I Need You, My Luna

MEGAN'S POV

The envelope in my hands might as well be a ticking bomb.

I'm currently sitting alone in Xarion’s pack office, my heart pounding and the silence pressing down on me like a heavy blanket.

The paper inside the envelope feels heavier than anything I’ve ever held. I ran the test three times.

Three times.

Each one said the same thing. I’m pregnant.

I hold the edges tighter with trembling fingers, not from fear of the baby but from my mate.

Xarion’s been colder and more distant lately. Like I’m nothing more than a pest in our home. But a part of me feels this will definitely matter to him.

The door finally swings open, and Xarion steps in, pausing the moment he sees me. His eyes narrow, and I can see his surprise and annoyance.

“What are you doing here?” he asks, shrugging off his jacket and tossing it onto the couch like he’s done with the day and everything in it.

“I needed to talk to you,” I say, rising to my feet.

He glances at his watch. “I thought I told you to stop showing up unannounced.”

“I know. I’m sorry. But… this is important.”

“Fine,” He sighs. “Make it quick.”

I squeeze the envelope hard, my throat tightening.

“I… I’m pregnant, Xarion.”

He freezes just for a second. Then he turns, slowly.

“You’re what?”

“Pregnant,” I whisper. “I’m carrying your child.”

A sharp and tense silence falls between us. Then his jaw tightens so hard I swear I hear his teeth grind.

“Abort it.”

I stumble back as my breath catches in my throat. I must've misheard. I definitely misheard.

“What?”

“You heard me,” he says flatly. “Get rid of it.”

My knees instantly weaken as I stare at him. “This is your child, Xarion. Our child.”

He doesn’t budge. Instead, he walks to his desk and slaps down a folder that has my name printed on the front in bold letters.

Oh goddess. Divorce papers.

“We agreed this marriage was temporary,” he says. “You knew that. So this changes nothing.”

Tears burn behind my eyes. “But we… we made love. You came to me, you...”

“I was drunk, Megan,” he cuts me off. “You seduced me. Or have you forgotten?!”

“That’s not true!” I choke out. “You kissed me first. The way you held me that night…”

“You’re naive,” He scoffs. “It was a mistake. You read too much into it, like you always do.”

A tear slips down my cheek before I can stop it.

“How can you be so cruel, Xarion?”

“Cruel?” He laughs bitterly, like I’ve just told the world’s most pathetic joke. “You ruined my life, Megan. You think I wanted this? A contract marriage to a wolfless girl? The only reason I agreed was because you gave me your kidney.”

“One favor for another,” he continues coldly. “Nothing more.”

I’m shaking right now, my heart breaking open with every word.

“I thought…”

“You thought wrong,” he interrupts. “And just so you know, Danielle is back.”

My stomach drops as that name shatters the little strength I have left.

Danielle. His first love. The woman he loved before he met me. The woman he never stopped loving. She's back.

So that’s why. That’s why he’s been colder than usual.

Everything makes sense now.

“She’s the one I want,” he says. “Not you. And I’ll be damned before I let a wolfless nobody like you carry my heir.”

My hand instinctively moves to my stomach in shame.

“You… you don’t mean that.”

“I do,” he says without holding back. “And you’ll either sign those divorce papers and terminate that pregnancy by tomorrow, or…”

He steps closer, his voice dropping into something dark and dangerous.

“…you won’t like what I’ll do to you.”

A cold chill runs through me. For the first time since I met Xarion, I’m afraid.

Truly afraid.

His eyes are dark and wild, like the man I thought I knew was just a mask and this is what was underneath all along.

“Don’t make this harder than it needs to be, Megan,” he growls. “You were never meant to stay.”

Just then, he turns around and walks out, leaving me standing there, utterly shattered.

…

The next morning, I’m sitting on a cold hospital examination table, my hands clenched, and my mind numb. Xarion's standing at the door like a warden overseeing a sentence.

Dr. Phillips, our pack doctor, throws me a brief, apologetic glance.

“So, are we clear, Doctor?” Xarion says tightly.

“Yes, Alpha. I understand,” the doctor replies.

“Good.” Xarion turns to me, his face emotionless. “I want no mistakes.”

Then, he leaves without another word.

I’m left alone with the doctor and a grief so deep it feels like drowning.

“I’m so sorry, Luna,” Dr. Phillips says gently.

“Just get it over with, doc,” I whisper.

He nods and moves quickly, and I lie back and stare at the ceiling.

