Estelle’s POV

“Your name?” He looked confused. “But—”

“I thought you wanted to make it up to me,” I said, staring at him pointedly.

He studied my face for a long moment. I could see the wheels turning in his mind. He was probably worried I’d make a scene about Hazel if he pushed too hard.

“If that’s what you want,” he said finally. “Actually, I’ll send you the money directly. You can choose whichever one you like best.”

My phone buzzed a moment later with a bank notification. A substantial sum had been transferred to my account.

I stared at the numbers on my screen and laughed inwardly. This money was more than I’d seen in years.

Everything I owned came from Asher. But that didn’t mean he’d been generous. I lived like a servant in his house, raising his secret son while he played Alpha-in-training. Even when we were kids, I was always busying about washing and cleaning the pack house.

Some Omegas got paid for their services. I got told to be grateful for food and shelter.

Most of my clothes were hand-me-downs from pack members. Only after our mating ceremony did my wardrobe improve, and even then, barely.

When Hazel inevitably replaced me, I’d be left with nothing. This money was what I deserved for wasting so many years of my life.

“Stay here tonight,” Asher said, interrupting my thoughts. “Finn is here anyway. It’ll be easier.”

I nodded absently, still staring at my phone. “Fine.”

***

The next morning, the scent of bacon and fresh bread woke me. I followed the delicious smells downstairs to find Asher and Hazel in the kitchen together.

They were laughing, and Finn was even helping out by bringing them ingredients whenever they asked. The three of them were the very picture of domestic bliss.

Hazel’s hand rested on Asher’s arm as she whispered something in his ear. His face was bright with genuine happiness. More happiness than I’d seen from him in months.

The moment he spotted me, his expression shifted.

“Good morning, sweetheart!” He bounded over and kissed my cheek. “Look at this spread Hazel prepared for us. Isn’t she thoughtful?”

The kitchen island was covered with food. Pancakes, eggs, bacon, fresh fruit, and pastries. It was enough to feed half the pack.

This was nothing like the simple breakfasts Finn and I usually shared at home. Toast and cereal were our usual fare.

“You’re being too modest, Asher,” Hazel said with a bright smile. “You cooked most of this yourself.”

Of course he did. He’d prepared this feast for Hazel. To celebrate her first night in the pack house, no doubt.

Hazel caught my eye and smiled sweetly. “I hope you like everything, Luna. I wanted to make a good first impression.”

The subtle emphasis on ‘first’ wasn’t lost on me.

“It looks wonderful,” I said evenly, taking a seat at the table.

Finn was already eating, his small hands grabbing at everything within reach. The moment I reached for a piece of bacon, he lunged forward and snatched it away.

I tried for an apple next. Again, Finn’s hand shot out faster than mine.

“Finn, there’s plenty of food,” Asher said mildly.

But Finn ignored him completely. Every time I reached for something, he grabbed it first. His green eyes glared at me with pure hatred.

Finally, I managed to snag a pancake before he could reach it.

Finn’s face turned red with rage. He dropped his fork with a clatter and plunged both hands directly into the stack of remaining pancakes.

He squished them between his fingers, mashing them into an inedible mess. Syrup and batter oozed between his tiny fists and splattered everywhere on the table.

“Finn!” Asher gasped. “What are you doing?”

“I don’t want her to have any!” Finn screamed, tears streaming down his face.

The boy immediately ran to hide behind Hazel’s legs.

“Oh, sweetheart,” Hazel cooed, stroking his hair. “You’re just upset. It’s okay.”

White-hot fury blazed through my chest. Three years of this behavior. Three years of tantrums and disrespect while I tried to love a child who hated my existence. But even then, he had never done this before, and especially not while Asher was watching.

I stood abruptly and marched around the table.

“Come here, Finn,” I said coldly.

“No!” He pressed closer to Hazel.

I reached around Hazel and grabbed Finn’s arm firmly. “I said come here.”

“Let go!” he shrieked.

I pulled him away from Hazel and positioned him in front of me. My hand came down on his bottom in a sharp smack.

“You do not waste food!” I said firmly, delivering another smack. “And you do not throw tantrums!”

Finn burst into hysterical sobs.

Hazel immediately tried to grab him back. “Stop it! You’re being too harsh!”

I turned to face her, my voice ice-cold. “I am his mother. I am disciplining my child. An outsider should not interfere.”

Hazel’s eyes went wide with shock. “I’m not an outsider! I’m—”

“You’re what?” I challenged, staring directly into her green eyes. “What exactly are you to this family, Hazel?”

She opened and closed her mouth like a fish gasping for air.

“That’s enough, Estelle,” Asher said, coming forward to grab my hand. I was forced to release Finn’s arm. “He’s still a child.”

The moment I did, Finn dashed towards Hazel, sobbing genuinely this time. Hazel cooed and rubbed his back, trying to comfort him.

I shot Asher a glare. I had tried my best to be patient with Finn through the years, so much so that I had never resorted to physical punishments. This was the first time, and only because Finn had gone too far, even while his father was watching.

“It is exactly because he is an impressionable child that I have to be stricter with his upbringing.” I looked down at Finn, who was still sobbing. “I have been far too lenient with you for far too long. As your mother, I will be firm with your upbringing from now on.”

Then I turned on my heel and walked toward the door.

“Estelle, wait!” Asher called after me.