Mommy Wolf: Raise A Cub, Claimed By His Beast Daddy-Chapter 98: Jojo’s New Home (III)

Sisi didn’t want Jojo to know that his father thought she was a witch, so she said, "Because I’m not a beastman, Jojo. So I can’t be with him."

Jojo’s eyes pooled with tears again.

Sisi knew that Jojo was a crybaby despite his tough talk, but his habit of crying seemed to have become even more frequent since his father returned. It made her wonder if Kael had spoiled him rotten, making him believe that crying could solve any problem.

’Or maybe Kael is just weak to his tears, so he can’t help to indulge in whatever Jojo wants,’ Sisi thought.

"Don’t cry over it, Jojo," Sisi comforted him. "Just because I can’t sleep with you doesn’t mean I’ll leave. You can stay with me from dawn to dusk, and rest with your Daddy from dusk to dawn. There’s nothing to worry about."

The boy seemed comforted by her words.

Still, the thought of sleeping without Sisi made him uneasy, so he asked, "Then... can I just go with you, Sisi? I’ll sleep with you, and Daddy can sleep here alone."

Kael held his breath.

If Sisi wanted to monopolize Jojo, it would be incredibly easy. Jojo was naturally biased toward her. Even now, he chose Sisi over him, despite Kael being the one who had raised him.

Kael waited for her answer, certain she would agree, and that he would once again be left to sleep alone.

’I’d have to endure the agony of that nightmare again...’

He feared nothing except sleep, because the torment that came with it was unbearable. He had hoped that with Jojo by his side, the nightmares would stop. So, silently, he wished Jojo would choose him instead.

But what Sisi said next was entirely unexpected.

"Your Daddy searched for you day and night," Sisi said gently. "He misses you a lot, Jojo. Only you can make him feel better when he sleeps. So... why don’t you help your Daddy first?"

Jojo looked at his father.

Kael stood tall and imposing, his dark aura and crimson eyes making him look even more intimidating than before. But when Sisi mentioned how his father had searched for him day and night, Jojo’s heart softened.

He walked over and hugged Kael’s leg.

"Daddy, is that true?" Jojo asked softly. "Are you in pain?"

"I’m not—" Kael almost denied it out of habit. He had never wanted to appear weak in front of his son.

But then he caught Sisi’s wink, urging him to play along if he wanted Jojo to stay.

After a brief pause, Kael nodded. "I will feel better if you sleep by my side, Jojo."

"Alright!" Jojo exclaimed. "Jojo will help! Sisi always says we should help good people! Daddy is my good Daddy. As long as you don’t get angry at Sisi, you’ll always be my good Daddy!"

"...Okay," Kael agreed, lifting his son into his arms. "In return, don’t think of me as a bad man. Some things may have changed, but I still love you the same, son." 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

"Un!" Jojo hugged his father’s neck. "Jojo promises to be good for you too!"

For the first time since returning to the palace, Kael smiled sincerely. He was exhausted and tense, but whenever he was with his son and Sisi, his heart felt lighter.

At least until Sisi said something that challenged him again, and they would be in a stalemate, stubbornly defending their own opinions.

"You must be tired after the long trip," Kael said. "Go have a bathroom break before sleeping. Daddy will bring Sisi down and arrange a place for her."

"Please give Sisi the best cave, Daddy!" Jojo pleaded. "She’s human. She can’t handle the cold at night without me and a blanket!"

"I promise," Kael replied. "I’ll give her the best."

He set Jojo down on the straw bedding and added, "Go out and turn left if you need to relieve yourself. Be careful not to slip."

"Don’t worry!" Jojo grinned. "We’ve lived in lots of caves before! Don’t forget your promise!"

"And you don’t forget yours," Kael said, kissing his son’s forehead. "I’ll be back."

"Okay!"

Sisi waited outside the cave. She didn’t dare enter, fearing Jojo might cling to her again.

When Kael came back out, she asked quietly, "How was it? Did he throw a tantrum?"

"No," Kael replied. "He behaved very well. I should thank you."

"For what?"

"For telling Jojo to stay with me," he admitted. "He listens to you more than to me. You could’ve asked him to stay with you—but you didn’t."

"I only acted in his best interest," Sisi said calmly. "There’s no point in him clinging to me when it’s safer with you. Besides... I know you missed him that you’d chase after him during a blizzard."

"Hm." Kael turned away, suppressing the joy threatening to show on his face. "I’ll bring you back down to the palace. Hop on my back."

"Oh?" Sisi teased. "A piggyback? Wouldn’t that make you look... silly in front of your subjects? In human culture, piggybacks are childish, or something only family members or lovers do."

"My arms are sore after carrying you both all night," Kael lied through his teeth. He simply didn’t want her to see him smiling like an idiot. "Just hop on. It’s not the first time you’ve ridden on my back."

"Or I could climb down myself," Sisi suggested. "I still think your subjects might misunderstand us."

"Stop overthinking," Kael said flatly. "I’ve told you. I don’t care what they think. Beastmen value strength, not reputation. As long as I’m the strongest, they’ll shut the hell up."

Since he insisted, Sisi relented and climbed onto his back.

Kael wrapped his arms around her legs to secure her as he descended the summit.

She felt safe, but when she glanced down and saw how high they were, a shiver ran through her. Instinctively, she wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly.

"N-no need to rush, Kael. It’s too scary when you run like this!" Sisi begged.

Instead of slowing down, Kael mischievously picked up the pace. Sisi hugged him even tighter and buried her face against his shoulder, making Kael laugh in amusement.