Chapter 4

Ashley’s POV

«5 years later.»

“Jace, Niko, Rhea!” I called their names as I walked inside, my patience running thin. How could three kids keep me from a single moment of peace? Suddenly, Jace stood in front of me, his innocent face hiding any hint of mischief.

Niko came in next, with Rhea right behind. I frowned, arms crossed over my chest as they stood there, all three looking at me, waiting for their punishment.

“Which of you bright sparks thought that it was a great idea to put an orange skin in front of Alex’s car?” I narrowed my eyes. Rhea batted her long lashes and shrugged, acting like she knew nothing.

Then she pointed at Niko, silently blaming him. They knew how it worked: all in it together, but Niko was the leader. I sighed deeply and sat down, staring at their faces.

“You know I love you all, right?” I said softly, my heart hurting a little as I spoke. They nodded, understanding what I really meant.

“So, can we please stop with all the troublemaking? You know how much mommy has to deal with. And don’t forget, Daddy John is still angry at you all.”

It had been five tough years since everything changed. I was now a famous, successful doctor, one of the best, thanks to John’s help.

He took me in after that awful day—the day he accidentally hit me with his car. He cared for me when I learned I was pregnant, and what started as kindness turned into something deeper.

It happened when he asked me out in that odd, sweet way, talking about how my eyes flutter, shifting colors in a way he couldn’t describe.

I knew what he meant. Wolf eyes: purple; human eyes: deep ocean blue. Look too long, and the colors mix into a strange blend of violet and blue.

We’d been together three years, but I still had doubts—because of the kids and because I hadn’t told him who I really was. I was afraid he’d leave if I did.

“Yes, mommy. We won’t make any more trouble,” they said together, gathering around me. Niko was on my right, Rhea on my left, Jace in front. I ruffled Rhea’s hair gently. She looked so much like Jayden—sweet, innocent, a tiny version of him.

Regret twisted in my chest, but I pushed it away. I wouldn’t think about him anymore after all he’d done—the humiliation in front of the pack, banishing me. I’d never forgive him.

The doorbell rang, snapping me out of my thoughts. I stood to check who it was. John was at the door, holding flowers in his left hand.

Without a word, he hugged me tight, then kissed me. “For you, your majesty,” he teased, grinning as he gave me the flowers.

“Thank you,” I said, smiling back, kissing him lightly. But the kiss deepened, and we forgot about the kids for a moment.

“Mommy!” Niko’s voice broke through, and I pulled away, laughing nervously. Niko still wasn’t fully okay with John, even if he pretended to be. I felt his resistance. He was too much like his father—like Jayden. It stung.

I didn’t want to force them to like John, but I needed them to, at least until I told him the truth.

We sat down, and John told them about slipping on a banana peel. The kids giggled, the mood lightening, until the doorbell rang again.

“Expecting someone?” John asked, and I shook my head. I hadn’t invited anyone, so I asked him to get the door.

I heard voices outside, then a strange silence before John returned.

“They want to see you,” he said, looking at me with curiosity.

I frowned and stood as they walked in.

“Lady Ashley,” one of them bowed, and I froze, my heart dropping. The kids looked confused, and so did John. I waved the kids to their room, but John stayed put.

The kids hesitated but left, while John remained. This wasn’t how I wanted him to find out.

“I am no longer your lady,” I said coldly, turning my back. “Not since your Alpha banished me. My title was stripped away that day.”

“Leave,” I said, my voice cracking.

“Please, Lady Ashley, hear us out,” the other said quietly. They were Jayden’s closest guards. I knew why they were here, but Jayden didn’t even have the guts to show up after all he’d done.

Before I could speak, I saw John staring, confused. I sighed and turned to him. He shrugged and walked toward the room.

I knew he felt disappointed, but everyone has secrets.

“Tell Jayden I will never, ever forgive him,” I whispered, nodding at the door. “And I will never again set foot in the Oakwood Pack.”

As they left, I sank into the chair, hands covering my face. Why did I still feel this way? Why did Jayden still stir my emotions? I thought I was done with him.

John came back later, his voice gentle. “The kids are asleep,” he said softly. I nodded, my heart heavy.

He didn’t ask anything, not a word. He just wiped my tears.

“I’m here whenever you’re ready to talk,” he said, pulling me into his arms. I hugged him tight, knowing he understood.

But deep down, I knew I couldn’t fully love him. I tried, but who I was haunted me, stronger than any love I could offer.

«FEW WEEKS AFTER.»

I stood in the car park, reaching for my car handle, but it was stuck, like someone had messed with it.

My senses sharpened; the air felt heavy as I sensed someone watching. “Who’s there?” I asked, my voice shaky.

Fear gripped me. My wolf was weak, and after so long in the human world, wolfbane might have dulled my scent. I tried to run, but a figure jumped at me, pressing a handkerchief to my nose.

I couldn’t breathe, gasping as the drug overwhelmed me. My vision blurred, and I lost the fight against the darkness.

At the Oakwood Packhouse

I groaned, my head throbbing as I sat up. It felt like I’d slept for hours. The room looked too familiar.

This was my old room at the Oakwood Pack. The truth hit me hard.

I’d been kidnapped and brought back.

The door creaked open, and I flinched as Jayden stepped in.

Anger surged through me as I saw his face. I wanted to slap him, tear him apart, and it took everything to hold back.

“Ashley,” he whispered. That voice—damn it—still melted my heart, and I looked away. I hated that he still affected me after all these years.

“Take me back to where you found me. I told your guards I wasn’t coming back, and how dare you kidnap me like this?” I snapped, feeling his warm breath as I realized how close he was.

“Daisy left,” he said, sounding defeated. “She cheated, left the pack, and betrayed us. She released vital pack information, but we found out quickly and fixed everything. We’ve had to make many adjustments, but we managed.”

I didn’t know why he was telling me this, but I listened.

“Father’s ill, and he wants you, Ashley. You are the only one who can save him. Nobody else will do it. Only you.”

I sneered, bitterness sharp in my words. “You really think I’ll help you after all that’s happened? You exiled me, Jayden. You turned me out for no reason other than I loved you.”

“Did I ever say a word when you chose someone else over me? When you banished me and left me to rot? Now, the woman you chose has betrayed you, and you want me to fix everything for you? After everything that’s happened?” I was trembling with rage.

“I will never help you,” I spat. “I want nothing to do with you, or anyone from this pack, in this lifetime.”

His eyes darkened, his voice a low, dangerous whisper. “You don’t have a choice, Ashley. Unless you want me to hurt your human friend.”

His words hit like a slap. He knew about John. Of course—he’d stayed that day.

“You wouldn’t dare touch him,” I said, my voice breaking, desperation creeping in. I was trapped, knowing he’d do anything to win. I couldn’t let him hurt John or the kids.

He leaned closer, his lips an inch from mine. “Dare me.”

I couldn’t breathe or move. Everything hung between us, and I knew I was caught.