Chapter 68

ISABELLA

The energy of New York was a stark contrast to the peaceful days we’d spent on the island, but it felt good to be back. The city was alive, buzzing with its usual pace, and as Alex and I strolled down Fifth Avenue, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of normalcy returning.

Alex, with his blond hair catching the afternoon light and his blue eyes sparkling with his usual mischief, was the perfect shopping companion. We ducked in and out of boutiques, picking up clothes and laughing over the most outrageous outfits. He was in his element, and I was happy to be along for the ride.

“So, spill the tea,” Alex said as we exited a store, both of us balancing our bags. “How was the island getaway with your three very handsome werewolves?”

I grinned, thinking back to the days we’d spent on the private beach. “It was amazing, Alex. Honestly, I didn’t want it to end. We needed that time together, just the four of us, away from everything.”

He gave me a mock pout. “You’re killing me, Isa. I need details. The good stuff.”

I laughed, shaking my head. “You know I can’t give you all the details. But let’s just say it was… unforgettable.”

“That’s all I get? You’re no fun,” he teased, though I could see the genuine happiness in his eyes for me.

“What about you?” I countered, nudging him playfully. “How’s everything going with Chase?”

Alex’s expression softened at the mention of his mate. “It’s going great, actually. We’ve been talking about kittens.”

“Kittens?” I repeated, arching an eyebrow. “That sounds serious.”

He nodded, his smile tinged with a bit of nervousness. “It is. And my parents want to meet him, Isa. But… they can’t know he’s a werewolf. I don’t even know where to start with this. How do I prepare for something like that?”

I could hear the anxiety in his voice, and I understood why. The secrecy of the werewolf world was a heavy burden, especially when it came to introducing their human mates to their families. “That’s definitely tricky,” I admitted. “But you’ve got this, Alex. Your parents just need to see how much Chase means to you. Focus on that. You don’t have to tell them everything, just the important things.”

“I know, but it’s tough,” he said, running a hand through his hair in frustration. “My parents are old-school, you know? They have all these expectations, and I’m just not sure how Chase is going to fit into their picture.”

I squeezed his arm gently. “They love you, Alex. That’s what matters. If they see how happy Chase makes you, they’ll come around. You don’t need to tell them he’s a werewolf; just let them see the person you love.”

He took a deep breath, nodding slowly. “You’re right. I’m just freaking out over nothing, as usual.”

“Hey, it’s not nothing,” I reassured him. “This is a big deal. But you’ll handle it, just like you always do. And you know I’m here if you need anything.”

He smiled, the tension in his shoulders easing. “Thanks, Isa. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“Lucky for you, you don’t have to find out,” I said with a grin, and he laughed.

We continued our shopping, our conversation lightening again as we talked about everything from fashion to the latest gossip. But underneath it all, I could tell Alex was still thinking about his upcoming meeting with his parents. I made a mental note to check in with him later, to make sure he was okay.

As we walked down the busy street, I realized just how much I valued moments like this—time with my best friend, where we could talk about our lives and support each other through whatever challenges came our way. We were both in such different places now, but some things, like our friendship, remained constant. And for that, I was deeply grateful.

Back at home, I placed my shopping bags on the bed and began sorting through my new clothes, the excitement of the day still lingering. But as I moved around the room, my gaze fell on the box of tampons I had bought a few weeks ago. I picked it up, the realization hitting me like a sudden wave—I hadn’t used any of them.

I hadn’t had my period.

My heart skipped a beat, a rush of emotions flooding my mind. I stood there, staring at the box, my thoughts racing. Could I be pregnant? The possibility brought a mix of emotions—hope, fear, and the lingering pain of the miscarriage I had suffered with Dominic. I had been so careful not to let that experience cloud my future, but now, the memories surfaced with a raw intensity.

A part of me wanted to push the thought aside, to ignore it until I could gather the courage to face whatever might come. But another part of me knew I couldn’t do that. This was too important. My fingers trembled slightly as I placed the box back on the bathroom counter, my mind still reeling.

Just then, I heard the front door open and close, followed by the familiar sound of Asher’s footsteps. He appeared in the doorway, his sharp eyes immediately noticing the tension in my posture, the distant look on my face.

“Isa, what’s wrong?” His voice was filled with concern as he stepped closer, his hand gently resting on my shoulder.

I met his gaze, realizing that I couldn’t lie to him, even if I wanted to. “I… I just realized I haven’t had my period, Asher,” I confessed, my voice wavering slightly. “I’m not sure if it means anything, but…”

He took a deep breath, his expression softening as he pulled me into his arms. “It’s okay,” he murmured, his voice steady and reassuring. “Whatever happens, we’ll face it together. You don’t have to go through this alone.”

I felt a mixture of relief and anxiety wash over me as I leaned into his embrace. He knew about the miscarriage, the pain I had carried for so long, and he understood the fear that came with the possibility of another pregnancy.

“What do you want to do?” he asked gently, pulling back slightly to look into my eyes.

“I don’t know,” I admitted, feeling the weight of the decision pressing down on me. “Part of me wants to know right away, but another part is scared of what I might find out.”

He nodded, understanding without needing further explanation. “I can stay with you while you do the test, or we can wait for Jax and Knox to get home and do it together. Whatever you’re comfortable with, Isa.”

His offer touched me deeply, his support giving me the strength I needed to face the uncertainty. “I think… I’d like to do it now,” I said, my voice more confident than I felt. “But I want you with me.”

“Of course,” he agreed, his hand squeezing mine gently. “We’ll do this together.”

With a deep breath, I reached for the test I had kept in the bathroom drawer, my heart pounding as we both waited for the result that could change everything.