CHAPTER 182: CHAPTER 182 JEALOUSY

Freya

The phone screen glowed beneath my fingers as I quickly scrolled through their chat history. My heart sank with each message that loaded. Every morning - without fail - Isabella would message Aurora first thing.

"Good morning, Aunt Aurora!" followed by little wolf emojis and hearts. Their conversations stretched for hours, spanning topics that should have been shared with me - her mother.

Selene growled low in my chest, a possessive sound I couldn’t quite suppress. This was my daughter - our daughter - yet another woman had somehow claimed her affections so completely.

When the elevator chimed, I quickly placed the phone back exactly where Isabella had left it, my movements fluid from years of efficient pack management. I turned away, pretending to check my purse.

Isabella bounded into the entryway, snatching up her phone with that eager anticipation I once saw directed at me. Her small face lit up instantly as she read Aurora’s latest message.

The smile that spread across Isabella’s face was radiant - the kind of unguarded joy I rarely received from her anymore. Something twisted painfully in my chest as I turned away, pretending not to notice her happiness.

I could feel Isabella’s eyes darting to my back, checking if I’d noticed her excitement. I kept my gaze forward, shoulders relaxed in practiced nonchalance as I walked toward the garage. Let her have her secrets. Let her have this connection she clearly cherished.

In the car, Isabella settled into the back seat - no longer wanting to sit up front with me like she used to. The constant tapping of her fingers against her phone screen filled the silence between us. Every few moments, she’d glance up, checking if I was watching her. I kept my eyes fixed on the road, giving her the privacy she so clearly wanted.

Our pack territory stretched far, and the elite private school was nearly thirty minutes away. After about half that time, the tapping ceased. Isabella had apparently finished her morning chat session with "Aunt Aurora."

The silence stretched between us until Isabella suddenly spoke, her voice lighter than it had been all morning.

"Mom, are you free this afternoon?"

I kept my eyes on the road, though Selene perked up hopefully at the unexpected question. "What’s up?" I asked, careful not to sound too eager.

Isabella didn’t answer directly. Instead, she asked playfully, "What do you think?"

"There’s a lot going on recently," I replied truthfully. "I’m busy. Why?"

From the rearview mirror, I caught Isabella’s triumphant smile. "Nothing... Nothing at all."

Something about her quick acceptance sent warning signals through me. Isabella never gave up that easily when she wanted something. Selene whined softly, sensing the deception before I could fully process it. Isabella wasn’t disappointed that I was busy - she was relieved.

Which meant she had plans that didn’t include me.

At the school, I walked with Isabella toward her classroom after a brief conversation with her homeroom teacher about her progress. Just as we reached the classroom door, a sweet little voice called out.

"Aunt Freya!"

I paused, turning toward the sound. A small figure suddenly launched herself at me, arms outstretched. Instinctively, I bent down to catch her, worried she might fall.

When she looked up at me with those big innocent eyes, recognition dawned. "Amy?"

The little girl beamed at me. It was the child I’d saved from a dog attack just days ago. Her hair was done up in two adorable braids, her cheeks rosy with excitement. She looked even sweeter than I remembered.

"Mm!" Amy nodded enthusiastically, her smile radiant and genuine.

Something in my chest softened at her unfiltered delight. This was how children should greet someone who’d helped them - with pure, uncomplicated gratitude. My voice gentled automatically. "Amy, are you studying here too?"

Before I could finish my sentence, a forceful push sent Amy stumbling sideways. I quickly steadied her, preventing her from falling.

"Amy, are you okay?" I asked, concern washing over me.

Amy shook her head, lower lip trembling as she looked up at Isabella with hurt confusion. "Why... why did you push me?"

I turned to face my daughter, shocked at her behavior. Isabella’s face had transformed into a mask of cold disdain as she stared at Amy. Her eyes darted between Amy and my hands, which were still steadying the smaller child.

"So delicate, so pink and soft," Isabella sneered, her voice unnaturally harsh. "Ugly and disgusting!"

Amy’s eyes widened at the cruel words. This sweet child, who everyone naturally wanted to protect and cherish, had probably never been spoken to with such venom before. Her little face crumpled, tears welling up as she pressed herself against me, seeking comfort.

My wolf stirred protectively inside me - not just for my own pup, but for this innocent child caught in Isabella’s unexpected jealousy. I hugged Amy closer.

"No, Amy, you’re not disgusting at all," I soothed, keeping my voice steady despite my shock at Isabella’s behavior. "You’re actually beautiful and cute. Don’t you think so?"

Amy’s sobbing quieted slightly at my reassurance, but before she could respond, Isabella’s face contorted with rage and hurt. Tears filled her eyes as she watched me comfort another child.

"You... I... I don’t like you anymore!" she cried, her voice breaking. "I don’t want you to be my mom!"

She turned to run, but I quickly reached out and caught her arm, preventing her escape. Her words hit me like physical blows, but this wasn’t the place to lose control. Despite the knife-twist of pain her declaration caused, I wouldn’t embarrass my daughter by scolding her in front of her peers and teachers.