Her glare lingered on Benzy, daring him to say anything else that might provoke her.
“Where is he?” Bella asked, her voice tinged with apprehension. The reality of being back in pack territory was settling over her, and the implications weighed heavily on her mind. “When am I going to have to report to him… be punished?” She sighed, the last two words escaping her lips with a mix of dread and resignation. She knew escape was unlikely now.
Benzy chuckled softly and pushed himself off the bed, his posture casual. “He’s not here,” he said. “He’s dealing with Dani and her family. No ETA on when he’ll be back. But,” he added with a pointed look, “he did tell me you’re free to go wherever you like—no restrictions. That includes Tyler.”
Bella narrowed her eyes at him, suspicion flickering across her face. She didn’t believe him. The idea that she was suddenly free to roam didn’t sit right with her. Turning away, she spotted the bathroom and headed for it. Her reflection in the mirror confirmed what she already felt—she looked a mess. Her eyes were puffy, her bottom lip slightly swollen from biting on it, her clothes rumpled, and her hair a tangle.
She used the toilet, washed her hands and face, and ran her fingers through her hair in a futile attempt to neaten it. When she emerged, Benzy was leaning casually against the doorway that presumably led out of the bedroom, waiting for her with that familiar amused expression on his face.
“Pups or mum first?” he asked.
“My children,” she answered without hesitation. “I’m sure they’re worried.” Tyler agreed, though something about her wolf’s behavior felt off. Tyler was pacing in circles in Bella’s mind, her ears flat and tail low.
What’s wrong, Tyler? Bella queried, concern creeping into her thoughts.
Vera smelled funny. I want to go there again, Tyler replied, her tone troubled.
Pups first? Bella asked gently, knowing how much her wolf needed to address her concerns.
Of course, yes, Tyler snorted, as though the question was absurd.
Benzy led her out of the suite. Bella’s eyes widened as realization struck her—she was on the Alpha’s floor. A wave of fear washed over her as familiarity hit her like a brick. She had been here countless times growing up, and the recognition made her stomach churn. She glanced back at the room she had just left, and her breath hitched. It was the Luna Suite.
Benzy’s chuckle broke her train of thought, and she turned to him with a questioning look.
“What?” he said, clearly amused. “Where else would I put you? You birthed his pups, Bella—heirs to the pack.”
His words—and the knowing smile he wore—ignited both indignation and confusion in her. “That doesn’t make me the Luna,” she muttered, her voice laced with frustration. “I’m not his mate. I don’t think it’s appropriate, Benzy.”
“It’s completely appropriate,” he replied without hesitation. Then, with a teasing smirk, he added, “Unless…”
“Unless what?” she asked warily, biting her lip nervously. Her mind jumped to unpleasant possibilities—a cell, perhaps?
“Unless,” Benzy said, nudging her playfully, “you’d prefer I put you in the Alpha Suite?” He nodded toward the solid oak double doors they were passing on the right, his tone dripping with amusement.
Her head whipped around, and she stared at him in disbelief. “Why the hell would I be in there?” she gasped, horrified by the suggestion. “Like he’d want that,” she snapped. The memory of the last time she was in pack territory—when Luke’s anger had been directed at her—flooded her mind.
Benzy’s laughter only made her bristle further. “Oh, come on, Bella,” he teased, his grin widening. “It’s not like the two of you have never…” He left the sentence unfinished, knowing she would understand.
“That was a very long time ago,” Bella snapped, her tone sharp and defensive. “Before he hated me.”
Benzy’s grin grew even wider, and his amusement seemed to reach new heights. “Hmm,” he mused, his voice dripping with mischief. “I don’t think he hates you. I think the man would love nothing more than to punish you—in the fun way, if you know what I mean.” He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.
Bella’s cheeks flushed, and she glared at him. “You’re impossible,” she muttered, storming ahead, but her wolf huffed in her mind, not entirely disagreeing with Benzy’s playful insinuation.
Anger surged through Bella like a wildfire. “He can go shove it! If he thinks, after all that’s happened, I’ll crawl back into his bed, he’s in for a rude shock,” she spat through clenched teeth.
“Oh, I’m sure he’ll shove it somewhere—the first chance he gets,” Benzy quipped, laughter spilling from him. He was practically doubled over, finding his own joke far too amusing.
Her anger boiled over, her voice rising. “I know you think you’re being funny, but it’s not in the slightest bit funny to me, Benzy!” she yelled.
He straightened, clearing his throat as he worked to reign in his amusement. “Noted,” he said, nodding seriously. Then, with a teasing smirk, he added, “You know, you’re not as fun as you used to be.”
Her glare intensified. “Gee, I wonder why?” she snapped before storming off toward the staircase. The pack house was five stories high, and though she could take the elevator, she wanted to stomp down every single step, making her displeasure with Benzy’s remarks known.
Benzy trailed her, following her out of the pack house and into the snow. The scene outside made her pause. It was snowing heavily, more than a gentle flurry, and the blanket of white across the pack grounds made everything look magical. Bella had always loved how snow transformed the pack, making it feel serene and almost otherworldly.
Her eyes turned upward. “Are we expecting a snowstorm?” she asked, her tone soft with curiosity.
Benzy’s grin returned. “Looking to hide in a snow drift?” he teased.