A soft buzz fills the room, and I close my eyes, letting the tears roll silently down the sides of my face and soak into the pillows.

“It’s done,” Dr. Phillips says quietly after what feels like an hour.

Done.

Just like that.

…

On the way back home, the silence between me and Xarion is deafening as the SUV pulls into the driveway.

I step out slowly on unsteady legs and follow him into the house.

And that’s when I see her.

Danielle.

She appears at the top of the stairs, looking radiant in one of Xarion’s shirts. Her grin widens when she sees him.

Just then, she runs down and kisses his cheek. “Welcome back, baby. I’ve been waiting.”

The air leaves my lungs that instant. I've definitely had enough of this.

I turn without a word and climb the stairs.

In my room, I see the divorce papers waiting on my desk.

I sign them, shove them back in, and then I grab a suitcase and start packing whatever I can reach. Ten minutes later, I’m heading for the door when his voice stops me.

“You’ll receive three million dollars in the divorce settlement, Megan,” Xarion says from the living room.

I turn slowly in bitter anger. “Keep your filthy money, Xarion.”

“Oh,” Danielle gasps in pretense. “I didn’t think she’d be the ungrateful type, baby.”

I want to tear the smug look off this witch's face, but I ignore her.

I look only at him. Straight into the eyes of the man who broke me.

And with everything inside me, I declare, “I, Megan Pierce, reject you, Xarion Luther of the Aethonix Pack, as my mate.”

There's silence as Xarion's face hardens. But Danielle smirks.

I don’t wait to hear him accept the rejection; I walk out, badly hurt.

Outside, I quickly call a cab.

I don’t know where I’m going, but it will be far enough that his shadow can’t touch me anymore.

The cab arrives and I climb in.

Finally, I’m alone.

My phone rings, and I reach into my purse for it, but something falls onto my lap; it's a folded slip of paper. I slowly open it with slight confusion.

“Luna Megan, I didn’t do it. I couldn’t bring myself to end your pup’s life. Please keep this between us. I gave Alpha Xarion a report saying it was done. But your pup is still safe. Please be careful.” - Doctor Phillips

My breath catches and my eyes widen as my hand flies to my mouth.

My baby… is alive?

A sob escapes me as the tears I've been holding finally break freely.

I clutch the note to my chest, my heart pounding with something I thought I’d lost forever.

Now, I’m not just running.

I’m protecting something far more precious than myself.

And I swear on every ounce of pain in my soul, Xarion will never take this child from me.

Never.

MEGAN'S POV

Four Years Later

“And that’s how we locked down the Cendrix Pack contract three weeks ahead of schedule.” I say, concluding the presentation.

The boardroom stays silent for a bit before polite applause breaks out immediately.

“Brilliant work, Megan,” Mr. Lau says. “That’s the kind of move that earns a pack’s loyalty.”

I smile and nod once. “Thank you, Mr. Lau. My team worked hard.”

As everyone slowly gets up and begins to exit the boardroom, I stay behind to tidy up my notes.

Honestly, it's funny how life works.

Four years ago, I thought losing Xarion was the worst pain I’d ever endure. And I was even more shocked when I later discovered I was having two pups instead of one.

“You’re carrying twins, Miss Pierce,” the doctor had said, and I remember staring at him with a stunned look on my face.

I was twenty-two, terrified, and utterly alone.

Then came Alpha Elias Stone.

I met him by accident, really. I’d been working two jobs, one as a cleaner and the other doing freelance translation, just to take care of myself in the early months.

Elias was one of my clients, and he needed a business pitch translated into French for a certain pack. I delivered it in twenty-four hours, and he was really impressed.

He called me personally. “Ever thought about corporate strategy?”

I thought he was joking, but he wasn't.

Within weeks, I was training under his top executives. Within a year, I was leading teams. Now, I’m one of the youngest regional leads in Stone Corporations, and Elias treats me like his own daughter.

“Ma’am,” Caitlin’s voice pulls me from my thoughts as she peeks into the room. “Alpha Elias wants to see you in his office. He says it’s important.”

I nod, slipping my notes into my portfolio. “I’ll head up now.”

…

Elias’s office is sleek as always and there's a warmth in his smile as I walk in.

“Megan,” he greets, gesturing to the chair across from him. “Take a seat.”

I do, crossing one leg over the other.

