Chapter 45
Evelyn’s POV
Ever since our encounter at the Silver Moon Gala, Julian had been persistently inviting me to visit Duskwatch Bay. Thinking it was time for Irina’s follow-up examination anyway, I decided to bring the twins and Alexis along to see him. I made sure to bring several warriors for protection,I wasn’t taking any chances after what happened with the twins.
Before leaving Viremont, I’d spent the morning in my office at Evelink Biosciences, making sure everything would run smoothly in my absence.
“Jackson,” I said firmly, “continue monitoring the Calypso Pack. If the Alpha Council calls a hearing regarding Cyrus, I want to know immediately p>
Jackson nodded, his fingers already dancing across his keyboard. “Yes, Dr. Blackwell. I’ve already accessed their secure server. Nothing happens without us knowing p>
“And Eryx,” I continued, “keep pushing forward with the Red Cedar Resort project. The land auction is in one month, and we absolutely must secure that property for growing the moonshade root p>
“I’ve already scheduled meetings with three potential allies who might help us outbid Wolfe Haven,” Eryx confirmed, his expression serious as always.
I’d spent another hour reviewing Gary’s latest research,his improvements to the LDS stabilizer showed promising results. The adjusted formula ratios seemed perfect, but we still needed a reliable source of Moon Shadow Root to produce it at scale.
“Anya,” I’d instructed our Bio-Processing head, “until we secure the cultivation land, I need you to source any available Moon Shadow Root throughout Veridia. Price is no object p>
With business handled, I settled into my private jet and watched my three children sleeping, cuddled together on the wide seat.Their peaceful faces made my chest tighten with love. I gestured to the flight attendant to bring a blanket and gently tucked it around them.
Everything I’d built—my research facility, my pharmaceutical company, my home in Viremont, all of it was for them, to give them the security and love they deserved.
If Calvin was hesitating about handling Clara properly, then I wouldn’t be so understanding. My children’s safety wasn’t negotiable.
I wouldn’t hesitate to fight for full custody. The twins’ poisoning had crossed a line I could never forgive.
Duskwatch Bay emerged from the morning fog as our plane began its descent. The city was truly breathtaking, with ancient stone buildings alongside gleaming modern skyscrapers, all surrounding one of Veridia’s largest natural harbors.
This port city was the economic heart of Veridia’s eastern coast, famous for its international shipping trade and thriving financial district. The city’s unique position had made it somewhat independent from mainland politics, allowing various wolf packs to coexist alongside humans in a delicate balance.
Beyond commerce,Duskwatch Bay was home to several prestigious universities, including the Medical University of Veridia where I had spent my undergraduate years.
As the plane touched down, memories returned, of late nights in the library, early mornings in the labs, and the exciting feeling of discovering my passion for medical research.This was where I had first begun experimenting with wolf-specific treatments, though few knew that part of my history.
Julian and Irina were already waiting when we landed, standing beside a sleek black SUV on the private airstrip. Irina rushed forward to embrace me, her blonde hair catching the sunlight.
“Evelyn! It’s so wonderful to see you again,” she exclaimed, her blue eyes sparkling with genuine warmth. “And the children! They’ve grown so much since I last saw them p>
Julian stepped forward with his usual friendly manner. “Welcome to Duskwatch Bay,” he said, taking my hand and giving it a polite kiss. “It’s been too long since you’ve graced our shores p>
I smiled, genuinely pleased to see them both looking so well. “Thank you for the invitation. These are my sons, Rowan and Rhys p>
The twins stood tall beside me, looking curiously at Julian and his family.
Little Nathan, their son, peered shyly from behind his father’s legs until he spotted Alexis. His face immediately lit up with recognition, and he darted forward.
“Alex! Want to see my new toys?” he asked eagerly.
The children quickly formed their own little group, with Rowan taking charge as usual, introducing himself and Rhys to Nathan. Within minutes, they were chattering away as if they’d been friends forever.
As we drove through the city’s winding streets toward Julian’s estate, I found myself studying the territory of the Eros Pack.
Julian was a well-known merchant in Duskwatch Bay, specializing in international exports, he was a high-ranking pack member of the Eros Pack.
“How is Logan these days?” I asked casually, referring to the Eros Pack’s Alpha.
Julian chuckled. “Still the same—making money hand over fist while charming half the city. I swear, he can predict market movements before they happen. They don’t call him ’the Stock Oracle’ for nothing p>
I nodded, remembering Logan Walton all too well. A powerful, cunning Alpha with an almost talent for financial investments, but also a notorious playboy. His reputation with women was as legendary as his business acumen.During my university years, I’d kept my distance from him, focusing instead on my studies and the few genuine friends I’d made, like Helena.
As we passed the familiar landmarks of my university days, I found myself pointing them out to the children.
“That’s where Mommy studied medicine,” I told them as we passed the imposing stone buildings of the Medical University.
“Was it hard?” Rowan asked, always the curious one.
“Very,” I admitted. “But worth every moment p>
Julian chuckled. “Your mother was famous at the university. Youngest graduate in decades, and with highest honors p>
I waved away his praise. “Ancient history now p>
Julian’s estate sat on the cliffs overlooking the bay, a stunning Mediterranean villa of white stone and terracotta that blended perfectly with the natural landscape.
“Impressive,” I commented as we entered the grand foyer.
“A humble home,”Julian replied with modesty,making Irina roll her eyes good-naturedly.
“Don’t let him fool you,” she whispered loudly enough for everyone to hear. “He spent months agonizing over every detail of the renovation p>
While the children disappeared with Nathan to his playroom, Julian showed me to their private medical room where I could examine Irina.
The Impaired Wolf Immunity Syndrome that had nearly killed her two years ago was rare but devastating—a condition where a she-wolf’s immune system begins attacking her own wolf spirit, causing progressive deterioration of both forms.
I remembered clearly the night Julian had appeared outside my lab in Viremont, kneeling in the pouring rain with little Nathan beside him.
“Please,” Julian had begged. “Everyone else has given up. You’re our last hope p>
I had initially refused to take the case, overwhelmed with other research, but seeing the desperation in Julian’s eyes and the quiet determination of the little boy supporting his father in the storm had changed my mind.
How could I refuse such devotion? Such love?
Now,as I completed Irina’s examination,I was pleased to find her completely recovered.
“Your blood work is perfect,” I told her. “No signs of antibodies attacking your wolf anymore. I believe we can officially call this a complete remission p>
Relief washed over Irina’s face. “I still can’t believe how close I came to losing my wolf completely p>
Julian held his wife tightly and said gratefully, “Thank you so much, Dr. Blackwell p>
“You should thank yourselves,” I replied. “For being willing to sacrifice so much for your mate p>
“True mates are rare,” I said softly. “The love and support you show each other, that’s what a genuine bond looks like p>
Watching them together now, the way Julian stayed close, his eyes rarely leaving his wife, I felt both happy for them and empty inside. They had what I once thought I might have with Calvin, a true mateship built on love and respect.
“You gave me my life back,” she said, gripping my hands. “Stay with us for a few days. Please? The children are getting along so well, and it would be wonderful to catch up properly p>
Looking at her hopeful expression, I agreed. The children needed a quiet place to recover, and I needed this brief break from the constant tension of Ravenshade.