Chapter 140
KNOX
After everything we’ve been through lately—hunters, kidnappings, Emilia—it feels surreal to finally be home, to see things quiet again. Normal. Or at least as close to normal as things ever get in our world.
Luca’s down for his nap, and I find Isabella sitting on the couch, flipping through a book. I can’t help but admire how composed she is, even after everything with her mother. She’s all grace and strength, and damn, she’s beautiful.
I walk over and lean against the armrest, flashing her my signature grin. “You know, I’ve been thinking,” I say, keeping my voice low and teasing. “It’s been way too long since I’ve had any proper attention from my mate.”
She raises an eyebrow, glancing up at me. “Oh, has it now?” She sets the book down with a smile tugging at her lips, already knowing where I’m headed.
“Absolutely. You’ve been so focused on the baby and saving the world, I think it’s time for a little... us time,” I say, leaning in closer, my fingers brushing lightly against her arm. She shivers slightly at the contact but doesn’t pull away. Instead, her smile widens, and there’s a hint of mischief in her eyes.
“And what exactly do you suggest, Knox Black?”
I move even closer, letting the heat between us build, until my mouth is near her ear. “I’m thinking we lock the doors, forget the rest of the world for a little while...”
Before she can respond, I feel a sudden presence behind me. Asher and Jax stride into the room, looking at us with knowing smirks.
“Oh great,” I mutter, rolling my eyes. “The mood killers are here.”
Jax chuckles. “Mood killer? Come on, we were just about to help.”
“Help?” Isabella laughs, shooting me a look. “I think we’ve all had enough excitement for one day, don’t you?”
Asher steps closer, resting a hand on my shoulder. “Knox, you might be right about needing some normalcy, though. Maybe we all need it.”
There’s a comfortable warmth that settles over us, the four of us. The bond between all of us is undeniable, and even after everything—especially after everything—it feels right to just be close, together. There’s no rush, no urgency. Just us, finding our way back to each other, finding peace in the chaos.
Isabella leans back into me, and I wrap my arm around her, holding her close. Jax settles on the couch beside us, and Asher watches with a smile that says more than words could ever express.
Maybe this is what normal looks like for us—this closeness, this unbreakable connection. And for the first time in a while, I feel like everything’s going to be okay.
ISABELLA
The house is quiet, the kind of peacefulness that settles in after a day of chaos. Luca is finally down for the night, and I’ve asked Maggie to keep him until morning. She seemed happy to help, even gave me a knowing smile when I mentioned I’d already pumped enough milk for him.
Tonight isn’t just about rest. Tonight is for my three mates.
I glance around the room, mentally running through the list of things I want to do before they realize what I’m planning. Candles—check. I’ve placed them on every surface, their soft, golden glow casting a warm light over the space. I’d carefully chosen the vanilla-scented ones, knowing it’s a subtle fragrance that doesn’t overwhelm. They smell like comfort. Like home.
Next, the bed. I pull back the sheets and fluff the pillows. My heart beats a little faster as I arrange everything just so, creating a welcoming nest for what I have in mind.
I’ve also picked out the softest blanket we have and draped it over the armchair. It’s the one Knox always steals in the mornings because he claims it smells like me. That thought brings a smile to my face. He’s going to love this.
Asher and Jax have been busy all day with pack business, and I know they’ll be tired. But tonight, I don’t want them to worry about anything outside these walls. Tonight, I want them to focus on us—on the bond that holds us together no matter what storms we face.
I sneak into the kitchen next. A bottle of their favorite wine sits on the counter, and I reach for it, setting it on the small table by the bed. I don’t know if we’ll get to it, but it feels right to have it there—an offering, a symbol of indulgence, of letting go.
My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I glance at the screen. A message from Maggie:
"He’s already snoring. Enjoy your evening. I’ve got everything covered."
Perfect. I text her back with a thank you and tuck my phone away. My heart swells with gratitude. Without her, I wouldn’t have this time with my mates—this chance to remind them how much they mean to me.
I stand in the center of the room, taking it all in. The flickering candles, the soft bedding, the wine—all of it is perfect. But the most important part is how I feel. I’m ready for tonight. After everything we’ve been through, I want to give them this. I want to show them that, despite the chaos and the uncertainty of our lives, this bond—what we share—remains unbreakable.
I slip into the bathroom to get changed. Something soft, something delicate. I chose it earlier with this moment in mind—a silky slip that hugs me in all the right places. It’s not about seduction; it’s about connection. About showing them that I’m here, fully present, body and soul, for all three of them.
As I check my reflection in the mirror, smoothing my hair, a flutter of anticipation settles low in my stomach. This feels like the calm before a storm, but it’s a good storm—a storm of love and passion and everything that’s held us together through the darkest times.
With one last glance around, I take a deep breath. Everything’s ready. All that’s left is for them to come home and for this night to unfold exactly the way it’s meant to.