“What else could I do?”
Lying to him would only complicate things further. I set a condition for him: he must not approach Declan, no matter how complex the situation becomes. Thanks to that man, I’ve managed to survive while on the run. Ensuring Pollux agreed to my terms, I contacted the travel agent to adjust our hotel reservation.
Then I prepared to head home, carrying Mia on my back while Trisha carried Care on hers. Glancing towards the parking lot where Pollux’s car was parked, an unsettling feeling crept in as his car followed ours all the way back home. I stayed in the car for a moment to see what he would do.
After five minutes of waiting, I signaled Trisha to take the twins into the house one by one. I used the artificial intelligence system Declan installed to open the garage door. Even after I closed it, Pollux remained in his car, neither stepping out nor leaving.
“What is he doing here?”
Nothing happened for another half hour before Pollux’s car finally left the curb in front of our house, blending into the silent night. I couldn’t guess what he was thinking. Was our bond too weak for just one mating, or was he blocking his thoughts from me?
Not wanting to dwell on Pollux’s actions, which left me shaken, I hurried upstairs. I had separated the twins’ rooms, yet they were still side by side. I entered Care’s room first, quickly changing his shirt into pajamas, then went to Mia’s room, where Trisha had already dressed her for bed.
“I’d like to talk to you for a bit; do you have time?”
“Of course, Luna.”
We moved to my room. As Trisha took a blanket from the closet for me, she answered my questions about Alvise. Tonight, I wanted a casual conversation while still seeking the truth about the Moonstone pack during my absence.
“Did Alvise mention anything about Alpha Castor?”
“Not much that I remember. Alpha Castor has been busy with the werewolf alliances in case of a vampire attack. Beta Alvise often accompanies Alpha Pollux with his work with Blackmoon.”
While Trisha spoke about vampires, my curiosity about the werewolf-vampire intrigue deepened. I asked her more, but as an omega, she didn’t know much. She only told me that her father used to be a warrior who escorted the previous Alpha to meetings between werewolves and vampires.
After our chat, Trisha excused herself to her room, and I was left alone with my thoughts. After checking that all the windows were shut, I changed into a satin nightgown. The bed became my final resting place for the night, where I could release the exhaustion of the day.
Trisha’s story provided me with new information. When the time is right, maybe I’ll ask Castor directly. If Castor is preparing Moonstone so carefully, it’s clear the werewolves are ready for any possibility.
Yet, something still felt strange. The vampire who spoke to Castor a few years ago at our wedding had directed his gaze toward me. At that moment, a chill ran down my spine, and I half-panicked at his pale, cold appearance-a reflection of absolute arrogance.
Now that my wolf side has awakened, I didn’t think I’d panic as I did before if I met him again. I might even act like Castor, unflappable and dignified. Surely, there’s a reason I’m destined for this path.
After years of strengthening myself, I’ve learned to shield my presence from Moonstone successfully. According to Pollux’s explanation earlier, my shield might have vanished on its own. My attention on my abilities was distracted by Pollux’s allure.
I felt foolish for being swayed by his charms, as if I had no control. Pollux always had that effect-radiant and compelling whenever he turned it on. Unfortunately, I couldn’t resist him.
Recalling all the intimate moments with Castor and Pollux, I felt captivated by them both, leaving no room to resist. Unconsciously, my hand moved, seeking comfort in those memories, guiding me toward my own solace.
Lost in the afterglow, I admitted to myself that the two Alphas of Moonstone had made me break my own vow not to return to them. By the Moon Goddess, I knew I’d be weak without them.
Surrendering to the quiet of the night and the peace within, I ended the day with gratitude to my mother. I woke up at six a. m., quickly preparing the twins for the day. When I entered Care’s room, he was rubbing his eyes. I guided him to the bathroom to wash his face.
Then, I went to Mia’s room, where she was already standing in front of the mirror, brushing her copper-brown hair. She flashed a smile that resembled both her fathers. Her balloon skirt and pink shirt with a pony design set the theme for the start of her holiday.
“Mommy, I’m all set! Lizzie and I pinky-promised to match shirts today,” Mia announced, tugging on her top with a grin.
“Oh, you’re as cute as a button in your Fluttershy shirt,” I said, smiling back at her.
She beamed. “Thank you, Mommy!”
“Well, scoot on downstairs now-breakfast’s waiting,” I urged, giving her a gentle nudge toward the door.
Mia’s bangs fell over her eyes as she nodded enthusiastically. I continued with our preparations, heading to the dining room. Just as I was about to pack a few food containers for our trip, I heard a single ring at the doorbell.
Only once.
It wasn’t Declan. Who would be here so early in the morning? Driven by curiosity, I stopped Trisha and signaled for her to continue her work. I peeked through the peephole and saw two men turning away from the door. Could it be?
With slightly trembling hands, I pressed the code on the panel beside the door. As the door opened, they turned to look at me.
“Good morning, my precious. Long time no see.”
“Alpha Castor…”
“It’s me. May I come in?”
I opened the door wider and stepped back to let Castor in. His presence, as always, commanded obedience. After I led him to the living room, he walked with the dignity of a true Alpha.
“I didn’t expect you both to come together, Alpha,” I said, still standing before them.
“We should sit first; it will be easier to talk comfortably. Your home is lovely, Luna.” I obliged, sitting in a single armchair next to the sofa they occupied.
“Thank you.”
“I had my staff access the security of this house, essentially hacking it. I want everything under my control, not someone else’s.” Castor’s sharp gaze pierced me, leaving me speechless. “Alpha Pollux negotiated with the homeowners around here, and within a week, they’ll become your assets. You’ve chosen a place not claimed by any pack.”
I stared at Castor, jaw-dropping at his swift actions. His authority and ability to control the situation made him a powerful Alpha, much like Pollux, though Pollux was more laid-back, even in tense situations-laughing even now.
“Let that sink in, sweet pea. I brought Alpha Castor here so you’d stop kicking up a fuss and actually hear him out. You managed to have him eating out of your hand with just a few words! Meanwhile, I had to bust my chops just to get him to crack, Cas.”
At that moment, Declan unexpectedly entered our living room, and my heart raced faster. I’d forgotten to close the door, and now Declan pointed a finger at Pollux, glaring at my two husbands.
“What is…no, why are there two Pollux Mellucis? Jesus Christ…I don’t even know what to say…”