Chapter 44

Osborne “Hey, I’ll take care of it,” I said, but those weren’t the words she wanted to hear. “I said, where is she?” Aina repeated, her voice sharper this time. I’d only heard that Bella had gone out earlier and come back, but I didn’t know what she’d done. Damn, I hadn’t even watched the videos yet. Aina stood and moved towards me, no, she moved straight for the door. “We were shocked when her sister-in-law called and we checked the news,” my mother explained. I gave a short nod, and she offered me a small smile. “I’ll go speak with your father about it. As for Bella, she’ll be leaving this pack immediately.” But first, I had to try to calm Aina — and goddess help me if I even could. I hurried after her, calling her name. “Aina, please, let me handle it.” But she didn’t stop. She only paused when we came across a maid. The girl flinched the moment she saw Aina and, without being asked, stammered, “I’ll take you to Mistress Bella.” Fuck. That meant everyone had seen the video by now. “You will do no such thing,” I commanded the maid. Aina turned on me, and the look in her eyes made even me flinch. Veins pulsed along her temple, her whole face tight with fury, chaos barely contained. “Get out of my way, Osborne,” she said at last. “You can’t take her and her guards together. Please, calm down and let me handle it.” which was right, the guards wouldn’t even let her near the door. “Do I look like I care?” she snapped. I caught her arm gently but firmly. “No, you don’t,” I admitted, “but listen—I’ll advise you to take it easy. We’ll go to your mother and apologize for what Bella did, but stooping to her level? We won’t do that. I’ll handle this thoroughly, so please, calm down.” We couldn’t afford to treat this situation rashly. Damn it, if it had been my own mother, I would’ve lost control too. But we had to be cautious—this wasn’t just about anger, it was about consequences. And since Bella was my father’s guest, striking her wouldn’t be right. It was up to him to deliver punishment… though goddess help me, if he didn’t, I might do it myself. Slowly, I felt her tension ease, her wolf retreating into the background. But a part of me wondered if I’d just missed the chance to finally see her wolf surface and unleashed. I pulled her into my arms and held her tightly. The maid quickly bowed her head and slipped away. “I swear, Osborne, if it wasn’t for you—” she began. “I know,” I murmured, pressing a kiss to her forehead. This was going to be a long day, all thanks to Bella. Owen I had already seen the video before my wife came in. When I first heard what happened, I was stunned, because the Aria I know is one of the strongest women I’ve ever faced in a fight. Someone like Bella shouldn’t have been able to touch her hair—not unless she went with guards. But watching that clip of Aria running out with blood on her cheek told me all I needed to know. Bella had crossed the line. Earlier this morning, I’d spoken with Bella. I told her how sorry I was for how things turned out, but I couldn’t make anyone accept a mate they didn’t want. She had been upset, but going after Aina’s mother? That was too much. Even Hamilton wouldn’t be able to defend her this time—or at least, I hoped not. Once, the four of us had been close. Things changed, and distance grew between us, though Hamilton saving me from those rogues had mended some of the old cracks. But this… what his daughter did… was unforgivable. What Bella didn't know with the mess she caused was that Aria was a strategist she'll use anything for her advantage. Olivia came in then, and I could tell she had seen it too. “Did you watch the video?” she asked. I nodded. “I’ve already summoned for her.” “Good,” she replied. “Because Aina was furious. I never thought someone as sweet as her could make my skin crawl like that.” “It did?” I asked, surprised. Olivia nodded again. “What punishment do you think fits, Olivia? Should I drive her out of my pack or do something else?” I asked. She looked thoughtful before answering. “If you don’t act, Osborne will. A public apology would be the worst punishment for Bella—her pride won’t stomach it.” She was right, but I knew an apology wouldn’t be enough. No one entered my pack and hurt one of mine, especially not my son’s mother-in-law—and got away with it. Just then, a knock came at the door. “Come in,” I called. Olivia was already standing by my side when Bella walked in. The expression on her face told me she had seen the video. “I believe you know why I summoned you here,” I said. She fiddled with her fingers, avoiding my eyes. Clearly, she couldn’t bring herself to meet them. “I know what I did was wrong,” Bella muttered, “but she crossed the line first.” The nerve of her words made me rise to my feet. Bella flinched instantly, and the sharpness in my gaze must have told her I wasn’t in the mood for games. “You barged into a woman’s home and slapped her,” I thundered, “and you dare say she crossed the line? Who do you think you are, coming into my pack and acting like you own it?” Her eyes glistened with tears, but I wasn’t moved. “You’re lucky I hold your father in high regard,” I said coldly. “Otherwise, this would’ve turned into war between our packs. You will go to her house, with cameras present and you will apologize.” Her head snapped up, defiance blazing in her eyes. “I’ll do no such thing.” Just as Olivia had said, her pride was her downfall. This punishment fit her perfectly. “If you refuse, Bella,” I warned, voice firm as steel, “then my pack will cut all ties with yours. Do you understand?” But she didn’t budge. “Clearly,” she sneered, “our packs already have nothing to do with each other. Your son chose another over me.” I clenched my teeth, my temper rising. “Now I understand why my son never chose you. I can’t believe I almost made the mistake of pushing him toward you.” This time, the tears she held back spilled freely. She straightened, her voice shaking but sharp. “Very well, Alpha Owen. Then this is the end of the road for both of our packs.” As if it was her place to decide, just then the door flung open and Osborne stepped in, when his gaze fell on Bella he said “are you still here?".