Charlene
"I'm going to miss you, Charlene!" Adrian said as he pulled me into a tight embrace. Today was finally the day i returned to Werewolf world and i knew i was not going to see Adrian in a long time.
We held each other for a long moment, neither wanting to let go.
It was difficult to see him alone again after spending five years together. He had been my best friend—the only person who had believed in me when everyone else had pushed me away. Without him, I wouldn't have survived the human world.
"I'm going to miss you too," I replied, slowly releasing him from the hug. "I promise I'll call you all the time," I added with a small smile.
"I just hope you're making the right decision, Charlene," Adrian said, his voice thick with concern. "If this isn't what you want, you can always return."
I placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You don't have to worry, Adrian. I believe everything will be fine. I'm doing this for the children," I told him softly. "And besides, I will have the chance to expand my business to the werewolf world."
He nodded and gently patted me on the back.
"Charlene!" Draven's deep voice called from inside the car, interrupting our conversation. I turned to find him standing beside the open door, his eyes sharp and unyielding. The way he stared made it feel as though I'd been caught doing something wrong. "We have to leave now," he said, pointing at his wristwatch.
Adrian chuckled lightly. "Do you want me to murder him for you?" he joked, earning a small laugh from me.
"I said we have to leave," Draven repeated as he walked over. He placed his arm possessively around my waist, pulling me closer. I could have sensed the tension in his Lycan aura if I still had my wolf.
"I'm ready now," I said, trying to remove his hand, but he only tightened his grip and guided me toward the car.
I glanced back at Adrian and offered him one last smile.
"Bye, Daddy Adrian!" Dawn shouted from inside the car.
Adrian smiled warmly at her and called for us to wait. He returned to the house and returned moments later with a box in his hands. "I almost forgot the gifts I got for the three of you," he said, opening it.
Draven looked like he wanted to say something, but I nudged him gently, reminding him that the children were watching. He stayed silent while Adrian began handing out the gifts.
He gave Dawn a silver tiara and said, "Since you're a princess, I think this will suit you perfectly," placing it carefully on her head.
"Thank you, Daddy Adrian," Dawn said, admiring her reflection in the window. She beamed with joy and showed it off to Draven.
Next, Adrian handed Damien a book filled with superhero stories. "You're a strong boy," he told him. "The next time I see you, I want you walking alone. By then, we can fight the bad guys together."
Damien smiled shyly. "Yes, Daddy Adrian," he replied, already flipping open the first page of his book. "Thank you."
"What about me?" Drew asked impatiently, holding out his hand. When Adrian didn't respond immediately, Drew's face crumpled, and tears welled in his eyes.
"What are you doing?" Draven started to speak, but I stopped him with a gentle shake.
"It's their thing," I whispered. "Adrian loves to tease him."
He grumbled and then nodded in response.
Adrian finally smiled and revealed a small flute from the box. "You've been playing with instruments since you were two," he said, handing it to Drew. "Since I won't be there anymore, I want you to have this, my little musician." He knelt and hugged him tightly before kissing his forehead.
Drew sniffled and wiped his tears. "I thought you wouldn't give me anything," he murmured.
"Why not?" Adrian chuckled and ruffled his hair. "Be a good boy."
"Bye, Daddy Adrian!" the children chorused as he waved goodbye and stepped back from the car.
"Goodbye, Adrian," I said, waving one last time before getting in.
Draven lingered momentarily, staring at Adrian without a word before finally joining us. His beta, Kylan, started the engine, and we drove off.
I took a deep breath, rubbing my trembling hands together. I was returning to my old life, to the place that had once broken me. Fear crept into my chest, but I tried to steady myself. I had to be strong—for the children.
Even though I hated the idea of returning to the royal mansion, it was for the future of my children.
Sensing my unease, Draven reached over and placed his hand on mine. "Everything will be alright," he said in a calm voice. I nodded, though I wasn't sure I believed him.