Natalia's POV

I saw my brother warn Adrian, who stared at Jason with an indifferent expression. My brother was right; Jason was shameless, still daring to approach us after the truth came out. Fortunately, I hadn't told my brother about Jason's accusations; otherwise, a confrontation would have erupted at the party.

Jason and Adrian glared at each other as if they were longtime enemies. I glanced at the other Alphas; some looked frightened by the two men. I shook my head and took Jason's arm.

"Brother, I think Dad is calling us. Let's go."

Jason understood; he nodded, wanting to avoid a scene. However, his eyes burned with vengeance toward Adrian.

I feared Adrian would mention my children in front of others, or retaliate against Jason. Surprisingly, he remained calm, though visibly insulted. He didn't speak and allowed us to leave.

"That bastard!" my brother growled as we walked toward our father. "Did you see his arrogance? How dare he—"

I rubbed his arm. "Control yourself, brother. He's always been like that. But I'm glad he knows the truth."

He stopped, turned to me, patted my head, and reassured me, "Your brother will kill him if he dares to hurt you again."

I nodded. We reached our parents. My mother pulled me aside.

"Are you okay?" she asked anxiously.

"Mom, I'm fine."

She glanced at Adrian. "Why did he approach you and Jason? What did he say?"

"Mom, relax. He can't hurt me. You're all here with me."

My mother breathed a sigh of relief. As a mother, she'd been worried; she'd seen my distress during my pregnancy after Adrian's cruelty. She feared he would hurt me again. I felt her fear and pain.

I hugged her. "Mom, are you happy? You always wanted to tell others about me. Everyone knows my identity now."

She broke the hug, cupping my face. "Of course, my baby. For a mother, nothing beats claiming her children."

After a long conversation with my mother, I spoke with my father. Eric then asked to see the babies, but I told him not to worry. He seemed to believe he'd be a caring father someday.

I went to the terrace, seeking quiet time with my twins. A beautiful moon shone as I dialed William's number.

Aria's voice filled my ear. "Mommy, we're angry. You don't care for us."

Her upset tone surprised me. "What happened, baby? Didn't Aunt Damia say I'd spend time with you tomorrow?"

"Mommy, why are you so busy? We're alone. We don't like it. Grandpa and Grandma aren't here."

I felt sad. Their mother was helpless; I couldn't bring them to the party.

"Baby, Mommy's sorry. Wait an hour. Have you had dinner?"

"We don't want to eat," Noah said.

"I'm sorry, babies. We'll go out tomorrow. Where do you want to go?"

"Nowhere," Noah replied angrily.

I was quiet. I felt like a bad mother. My wolf whined, mirroring my emotions.

"Mommy, we're sorry. Are you mad at us?" Aria asked softly. They'd misunderstood my silence.

"No, babies. Mommy loves you. How could I be mad?"

"Okay, Mommy. Let's go to the park near our school," Aria requested.

"Okay," I replied happily, relieved to ease their anger. I told them to eat and sleep, and they agreed.

Feeling relieved, I decided to return to the party. Turning to leave, I froze. Adrian leaned against a wall, having been there for a while; my wolf's earlier whining made sense now. He was silent, but his eyes weren't calm. I tried to leave, but he grabbed my hand, pulling me close. My body pressed against his. "Why didn't you tell me he's your brother?" he asked.