The air in the luxurious penthouse, moments ago scented with longing and regret, was now dominated by the sharp, metallic sting of Ares's shock and fury. His grip on Lyra's arms was intense, not painful, but utterly non-negotiable.
"The address, Lyra. Now," Ares repeated, his eyes demanding immediate obedience. His Alpha instincts, dormant during the five years of separation, were now roaring to life with paternal protectiveness and the rage of a betrayed mate.
Lyra struggled against the overwhelming flood of his emotion, clinging to the last shreds of her composure. She needed to protect the twins, and she knew Ares, despite his anger, was the most powerful tool she had to handle the immediate threat from Children's Services.
"Release me, Ares," she commanded, her own voice steadying despite the panic. "You are compromising your judgment. I need to think clearly."
He let her go instantly, taking a sharp, retreating step, forcing himself to breathe and regain control. The habit of respecting her intelligence, even in crisis, was deeply ingrained.
"The house is a small rental in the North End, near the old pack borders," Lyra rushed to explain, retrieving the code on her phone. "The address is 14 Willow Creek Lane. My Aunt Elara is there, and possibly a representative from the Social Services Agency. We must present a united, stable front. If they think I'm an unstable mother returning to chaos, they will remove the children."
Ares didn't look at the address; he had already memorized it. His focus remained laser-like on Lyra's face. "You said they're mine. I need one thing, Lyra, before we move. Tell me the truth about Caleb and Elara. Did they ever ask about me? About their father?"
The question was a soft, sharp probe into her greatest regret. Lyra looked away, tears returning to her eyes. "Every day. I told them you were a brave Alpha who worked overseas, ensuring they had a safe life. I told them you loved them, even if you couldn't be with them."
Ares closed his eyes, his head tipping back as he absorbed the gut-wrenching pain of those lost years. He had missed their first steps, their first words, and the simple questions of a child searching for their Alpha parent. The depth of her deception was matched only by the depth of his loss.
He straightened, his composure returning, replaced by a ruthless Alpha efficiency. "Fine. We play this your way. We are a united front. But understand this, Lyra: from the moment we walk into that house, the deception is over. I am their father, and I am their Alpha. And they are never leaving my sight again."
He grabbed the velvet box containing the sapphire necklace, tucking it into his suit pocket. He then pulled out his private line, dialing his head of security, Alpha Zale.
"Zale. Immediate priority: I need a full security detail dispatched to 14 Willow Creek Lane, North End. I want an aerial sweep, perimeter locked down, and discreet surveillance of the area. And Zale? Send a team of the best family law attorneys to meet me there. Now. This is non-negotiable. I have an immediate family emergency."
He ended the call, meeting Lyra's terrified gaze. "Your plan for a stable front is compromised, Lyra. You have Children's Services involved. We need a legal team capable of fighting the state, not just a calm demeanor."
"Ares, wait!" Lyra protested, her voice rising. "I don't want lawyers! I want to settle this quietly. I don't want them to think I'm kidnapping them or using them for your money!"
"My money?" he scoffed, grabbing her hand and pulling her toward the exit. "They are my blood. They are my heirs. You think I care about appearances? I care about claiming what's mine. You don't get to manage this alone anymore, Lyra. You failed. You called me, indirectly, by leaving the door open to this mess."
He pulled her into the elevator, his immense Alpha energy filling the small space. He pressed the button for the underground garage.
"Where is Rhys Valerius?" Ares demanded suddenly, remembering the rival Alpha. "Is he involved in this legal mess?"
"Rhys knows nothing about the school," Lyra admitted, shaking her head. "He was meant to be my escort to the corporate meetings, nothing more. He has no paternal claim."
"Good. He stays out of it." Ares's eyes flashed. "But if he shows up, he finds out quickly who their true Alpha is."
The elevator doors opened into a private, climate-controlled garage. Waiting for them was a sleek, matte-black armored sedan, engine running, and a grim-faced Alpha driver at the wheel.
Ares pushed Lyra into the backseat, following her in. Before the door even slammed shut, he pulled her across the seat and strapped her in with his seatbelt, pinning her close to his chest.
"No more running, Lyra," he murmured against her ear, his breath hot and possessive. "You are coming home to the children, and then you are coming home to me. The romantic chase is over. This is the reclamation."
He pulled the sapphire necklace out of his pocket. Ignoring her protests, he turned her neck and fastened the chain around her throat. The cold platinum and heavy stone settled against her skin, a beautiful, undeniable claim.
"Welcome back, mate," he whispered, his scent flooding her senses one last time before he commanded the driver to speed away. "Now let's go meet our children."
The car surged out of the garage, heading toward the North End—and the chaotic, undeniable truth of their new life.