Lucien's smirk widened, glancing between Kael and Evelyn. "Mr Arrogant?" He chuckled, clearly entertained. Lucien leaned back in his chair, resting one arm lazily over the backrest, his wolfish grin deepening.
"Forgive me, I'm being rude." Lucien placed a hand dramatically over his heart. "Lucien Blackwood, Kael's friend.
"And you must be…?"
"Lily," she said shyly, her cheeks pink.
"Lily," Lucien repeated as if savoring the name. "Beautiful name for a beautiful girl. And you?" His gaze shifted to Evelyn. "Don't tell me—you look like an Evelyn."
Her fork froze halfway to her mouth. "That's because I am Evelyn."
Lucien chuckled low. "Sharp tongue. I like that. Kael's been hiding you away, hasn't he? Typical. Afraid someone might steal your attention."
Kael's jaw flexed, but he didn't speak.
"Well, Evelyn, Lily…" Lucien gave a half-bow even while seated. "Consider me your friend here. And if Kael ever gets too grumpy—" He shot Kael a smirk. "—I'm an expert in making him miserable."
Lily giggled while Evelyn just shook her head, though she couldn't stop the small smile tugging at her lips.
Kael ignored it, sitting at the head of the table, though Evelyn noticed the faint twitch at his jaw. His wolf stirred within him, oddly… pleased by the little human's presence.
As they ate, Lily kept chattering—about the orphanage, her favorite snacks, and how she once saw a squirrel steal a biscuit. Lucien leaned in, asking her questions, clearly enjoying her unfiltered nature. Kael's wolf found the sound of her voice oddly comforting, though Kael himself tried to remain impassive.
Halfway through the meal, Kael set down his fork. "Evelyn. My study. Now."
Evelyn sighed, already expecting the lecture. But before she could move, Lily tugged on Lucien's sleeve. "Come on. Let's follow him. Mr Arrogant is about to scold Evie."
Lucien threw his head back in a laugh. "Oh, I like her." He rose from his seat and motioned for Lily to follow.
Kael's gaze hardened as soon as evelyn enteredthe study.
"You brought another human into my house without asking me? And now she won't let me have breakfast in peace" His voice was sharp, like a blade cutting through the air.
Evelyn didn't flinch. "She's here for her surgery. And she's staying with me until then."
"That's not your decision,little human" he snapped.
Don't make our mate sad, his wolf's voice rumbled in his head. She's protecting the little one. That's good.
Kael clenched his jaw, ignoring the restless pacing of his wolf. He was about to argue again when small footsteps padded back into the room.
Lily stood there, hands on her hips in a tiny imitation of Evelyn. "Don't make her sad," she said firmly, tilting her head up at him. "She smiles more when I'm here."
For a moment, Kael could only stare at her, thrown off balance by the innocent boldness in her voice.
Behind Lily, Evelyn's lips curved into the faintest, triumphant smile.
"Don't make her sad. Only bad people make Evie sad."
Kael's wolf pushed forward at the words, a low growl of approval rumbling inside him. But Kael only exhaled sharply, shooting Lucien a look that promised the conversation wasn't over. Lucien followed him behind.
Lucien just grinned. "Face it, Alpha—you've got two humans in your house now, and one of them already has you wrapped around her little finger.""She's your mate, Kael. Maybe try not to scare her off with your stone-face routine."
After lucienand kael left, Evelyn knelt on the rug with Lily In the living room, a deck of colorful cards spread between them.
"You're cheating," Evelyn teased, narrowing her eyes as Lily giggled behind her hand.
"I'm not cheating—you're just bad at this game," Lily said with mock seriousness, placing her winning card down with a flourish.
Evelyn laughed, ruffling her hair. "Fine. You win… but next time, I'm bringing my secret strategy."
Lily grinned. "You don't have one."