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

be all right, Sage," Gertrude said softly, her voice filled with certainty. "You've

decision still weighed heavily

Chapter 186

buy some groceries for the

I'm good, I answered.

be fine alone here?" she

I nodded in response.

truck with Robert and Gertruck, waving choice wouldn't come back to

prayed to the Moon Goddess

joy and freedom. I just hoped I wasn't risking everything

For the first time in years, the 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

the hair on my nape standing on end. That feeling-chilling, ominous. It was the first time I felt this eerie feeling, but I knew

He'd found me.

empty, thank the Moon

needed to

pen and paper, I scribbled a note to

happen here.

as I wrote:

Harper and Cooper for me. Tell them I love them more than anything, and I'll come back as soon as I can. Trust me on

Love,

*

Sage

easily find it. My heart ached as I thought of my

a

chest tightened.

deep breath, I steadied myself and moved toward the door, every step feeling like a march to

Thu, Jan