My fingers tighten around the phone 151

Ethan’s POV
I stood outside Aria’s hospital room, listening to Lucas regale his unconscious mother with animated stories about their
life. His voice was full of warmth and enthusiasm despite the clinical setting, each word carrying the weight of his love for
her. The tender sound pierced my chest with a dull ache. For days, I’d been trying to be the pillar of strength these two
needed, but right now, I desperately needed a moment to breathe.
Leaning my head against the cool wall, I closed my eyes and focused solely on the rhythmic beeping of Aria’s heart monitor. Each electronic pulse was a reminder that she was still with us, still fighting. My legs felt like they might give way
beneath me, so I slid down the wall until I was crouched on the floor, elbows on my knees and face buried in my hands.
God, I was exhausted. Last night’s conversation with my father had left me restless, and what little sleep I’d managed had
been spent watching the subtle rise and fall of Aria’s chest, terrified that each breath might be her last. This morning’s
rounds had brought a glimmer of hope—the doctor confirmed that both Aria and the twins had stable, strong heartbeats —but the weight of uncertainty still crushed me.
“Ethan?”
My mother’s voice was so soft I almost missed it. I didn’t move or look up, preferring to remain enveloped in the
suffocating darkness behind my closed eyelids. Had I even taken a proper breath in weeks? I couldn’t remember what
fresh air tasted like anymore.
“Ethan, what are you doing out here?” She was standing in front of me now. I could see her polished shoes, but I felt
nothing beyond a pervasive numbness that had settled deep in my bones. She tried again, voice gentler. “Ethan?”
“I’m, uh, I’m waiting for Aria to, uh.” The words stumbled from my mouth, my brain refusing to function properly.
“Aria is here?” My mother asked, and I heard the rustle of fabric as someone moved.
“Luna?”
The small voice drew my attention. I lifted my head to see Lucas standing in the doorway, a tiny figure against the
hospital’s imposing architecture.
“Lucas,” my mother’s voice melted into that honeyed tone adults reserve for children. “What brings you here, little one?”
Lucas squared his shoulders. “My mom was poisoned,” he replied with unsettling directness. “She’s sleeping now. Ethan
says she can hear me even when she’s sleeping, so I’ve been telling her stories about our apartment and my school.”
My mother’s eyes widened as she turned to me. “Poisoned? What happened?”
“Wolfsbane,” I replied grimly, meeting her gaze. “I’m surprised Father kept you in the dark about this.”
Her attention drifted toward Aria’s room. “And the twins? Are they still…?”
Ice flooded my veins. “You know about the twins?” The words escaped through clenched teeth, a dangerous edge
sharpening each syllable. I rose to my full height in one fluid motion, surprising even myself with how quickly I moved to
place myself between my mother and Aria’s room. My hand found Lucas’s shoulder, drawing him protectively against my
side.
My mother’s lips curved into that mischievous smile I remembered from childhood—the one that always preceded her
revealing she knew more than she should. “Lower those hackles, son. Your godmother mentioned it in passing.” Her eyes
twinkled with something that looked suspiciously like satisfaction. “Vicky was always terrible at keeping secrets.”
“Perfect timing, then,” I managed, forcing my voice to remain even. “We’re on our way to see Father now.”
“You’re bringing Lucas to meet your father?” Surprise colored her voice as she hurried to keep pace with us, her gaze
darting between Lucas and me with growing interest.
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“Father’s request, not mine,” I replied, attempting to sound casual while my insides twisted with anxiety. The significance
of this meeting weighed on me like an anvil on my chest. Would he understand my choice? Accept Lucas? Or would this
become yet another battleground between us?
The thought of my father rejecting him made something dark and dangerous stir within me. I would fight for Lucas if
necessary—even against my own father.
At Father’s door, I gestured for Lucas to enter. We knocked and stepped inside after hearing my father’s raspy
acknowledgment. Lucas fidgeted with a Rubik’s cube, turning it deftly in his small hands. I placed my palm on top of his
head, offering a reassuring smile. He returned it with a slight upturn of his lips, but his eyes remained serious and watchful, as if bracing himself.
1/2
I heard my mother chuckle softly behind me. Glancing back, I caught her knowing smile as she observed our interaction.
“You used to have that exact same expression,” she said. “It’s the Alpha blood running in his veins.”
“Yes, Aria’s lineage is strong,” I replied, pulling back the curtain separating us from my father.
“Not from Aria’s side,” my mother murmured as she slipped past me to greet my father.
The sight of my father sitting upright in a chair instead of lying in bed was a relief. He looked more vibrant today, a
certain strength emanating from him that had been absent yesterday. My mother whispered something in his ear, and
they both giggled like teenage lovers.
“My son,” Father called, opening his arms wide as Mother stepped aside. I smiled, circling the bed to embrace him. His
arms encircled me with barely any strength, a stark reminder that despite his improved appearance, he was still fading.
My throat tightened.
“Hey, Dad. You’re looking good,” I said against his shoulder before pulling back. Pride and admiration glinted in his pale
eyes. He nodded, then shifted his attention to Lucas. I nearly laughed when I saw the powerful expression the boy fixed
on my father. This kid had a stare that could kill. “Lucas, this is my dad. The Alpha of Shadow Fang.”
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Lucas extended his hand toward my father. My father maintained an equally serious demeanor as he placed his hand in
Lucas’s small palm. Once their hands were clasped, Lucas inclined his head slightly. “Alpha, I’m Lucas. It’s an honor to meet you.”
Father’s eyes sparkled with amusement, and he shot my mother a glance before composing his features. “Hello, Lucas.
I’ve heard much about you. The honor is mine.”
A quick, boyish smile flashed across Lucas’s face before he schooled his features again. My father laughed, the sound
rusty but genuine. “Yes. Perfect indeed. I think Vicky was right, dear, they are identical.”
“Yes. I was stunned when I saw him,” my mother agreed, her gaze sweeping over the three of us, though her eyes
lingered on me. “Aria is lovely too. She has her mother’s features in every way. It’s quite remarkable. All thanks to Vicky,
though.” She paused, her expression turning serious. “Now, we need to discuss your formal declaration as Alpha.”
“What? But I—” I began, caught off guard.
“You’ve officially completed all my requirements,” Father interrupted, his eyes flickering between Lucas and me with a
knowing look I couldn’t quite interpret. “It’s time to pass everything to you.”
“I’m not married yet. That was your final test, wasn’t it?” I said, placing my hand on Lucas’s head, ensuring the boy wouldn’t bolt. The physical connection grounded me as my mind raced.
“Yes, but certain things have become clear, and that’s no longer necessary. You will take my place and designate Lucas as
your heir.” Father delivered this with the Alpha command that would have brought anyone to their knees, but Lucas
giggled. I looked down at the boy in confusion, not understanding what had just happened. I’d been prepared to argue
with my parents about naming Lucas as my heir, but Father had commanded it as if it were already decided.
Father let out a deep, rumbling laugh. “Absolutely perfect, my boy. You will make an extraordinary Alpha, and Lucas will
be the perfect heir.”
I narrowed my eyes, studying my father’s face. I felt like I was missing something crucial, but before I could respond,
Lucas grabbed my father’s hand, looking up at him with earnest eyes.
“Your eyes are the same as mine and Ethan’s,” he declared solemnly. “Mom says green eyes are special. So you must be
strong like us. Don’t worry, I’ll protect my sisters and my mom once they