Chapter 83

(FIVE YEARS LATER)

Tiny voices of laughter and giggles filled the air, the most intoxicating sounds that I would never tire of.

Little Atlas ran through the building chasing one of the other children. A spitting image of his father, with an attitude that was all me. I grinned at the thought. What an alpha he would grow up to be.

“Mommy, he is mean to me.” A small voice spoke, tugging at the fabric on my waist. I bent down kissing Iliana on her forehead. My daughter, the sweetest and equally most manipulative little girl. Hmm. Perhaps she was also like me.

“Tell me, little one, what has your brother done to upset you now?”

“He did not tell me happy birthday.” She peered into my eyes with a pout on her lips. This game was one she played very well in a way that had everyone in the palm of her hands.

“He did. We woke you up together this morning. Do you not remember, sleepy head?”

“Well, I do not think he got me a gift then.”

“He wrote you a card, a gift from the heart, which