Chapter 19
Evelyn’s ’s POV
I watched as Calvin took our sons back to their room to rest, then immediately called Eryx to find me a lawyer who specialized in custody battles.
Beyond the successful hospital I established in Viremont, my other ventures were thriving as well. Money was the least of my concerns now. I knew Calvin was right,the pack would never allow their Alpha heirs to leave. But I also refused to let my children remain unhappy, caught between Calvin and Clara.
The thought of Clara acting like their stepmother, pretending to care while clinging to Alpha Calvin, made my skin crawl.Financial resources might not be enough to challenge pack law, but they gave me options. And I would use every means at my disposal to ensure my children’s wellbeing.
While I was determined to fight for my children, I couldn’t help feeling conflicted about Rhys. His behavior had hurt me, but I wasn’t ready to make any permanent decisions yet. I needed to see how things would play out.
“For now,” I whispered to myself, “we’ll keep our distance p>
Astrid texted me, saying she’d been keeping an eye on Clara from next door.
The she-wolf had been desperate to check on Calvin after our confrontation, but thankfully, she’d been turned away with the excuse that “the children were napping p>
When our little ones woke up, Astrid came to take us downstairs. The moment we stepped into the hallway, we found ourselves face-to-face with Calvin and the twins.
Rowan and Rhys had changed clothes, looking refreshed after their nap. My sweet Alexis, bursting with energy after her rest, immediately ran toward Rowan with such enthusiasm that he nearly stumbled backward.
Calvin steadied him with his leg, preventing both children from falling.
My daughter looked up at her brother with those adorable doe eyes that never failed to melt my heart.
“Brother,” she said, her voice filled with pure adoration.
I could see Rowan’s expression soften as he took her hand, then looked up at his father questioningly.
“Dad, can I play with my sister?” he asked cautiously.
From the corner of my eye, I noticed Clara clutching several kites, her expression darkening as she watched our family interaction. She had clearly expected Calvin to refuse, but when he nodded instead, I could practically feel her rage brewing.
Rhys, not wanting to be left out, quickly chimed in, “Dad, I want to go with them too p>
He hesitantly reached for Alexis’s other hand, touching her so gently as if she might break. After a moment’s hesitation, my daughter accepted his hand.
Astrid leaned close to me with a mischievous grin. “Moon Goddess, your three little ones are absolutely gorgeous. Those genetics are extraordinary p>
I gave her a sideways glance. “If you love children so much, have one of your own p>
She immediately backed away, hands up in protest. “No, no! Having Alexis as my goddaughter is more than enough. Did you see Clara’s face just now? Pure hatred p>
At that moment, Alexis turned back from the elevator, calling out, “Mommy, hurry p>
I smiled tenderly. “Coming, sweetheart p>
Clara was seething as she watched Calvin walk ahead without acknowledging her. She hurried to catch up, deliberately trying to stay close to him to create the illusion they were together. But Calvin silently increased the distance between them.
Once inside the elevator, she stumbled toward him on purpose.
Calvin moved aside without hesitation, avoiding her completely.
“Cal,” she pouted, voice soft and sweet, “I feel a little dizzy p>
Calvin’s tone was emotionless. “If you’re unwell, return to your room and rest. There’s no need to join us p>
Clara responded with a sweet smile. “I’m fine. I just want to spend time with you and the children p>
“Unnecessary,” Calvin replied coldly. “I can manage the children myself p>
Astrid nudged me to turn around, silently suggesting we ignore Clara’s pathetic performance.
I gave a self-deprecating smile, all too familiar with these tactics.
Calvin’s POV
The resort’s expansive green lawn was already crowded with families setting up camp when we arrived. Some were using the provided canopies and furniture, while others were building their own tents.
I watched as Alexis looked around curiously at the other children playing. “Mommy, I want to play too,” she said eagerly.
Evelyn smiled at her. “Alright, we’ll set one up. How about a tent as cute as you p>
Something tightened in my chest seeing Astrid carrying Alexis and Evelyn holding Rowan’s hand,while completely ignoring Rhys who trailed behind them.
Even though Rowan called out to include his brother, I could see the hurt in Rhys’s eyes as he kept glancing at Evelyn, who continued to act as if he wasn’t there.
Why was she so loving toward our other children but cold to him? The boy looked devastated, and my protective instincts flared.
Clara’s voice interrupted my thoughts. “Cal,” she said in that artificially soft voice that grated on my nerves, “shall we set up a tent for the children too p>
I didn’t even register her words because at that moment, I spotted Alexis struggling with a cushion nearly as big as herself.
My heart jolted, and I moved without thinking.
In seconds, I had lifted her up before she could fall, my voice betraying more concern than I intended to show. “You’re too small to carry something that big p>
Alexis made a surprised sound as her feet left the ground. She kicked her little legs in confusion and looked up at me with wide eyes.
I carried her in one arm and took the cushion with my free hand, striding over to Evelyn who had just finished setting up the tent frame with Astrid.
“She’s too young to be carrying things. What if she had fallen?” I demanded, unable to keep the accusation from my voice.
Before Evelyn could respond, Alexis reached out and poked my cheek, clearly displeased with my tone. “Don’t be mean to Mommy,” she scolded.
I was momentarily stunned into silence.
Evelyn glanced between the twins carrying similar cushions and our daughter in my arms. I could see the irritation building in her expression.
“The items I give the children are either very small or very light,” she said coolly. “It’s about letting them participate, not endangering them. If you’re bored, why don’t you find something else to do p>
My face darkened instantly, anger building until I felt two tiny fingers pushing at the corners of my mouth, trying to force them upward.
“Alpha, smile,” Alexis commanded softly.
Awkwardly, I attempted a smile, completely disarmed by this tiny pup.
I caught Astrid’s shocked expression before she covered her mouth, hiding her amusement. Even Evelyn looked surprised by my compliance.
And then,Alexis rewarded me with a radiant smile and a quick kiss on my cheek.
My wolf, Cyra, stirred inside me, suddenly alert and pleased in a way I didn’t understand.
She slid from my arms and secretly hooked her little finger around mine, pulling me toward the tent area.
Rowan and Rhys exchanged looks before hurrying to catch up.
Despite her young age, Alexis had observed that at other camping sites, fathers were setting up tents while mothers rested. She looked at me expectantly, waiting for me to take charge.
The resort tents were large. Even though Evelyn and Astrid were working efficiently, they lacked the necessary strength. Before Evelyn could say anything, I found myself crouching down to help.
My three children stood nearby, watching me with admiration as I completed the tent assembly.
It was only after I finished that I realized what I had done—something so domestic, so… normal. For a family that wasn’t mine. Except it was.
When the tent was securely in place, Alexis happily waved me over. I knelt down to hear what she wanted to say.
Alexis beamed at me with her innocent face radiating joy. “Thank you, Alpha,” she said loudly.
“Your daughter has a natural talent for manipulation,” Astrid whispered to Evelyn with a thumbs-up.
Evelyn’s lips twitched in response.
I felt an unfamiliar warmth spread through my chest.My wolf was practically preening inside me, satisfied by this simple family moment in a way that business victories or pack dominance never achieved.