad...' he thought to himself.