Chapter 8

Luke's POV

"That's amazing, Levi! Thanks to you getting that man's hair, we can find out if he's really our dad." I felt excited, but after thinking it over, I realized the paternity test results would take 7-15 days. If that man really was our father, I had to do something during this time.

"Levi, come with me to audition at Glamour Lens tomorrow. I saw they're recruiting child models, and you're so cute, you'll definitely get the job." I tried to make my voice sound gentle.

The moment he heard about going to Glamour Lens, Levi trembled all over and curled up in fear.

"Luke, I can't. I'm scared."

Seeing Levi like this, I sighed and patted his shoulder comfortingly. Yesterday's incident had really spooked him.

When Alexander showed up yesterday, something deep in my werewolf blood recognized him. I'd wanted to dig for more information, but Lily's warning about Mom coming home sent us scrambling.

Levi cried the whole way home. I comforted him, made promises, even gave him my favorite toy to win him over.

Right before we went inside, I put on my most serious voice. "Remember, we're doing this so Mom and Dad can be together. It's worth it!" Levi just cried harder.

I rubbed my forehead helplessly. Sometimes being too honest wasn't a good thing.

"Don't be scared. Remember what I told you? Don't you want Mom and Dad to be together?" I continued persuading him.

"But didn't you say we should wait for the test results before making our next plan?"

"Think about it—Mom's all alone, working and taking care of us. Isn't that hard for her?"

Levi thought about it and nodded obediently.

"Exactly! Mom's exhausted. If we nail this audition, we can help with money and make her life easier. She'll be so proud of you."

I kept my voice patient and encouraging. Being part werewolf had its advantages—I was naturally good at reading people and knowing what to say.

"Will we really get Mom's praise for doing this?" Levi asked weakly.

I nodded solemnly. "Absolutely. And I promise I won't let you get hurt. Will you trust me one more time?"

Levi nodded obediently. "Okay."

The next day, once Mom left for work, I gave Lily her orders. "You're the boss while I'm gone. Watch that horrible woman. If she tries anything with Mom, you tell me everything when I get back."

"Got it, Luke! Mission accepted!"

I took Levi's hand and headed out. Destination: Glamour Lens!

Eva Brown, the person in charge at Glamour Lens, saw it was us again and decided to let us do a screen test.

During the shoot, I could sense the crew's excitement. My instincts were screaming that we had this in the bag.

"This footage is incredible," Eva said, clearly impressed.

"They're naturals," another crew member chimed in. "Complete opposites—one's got this fierce confidence, the other's all sweet vulnerability—but they both own the camera. That little one's eyes could break your heart."

I saw Eva smiling as she picked up her phone, apparently texting someone.

Half an hour later, Alexander arrived at Glamour Lens.

The moment I saw him, our eyes met. Something in my blood recognized him, but every instinct I had was telling me to be careful.

"Luke, look—it's that really handsome uncle from yesterday," Levi whispered in my ear.

I nodded, my mind racing. Yesterday could have been a coincidence, but showing up again today? The Alpha of the Moon Shadow Pack didn't have time to babysit a tiny subsidiary unless something was up.

Could he be investigating us?

The possibility made my stomach clench. We looked too much alike for it to be coincidence—anyone with eyes could see the resemblance.

lood relation or not, I wasn't about to welcome him with open arms. Not after he'd taken that witch's side against Mom yesterday.

Everything pointed to one conclusion: Alexander was targeting us on purpose. That put me even more on edge.

When Eva saw Alexander coming over, she hurried to greet him.

"Levi, no matter what he says, don't reveal our real identities. Especially if he asks about Mom's name—don't tell him." I whispered quickly in Levi's ear.

"Also, watch for a chance to plant this on him."

I slipped him a wolf hair.

Levi's big eyes filled with confusion. "Why?"

I wanted to explain everything, but Alexander was already heading our way.

"Just trust me."

Levi nodded obediently—he was used to following my lead.

"Well, well, you two left in such a hurry yesterday, I didn't get a chance to make it up to you. What kind of compensation would you like?"

Alexander smiled and scooped Levi up like it was the most natural thing in the world. The warmth in his eyes was real—I could feel it. Maybe I could let my guard down just a little.

"Uncle, could you give us a higher salary? I want to buy Mom something delicious." Levi's sweet voice echoed in Alexander's ear.

"Of course, I agree." Alexander grinned. "Can you tell me what your mommy's name is?"

My whole body went rigid. I knew it. Levi looked confused for a split second, but then he remembered what I'd told him.

His eyes rolled playfully as he giggled. "My mommy is a beautiful queen who lives in a castle."

"Oh." Eva couldn't help but laugh.

I wanted to cheer for Levi's brilliant deflection while keeping my eyes glued to Alexander's face.

"Uncle, we need to go home and ask about signing the contract. You meant what you said about the raise, right?" Levi asked.

Alexander beckoned to his assistant. "Of course I meant it. Let my driver take you home."

"Caleb, drive them home."

"Bye-bye, handsome uncle." Levi climbed down from his arms and waved goodbye.

As we walked away hand in hand, Levi shot me a look that screamed "Did you see how awesome I was?"

I gave him a subtle thumbs up.

I might only be five, but my instincts were screaming that Alexander was playing a deeper game. Still, today had been a win—we were inside his company now, and Levi had been perfect.

Now all I had to do was wait and see what secrets that my hair would reveal.