Betrayed by an alpha claimed by a lycan king

Chapter 136 Chapter 136

SAGE

After much back and forth, Robert and Gertrude finally convinced me to let the kids go to school in the nearby town. Robert even cheerfully volunteered to drive them every morning. His excitement was contagious, though my heart still wrestled with doubt.

Was this the right thing to do? I'd spent years hiding, trying to keep my past from catching up to us. The thought of sending Ellie and Cooper out into the world filled me with uncase.

But my skepticism melted the moment I saw the pure joy in the eyes when we told them the news. Their excitement was contagious, and I couldn't bear to take that happiness away from them.

"They're going to be fine. Stop worrying," Gertrude reassured my placing a comforting arm around my shoulder.

I let out a heavy sigh. "That's what I've been praying for, Gertrude."

She gave me a knowing look. "It's been three years, sweetheart. Don't you think whoever you're hiding from has moved on by now?"

I wanted to believe that. Desperately. But part of me knew better-danger had a way of waiting, lurking just out of sight. "Are you not coming with us, Mommy?" Cooper asked, glancing up as he packed his bag, his silver hair gleaming under the morning light. I swallowed the lump in my throat. "No, sweetheart," I said gently

No one outside our small circle knew about the kids. Their rapid growth meant that, at just three years old, they looked closer to seven. It was safer if I stayed behind. If anyone recognized me, it could unravel everything.

"You'll be fine with Grandpa Robert," I assured him, brushing a lack of silver hair behind his ear. "I'll be waiting for you when you get

home."

Harper bounded up beside him, her red hair bouncing as she grinned. "We're going to make so many friends, I just know it!"

"Just behave," I warned playfully, though my heart ached at the thought of them being away from me. "And here, don't forget about this," I said as I tied her hair up and hid it underneath a bucket hat.

"I don't like to wear a hat, Mom!" she complained.

"You have to, sweet pea, or I'll not allow you to go out of this house," I insisted. "You, as well," I turned to Cooper as I put on another hat. It's better safe than sorry. Their uncommon hair color might draw some unwanted attention. Not a lot of children have red and silver hair. One look at their hair and anyone will think they are not from here. I wanted them to stay under the radar as much as possible. "Remember, both of you are not allowed to remove your hats, okay? It's for your safety," I reminded them.

both looked at each other as if trying to find the answers to their questions through each other. But eventually,

softly, her voice filled with certainty. "You've given them a good

the decision

Chapter 186

to buy some groceries for the house. Would

I'm good, I answered.

be fine alone

I nodded in response.

Robert and Gertruck, waving choice

the Moon Goddess

freedom. I just hoped I wasn't risking everything we had worked

house felt eerily still without the sound of Harper and Cooper's playful banter. I-busied myself with chores, trying to keep my mind from wandering into dangerous territory. I scrubbed the counters, folded the laundry, and even attempted to bake a loaf of bread-anything to fill the silence and keep the nagging worry at bay. But just as the dough was rising, a

feeling-chilling, ominous. It was the first time I felt this eerie feeling, but I

He'd found me.

house. It was empty, thank the Moon Goddess. Robert and Gertrude were out, and the

to

a

happen here.

as I wrote:

days. Please take care of Harper and Cooper for me. Tell them I love them more than anything, and I'll come back as soon as I can. Trust

Love,

*

Sage

folded the note and left it on the kitchen table where Gertrude would easily find it. My heart ached as I thought of my children, but there was no time for hesitation. I couldn't let

I could take another step, a heavy knock

tightened. He was

step feeling like a march to my own reckoning. I opened it,

Jan 30