Chapter 3

Clara’s POV

How many times had she stepped into our room? My sacred space with Caleb? And how many times had she touched what was mine?

Frost’s smile froze when she saw me.  The color drained from her cheeks, though she tried to hold her composure. I could feel her unease. I used every ounce of strength I had to keep my expression still, to pretend I saw nothing, even as rage clawed at my throat.

She flicked her gaze toward Caleb. He hesitated behind me, his hand tightening on the wheelchair handles.

“What’s wrong, Caleb? Why won’t you take me in?” I asked softly.

Through the reflection of the mirror in our living room, I saw Caleb mouth to her, She can’t see.

Frost’s shoulders dropped. Relief washed over her face, followed by something crueler. She leaned against the doorframe, one arm crossing under her chest, the other twirling a strand of golden hair. Her lips curled in a smirk that made my blood boil.

“Nothing’s wrong,” Caleb said quickly. His voice softened, careful. “Let’s get you settled.”

He pushed me forward. Frost didn’t move aside right away. She waited until he was nearly touching her before she tilted her head, reached up, and cupped his jaw. Her thumb brushed the corner of his mouth before she pressed a slow, deliberate kiss to his lips. Then her hand slid down his chest, tracing the buttons of his shirt in a teasing stroke.

It lasted only a second—but it was enough to make me grip the armrest so hard my nails dug into the arms. That bitch. That thief. Daring to taunt me in my own house just because she thought I couldn’t see.

“Caleb,” I said, keeping my tone light, though my jaw ached from holding back the anger. “I feel a little cold. Could you grab me a blanket?”

He blinked, startled, as if remembering where he was. “Sure. It’s on the couch. I’ll get it.”

The moment he turned away, my hand found the door and I pushed it hard.

Bang!

A muffled gasp followed—Frost’s hand was caught between the door and the frame.

She bit her lip to stop herself from screaming. Satisfaction surged through me, and the door trembled in my hand.

“What was that?” Caleb turned around.

“I—I don’t know!” I said quickly, letting my voice rise in panic. “I tried to close the door and hit something! I’m so scared, Caleb—did I break something?”

He crossed the room in a few strides. I reached for him, clinging to his shirt as if for comfort.

“It’s fine,” he murmured, glancing at Frost’s hand where blood trickled from her fingers. He gave her a worrying look before turning back to me. “Just one of the kids’ toys. You can’t see it, that’s all. Don’t worry, okay?”

I nodded as the perfect Luna. “Where are they? Our kids.I want to see them.”

His jaw tightened. “They’re asleep. They have school tomorrow. You’re still recovering, Clara. We’ll take it slow.”

“Please,” I whispered. “Just one look.”

He opened his mouth to argue, but a soft voice came from the hallway. “Daddy?”

Both of us froze.

I turned to the voice and saw my little girl. She stood in the doorway, holding her brother’s tiny hand. She was in her fluffy pink pajamas, a stuffed rabbit clutched against her chest. Their hair was tousled, their eyes heavy with sleep. My heart clenched so hard I could barely breathe.

Caleb exhaled. “You two should be in bed.”

Emilia ignored him, staring curiously at me. “Who’s that?”

I felt my breath hitch. “Emilia? Ethan?” My voice trembled as I reached toward them. “It’s me… Mommy.”

Ethan frowned, clutching Frost’s leg. “You’re not my mommy! My mommy is Fr-”

He shouted and Frost’s eyes widened. She quickly covered his mouth.

But I’d heard it. I’d heard everything.

I lowered my head, staring at my trembling hands. The urge to cry burned behind my eyes, but I forced it down. My fingernails dug into my palm, scraping the skin. Caleb’s betrayal I could swallow—but this? My puppies calling another woman Mommy? That shattered something inside me.

Emilia hesitated. Her brother was hiding behind Frost, but she stood there, conflicted. Her eyes flicked between me and Caleb. Slowly, she stepped forward until she was close enough that I could see the uncertainty in her little face.

“Are you…” Her voice was small, fragile, but still sweet. “Are you really my mommy?”

I smiled through the tears that threatened to spill. “Yes, baby. I am.”

She reached out tentatively, lips pressed together in that nervous way children do when they’re scared but curious. Her small hand brushed my cheek, feather-light. I could feel the tremor in her fingers.

“You’re crying,” she whispered.

I swallowed hard, covering her little hand with mine. “I missed you so much, Emilia.”

She blinked up at me, her blue eyes glistening.

For a heartbeat, it felt like the world was still. Just me and my little girl.

Then Caleb’s voice cut through the air, sharp and commanding. “That’s enough.”

I looked up, startled and angry.

“It’s bedtime,” he said, his tone brooking no argument. He grabbed Emilia’s wrist, pulling her gently but firmly away from me. “Ethan, come take your sister and go to your room.”

“Caleb!” I couldn't hold my anger anymore and shouted at him.

“I said now!” His Alpha tone filled the room like a low growl.

Emilia froze. Her gaze darted to me, torn between obedience and instinct. Then she turned toward Ethan. “Let's go, Ethan…”

Frost crouched down, holding out her uninjured hand. “Goodnight, sweethearts,” she mouthed, her expression dripping with false sweetness.

Ethan ran into her arms, giggling sleepily. The scene stabbed through me like a knife.

Emilia hesitated at the door, looking over her shoulder one last time. Her lips quivered. “Mommy…” she whispered so quietly I almost thought I imagined it.

“Go,” Caleb ordered.

Emilia flinched and disappeared down the hall, dragging her brother along.

The silence that followed was unbearable.

Caleb sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I’m sorry Clara. I just think they still need time,” he muttered, as if talking to himself. “They’ve never known you.”

“Don’t rush it. Let’s take it slow, okay?” he added as if trying to persuade me.

I smiled faintly. If not for you, they would have known me from the start.

I turned away from him, staring blankly at the empty space where my children had stood. “I understand, ” I said quietly, “but I want to have some rest now,”

“Okay babe,” he let out a sigh of relief and helped me sit on the bed. “.I need to check on some pack work and will come back soon. Call me if you need anything.”

“Sure,” I said softly, the perfect Luna mask in place.

He leaned down, kissed my forehead, and walked out. Frost was waiting in the hallway, leaning against the wall, her eyes meeting his. He reached into his pocket, pulling out the lipstick I’d seen earlier. She giggled, rising on tiptoe to kiss him.

I turned my face toward the window, refusing to watch.