Chapter 80

Iris

The CPS agent looks between Arthur and me, clearly taken aback by his sudden appearance. Then, after a few moments of confusion, her eyes widen slightly when she registers exactly who he is. I almost want to laugh out loud at the recognition that crosses her face—the Alpha President of Ordan standing in my tiny apartment, his arm around me and Miles tucked against his chest.

I hope this doesn’t make it to the news. Although I’m not holding my breath at this point.

“Alpha President,” she stammers. “I—I wasn’t aware that you… That is to say, I’m just doing a standard evaluation after receiving a complaint about—”

“About my family,” Arthur says, his voice cool and even as he tightens his hold on both Miles and me. “Who made this complaint? I’d like to see the paperwork.”

She hesitates, clutching her notepad to her chest. “I’m afraid that information is confidential.”

“Not to me,” Arthur says, and the authority in his tone makes even my spine straighten. “I want to see the complaint. Now.”

Liam and Brian exchange a look, both clearly as confused as I am by this turn of events. Wasn’t Arthur the one who filed the complaint in the first place? Isn’t this all part of his plan to get custody?

After a moment of hesitation before she seems to realize that she can’t exactly say no to the Alpha President, the agent reluctantly opens her folder and hands over a form. Arthur scans it, his jaw tightening as he reads.

“This is ridiculous,” he says, handing it back. “This complaint was filed anonymously. There’s no credible evidence of neglect or endangerment here.”

“Nevertheless, I’m required to investigate all complaints,” she replies, regaining some of her composure. “And there are several concerning issues with this living arrangement that—”

“My son’s mother was just released from the hospital after a near-fatal car accident,” Arthur cuts her off. “Of course the apartment isn’t in perfect order yet. That doesn’t constitute neglect.” He gestures to Brian and Liam. “And this lovely couple is highly trusted by both of us. No one else is better off watching Miles. Isn’t that right, buddy?”

Miles nods. “I love all my daddies.”

The agent’s face twists with obvious disgust as she adjusts her glasses. “Well then… regardless, there are still other factors to consider. The size of the living space, the potential hazards—”

“All of which can be addressed,” Arthur says. “Iris is an exceptional mother. Miles is well-cared for, happy, and loved.”

I can’t help but stare at him. Is this really happening? Is Arthur actually defending me?

“Alpha President, with all due respect,” the agent tries again, “in cases of parental separation, it’s standard procedure to ensure that the child’s living situation with both parents is—”

“Miles is perfectly safe here with his mother. I’ll be contacting your supervisor personally in the morning. You may go now.”

The agent looks like she wants to argue further, but even she isn’t willing to challenge the Alpha President. With a stiff nod, she gathers her things and heads for the door. After she leaves, a heavy silence falls over the apartment. Arthur sets Miles down gently, crouching to his level.

“Hey, buddy, why don’t you go show Liam and Brian your new room? I need to talk to Mommy for a minute.”

Miles looks between us, clearly uncertain. “But I already showed them.”

“I bet you didn’t show them your new shark stuffie,” I say, and that manages to get him to leave. Brian and Liam shoot me one last glance before following him.

Once we’re alone, I cross my arms over my chest, trying to ignore the pain that still flares through my body with certain movements.

“You didn’t file the complaint,” I say.

“Of course not,” Arthur says, looking genuinely hurt by the suggestion. “Iris, I would never do that to you. Or to Miles.”

I sink onto the couch, suddenly exhausted. “Then who did?”

“I don’t know. But I intend to find out.” He sits beside me, careful to maintain some distance. “How are you feeling? Should you even be out of the hospital?”

“I’m fine,” I say automatically. “The doctors were… surprised by how quickly I healed.”

Arthur blinks, clearly just as surprised as the doctors. And me, for that matter.

“Thank you,” I say after a moment. “For what you did. At the hospital, and just now with the CPS agent.”

“You don’t need to thank me. I’ll always protect you and Miles.” He runs a hand through his hair. “Iris, about the custody case—”

“I’m not dropping it,” I say quickly, steeling myself against the softening I feel toward him. “What happened at the hospital, what happened just now—it doesn’t change anything.”

Arthur sighs. “Can we just talk about this?”

I shake my head. I made my point the last time we spoke about this, the day we talked in the parking lot after the meeting. And despite everything, I need to be certain. Need to be sure that no one can take Miles from me.

“Fine. Then let’s not talk tonight,” Arthur says, surprising me. “Let me make dinner for you both.”

I blink at him. “Dinner? Again?”

“You shouldn’t be cooking in your condition anyway,” he points out. “Let me help. I can meal prep for the week so you don’t have to worry about it.”

The offer is tempting, I have to admit. The thought of cooking for myself and Miles when every movement still causes some discomfort isn’t appealing. But having Arthur here, in my space, playing house again… it feels dangerous.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” I say softly.

“Please, Iris,” Arthur says. “One meal. For Miles. He misses us being together.”

As if on cue, Miles peeks around the corner. “Daddy’s staying for dinner?”

Arthur looks at me, waiting for my answer. I sigh, already knowing I’m going to give in. Not for Arthur, I tell myself. For Miles.

“Yes, Daddy’s staying for dinner,” I say, and the joy that lights up my son’s face almost makes the inevitable heartache worth it.

I watch as Arthur leads Miles to the kitchen, already talking about what they might prepare together. Brian and Liam stop in the doorway, staring at me in shock. I just throw my hands up in silent resignation, shrug, and then lean my head back against the pillows and let myself rest for a few minutes.

When dinner is finally ready, Arthur sets the table while Miles proudly carries over a basket of garlic bread. Once again, they’ve prepared a mouthwatering meal with enough food to feed a small village for a week. At this point, I’m not sure if Miles is going to grow up to be an artist or a chef.

But just as we’re sitting down for dinner, Arthur’s face shifts. He narrows his eyes and presses one finger to his temple. I can tell he’s receiving a Mindlink. From Ezra?

Then, suddenly, he stands again before the rest of us have even begun to eat.

“I have to go,” he says abruptly, already reaching for his jacket.

I stare up at him, stunned. Even Miles drops his fork. “What’s happened?” I ask, feeling a pang of disappointment shoot through me.

“Just… business.” He doesn’t meet my eyes as he says it, which tells me he’s lying. Even after all this time, I can always tell. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”

Without another word, without even saying goodbye to Miles, Arthur strides to the door and leaves.