His Knees, His Pleas, But Our Son's in Peace

"So, Doris," Nathan began, his voice slow and deliberate. "Why do you insist on not letting Cyrus identify with me?"

My breath caught in my throat. It was as though Nathan had struck the exact chord of fear I was trying to hide. He was pretending to know everything-I could see it in the way he was playing his words carefully, his tone deliberately calm. But did he really know? Or was this some calculated bluff? I had no way of knowing, and that uncertainty only made the panic inside me swell.

Nathan's pack was powerful, one of the most resourceful and well-connected in the entire region. Their intelligence network was vast, and if anyone could dig into secrets-especially the kind the medical organization dealt with-it would be him. The mere thought sent a chill through me.

I swallowed hard, trying to keep my voice steady. "What are you talking about, Nathan?" I tried to sound dismissive, feigning ignorance, but the tremor in my voice betrayed me. Nathan saw it, and a small, almost satisfied smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "You don't need to pretend with me, Doris," he said softly, taking a step closer. "I've put the pieces together. You've been hiding something big, and it's clear now. Why won't you let Cyrus know the truth?"

His words hung heavily between us, and I felt my pulse quicken. He was pressing me, playing his hand perfectly. But how much did he actually know? I wasn't sure, and that uncertainty gnawed at me. Nathan's eyes didn't leave mine for a second. He was searching for any sign of confirmation, and I had to be careful. He could see the panic in me, and the more he sensed it, the more certain he became.

"I just want to meet him, Doris," Nathan said, his tone softening suddenly,

un Son's in Peace

surprising me. "I just want to talk to him. That's all."

He was trying a different tactic now, no longer aggressive but gentle, coaxing me into agreeing. He stepped even closer, and the space between us grew

uncomfortably small. I could feel the heat of his body, and his scent filled my

senses-familiar yet unwanted. Tina, my wolf, stirred uneasily inside me.

I hate this, Tina growled. I hate his scent. I don't want him near us.

Her voice only amplified my own discomfort. I couldn't let my guard down, not with Nathan standing so close, pressing so hard.

Nathan stood closer, his presence almost suffocating. He dropped his voice, making his tone seem gentle, as if this were a reasonable request. "You know, Doris, in a way, I'm like your brother," he said softly, his eyes still locked on mine. "We've shared a lot, and Cyrus is part of your life now. Don't you think, as someone who's been close to you, I should meet him? Just once."

His words cut through me, and for a moment, the memories of the life we once had together surfaced. But I quickly shoved them down. Things were different now. I couldn't afford to trust him, no matter how reasonable he sounded.

My mind raced. If I kept refusing, Nathan might dig even deeper into the truth. His pack had the resources, and I didn't know how much he already knew. But if I agreed, I could control the situation, keep him at arm's length.

Reluctantly, I nodded. "Fine," I said, my voice quiet but firm. "You can meet him. But only once, and I'll be there the entire time."

Nathan's expression softened, and a small smile appeared. He had gotten what he wanted. "That's all I ask," he said, stepping back slightly, giving me room to breathe again. But before turning away, he added with a smirk, "And Doris... maybe cut back on the drinking, You need to be sharp for Cyrus."

My jaw tightened, but I didn't respond. The tension was still thick in the air as I turned and walked back toward the bar where Vesta was waiting,

"What was that all about?" Vesta asked, her eyebrows raised with curiosity.

I didn't answer her. My mind was spinning with everything Nathan had said. I

couldn't make sense of my own thoughts, let alone explain them to someone else. I

muttered something about needing to pick up Cyrus and left quickly, eager to get away from the bar.

As I drove through the dark streets, my mind wandered to the past. There had been a time when Nathan and I were happy, when we had talked about a future together. Before Sienna's lies had poisoned everything, Nathan had been kind and loving. But he had believed her, so easily turned against me when it mattered most. My heart hardened at the thought.

I glanced in the rearview mirror at Cyrus, who had already fallen asleep in the backseat, his little face peaceful in the glow of the streetlights. He was my world now, and I couldn't let anyone-especially Nathan-threaten that. I would protect him, no matter what. When we got home, I tucked Cyrus into bed, kissing his forehead gently. "I'll When we got home, I tucked Cyrus into be

protect you," I whispered softly. "I promise."Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

The next morning, I sat Cyrus down to explain. "We're going to meet an uncle today," I told him, my voice gentle.

Cyrus looked up at me, his innocent eyes wide with curiosity. "Is it Uncle Issca?" he

asked.

I smiled, shaking my head. "No, sweetheart. Someone else."

He seemed content with that answer, and I breathed a small sigh of relief. But the thought of Nathan meeting him still made my stomach twist.