<h4>Chapter 466: Get into the water, boy</h4>


    "Doubtful of the Nightshade Family?" Raidan’s brows quirked up in suspicion. "Is it because of what recently happened with Nick? Not only were his inws treacherous, but his mate betrayed him too. Is Kate scared that Sage and his family might do the same to her?"


    Mabel nodded, her face grim with agreement. "I’ve been thinking of putting a spy on them. What do you say?"


    "I have been doing exactly that," Raidan informed her, confirming his preemptive move.


    "So, what did you find out?" Mabel pressed, eager for immediate intelligence.


    "I sent my spy only two days ago," Raidan rified. "After what happened with Dominick, I did have a feeling that my daughter could also fall into such a trap. I have been aware of the Nightshade Family for a long time, but any threat that can harm my daughter’s peace, I will eliminate. Once the spy gathers enough information, I’ll tell you," Raidan assured her, seeking to ease his Luna Queen’s worry.


    "That’s wonderful of you," Mabel said, appreciating his protective nature. "Nick is clearly struggling to cope with all of this. I heard that June was involved with the funding of beta hunters. I simply can’t believe I once saw her as the most capable daughter-inw this house could have," she finished, sighing deeply with regret.


    "The investigation is ongoing," Raidan added neutrally, his focus still on the facts. "Juniper is denying such an allegation, of course." Then, taking a deep breath, he intentionally shifted the mood. "Let’s keep all these worries aside for now, my love. It’s time to focus on the grand event."


    Mabel nodded in immediate understanding, a flicker of excitement recing her concern. "You’re right, dear," she whispered, her heart fluttering with immense joy at the thought of a celebration.


    ~~~~


    Gabriel carried Noah high up in the air before bringing the baby down to his face level. The young one gurgled with joy, delightedly throwing his tiny arms and legs repeatedly while trying to make some sounds.


    "Here, Noah! This is a car for you," Gabriel said, handing him the toy car. Noah tried holding it with both hands, but it ended up falling from his tiny grasp. Gabriel smoothly caught it and lowered it to the table. "There’s still time for you to pick up all such items," he murmured, holding Noah close to his chest.


    "Pa," Noah called out, that single syble full of affection.


    "Yes, boy?" Gabriel lowered his gaze to meet Noah’s. "Wanna click some pictures with me?" he mused, rushing excitedly toward the bedroom.


    Engrossed in their fun, Gabrielpletely forgot that he was supposed to give Noah a bath until Amelie appeared in the room, fresh from her own bath.


    "Gabriel, did you not give bath to him? And what about you?" Her voice suddenly rose in exasperation, seeing the two of them still ying boisterously on the bed.


    "Bath? Gosh, I forgot it! I was so busy with my boy," Gabriel admitted sheepishly.


    "What? I told you to give Noah to me! But you don’t listen. It’s already past nine in the morning. This isn’t good, Gabriel," Amelie scowled at him.


    Noah tilted his head, watching his father get scolded with wide, curious eyes.


    "I’ll do it now. Don’t be upset," Gabriel said quickly, walking toward her while carrying Noah securely in his arms. He leaned in and pressed a quick, affectionate kiss to her lips. "Calm down. Don’t be angry today. It’s a special day for you and us."


    Noah, meanwhile, had brought his thumb to his mouth and began sucking on it contentedly.


    "Alright. Go to the washroom," Amelie relented, her scowl easing. "I’ll give Noah a bath if you—"


    "No. I want to give the bath to Noah," Gabriel interrupted gently. "Don’t worry. Just get ready. And yes, meet my mom once. Earlier, she sent a servant to call you," Gabriel stated, reminding her of the royal summons.


    Amelie hummed and kissed Noah’s forehead. "Mommy will be back soon," she promised him, turning to head to the closet.


    Gabriel took Noah into therge, gleaming washroom and carefully ced the pup on the changing table.


    "Stay right here. Papa is going to prepare the bathwater for you," Gabriel said gently. He then held the freestanding tub and let the water fill, meticulously checking its temperature to ensure it was perfectly bnced, neither too cold nor too hot.


    "The water is ready," Gabriel announced, turning back to the changing table. Stripping Noah out of his baby clothes, he lifted the now-naked pup. "Let’s get into the water, boy," he whispered, testing the water onest time with his elbow before slowly lowering Noah in.


    Noah immediately started to ssh the water in pure joy and excitement, his tiny fists batting enthusiastically at the surface. Gabriel couldn’t help but smile wide, genuinely enjoying watching Noah revel in the bath.


    He grabbed the tear-free shampoo and poured a tiny amount between his palms. Creating a softther in the pup’s fine, light hair, he quickly rinsed it off with a stic cup.


    "No! No. Don’t suck on your thumb," Gabriel chastised lightly, now focusing his attention on washing Noah’s body. Distracted, Noah happily grabbed the rubber duckies that were floating nearby, perfectly content as his father washed him up.


    Once finished, Gabriel lifted the clean, damp pup and instantly wrapped him into a soft, hooded wolf-ear towel. He carried Noah close to his chest and returned to the changing table.


    Gently wiping Noah’s body with the towel, he first applied lotion, then secured a fresh diaper before slipping him into a set of warm, soft baby clothes.


    "Look at you, boy! You look so cute in this little dress!" Gabriel said with a warm, proud smile. He kissed Noah’s rosy cheeks, then brought his own nose down to gently rub against the pup’s tiny one.


    Noah let out a big yawn, already signaling he was ready for another nap. Gabriel didn’t dy, bringing Noah immediately back to the bedroom and settling him down for rest into the cradle.