Chapter 51
Evelyn’s POV
Calvin grabbed my wrist, making me uncomfortable. What was this man doing? His touch was irritating, and I was angry seeing how he’d softened at Clara’s act. How could any man be so annoying?
I pushed him roughly against a tree, surprising myself with how forceful I could be. Shock flashed across his handsome face before hardening back into his usual cold mask. I kept him pinned to the trunk, feeling his chest tense under my palm.
The man in front of me was as cold as ever,gorgeous but distant. I used to think I could get through to him. What a joke that was.
His Alpha scent hit me,that mix of cedar and pine I knew too well. Even angry, I couldn’t ignore it.
“Why do you hate Clara so much? Just because I took her to the pack gathering dinner and went on picnics with the kids?” he asked in that annoyingly calm voice.
I just glared at him. His question was too stupid to even answer.
“Evelyn, we were married for five years. I promise I never betrayed you,” he said with furrowed brows.
“Really?” I let out a harsh laugh. My chest felt tight with anger.
Clara’s fake crying interrupted us from outside.I stepped back, giving him a cold smile.
“Go on, run to your precious Clara. But this time, she won’t get away with it,” I said.
Calvin looked at the gate and pushed himself off the tree. His black shirt was all messed up from the bark. Good.
“If Clara is involved in this, I won’t stop you. I’ll even help. But p>
I couldn’t help but laugh when he was still defending Clara.
“What’s so funny?” He frowned, looking confused.
“Do your investigation of Clara. I’ll do mine. I know what I need to know now,” I said sharply. “Save your breath, Calvin. Protect her all you want. Let’s see who wins – you sheltering her, or the men backing me p>
“Men? More than one?” His voice went cold, with that possessive anger I’d heard too many times before.
I brushed my hair back from my face. “Yes. Men. Multiple p>
These past two years, I’d built up connections in different industries. Sure, none of them were as powerful as Calvin alone, but together? That was different. Strength in numbers,something he should understand.
“What are you saying? You’re sleeping around with these men like you did with Julian? Playing at open relationships?” Calvin’s voice turned dangerous, his eyes going dark.
I slapped him before I could think. “Call me whatever you want, but leave Julian and Irina out of this p>
With his Alpha speed, Calvin grabbed my wrists and slammed me against the tree. His body pressed into mine, and that familiar scent hit me.My body betrayed me, responding to him even as I tried to fight it.
“So you’re only mad because I mentioned Julian and Irina?” His voice was rough, his face close to mine. “But you’re fine playing around with other men. What about me, Evelyn? All these men,do you ever think of me p>
I could feel his strength, his heat, his breath on my skin. I wanted to push him away, but my body wouldn’t listen. I was angry and turned on and hating every second of it.
“Are you crazy?” I snapped, trying to hide how he was affecting me. “None of these men are as powerful as you alone, but together? They’ll be enough to take you down p>
“Evelyn, you’re just p>
His face went red with anger, his body rigid against mine.
“I’m just what?” I gave a bitter laugh. “Easy? Can’t handle being single?” Did he really think I got my wealth and status by sleeping around? That I couldn’t succeed on my own? Was that all I was to him,some loose woman?
“Stop talking about yourself like that,” he said, looking away.
Oh? Same old Calvin. Playing nice now after losing his mind a minute ago? I was so done with this. That perfect face and those sweet words might work on other women, but not on me anymore.
Then I spotted Clara lying outside the gate.
“Hey Alpha, your girlfriend’s been quiet for a while. Better get her to a hospital before she saves me the trouble,” I said, moving so he could see Clara.
Calvin finally noticed her on the ground, blood and all. He grabbed his phone to call his driver.
Before he left, he turned back. “Leave Clara alone. We promised to help her p>
“That was your promise, not mine. She’s your problem, not mine,” I shot back, turning away.
I walked off and told security not to let him in when he brought the kids back. I could feel him watching me, but I didn’t care anymore.
Inside, Rowan came right up to me. “Mom, where’s Dad p>
I knelt down and stroked his hair, keeping my voice soft. “Dad had to take someone to the hospital. He’ll be back for you soon p>
“Was it Aunt Clara?” Trust my smart boy to figure it out.
I nodded honestly. My heart hurt seeing him worried.
“Mom p>
“Rowan, don’t worry about grown-up stuff. I just want you kids to be happy,” I squeezed his shoulder and smiled. “Go play with your siblings. It’s your birthday, remember p>
Alexis called him, and he ran off, glancing back at me. I quickly wiped my eyes as I watched him go. Kids shouldn’t deal with this mess.
I spent the next few hours just being with them. After Astrid left for work and Ina’s family went back to their hotel, we played until the kids were worn out. I gave them baths, got them into PJs, and we all took a nap together.
Later, I dressed the boys in bright yellow outfits. So much better than the boring blacks and grays Calvin always picked. He was just like his choice in clothes. No color, no life.
Alexis sat on the sofa in her matching overalls and white collar shirt, covering her eyes with her hands.
“Mom, are they ready?” she asked quietly.
“Yes, baby. Look, aren’t your brothers handsome?” I smiled.
She peeked and broke into a huge grin when she saw them. “So handsome! The most handsome brothers ever p>
We walked down to the gate together. Calvin was there, leaning on his car. His face softened at the sight of the kids. One of those rare smiles I used to know.
Alexis dropped her brothers’ hands as soon as she saw him and grabbed mine instead. “Bye, brothers,” she whispered.
Rowan and Rhys walked to Calvin, dragging their feet. They kept looking back at us before getting in the car. I forced a smile and waved, accidentally meeting Calvin’s eyes.
What was that look? Anger? Frustration? I didn’t know, didn’t care. I stared back coldly. We were strangers now, nothing more.