Chapter 48
Evelyn’s POV
I stood in the backyard of my Ravendale’s mansion,carefully arranging the superhero-themed decorations for Rowan and Rhys’s birthday party. The twins would be turning eight tomorrow, and I wanted everything to be perfect.
Astrid was helping me hang colorful streamers between the tall oak trees while Alexis sat nearby on a blanket, coloring birthday cards for her brothers.
“Hand me that tape, will you?” Astrid called out, balancing on a stepladder as she secured a “Happy Birthday” banner across the entrance to the large tent we’d set up.
I passed her the tape, admiring how the entire backyard had been transformed. Two large play tents decorated with the twins’ favorite superhero characters stood proudly in the center, surrounded by various outdoor games and activities I knew they would love.
“So,” Astrid began with her usual gossipy tone. Sunlight glinted off her blonde hair as she climbed down the ladder. “How generous of the mighty Alpha to allow his sons to spend their birthday with their mother. What brought on this sudden display of kindness from Calvin Wolfe p>
I couldn’t help but smile at her directness.
“Zeon delivered the message a few days ago,” I replied, arranging a table of wrapped presents. “Calvin said he wanted the twins to spend their birthday afternoon with me. Just for lunch and cake, then they’ll return to the Bloodbane packhouse for dinner with his parents p>
Astrid raised an eyebrow.”And you’re okay with this half-day visitation on their birthday? When are you going to stop settling for crumbs, Evelyn p>
I sighed, glancing over at Alexis to make sure she wasn’t listening too closely. Though young, my daughter’s wolf senses were remarkably keen.
“I’m not settling,” I said quietly. “I’m playing the long game. Jackson has been digging into the Calypso Pack’s activities, but he hit a wall recently. There seems to be someone powerful protecting them p>
“Alpha Calvin?” Astrid whispered.
I shook my head. “I’m not sure. We haven’t found any direct connection between him and Clara’s family’s illegal activities. Without concrete evidence that he’s putting the children in danger, I can’t petition the Alpha Council for full custody p>
My mind went to the files Jackson had sent me last night. The financial records showed strange payments between Summit Industries and several fake companies, with possible connections to illegal drug testing. But nothing solid enough to prove anything.
The doorbell’s chime interrupted my thoughts.
“I’ll get it!” Alexis shouted, leaving her coloring cards and running to the front door faster than I expected from such a little girl.
“Careful!” I called after her, quickly following. When I reached the entrance, I was surprised to find Julian Walton standing there with Irina and their son Nathan. Alexis was already excitedly showing Nathan her drawings.
“Surprise!” Julian said with his usual friendly smile. “Hope we’re not intruding p>
“Julian, Irina!” I exclaimed, pleased to see them. “What brings you all the way to Ravenshade p>
Irina stepped forward to embrace me, her familiar scent of vanilla and ocean breeze bringing back memories of our peaceful days in Duskwatch Bay.
“Nathan has been video chatting with the twins almost daily since you left,” she explained with a warm smile. “When he heard about their birthday, he begged us to come. We couldn’t say no p>
Julian nodded, ruffling his son’s hair affectionately. “Plus, the last time I was in Ravenshade for the Silver Moon Gala, I didn’t get to see any of the sights. I figured this was the perfect excuse to remedy that p>
“Well, you’re just in time to help us finish decorating,” I said, leading them to the backyard where Astrid was arranging a table of snacks.
Julian and Irina joined me by the refreshment table, helping me arrange platters of food.
“This is quite the spread you’ve prepared,” Julian commented. “The twins are lucky to have you as their mother p>
“I’ve missed so many of their birthdays,” I admitted softly. “I want this one to be special p>
Irina nodded understandingly. “Children are resilient, Evelyn.They don’t dwell on what they’ve missed,they celebrate what they have now p>
Their words comforted me as we continued preparing for tomorrow’s festivities, the afternoon passing pleasantly in the company of friends.
The next day, precisely at noon, a sleek black SUV pulled up to my driveway. I watched from the window as Calvin stepped out, opening the rear door for the twins. My heart swelled seeing them in their matching button-up shirts and dress pants, clearly excited for their special day.
“Mom!” the twins called in unison, rushing to hug me. I knelt down to embrace them, breathing in their familiar scent.
“Happy birthday, my darlings,” I said, kissing each of their foreheads.
Calvin stood in the doorway, his imposing figure drawing my attention despite my best efforts to ignore him. He looked as devastatingly handsome as ever in his tailored charcoal suit, his eyes watching me with an unreadable expression.
To my surprise, instead of saying goodbye at the door as I’d expected, Calvin stepped inside. I hadn’t prepared for him to stay,this wasn’t part of the plan.