Derek's POV
I crafted the deception smoothly, well aware that Chloe was human and Bella would never want her privy to the complexities of her wolf nature or recent endeavors.
After we delivered our instructions, Chloe set about coaxing the children back to their quarters.
Bella's prolonged absence sent warning signals through my mind, but for the sake of the little ones, we painted pictures of an afternoon brimming with entertainment and adventures.
The moment they disappeared behind closed doors, the three of us made our exit from the suite.
"Alright, we need the complete story of what went down," Parker demanded as our footsteps echoed toward the elevator bank.
My stride faltered when Serena emerged from her suite, her arm cutting through the air in an urgent gesture to capture my attention.
