Chapter 0233

A sharp knock came at the door seconds later. Zachary didn’t wait for an invitation to enter.

His dark gaze fixed on her as fresh tears escaped the corners of her eyes.

He crossed the room swiftly, sliding his arms beneath her despite her weak protests against being touched.

He drew her firmly against his chest until she yielded, allowing him to lift her and carry her from the room.

As they departed, Alexander entered, pressing a warm kiss to my cheek. “What was that about?”

“She misses him.”

He nodded, understanding exactly who I meant.

“Do you think there’s a chan—”

“No.” He cut me off before I could finish. “Julian made his position painfully clear. He doesn’t want this. I won’t cater to his whims!”

Occasionally, he used words or phrases unfamiliar to me. I think he sometimes forgot my past. The only language I knew was what I’d heard around the house. I’d learned more since arriving, but gaps remained.

He saw my expression and softened his tone. “I won’t give him what he wants just because he’s throwing a tantrum. My duty is to our family and the pack. I must do what’s best for them.”

“I want to help her. But I don’t know how.”

“You can’t.” His eyes drifted to our sleeping twins. “It’s more than a sibling missing a sibling. Their connection is profound. Alpha-blood twins. Blessed with twin Wolves. That bond, forged since conception, can’t be severed just because he left the pack.”

“Can she still mind-link him?”

“No.”

“But you said their bond is stronger. What about her Wolf, Midnight? Could she connect with his?”

“Aspen? Honestly, I haven’t considered it. If you haven’t noticed, she avoids talking about Julian with me. Or Zachary.” He added with a sigh. “She did this after our parents died. She partially shuts down. It’s hard to see because she functions, but she buries the pain. She won’t discuss what truly weighs on her.”

“She talks to me. Not extensively, but she does.”

“And for that, I am immensely grateful.” He kissed my cheek again, his lips moving down to find mine.

The electricity of his touch ignited my senses as the kiss deepened. His tongue explored my mouth while his hand tangled in my hair, holding me close.

“The boys,” I murmured, pulling back slightly.

He growled in frustration when I resisted. “They are sleeping in their own room tonight.”

“But…” I started to protest. I’d kept them near me every night since their birth. Their safety was my responsibility. Protecting them from the world’s chaos was my duty.

“They’re nearly seven months old. Their nursery has been ready for months. They’ll be right next door. I’ll post a guard if it eases your mind. I need time alone with my mate. Even if it’s just for a few hours.”

He nuzzled the mark on my neck, well aware it was my weak spot. His warm breath made my skin tingle.

“Two guards,” I whispered.

“If it means I get you to myself, you can have a dozen guards.” He kissed me again, just as Evrin began to cry. He muttered something about that being the reason he wanted me alone as he climbed off the bed.

Logan woke moments later. It was definitely a twin thing.