Chapter 26: Chapter 26 Crossing Pack Borders

Bella’s POV

Dawn was breaking when we finally reached our destination.

The endless hours of driving through the night had left my children curled up in their seats, exhausted from the journey.

I had refused to make any stops in the dangerous rogue territories we passed through, pushing forward despite my fatigue because their safety mattered more than my comfort.

The moment our vehicle crossed the pack border, my pulse quickened with nervous energy, though I kept my expression neutral for my kids’ sake.

"Mommy, will we stay with grandma and grandpa?" Tara’s sleepy voice broke the silence, and I drew in a steadying breath before answering.

"No, sweetheart. We’ll be at a hotel," I responded, catching Hugo’s sharp glance in my direction through the rearview mirror.

"But why not?" he challenged, his tone carrying an edge that made my jaw tighten.

"Because that’s my choice," I shot back quietly, mindful of my children absorbed in their tablet screens.

"Your parents want to see you, and these kids keep asking about their grandparents. Yet you’re being stubborn about it. What’s really going on?" Hugo pressed further, causing my hands to ball into fists.

"I explained this to you already," I replied through gritted teeth, struggling to maintain my composure.

"Right, you mentioned something about them wanting you to terminate the pregnancy," he said dismissively, prompting me to shake my head firmly.

"No, they weren’t just suggesting termination," I corrected him, watching as he shifted to face me fully. "They were planning to physically force a miscarriage by throwing me down the stairs."

The words hung heavy between us as I studied his reaction, since he seemed so determined to understand my reasoning.

"Maybe you’re misremembering things. Could you have misinterpreted their intentions?" he suggested, straightening in his seat.

His response left me speechless with disbelief. A stranger might struggle to accept such cruelty from parents, which would be understandable.

But Hugo wasn’t a stranger to my history.

He had witnessed enough of my family dynamics to know better, making his skepticism feel like a betrayal.

"I’m not going to defend my decision to you, Hugo. And I’m definitely not staying under their roof," I declared firmly, turning away from his questioning gaze.

This time when I crossed my arms, my entire body radiated tension and frustration.

Part of me wanted to tear open my chest and show him the scars left by years of their abuse and everyone else’s indifference.

Our arrival interrupted my dark thoughts.

Alpha Jack waited at the pack house entrance, having been notified of our expected arrival time, and from what I’d been told, he was eager for this reunion.

I remembered him from years past when he barely acknowledged my existence, treating me with the same cold indifference he showed most omegas, though he never participated in the active bullying I endured from others.

He simply ignored me, too busy chasing after popular girls and enjoying his privileged status.

Stepping from the vehicle, I watched Alpha Jack approach with confident strides.

He looked impressive now, dressed in an expensive charcoal suit that highlighted his improved physique, surrounded by pack warriors holding elaborate flower arrangements.

"Bella Vance," he greeted warmly, recognition lighting his features. "I never imagined such an extraordinary woman would emerge from our pack."

His wolf was responding positively to my presence, unlike the hostile reception I’d received from former friends who seemed bitter about my return.

At least he appeared genuinely pleased to see me rather than resentful.

"Alpha Jack. You’re looking well," I replied politely, accepting the beautiful bouquet he offered.

"Better than ever, actually. What do you think of the transformation?" he asked playfully, spreading his arms to display his improved appearance.

I had to acknowledge that he’d developed considerable confidence and charm over the years.

Like so many others who had overlooked me in the past, his sudden attention coincided perfectly with my physical transformation.

"I see you brought your children along. I wasn’t aware you’d gotten married," Jack continued flirtatiously, smiling warmly as my kids stepped forward with shy introductions.

During their exchange, Hugo moved closer to my side with deliberate casualness.

"Remember you’re a married woman. Don’t encourage unwanted attention."

His quiet warning came without giving me any opportunity to respond before he walked ahead to greet Jack personally.

The comment irritated me deeply.

He had no authority to dictate my behavior or interactions, but I swallowed my anger and remained silent to avoid creating a scene.

We were escorted to the luxury hotel suite that would serve as my temporary residence, with Hugo’s room conveniently located directly adjacent to mine.

Given the late hour and my children’s obvious exhaustion, I declined Alpha Jack’s dinner invitation at his mansion. 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

My kids needed quiet time to decompress from our lengthy journey.

After settling them in the suite with room service dinner and getting them ready for bed, I indulged in a long, hot shower before wrapping myself in the plush hotel bathrobe.

With a glass of wine in hand, I settled into the comfortable armchair facing the panoramic window, letting my mind drift backward through time.

The memory surfaced unbidden of afternoons spent beneath the magnificent purple-leafed tree where Hugo and I used to share our secret picnics.

Those autumn leaves would dance around us in every shade of violet and lavender, creating our own private world away from pack politics and social hierarchies.

"Tell me the truth this time," Hugo had insisted during one particular afternoon, his sandwich forgotten as he focused entirely on me.

He always initiated these spontaneous outings, appearing at my door with picnic supplies and leading me to our special clearing in the woods where we’d spend hours reading and talking.

"I don’t understand what you’re asking," I’d deflected nervously, concentrating on my food to avoid his penetrating gaze.

Despite being only a year my senior, Hugo always seemed much older and more mature, his impressive height and muscular build making me feel tiny and vulnerable beside him.

"Do you have romantic feelings for anyone?" he’d pressed with characteristic persistence.

"I’m not sure," I’d answered with characteristic shyness.

"Well, I hope not, because your friend is extremely protective and possessive where you’re concerned. Any potential romantic interest would need my approval first," he’d declared with feigned lightness.

I’d laughed at the time, thinking his words were merely playful teasing.

The memory faded as I sipped my wine, but his earlier comment about flirting with Jack suddenly connected to that long-ago conversation, revealing a pattern of possessive behavior I’d previously dismissed as friendship.

My phone’s notification sound interrupted my contemplation, and I saw Hugo’s message displayed on the screen.

Hugo: If you’re awake and available, we should discuss your condition.

I stared at his text momentarily before typing my response.

Me: Alright. You can come to my room.

I had barely sent the message and risen from my chair when the door’s electronic lock beeped with the sound of a keycard being swiped.

The mechanism clicked open and Hugo entered without warning.

Time seemed suspended as I stood frozen with my hand reaching toward the dress hanging nearby, my bathrobe having loosened slightly during my movement, while his eyes locked with mine in stunned silence.