Chapter 63: A Tense Homecoming
Chapter 63: A Tense Homecoming
(Freya’s POV)
My heart skipped a beat as our car approached the pack house. Through the tinted windows, I spotted Caroline’s slim figure speaking with the pack guards, her white dress practically glowing under the security lights.
The sight of her made my wolf Bella bristle. Even from this distance, I could sense her false concern radiating like a sickly sweet perfume.
As we pulled up, Caroline turned toward our vehicle, her practiced smile faltering slightly when she saw Elder Katherine in the backseat. I couldn’t help but feel a spark of satisfaction at her obvious surprise.
“Oh my,” Elder Katherine peered through the window. “That young she–wolf looks familiar. Who is she?”
I seized the opportunity before Caroline could approach. “That’s Caroline Redwood, Elder Katherine. She’s the one who saved Aaron from the rival pack attack years ago.”
I deliberately emphasized the word “saved,” watching Caroline’s reaction carefully. A flicker of unease crossed her face before she masked it with concern.
“Alpha Steel! Luna Freya!” Caroline hurried over, her heels clicking on the pavement. “I came as soon as I heard about Elder Katherine’s condition.”
The false sweetness in her voice made my stomach turn. Bella growled softly inside me, sensing the deception.
Elder Katherine’s medication–clouded eyes brightened with recognition. “Ah, the brave young Beta who protected our Aaron! Come closer, dear.”
Caroline bent down to the car window, her expression morphing into one of deep concern. “Elder Katherine, I’m so sorry I haven’t visited sooner. Pack business abroad kept me away, but I’ve been asking about your health through Luna Freya.”
The blatant lie hung in the air between us. Not once had she inquired about Elder Katherine’s well–being through me.
“How thoughtful of you,” Elder Katherine said warmly, completely unaware of Caroline’s deception. “It’s so nice to meet the wolf who saved my grandson’s life.”
Caroline positively preened under the praise. “I only did what any loyal pack member would do,” she said modestly, though her eyes flickered toward Aaron, clearly hoping he’d validate her heroism.
A sharp breeze cut through the night air, making Caroline shiver visibly in her thin dress. It was obviously deliberate – no wolf would accidentally dress so inappropriately for the weather.
Aaron noticed too. His wolf stirred protectively. “You must be cold. Come inside.”
“Oh no,” Caroline demurred, wrapping her arms around herself dramatically. “It’s late. I wouldn’t want to impose…”
I caught the calculation in her eyes. She wanted Aaron to insist, to show his concern for her in front of his
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grandmother,
“Nonsense,” I cut in smoothly, surprising both of them. “You came all this way to check on Elder Katherine
Please join us.”
Caroline’s eyes darted between Aaron and me, clearly thrown off balance by my invitation. She’d probably expected me to object, giving her an opportunity to appear gracious in declining.
Instead, she was forced to accept. “If you’re sure I won’t be intruding…”
“Of course not,” I assured her with a smile that didn’t reach my eyes. “Any friend of Aaron’s is welcome here.
As Aaron helped Elder Katherine from the car, I noticed how Caroline positioned herself strategically near the back door, obviously hoping to sit next to the elder she–wolf. But I smoothly maneuvered the wheelchair into position, leaving Caroline no choice but to trail behind us.
“The night air feels wonderful,” Elder Katherine commented as I pushed her wheelchair toward the entrance. “I’ve missed being home.”
“We’ve missed having you here,” 1 replied honestly, my chest tightening with emotion.
I noticed Caroline hovering close to Aaron at the car window, her hand brushing his arm as she whispered something that made him frown. The intimate gesture wasn’t lost on me. She was marking her territory, making sure I understood her claim on him.
Fine. Let her play her games.
“Caroline,” I called out sweetly, “would you like to ride with us to the house entrance? It’s quite a walk in those
heels.”
Her smile tightened. “How thoughtful, Luna Freya. But I’m quite capable of walking.”
