Each usationnds like a punch to the gut because they contain just enough truth to be damning, I look to Iris again, desperate for her to understand,


    "Iris, we can work this out. We don''t needwyers. We can talk about this, just the two of us."


    She shakes her head slightly. "There''s nothing to talk about. You''ve made your intentions clear."


    "What intentions? I told you I love you!"


    "You also thought I was a gold digger," she replies coldly. "You kept Miles'' test results from me. You were going to use your power and influence to take him away.".


    "No, that''s not-"


    "Furthermore," thewyer interjects, "my client will be vacating your apartment effective immediately. She''s secured alternative housing that will provide a more stable environment for Miles during these proceedings.".


    My stomach drops. "What? Where? You can''t just take him!"


    "She can and she has," thewyer says. "My client has already signed a lease on a new apartment. She and Miles will be moving tomorrow."


    I feel like I''m drowning, struggling to keep my head above water as every word pulls me deeper. "Iris," I plead, ignoring thewyerpletely. "Don''t do this. Think about Miles. He''s happy in the apartment. He''s just getting settled. This will confuse him, hurt him."


    For a moment, something flickers in her eyes-pain, uncertainty, maybe even regret-but it''s quickly masked.


    "What will hurt him is growing up in a home filled with lies and maniption," she says quietly. "I''m doing what''s best for my


    son."


    "Our son," I correct forcefully. "He''s our son, Iris. And he needs both of us."


    She doesn''t answer that.


    The meeting continues for another twenty minutes, with thewyer outlining the legal process ahead. I barely hear him, my attention fixed solely on Iris, trying to understand how we got here. How the woman I love has transformed into this cold stranger who won''t even meet my eyes.


    When thewyer finally concludes the meeting, Iris stands immediately, gathering


    her purse.


    "We''ll be in touch regarding the initial court date," thewyer says, closing his folder. "My assistant will see you out."


    Iris moves toward the door without a backward nce.


    “Iris, wait,” I call, rising from my chair. "Please. Just talk to me."


    She pauses, her hand on the doorknob, but doesn''t turn around. "There''s nothing left to say."


    Then she''s gone, the door clicking shut behind her.


    I stand there, feeling hollowed out, until thewyer clears his throat. "A word of advice, Alpha President. This doesn''t have to be a messy, public affair."


    I turn slowly to face him. "What do you mean?"


    He shrugs. "Cases like these... they can get ugly. Details emerge. Private matters be public record." He


    adjusts his cufflinks. "Your position as President could be at stake. The first human Luna in Ordan history? A half- breed Alpha Heir? The press would have a field day."


    My jaw tightens. "Is that a threat?"


    "No, of course not. It''s simply an observation." He stands, buttoning his suit jacket.


    I can tell it''s a cheap polyester material. "It would be easier for everyone if you


    simply let the human woman and your half-breed child go."


    "Easier for who?" I growl.


    "For everyone involved. There are plenty of beautiful werewolf women in the world, Mr. President. Let Iris and Miles


    1. go. Find yourself a proper Luna. Have a pure-blooded heir. Save yourself the scandal."


    My stomach twists. I feel like I''m going to vomit. With a sharp inhale, I rise abruptly, storming toward the door. "I don''t want anyone else,” I say over my shoulder. "I only want them."