Estelle’s POV

Inside the hidden compartment, I found exactly what I was looking for. The research papers for Finn’s medication sat in a neat folder, alongside other documents I didn’t have time to examine.

My fingers traced the edges of the papers I’d spent months perfecting. Finn’s rare blood disorder required a specific combination of herbs and minerals. Without this formula, his condition would deteriorate rapidly.

I quickly folded the papers and tucked them into my jacket. Whatever Asher’s reasons for confiscating them, Finn didn’t deserve to suffer.

The office door handle turned. I slammed the drawer shut and stepped back just as Asher entered.

His eyes immediately went to my hands. “What are you taking?”

Before I could respond, he lunged forward and snatched the papers from my grip. The sudden movement sent a sharp jolt through my chest.

“Asher, wait—” I began.

But he wasn’t listening. His face twisted with anger as he unfolded the research notes. Without hesitation, he tore them in half. Then in half again.

I watched in stunned silence as months of painstaking work fluttered to the floor in pieces.

“I told you to stop wasting time on these hobbies,” he said coldly. “Your task is to help run this pack and take care of our son, not play scientist.”

The irony wasn’t lost on me. This was for Finn. But explaining that would require him to listen, and clearly he had no intention of doing so.

I said nothing. This was originally for his son anyway, not mine. I’d tried my best to help, but since he’d decided to sabotage himself, there was nothing more I could do.

The destroyed papers represented the only remaining copy of that formula. All my other research had been destroyed by Asher when he found out I had been experimenting.

Finn would have to make do with the basic medication from now on.

I turned and walked toward the door.

“Where are you going?” Asher called after me.

“Out,” I replied without looking back.

I’d barely made it halfway down the corridor when my phone rang. Jessie’s name flashed on the screen.

I frowned but answered. “Hello, Jessie.”

“Estelle,” her sharp voice cut through the line. “Ashley just returned from the hospital three days ago. The pups are demanding constant attention. You need to come over immediately.”

“I’m sorry, but I can’t—”

The line went dead.

I stared at the darkened screen. A command, not a request. Just like always.

Ever since I had started living in the Moonveil Pack, I’d endured Jessie’s treatment. Despite having a full household staff, I was expected to personally cook and clean for the family. Ashley would demand meals only from me, forcing daily deliveries even when she was perfectly capable of caring for herself during the course of her pregnancy.

For Asher’s sake, I’d endured it all.

But now, staring at my phone, something cold settled in my chest.

***

Third POV

Back in his office, Asher kicked the waste basket. Papers scattered across the floor as the metal bin clattered against the wall.

Something was wrong with Estelle. She wasn’t as easily controlled as before. The old Estelle would have apologized profusely and begged his forgiveness. This one had simply walked away.

The office door opened, and Hazel entered with Finn trailing behind her.

“What’s wrong?” Hazel asked, taking in the mess.

“Estelle is being difficult again,” Asher muttered, running his hands through his hair. “She was snooping through my desk, taking papers without permission.”

Hazel’s expression remained sympathetic, but internally she felt a surge of satisfaction. “What kind of papers?”

“Just some research nonsense she’s been obsessing over. I’ve told her repeatedly to focus on actual responsibilities, but she keeps wasting time on these hobbies.”

Finn tugged on Hazel’s sleeve. “Mama, my tummy hurts.”

Hazel knelt down and smoothed his blonde hair. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. I shouldn’t have let you have that ice cream earlier.”

Asher’s expression softened as he looked at his son. “Ice cream before lunch? What am I going to do with you two?”

His tone was playful, affectionate. The same warmth he used to show Estelle was now reserved entirely for Hazel and Finn.

“Don’t blame me,” Hazel laughed. “He has your sweet tooth.”

Asher pulled her close and kissed her forehead. She melted into his embrace, but her mind was already working.

“You know,” Asher said carefully, “maybe I should go apologize to Estelle. She has dedicated so much time to the pack. Having a few hobbies here and there wouldn’t hurt. I was too harsh—”

“No.” Hazel’s voice was firm as she pulled back to meet his eyes. “You’re about to become Alpha. An Alpha doesn’t apologize to anyone, especially not over something like this.”

“But—”

“She needs to learn her place.” Hazel’s fingers traced patterns on his chest. “You’ve been too lenient with her. She thinks she can do whatever she wants without consequences.”

Asher frowned. “What if she gets angry? We still need her to help run things until the transition is complete.”

Hazel laughed, the sound light and dismissive. “Estelle is obsessed with you. Her whole world revolves around you. She won’t stay angry for long.”

Asher nodded slowly. “You’re right. And honestly, she should be the one apologizing to me for going through my desk.”

Hazel smiled and kissed his cheek. “Exactly. You’re learning to think like an Alpha.”

***

Estelle’s POV

An hour later, my phone rang again. Jessie’s name appeared on the screen once more.

I let it ring twice before answering. “Hello.”

“Where the hell are you?” Jessie’s voice was sharp with irritation. “I told you to come over an hour ago.”

“I’m handling pack business,” I said calmly.

“Drop whatever you’re doing and get over here. Ashley needs help with the twins, and I’m too old to be chasing after screaming infants.”

“I won’t be coming,” I said simply.

Silence stretched across the line. Then Jessie’s voice exploded through the speaker.

“What did you just say to me?”

“I said I won’t be coming to help.”

“You ungrateful little witch!” Jessie shrieked. “Have you forgotten your place? You’re still my daughter-in-law, and I am the Luna of the Moonveil Pack, which means you follow my orders!”

I smiled, though she couldn’t see it. “Actually, according to pack law, during transition periods, authority transfers to the incoming Alpha and Luna. Previous leadership holds no official power.”

“How dare you—”

“I won’t be taking care of Ashley and the twins,” I continued smoothly. “If you need help so badly, I could ask Asher to pull some of our strongest warriors from border patrol. They’re big, strong men who would be happy to help around the house.”

The line went quiet. I could practically hear Jessie’s mind working, trying to figure out why I was suddenly standing up to her.

“You’ve lost your mind,” she finally spat.

“Have I?” I asked mildly. “I’m simply prioritizing pack security over personal convenience. Border patrol is crucial for protecting our territory. But if Ashley’s household needs are more important than our safety...”

“That’s not what I meant!”

“Then perhaps you should clarify exactly what kind of help you need,” I said sweetly. “I’ll make sure to send the appropriate personnel immediately.”