Chapter 12

Melissa's POV

Dylan and Tyler looked up at me innocently.

"We just told him Uncle Sam is our father, just like you always said we should," Dylan replied.

A sigh of relief left my lips. Thank the goddess!

"That's right my love. Always remember, if anyone ever asks, Uncle Sam is your father," I reminded them gently.

The boys nodded solemnly, and their innocent looks made my heart clench. They didn't know why they had to do it, but they did it anyway.

Dylan's expression turned thoughtful, and he asked the onequestion I always dreaded hearing.

"Mummy? When will we see finally get to see our Dad?" he asked curiously. "You said we'd meet him one day when we're older. We are older now." He said and I sighed.

Telling them they would see their father was probably amistake. I had always wanted to just tell them that their father had died, but something in me would not allow it.

Sam had encouraged me over and over again to say their father had died but I really just couldn't do it. I couldn't explain why, but that lie felt like it would come back to bite me if I said it, so I chickened out and told them they would meet him once they were older.

I chuckled nervously in an attempt to buy myself a moment to think. "You'll see him Soon," I finally promised. "When you're a little older."

Dylan sighed wistfully. "I hope our father is big and strong like the Alpha."

His words shocked me.

Tyler nodded, "Yeah, I hope he is as fun too, because we want to be big, fun and strong like him, so we can fight bad guys and keep you safe, Mummy." Tyler finished and I felt a pant in my chest.

I gulped uneasily. My heart heavy with the guilt of ruining their innocent dreams. How long could I keep their father's identity a secret, especially now that we were in the very place their father called home?

How many more lies would I have to tell them before they eventually learned the truth?

A soft knock suddenly interrupted my thoughts, and the door opened to reveal Bethany, carrying a tray with our requested snacks.

Her face wore an expression of barely concealed annoyance as she set it down on the table, but I didn't give a damn:

"Coco Pops, as you requested," Bethany said with a clipped tone, then she added."Luna Susie would never feed her child such an unhealthy food."

My fists clenched and I nearly lost my temper them and there. Was this bitch sent to test my patience?

I bit back a retort as a thought crossed my mind.

I suddenly realized that Bethany was likely one of those women who were foolishly loyal to my step sister.

Susie was truly w manipulative bitch, and she could easily turn from a demon to a saint when she wanted. That's how she deceived people so easily.

But I was not going to let thoughts of Susie affect me now.

"You're dismissed, Bethany," I snapped. "But first, I have another task for you."I said as a mischievous thought entered my mind.

I had to teach her that there were consequences to her actions and disrespect.

"I saw some dust on the countertops downstairs. I need you to go and wipe every single one of them until I am satisfied. I'll definitely check on them later."

Bethany looked shocked, like I had just slapped her in the face."B- But, madam, I've already done it," she protested with indignation in her voice.

I met her gaze with a devious smile that was anything but friendly. "Do it again," I insisted firmly. "Unless you'd like me to report your laziness and disobedience to the Alpha. He already fired a nurse for me earlier. He won't hesitate to kick you out as well."

Bethany's eyes widened and her arrogance was quickly replaced a look of fear.

With a reluctant bow, she began to back away. "Of course, madam," she muttered as she hurried out of the room.

I watched her retreating back with narrowed eyes. I was now one hundred percent sure that Bethany was one of the maidswho were foolishly loyal to my sister Susie.

The realization immediately made me tense up. Susie.

Had Knox told her that I had returned to the pack?

I was sure that when she found out, she would be absolutely livid, no doubt.

Because it was the same Susie who had suggested my banishment six years ago. She had always hated me and never ever missed an opportunity to try and hurt me.

I felt a familiar rush of anger at the memories of what she had done to me over the years. How much I had suffered from her actions.

I had even broken my arrangement with Knox because I was scared of Susie hurting my child.

But this time, things were going to be very different. I would never let Susie hurt me or my children again.

I was no longer the naïve, weak girl who left here broken; I was stronger, wiser, and more than ready to protect my boys from any threat, even if it came from my own sister.

My thoughts were abruptly interrupted by Tyler's excited voice.

"Mummy! The Alpha man promised to take us to his big private cinema! He said he has 3d glasses! Can we go, Mum please?" Tyler's eyes were wide with excitement and he was practically bouncing on the bed with excitement.

Without thinking, I snapped, "No!" The word came out harsher than I intended, and I immediately felt guilty so I dialed my tone back.

Tyler and Dylan both looked at me, with shock on their young faces, and I knew that I had to explain.

I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself.

"I mean, I'll take you to the cinema myself, okay? You don't need him to take you." I hoped to reassure them, but the words felt flat, even to me.

The twins exchanged a look and giggled, clearly amused by my words.

Dylan smiled at me, "But it's his private cinema, Mummy! You can't enter without him!" His voice was teasing, as If was being silly.

Tyler looked at me with wide, innocent eyes and asked, "Do you want to come with us to the cinema, Mummy?"

My inner wolf, Lyra, immediately yelped in excitement at the thought of spending time with Knox.

I could feel how much she wanted to be near him, but that was very dangerous.

Still, I couldn't bare to let my boys down either. Forcing a smile, I said, "Sure, I'll come with you, and we'll all go to the cinema together."

I hoped my voice sounded more enthusiastic than I felt.

The twins erupted into cheers, their little adorable fists pumping in the air. "Yay!".

As I watched their genuine happiness, I knew that I had made the right choice, even though it was not the most logical.

Still, I had to be very cautious, so I made a silent vow to spend as little time with Knox as possible. I wasn't going to let the mating bond fool me into making a mistake with him.

And everyone knew that the more time you spent with your mate, the more the bond convinced you to consummate your bond, and I was sure as hell not going to do that!

Just as I had finished that thought, I turned to see Bethany standing in the doorway again, she looked more humble than before though.

"Madam, The Alpha has summoned you," she mumbled and I frowned. So much for avoiding him as much as possible.