CHAPTER 84: ALCOHOL

**~ Cayden’s POV ~**

I shouldn’t have given her alcohol. That was probably one of the dumbest decisions I’ve ever made in my entire life.

At first, Hazel just giggled, swaying slightly as she tried to walk in a straight line—but then she took off, practically sprinting down the hallway like a child high on sugar and serotonin. I reached out to grab her hand, but she yanked away with a force I had almost forgotten she possessed. She was strong—scary strong.

"Oh my God," she sang, twirling dramatically, arms wide like she could catch the stars. "My babies! My babies are coming back to me!"

I blinked. Panic settled into my chest. I hadn’t even prepared anything yet. Their clothes, their food hell, I didn’t even have a crib. And here she was, practically floating on happiness. Or maybe it was just the alcohol. No, it was definitely the alcohol.

"Hazel, calm down," I called, jogging after her.

She whirled around and pointed at me with an exaggerated gasp. "You should be excited too!" she declared, wobbling slightly. "You..you are going to be a father! A whole father!"

I cringed as her loud voice echoed through the hallway, catching unwanted attention. I pinched the bridge of my nose. Please, not now.

My mother suddenly appeared beside me like the ghost of strict expectations.

"What is she doing?" she hissed. "She can’t be drunk. A rightful, respectful Luna does not behave like this."

"She’s just... excited," I muttered. "It’s the alcohol. And maybe the hormones. Probably both."

My father stepped up behind her. "We need to get her to her room."

I nodded quickly and approached Hazel again, trying to gently take her arm.

"Versa!" she shrieked, shoving me backward with a sudden burst of power.

I stumbled, stunned. That was a witch’s shove.

She blinked at her own hands like she’d just discovered them for the first time. "Oh my God!" she squealed. "I’ve only seen Aurora do that...I can’t believe I can do that too. I’m a witch! Even better a Crescent!"

She threw her hands in the air like she was summoning a thunderstorm. "I’m going to make spells for my babies!" she declared.

And then she tipped sideways, losing balance.

I moved instantly, speeding forward and catching her just before she crashed to the floor. Her arms flung around my neck, and my hands instinctively landed on her waist. Our faces were suddenly very close—too close. I could feel her breath against my cheek, warm and laced with the scent of wine and something sweet.

Her eyes, heavy-lidded and hazy with intoxication, looked up at me like I was the only person in the universe.

"I hope my son looks just like you," she whispered, almost dreamily.

My heart skipped. I froze.

She immediately scrunched her nose. "Wait. No—well, yes. It’s okay. It’s time to go to your room." I tried to lift her.

But she protested, eyes still locked on mine. "No, I meant it," she said, voice soft and slurred. "You’re so handsome. That jawline... that perfectly sculpted nose... those full eyes... and those sexy abs... that evil—"

"Hazel!" I cut her off, flustered.

She blinked at me, confused. "What? You’re married to me, remember? Even though we’re not...y’know, emotionally a couple... But legally, we still are. So I can fantasize about you if I want."

"Hazel," I warned again, but her giggle answered me instead.

I practically dragged her to her room, ignoring the burning heat crawling up my neck. I laid her gently on the bed, and her body hit the mattress with a soft thump. She was out like a light, snoring softly within seconds.

I exhaled and covered her with the sheets.

But my heart wouldn’t slow down.

Everything she said kept playing on repeat in my mind.

You’re so handsome... I can fantasize about you... My babies... our babies...

"She’s drunk," I muttered aloud...Don’t feel flattered

Ragnar’s voice echoed inside me like a growl of disapproval.

I scowled. "I’m not flattered," I snapped back— Or am I?

I had just stepped out of Hazel’s room, my heartbeat finally slowing from the chaos she stirred, when I saw my father hurrying down the hall toward me.

"They’re here," he said simply. "Caspian... and the rest. They’re outside."

My breath hitched. I swallowed hard. They’re here? My chest tightened. The babies. My babies.

I took a shaky breath and started descending the stairs.

My mother was already downstairs, standing poised like the queen she always tried to be. Her smile was radiant, practically glowing with pride. The moment I reached her, she leaned in and kissed my cheek gently.

"Thank you for bringing me grandchildren," she said, eyes sparkling. "We’re going to host the biggest Blue Moon celebration this pack has ever seen."

I tried to nod—tried to smile—but my legs were already moving toward the door. I barely registered anything else around me. My entire body felt like it was vibrating, pulsing with nerves.

Then the door opened.

Aurora was the first to step in.

Her face was unreadable—blank. Not a single emotion flickered across her features. But then again, what did I expect? That red-headed witch was always like this. Cold. Detached. Stubborn as hell.

Behind her came Leon. Same look. Stone-cold. But something in his eyes... it was off. Like he’d seen something he wasn’t ready to talk about.

And then Caspian stepped in.

He was holding them.

My twins.

But his face wasn’t blank.

It was broken.

Shattered.

Like the weight of the world had been dropped into his hands—and he couldn’t hold it anymore.

I didn’t even realize I’d moved. I rushed toward him, practically tearing the babies from his arms as the rest of the wolves filed in behind, filling the room with murmurs and shifting bodies. The door shut, and the entire house went silent.

As a wolf, that’s the first thing we check in newborns—the heartbeat. Even with humans, there’s always something. A faint pulse. A life signal. But with my babies...

It was like they were empty.

I froze. My arms trembled.

My breath caught in my throat.

No. No, no, no.

I looked up sharply, eyes locking on Caspian.

"Why..." My voice cracked. "Why aren’t they breathing?"

He didn’t look at me. His gaze dropped to the floor.

And when his head fell forward, I knew.

I knew something had gone horribly wrong.

"What did you do?" I whispered. "What happened to them?!"

My eyes turned to the door. The wolves dragging someone through the door.

Cyrius.

Bloodied. Beaten. Chained.

Cyrius...My brother.

"What the hell is going on?" I growled, stepping back with my babies in my arms. "Why is Cyrius in chains?!"

No one answered. Only silence filled the room. But the look on Caspian’s face said everything...And I couldn’t breathe.