“You’ve been outperforming projections all year,” he says, watching me closely. “Three contract wins. Expansion into Blue Vein Pack. Full stabilization of our shipping network.”

“I’m just doing my job, Alpha,” I reply calmly.

He leans back with a smile. “You’re doing more than that. Which is why I’m trusting you with something bigger.”

I narrow my eyes as I hear that.

“We’re opening a new regional base in Arkon City. We need someone who understands the politics and the territory. And frankly, there’s no one better equipped than you.”

Arkon City.

The name drops like ice down my spine.

It's the city I ran from. The city that holds the darkest chapter of my life.

“You’re from there, aren’t you?” Elias adds, reading my pause. “It’s full circle, in a way.”

Full circle? Or cursed.

“I want you to head the expansion project,” he continues. “Scout the location, handle licensing, and oversee the branch setup. It’s a major opportunity.”

I force a calm smile. “Alpha… I’m not sure I’m the best person for that territory.”

His eyes soften, and I hate that he sees more than I want to show.

“I know it’s personal,” he says calmly. “But this is strictly business. Besides, the council there still remembers you. You’d have support.”

Before I can answer, my phone buzzes in my coat pocket. I check the screen, and I freeze.

Arkon General Hospital.

“Excuse me,” I say, and my fingers feel numb as I swipe to answer. “Hello?”

“Ms. Pierce?” a female voice says in panic. “Your father, Francis Pierce, was admitted earlier today. He has a serious heart attack. He’s not yet stable, and we recommended family presence. He asked for you.”

“What?” My throat tightens. “I… I’ll be there.”

I end the call and look at Elias. “I just got a call… my dad’s in the hospital. In Arkon.”

He nods with concern. “Then you need to go see him. I’ll have Caitlin arrange the travel plans. You can bring the twins. We’ll cover accommodations.”

“Thank you, Alpha.”

“And Megan?”

“Yes?”

“My son still wants to meet you. But I told him you weren’t ready.” He says with a soft tone. “When you are, say the word.”

I offer a grateful nod and head out before emotion can crack my mask.

Alpha Elias has been trying to set me up with his son for a while now, but I just don't have time for love.

…

The next day, I step out of the black SUV with Maverick and Makayla holding my hands tightly. Thank the goddess they're on holiday.

Maverick, with his piercing blue eyes and mischievous smile, is definitely the troublemaker. Makayla, with her soft curls and watchful look, is the calm one.

They’ve never met their grandfather before. I left before I could make peace.

My Dad hadn’t cut me off. He just let me go when I refused to listen to his warning against me marrying Xarion and giving him my kidney.

“You’re giving a piece of yourself to someone who doesn’t value you,” he said back then. “You’ll regret it.”

And I had.

But here I am, four years later, a mother and a successful woman with the two best reasons to keep fighting.

“Mommy, is this where Grandpa is?” Makayla asks, looking up at the tall building with her wide hazel eyes.

“Yes, sweetheart. He’s just resting.”

Maverick tugs my sleeve. “Can we give him the card we made?”

I smile. “You can, my love.”

The minute we step in, we're met with a polite nurse.

“Ms. Pierce?” she asks, and I nod. “Your father's awake. You can go in now.”

I kneel to the twins’ level. “Mave, May, I want you two to wait right here with my guard, okay? Mommy’s going to say hi first, then you can come in with the card.”

Makayla pouts slightly but nods, and Maverick gives a small sigh. “Okay, but don’t take too long.”

“I won’t,” I promise, kissing both their cheeks.

I stand up, turn, and gently push the door open.

The moment I see my father, different emotions pass through my body. He looks pale but alive.

“Dad,” I whisper, stepping closer.

He turns slowly, his eyes widening just a bit before a faint, surprised smile appears on his lips. “There’s my stubborn girl.”

I let out a low laugh as I reach for the chair beside his bed and sit, leaning in close. “I missed you.”

“I thought I’d never see you again,” he says with a hoarse voice. “Not after the way we left things.”

My chest tightens. “We were both angry. I thought I knew what I was doing. I didn’t want to hear the truth back then.”

His fingers brush mine, warm despite the IV taped to the back of his hand. “I was harsh. I should have stopped you, not pushed you away.”

“You don’t need to apologize, Dad.” I shake my head gently. “You were right about everything.”

His eyes narrow slightly as he searches my face. “I said some cruel things. About Xarion. About the…”

“You were trying to protect me.” I interrupt gently. “You saw what I didn’t. I gave so much of myself to someone who couldn’t love me the way I needed.”

