Iris


    The CPS agent looks between Arthur and me, clearly taken aback by his sudden appearance. Then, after a few moments of confusion, her eyes widen slightly when she registers exactly who he is. I almost want tough out loud at the recognition that crosses her face-the Alpha President of Ordan standing in my tiny apartment, his arm around me and Miles tucked against his


    chest.


    I hope this doesn''t make it to the news. Although I''m not holding my breath at this point.


    "Alpha President," she stammers. "I-I wasn''t aware that you... That is to say, I''m just doing a standard evaluation after receiving aint about-"


    "About my family," Arthur says, his voice cool and even as he tightens his hold on both Miles and me. "Who made this


    She hesitates, clutching her notepad to her chest. “I''m afraid that information is confidential."


    "Not to me," Arthur says, and the authority in his tone makes even my spine straighten. "I want to see theint. Now."


    Liam and Brian exchange a look, both clearly as confused as I am by this turn of events. Wasn''t Arthur the one who filed the


    After a moment of hesitation before she seems to realize that she can''t exactly say no to the Alpha President, the agent reluctantly opens her folder and hands over a form. Arthur scans it, his jaw tightening as he reads.


    "This is ridiculous," he says, handing it back. "Thisint was filed anonymously. There''s no credible evidence of neglect or endangerinent here."


    "Nevertheless, I''m required to investigate allints," she replies, regaining some of herposure. "And there are several


    concerning issues with this living arrangement that-


    "My son''s mother was just released from the hospital after a near-fatal car ident," Arthur cuts her off. "Of course the


    apartment isn''t in perfect order yet. That doesn''t constitute neglect." He gestures to Brian and Liam. "And this lovely couple is highly trusted by both of us. No one else is better off watching Miles. Isn''t that right, buddy?"


    Miles nods. "I love all my daddies."


    The agent''s face twists with obvious disgust as she adjusts her sses. "Well then... regardless, there are still other factors to consider. The size of the living space, the potential hazards


    "All of which can be addressed," Arthur says. "Iris is an exceptional mother. Miles is well-cared for, happy, and loved."


    I can''t help but stare at him. Is this really happening? Is Arthur actually defending me?


    "Alpha President, with all due respect," the agent tries again, "in cases of parental separation, it''s standard procedure to ensure


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    that the child''s living situation with both parents is-


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    "Miles is perfectly safe here with his mother. I''ll be contacting your supervisor personally in the morning. You may go now.


    The agent looks like she wants to argue further, but even she isn''t willing to challenge the Alpha President. With a stiff nod, she


    gathers her things and heads for the door. After she leaves, a heavy silence falls over the apartment. Arthur sets Miles down gently, crouching to his level.


    "Hey, buddy, why don''t you go show Liam and Brian your new room? I need to talk to Mommy for a minute.


    Miles looks between us, clearly uncertain. "But I already showed them."


    an


    "I bet you didn''t sh


    show them your new shark stuffie," I say, and that manages to get him to leave.


    Brian and Liam shoot me one


    Once we''re alone, I cross my arms over my chest, trying to ignore the pain that


    still res through my body with certain


    movements.


    "You didn''t file theint," I say.


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