Chapter 172

Calvin's POV I froze. My grandfather Howard had patted my shoulder before leaving. "Talk to her properly," he'd said before leading everyone else away. Evelyn had handed Alexis to Eryx, her instructions clear and confident. "Take Alex to the car. I'll be there in a minute." Little Alexis went willingly into Eryx's arms, calling him "Uncle Eryx" with such familiarity that it hit me like a punch to the gut. This battle-scarred warrior was more like family to Alex than I was. Eryx's usual tough exterior melted instantly for Alexis, his rough hands gentle as they smoothed her hair. "Let's go, little one. Your mom will join us soon." Alexis nodded, then asked innocently, "Where are my brothers?" My heart sank as Rowan and Rhys looked at me hopefully. They'd been staying at the pack house with their great-grandfather for the past two days, clearly missing both their mother and half-sister. "Zeon," I said, my voice steadier than I felt, "take them back to their rooms." The disappointment on m