Chapter 180
Chapter 180
ISABELLA
The gala was everything I hadn’t expected—vibrant, welcoming, and surprisingly enjoyable. For the first time in ages, I felt truly at ease. The people we met were friendly, each conversation flowing seamlessly, and Asher was right beside me, his presence warm and reassuring. We moved together easily, as if this sort of event had always been a part of our lives. The more I laughed, the more comfortable I felt, almost forgetting my initial nerves.
Asher had just excused himself to grab us drinks, and I let my gaze wander, taking in the crowded room. I saw him at the bar, a strong figure cutting through the luxury of the evening. But before he could make his way back to me, a tall blonde stepped in front of him, her expression far too delighted. She looked like she belonged on the cover of a magazine—effortlessly glamorous and confident, her smile a little too wide.
Asher stayed courteous, nodding politely while she spoke, her eyes glittering with something that didn’t sit right with me. I forced myself to stay calm, glancing around with an air of nonchalance, unwilling to let the moment sour an otherwise perfect evening. After all, there was no need for jealousy. I trusted Asher completely. Still, there was something about her that grated against my instincts, a reminder that not everyone respected the bond between us.
Asher ended the conversation quickly, his eyes already back on me as he crossed the room. When he reached me, he handed me a champagne flute and murmured, “Just so you know, nothing happened between us. She was a contact during my last trip.”
I met his eyes, feeling a surge of relief mixed with something new—pride, maybe. He hadn’t had to explain anything, but he’d done so anyway, understanding the silent question I didn’t even want to voice. “I believe you,” I replied, smiling softly, and his expression softened as he gently squeezed my hand.
Later, after we’d spoken to a few more people, I excused myself to freshen up in the bathroom. As I stepped into the elegant powder room, I found the same blonde waiting by the mirror, her perfectly manicured nails adjusting an earring.
She didn’t waste any time. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she glanced at me, her tone as smooth as silk but layered with venom. “Let’s keep things simple, shall we?” she purred, eyeing me as if assessing an opponent. “Don’t go near Asher again.”
I blinked, momentarily taken aback by her audacity. But then something flared up inside me, something that wasn’t about jealousy or anger—it was pure, powerful confidence. I straightened, allowing myself to take on the full weight of my role. The days of shrinking into the background were over.
“Perhaps you’re not aware,” I replied coolly, each word measured and even. “Asher and I are mates. I am his queen, and I think you would do well to remember that.”
She scoffed, barely disguising a sneer as she took in my words, but her expression faltered when she saw the certainty in my eyes. I kept my posture steady, my gaze unwavering as I met her stare. I was no longer the woman she might have once dismissed. I could feel the strength of my wolf just beneath my skin, quiet yet watchful, ready to support me.
“Your family may be influential,” I continued, my voice calm but firm, “but your games won’t get you very far with me.”
A flicker of doubt passed over her face, and after a moment, she nodded stiffly and turned, leaving without another word. As she walked away, I felt a swell of pride, not just in defending my place but in realizing just how much I’d grown. I’d stepped into my own power, finally understanding the depth of my role alongside Asher.
When I returned to Asher’s side, he looked at me with a hint of curiosity. “Everything alright?” he asked, his gaze attentive.
I smiled, my confidence settled and unshaken. “Better than ever,” I replied, slipping my hand into his. For the first time, I felt every inch the queen by his side, prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead—together.
JAX
The kitchen was pure chaos. I held a spoonful of mashed carrots, trying to keep my patience while Luca giggled from his high chair, his little hands waving wildly. Every time I got close to his mouth, he’d grab the spoon, send it flying, and laugh with that adorable, mischievous grin that both melted my heart and made me want to pull my hair out. Orange splatters decorated my shirt, the counter, and somehow even the floor. How did Isabella make this look so easy?
“Come on, Luca,” I muttered, trying not to laugh as he managed to get mashed carrots in his hair. “Just one bite. I’ll give you cookies. I’ll give you anything. Just… eat.”
Instead, he grabbed a handful of peas and tossed them at me. They bounced off my shoulder as he burst into giggles, pure amusement lighting up his face. “Is this funny to you?” I asked, narrowing my eyes playfully.
As if on cue, Knox walked in, balancing bags of burgers in one hand and a drink tray in the other. He took one look at the mess—Luca’s chubby cheeks gleaming with mashed carrots, my look of pure defeat—and broke into a grin.
“Well, well,” he smirked, setting the bags down on the counter. “Looks like someone’s got Dad wrapped around his little finger.”
“Yeah, that’s funny now, isn’t it?” I said dryly, wiping a smear of carrots from my face. “Just wait. You can try feeding him next time.”
Knox laughed, reaching over to ruffle Luca’s hair. “You’ve got Jax right where you want him, don’t you, little man?”
Luca grinned up at him, clearly pleased with himself, and reached out with sticky hands. Knox didn’t flinch, even as mashed peas squished between Luca’s fingers and landed on his sleeve. Knox just winked at him, making funny faces that got Luca laughing even harder.
“Great teamwork,” I muttered, but I couldn’t help smiling. The little guy had us, plain and simple. He threw another pea my way, and I caught it with an exaggerated sigh. “Fine, kid. You win.”
Knox handed me one of the burgers and grabbed Luca’s sippy cup, letting him drink as I finally took a seat. The three of us settled into an easy rhythm—Knox tossing bites of his fries at Luca’s tray, me trying to keep Luca’s hands away from anything else he might throw. In that moment, as Luca squealed and Knox and I laughed with him, the house felt brighter, and life simpler.
It was nice, this small chaos. A reminder that, underneath all the complications, we were just a family.