Chapter 174

Freya As I gathered my things to leave,my phone buzzed again. A text from Aurora: *Isabella left her medication at my house last night. I'll bring it to the office today.* Last night. Isabella had been at Aurora's house last night. The knowledge burned like silver against my skin. Of course Silvano would take our daughter there the moment I was gone. Of course Aurora would seize the opportunity to play mother to my child,to whisper stories of elven magic and ancient bloodlines in her ear. My wolf snarled,territorial rage surging through me. *Mine,* Selene growled. *Our pup. Our mate.* But were they? Truly? Or had I simply been keeping their places warm until someone more suitable—someone like Aurora,with her perfect breeding and her understanding of pack politics and her connection to the elven bloodlines—came along? I texted Beta Timothy back: *I'll be there. Preparing the counterproposal now.* Then,before I could change my mind,I texted Isabella: *Good morning,sweetheart. I hear Gran