Chapter 0402

Evelyn rolls her eyes. "Don't hog all the fun. Save some for me and Seraphina. You know how much it stings those cocky Alphas to lose to a woman." A wicked grin spreads across both our faces.

"Ivy, your mom and Aunt Isolde are terrifying. Take notes—that's exactly the kind of woman I want you to become," Adrian coos to Ivy, making us all chuckle.

Victor approaches, greeting the group. "We're near where Evelyn and Adrian's pack will be staying. Hopefully Seraphina and Sebastian aren't too far."

As if summoned, her voice cuts through the air. "Need us somewhere specific?"

"Seraphina!" Evelyn and I rush toward her, pulling her into a tight embrace. It's been ages since I last saw her after she gave birth to Julian.

"Where's that little bundle of joy?" Evelyn demands as Sebastian appears behind Seraphina, balancing a car seat in one hand and a massive diaper bag slung over his shoulder.

Seraphina turns to take the carrier from Sebastian. "Evelyn, Isolde, meet Reginald Clint."

He's perfect. Soft peach fuzz covers his head, his eyes shut tight in peaceful sleep.

Evelyn and I melt instantly, cooing over him. The familiar ache returns—my longing for a child of my own. Seraphina mentioned it might take time after stopping the birth control I'd been on, but today marks the end of that.

"Did Valeria lose her mind when you could shift again?" Evelyn asks Seraphina.

"Oh goddess, yes. She nearly combusted from excitement. Ran circles around Dorian for hours like a hyperactive pup."

Sebastian nuzzles Seraphina's temple. "He adored every second of it."

Evelyn smiles fondly at them. "Theron was the same when Selene returned."

"Figured out your lodging yet?" I ask Sebastian as Adrian and Victor join us. Seraphina immediately scoops Ivy from Adrian's arms.

Sebastian unfolds the map, pointing to their marked location. Evelyn and I compare it with ours. "Looks like Blackthorn Pack is sandwiched between us, but we're all close. Either of you been here before?"

"Nope. The venue changes each time," Adrian says, scanning the area. "Last tournament was in the Sierra Nevadas. Epic terrain."

"Events kick off at dawn. We should head to our cabins and settle in, love," Victor murmurs to me.

Sebastian nods eagerly. "First day's brutal but crucial. Warriors can't earn as many individual points as other rounds, but there are more of them—easy to stack up wins." No surprise there. Nightshade Pack has dominated the last two tournaments, eight years running since Sebastian took Alpha at eighteen.

We exchange quick goodbyes, agreeing to meet for breakfast at 4:30 AM before the 6 AM start.

As I turn toward our SUV, a familiar figure freezes me mid-step. He's crossing the parking lot, oblivious, laughing with members of my former pack. A toddler perches on his hip.

My father.

Our eyes lock for a fleeting second before he looks away. No recognition. Nothing.

He didn't even know me.