The idea of the trip was shared with Brian and Stella the next morning, and Stella’s face lit up with excitement. For both Andriel and Brian, the thought of being apart from their mates was tough, but they knew they couldn’t keep them from seeing their friends and pack.With both brothers’ approval, Taylor and Stella began preparing for the journey. They decided not to tell anyone in Ames about their arrival, wanting to surprise Philip and Sara.Perla, ever attentive to the news, quickly stepped in when Brian considered going along with Stella."She’s not a child," Perla said pointedly. "She’s perfectly capable of taking a trip on her own. Besides, she won’t be alone—Taylor will be with her, along with the guards your brother will surely arrange. What could possibly happen? Who would have any reason to hurt your omega?" Her tone was calculated, meant to persuade."Your mother’s right," Stella agreed, her voice calm but firm. "You’ve got a lot to handle here, and I’m sure your brother
After their heated moment in the garden, Andriel and Taylor rejoined the others. Perla shot her son a few sharp looks, and he figured his fake mate had already spilled the details of their conversation to his mother.Andriel noticed Brian seemed happier, standing close to Stella, who looked less tense than before. He wasn’t sure what had happened while they were out of the hall, but something had clearly worked."That pushy woman’s coming over," Taylor said, his voice laced with disgust.She approached, trying to appear confident, but didn’t latch onto Andriel’s arm like before. Taylor stayed glued to his mate’s side, unflinching.The reception and dinner went on, with Andriel wrapping up the matters he needed to address. Relief washed over him as guests began to leave. To keep up appearances, the woman posing as his mate had to wait until everyone else was gone before departing.Perla initially suggested she stay the night at the house, but Andriel shut that idea down immediately. Br
Andriel left the reception hall, guiding his supposed mate to another room. He wanted answers and despised the feeling of being manipulated."We’re alone now," he said, his tone serious, making it clear he wasn’t in the mood for games. "I want you to explain that little stunt you pulled back there.""Your mother asked for my help to keep you from being embarrassed," she replied. "She said you had to keep hiding your real mate, since you can’t reveal he’s a werewolf. I’m guessing it’s that guy who was staring daggers at me, like he wanted to rip my throat out."Andriel had already suspected his mother was behind this, and her words only confirmed it."What did she promise you?" he asked, still wary."Nothing," she said, meeting his gaze. "Andriel, we’ve known each other for a long time, and I think we’re close enough for her to pick me. You told me once you wished I could be your mate. Don’t you think we’d be a good match?""Back then, I might’ve thought that way," Andriel said, his vo
Stella stood frozen for a moment, staring at the smug smile of the woman clinging to Brian. Unable to bear it, she turned and fled to her room. The sight stung like a rejection, and she wondered if that might be the next thing coming."Stella, you should’ve demanded an explanation," Fani scolded."Maybe I couldn’t handle hearing it," Stella replied, stepping into her old room.She chose her former room over the one she shared with Brian. Sitting on the bed, she caught her reflection in the mirror and started to cry. The door creaked open, and Brian walked in, moving closer to her."Why did you leave me down there?" he asked, his voice soft but insistent. "And why are you crying? I want the truth."Stella lifted her tear-blurred eyes, wiped her face, and answered, though she thought the reason was obvious."I couldn’t stay there watching your ex-girlfriend rub up against you and flirt," she said, her voice breaking as a sob slipped out. "How much more do I have to humiliate myself to s
Seeing the look on Taylor’s face, Brian reached out to Hugo through their mental link, asking him to stay close and keep Taylor from doing anything rash. While Taylor and Stella tried to make sense of the situation, Perla watched with a triumphant smile.Stella’s eyes were still fixed on the woman clinging to Brian’s arm. His lack of action stung, leaving her upset."Excuse me, I’m going to get a drink," Stella said, letting go of Brian’s hand and walking away.Brian sighed as he watched her go. He wanted Stella to learn to stand up for herself, knowing he couldn’t be by her side every hour of the day. He was certain his mother had orchestrated this to provoke her. Sure enough, as Stella moved away, he noticed Perla following her.As Brian suspected, Perla trailed Stella, intent on goading and humiliating her further."Looking at her, don’t you think she’s a better match for my son?" Perla asked, gesturing toward the woman with Brian."She might look good with him, being all pretty an
Stella spent the days leading up to the reception at the king’s house lost in thought. Even though Brian continued to treat her kindly, his words still lingered in her mind, echoing with a weight she couldn’t shake. That day, a visit from Jade lifted her spirits a bit, pulling her away from her spiraling thoughts.After saying goodbye to Jade, Stella wandered through the garden for a while before heading inside, where she noticed the flurry of preparations for the evening. Fresh flowers were being arranged, curtains cleaned, and several people bustled about carrying trays of food. Stella nearly bumped into a staff member and quickly apologized, but Perla seized the moment to call her out."If you’re not going to help, at least don’t get in the way of those who are," Perla said sharply, her voice cutting through the noise. "You should be here helping organize everything, not sipping tea in the garden like you own this place. Don’t forget your place."Perla walked off, leaving Stella mo