Chapter 75
ISABELLA
As Mikaela and I set off on our walk, the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a golden hue over the path. The atmosphere was serene, and I was grateful for the time away from everything, just enjoying the company of someone who had quickly become a friend. Mikaela was easy to be around, and with her, I felt like I could breathe.
We rounded a corner, and that’s when I saw them—Nicole and Maya. My heart clenched slightly, a reflex after the last encounter with Nicole, but I steadied myself. Nicole was pushing a stroller with baby Finn, her movements brisk and purposeful, while Maya walked beside her with her usual grace.
As soon as Nicole spotted us, her lips curled into a smirk that didn’t reach her eyes. She practically dragged the stroller to a stop, blocking our path with an air of entitlement.
“Well, well, if it isn’t the new queen bee,” Nicole sneered, her voice dripping with false sweetness. “Out for a little stroll, Isabella?”
“Hello, Nicole. Maya,” I replied, keeping my tone even and polite, even though her passive-aggressive jab made my skin crawl.
Nicole’s eyes narrowed as she looked me up and down, her gaze full of disdain. “I see you’ve been busy, Isa. How’s life as the pack’s newest charity case?”
Maya shot her a warning glance, but Nicole ignored it, stepping closer as if to intimidate me. I stood my ground, refusing to let her bait me.
“I’m doing well, thank you for asking,” I said, my voice calm and steady. I shifted my gaze to Maya, who looked mildly embarrassed by Nicole’s behavior. “And congratulations on little Finn. He’s absolutely adorable.”
Maya smiled warmly, clearly appreciative of the compliment. “Thank you, Isabella. He’s been a joy.”
Nicole scoffed, rolling her eyes dramatically. “Well, let’s hope you don’t get too comfortable, hmm? Things change fast around here, especially for people like you.”
Her words were laced with venom, but I refused to let her see that she was getting to me. I met her gaze, my expression unwavering. “Change is a part of life, Nicole. But some things, like dignity and class, are constant.”
Nicole bristled at my words, her eyes flashing with anger. For a moment, it seemed like she might lash out, but instead, she huffed and turned away, her nose in the air. “Come on, Maya. We have better things to do than chat with… outsiders.”
With that, she strode off, pushing the stroller with unnecessary force, leaving Maya to give me an apologetic smile before following after her.
Mikaela watched them go, shaking her head in disbelief. “Wow, Isa. You handled that like a total queen. The way you kept your cool while she was acting like… that? Impressive.”
I let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding and chuckled softly. “Thanks, Mikaela. Some people just aren’t worth the energy.”
She grinned and nudged me playfully. “You’re right about that. And seriously, Isa, queen suits you.”
I smiled, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction. Nicole might try to rattle me, but I wouldn’t stoop to her level. There was power in restraint, in holding onto my dignity, and I was determined to keep it that way.
Back at Maggie’s, I felt a sense of calm wash over me as I stepped into the warm, familiar atmosphere of the house. The sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow over everything. I could see my three mates out on the terrace, each holding a glass of whiskey. They looked relaxed, yet there was a tension in the air, a lingering unease from the conversation earlier.
Asher was the first to spot me. He stood up, extending a hand as I walked over to join them. “Mom’s staying at one of her friends’ houses tonight,” he informed me, a slight smirk playing on his lips. “She wanted to give us some space.”
I smiled at that, appreciating Maggie’s thoughtfulness. I took a seat between Jax and Knox, feeling the warmth of their bodies on either side of me. The gentle clink of ice in their glasses was the only sound for a moment, but I knew we had to address the elephant in the room.
“We should talk about what happened earlier,” I said, breaking the silence. They all turned their attention to me, their expressions shifting from relaxed to serious.
Asher leaned forward, his brow furrowing slightly. “Isa, we just want what’s best for you—for all of us. If keeping things simple means not complicating them with explanations to your friends, then maybe that’s the best way.”
I shook my head, feeling a resolve settle in my chest. “I get that you’re trying to protect me, but I don’t want to exclude Jax and Knox from our public relationship. They’re just as much a part of this as you are, Asher.”
Jax reached out, placing a hand on my knee, his touch grounding me. “Isa, we don’t want to put you in a difficult position.”
“But it’s my decision,” I replied firmly. “I don’t want to hide who we are. Freddie and Rebecca have always treated me like family. If they can’t accept that I’m in a relationship with all three of you, then that’s their choice. But I’m not going to pretend to be something I’m not.”
Knox, who had been quiet, finally spoke up. “You’re sure about this, Isa? We’ll stand by whatever you decide, but you know it might not be easy.”
I nodded, feeling a wave of love for these men who were always ready to support me, no matter what. “I’m sure. I’ll suggest a dinner date to Rebecca, and the four of us will go together, like the family we are.”
Asher smiled, a rare softness in his expression as he looked at me. “You’re braver than all of us, Isa. We’ll make it work, no matter what.”
Jax squeezed my knee gently, and Knox leaned in to kiss my cheek. In that moment, I felt a deep sense of belonging, of being exactly where I was meant to be. No matter what challenges lay ahead, we would face them together, as a family.