Aria’s question took me completely aback.

“Handsome Uncle?” I asked, bewildered.

“Yeah,” she replied, “that uncle we met at the airport.”

A bright smile and excited look lit up Aria’s face. A sharp pain throbbed in my chest. She was talking about her father!

Taking a deep breath, I said, “Aria, don’t talk about that man again, okay?”

“Why, Mom?”

“My baby, he’s a stranger. I told you that day, right? And Mommy’s going to visit someone who’s critically ill.”

She lowered her head, sighing deeply. After a moment, she nodded, showing she understood.

I watched her intently. Why did she keep bringing up Adrian in everyday conversation? Why couldn't she forget that one meeting? Was it because he was her father?

I noticed Aria had started drawing again. Running my hand through her hair, I asked, “What are you drawing?”

She turned, showing me her drawing. As I reached for the paper, my hand trembled. The sketch was a rough depiction of a man and a woman, with two children holding their hands. My eyes fell on the title: “Mom, Dad, me, and my brother. My family.”

I mumbled the words aloud.

“The teacher told everyone to draw this,” Aria explained.

I looked at her innocent face, placed the paper on the bed, and hugged my daughter. Tears welled in my eyes, but I held them back. How could I give my children their father? I’d always avoided the question. But seeing the drawing filled me with sorrow. The thought of how much they missed a father figure pierced my heart.

But I couldn't tell them who their father was. I was afraid Adrian would take them away from me if he knew the truth.

“Mom,”

Noah’s voice came from behind me.

I broke the hug and turned to see my son at the doorway.

“Baby, come here.”

He hurried to me. I hugged him and asked, “Where were you?”

“With Uncle William.”

I released him, cupping his face in my hands. “I’m going out today. Take good care of yourselves, both of you. I’ll be back soon.”

Noah kissed my cheek and caressed my face, making me smile. Aria joined us, hugging my neck.

“Mom, I’ll take care of Noah too.”

I kissed her head and pulled them close. I didn’t mention the Crystal Blood Pack again. I didn’t want to spoil our happy time.

We giggled and played. Later, I told them I’d return the day after tomorrow. They said they’d miss me.

A knock came while we were together. The maid had already opened the door; she merely knocked to announce her arrival.

“Young Miss, everyone’s waiting for you three at the dinner table.”

“We’re coming,” I replied. She bowed and left.

“Let’s go to dinner,” I said to Aria and Noah.

They climbed out of bed, both taking my hands. We went to the dining room. I seated them near me, then sat beside my brother. My father remained at the head of the table. Even though Jason was Alpha, he wanted my father to keep his place.

During dinner, my gaze drifted to Eric. I silently thanked him with a nod. He nodded back, confirming everything was alright.

“I heard you’re going to that pack,” Jason’s angry voice cut through the air. I knew he’d object; he hated Adrian the most.

“Brother, Alpha Lucas is sick. I have to go.”

He listened, chewing thoughtfully, remaining silent for a moment. I focused on my food, praying he wouldn’t get angry.

“Fine,” he mumbled, his voice audible to everyone. “But if that man does anything like he did that night at the party, I’ll make things very difficult for him.”

I glanced at Eric to see if he’d told my brother about the hotel room incident. He shook his head, indicating he hadn’t. Jason must have seen the photos of Adrian and me going into a room at the party.

“Brother, I promise, everything will be fine this time.”

I looked at Noah and Aria. Noah was clearly paying attention to his uncle.

“Let’s not talk about this now,” I said. They agreed, glancing at the children.

After dinner, I took my leave. My father offered me his car, but I declined, asking for the less expensive car kept at the pack house. I didn’t want Adrian to suspect anything. Jason wanted to drive me, but I refused; he had too much to do.

I waved goodbye to my family and children, then got into the car. I planned to return the day after tomorrow. A chilly breeze brushed my face as I leaned back, closing my eyes. The driver started the car, heading towards the Crystal Blood Pack.

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