Chapter 251

Chapter 251
Isabella

As Richard's car approached Kevin's estate, the massive iron gates opened silently. We drove along the long, winding driveway lined with ancient oak trees, and my jaw nearly dropped in shock. I knew my three alphas lived well, but I hadn't expected this kind of scene.

"Holy shit," I murmured, leaning forward between the front seats to get a better look.

Kevin's home wasn't just a house; it was a fucking fortress. Before us stood an imposing gray limestone structure with sharp angles and multiple wings extending from both sides, both majestic and somewhat intimidating. Enormous windows reflected the afternoon sun, but I could tell they were made of thick, probably bulletproof glass. The place simultaneously radiated "stay away" and "come admire me" vibes.

This is where I'm going to live now? With all three of them? What the fuck has my life become?

Richard chuckled from the driver's seat. "Impressive, isn't it? Kevin has always been a bit... excessive when it comes to security."

"That's an understatement," I muttered, suddenly feeling my heart rate accelerate as the reality of our situation hit me.

I was about to move in with three alpha werewolves—my mates—right after I'd nearly cut them out of my life. Just days ago, I'd been determined to keep my distance for their safety, and now we were going to be living under the same damn roof. The emotional whiplash made me dizzy.

As we pulled up to the front entrance, a strange calm suddenly washed over me. My wolf, who had been anxious for weeks, suddenly quieted, releasing a contented sigh inside me. The sensation was so unexpected that I gasped involuntarily.

What the hell? We're about to move in with three controlling men, and NOW you decide to chill out?

"Are you okay?" Michael asked from beside me, his hand immediately finding mine.

I nodded, unable to explain the sudden sense of rightness that had overcome me.

After Richard parked the car, I took a deep breath, gathering my courage. This was really happening. I was really going to live with all three of them.

"Ready?" Michael asked gently.

I wasn't. Not entirely. But I nodded anyway.

The three of us got out of the car, and I stood there, neck craned, taking in the full view of Kevin's home. The imposing structure made me feel small and vulnerable. There were too many open spaces, nowhere to hide.

I'd grown up in a tiny three-room cabin where I could hear every word my parents said. This place probably had rooms that hadn't been entered in years. Fuck, I bet the bathrooms were bigger than my entire apartment.

I thought about the expensive gowns and custom lingerie at Erotic Paradise, the designer shoes Richard had bought me, and now this palace. It was a stark contrast to my upbringing. In Forest Territory, we had enough, but certainly nothing approaching this kind of staggering wealth.

"Let me get my luggage," I said, walking toward the back of the car.

Michael caught my arm. "Don't worry about the luggage. Kevin's pack members will bring everything to our rooms."

I froze. "Pack members? There are other werewolves here?" The thought of strangers handling my pathetic personal belongings made me uncomfortable. "I'd rather carry my own stuff."

Fuck no. I didn't want some random werewolves going through my secondhand crap clothes and the only three decent outfits I owned. Too fucking embarrassing.

"That's what they're here for, Isabella," Michael explained patiently. "It's their responsibility as part of Kevin's pack."

"But they're not my pack," I countered, hating how petulant I sounded. "I don't like people touching my things. It feels... invasive."

Great, now I sound like an ungrateful bitch. But seriously, I've taken care of myself my whole life. I don't need servants.

Michael's expression softened. "Think about your job at the coffee shop. When you serve customers, you're performing a function, right? They're not invading your space by asking you to bring them coffee."

I blinked, surprised by the comparison. "I never thought about it that way."

"That's because you're used to doing everything yourself," he said, placing his hand on the small of my back to guide me toward the entrance. "But here, everyone has their role. As long as we respect their work, it all flows naturally."

"I guess you're right," I admitted reluctantly.

"I usually am," Michael replied with a playful wink.

"Maybe it's because you're standing too close for me to think straight," I mumbled.

His eyebrows shot up, and he grinned. "You know I can hear you, right?"

Heat rushed to my cheeks. "I forgot."

Damn it. How does he always get me to say the most embarrassing things? It's like my brain-to-mouth filter malfunctions around him.

Michael's arm slid from my shoulder to my waist, pulling me closer as we walked. "If it makes you feel any better," he whispered near my ear, "my thoughts get just as jumbled whenever you're around."

I instantly held my breath, my heart hammering in my chest, my wolf stirring excitedly within me. The casual intimacy of his touch and the warmth of his confession sent heat spiraling through me.

Don't get wet over a simple compliment, for God's sake. But god, the feel of his hand on my waist...

We passed through massive double doors into a soaring entrance hall with a grand staircase. The interior was as impressive as the exterior—all polished stone, dark wood, and refined masculine design. Every inch screamed wealth, power, and alpha.

This was so far removed from my reality that it wasn't even funny. Forest Territory felt like a previous life. My parents would shit themselves if they saw me here.

"Come on," Michael said, guiding me up the stairs. "Let me show you around while Richard coordinates with Kevin's staff."

We climbed to the second floor, and Michael led me down a long hallway with doors on both sides. He stopped in front of what appeared to be one of several living areas.

I walked in, taking in the luxurious space. Furniture that looked too perfect to actually sit on filled the room. Crystal chandeliers hung from high ceilings, and artwork that appeared to be worth small fortunes adorned the walls. Everything was exquisite, beautiful, and cold.

"This is the grand room," Michael explained, watching my reaction.

I nodded, trying to appear impressed, but in truth, the space was too formal to ever feel comfortable.

God, who actually lives like this? I'd be afraid to spill anything. This room looks like it's waiting for important people to arrive who never actually come.

"Kevin has a smaller, more comfortable lounge on the same floor that he uses more frequently," Michael added, seemingly reading my thoughts. "I think you'll prefer that one."

I smiled gratefully, relieved that he understood.

Michael's expression suddenly turned serious. "Isabella, I wanted to talk to you while we have a moment alone."

My stomach instinctively tightened. In my experience, serious talks rarely led to good outcomes.

Fuck. Here it comes. The "we need to establish rules" talk, or the "this is only temporary" speech. Why can't I just enjoy one day?

"About what?" I asked cautiously.

"About us. About everything that's happened." He stepped forward. "If you want to talk about the pack situation, we're here. We understand that we failed your trust by not telling you the full truth from the beginning."

I swallowed hard, the painful memory of betrayal still fresh even though I'd decided to forgive.

"We know that even though you say you're willing to forgive, there's a long way to go before you trust us again," he continued, his gaze sincere. "All three of us will do everything possible to prove ourselves worthy of your trust once more."

A warmth spread through my chest at his words, and my inner wolf quieted. Involuntarily, I walked deeper into the grand room.

"It's not that simple," I said, stopping in front of an ornate mirror hanging on the far wall.

Michael appeared behind me in the reflection, our eyes meeting in the mirror. "What part isn't simple?"