Bella’s youthful beauty often worked against her in ways she’d learned to weaponize. Those unfamiliar with her capabilities underestimated her, distracted by her stylish wardrobe and striking looks. Human men, in particular, were quick to let their guard down, and Bella used that to her advantage.
Ben, however, wasn’t a fan of her dress code—unless it served his agenda. During her press conference, he had fully supported her choice of attire, recognizing its potential to provoke. Once he discovered Luke was the father of her triplets, Ben had taken every opportunity to antagonize him. His whispered remarks, his hand resting intimately on Bella, and even the short skirt she’d worn—all were deliberate moves to push Luke’s buttons and expose his temper publicly. It was all calculated, a strategic game to paint him as volatile and dangerous.
When the situation demanded, Bella could switch gears and don a tailored suit—she owned plenty. Her wardrobe was dictated by her audience: the case she was working on, the opponents she faced, and the judge presiding. Today, however, she’d opted for something far from conservative. Her short white skirt hugged her curves perfectly before flaring out in pleats just four inches past her bottom. Sheer stockings and sleek black stilettos completed the look, paired with a black chiffon cowl-neck blouse that ended precisely where her skirt began. The ensemble left a hint of skin visible if she stretched, toeing the line between bold and professional.
Her long brown hair cascaded down her back in soft waves, reaching the base of her shoulder blades, with a simple comb pinning it away from the left side of her face. Her striking green eyes finally met Benzy’s, who had been watching her intently.
Benzy wasn’t used to seeing her like this. Back in the pack, her style had been far more understated. Unmated males could be overly eager, and Bella had no interest in drawing their attention, especially since her heart had belonged to just one wolf back then. She’d adhered to the pack’s dress norms—jeans, tights, or simple T-shirts—never anything provocative.
Even on her 18th birthday, the day she and her family had hoped she’d find her mate, her outfit had been elegant but modest: a knee-length, midnight blue silk dress that made her look refined, even regal. It had presented her as a proper young lady, not the bold, confident woman she had become.
Now, Bella dressed to kill—and she owned it. Living and working in the human world afforded her a freedom she’d never had in the pack. Here, no human could overpower her. She’d dealt with her fair share of sleazy men and had let Tyler, her wolf, handle them with ferocity, sending a few to the hospital as a reminder of her strength.
These days, she dressed for herself—to feel sexy, desirable, and vibrant. It wasn’t just about making an impression; it was about embracing the powerful, unapologetic woman she had become.
As Benzy and Macky rose to their feet, amusement flickered across their faces, genuine and shared. Bella could tell they’d been conversing through their mind-link—a skill she hadn’t tested with them in years. Six years was a long time, and for all she knew, the connection might no longer exist. Or perhaps, their amusement came from Matt’s earlier remark, which they likely found laughable. No human could pose a threat to either of them—not when their wolves could emerge at a moment’s notice. Not that they’d need their wolves’ help; both men were formidable even without their primal counterparts. Bella knew firsthand they were expertly trained in hand-to-hand combat, likely keeping up with daily drills back in the pack.
She straightened from her relaxed stance against the doorframe, brushing her hand slowly down her body as if removing invisible dust from her skirt. The motion was deliberate. Benzy’s eyes followed automatically, and Macky, catching the slip, reached out and smacked him on the back of the head—hard enough to earn a low growl. Both their eyes glazed over briefly, likely exchanging words in their link. When Benzy’s gaze refocused on her, Bella couldn’t help but laugh out loud, winking at him playfully.
Time to play, she thought, her lips curving into a sly smile. It had been ages since she’d teased either of them, and now, as a fully matured and un-mated wolf, she felt no restraints. She could flirt freely with whoever she pleased. Game on.
Benzy had always been a quiet observer, catching her attention with lingering stares she’d noticed since she turned 16 and awakened Tyler, her wolf. She’d caught him looking several times back then, though he’d always cleared his throat awkwardly and either turned away or made a quick exit. He’d never acted on his interest, likely sensing that her heart had been elsewhere—focused on their Alpha. Bella wondered if Benzy had known about her feelings for their leader and chosen to step aside because of them.
Waving both men into her office, Bella decided to escalate the game. As Benzy passed her, she made a deliberate misstep, “accidentally” bumping into him. Her hand landed on his hip as if to steady herself, while her other hand pressed against his firm chest. “Oops, so sorry,” she murmured, her voice sweet and apologetic.
Benzy froze instantly, his entire body going rigid as his stormy gray eyes locked on hers. Bella leaned back, letting her hand on his chest slide away slowly, deliberately. But the hand on his hip lingered just a moment longer, her fingers pressing into the sharp curve of his V-line beneath his shirt. She met his gaze, letting the moment stretch, her green eyes holding his with a playful, knowing sparkle.
Let’s see if you’re still the same Benzy, always holding back, she thought, her lips curving into an innocent smile that was anything but.
Bella caught the flicker in Benzy’s eyes, a slight darkening that told her he was still drawn to her, even if he wouldn’t admit it. Before the moment could linger, Macky, ever the spoil-sport, shoved Benzy roughly through the doorway, breaking the tension. As Bella followed them inside, she noticed Macky’s disapproving frown. His caramel-brown eyes were hard and fixed on her, almost as if issuing a silent warning. She only smiled inwardly at his reaction.
