Chapter 4

• Isabella's pov
• **Five Years Later**
• It’s been five years since I left my pack while two months pregnant, and so much has changed since then. Jayden and Kayden, the brothers who took me in despite everything, have become family. They’re so alike, even though there’s a two-year age gap between them. They’ve not only given me a home but also helped me build a life I could be proud of, even in the human world.
• With time, I’ve grown into one of the most renowned doctors and advisors, known across countries for my skill and dedication. My life as a werewolf didn’t stop me from pursuing my dreams; it only fueled my drive to succeed.
• Zack Adamson, a human and a truly remarkable man, works alongside me at the hospital. His family has been such a strong support system for me, almost like a second family. Everyone in the hospital knows their roles, unlike the structure of the werewolf kingdom, where hierarchy dominates. Here, respect flows freely, and that unity strengthens us all.
• Somehow, I’ve become known internationally, labeled as "the hybrid doctor." The title amuses me, though it also makes me proud of the trust people have in me.
• "I wish I could do what those gifted hands of yours can do," Zack says, smiling as we head back to my office.
• "Don’t flatter me, Zack. You’re already the best doctor here," I say, smiling back. "And thank you for everything you do for us—for taking care of my babies like they’re your own." Grateful, I squeeze his hand.
• Zack has been my rock, a constant source of love and reassurance. Whenever Jayden and Kayden are away, Zack steps in, never failing to show his care for my children.
• ---
• **Moments Later**
• My triplets, just three years old, come running toward me. "Mummy! Mummy! There’s a monster chasing me!" they cry.
• Turning quickly, I can’t help but laugh when I realize it’s just Jayden in his half-werewolf form. Who would have thought Jayden, usually the serious one, would turn out to be so playful since the kids came along? It’s usually Kayden I’d expect to be the playful one.
• Looking at Jayden, I smile. The kids love their “super uncles,” and Jayden and Kayden, in return, have taken me in as their sister, a gesture I’m deeply grateful for.
• "Go play with your friends," I say, watching as they peck me and wave at Jayden before running off.
• “Be careful, boys!” I call after them.
• "They’re growing up so fast, Isabella," Jayden says.
• "Are you going somewhere?" I ask, noticing a certain tone in his voice.
• "Yes," Jayden replies. "There’s a pack meeting tomorrow. Each pack has to send a representative. Kayden is out of the country, and I’m heading to the refugee camp, so you’re the only one I can trust for this."
• "Me? I can’t, Jayden. The hospital needs me."
• "Isabella, Alpha Jackson will be there. This might be our only chance to secure a peace treaty with him. You know he’s avoided any contact with us so far."
• I feel my pulse quicken. "You expect me to corner Alpha Jackson, the most ruthless Alpha on the continent? Jayden, do you want my head on a platter?"
• Jayden chuckles. "You know what I mean. You’re our advisor, too, remember? You have what it takes to secure a treaty from him, and you won’t be alone. Delta Dave will go with you."
• He looks at me seriously. "You’re our only hope, Isabella. We need you to be there. Talk to Jackson about the peace treaty."
• "Alright, I’ll go," I sigh, though my nerves are fraying at the thought. "Where is the meeting being held?"
• "In North America," Jayden replies.
• I raise an eyebrow. "Jayden, where in North America?"
• "The United States."
• "What?" My patience is waning. "Jayden, I just traveled all the way to Europe, and now I’m supposed to go back to the States?"
• Jayden’s face softens. "I know it’s a lot, but trust me, it’s necessary. You might not even see him. He might send a representative."
• "See who?" I ask, forcing my expression to stay neutral.
• Jayden studies me for a moment. "Isabella, I’m an Alpha—I can sense things. We know your children's father is an Alpha. His scent is on them. And this meeting may be a chance to face what you left behind, to get closure if nothing else. The boys deserve to see more of the world, too."
• He doesn’t give me a chance to argue. "Pack your things, Isabella. You leave tomorrow. I already booked the flight, and Delta Dave will accompany you with the boys. I’m counting on you."
• "Alright," I relent. I can’t argue when he’s like this.
• ---
• That night, I can barely sleep as I pack and prepare mentally for the journey. Memories and emotions I’d tried to bury come flooding back. Five years ago, I left the Redwood pack, intending never to return. And yet, here I am, preparing to face what I thought I’d left behind.
• ---
• **The Next Morning**
• When dawn comes, the boys are thrilled, running around the house with all the energy of Alpha-born children. Their strength and speed are astonishing for their age. I can already tell they’ll grow up to be exceptional in their own right.
• "Slow down, babies," I call out as I walk down the stairs. Jayden’s usual dominating presence isn’t there, which means he must have left early. That’s just like him—to leave without saying goodbye.
• As I watch my children, I flash back to when Jayden and Kayden took me in. After spending months in the pack’s general house, I finally moved in with them. I’d thought I’d stay only until I gave birth, but my babies bonded so well with the Alphas. As time passed, it became hard to imagine leaving. They love it here, and I do too.
• ---
• The flight to the United States is uneventful, but I can’t shake off the mixture of anxiety and determination within me. I need this peace treaty for the Moonlight pack, but part of me dreads the prospect of facing Alpha Jackson, the leader of the Silver Moon pack.
• “When we arrive at the hotel, I’ll brief you on what our Gamma found out about Alpha Jackson and his pack,” Delta Dave says. He’s not a man of many words, and I appreciate that.
• "Thank you, Delta. I heard he’s ruthless," I say, more to distract myself than anything.
• Delta nods. "That’s what they say, but I haven’t met him in person. He’s powerful and well-respected."
• I take a deep breath, preparing myself for whatever lies ahead.
• ---
• **The Hotel**
• Later, as I prepare to leave for the meeting, one of my children tugs at my hand. "Mommy, can we come with you?"
• "It’s not a place for children, baby. You’d get bored," I say, knowing that the Alpha meeting technically allows a plus two, but I can’t risk taking them along.
• "But Delta Dave doesn’t play with us like Uncle Kayden or scare us like Uncle Jayden!" he whines.
• I smile. "I know, baby, but he’ll keep you safe. Be nice for Mommy, okay?"
• He nods, sighing in resignation. "Okay, Mommy. We’ll be good."
• After a few more instructions to Delta Dave about their bedtime and sugar intake, I plant kisses on each of their cheeks.
• "Mommy loves you. Be good boys until I get back."
• Delta Dave gives a reassuring nod, and I take a deep breath as I climb into the waiting car. As we pull away, I brace myself for what lies ahead, praying to the moon goddess that if I have to attend this meeting, I won’t have to cross paths with Alpha Ethan.