Chapter 568

Jasmine already had the kids dressed and ready by the time Corvine got back from the meeting. He’d scrubbed off the day in a quick shower, hair still damp, and was set to head out for New York.

Jasmine stepped out of her room with Bryan and Espe right on her heels, and the second those two spotted Athaliah, they tore across the floor, faces lit up bright as Christmas lights, sneakers squeaking on the hardwood.

“Aunty Liah, what’s it feel like being a princess?” Espe asked, bouncing on her toes so hard her curls bounced with her, eyes wide and sparkling like she’d just been handed the best secret in the world.

Athaliah froze for half a second, completely thrown. She didn’t know whether to laugh or just stare. Most people probably pictured crowns and fancy dresses and a life full of glitter, but for her it had never been that simple. The weight of it sat heavy in her chest, warm and complicated all at once.

“Well, being a princess kinda depends a lot on who your dad is,” she answered carefully, a small smile tugging at the corner of her mouth.

Corvine led the whole group out toward the chopper waiting on the pad. The blades were already turning slow, the low thump of them rolling through the cool morning air and carrying the sharp scent of jet fuel.

Athaliah climbed in first, then turned back to help Bryan and Espe scramble up. The kids immediately claimed the seats right beside her like it was the most natural thing in the world, little bodies pressing close, still buzzing with excitement.

Jasmine came next, and when she saw the spot next to Athaliah was already taken a quiet little wave of relief crossed her face. That meant Corvine would have to sit beside her, right?

Except that wasn’t what happened.

Corvine swung himself inside and dropped into the seat directly behind Athaliah, eyes flicking over the two kids with a clear flash of envy he didn’t even try to hide.

They’d stolen the seat he’d planned on taking. Jasmine’s face fell hard, the disappointment landing so fast it almost hurt to watch. She stood up without a word and moved over to sit beside him instead, the space between them suddenly too quiet.

Nobody spoke after that, but the awkwardness hung thick in the cabin and Athaliah could feel it pressing in on her more with every second, the low vibration of the chopper only making it worse. Only Esperanza and Bryan seemed completely clueless about the tension, still leaning in close with that pure little-kid energy.

“Aunt Liah, what do I gotta do to become a princess?” she asked, voice bright over the rising noise of the blades.

Athaliah’s expression softened, a real smile breaking through as she looked at the little girl’s pure excitement. Kids always loved the idea of being called a princess, dreaming about pretty dresses and crowns and castles.

“You don’t have to do a thing,” Athaliah told her gently, reaching over to give Espe’s hand a quick squeeze. “You’re already a princess.”

Espe’s little face scrunched up like she was ready to argue, but Athaliah kept going before she could get a word out.

“Your dad and mom are the greatest King and Queen I’ve ever seen.”

Esperanza’s brow furrowed just the tiniest bit, so slight most people would’ve missed it.

“But Daddy’s an Alpha, and Mommy’s gonna be a Luna.”

Athaliah opened her mouth, ready to explain, but Corvine jumped in first, his gaze locking on Espe with that steady look of his, voice carrying easy over the chopper noise.

“Exactly. Your dad taught me that leadership doesn’t have a thing to do with titles. Even without one, he’s still the only guy who can keep the packs in line. Don’t worry, Espe. Aunt Liah’s right. You are a princess.”

Athaliah’s soft smile lingered as she wondered if Corvine had caught what she really meant by those words. Maybe he had, maybe he hadn’t. Either way, there was no chance they could dig into it right then, not with the kids right there.

One by one they drifted off, heads tipping against seats and shoulders, the city skyline of New York growing clearer through the windows as they came in low over the water. The chopper touched down on the private pad, the sudden quiet almost startling after the constant roar.

An SUV was already waiting like always, black and polished under the gray New York sky. Once everyone piled in, Corvine leaned forward and gave the driver clear directions. “Take us to the airport first.”

When they pulled up at the private terminal, Corvine climbed out and grabbed Athaliah’s luggage without a second thought, hauling it onto the jet for her while the cold wind off the tarmac cut through his jacket.

Once everything was settled he turned to face her, that serious look settling deep in his eyes and making her chest tighten hard.

“Text me the second you land.”

Athaliah nodded, her voice soft against the background noise of the runway. “It’s an eight-hour flight, but yeah. I will.”

Corvine’s whole body ached to pull her into his arms, but the second he pictured holding her, another fear took over him. What if he couldn’t let go?

Athaliah turned toward the jet steps. Just when he thought she was walking away she stopped, turned right back around, and before he could even process it she closed the space between them and wrapped her arms around him tight.

The scent of her hair hit him first, something warm and familiar. His arms came around her instantly, holding her against him like his body had decided long before his head caught up. No words passed between them.

Their hearts hammered against each other’s chests, saying everything they weren’t ready to put into sentences. The cold New York wind tugged at their clothes, but neither of them moved.

Corvine lowered his head and pressed a slow kiss to the top of her hair, breathing her in before the words finally slipped out, rough and quiet.

“I honestly wish I could be there for you, but…”

“I know,” Athaliah cut in, pulling back quick before either of them made this goodbye even harder. Her eyes stayed locked on his, the city lights reflecting in them. “You’ve got a company to run, and so do I. If I can’t make it back here in time, we’ll just meet up at the pack.”

The second the words left her mouth her lips pressed together tight. Something about leaving him behind felt wrong, especially when she knew exactly who would still be right there next to him after she was gone.

She looked at him for another long moment, the noise of the terminal fading under the weight of everything unsaid, then her voice dropped low and serious.

“Watch yourself with Jasmine. She’s in love with you.”