Chapter 192: Home
Callum’s POV
She appeared in the doorway, her boys spilling out ahead of her. Their eyes darted between me and Nathan, sensing the heavy tension in the air. Oscar’s jaw was tight, Oliver’s brows furrowed, and Ozzy clung close to her side. Then my gaze caught hers. Hailee.
For a moment, the world stilled. Ten years hadn’t changed the way she lit up the air around her. Her red hair fell loose, her face pale but still breathlessly beautiful. Her lips pressed tight as if she was holding her breath. And those eyes—eyes that once looked at me with warmth I’d never forgotten—met mine again.
I swallowed hard, keeping my stance steady, though the sight of her shook me more than Nathan’s aura ever could. Nathan turned slightly, blocking her with his shoulder as if shielding her from me. My jaw flexed, but I didn’t move.
"Hailee," Nathan said lowly, his tone softer now, but still firm. "Your ride is here."
She didn’t answer him. Her eyes stayed on me, and for a heartbeat, I thought I saw them soften—just a little.
I stepped forward, closing the gap between us, but kept my voice calm, steady. "I came to take you and the boys, as promised. My packhouse is ready. Everything has been prepared."
Oliver’s face lit up at once. He tugged at her sleeve, his voice eager. "Mama—it’s Alpha Callum. We’re going with him, right? You said today."
Oscar frowned, his green eyes narrowing. "Don’t rush her," he muttered sharply. "This isn’t just about you, Oliver."
The air thickened again, this time from the boys, but Hailee lifted her hand quickly, silencing them. Her chest rose as she drew in a steadying breath. Nathan’s jaw locked tight, his green eyes flashing dangerously, but he said nothing. He only stepped back.
Hailee moved at last, guiding the boys down the steps. The car door was opened by one of my men, and I gestured for her to go first. She hesitated for just a moment, then slid inside with the boys close at her sides. I followed after, the door shutting with a solid thud.
The hum of the engine started, and we pulled away from Nathan’s house. I felt his eyes burning into the back of the car as we left, but I didn’t look back. Not once.
Inside, the air was heavy. Hailee sat pressed against the door, her hands resting protectively on Ozzy and Oscar. Oliver, though—he leaned forward eagerly, his eyes shining, his excitement filling the car.
"Alpha Callum," he said quickly, his voice almost breathless, "is it true you have a training yard bigger than the one here?"
I glanced at him, the corners of my lips tugging faintly. "Yes. And not just swords. Shields, bows, even a field for mock battles. If you want, I’ll show you myself."
His eyes widened, lighting up like sparks. "Really?"
"Yes." My voice softened. "It will be yours to use as much as you like."
My wolf stirred hard inside me, howling, clawing at my chest. The sound was deafening in my head. Mine. My wolf was still howling for Oliver.
Oliver. I clenched my jaw, steadying myself before I could lose control.
Oliver, oblivious to the storm inside me, leaned closer. "Do you also have a library? Mama loves books. And Ozzy too. He reads all the time."
"Yes," I answered without hesitation. "A whole floor. With stories, maps, even old scrolls about our history. Your mother will have her pick, and so will you."
His face glowed. He sat back, already picturing it in his mind.
But his brothers... Oscar stayed stiff, his arms crossed, his eyes set on the floor like he didn’t want to be here. Ozzy leaned against Hailee, quiet, his brows drawn tight in thought.
I noticed. I felt it in the silence between their breaths, in the weight of their gazes. They didn’t share Oliver’s excitement. Not yet.
I let my eyes drift back to Hailee. Her face was pale, her gaze still turned toward the passing trees outside. Her lips were pressed tight, but I saw the faint rise and fall of her chest—saw the battle warring inside her.
The drive stretched long, the forest giving way to open fields. My chest stayed tight the whole time, but when the high gates of my pack house came into view, I straightened up.
The cars rolled to a stop, and the doors opened. Soldiers lined the steps, bowing low. Maids stood ready at the entrance, heads bowed, flowers in their hands. The grand chandeliers above the wide doors glowed, just as I had ordered.
Oliver gasped beside his mother, his face glowing with wonder. "Mama, look!" he whispered, tugging her hand. "It’s amazing."
But Oscar only crossed his arms, unimpressed. His green eyes scanned the walls, the guards, the perfection. "It’s all for show," he muttered. "He’s just trying too hard."
Ozzy scoffed. "It feels... too big. Too much."
I saw it. The split between them. And I saw Hailee’s lips press tighter, her shoulders stiffen. She was breathing too fast, her eyes darting around the grand hall like it was another trap.
I stepped closer, lowering my voice. "You are safe here," I said softly. "This is not a cage, Hailee. It’s your home too, if you want it."
She didn’t look at me. Her gaze stayed forward as the guards bowed again.
Inside, the maids guided them to the dining hall. The smell of roasted chicken, honeyed bread, and fresh fruit filled the air. Oliver’s eyes widened, practically bouncing in his seat.
"This is better than Alpha Nathan’s!" he blurted out, grinning wide.
Oscar’s head snapped toward him. "Don’t say that!" he snapped. "You don’t even know him. Alpha Nathan saved us, remember? We wouldn’t be here without him."
Oliver’s grin faded into a scowl. "Alpha Nathan scares Mama half the time! Alpha Callum doesn’t. He respects her. You just don’t want to admit it."
Ozzy pushed his plate away, his voice sharp. "You’re both wrong. Choosing the wrong choice as usual."
The three of them were frowning now, their actions making my eyes narrow.
"Enough!" I thundered, my voice booming with Alpha command. The boys froze mid-argument, their chests rising and falling.
I frowned. "You are brothers. You do not tear each other apart. Not for me, not for anyone. Do you understand?"
They looked at me, then at their mother, then back at me. Slowly, reluctantly, they nodded and went back to their meal.
Hailee’s hand rubbed her temples, her eyes closing for a moment as if the weight was too much for her.