Hiding My Twin Pups From their Alpha Dad novel Chapter 78

Inside the main hall, Max stood at the long table, surrounded by Crescent warriors and advisors. Maps were spread across the surface, marked with red lines and black symbols. His jaw was clenched tight, his hand resting near his blade.

“The eastern ridge,” one scout reported breathlessly, panting as he burst through the door. “Movement just past the cliffs. Smells like blood and ash.”

Max’s eyes narrowed. “Vampires.”

A hushed murmur spread through the room. Warriors exchanged nervous glances. Tension rippled through the air like lightning waiting to strike.

“We prepare for war,” Max said, his voice low and firm. “Double the patrols. Fortify the gates. No one leaves Crescent grounds tonight.”

The warriors nodded and scattered, following orders. But one voice rose behind him—steady and unmistakable.

“I’m coming with you,” Eva said.

Max turned, brows furrowed. “No.”

She crossed her arms, standing tall. “I’m not asking.”

“I don’t care,” Max snapped. “I won’t watch you bleed again, Eva.”

Her expression didn’t soften. If anything, it sharpened. “Then fight beside me,” she said slowly, deliberately, “not ahead of me.”

Silence fell between them like a dropped sword. Max looked away first, his hands tightening at his sides.

“Eva…” he began, but she held up her hand.

“I’m the Alpha Queen,” she reminded him. “Chosen by fate or not, I won’t sit in safety while others die. You need to stop treating me like I’m still the girl who hid behind her parents. I’ve survived worse than vampires.”

Max’s eyes darkened. “It’s not about what you’ve survived. It’s about what you shouldn’t have to.”

Her heart ached at the rawness in his voice, but she didn’t let herself break. “Then let me be what I am. A fighter. Your equal. Or stop pretending you respect me at all.”

His lips parted like he wanted to argue, but then—he simply nodded, once. A quiet surrender.

“Suit up,” he said.

Eva turned on her heel without another word, leaving behind the echo of emotions too dangerous to name.

—

In the training yard, Tiana fastened her boots while Dany hovered nearby, clearly on edge.

“You don’t have to come,” he said, eyes scanning her face. “You’re not a soldier.”

Tiana snorted. “I’m not a houseplant either.”

Dany sighed. “I know that. But vampires don’t fight fair. They don’t care if you’re trained. If they catch you—”