Chapter 0423

“Calihan.” Mum speaks to him. “This is your sister, Seraphina. She will be staying with us now.”

He flashes a wide grin, showing all his teeth. “Hi. Are you my big sister?”

“Yes, I suppose I am.” I return his smile as mum gestures toward the cereal boxes, inviting me to help myself.

Liam takes a seat across from me. He watches me intently while eating, remaining silent as Noah chats excitedly about school, completely unaware of his brother’s behavior.

“Your father just informed me there’s no school today.” Mum announces as she brings in several jugs of juice. She looked prepared to feed an entire pack rather than just four of us and a baby.

Noah pumps his fist in celebration while Liam demands to know why. Another unusual trait—most children his age would rejoice at an unexpected day off.

“Alpha Alexander is restructuring the classes. He’s splitting them to ensure each child receives more attention. Starting Monday, Liam, you’ll attend in the morning, and Noah, you’ll go in the afternoon.”

“That’s not fair!” Liam slams his fist on the table.

“Those are the rules. What do we do about rules?” Mum glares at him, and Liam immediately shrinks back.

What was that about?

“We follow them.” Noah states proudly.

“Exactly, especially if we want to remain happy here.”

Noah nods enthusiastically and slurps milk from his bowl. The boys were polar opposites, but it went beyond that. Even without my Lycan senses, I could tell something was troubling Liam.

Noah resumes telling me about his school friends while Liam continues his silent observation. He bore no resemblance to the carefree boy I’d seen playing in the front garden days before.

“It’s Liam’s birthday soon.” Noah informs me. “He’s turning eight.” Noah holds up his fingers proudly. “Just two more sleeps.”

“Are you excited?” I ask Liam as mum leaves to retrieve Braelyn.

He rolls his eyes and carries his empty bowl to the sink.

“He’s just being silly.” Noah explains.

“Maybe he’s so excited it’s made him tired.” I tell my little brother, stretching the truth. “It happens sometimes.”

Mum returns with Braelyn. She had grown significantly since I last saw her. Mum settles her into the high chair and places a bottle of milk before her. She was a perfect miniature of mum—deep brown eyes and a shock of jet black hair. Completely focused on her bottle.

“Do you think you could get used to this?” Mum asks me.

I’d never experienced anything like this before. A tear escapes, and Noah wraps his small arms around my waist. “Please don’t cry.”

I nod at mum. “I’m sorry.”

She smiles warmly. “I understand. It just took you a while to find your way home.”

“Dad. It’s not fair.” Liam stomps after Caleb while I finish tying my boots.

“It’s necessary. You won’t be in class with the Hunter’s child anymore. No more trouble.”

“There wasn’t any trouble! I just asked her for a damn pencil!”

I watch Caleb spin around and glare at Liam. Liam immediately shrinks, lowering his head until his face disappears from view.

“Watch your language! Don’t ever speak to me like that again!”

“Yes Dad.” His tone completely changes from moments before. “Now go to your room until I return.”

Liam nods quickly and dashes toward the staircase. His feet pound up the steps, followed by a slamming door. Caleb groans in frustration. He turns to me. “Ready? Your escort is here.”