Chapter 29: Chapter 29

Chapter 29 Selene +5Bonus >

Menu Two days had passed since I returned to the Iron Crown Pack from the council meeting. That day had left me terrified.

Seeing Kane with my children had nearly stopped my heart. I thought he’d discovered the truth. But luck was on my side he hadn’t caused any problems.

I figured he just didn’t care about their background or parentage. That worked in my favor. All I could do now was pray he’d never become curious about it.

“Mom, what’s on your mind?” Luna asked from where she sat on my I caught myself zoning out in front of the mirror, brush still in my hair.

“Nothing, sweetie,” I replied, turning to her.

bed.

I joined her on the bed, and when she hugged me, I couldn’t help but smile warmly.

“Mom, something’s wrong with Leo.”

Her words caught me off guard. I cupped her face in my hands.

“What’s wrong with him?”

“He’s been really mad since we came back from that pack.”

I frowned at Luna’s comment, trying to piece together everything from that day.

“Tell me everything that happened.”

Luna put her finger to her chin, thinking. I couldn’t help but chuckle and kiss her cheek. She was such a precious girl.

“Well, Grandpa told Uncle Edmund to take us to you. We flew to that pack and...” she trailed off.

I leaned down to look at her better, curious about why she’d stopped.

“And?”

“We met that handsome uncle,” she mumbled.

“Handsome uncle?”

She nodded. “The one we sat with.”

My eyebrows shot up as I realized she meant Kane.

“Luna, what did he say to you?”

She looked confused at my sudden question. I stroked her hair gently. “I need to know why Leo’s upset.”

“I asked if we could sit with him. He said it wasn’t public space but we could sit wherever we wanted. But Leo...”

Kane’s response to my daughter made my blood boil. Who argues with a child like that?

“Did he ask about me?”

) 12:38 28.46%

< Chapter 29 “No. Just about our pack.”

My eyes widened. What if he figures it out?”

I took several deep breaths to collect myself.

Just then, a staff member came to my room.

“Miss Selene, the Alpha wants to see you in the living room.”

I nodded but asked before she left, “Where’s Leo?”

“With Beta Axel. They’re playing something.”

That was a relief. Axel was a godsend with my children. His care for them was incredible.

This year, when I couldn’t make it to their parent–teacher conference, Axel stepped in without hesitation. I could never thank him enough for his help with my kids.

Menu Holding Luna’s hand, I headed to the living room. Everyone was there – my parents, Magnus, and Axel.

“Where’s Leo?” I asked Axel. He gestured toward his quarters. “In my room.” I sent Luna off to play with her brother, and she happily complied.

I turned to my brother. “You wanted to see me?”

Magnus nodded. “Yeah, but Dad’s the one who needs to talk to you.”

I looked at my father, who was sitting on the couch. He patted the space next to him, and I sat down.

“Dad?”

“Selene, I want you to take over the pack’s business operations.”

I was stunned. “The business operations?”

“Yes. I want you to join Hawthorne Group.”

“But Dad, you know my goals. Business isn’t the path I wanted – I’ve always wanted to work in medicine.”

“We all know that, sweetheart. But Magnus needs help. He’s juggling too many responsibilities already. If you could take some of the load off his shoulders, it would make a huge difference.”

I glanced at Magnus, who gave me a slight nod. When I looked at Mom, she was smiling encouragingly.

“Your father’s right, Selene,” she added.

I lowered my gaze to my lap. “Dad, why the sudden decision?”

He placed his hand on my head. “As your father, sometimes I need to make tough calls. I know you have what it takes. You won’t let me down.”

After a deep sigh, I nodded. “Alright, Dad. If that’s what you want.”

“Axel will take you to corporate headquarters tomorrow,” Magnus said, looking at Axel. “He’ll help you get up to speed.”

After our family discussion, it was settled – I would help run the pack alongside my brother. While Magnus would handle traditional pack affairs, I would manage the business side.

12:38 28.89%

Menu Our parents were ready for retirement, wanting to travel the world, trusting Magnus and me to handle things together.

If this was what my parents wanted, I wouldn’t disappoint them.

As I headed back to my room, Axel caught up with me.

“So, ready to join Hawthorne Group?” he asked.

I laughed. “What position did Dad have in mind for me?”

I figured he wanted me in some management role.

Axel’s response caught me completely off guard.

“You’re going to be CEO of Hawthorne Group.”

29.0%

12:39 < The Alpha’s Hidden Heirs