Chapter 177

Chapter 177
ISABELLA

Balancing two coffees to go and a small bag of blueberry muffins, I made my way down the hall to Asher’s office, my pulse racing a little faster than usual. Since our conversation about Emilia, things had felt closer, warmer between us. But asking him on a date? That felt like a leap.

I knocked and nudged open the door when Asher called out, catching his surprised expression as he looked up from his desk. He took in the coffees and the bag of muffins with an appreciative grin.

“For me?” he asked, amused, his gaze softening. “You didn’t have to bring all this.”

I gave a small laugh, offering him one of the coffees as I took a seat. “I wanted to.”

He accepted the cup, studying me for a moment, and I could see his curiosity as he leaned back, waiting. I took a breath and went for it.

“I actually came to ask… if you’d like to go out with me sometime. Just the two of us, no obligations.” My voice was steady, but I couldn’t stop the slight flutter of nerves.

Asher’s face lit up, clearly pleased. “Funny you should ask,” he said with a gleam in his eye. “Because I was about to suggest the same thing.”

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Oh?”

He nodded. “There’s a charity gala in New York next weekend. It’s a werewolf community event, but formal, a bit like the galas your father’s firm used to organize. It’s hosted by some of our allies to raise funds for education and community projects across the packs. And I’d love for you to come with me.”

He paused, his gaze meeting mine earnestly. “Not just as my date, though. I want to introduce you officially, as my queen.”

The words hit me, a mix of excitement and nerves churning inside. The last time I’d been at an event like this, I’d been a silent observer, someone easily overlooked. Now, I’d be stepping out as someone with authority, as Asher’s equal.

“You… want me to meet them as your queen?” I asked, both touched and a bit nervous.

“Yes,” he replied, his tone warm. “I trust you completely. And I’ve seen you shine in these settings before.” His expression softened, and he reached across to give my hand a reassuring squeeze. “You remember that gala your father held years ago? You looked incredible and handled everyone there like you’d been doing it your whole life.”

I remembered the event too well. I’d spent most of it with Freddie and Rebecca. That world had always felt stiff and formal, but this time, knowing I’d be with Asher, I felt… ready.

“Are you sure I’ll be able to do this?” I asked, hesitating. “It feels… big.”

Asher’s expression didn’t waver, his voice firm as he replied. “Absolutely. You have a presence, Isabella. They’re going to see exactly what I see—someone I’d trust with everything.”

His confidence and steady gaze brought an unexpected wave of calm over me, and I felt a flicker of something I hadn’t in a long time: pride. Maybe I could do this, and not just for him, but for us.

“All right,” I said, smiling as I squeezed his hand back. “Let’s do it.”

Our fingers stayed entwined, and as I looked up, the nerves faded, replaced by a steady resolve. This was a new beginning for both of us, and I felt more ready than ever.



As I rummaged through my closet, sliding dress after dress along the rail, a mix of frustration and nerves started building up. Nothing seemed right—not regal enough, or refined enough, or… queenly enough. My fingers landed on an old cocktail dress, and I cringed at the thought of wearing something so ordinary next to Asher.

Suddenly, I heard a light knock on the doorframe. Maggie stood there, smiling knowingly, Luca on her hip, his small hand clutching her shirt.

“Need an extra pair of eyes?” she asked, stepping into the dressing room.

“Maggie,” I said, exhaling in relief. “You have no idea. I feel like nothing I own is right for this event. I know it sounds silly, but… I just want to look the part.”

She set Luca down, who immediately found interest in a low drawer filled with scarves, and walked over to the clothing rack, taking a quick glance at the options I’d pulled.

“Zaza,” she murmured, a twinkle in her eye as she used the nickname she’d taken to calling me, “you’re already more of a queen than you know. Trust me, a title or a dress doesn’t define it—you do.”

“But Maggie,” I protested, lifting a navy gown with a skeptical look, “look at these. None of these say queen the way I need them to. I don’t just want to look nice for Asher… I want to feel like I belong by his side, you know?”

Maggie looked at me thoughtfully, then gently took the dress from my hands and set it aside. She cupped my face, her thumbs stroking my cheeks softly, a warm and motherly touch that soothed my nerves almost immediately.

“Zaza, listen to me,” she said, her voice soft yet firm. “What makes a queen isn’t the clothes, it’s the strength you already carry inside you. When I look at you, I don’t see someone who needs to prove herself. I see a woman who’s brave, who has fought for her family and is more ready for this role than she even realizes. Asher chose you not because of any dress or title, but because he saw that strength. We all do.”

I felt my chest tighten with emotion, and I looked down, trying to put words to the gratitude and vulnerability I felt. “It’s just… I want to be perfect for him,” I admitted quietly.

Maggie gave a small, knowing smile and shook her head. “Perfection isn’t what he needs, and it’s not what makes you worthy. He needs you as you are—someone grounded, resilient, and genuine. That’s who you are, Zaza. And don’t forget,” she added, a playful glint in her eye, “a little sparkle never hurts, but the rest? You’ve already got it.”

Luca toddled over at that moment, holding up one of my scarves triumphantly as though he’d just conquered a mountain. Maggie laughed, scooping him up as I chuckled, watching them both.

“I just…” I started again, my voice softer now. “I just don’t want to let anyone down. Him, or you, or… anyone.”

She placed a hand on my shoulder, her eyes full of reassurance. “Zaza, we’re all so proud of you, and nothing can change that. The only thing you need to do is believe in yourself as much as we do.”

I took a deep breath, a calm settling over me that I hadn’t felt since I’d opened the closet doors this morning. “Thank you, Maggie,” I said quietly, my heart full. “I needed to hear that.”

She smiled and patted my cheek. “Anytime, my queen.”