Chapter 52
Calvin’s POV
I had just left Clara’s hospital room when I arrived at Evelyn’s estate gates. The security guard stepped forward, his expression apologetic but firm.
“I’m sorry, Alpha Calvin, but Miss Evelyn instructed that you wait outside. I’ll notify her of your arrival immediately p>
My wolf, Cyra, growled inside me. My grip tightened on the steering wheel. The nerve of her, making the Alpha of Bloodbane Pack wait outside like some random visitor.
Before I could react, Evelyn appeared at the gate with the kids. She looked stunning in a light blue blouse and white pants, her hair in a neat ponytail. Alexis was in her arms, wearing a matching blue dress, her pigtails bouncing with each step.
Evelyn’s eyes met mine, cold and empty, like I was nobody to her. Whatever we had before was gone.
“Dad! Dad!” Rhys called twice,but I was too lost in my thoughts to notice until Evelyn shot me a sharp glare.
“Your son is calling you,” she said, her voice clipped.
I looked down at my younger son, who immediately asked, “Dad, can I bring my sister to see Grandpa and Grandma p>
His eyes sparkled with excitement. He’d grown quite attached to his little sister.
Rowan quickly tugged at Rhys’s sleeve, his voice anxious. “No, she’s too little. She needs to stay with Mom p>
I watched my son carefully, the way he tried to protect everyone.
“Then can Mom and Alexis come too? Mom’s been there before. Please come with us, Mom!” Rhys’s face lit up at his own idea.
Rhys looked excited, but Rowan seemed worried. I looked at Evelyn, waiting for her answer.
She walked over with Alexis and reached through the window to touch Rhys’s hair. Her voice was soft.
“Not this time, sweetie. Be good for your dad, okay? Call me if you miss me p>
Rhys nodded, though he looked confused. He reached for Alexis’s hand. “See you tomorrow, Mom. See you tomorrow, sister p>
Rowan waved goodbye too.
I stood by the car door. Her hair fell over her shoulder as she leaned in, a few strands brushing my wrist.Evelyn’s hair was soft and messy from her nap, like a little dandelion. I wanted to touch it.
I’d never been good with people,always cold and distant.Only my sons and Alexis had never seemed scared of me. But now, Alexis turned her face away. She looked thinner, and like Evelyn, she only had eyes for Rowan and Rhys.
After talking to the boys, Evelyn stepped back with Alexis, smiling just for my sons. She didn’t look at me once.
As we drove off, I saw her in the mirror—standing straight and proud, but with a coldness that made my wolf restless.
The next morning, Zeon mind-linked me urgently.
“Alpha, Council investigators just took Clara into custody p>
According to Zeon, the police picked her up from the hospital. She looked pitiful with her face half-bandaged from the fall.
Evelyn’s evidence was solid,everything from Rocco’s Calypso Pack connection to Clara’s phone calls with him.She even had surveillance videos with lip-reading analysis. Every bit of it pointed to Clara’s guilt.
This had Evelyn written all over it. The frustrating part? Zeon’s investigation kept hitting walls. Somehow Evelyn had evidence we couldn’t find. It felt like someone was blocking us from looking into Clara and her pack.
“Alpha, here’s what we found,” Zeon said. “The Calypso Pack looks dirty, just like Miss Evelyn said, but we can’t pin down Clara’s part in it p>
I knew Zeon believed Evelyn.He’d dug deep into the Calypso Pack,but I’d put someone else on Clara’s case.This morning’s report said Clara was clean,totally different from Evelyn’s proof.
I stood in my garden,looking at the dark purple roses.Evelyn had planted these expensive French roses when we first married. Now they grew everywhere, reminding me of what I’d lost.
Rowan and Rhys followed the housekeeper around, carefully watering the flowers, paying special attention to those purple roses.
“Alpha? Alpha Calvin?” Zeon’s voice grew louder, pulling me from my thoughts.
I tore my gaze from the roses, my expression hardening. “Continue investigating. If she’s innocent, arrange for a lawyer to bail her out p>
Zeon hesitated. “What about Miss Evelyn p>
I went silent,and he quickly understood my displeasure,hurrying to end the mind-link.
The boys ran up to me after watering the flowers, all excited.
“Dad, Mom’s taking us to the amusement park today!” Rowan announced.
“Nathan’s coming too!” Rhys said, grinning.
Nathan. His father came to mind. That blond, blue-eyed man always hovering around Evelyn. My jaw tightened. What was really going on between Julian and Evelyn?
I’d been so caught up with Clara’s mess, I hadn’t pushed Zeon to look into it.
One problem at a time.
A maid rushed over. “Alpha, Miss Evelyn is here p>
I walked out with the boys.
Evelyn’s car stopped at the gates. She stepped out with Alexis, looking stiff in what used to be her home.
The security guards recognized her immediately. “Luna,” they greeted in unison.
“Don’t call me that,” Evelyn replied coldly. “I have no relationship with your Alpha anymore.”My face hardened as I watched her.
Evelyn looked perfect in the sunlight, her blue and white outfit making her glow. Alexis matched her in a little dress, pigtails bouncing as she moved in her mother’s arms. They looked beautiful together.
“Mom’s here!” Rowan yelled.
“Sister!” Rhys ran toward them.
The boys grabbed their bags and rushed past me, quick goodbyes thrown over their shoulders as they ran to Evelyn and Alexis.
After getting the boys, Evelyn left without looking back. She walked like she couldn’t get away from my territory fast enough.
My phone buzzed. Zeon’s message read,[Alpha, Dr. Chandler needs to see you today about the rash. You’ll need more treatment p>
The red marks under my collar started itching again.
I finished getting dressed and headed down when my phone started buzzing urgently. My stomach dropped. Something was wrong.