Bella's POV
The preparations took every ounce of energy my team possessed, but within days we managed to arrange everything. Professional security personnel would shadow my every move through werewolf territory, while carefully drafted contracts outlined exactly how I would assist their struggling community. My destination was Alpha Derek's territory, the Obsidian Moon Pack.
Even thinking about this reunion twisted something deep in my chest, though I buried every trace of the bitterness I harbored toward Derek. I swore to myself that when our eyes met, I would feel absolutely nothing. He would probably spit venom the second he recognized me, considering how completely our bond had shattered.
I filled my children's suitcases and explained we were traveling to the werewolf realm where their mother had spent eighteen formative years. They accepted this information without much curiosity. Werewolves weren't entirely foreign to them. I had shared what knowledge I could over the years.
Despite fabricating stories about their father's background while living among humans, I never lost sight of reality. When they matured enough to shift, questions would arise about whether keeping them in human territory remained wise. Human lands existed for humans alone. Cross-species mingling violated fundamental rules. Those concerns could wait. Right now, I had to go back.
The moment I disembarked from the vessel, there he stood. My breath caught before I forced my chin up defiantly. His jawline had hardened and broadened since our youth, his dark hair had grown thicker, and those emerald eyes carried a gravity they had lacked before. His frame had expanded, transforming from the boy I once knew into a fully grown man. Despite all these changes, my heart remained stubbornly unmoved.
Then my children appeared beside me, and I faltered momentarily. While I fussed over them and grasped their small hands, I caught Derek's expression shifting dramatically. Recognition hit him first, followed by what looked like devastation when he noticed my little ones. As I planted my first step on werewolf soil, tremors ran through my entire body, but I masked them behind a radiant smile.
"Welcome to Lycan Territory," the royal beta declared, adding with warmth, "specifically, welcome to the Obsidian Moon Pack." I recognized him immediately. He had served Derek's father in the same capacity. I wondered why retirement had eluded him. Typically royal betas passed their positions to their offspring, or another beta assumed the role.
"I appreciate your hospitality," I told Mr. Foster, then shifted my attention toward Alpha Derek.
"I trust your travels were pleasant," Alpha Derek said, his voice sending ice through my veins, though I maintained my brilliant smile, bright enough to make him scowl, probably questioning whether I remembered him or was simply an accomplished performer.
"Thank you for your consideration," I responded, keeping my tone neutral, free from both hostility and warmth.
"Bella Kent," Derek pronounced my name slowly, as if savoring each syllable while his jaw clenched visibly.
"Actually, it's Bella Vance," I corrected him, watching his frown deepen as his eyes narrowed, clearly puzzled by the surname change.
"Regardless, I need to see my accommodations first, the residence I requested, and get settled before attending any council meetings about this epidemic," I said, addressing Mr. Foster while deliberately ignoring Alpha Derek completely. His intense stare at my children made me eager to leave.
"Absolutely, we have everything arranged. Transportation to the estate is waiting," Mr. Foster confirmed. My youngest daughter gripped my finger, Zack took her other hand, and Tara connected with Zack. We moved forward in our little chain, each child linked to the next.
Alpha Derek's silence felt oppressive. Years had passed since we had stood this close. I had practically erased him and the others from my thoughts completely. So seeing him again left me uncertain how to respond.
We shared the vehicle ride to the estate together.
Mr. Foster managed most of the logistics, which puzzled me. What was Derek's game? I bit down gently on my nail, bewildered.
I wanted to avoid complications entirely, and I absolutely refused to discuss ancient history.
The estate exceeded my expectations when we arrived.
They had provided a stunning residence, dripping with elegance. Grey and white marble dominated the design, complemented by sleek black entertainment systems. Four bedrooms awaited us, two upstairs and two on the main level. My children, predictably, claimed the upper floor, so I selected a room up there as well.
The kitchen occupied the ground floor. An indoor swimming area and a backyard complete with playground equipment for my kids completed the setup. I had outlined my requirements to Mr. Foster, and he had delivered magnificently.
"Please relax and nourish yourselves," Mr. Foster said. "Tomorrow we will convene." I acknowledged him and escorted him toward the exit. As he departed, another vehicle roared up and screeched to a halt outside the estate. Alpha Derek emerged.
Even Mr. Foster paused to assess his Alpha's mood.
Derek's shoulders filled his frame as he strode past Foster, waving him away dismissively. Mr. Foster departed with obvious reluctance. Derek entered the estate and stopped abruptly, spinning to confront me. We were alone.
"Alpha Derek," I said, "I assumed I would have time to rest today." I tried projecting composure despite the awkwardness of his presence, but he was clearly preparing to interrogate me.
"Who are those children?" he demanded immediately. I frowned and crossed my arms to project confidence.
"Excuse me, you are concerned about my children's parentage?" I asked, giving him an incredulous look.
"Bella, you cannot pretend it is normal to vanish for years and reappear with children," he snarled. "I demand the truth. What is your agenda here? After all this time, did you return to manipulate me? To gain my acceptance?" He jabbed a finger at his chest and I began laughing.
"Wait, you actually believe I returned for you and these children are yours?" I asked, keeping my voice quiet since my babies were upstairs. I noticed his hands forming fists. He still nursed his hatred after all these years.
"Allow me to clarify. They are not your children. They belong to my husband and me. Does that satisfy your curiosity?" The moment those words left my lips, I watched his body sag and embarrassment wash over his features. He fell silent.
"Did you forget I was menstruating that night?" I asked, clasping my hands behind my back with my head tilted confidently.
"Alpha Derek, barging in here shouting accusations is incredibly disrespectful. Do not overestimate your importance. I did not return for you. I came solely to help werewolf infants. As a mother, I sympathize deeply with children's suffering. I hope that clarifies everything and you will leave me in peace. If my husband learned from the security team that a man was questioning me about our children, it would jeopardize my mission here. He would demand my immediate return," I delivered this speech in one breath.
His face drained of color. The humiliation of assuming I had come for him was satisfying to witness.
He dropped his head and rushed past me, fleeing the estate.