Sold To The Alphas I Hate novel Chapter 136

Chapter 136: Gift For Eira-I

Roman’s POV

By evening, everything had been arranged in the garden before the side house. Strings of lights hung from the trees and the eaves, glowing softly, casting warmth across the garden. The place carried the charm of a true home, cozy and welcoming, reminiscent of those past celebrations we once shared at Lucian and Jason’s estate.

The sight stirred something deep in me, pulling me back to those happier days. I had never known a family of my own, but in their home I had found the closest thing to it. Jennifer had always been kind, her presence warm and inviting. For a moment, the memory of her smile returned to me, bittersweet.

The barbecue was set outside, a bonfire blazing at the center, giving the night the spirit of a campfire gathering. A dining table had been laid nearby, draped with a fine cloth, set with flowers and polished crockery, everything arranged with quiet elegance.

All of us were busy with something. Jason had insisted he would handle the cooking alone, yet we had taken charge of the barbecue anyway. Even Rafe, who usually stayed aloof from such tasks, had stepped in to help. Perhaps it was because this was our first Moon Festival with her, and everyone wanted to contribute, to shoulder a piece of the responsibility.

Jason remained inside the house, hidden away in the kitchen, fiercely protective of whatever he was preparing. He had ordered all of us to stay out.

"Damn, this smells good," Lucian muttered beside me as he turned the meat on the grill.

"It does," I agreed, savoring the aroma. "It’s been too long since we’ve done this."

"The last time was Alice’s birthday," Lucian said quietly, then cast a glance toward Eira. "She was there, too."

"It feels like stepping back into the past," I murmured, then caught myself. Two people were missing, and the thought pressed heavily on me.

"It’s alright," Lucian said, his voice steady, almost gentle. "We can keep them alive in our memories."

I gave a low hum of agreement, and Rafe smirked. "Look at this guy. He’s finally growing up."

"Don’t make me say something nasty today," Lucian retorted evenly, though a faint smile touched his lips. "I’m in a good mood."

Before Rafe could reply, I cut in. "Where’s Kael?"

"He went to his room a while ago," Lucian answered.

I glanced toward Eira. A cozy spot had been prepared for her in front of the side house—a wide, cushioned couch, arranged so she might sit comfortably with her pets and still be kept warm.

Wrapped snugly in a shawl, she sat huddled with Fluffy and Vixen at her side. Her hands moved over their fur in absentminded affection, her gaze wandering about the garden, though never in our direction. To her, we still did not exist.

Kael emerged from the house then, walking straight toward us.

"Everything ready?" he asked. "Need any help?"

"Everything’s done," I told him, before narrowing my eyes. "Where have you been? Is everything alright?" 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

Kael’s habit of retreating to his room always left me uneasy. It was his own space, yes, but something about it pricked at the heart, an instinct that refused to quiet.

He gave a low hum and shifted his gaze toward Rafe. "The firecrackers you ordered—have they arrived?"

"Yes. Already set in place," Rafe replied.

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