I pause, then I smile faintly. “But I gained something far more important.”

He glances at the closed door. “The twins?”

I nod, emotion filling my voice. “Maverick and Makayla. They’re my heart. They gave me a reason to keep moving forward.”

“I’d like to meet them.”

“You will.” I squeeze his hand. “They made a card just for you.”

Just then, I hear Makayla’s excited voice from outside the room.

“Mommy! There’s someone outside who wants to see you!”

I frown, rising from the chair. “Makayla?”

Just then, the door opens and Maverick appears in the doorway, tugging someone by the hand. “He said he knows you!”

My entire world screeches to a halt as the person steps inside.

His piercing blue eyes lock on mine, and my breath stops.

Makayla glances between us innocently with curiosity. “Is he a friend, Mommy?”

But I can’t speak. I'm instantly furious.

Because standing in my father’s hospital room, four years later, is the man who tore my world apart.

My ex-husband and the father of my children. Xarion Luther.

XARION’S POV

The last place I expected to see Megan was here.

In Arkon General Hospital, with two pups who look like me.

I don’t breathe for a full second as I stare at her. She looks really different. Fierce. And more beautiful than I remember, but her beauty has a sharp edge now.

Her eyes are full of fire and fury. She doesn’t look like the woman I once knew.

I take a step towards her, my voice low and rough from the shock, “Megan.”

But she moves quickly and pulls the two children behind her like I’m some kind of monster.

That breaks something inside me.

“What the hell are you doing here?” she snaps, her voice laced with venom as her hazel eyes burn into me.

I open my mouth to reply, but she doesn’t wait for an answer.

“No, actually… I don’t care. Just leave.”

Her voice is filled with intense anger, like she's finally releasing years of held-back emotions.

I freeze as I feel the air become heavy with tension. Then my eyes drop to the two kids hiding behind her legs.

The little girl looks at me curiously, and the boy glares like he’s trying to protect her. There’s something so familiar about them.

I initially didn’t come here for Megan. I didn’t even know she was here. I was on my way out after checking on one of my pack elders, Elder Johnson, who had been injured while trying to settle a border fight with the Scar Ridge Pack.

I hate hospitals, always have, but I owed the old wolf a visit.

And then… I saw them.

The two kids were bickering over a crumpled drawing in the hallway, right near the elevator. Just kids being kids. But something in me changed. My wolf went from drowsy to feral quickly.

“Mine!”

That was all he kept growling. Mine. Ours.

And when I asked the children who they were here with, they said, “Our mommy.”

I never expected “mommy” to be Megan.

And now, I'm standing in front of a woman whose hatred for me is so strong and deadly.

My voice is barely above a whisper as I bring myself to ask, “Are they…?”

“Don’t,” Megan snaps before I can even finish. “Don’t you dare ask me that. You lost the right to ask anything when you stood there and told Doctor Phillips to do ‘you know what’.”

I close my eyes for half a second, and the memory crashes into me like a slap to the face.

I know I told Megan to abort her pregnancy.

But she doesn't know it wasn't because Danielle was back or because I didn't want the child. Goddess, never. I’d wanted that child more than anything.

But the prophecy from my pack seer, Hyram, rang in my head.

“If she gets pregnant and carries your pup to term, she will die. Her body cannot handle it. Make sure she doesn’t get pregnant, Alpha, or you’ll lose both her and the child.”

I was trying to protect her. Even if it meant destroying myself in the process.

The guilt wraps around my throat like a snake.

“Megan, but…”

“Save it.” She turns her back to me and crouches down to her children. “Mave, May, we’re leaving.”

“But Mommy…” the little boy starts. “What about Grandpa’s card? We haven’t given it to him yet.” He holds up a colorful paper in his small hand.

“Another time, sweetheart,” Megan says gently, brushing his hair back. “Let’s go.”

My heart skips a beat, and I take a step forward. “Please, just give me five minutes. We need to talk. Alone.”

“Talk?” she scoffs as she narrows her eyes. “About what? How you treated me while I was still with you?”

Her voice cracks, just a bit, and it hurts me.

“Megan…” Her father speaks weakly from the hospital bed behind her. “Maybe… maybe you should let him explain…”

“Don’t, Dad.” She swiftly turns to look at him with a fierce voice. “Don’t defend him. You warned me once, remember? You were right.”

I wince at her words.

