Chapter 95
Calvin’s POV
Evelyn dove forward, trying to reach her, but she wasn’t going to make it in time.
I didn’t even think about it. My hand shot out and caught Alexis’s arm just as her hair was about to hit the water. I pulled her right up against my chest in one quick movement, my heart beating so hard I thought it might explode.
“You’re okay, Alex. You’re safe,” I said, and I could hear my voice shaking a little.
“Everything’s fine now, Uncle’s got you,” I kept talking as I moved us away from the edge.
I rubbed her back gently with my big hand while she shivered against me.
“Don’t cry, Alex p>
She was really scared. Her little arms wrapped around my neck so tight, and she buried her face in my shoulder, crying in these little gasps.
“Uncle… Alex scared she whispered, holding onto me like her life depended on it.
Hearing how much she trusted me made something warm spread through my chest. My voice got even softer.
“Don’t be afraid. Uncle’s right here p>
Right then, I had to face something I’d been ignoring. My relatives had kids the same age as Rowan and Rhys, some even younger, but I’d never really cared about them one way or another. I always thought I only put up with Alexis because my sons loved her so much.
But what just happened had nothing to do with the boys. When I saw Alexis about to fall into that pond, my heart almost stopped completely. It hit me like a truck that I actually cared about this little girl all on my own, not because of anyone else.
Evelyn rushed over and took Alexis from me, checking her all over with worried hands.
“Are you hurt anywhere, baby? Let Mommy see p>
Even though her eyes were still red and puffy, Alexis shook her head. “No p>
Evelyn could tell her daughter was just scared, not actually hurt, so she carried her over to a quieter spot. Rowan and Rhys followed right behind them.
Leon looked worried too, but he was smart enough to stay back and let Evelyn handle it.
The fishing competition just kind of ended after that. Nobody said anything official about it.
Evelyn was completely focused on comforting Alexis, so Leon decided it was time to go. I surprised myself by offering to walk him out.
Once we got away from everyone else, we both dropped the act. Leon could pretend all he wanted around Evelyn, but he couldn’t fool me. I knew exactly how he felt about her.
“Stay away from Evelyn and the children,” I said, keeping my voice low and threatening.
Leon actually laughed, and it sounded both amused and challenging. “And what gives you the right to make that demand p>
His eyes had this mocking look in them. “Being Evelyn’s ex-husband p>
Leon’s calm voice fell on my ears like mockery.
My eyes turned cold as I stared him down.
“This is none of your concern,” I said.
Seven years had changed him. Leon Robinson wasn’t the broke college heartthrob working multiple jobs anymore. He’d built himself up from nothing to become a tech mogul, establishing himself firmly in Ravenshade’s business world.
The Brownfur Pack had eventually tracked him down and brought him back as their illegitimate heir, and he’d since inherited the Alpha position.
Now he was an Alpha just like me, making this a completely fair fight.
The man’s presence and confidence were irritating, but what really got under my skin was how he held my gaze without flinching.
“Then my pursuit of Evelyn is none of your concern either,” he stated plainly. “I care for her. Deeply p>
Those words…I could tell Leon had wanted to say this to Evelyn years ago. His insecurity had held him back then, afraid he couldn’t give her the life she deserved. After learning about her marriage to me, he’d worked himself to the bone, desperate to close the gap between us.
“Let me remind you, Alpha Calvin,” he continued with maddening calmness, “you and Evelyn finalized your divorce three years ago p>
“She’s single. I’m single. My decision to pursue her is between her and me. Whether she accepts or not is her business, not yours p>
Ignoring the freezing fury coming off me, Leon pressed on. “If I’m fortunate enough to win her heart, rest assured I’ll treat Rowan and Rhys as my own sons p>
It dawned on me that Leon Robinson, for all his previous disadvantages, understood something fundamental that I’d missed. While I’d been busy dominating both the business world and pack politics, making competitors tremble at the mention of my name, I’d completely failed in matters of the heart.
Perhaps that was for the best—for him. It gave him the opening to pursue Evelyn, to finally act on feelings he’d suppressed for years.
My jaw clenched tight, lips pressed into a hard line as my fingers dug painfully into my palms. By the time I regained enough control to respond, Leon had already gotten into his car and left.
I stood frozen at the entrance like a statue.
Divorce. Single. Pursuit. Treating my sons as his own p>
Each word hit like a punch to the gut. I closed my eyes and took several deep breaths, barely containing the boiling rage in my veins.
Just then, something tugged at my pant leg.
Looking down, I found Alexis hugging my leg, her little face tilted up with a sweet smile. Apparently, after being comforted by Evelyn, she’d grown impatient waiting for my return and had come looking for me.
She reached up with both arms. “Uncle, carry me p>
I bent down and lifted her up. “What are you doing out here, Alex? Where’s your mom p>
I glanced back toward the doorway but saw no sign of Evelyn.
My face softened when she pressed a small kiss against my cheek.
“Thank you, Uncle,” she said with a smile.
After the incident by the pond, Alexis had clearly grown more attached to me, showing unmistakable signs of trust and dependence.
I kissed the top of her head. “You’re welcome p>
The moment Rowan and Rhys realized their sister was missing, they came running outside to look for her. Both visibly relaxed when they spotted her nestled in my arms.”Dad, it’s hot out here. Bring Alex back inside,” Rowan said.
Rhys chimed in, “Mom made chicken noodle soup for us. Come have some, Dad p>
At the mention of food, Alexis perked up immediately.
She kept one arm around my neck while the other pointed emphatically toward the house. “Uncle, charge!” she commanded.
I couldn’t help but laugh. “Alright p>
As I entered the house, Evelyn was just bringing out the freshly made chicken noodle soup. Our eyes met, and something unreadable flickered in her gaze as she took in the sight of her daughter in my arms.
She gestured to the children. “Come have some soup p>
“Mom, I want a big bowl!” Rowan announced.
Rhys wasn’t about to be outdone. “Mom, Mom, me too, me too p>
“Alex too!” Alexis added her request, then thoughtfully included me. “Mom, Uncle wants big bowl p>
Children’s affection was so beautifully straightforward. Uncomplicated.
After finishing their soup, the kids played in the toy room for a while before Evelyn ushered them upstairs for their nap. As she stepped out of the master bedroom, she nearly collided with me waiting in the hallway.
My voice was low, urgent with a question I couldn’t hold back any longer.
“Evelyn,” I said, “who is Alexis’s father p>