Once in the car for the short drive to the main entrance, Caroline deliberately avoided the front passenger seat next to Aaron, instead chatting animatedly with Elder Katherine. Her strategy was clear–win over his grandmother to strengthen her position.
ith my
I silently admired her resourcefulness while maintaining my composure. Bella remained vigilant within me, her senses heightened by Caroline’s proximity to our unborn cub.
Martha Wilson and the other pack staff had outdone themselves. The entrance hall was warmly lit, with subtle decorative touches that made it feel festive without being overwhelming.
“Welcome home, Elder Katherine,” Martha stepped forward, bowing respectfully.
The other staff members echoed the greeting, their genuine warmth evident in their scents and smiles. Their momentary surprise at seeing Caroline quickly faded as they maintained their professionalism.
Elder Katherine’s eyes misted over. “Oh, my dears. You didn’t have to go to all this trouble.”
“Of course we did,” one of the younger staff members said. “The pack house hasn’t been the same without you.”
I pushed the wheelchair carefully through the entrance, making sure Elder Katherine could see all the thoughtful touches the staff had prepared. Fresh flowers from the pack gardens, her favorite herbal tea brewing in the kitchen, subtle wolf–friendly scents to help her relax.
“The staff wanted to celebrate your return,” Aaron said softly, his hand brushing my shoulder as he moved
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past. “Freya organized everything perfectly.”
The unexpected praise made my cheeks warm slightly.
I shook my head quickly. “It was all Martha’s doing. I just made a few suggestions.”
His lips curved in a rare smile that made my heart flutter traitorously. For a brief, dangerous moment, I allowed myself to imagine that things between us could be different.
(Caroline’s POV)
I watched them from a few steps behind, my nails digging into my palms so deeply I was surprised they didn’t draw blood. They moved together so naturally–anticipating each other’s movements, sharing small glances,
working in perfect tandem to care for his grandmother.
It was sickening.
The pack staff’s initial surprise at my presence stung like a slap to the face, though they recovered quickly. Their focus remained on Elder Katherine, their joy at her return evident in every gesture and word.
“We’ve prepared your favorite meal, Elder Katherine,” Martha announced proudly. “And fresh herbs for your
evening tea.”
The elderly she–wolf positively glowed under their attention, her earlier depression seemingly forgotten. “You’ve all been too kind,” she said, her voice trembling slightly with emotion.
Aaron and Freya responded to her happiness like flowers turning toward the sun, their own faces softening with genuine pleasure. The way Aaron looked at them both – with such clear affection – made my blood boil. My wolf snarled within me at the picture they made – the perfect Alpha pair, caring for their beloved pack elder, surrounded by loyal staff members. Where was my place in this scene?
I should have been the one standing at Aaron’s side by now. Freya should have been gone, taking her unborn cub far away from Northern Ridge Pack territory. Our agreement had been clear.
Instead, I was forced to stand here like an outsider, watching them play happy families while my carefully laid plans crumbled around me.
“Caroline, dear, come closer,” Elder Katherine called, gesturing me forward. “Tell me how you’ve been. It’s been so long since we’ve had a proper visit.”
I stepped forward, my practiced smile firmly in place. “I’ve been well, Elder Katherine. But more importantly, how are you feeling? Everyone has been so worried.”
“Better now that I’m home,” she replied, reaching out to pat my hand. “And better for seeing all the faces of
those who care.”
Her words were kind, but they cut deep. I wasn’t part of this family circle, no matter how desperately I wanted
to be.
Rage and resentment burned in my chest as I watched Freya adjust Elder Katherine’s shawl with practiced ease. The tenderness in Aaron’s eyes as he watched them made me want to scream.
This wasn’t how it was supposed to be. By now, the mate bond should have been severed. I should have been celebrating my victory, not standing here watching Freya play the perfect Luna.
My lips curved in a smile that didn’t reach my eyes as Elder Katherine turned to include me in the
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conversation. But inside, I was plotting. This setback was temporary. Soon, very soon, I would make sure Freya understood exactly what happened to me who stood in my way.
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