Just then, she grabs the kids’ hands and starts walking towards the door.

I move after her. “Megan, wait.”

She doesn’t stop.

I follow her out into the hallway, past the nurses who glance at us with curiosity, and then out into the bright hospital parking lot.

A black SUV is already waiting.

The driver, a tall, broad-shouldered wolf, nods as Megan approaches and opens the door.

She helps the twins into the backseat and then moves to follow.

But I catch up, grabbing her wrist before she can step in.

Her skin is warm under my palm, but the look she gives me is colder than ice.

“Please, Megan,” I whisper. “Don’t shut me out. Just let me explain.”

“Let you what?” she spits, ripping her arm free. “Explain why you chose Danielle over me? Why did you treat me like trash? Why did you try to kill the only part of you that was ever worth a damn?”

I can’t breathe.

She steps back, her voice shaking now. “You stay away from me, Xarion. From them. From everything. They're not yours if that's what you wanted to hear.”

Her eyes flash for a split second, and I see a golden flare pulse, but it dies. Just as quickly, her irises dull back to hazel.

My heart sinks because this could only mean one thing.

Oh goddess. She’s not wolf-less. She must've lied back then that she was. But why?

Megan opens the door and slides inside, slamming it behind her.

I watch helplessly as the SUV drives away, the tires crunching over gravel. The twins turn to look out the back window.

The boy’s piercing blue eyes meet mine just for a second, and my wolf growls again.

I clench my fists at my sides as my heart races.

They’re mine. They must be. I feel it in every bone in my body. The boy’s eyes, the girl’s scent… they’re my pups.

And she’s been raising them alone for four years.

The guilt hits me hard.

I can’t lose her again. I can’t lose them. No matter what.

Immediately, I take a deep breath, shutting out the roaring in my chest, and open a mind-link.

“Andrew,” I say.

“What is it, Alpha?” My betas respond instantly.

I stare at the road, my heart pounding as I order, “I need you to do something for me. Now.”

MEGAN’S POV

The hotel employee greets me with a polite smile as he holds the door open.

“Welcome, Miss Pierce,” he says warmly. “We hope you find everything to your satisfaction.”

I nod and offer a quick smile as I grip Maverick’s small hand while Makayla clings to my other side.

Behind us, Gwen, the twins’ nanny, pushes our luggage cart smoothly.

She’s been with us since the twins were two and already knows how to read my mood.

We get into the elevator, and within minutes, we’re walking into the top-floor private suite. The hotel employee unlocks the door and steps aside, and I inhale sharply.

It’s beautiful.

The room is full of sunlight from the large windows, making the brown carpets and simple furniture glow. There's a neat open-concept kitchen, and the glass door leads to a balcony with a stunning view of the ocean.

“Wow, Mommy!” Makayla gasps with wide eyes.

“This place is HUGE!” Maverick shouts, already running ahead to bounce on the cute sofa.

Gwen let out a small chuckle.

I almost smile, but it’s faint and tight. I’m too exhausted from what happened at the hospital to feel anything fully right now.

“Would you like me to send anything else up, ma’am?” the hotel employee asks politely from the doorway.

“No, thank you. Everything looks perfect,” I reply smoothly, and with a respectful bow, he leaves us alone to settle in.

We begin unpacking. Gwen takes over the twins’ rooms, hanging their clothes and arranging their things gently, while I take the master suite, placing my essentials in the walk-in closet.

As I hang up a black dress, my mind instantly drifts back to the hospital. Back to him.

Xarion.

Just the thought of his name sends a bitter chill through me. I can still see the shock in his eyes and the way he looked at the twins.

That moment where his eyes moved between me and Maverick and Makayla is stuck in my head.

I hadn’t planned to run into him at the hospital at all, not ever. And especially not with the twins there.

My heart starts pounding again, and I shut the closet door slowly, trying to steady my breathing.

“Mommy?”

I turn. Maverick and Makayla are standing in the doorway, their eyes wide and curious.

“Yes, my loves?”

Maverick steps forward, his brows pinched together like he’s been holding in a question for too long. “Who was that man… at the hospital?”

My chest tightens. Oh goddess. The moment I feared has come sooner than expected.

I force a weak smile.

“No one important,” I say, waving my hand as I try to brush it off. “You don’t need to worry about him.”

“But you were mad, Mommy. Really mad.” Makayla frowns. “You looked like you were going to cry.”

I bend down in front of them and brush a strand of Makayla’s hair behind her ear.

