Alpha's Twins Chapter 32

I was completely blindsided by Aria's question.

"Handsome Uncle?" I asked, totally confused.

"Yeah, that guy we met at the airport," she said.

I could see the bright smile lighting up Aria's face, the excitement practically radiating from her. My chest tightened with a sharp, aching pain.

She was talking about her father.

I took a deep breath. "Aria, let's not talk about that man anymore, okay?"

"Why not, Mom?"

"Sweetheart, he's just a stranger. Remember what I told you that day? Anyway, Mommy has to go visit someone who's really sick."

Her face fell, and she let out a little sigh, her lips pursed in disappointment. But after a moment, she nodded like the good girl she was.

I watched her carefully. Why did she keep bringing up Adrian? Why couldn't she forget just one meeting?

Was it because he was her father?

I noticed Aria had started drawing again. I ran my fingers through her hair. "What are you working on?"

She turned toward me and held up her drawing.

I reached for the paper, but my hand started trembling when I saw what she'd drawn.

It was a rough sketch of a man and woman with two children, all holding hands.

My eyes locked onto the title she'd written at the top.

"Mom, Dad, me, and my brother. My family," I read aloud, my voice barely a whisper.

"The teacher said we all had to draw this," Aria explained.

I stared at her innocent face, then set the paper aside and pulled my daughter into my arms.

Tears burned behind my eyes, but I fought them back.

How could I give my children their father? Every time they asked about him, I just... avoided the question.

But seeing this drawing broke something inside me. The thought of how much they longed for a dad—a man they could actually call father—felt like a knife twisting in my heart.

But I couldn't tell them who their father really was. I was terrified that if Adrian found out the truth, he'd take them away from me. I couldn't even imagine my life without them.

"Mom?"

Noah's voice came from behind me.

I pulled back from Aria and turned to find my son standing in the doorway.

"Come here, baby."

Noah rushed over, and I wrapped him in my arms. "Where were you?"

"With Uncle William."

I pulled back and cupped his face in my hands. "I'm going somewhere today. Take good care of yourself and Aria, okay? I'll be back soon."

When Noah kissed my cheek and touched my face so gently, I couldn't help but smile.

Seeing us, Aria joined our little huddle, wrapping her arms around my neck. "Mom, I'll take care of Noah too."

I kissed the top of her head and pulled both of them close.

I didn't mention the Crystal Blood Pack again. I didn't want to ruin this perfect moment with my kids.

We spent the next hour laughing and playing together. I told them I'd be back the day after tomorrow, and they promised they'd miss me. I was so incredibly lucky to have such sweet, caring children.

While we were playing, someone knocked on the door.

A maid had already opened it and was just knocking to get our attention.

"Miss, everyone's waiting for you at dinner."

"We'll be right there," I told her. She bowed and left.

"Dinner time," I said to Aria and Noah.

They climbed off the bed, each taking one of my hands.

Together, we walked to the dining room.

I got them settled in their seats next to mine, then sat down beside my brother.

Dad still sat at the head of the table. Even though Jason was Alpha now, he'd insisted Dad keep his place at home.

As we started eating, I caught Eric's eye and mouthed "thank you."

He nodded, letting me know everything was handled.

"I heard you're going to that pack." Jason's voice was tight with anger.

I knew he'd be against it—he hated Adrian more than anyone.

"Jason, Alpha Lucas is really sick. I have to go."

My brother chewed thoughtfully, clearly wrestling with his thoughts. He didn't say anything for a long moment.

I focused on my food, silently praying he wouldn't blow up at me.

"Fine. But if that bastard pulls anything like he did at the party, he'll have me to deal with," Jason muttered, loud enough for everyone to hear.

I glanced at Eric, wondering if he'd told Jason about what happened in the hotel room. He shook his head—he hadn't said anything.

Jason was talking about the party, about those photos of me and Adrian going to a room together.

"I promise everything will be fine this time," I said.

I looked over at Noah and Aria. Noah was clearly listening to every word his uncle said.

"Let's not talk about this right now," I said, nodding toward the kids. Everyone agreed, following my gaze.

After dinner, I said goodbye to everyone. Dad wanted me to take his car, but I asked for one of the less expensive ones from the pack house instead. I didn't want Adrian getting suspicious.

Jason offered to drive me there, but I turned him down—he had too much pack business to handle.

I waved goodbye to my family and my children, then got in the car.

I told myself I'd be back the day after tomorrow.

As the cool evening breeze hit my face through the window, I leaned back in my seat and closed my eyes.

The driver started the engine and pulled away, heading toward our destination: the Crystal Blood Pack.