Chapter 165

Evelyn’s POV
I spotted Calvin’s car as soon as we pulled into the driveway.
The black Maybach sat under the streetlight in the exact spot Logan had parked days earlier. Coincidence? Or had Calvin’s security team finally earned their paycheck?
Wolfe Haven International had signed several new contracts recently. Calvin had been living at the office, and his visits had become scarce. The boys missed him.
“Dad!” Rowan and Rhys shouted, bolting from the car. Their faces lit up.
Alexis followed, taking a few eager steps before stopping short. She swayed, and I grabbed the back of her dress to steady her.
She looked up, arms reached out. “Mommy, up!”
I scooped her up and tapped her nose. “You lazy little pup. We’re at the door.”
Alexis planted a wet kiss on my cheek. “Love Mommy.”
“Soooo much love Mommy,” she added, drawing out the word.
I laughed. “It’s ’so,’ sweetheart. Not ’soooo.’”
She nodded seriously. “So… so… soooo!”
Her eyes sparkled, waiting for praise. I shook my head, smiling.
“Darling, we need to get you to preschool.”
Alexis’s eyes brightened. “School! With brothers!”
She was impossibly cute.
“You’re too young. Maybe when you start elementary school I carried Alexis inside, giving Calvin and the twins space.
I watched Calvin catch the boys.
“Slow down. You’ll trip,” he chided, but his voice was warm.
Rowan smiled sheepishly. “Dad, I missed you.”
Rhys grinned. “Dad, we haven’t seen you for ages! Business trip?”
Calvin traveled often. The boys were used to it. But Rhys seemed interested in something else.
“Dad,” Rhys whispered, “Did you see my text? Did you rush back?”
Calvin stroked his head. “I wasn’t traveling. Just busy. But as soon as I finished, I came straight here.”
Rhys’s face fell a little. He looked disappointed.
I realized then—Rhys was the little traitor. He didn’t just want to see his dad. He wanted Calvin to come back and scare off the other men.
I didn’t wait to hear more. I carried Alexis upstairs.
Later, I heard Calvin reading to the boys.
I lay in bed, lights off. I listened to Calvin’s footsteps in the hall. He paused outside my door. The silence stretched. The door stayed closed. Eventually, I heard him go downstairs and drive away.
Only then did I close my eyes.
***
Several days later, an invitation arrived from Elder Harold—Calvin’s grandfather. It was a matchmaking dinner disguised as a birthday party. I was surprised to find one addressed to me.
The butler delivered it personally. “Ms. Blackwell, the Elder misses you. He specifically asked you to bring your daughter.”
The day arrived.
It was billed as Elder Harold’s birthday, but rumors said it was for Calvin. Despite our history, the Elder had always been kind to me.
I decided to make a brief appearance. Drop the gift, say hello, and leave.
The Pack House was massive. Grand ballroom, manicured gardens, luxury everywhere. As twilight fell, the ballroom glittered. Music, perfume, money.
When I walked in with Alexis, heads turned.
I wore a custom black velvet gown. Simple, elegant. A diamond necklace with rare pink pearls completed the look.
Alexis wore a pale pink princess dress. Her wide eyes scanned the room.
She wasn’t shy. She beamed at the crowd, earning “awws” from the guests.
“Whose daughter is that? Adorable!”
“Isn’t that Alpha Calvin’s ex-mate?”
“They look stunning!”
Alexis won everyone over instantly.
The driver dropped our gift at the registration table.
The elderly butler spotted us. “Ms. Blackwell, this way.”
He led us to the VIP lounge upstairs.
“Where are Rowan and Rhys?” I asked.
“The boys are in the main house. They’ll join us later,” he said.
Alexis looked around curiously.
Elder Harold arrived quickly.
“Eve!” His voice boomed. “It’s been too long. You look beautiful.”
I smiled politely. “You look well, Elder.”
His eyes shifted to Alexis. “And this is Alex?”
Alexis sat up straight.
“Hello, Alpha,” she said. Poised.
Elder Harold couldn’t take his eyes off her. Alexis smiled, dimples showing.
“Call me Great-Grandfather,” he said pointedly.
My heart skipped a beat. He suspected.
Alexis tilted her head. She looked at me.
I nodded slightly. She turned back to him. “Great-Grandfather.”
Elder Harold beamed.
“Come here, Alex. Sit with me.”
Alexis climbed onto his lap without hesitation. Rowan and Rhys never did that. They were always respectful, always distant.
“Good, good,” the Elder said. He looked at me meaningfully. “The Bloodbane Pack hasn’t had a baby girl in a long time.”
I knew he didn’t count Lydia.
Just then, maids entered with drinks and desserts.
I saw Lydia lurking in the hallway, eavesdropping. Her face was twisted with rage.
Inside, Elder Harold presented Alexis with a custom white moonstone pendant. It was exquisite—translucent, carved with a wolf guarding a bird.
He placed it around her neck. “A protection charm. For a long, happy life.”
Alexis fingered the smooth stone.
She looked at the carving. She thought the wolf looked like a doggie.
“Great-Grandfather,” she said sweetly. “Love you a thousand times!”
She remembered my lessons about returning good wishes. Rowan had taught her about “thousands.”
She blinked, waiting for praise.
“Elder,” I intervened. “This is too valuable. We can’t accept it.”
Alexis tried to take it off, but Elder Harold stopped her.
“Eve, it’s just a gift. My blessing for all Wolfe children.” His eyes searched mine. A test.
I met his gaze. “Elder, Alex is my child. She has no connection to the Wolfe family. Feel free to run a DNA test.”
Elder Harold studied me. Doubt crept in.
“Wolfe or not, she keeps the gift,” he said. He ruffled Alexis’s hair. “Do you like it, Alex? Your brothers have matching ones.”
Alexis’s eyes lit up.
“Brothers have?” she asked.
“Yes.”
Suddenly, Rowan and Rhys appeared at the door. They were dressed in little suits.
“Great-Grandfather,” they greeted him.
“Mom! Alex!” They rushed over.
“Alex, go with your brothers,” Elder Harold said. “I need to talk to your mother.”
The kids looked at me.
I nodded. “Rowan, Rhys, hold her hand tight.”