"You cannot separate them from their mother. They need her," my father said angrily.

Adrian frowned. "What about their father? Don't you think they need their father, too? I can't believe you have the audacity to—"

The two men argued, the atmosphere growing increasingly heated.

I took my father's hand. "Dad, please don't talk to him. He's rude. I don't want you to be humiliated."

Adrian snorted. As he stood, a wave of dread washed over me. I wasn't afraid for myself, but

As he approached my children, I gasped.

Aria and Noah looked at him with different expressions.

Adrian grabbed their hands, pulling them from behind my mother. He knelt, giving them a long, intense look. I saw a yearning in his eyes. I looked away.

For the first time, I regretted separating father and children. But hadn't Adrian said he'd never accept the children I'd bear? Why did he care now?

"Will you two live with me? With your dad?" he asked.

Aria looked surprised. "D-Dad?"

She turned to me. "Mom, is it true? Is he our dad?"

A wide grin spread across her face. Her eyes shone as she took in her father.

I clenched my jaw, unable to answer. Guilt gnawed at me. But I'd only been trying to protect them from him. His wanting to be with them was a complete shock.

They were my children. Adrian and I were divorced. I didn't want to give my babies to him. They were my life.

"Don't ask her. She's a liar," Adrian told Aria.

He stroked her head. "I'll take you away. You'll live like a princess. You won't have to hide anymore."

"No, my mommy isn't a liar," Aria pouted.

"Really? Then ask her if I'm lying."

Tears streamed down my cheeks. His words were a dagger to my heart. He was accusing me.

For years, I'd kept my children hidden. I couldn't take them out in public. But now, he would.

I lowered my head. What should I do? The thought of my children being away from me sent a chill down my spine.

"Mommy?" Aria looked at me uncertainly.

Before I could answer, Adrian stood, turning to his associates. His eyes found Delta Julian.

"Julian, take the children to the Crystal Blood Pack. They'll stay with their grandparents from today on."

My eyes widened. I shook my head, hoping I could convince him, or escape with my babies.

Then Noah spoke angrily.

"No, we won't go with you. We don't want you. We want our mommy. You're an evil man."

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