Chapter 73

ISABELLA

As I unpacked my things into Asher’s childhood bedroom—the largest in the house—I tried to push away the anxiety that had been gnawing at me. The room was cozy, filled with remnants of his past: trophies from school, old books, and pictures that captured moments from a simpler time. I let my fingers trace the edges of a worn-out photo frame, feeling a bit of calm wash over me.

Asher walked in just then, carrying his own bag. He set it down beside mine and came up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist. "How are you holding up?" he asked, his voice gentle but laced with concern.

I knew all three of them were worried about me. Ever since the news of the pregnancy, they’d been watching me like hawks, trying to protect me from any possible stress. I leaned back against him, letting out a sigh. “I just have to stop thinking the worst,” I admitted. “It’s hard, but I’m trying.”

He turned me around to face him, his eyes searching mine. “We’re here for you, Isa. You’re not alone in this.”

I smiled, trying to reassure him. “I know. And that helps more than you can imagine.” I hesitated for a moment, then decided to take the opportunity to tell him about Rebecca’s invitation. “I got a call from Rebecca earlier. She wants to have dinner with us—with Alex, Chase, and… well, just you.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Just me?”

I nodded, feeling a bit awkward. “Alex only mentioned you because explaining that I’m with all three of you… it’s complicated. I don’t know how to tell Rebecca and Freddie about us.”

Asher’s expression softened with understanding, but there was also a hint of something else in his eyes—something protective. “It might be better if you don’t tell them,” he suggested gently. “The secret about us being werewolves will be easier to keep if they think it’s just you and me.”

I was about to respond when I heard a noise behind us. Knox stood in the doorway, his face darkened with a mix of surprise and anger. “So, that’s how it’s going to be?” he asked, his tone sharp. “You’re just going to pretend Jax and I don’t exist?”

Asher immediately stiffened, turning to face his younger brother. “Knox, it’s not like that. We’re just trying to protect everyone, including Isa.”

Knox stepped further into the room, his fists clenched at his sides. “And what about protecting our relationship? What happens when they find out the truth later? Or when Isa has to lie to people she cares about?”

Asher’s jaw tightened, clearly frustrated. “I’m trying to think long-term here, Knox. We can’t risk exposing ourselves. You know how dangerous that could be.”

Their voices were rising, tension thickening the air. I could feel the anger radiating off Knox, and it made my heart race. The last thing I wanted was for them to fight over this—over me.

Before I could say anything, Jax appeared, stepping between his brothers. “Enough,” he said firmly, glancing at both of them. “This isn’t the time to argue. We’re all in this together, remember?”

Asher and Knox glared at each other for a moment longer before reluctantly backing down. Jax looked at me, his expression softening. “Isa, we’ll figure this out. But for now, let’s just focus on what’s important—keeping you and the baby safe.”

I nodded, feeling a wave of relief that the argument hadn’t escalated further. But even as we all tried to move past it, I couldn’t shake the unease that had settled in my chest. This secret we were keeping was already starting to put cracks in our bond, and I could only hope that those cracks wouldn’t grow into something that could tear us apart.

As soon as Jax managed to calm his brothers down, a new tension filled the room. Maggie, who had apparently overheard the argument, stepped into the doorway with a stern look on her face. Her presence was like a gust of cold air, silencing any further disagreement. She glowered at her sons, hands on her hips.

“Enough,” she said firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument. “The last thing Isabella needs right now is the three of you stressing her out. Remember what’s important.”

All three of them immediately dropped their eyes, looking like scolded children, and I couldn’t help but feel a wave of affection for Maggie. She always knew how to take control of a situation, and right now, I needed that.

Maggie turned to me, her expression softening. “Isa, why don’t we go join the girls? It’ll do you some good to get out of this testosterone-filled room.”

I nodded, grateful for the escape. As I exited the room, I couldn’t help but shoot a small, reassuring smile at the boys. They returned it, though it was clear they were still on edge.

As Maggie and I walked down the hallway, she looped her arm through mine, guiding me toward the living room. “Don’t worry about them, dear. They’re just being protective in their own way. But they need to learn that fighting doesn’t solve anything.”

“I know,” I replied, trying to keep my voice light. “They mean well, but sometimes it’s overwhelming.”

Maggie gave my arm a comforting squeeze. “You’re handling it beautifully, Isa. I’m proud of you.”

When we reached the terrace, I was surprised to see a familiar face among Maggie’s friends. Mikaela, who I’d only met twice before, was there, sitting comfortably on the couch with a cup of tea in her hand. She looked up as we entered, her face lighting up with a warm smile.

“Isa!” she exclaimed, standing up to greet me. “It’s so good to see you again.”

“You too, Mikaela,” I replied, genuinely pleased. Despite our brief acquaintance, we had hit it off quickly. There was something about her that was easy to connect with.

As we settled into the circle of women, I noticed how natural it felt to be here, surrounded by laughter and conversation. It was a nice break from the intensity that often filled the house. Maggie and her friends were talking about everything from recipes to pack gossip, but I kept catching Mikaela’s gaze as if she wanted to say something.

Finally, during a lull in the conversation, she leaned over to me. “I heard about your book,” she said softly, her eyes shining with genuine happiness. “I’m so happy for you, Isa. That’s such an incredible achievement.”

Her words warmed my heart. “Thank you, Mikaela. It’s been a long journey, but it’s finally happening.”

“You deserve it,” she replied, giving my hand a light squeeze. “I can’t wait to read it. I bet it’s wonderful.”

I smiled, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. It was still hard to believe that my book was going to be out in the world soon. But knowing that I had the support of these amazing women, especially someone like Mikaela who I was still getting to know, made the whole experience even more special.

As the conversation continued, I felt myself relaxing more and more. I didn’t tell Mikaela or any of the other women about the pregnancy—something in me wasn’t ready to share that just yet—but being around them, talking about the book and other things, made me feel hopeful. It was a reminder that I wasn’t alone, that I had people who cared about me, and that no matter what happened, I had a community here.

For now, that was enough.