Chapter 71
ISABELLA
As I packed my things for the weekend at the pack's family home, a wave of anxiety settled over me. Maggie had invited us, and I knew it was only a matter of time before she’d sense the truth. The boys had already warned me—there’s no hiding anything from their mother, especially something as significant as a pregnancy. I had agreed to tell her, but the thought of it left me uneasy.
I tried to focus on folding my clothes neatly into the suitcase, but my mind kept wandering to the nagging fear that had been with me since I saw those two little lines on the test. What if something goes wrong? What if I miscarry again? The fear was like a shadow, always lurking, no matter how much I tried to push it away.
Jax walked into the room, his presence immediately comforting. He must have sensed my anxiety because he came over and placed a gentle hand on my back, his thumb tracing soothing circles against my skin.
“You’re quiet,” he said softly, his voice laced with concern.
I forced a small smile, but I knew it didn’t reach my eyes. “Just thinking.”
“About telling Mom?” he asked, his brow furrowed in that endearing way he had when he was worried.
I nodded, sitting down on the edge of the bed. “I know she’ll find out the moment she sees me. It’s not that I don’t want to tell her… It’s just that every time I think about it, I can’t help but worry. What if something happens, Jax? What if I lose the baby?”
His expression softened, and he sat down beside me, taking my hands in his. “Isa, I get it. I really do. You’ve been through so much already, and I know this isn’t easy. But you’re not alone this time. We’re all here with you, every step of the way. And we’ll do everything in our power to make sure you and the baby are safe.”
I looked into his eyes, seeing the sincerity there. Jax had always been the romantic one, the one who could make me feel like everything was going to be okay, even when I was drowning in doubt.
“I know you’re right,” I whispered, my voice barely audible. “But it’s hard to shake off the fear.”
He nodded, his grip on my hands tightening just slightly. “It’s normal to be scared, Isa. But this baby… our baby is strong. And you’re strong too. You’ve already come so far. We’ll get through this together.”
His words eased some of the tension in my chest, and I leaned into him, resting my head on his shoulder. “Thank you, Jax. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
He kissed the top of my head, his lips lingering there for a moment. “You’ll never have to find out. We’re in this together, no matter what.”
We sat there for a while, just holding each other, letting the quiet comfort us. I knew the weekend at the pack’s home would bring its own set of challenges, but with Jax by my side, I felt a little more prepared to face them. The fear might not disappear entirely, but I could handle it—especially with the love and support of the three incredible men in my life.
As I zipped up my suitcase, preparing to join my companions in the living room, my phone buzzed on the dresser. I glanced at the screen and saw Rebecca's name flashing. A small smile tugged at my lips as I answered.
"Hi, Rebecca," I greeted, my voice warm.
"Hello, sweetheart," she replied, her voice filled with that familiar motherly affection. "How are you doing?"
"I'm good, just getting ready to leave for the weekend," I said, trying to keep my tone light. Rebecca had always had a way of sensing when something was off, even through the phone.
"Alex mentioned you’re seeing someone," she began, a hint of curiosity in her voice. "Asher, right?"
I paused for a moment, knowing that Alex must have only mentioned Asher. Explaining that I was in a relationship with three men would be too complicated, especially over the phone. I could picture the delicate dance Alex had done, sharing just enough to satisfy his mother’s curiosity without delving into the more unconventional aspects of my love life.
"Yes, Asher," I confirmed, keeping it simple. "He’s… amazing."
"I’m so glad to hear that," Rebecca said, and I could feel her smile through the phone. "Alex speaks very highly of him. You know how protective he can be."
I chuckled softly, imagining Alex trying to give his mother a filtered version of my life. He was always looking out for me, and I knew he’d chosen his words carefully.
"He’s been a rock for me," I said honestly. "I’m really lucky."
"That makes me so happy to hear, Isa," Rebecca said, her tone softening. "You deserve all the happiness in the world. Losing your parents so young… I’ve always wanted to see you find someone who treats you right, who loves you as much as you deserve, not like..."
Her words touched me deeply, and I felt a lump forming in my throat. Rebecca had always treated me like a daughter, ever since the first time Alex brought me home from school. She and Freddie had filled a void in my life after I lost my parents, and I cherished them both more than they could ever know.
"I don’t know what I’d do without you and Freddie," I admitted, my voice a little thicker with emotion than I’d intended. "You’ve been a family to me."
"And you’re like a daughter to us," Rebecca said softly. "That’s why I wanted to ask if you, Asher, Alex, and Chase would come over for dinner soon. I’d love to meet Asher properly."
Her invitation was warm and genuine, but I couldn’t help the slight tension that crept into my chest. How would they react to the truth? But I pushed the thought aside. This was about spending time with people who loved me, who had been there for me when I needed them most.
"I’d love that," I said, my smile returning. "I’ll talk to Asher and let you know when we’re free."
"Perfect," Rebecca said, her voice brightening. "I’m looking forward to it. And, Isa?"
"Yes?"
"Don’t be a stranger. We miss you around here."
"I miss you too," I admitted, feeling a warmth spread through me. "I’ll see you soon, Rebecca."
"Take care, sweetheart. We’ll talk soon."
As I hung up the phone, I took a deep breath. Rebecca’s call had reminded me of all the love I had in my life, from the family I’d gained in Alex’s parents to the bond I shared with my three mates.