Chapter 33
Evelyn’s POV
I stood at the door of the playroom, watching as Calvin gently comforted our daughter. My heart clenched with conflicting emotions as I observed his tenderness with Alexis, our little girl who had no idea he was actually her father. The milk bottle I held felt heavy in my hand, a physical reminder of the weight of secrets between us.
When his eyes met mine across the room, I felt that familiar pull. I quickly shook off the feeling.
“Here’s your milk, Alexis,” I handed her the bottle. “Rowan, Rhys, don’t forget your juice p>
After making sure the children were taken care of, I turned to Calvin.
“Would you mind joining me in the study? There’s something we need to discuss p>
Once the door closed behind us, I didn’t waste time with pleasantries.
“From now on, I’ll arrange for someone to pick up Rowan and Rhys specifically. You don’t need to make the extra trip, Alpha Calvin p>
His expression darkened, jaw tightening as he studied me.
“If you need to change plans with the boys, please let me know ahead of time,” I continued, keeping my voice deliberately even.
What happened today wasn’t just about a broken promise. I
t was about protecting Alexis from forming attachments that could lead to heartbreak… or worse, to Calvin discovering the truth about her parentage.
I couldn’t risk him fighting me for custody of our daughter when I was still working to secure full rights to our sons.
“Evelyn, I had a p>
“I understand you have your reasons,” I said, cutting him off before he could finish his excuse, “but please understand that as Alexis’s mother, I can’t allow her to be disappointed like that again p>
The bond between them was already growing stronger than I’d anticipated. Each time Calvin looked at her, I saw a softness in his eyes, a tenderness I rarely saw directed at me during our mateship. The wolf in him was responding instinctively to his cub, even without knowing the truth.
It would be safer for everyone if he kept his distance.
Through the study window, I watched Calvin storm away, his anger visible even from a distance. I sighed, turning away just as tiny footsteps approached.
“Mommy?” Rowan appeared in the doorway, clutching his pillow. “Can we sleep with you tonight p>
Rhys peeked around his brother, adding softly, “Please p>
“Of course, my loves,” I smiled, the earlier tension melting away. “Where’s your sister p>
“Here!” Alexis came bouncing in, already in her unicorn pajamas. “Can we have a story too p>
“I want the dragon story!” Rowan climbed onto my bed.
“No, the princess one!” Alexis protested.
“What about you, Rhys?” I asked, noticing him hanging back slightly.
“Can… can we have both?” he suggested quietly.
“That’s my clever boy,” I laughed, gathering them all close. “We’ll read both p>
Soon, each child was snuggled under their favorite blanket – Rowan’s blue superhero one, Rhys’s star-patterned throw, and Alexis’s pink unicorn cover. With Alexis nestled between her brothers, I opened the first storybook.
“Once upon a time I began, as three pairs of eager eyes watched me, the room’s soft lighting creating a cozy atmosphere perfect for bedtime stories.
Calvin’s POV
I found myself kneeling before the tiny girl who had somehow wrapped herself around my heart in such a short time. Alexis sat before me with tears in her eyes that cut deeper than any pack rival’s threats ever could.
“I’m sorry,” I said softly, fighting the urge to call her my daughter. “I was wrong to forget the promise I made to you p>
My wolf, normally dominant and controlled, whined uncomfortably at seeing her distress.
“Promise you won’t lie anymore?” Alexis tugged at my sleeve, her small face serious.
Relief flooded through me at her forgiveness.
“I promise,” I said softly, gently ruffling her hair.
“Cross your heart?” she pressed, holding up her tiny pinky finger.
“Cross my heart,” I smiled, linking my finger with hers.
The moment was perfect, until I caught sight of Evelyn in the doorway. Her guarded expression as she watched our interaction made my smile fade.
Following her to the study, I steeled myself for what was coming.
Three years of separation hadn’t dulled my ability to read her intentions.
“Today was just an accident,” I began, my voice controlled despite the tension building in my shoulders. “I didn’t intend to p>
“I think it’s best if you keep your distance from Alexis,” she cut me off, her tone cool and detached.
“Evelyn, I would never hurt her,” I said, fighting to keep my voice steady. The suggestion made something primal stir inside me.
“Your track record with promises isn’t exactly stellar, Calvin,” she replied flatly. “I need to protect my daughter p>
I fell silent. The urge to protect Alexis felt as overwhelming as what I felt for Rowan and Rhys, but Evelyn was right – after everything that had happened, I had no right to challenge her boundaries.
My jaw tightened as I considered my next words carefully. If Evelyn wanted space between me and Alexis, I would need to tread carefully. The custody battle for our sons was precarious enough without adding complications.
But something about that little girl called to my wolf in ways I couldn’t ignore, and sooner or later, I would need to understand why.