Page 86 of Abandoned By My Alpha Husband

The office fell deathly silent.

Ms. Brown and Mrs. Wilson exchanged glances, both looking grim.

"I understand." Ms. Brown finally said, voice trembling. "Tomorrow... I'll arrange it."

"Good." Lucifer nodded, then looked at me and Anya, his voice instantly softening. "Let's go."

I held Anya and followed him out of the office.

Liam trailed behind.

At the stairwell, Lucifer said, "Elena, why don't Anya and Liam move back to the palace? It's safer there, better educational resources—"

"No need." I interrupted, voice calm. "I can take care of my daughter."

Anya nestled in my arms, looking curiously at Lucifer.

I wasn't ready for Anya to acknowledge Lucifer yet. The Elder Council... I held Anya tighter. And the people behind the Butcher Squad still hadn't been found. In those wolves' eyes, I was still the criminal who'd colluded with that organization. I was afraid that if Lucifer and I lived together, it would bring pressure on him and Liam.

He looked at me, opened his mouth, then smiled. "I respect your choice, Elena. But if you need me, I'll be there."

I turned to Liam. He stood there, the scratch on his face obvious under the hallway lights. His t-shirt was covered in dirt, hair a complete mess.

"Liam," I called him.

He looked up at me, eyes uncertain, as if waiting to be scolded.

I motioned him over. Liam hesitated, glanced at Lucifer as if receiving some permission, and carefully approached. The next second, I reached out and touched his face.

"You did well," I said, looking at him seriously. "Thank you for protecting your sister."

His eyes instantly lit up like ignited stars.

"Really?" His voice trembled. "You... you're not mad I fought?"

"Not this time," I said. "Because you were protecting family. You did the right thing. But next time something like this happens, tell an adult first. Understand?"

His mouth curved up, but his eyes reddened. He nodded hard.

Anya poked her head out from my arms. "Liam, you're so amazing!" Her voice still had some congestion. "You scared all the bad guys away!"

Liam's face flushed, but his smile grew. "You're my sister. Of course I have to protect you."

I watched them both, that place in my chest aching and swelling.

"I'll drive you home," Lucifer said.

The car moved through the streets. Marcus had stayed at school to handle follow-up, so Lucifer drove. Liam and Anya sat in the back. Anya held Liam's hand, chattering non-stop.

"Liam, how did you get in?"

"Climbed the wall."

"Did it hurt?"

"No."

"You're amazing!"