Estelle’s POV

"You insolent little—" Jessie’s voice cracked with fury through the phone.

"I’m sorry, but I have pack duties to attend to," I said calmly. "If there’s a genuine emergency requiring immediate assistance, please contact the pack’s emergency services. Otherwise, I’m sure the household staff can handle things."

"Don’t you dare hang up on me!"

But I already had.

I slipped my phone into my pocket and continued walking down the main street. The afternoon sun cast long shadows between the shops, and pack members nodded respectfully as I passed.

A flash of blonde hair caught my attention. Across the street, Ashley emerged from the boutique with her arms full of shopping bags. Her makeup was flawless, her outfit pristine. She moved with the confident stride of someone in perfect health.

I paused mid-step. According to Jessie, Ashley was still recovering from a difficult birth just three days ago. Too weak to care for her own children. Too fragile to handle basic household tasks.

Yet here she was, shopping without a care in the world.

Ashley spotted me and waved enthusiastically. "Estelle! What perfect timing!"

She crossed the street with surprising energy for someone supposedly bedridden. Her heels clicked against the pavement as she approached, shopping bags swinging with each step.

"I was just thinking about you," Ashley said, her smile wide but not reaching her eyes. "I’m so glad to know you’ll be taking care of me during my recovery."

"Taking care of you?" I repeated.

"Well, yes." Ashley adjusted her grip on the bags. "Nigel just got promoted to Gamma, you know. He’s been so busy with his new responsibilities. And with the twins being so demanding..." She sighed dramatically. "It’s exhausting being a new mother."

I glanced at her designer handbag, then at the luxury boutique she’d just exited. "You seem to be managing well enough."

"Oh, this?" Ashley laughed, lifting one of her bags. "The doctor said I needed fresh air and light exercise. Shopping therapy, you know? It’s supposed to help with my mood."

The shamelessness was breathtaking. Even after all these years of witnessing their behavior, their capacity for lies still amazed me.

"Actually," I said, "I should clarify something. I won’t be coming over to help with your household."

Ashley’s smile faltered slightly. "But Mom said—"

"If you need assistance," I continued smoothly, "I’d be happy to inform Asher and Nigel. I’m sure they’d want to know about any difficulties you’re experiencing."

Something shifted in Ashley’s expression. Her eyes narrowed as she processed my words.

"Though," I added thoughtfully, "with Nigel being newly promoted to Gamma, it might not be wise for him to request special accommodations so early in his tenure. First impressions are crucial in leadership positions."

Nigel was Ashley’s mate, a son of a fairly influential family in the Moonveil Pack. However, his family still wasn’t influential enough for the position of pack Gamma to immediately fall into his hands. Asher had heavily recommended Nigel to take on the role of Gamma.

Ashley’s grip tightened on her shopping bags. "What exactly are you implying?"

"I’m not implying anything," I said innocently. "I’m simply noting that new leaders need to demonstrate their reliability and commitment. Taking time off for personal matters might send the wrong message."

The color drained from Ashley’s face as she realized what I was really saying. As the acting-Luna who also took on Beta duties until recently, a lot of Nigel’s work went through me. If I were to say anything, her husband’s career could suffer, even with Asher protecting them. The rest of the pack wouldn’t appreciate a Gamma who would risk the pack’s safety and wellbeing for small household non-issues.

"You wouldn’t dare," she whispered.

"I wouldn’t need to," I replied. "I’m sure Nigel is perfectly capable of balancing his responsibilities. Unless, of course, there are problems at home that require his immediate attention?"

Ashley’s jaw clenched. "You’re threatening me."

"I’m offering to help," I said with mock sincerity. "Isn’t that what family does? Support each other during difficult times?"

"You manipulative—" Ashley caught herself, glancing around at the pack members within earshot. She forced her voice back to a pleasant tone. "You’ve always been so concerned about everyone’s wellbeing, Estelle."

"I do care about this pack," I agreed. "Every member’s contribution matters, especially our leadership. We need everyone performing at their best."

Ashley stepped closer, her voice dropping to a harsh whisper. "I know what you’re doing. You’ve always been jealous of what I have. A loving mate, beautiful children, a secure position in the pack."

"Have I?" I asked mildly.

"You think I don’t know?" Ashley’s composure was cracking. "The way you look at Nigel during pack meetings. The way you always find excuses to work late when he’s around."

I raised an eyebrow. "Are you accusing me of something specific?"

"I’m not blind," Ashley hissed. "You’ve been trying to seduce my husband since the day he became Gamma."

The accusation was so absurd it almost made me laugh. Nigel was competent but unremarkable. The idea that I would risk anything for him was ridiculous, especially when Asher was my mate, even if only in name.

But Ashley’s paranoia gave me an opportunity.

"Nigel is certainly dedicated to his work," I said carefully. "We’ve had several late-night strategy sessions recently. He’s very... thorough in his approach."

Ashley’s eyes widened. "What kind of sessions?"

"Pack business," I said, letting a slight smile play at my lips. "Border security requires extensive planning. We often work very closely together."

It was completely innocent. Nigel and I had indeed worked late on security protocols, along with three other pack officials. But Ashley didn’t need to know that. If she thought I would cheat on the Alpha for a mere Gamma, Ashley was stupider than I thought.

"You stay away from my mate," Ashley snarled, abandoning all pretense of civility.

"I’m simply doing my job," I replied. "If you have concerns about your husband’s professional obligations, perhaps you should discuss them with him directly."

I turned and walked away, leaving Ashley standing on the sidewalk with her shopping bags and her fury.

Behind me, I heard her phone ring. No doubt calling Nigel immediately.

Perfect.