Beneath the Alpha's Moon

ADRIAN’S P.O.V.

Just when I thought I’d hit my limit with life’s cruel jokes, the universe always found a way to deliver a fresh punch to the gut.

Juliette’s sharp gasp cut through my annoyance, her wide eyes flicking back and forth between Leonard and me. "Hold on... Adrian, isn’t this him? The boy you showed me? The one they threw into your cell all those years ago? The one you..."

I sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of my nose. "Yes, Juliette. This boy—if we’re calling him that—was is indeed the same person. Unfortunately."

Leonard’s grin stretched as wide as the sun. "Ah, so you did talk about me! I’m honored. You’re not exactly the type to spill details, Adrian. Especially not about yourself. Juliette, you must be something special for him to open up like that."

Juliette blinked, utterly baffled, before turning to me, her mouth agape. "Is this guy for real?"

I waved her off. "Don’t engage, Juliette. It only encourages him."

Teresa and Lucian, who had been standing off to the side, looked really confused. Lucian’s low, gravelly voice cut through the chaos. "Adrian, who is this child, and why is he here?"

Teresa, standing beside him, crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes. "Yes, Adrian, care to explain what’s going on? Because from where I’m standing, this looks... bizarre."