Chapter 49
Evelyn’s POV
“You can pick them up at four,” I said coolly, straightening up and placing hands on my sons’ shoulders.
Calvin’s gaze moved past me to where Julian was setting up outdoor games with Nathan in the backyard. His jawline visibly tightened.
“You didn’t tell me you were having other guests,” he said, his voice deceptively calm.
I kept my expression cool. “I didn’t realize I needed to provide you with a guest list p>
“Alpha Calvin, you should go,” I said firmly. “Whether it’s work or spending time with Clara, just don’t hover around here p>
The twins, sensing the tension, exchanged glances before Rhys tugged at Calvin’s hand.
“Dad, are you staying for the party too?” His eyes were filled with such hope that I felt my resolve weakening.
Before I could intervene, Rowan turned to me. “Mom, can Dad stay? Please? It would be so cool to have both of you at our birthday p>
I met Calvin’s eyes over their heads.He knew I wouldn’t refuse our sons on their birthday.
“If that’s what you want,” I conceded, keeping my voice light for the children’s sake.
The party proceeded with children’s games and activities. Alexis joined her brothers and Nathan, the four of them quickly becoming inseparable as they raced around the yard, playing tag and exploring the themed tents.
By the grill, Calvin and Julian stood side by side, cooking burgers. Despite Julian’s attempts at friendly conversation, Calvin’s posture remained stiff, his eyes frequently darting to where I stood with Astrid and Irina.
“He’s jealous,” Astrid whispered, following my gaze. “The mighty Alpha doesn’t like seeing another male wolf around you p>
“We’re not together anymore,” I corrected her.
Astrid rolled her eyes. “Tell that to the death glare he’s sending Julian’s way p>
Irina, overhearing our conversation, laughed softly. “Julian has that effect on people. He’s too friendly for his own good sometimes p>
We watched as Julian said something to Calvin that caused the Alpha to stiffen further, his knuckles whitening around the spatula he was holding.
“I should probably rescue your ex before my husband accidentally triggers something,” Irina joked, moving toward the grill.
Meanwhile, the children had gathered around Alexis, who was sitting in a toy car. Nathan had appointed himself her personal chauffeur, while Rowan and Rhys supervised from either side.
“Mom’s watching!” Rowan announced suddenly, making all four children look in my direction.
Astrid cupped her hands around her mouth and called out playfully, “I love you guys p>
The children giggled, and to my delight, Alexis cupped her tiny hands around her mouth in imitation.
“Mommy, Alexis loves you!” she called back, her sweet voice carrying across the yard.
Not to be outdone, Rowan and Rhys joined in, shouting in unison, “Mom, we love you too p>
Nathan, caught up in the moment, mimicked the twins, “Mom, I love you too p>
Irina and Julian exchanged amused glances at their son’s enthusiasm, but I noticed Calvin’s expression darkening. He abandoned the grill and approached me.
“Evelyn,” he said, his voice low enough that the children couldn’t hear. “Why exactly did you invite Julian Walton to our sons’ birthday p>
I matched his quiet tone but didn’t hide my irritation. “They’re friends of mine, Calvin. The twins and Nathan have become close, and they wanted to celebrate together. I don’t see why that’s any of your business p>
His eyes flashed with anger. “You don’t think I should have a say in who spends time with my children p>
“My children are surrounded by people who love them and make them happy,” I replied coolly. “If that bothers you, perhaps you should leave p>
Before Calvin could respond, Rowan approached us, holding Alexis’s hand. “Mom, Dad, are you fighting?” His perceptive eyes moved between us, concern evident on his young face.
“No, sweetheart,” I assured him, forcing a smile. “Your father and I were just talking p>
Calvin knelt down to Rowan’s level. “Everything’s fine, son. I was just telling your mother how nice the party is p>
The celebration continued with cake, presents, and games. Astrid charmed everyone with stories from her film sets, while Irina and Julian kept the conversation flowing easily. Even Calvin gradually relaxed, though his eyes frequently sought me out across the yard with an intensity that made my heart race despite my determination to ignore it.
This wasn’t the birthday celebration I had planned, but watching my children’s faces glow with happiness, I couldn’t regret how it had turned out. For today at least, we could pretend to be something close to a normal family.
Calvin’s POV
I was furious to see Julian at the twins’ birthday party.
I wanted to confront Evelyn about bringing her new mate here, but with the twins watching, I had to hold my anger in check.
Then she invited me inside. I decided to let it go for now.
I walked over to join Julian at the grill, my mind racing with questions. Was this really Evelyn’s new mate? And what kind of relationship did they have, considering he was married to Irina? The thought of Evelyn being involved in some kind of open relationship made my stomach turn. How could she lower herself to being someone’s mistress?
He was surprisingly friendly, which only irritated me more. Without hesitation, I asked, “What exactly is Evelyn to you p>
Julian looked surprised but answered honestly, “Evelyn is very important to us. She’s brought so much hope into our lives p>
His proud tone made my blood boil. This man had no shame, even chatting with me about his wife and son.
My hand froze while turning the meat, my face growing colder under the sunlight. I knew my features must have looked as harsh as I felt.
“Do you love your wife and children?” I asked.
Julian nodded warmly, “Of course p>
“Wife and children are the most precious things in this world. I can’t imagine living without them p>
He looked at me puzzled, “Don’t you love your wife and children p>
I glanced at Evelyn in the distance. Damn it, this question was more unsettling than I wanted to admit.
“If you had to choose between Evelyn and Irina?” I demanded.
“Irina, without question. She’s the love of my life,” Julian replied immediately.
“If you love Irina and your son so much, why are you involved with Evelyn?” I growled. “I won’t let my sons be exposed to their mother’s complicated open relationship. And stay away from my children p>
Julian looked shocked. “Alpha Calvin, I think there’s been a huge misunderstanding p>
Before I could process what he meant, Clara’s sobbing suddenly echoed from the front door.
“Cal, please help me p>