Kamrynn’s POV
It had taken everything Rmonica had in her to calm me down.
She had stroked my hair, whispered reassurances, and repeated over and over that Orion had things handled. That Calvin would be gone by morning. That I didn’t have to worry.
But I couldn’t stop worrying.
Even after the twins had fed and drifted off to sleep, their tiny hands curled into soft fists, their chests rising and falling in peaceful rhythm, my mind refused to settle.
Because he knew.
He knew about Astor and Arabella.
And Calvin had never been the type to walk away from something he wanted.
I tossed and turned on the bed, my heart pounding relentlessly against my ribs. My head screamed at me to trust Orion, to trust that he would follow through with his word and have Calvin removed first thing in the morning.
But my gut told me otherwise.
He’s still here.
I sighed and sat up, rubbing my face tiredly.
Reaching for the jug of water on my bedside table, I tilted it over my cup, only to find it empty.
I hesitated.
Some fresh air might help.
The Palace was quiet, and if I kept my steps light, I could make it to the kitchen and back without waking anyone.
I turned toward the cradle, peering over the side. Astor and Arabella were still curled up together, as always, their faces relaxed in sleep.
My chest tightened at the sight.
For them, I had to be strong.
Taking a deep breath, I rose from the bed and padded toward the door.
The Palace was eerily silent as I padded toward the kitchen, the wooden floors cool against my bare feet. The only sound was the faint rustling of the trees outside, their branches swaying in the midnight breeze.
I should have felt safe.
But I didn’t.
A deep, unsettled feeling had taken root in my stomach the moment I stepped into the hallway, a gnawing unease that made my skin prickle. The dim lighting cast long shadows against the walls, and every step I took felt too loud, too exposed.
I told myself I was being paranoid.
That Calvin wouldn’t dare approach me again.
That Orion had handled it.
That I was safe.
Then, out of nowhere, a hand shot out from the darkness.
Before I could react, a firm grip wrapped around my wrist, yanking me into the shadows. My back collided with the cold, hard wall, the force knocking the breath from my lungs.
My heart nearly stopped.
Panic exploded inside me, my instincts screaming danger. I tried to lunge forward, but a solid body caged me in, pressing close-too close. My breathing turned erratic, my pulse hammering wildly against my ribs.
Then, my eyes adjusted to the darkness.
And I saw him.
Calvin.
My entire body locked up.
Terror surged through my veins like fire.
No.
No, no, no, no-
This couldn’t be happening.
“What the hell are you still doing here?!” I gasped, struggling against his grip.
Calvin’s face was shadowed in the dim light, but I could see the raw desperation in his emerald-green eyes. “Kamrynn, please-just listen to me.”
I thrashed harder, panic clawing at my throat. “Let me go!”
He didn’t.
“Just listen-”
“I don’t care what you have to say!” I shoved at his chest, my breath coming in rapid bursts, my body trembling with the force of my fear.
I had to get away.
Had to run.
With all my strength, I wrenched myself free and spun on my heel, ready to sprint-
But Calvin was faster.
He caught me within seconds, gripping my arm and pulling me back against the wall.
His body pressed against mine, his scent everywhere, wrapping around me like a noose.
Lemon and lime.
Once, that scent had been my comfort.
Now, it was suffocating.
Alarm bells shrieked in my mind. My vision blurred with panic as my instincts roared at me to fight.
“Let me go, Calvin!” I snarled, twisting in his grip.
He tightened his hold. “Just hear me out!”
I shoved at him, but he was an Alpha. He didn’t budge.
I tried to scream-
His hand slammed over my mouth.
“Kamrynn, please!” His voice was urgent, breaking with emotion. “Just relax. Just listen to me for one second.”
My whole body shook violently, my breathing ragged, my mind spiraling into panic. This is it. This is happening again. He’s going to-
“Calm down,” Aryna’s voice broke through my panic, firm yet soothing.
“He’s restraining me!” I shot back at her. “He’s pinning me down-”
“He won’t let go unless we stop struggling,” she reasoned. “If we listen, he might release us.”
I hated that she was right.
Slowly, Aryna released calming pheromones, flooding my system with a forced sense of peace. My muscles loosened despite my mind still screaming at me to fight.
Calvin felt the shift in my body, the moment I stopped thrashing. He removed his hand from my mouth.
“Promise me you won’t scream,” he said softly.
I exhaled shakily. “Fine.”
His grip on my wrists loosened slightly but didn’t let go completely.
His eyes searched mine. “Our children. Tell me their names.”