Chapter 173: Who Left the Threatening Note?

Chapter 174: Who Left the Threatening Note?
Zephyra's POV

My fingers trembled as I picked it up, the bold, block letters jumping off the white surface:

"HAPPINESS IS FLEETING, WATCH YOUR BACK."

Every bone in my body froze. The note wasn't just threatening—it was proof that someone had been in my room, in Noah's house. My mind raced with implications. Noah wasn't just any wolf; he was an Alpha. His home should be one of the most secure places in the territory. For someone to breach that security...

I felt my chest tighten as panic and anxiety washed over me. The stalker situation had been stressful enough, but this took it to another level entirely. Whoever was following me had managed to get inside an Alpha's home undetected.

I turned the paper over, searching for any clue. Nothing. No scent either, which was even more disturbing. Whoever left this knew how to mask their presence from werewolf senses.

"Zephyra? Come down. My parents will be here any minute now," Noah's voice came through our pack bond, interrupting my spiraling thoughts.

My heart rate doubled. I'd been nervous about meeting Noah's parents all day, and now this. Great timing. I tossed the note onto the bed, deciding to deal with it later. Right now, I needed to focus on making a good impression.

I checked myself in the mirror one last time—simple black dress, minimal makeup, hair falling in soft waves. I wanted to look put-together but not like I was trying too hard. With a deep breath, I left the room and headed downstairs.

I followed Noah's scent to the living room, where I found him sitting on the couch with Ophelia in his lap. The sight immediately warmed my heart despite my lingering anxiety. My daughter was chattering away, her small hands gesturing animatedly as she told Noah about something exciting that had happened during her day.

It amazed me how quickly Ophelia had taken to Noah. Then again, she'd been craving a father figure her entire life. Noah listened to her with genuine interest, nodding and asking questions as if her kindergarten adventures were the most fascinating stories in the world.

I was about to walk over and kiss them both on the cheek when the doorbell rang.

Noah looked up with a smile. "Would you mind opening the door for them?"

I nodded, swallowing hard as I turned toward the entryway. My palms were already sweating, and I could feel my heart hammering against my ribs. I'd never been good with strangers, and these weren't just any strangers—these were Noah's parents. Their opinion of me mattered.

Taking a deep breath, I pulled open the front door. Standing on the porch was a beautiful older woman with silver-streaked brown hair and a handsome man who was unmistakably an older version of Noah. They looked to be in their early sixties, both carrying themselves with the quiet dignity that came from years of leadership.

"Hey, I'm Zephyra and you must be Lavender and Percival, come on in," I said, forcing confidence into my voice while inwardly trembling like a leaf. Their approval meant everything to Noah, which meant it mattered to me too.

Percival smiled warmly and extended his hand. "Nice to meet you," he said, his voice a deeper version of Noah's.

Lavender, however, didn't speak. Her sharp eyes scanned me from head to toe, her gaze so intense it felt like she was looking straight through me. The silence stretched uncomfortably as she seemed to be assessing my worth.

Percival placed a hand on Lavender's waist, and I could tell they were communicating through their pack bond. After about a minute, Lavender sighed and turned to me with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

Percival cleared his throat, breaking the awkward moment. I stepped aside, gesturing for them to enter first while I took a moment to collect myself.

After taking a few calming breaths, I followed the sound of voices to the living room. Noah was standing now, Ophelia half-hidden behind his legs as he introduced her to his parents.

Lavender immediately crouched down to Ophelia's eye level. My daughter, typically shy around new people, peeked out from behind Noah's leg, regarding the older woman with cautious curiosity.

"You're a very pretty girl Ophelia and I have a present for you," Lavender said, her smile for my daughter far more animated and genuine than the one she'd given me. The difference was striking.

At the mention of a present, Ophelia's interest was piqued, and she edged slightly forward.

"Don't you want to find out what she bought you?" Noah encouraged gently, giving Ophelia a small push toward his mother.

Ophelia looked up at Noah for reassurance, then turned back to Lavender and took a few hesitant steps forward. Lavender reached into her handbag and pulled out a beautiful doll with auburn hair similar to Ophelia's.

My daughter gasped, her small hands reaching out to take the gift with reverent care, as if it were made of glass. She examined it carefully, turning it over in her hands with wonder in her eyes.

I felt a pang of guilt watching her. I'd been so caught up in adult matters—the stalker, the new relationship, pack dynamics—that I'd forgotten Ophelia was still a little girl who enjoyed toys. I made a mental note to take her shopping soon and let her pick out whatever she wanted.

"Thank you..." Ophelia finally said, a huge smile spreading across her face.

"You can call me grandma my sweet darling," Lavender said, giving Ophelia a small hug.

"And you can call me grandpa," Percival added with a warm smile.

Ophelia nodded solemnly, testing out the words. "Grandma and grandpa."

I felt tears prick at the corners of my eyes. These people had no obligation to my daughter. Ophelia wasn't Noah's biological child, yet here they were, embracing her completely. Whatever Lavender's reservations about me might be, she wasn't holding them against my innocent daughter.

"Should we proceed to the dining room?" I suggested, grateful that my mother had drilled proper hosting etiquette into me since childhood.

Everyone nodded in agreement, and we made our way to the dining room where I'd spent the afternoon setting up a formal dinner. Once we were all seated, Percival offered a brief prayer to the Moon Goddess before we began eating.

"So Zephyra, where are you from and who are your parents?" Percival asked, his tone friendly but his eyes watchful.