I shut my eyes, turning my head away from the screen. I told myself this wasn't the time to think about the desire.

"Whyyou?"

Her confused voice echoed in my ears. I opened my eyes and turned back to the screen.

She had already fixed her clothes; her hair covered her chest.

My mind drifted back to our first meeting. I couldn't shake the image of her leaving with Max Harrison.

"What did you think? That you could talk to my kids without my permission, and I'd just let you?"

She gulped, shaking her head. "I can only ask, please, Adrian. This is the only way I can contact them. Don't disconnect them from me."

Her voice was heavy with tiredness. I stared at her for a moment, unwilling to let her know I'd facilitated their contact.

I shifted my gaze, pulling a cigarette packet from my pocket.

"Are you smoking in your children's room, Alpha? Where are your manners?" she snapped.

I frowned, glancing at her. I lit the cigarette, watching her as I puffed the smoke. Blowing it out, I asked,

"What's your connection to Max Harrison?"

Her eyebrows rose in surprise.

"Excuse me?"

"No, I can't excuse you."

"Adrian Miller, you have no right to know."

I raised an eyebrow and nodded. "Okay, then don't call your kids again."

As I said this, I pretended to end the call.

Her eyes widened in shock. "No, no. Wait!"

I scoffed. "Done playing the arrogant one? Now tell me the truth."

"You're the most arrogant man I've ever met."

"Now, will you?"

My impatience grew. I needed to know why she'd left with him; it bothered me seeing them together.

She sighed in defeat. "He's my friend. Harold told me only he could save Jason, so I convinced him to help my brother."

My eyes locked on hers. Her voice trembled as she spoke of her brother.

"So he'll heal your brother."

"Yes."

A wave of relief washed over me. The weight on my chest began to lift. I'd been trying to calm myself, but seeing her eased my mind. I wondered how much power she held over me.

"I told you everything. Now, don't take their phone and tablet away."

I rolled my eyes. "I wasn't going to."

Her mouth parted in shock. "So you lied to get the answer you wanted!"

I chuckled. She had a cute, angry expression. I enjoyed talking to her like this.

"I hate you, Adrian."

"Good, keep hating me."

"I will. I'm ending this call."

"Wait."

She paused, looking at me. "What?"

"You know I'm planning a party for their fifth birthday. I want to surprise them."

Her anger subsided slightly. It seemed she loved the children most.

I waited for her reaction as I said, "I want you to come to their birthday party and surprise them."

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