She could see it coming—they were going to guilt her into staying. Those big green eyes were going to wear her down. Even if she didn’t end up in his bed, she would be stuck in the Alpha suite. He had already mentioned she could have a room down the hall, though the thought of taking the Luna Suite crossed her mind. It was nearby, and perhaps it would give her a small sense of independence.
Not separating us from the pups, Bella, Tyler’s voice interrupted her thoughts firmly.
I can’t handle this yet, Tyler, Bella replied. How do I know you won’t just move my sleeping body into his bed?
Tyler chortled in her mind. I could do that even from the Luna Suite if I wanted to.
Bella sighed. This was a losing battle.
Yes, it is, Tyler said smugly. Give in quickly. I want to talk to my Mate.
When Luke told her they needed to talk later, she agreed. She had questions that needed answers, and keeping Tyler placated was a priority. Her wolf’s obsession with being Marked and Mated was relentless, and Bella knew it was largely because Tyler wanted to connect with Maddis fully. If actively working on the Bond helped prevent Tyler from taking control and dragging her to Luke’s bed, then Bella would cooperate—grudgingly.
The day dragged on, leaving Bella exhausted. Luke had eventually found Dani and left the triplets with her. Robyn had avoided her most of the day, though when he did approach, his expression carried guilt. He had asked to speak with her privately at some point, and Bella had simply shrugged and nodded. She had too much on her plate to deal with him right now.
Later, Bella found herself in Dani’s room on the first floor. They sat together, chatting while the triplets watched a movie. Dani seemed genuinely happy to be here, though she spent much of the conversation gushing about her morning with Robyn. Apparently, they had spent the day holding hands, and Dani had been a little embarrassed by the more uninhibited displays of affection she’d seen from other couples around the pack.
Bella listened absentmindedly as Dani prattled on, her voice soothing even if Bella wasn’t fully engaged. The exhaustion of the day caught up with her, and she didn’t even realize when she drifted off.
When she woke, it took her a moment to orient herself. Her eyes blinked a few times, and finally, a face came into focus.
Bella blinked a few times, her mother’s face slowly coming into focus. Vera stood over her, looking completely healed and out of the hospital.
“Mum, what time is it?” Bella mumbled groggily.
“Nearly seven, baby girl. Don’t you have dinner plans?”
Bella stared at her mother, confused, before groaning and rolling over to bury herself deeper into the blanket. “I’m too tired,” she muttered.
Her mother laughed. “Oh no, you don’t get to play that game. Dani here says you’ve been asleep for hours.”
“But I was awake all night. Tyler kept me up,” Bella grumbled. It was true—Tyler and Maddis had kept her awake, their energy from bonding almost impossible to contain.
Her mother poked her in the ribs. “Come on, get up. I brought you something to wear, and Dani offered to do your makeup.”
Bella groaned louder, pulling the blanket tighter around her. “I don’t wanna go,” she muttered.
“Yes, you do,” Vera said firmly. “You can’t ignore the man you’ve been in love with your whole life anymore.”
“WHAT?!” Dani’s voice rang out, clearly shocked by Vera’s statement.
Bella pulled the blanket over her head, trying to shut them out. She could feel the tugging as they worked to pull the covers away. “Yes, I can,” she said defiantly.
Her mother burst out laughing, finally yanking the blanket off of her. “Get your b**t up and into the shower, or you’ll be late.”
Bella sat up reluctantly, muttering under her breath. “What can he do if I’m late?” Technically, nothing—she was the future Luna, and no one could touch her.
Dani giggled from the side. “Robyn always threatens to s**k me if I’m naughty. Maybe you’ll get sucked too.” Then her tone softened. “Do you really love him? Luke?”
Bella sighed. “It’s complicated, Dani.”
“No, it’s not,” Dani countered. “You told me once you believe in love at first sight. He’s the one, isn’t he?”
Bella got up, eager to end the conversation. “Where’s the bathroom?” she mumbled, heading for the shower. Anything was better than this interrogation.
Thirty minutes later, Bella stood in front of the mirror, frowning.
The dress her mother had chosen was undeniably gorgeous: a soft pink lace overlay with a white underlay, fitted off the shoulders and hugging her curves down to her hips before flaring into a full skirt that swished when she walked. It fell to mid-thigh, which felt far too short for her liking. The whole ensemble was too sexy, especially considering Maddis had nearly marked her that morning. The faint love bite on her neck was a glaring reminder, and even Dani had commented on it while braiding her hair loosely, leaving a few tendrils to frame her face.
Bella had glared at her mother when Vera casually told Dani that Luke had given her the mark that morning. Dani had gasped, her eyes wide.
“He moves fast,” Dani giggled.
Vera, equally amused, had added, “Everyone here does. It’s kind of our thing.”
Dani had kept the makeup light and natural—soft pink lipstick to match the dress, with subtle highlights that enhanced Bella’s features. She wore small white pumps, a far cry from her preferred stilettos but likely more appropriate for this dinner.
“Mother,” Bella said, exasperated, “you do know this dinner is not a date, right?”
Vera and Dani exchanged a look before bursting into laughter.
“Goddess help me,” Bella muttered, shaking her head. “She’s been sucked in already.”
“Go have dinner. You do remember where the private dining room is?” Vera asked with a teasing smile.