“Sometimes, people from the past show up when we least expect them. But that doesn’t mean they deserve to stay in our lives.”

“But…” Maverick’s voice is softer now, “he looked at us like he knew us.”

A raw ache spreads through my chest as I hear that. Oh goddess, help me. They were literally so close to the truth.

“I know,” I whisper, trying to sound calm. “But just because someone looks at you a certain way doesn’t mean anything. You two have me. That’s all that matters, okay?”

They both glance at each other with an unsure look on their faces.

“And when are we going to see Grandpa again?” Makayla asks suddenly. “We didn't really get to see him at the hospital?”

That catches me off guard, and my heart twists again.

“You’ll both see him tomorrow,” I say gently, “but I’ve asked the doctors to move him to a better hospital. Somewhere calmer, with a specialist who can help him more.”

“You mean away from the one we left earlier?” Maverick asks, raising his eyebrows.

“Yes, baby. Somewhere safe. I already made the arrangements,” I reassure them.

I had called the new hospital on the ride here. One of Alpha Elias’s contacts had recommended it and said it was private, secure, and far enough from Xarion’s reach.

“What about that man?” Makayla presses again. “Is he going to hurt Grandpa?”

“No,” I say firmly as I gently stand up. “No one is going to hurt Grandpa. Not while I’m around.”

Makayla seems satisfied with that answer, and Maverick lets out a small sigh.

“Okay,” he says. “Can we go set up our toy house now?”

“Of course,” I say, offering a weary smile. “Go make your new playroom magical.”

Maverick grins and turns to Makayla. “Last one there’s a rotten banana!”

They run off, giggling. Their laughter gives me a brief sense of relief.

I then fall on the bed with a sigh, my body sagging into the mattress.

How long can I keep this up?

How long can I keep Xarion away from them?

I made a promise when I left that he would never get the chance to break their hearts the way he broke mine. He gave up the right to know them when he tried to rip them from me before they were even born.

I let out a deep breath, trying to steady myself.

He can’t ever find out the truth.

Not about what Doctor Phillips did or the real reason why I came here.

And definitely not about my wolf.

He must’ve realized by now that I lied about being wolfless. But I had no choice back then. My wolf isn't like other wolves; she's a rare type.

I had to see if Xarion really loved me before I revealed my type of wolf to him because maybe if he had known, he would've exploited her.

Just then, my phone rings, interrupting my thoughts. I grab it quickly and see my assistant's name flashing across the screen.

I answer immediately. “Caitlin?”

“Hi, ma’am,” she says with a polite tone. “Just wanted to let you know, I’ve started scouting properties. There’s one particular mansion I think you’ll love, but it’s a bit far from the city center.”

“Good,” I say sharply. “Make sure it’s far from Xarion. I don’t want him anywhere near me or my kids.”

“Of course,” she replies, her voice steady. “I’ll only shortlist those far outside his area.”

I exhale slowly. “Thank you.”

“Oh, and Alpha Elias asked me to remind you about tomorrow’s meeting. He said it’s crucial.”

“I know. I’ll be there,” I say, brushing my fingers through my hair. “This expansion means everything for the company.”

“I’ll make sure all your materials are ready,” Caitlin assures me.

“Thanks,” I say, and we hang up.

I set the phone aside and glance at where the twins disappeared.

They’re laughing. They're safe and happy. That's all that matters to me, honestly.

But how long can I really keep them away from their father?

Because one thing about Xarion Luther is that he isn’t the kind of Alpha to let things go easily.

Especially not when blood is involved.

And worse, there's something else I have to make sure he never knows, something really deep and risky that I can't let fall into the wrong hands.

XARION'S POV

I didn’t sleep at all last night. I couldn't. Not with Megan haunting every inch of my mind and those twins seared into my chest.

I run my hand through my hair as I sit at the dining table, staring at a plate of scrambled eggs and smoked venison I can’t even taste.

My phone is next to my elbow, and I keep glancing at it, waiting for Andrew to report back. He should’ve found something by now.

He was supposed to get back to me this morning with everything on Megan and the twins. I need answers, and this wait is killing me.

I have a meeting in an hour. One of the biggest corporate sponsorships we’ve pursued in years. Winning it means increased protection for the outer territories and major funding for my company. Losing it isn’t an option.

But right now, I can’t focus on any of that. Not when I can still hear Megan's voice saying, "Stay away from me and my children."

