The innocence in his voice sends ance of regret through me. I want to tell him the truth-I really do. We''ve always been honest


    with each other, and having to lie to him over the phone that one time still


    bothers me.


    And yet... Even nas I open my mouth to tell him that, yes, Arthur is his father, I just... can''t. The words just won''te, because,


    frankly...


    I''m afraid. Afraid that if Miles knows the truth, he''ll want to see Arthur more. And if he wants to see Arthur more, then I''ll be forced to look into the eyes of the man who betrayed me in a more painful way than anyone else ever could.


    I know it''s selfish, but it''s true.


    But it''s not just out of selfishness; I fear that Arthur may reject Miles, just like he rejected me. I fear that Miles won''t be worthy enough of Arthur''s love as a half- blood son-the product of an unfortunate union between a human and a werewolf. The Alpha


    President, no less.


    I can''t let my son feel the same pain that I felt five years ago. The pain that I feel


    even now.


    So that''s why I bite the inside of my cheek until I taste blood and answer, "He''s not your father, Miles."


    Miles looks disappointed, but doesn''t bring it up again. I taste blood all throughout our breakfast.


    After breakfast, we meet Liam, Brian, and the twins at our apartment. Thendy said we could move in today, and I can''t wait


    to show Miles the ce.


    Of course, just as I suspected, he loves it especially the bunk bed. He and the twins run off to y while Brian, Liam and I begin unpacking the suitcases in the living room, carefully stacking piles of clothes and knick-knacks. But each item feels like a weight, another step into Ordan and out of the safety and anonymity that Bo''Arrocan provided.


    I don''t realize that my eyes have misted with tears until Brian touches my hand. "Hey. You''re gonna be fine."


    I look up and quickly wipe my eyes. "I know."


    Brian and Liam exchange nces, and Brian says gently, "This is gonna be good for you and Miles. You don''t need to worry ab


    Arthur."


    “Thanks,” I say, managing a watery smile even though I don''t believe him.


    Sure enough,ter that night, once Miles is asleep and I''m setting up a fresh canvas in my studio area, there''s a knock on the


    door. I furrow my brow and wrap my yellow sweater tighter around myself as I hurry over and check through the peephole.


    It''s Arthur''s Beta.


    "Dammit," I hiss,posing myself before I swing open the door. The first thing out of my mouth when I''m face to face with


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    him is, "How the hell did you find this address?"


    The Beta blinks at me for a moment. I fold my arms and re back, waiting for him to speak.


    "Alpha Arthur summoned you," he says, holding out a small white card.


    I re at him for a moment longer before I snatch it away. The card looks official, embossed with Arthur''s name, office address,


    phone number, and email. There''s a nk space at the bottom with a time and date handwritten on it for nine o''clock tomorrow


    morning.


    "An official appointment?" I ask, ncing up at the Beta. "What for?"


    "There are some papers you''ll have to sign before you can be re-registered as an official citizen of Ordan. Otherwise..." He nces up and over my shoulder, briefly taking in my apartment before I move into his line of sight. "Your living situation might


    be at risk," he finishes.


    I curse again and look back down at the card. I want to refuse, of course, but I can''t risk losing my apartment when I''ve only just


    moved in. Miles would be devastated.


    I guess I''ll have no choice but to see Arthur onest time.


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