Chapter 54
Calvin’s POV
I stared at our family photo while Evelyn’s voice came through the phone. Her words hit hard.
“Remember when the twins were three? Your mother took them from me, wouldn’t let me see them p>
My body tensed. Cyra stirred within me. I sat up in my chair, my shirt loose after today’s meetings.
“What are you talking about p>
“She took them away,” Evelyn’s voice cracked. “Said an Omega couldn’t raise Alpha heirs. I called you so many times, Calvin. You never picked up p>
Cold spread through my chest. This wasn’t possible. I would have known.
“When did this happen p>
“Right after you became Alpha. You were always working. Your secretary kept saying you were in meetings p>
I’d never heard her voice so broken. Something hot grew in my chest, catching my breath.
The memories rushed back.Taking over from Father.Pack fights.Business deals. Endless meetings. Coming home late to find Mother with the twins.
“I thought you didn’t want them,” I said. “Mother told me you preferred letting her handle the kids p>
Evelyn’s laugh was sharp. “You believed her without asking me p>
Cyra clawed inside me, angry. Mother always looked down on Evelyn for being an Omega, even though she was Norse Pack Alpha’s daughter. But this? I’d been blind.
“I’m sorry,” I said. The words felt strange in my mouth. Alphas rarely apologize, but Evelyn was different. “I didn’t know p>
“There’s a lot you didn’t know,” she said quietly. “Because you never asked p>
Her words hit harder than any punch. I’d spent years giving orders instead of listening.
My head throbbed. I’d spent the evening at an exclusive dinner with the city council members who controlled Red Cedar Resort’s permits. They’d kept ordering expensive whiskey, talking about “building relationships.” I played their game – the project was too important to Wolfe Haven International.
“So now you understand why I’m hesitant to let them stay with you,” she continued. “Diana still lives in the Pack house, still has her influence p>
“Diana no longer makes decisions for this Pack,” I stated firmly. “I do. And the boys stay with me p>
I heard her take a deep breath. Cyra tensed within me, recognizing her attempt to stay calm.
“So, Calvin, if we could part ways peacefully three years ago, why can’t we get along now, for the children p>
“We didn’t part peacefully,” I muttered.
“Pardon p>
“Nothing,” I said quickly.
“Why won’t you agree to let them live with me?” she asked quietly.
“The kids stay with me, you can see them anytime,” I said. “How’s that different from them living with you and me visiting p>
“If there’s no difference, why won’t you agree?” she fired back.
My eyes fixed on our family portrait—the twins grinning widely, Evelyn’s smile not quite reaching her eyes, my arm placed stiffly around her shoulders. The perfect Luna, the perfect Alpha family. The perfect lie.
“Because you know they’re Pack heirs, Evie,” I said, the old nickname slipping out. “If you really want to be with them p>
A knock cut me off. “Calvin? Are you there?” Clara’s sweet voice came through the door.
My heart clenched.Cyra growled, sensing the threat to this moment. I needed to finish what I was saying, but it was too late.
I heard that slight catch in Evelyn’s breath.Then her bitter laugh, followed by the click of disconnection.
Damn it. She was gone before I could tell her—come back to me, back to the Pack.
The bourbon haze cleared instantly.I drank some water and waited until my head stopped spinning before going to the door.
Clara stood there in black lace that barely covered anything.The bandage on her cheek made her look helpless. Her rose perfume hit me hard.
I stepped back, keeping my eyes on her face. “It’s late. What do you need p>
“I need to change my bandage,” she said sweetly. “I can’t find the first aid kit p>
She leaned forward, showing more skin, but I didn’t look down.
“Go back to your room. The housekeeper will help you,” I said coldly.
When her seduction failed, Clara looked up with teary eyes, her lip trembling.
“I’m sorry, Calvin. Did I disturb you?” She bit her lip. “I’m such an idiot around you p>
She moved closer, her fingers reaching for my shirt as she whispered, “Even though Evelyn got my family arrested, I don’t hate her. My family is innocent. The truth will come out p>
“Calvin,” she cried, “I have no one but you. You won’t leave me alone and helpless, will you p>
I stepped away smoothly. She couldn’t even touch my shirt.
“We’re just friends, Clara,” I said bluntly. “Go back to your room p>
When I heard the maids coming upstairs, Clara got desperate. She stripped naked, standing before me. But I felt nothing,all I could think about was Evelyn’s bitter laugh before she hung up.
I sighed, turning back to my study. I grabbed my suit jacket and wrapped it around Clara’s bare body.
“Clara, don’t do this,” I said.
“Calvin, I’m sorry!” she cried. “I just miss my parents so much p>
“You’re my only hope! Please help me, my family is innocent p>
My voice turned cold, like when I judge pack matters. “Clara, think clearly. Go to your room and rest. I’ll look into your case. This behavior needs to stop p>
I went back to my study and shut the door. Soon, I heard her footsteps fade away.
After they took her away, I came out. My housekeeper saw my face and knew.
“Alpha, sorry for my mistake,” he said right away. “Won’t happen again p>
The house locked at night. Only the twins and I could open it.
And Evelyn. I still kept her code.
“Make sure it doesn’t,” I said coldly, going back to my study.
My mind wouldn’t settle.
I kept thinking about Evelyn hanging up.I called her again,got the busy signal.
She’d blocked my number again! Tomorrow, I’d go get the twins myself.