Chapter 0029

Noah and I prepared to welcome Drake into our home. He would be staying at Le Palais, the most luxurious hotel in Nightcrest Pack territory, but we were hosting an intimate dinner for his first night to welcome him to the area. It would only be Noah, Drake, myself, Zoe, and Adam.

“I don’t think you understand,” Zoe said as she helped me set the table.

After the family banquet fiasco, Zoe refused to cook for Noah again (and I didn't blame her). Noah didn't believe I could prepare anything acceptable, so he hired a private chef. This left Zoe and me to simply place plates and silverware while anxiously awaiting our guest of honor.

“What don’t we understand?” I asked.

“Drake might say he’s here on business and custody matters, but I know he’s not,” she insisted. “He’s going to try and harass me. I’m just not sure how, yet.”

“We won’t let that happen,” Noah said from his seat at the head of the table.

I gave Zoe a tight-lipped smile. “Of course, we won’t.” I paused. “It does make me wonder, though, why you left him in the first place?”

Before Zoe could respond, Noah snorted. “Everyone knows about Drake’s playboy reputation,” he said.

“Everyone knows about my what?” a deep voice startled us. Noah, Zoe, and I turned to the doorway to see the butler standing anxiously. Beside him was a tall man—as tall as Noah—with broad shoulders, darker skin, and close-shaved hair. His white teeth flashed as he snarled at Noah.

“Alpha Drake,” Noah said flatly.

“Alpha Drake, Luna Hannah,” Drake replied. His eyes darted to Zoe. “Zoe.”

“Dad!” Adam cried, running to Drake with his arms wide open. Drake smiled, knelt down, and stretched out his arms to accept Adam’s hug. “There’s my big boy,” he said, squeezing his son tightly. He pulled away, looking Adam in the eye. “Have you been good for your mother?”

Adam nodded enthusiastically.

“Do you like your new Pack?” Drake continued, a slight edge now in his voice.

Adam nodded again, though a little less enthusiastically.

“Luna Hannah gave me a new toy!” Adam exclaimed.

“Oh, she did, did she?” Drake glanced at me, a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. “You’re going to have to show me.”

Chapter 0020

“Now?” Adam’s eyes twinkled like his father’s as he ran to where he’d left his Transformer action figure.

Chapter 0030

“Maybe later, sweetheart,” Zoe said, her eyes fixed firmly on Drake. “Mom and Dad need to talk about adult things with Alpha Noah and Luna Hannah.”

Zoe turned her attention to Noah. “Is there somewhere he can play while we wait for dinner?” she asked.

Noah nodded. “Of course.” He gestured to our butler. “Zachariah, please take Adam to play in the sitting room while we talk.”

Zachariah nodded and approached Adam, extending his hand. Adam looked from Drake to Zachariah to Zoe, as if seeking permission.

“It’s okay,” Zoe said. “Go with Zachariah, and he’ll bring you back when it’s time to eat.”

Adam glanced at Drake, seemingly expecting a different answer.

“Go ahead, buddy,” Drake said, somewhat reluctantly. “I’ll be here when you get back.”

Adam timidly took Zachariah’s hand, and the butler led him from the room.

As soon as Adam was out of earshot, Drake turned on Noah, his eyes blazing. “So, what were you saying about my ‘playboy reputation’?” he snarled.

Noah stood, and I quickly stepped between the two men, raising my hands placatingly. “Alpha Drake, I’m sure Noah meant no offense,” I said.

Drake sneered. “Yes, I’m sure the man my wife rejected meant nothing by bringing up my reputation in front of my son.”