Page 36 of The Alpha's Forbidden Heir

"Next door," I say, gesturing to the adjacent door.

Her eyes narrow. "Convenient."

"For everyone involved," I reply smoothly.

She huffs but doesn't argue, stepping into Elias's room and glancing around. "It's fine," she says finally, her tone begrudging.

"Your things will be brought up shortly," I add.

"We can handle it ourselves," she snaps.

"That won't be necessary," I say, my tone leaving no room for debate. "My men will take care of it."

Her jaw tightens, but she doesn't push further.

As my men start bringing in their belongings, Elias continues to explore his new room, his excitement bubbling over. Aria, however, stays silent, her arms crossed as she watches everything unfold with thinly veiled frustration.

"This doesn't mean we're staying," she says finally, her voice low but firm.

I turn to her, my expression unreadable. "It means you're safe. For now, that's all that matters."

Elias is already bouncing on the bed by the time Aria and I step back into his new room. His small frame practically disappears into the plush bedding, his laughter filling the space.

"This is so cool!" he shouts, his hands gripping the bedposts as he leans over to inspect every inch of the room. "I've never had a bed this big before!"

"Elias," Aria says softly, her voice steady but tinged with hesitation.

He freezes mid-bounce, turning to her with wide, curious eyes. "Yeah?"

She glances at me briefly before walking toward him, sitting on the edge of the bed. "We need to talk about something important, okay?"

His head tilts, a hint of confusion crossing his features. "What is it?"

I stay by the wall, arms crossed, watching the exchange. I want to be the one to tell him, but Aria has always been the one by his side. She's earned the right to lead this.

Aria hesitates, brushing a hand through Elias's hair. "Elias, do you know why we're here? Why we're staying with... him?" She glances my way, the word him dripping with disdain.

Elias blinks, his gaze bouncing between the two of us. "'Cause it's safe?" He guesses.

"Yes, but there's more to it," she says, her voice softening.

Elias stares at her, waiting.

"Bane is your father," she says finally, her words careful, almost fragile.

The room seems to freeze. Elias's wide eyes flick to me, his lips parting in shock. "What?"

I push off the wall, walking closer but keeping my distance. "It's true," I say, my voice steady. "I'm your dad, Elias."

His reaction isn't what I expect. His excitement dulls, his small face folding into something unreadable. He glances at Aria, then back at me. "If you're my dad," he says slowly, "then where have you been?"

The question hits like a dagger, sharp and unavoidable. Aria's eyes flick to mine, her arms crossing tightly over her chest, clearly waiting to see how I'll handle this.

"I've been traveling," I say, my voice calm but firm. "Handling important things for the pack."

It isn't a complete lie.

Elias tilts his head, his small brow furrowed. "You traveled for five years?"

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