Noah and Aria's eyes widened in shock.

Aria parted her lips and mumbled, "Y-You knew?"

I removed my hand from Noah's head and gently pinched Aria's cheek.

"What are your thoughts on your dad, Princess? In case you're unaware, he's the head Alpha of many packs."

Aria's mouth fell open. I glanced at Noah, who lowered his head.

I released Aria's cheek and turned to Noah. "I gave you that phone and tablet so you two could talk to your mom."

He lifted his head and asked, "Really?"

I nodded with a small smile. I wasn't foolish enough to give them the devices simply as a calming aid. They couldn't spend their days passively using them; I knew exactly how they'd be used—to contact Natalia.

Aria took my hand in her soft hands and pleaded, "Please don't take them back, Dad."

Each time she called me "Dad," I froze. The word held such power; it eased the burden in my heart.

I patted her hand and replied, "If you two eat your meals regularly without causing trouble, I won't take them away."

Aria smiled. "Okay."

Noah remained quiet, still angry.

I grabbed their plates. "Finish your meal quickly."

For the first time, they obeyed. They ate quietly.

The tablet rang again. This time, before Noah could reach it, I grabbed it and stood up from the bed.

"Don't worry, I won't break my promise," I reassured them as they looked at me.

I went to the balcony as they continued eating.

"Don't disturb me," I told them.

"But Mommy's calling. She wants to talk to us," Noah said.

I gave him a look that clearly indicated he should shut up and eat. He lowered his head and continued eating.

"Noah, let Dad talk to Mommy," Aria said with a chuckle.

Ignoring their expressions, I went to the balcony. The ringtone had stopped. I placed the tablet on a stand on the table and sat down.

I waited for it to ring again. It didn't take long. It was a video call. I answered.

A young, beautiful woman immediately appeared on the screen. Her appearance stopped me momentarily. She seemed to be lying on her bed in a black nightgown; her hair was wet, suggesting she'd just showered and was preparing for bed.

She was startled to see me instead of Aria or Noah. She quickly sat up, her nightgown shifting slightly, revealing a glimpse of her cleavage.

I couldn't tear my eyes away.

Her shocked voice reached me. "Adrian!"

The final sentence, which appears to be an advertisement or link, has been removed.