Children who might be mine.

I cut into the venison, chewing slowly, trying not to give in to the spiral forming in the back of my skull when I hear the door swing open.

I glance over my shoulder only to see none other than the former Alpha of the Aethonix Pack. Wilson Luther. My father.

“Dad?” I frown with an arched brow. “What are you doing here?”

“Morning, son,” he says, strolling into the room like he owns the place. “Didn’t think I’d need an invitation to see my own blood.”

I set my fork down with a low clink. “You never show up unless there’s a reason. So, what is it this time?”

He smiles lightly. “Maybe I missed my son.”

“And maybe I’ll believe that when the moon turns green.”

He chuckles as he walks to the liquor cart, pouring himself a splash of whiskey. Seven in the morning. Typical.

"How’s the pack?" he asks, not bothering to sit.

"Thriving. Despite your constant hovering."

"You call this hovering? I haven’t seen you in months."

"And yet I’ve never felt so supervised."

He raises his glass slightly in salute, then takes a sip. His gaze sharpens, cutting straight through me.

"And Danielle? When are you finally going to make her your Luna? Do you have a wedding date in mind yet?”

Ah. There it is. The real reason he came.

I pick my fork up slowly. "I’m still thinking about it."

"You’ve been 'thinking' for four years, Xarion,” He scoffs. “At some point, you'll eventually have to make a decision."

"So this is a Danielle check-in? Should I be expecting her father next, too?"

His face darkens. "Don’t test me, Xarion. You know how important that alliance is."

"To you."

"To the pack!" he fires back. "To your mother and me. We’re not getting any younger, and we’d like to meet our grandpups before we keel over."

I groan internally.

"Stop pressuring me, Dad."

His eyes narrow as he stares at me. "This still isn't about Megan, is it?”

The mention of her name punches the air from my lungs.

“Goddess, son, you’ve been brooding like a damn ghost since she left,” he continues. “You did the right thing divorcing her. She was never meant to be Luna. Danielle has always been the better fit."

“She’s back.” I snap.

Dad pauses mid-sip of his whiskey. Lowers the glass slowly. “What did you say?”

“Megan. She’s back. I saw her yesterday.”

His gaze sharpens. “Where?”

“Arkon General Hospital. She was with her father; he seemed to be ill.”

“And?”

I exhale slowly. “She had twins with her. A boy and a girl.”

His eyes widen. “Twins?”

“Yes. And the second I saw them… I knew, Dad. I felt it. They looked exactly like me. Like her.”

“That’s impossible,” he mutters. “I wasn’t aware she left the pack pregnant.”

“Neither was I.”

He starts pacing, then turns to me with a hard look. "Are you sure they’re yours? They could be someone else’s. Megan always had a way of... charming men."

Those words make my blood boil.

“Don’t talk about her like that, Dad,” I snap, standing up. “Not in my home.”

He looks like he wants to argue, but before he can, the door opens again.

Andrew walks in, looking like he’s jogged up ten flights of stairs as his eyes move between the two of us.

“Xarion,” he says, then he gives a slight nod to my father. “Sir.”

“Andrew,” I say quickly. “Tell me you have something.”

“I do.”

My heart skips a beat as I step toward him, my pulse pounding in my chest.

“According to what I've found, Megan’s been working for Stone Corporations. She’s their regional lead now.”

That explains the designer clothes. The sharp tongue. The quiet authority in the way she walked away from me.

“Stone Corporation?” My father frowns.

Andrew nods. “She gave birth to twins exactly nine months after she left the pack. There’s no father listed on the birth certificates, but… the timing lines up perfectly.”

Everything inside me stops the second I hear that.

There it is. The confirmation I've been waiting for.

The twins are mine. I knew it the moment I saw them.

My Dad's speechless for once, and honestly, I'm glad.

Before I can say another word, my phone rings sharply against the table.

I glance down.

‘Board Member: Chairman Brigg Calloway’

I snatch it up and press it to my ear.

“Xarion,” comes Brigg’s panicked voice on the other end. “You need to come to Valemont Enterprises immediately.”

“Why? What happened?”

“The sponsorship deal… It’s been given to someone else.”

My heart slams into my ribs.

“What?!”

“The board chose another pitch. A better one,” he adds, static cracking over the line. “They signed the contract this morning.”

“Whose pitch?” I ask, my voice turning deadly.

A heavy silence falls.

And then, click.

The line goes dead.

Dammit.