Chapter 175
Chapter 175
ISABELLA
The music played softly in the background, a melody that made Luca sway and giggle in my arms as we moved together in the middle of the living room. I felt light, completely immersed in his laughter and the ease of the moment. After weeks of interviews, training, and keeping myself mentally prepared for whatever Emilia might have in store, this simple dance felt like freedom—like finally breathing after holding my breath too long.
Luca’s little hands clapped together in excitement, his tiny feet tapping along in my hold. He was so present, so joyful, and somehow, being with him like this washed away every worry I’d carried. His delight made me forget everything else, leaving only him and me spinning and swaying to our own little rhythm.
Then, as if drawn by the same current of happiness, Asher stepped into the room. He paused in the doorway for a moment, watching us with that warm, soft expression he rarely showed to anyone else. I felt my heart swell as he crossed the room, reaching for Luca and me. Without a word, he scooped Luca from my arms and twirled him, making him laugh even louder. The sight was beautiful, and watching the two of them together—Luca’s laugh, Asher’s smile—left me feeling grounded and safe.
Asher pulled me close, his arm wrapping around my waist as he continued to dance, moving us all together in one easy, unhurried rhythm. I leaned into him, resting my head against his shoulder. I could feel his heartbeat, steady and reassuring, and it matched the contentment that flooded me.
In that moment, I knew I was ready. Ready to let go of the fears and doubts that had held me back, ready to take another step closer to the family I wanted with him. I looked at Luca, whose little face was tucked against his father’s shoulder, already dozing off in the warmth of our embrace. The love I felt for both of them was overwhelming, so pure and strong that it made everything else—the worries, the tensions—fade into nothing.
Asher looked down at me, his eyes tender, understanding more than words could say. He knew, I could feel it, and without needing to say a thing, he pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead. In his arms, with Luca snug between us, I felt complete. And for the first time in a long while, I felt like I was exactly where I was supposed to be.
ASHER
As I headed upstairs to change, the image of Isabella dancing with Luca lingered in my mind. I hadn’t planned to stop by the house, but seeing them like that—completely carefree—felt like stepping into the life I’d been fighting for, the life I wanted to protect at all costs. For those few minutes, everything felt...perfect. But I knew better than to believe peace was permanent.
Once I'd changed into my gear, I was heading back to meet the deltas when my phone buzzed. I glanced at the screen, seeing the name of my contact, Mason, the man who’d been keeping tabs on the hunters’ movements. I answered quickly.
“Mason, what’s up?”
His voice was tense, the kind of tone I’d only heard him use once or twice. “Asher, we’ve got a situation. Emilia… she’s been making some unexpected alliances.”
That immediately put me on edge. “Go on.”
“She’s not just gathering hunters. Emilia’s been reaching out to other packs, rogues who have a grudge against the Black family or werewolves in general. She’s promising them protection and power if they join her. And it’s not just words—she’s organizing them. The hunters and these wolves are preparing for something big.”
The realization hit like a punch to the gut. If Emilia was allying with rogues, she wasn’t just after revenge. She was orchestrating a full-scale assault. It was a bold and dangerous move, even for her, and it threatened not just my family but the entire pack.
“Do we know where she’s planning to strike first?” I asked, already piecing together our defense.
There was a pause. “We think she’s targeting the ceremonial grounds. You know as well as I do that it’s not just any place—it’s the heart of your territory. If she attacks there, it’ll send a message to every werewolf in the region.”
The ceremonial grounds. The idea sent a wave of anger through me. It was sacred space, a place where generations of our kind had come to swear loyalty and honor, a symbol of unity among werewolves. And she was planning to desecrate it.
“Alright,” I said, tightening my grip on the phone, “we’ll need intel on her movements—exactly where her groups are and how fast they’re mobilizing. I want daily reports.”
“Already on it,” Mason confirmed. “But Asher… be ready. From what I’m seeing, this isn’t just revenge. It’s an all-out declaration of war.”
As I ended the call, I felt the weight of this new threat settle over me. Emilia had moved beyond grudges and past grievances; she was aiming to dismantle everything that kept our world together. And it meant I’d have to prepare Isabella and the others sooner than I’d hoped.
I strode back to the deltas, my mind racing with everything that needed to be done. If this was war, I needed every ally I could count on—and I’d have to make sure Isabella, Knox, and Jax understood what was coming.