How To Lose Your Billionaire Alpha Husband In 365 Days (Or Less)!-Chapter 29: Human Among Wolves...

JASMINE’S POV

The pack house stood in front of me, like something from a dream or maybe a warning. It wasn’t just big; it was massive. It was more like a sprawling estate tucked deep in the woods, with the trees surrounding it as if to protect it.

Warm lights shone from windows across different sections of the building, creating soft golden spots in the gathering dusk.

We passed through tall iron gates guarded by men in black, their sharp eyes tracking our every move. Some wore jeans and jackets; others had tactical gear.

Patrols. Real ones. It wasn’t subtle. It wasn’t welcoming.

My hands curled tighter in my lap as we drove up the long driveway.

"They always like this?" I asked quietly.

Aiden glanced at me, one hand resting on the wheel. "It’s protocol. They don’t mean anything by it."

I gave him a skeptical look. "Sure doesn’t feel friendly."

He smiled faintly, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. "You’ll be fine, Jasmine."

"Define fine," I muttered under my breath.

When the car finally rolled to a stop at the front steps, I didn’t move right away.

I looked around, taking in the towering stone walls and the crest above the big double doors. In the background, I could hear laughter and music coming from inside. This place wasn’t just a house; it felt like a grand kingdom.

And I was walking straight into it without armour.

Aiden got out first and came around to open my door. "Ready?"

"Not even close," I admitted. But I slid out anyway, standing beside him as he guided me forward.

The doors opened before we got to them. Elena was standing in the entryway, looking tall and elegant in a fitted black dress. She had her arms crossed casually over her chest, and while her smile was polite, her eyes were anything but friendly—they felt icy blue.

"Alpha," she greeted Aiden smoothly, then turned to me. "Jasmine."

I ignored her acknowledgement and just kept a straight face.

"I see you decided to come pay us a visit." Her gaze swept over me, lingering a second too long. "Brave."

"Thanks," I said coolly. "I get that a lot."

Aiden placed a hand lightly on my back, steering me inside. Elena is the previous Beta’s daughter. She keeps things running while Kaiden and I are away."

"Among other things," Elena murmured.

I ignored the bait.

Inside, the house felt impressive without being flashy. It had strong features like stone, wood, and leather. There were trophies of animals I’d never seen before and thick carpets that made no noise as we walked.

People were chatting in small groups, pausing mid-conversation as we passed.

Some smiled, nodded and bowed at Aiden. Others watched me openly, their eyes curious... or cautious. A few didn’t bother hiding their frowns.

I caught snippets of whispered conversations as we passed.

"—that’s her? The human?"

"—can’t believe he brought her here—"

"—how’s she supposed to be Luna—"

Aiden’s hand pressed more firmly against my back. "Ignore them. I’ll deal with them in a bit."

"Oh, you don’t have to," I said lightly. But the truth was, their words wormed under my skin.

A tall man with salt-and-pepper hair approached, bowing slightly. "Alpha. Welcome home."

"Marcus," Aiden greeted. "This is Jasmine."

Marcus gave me a measured look. "You have my respect for coming here, ma’am."

"Thanks." I wasn’t sure if it was praise or a warning.

Elena stepped forward, linking her arm casually through mine before I could react. "Why don’t I show her around?" she suggested smoothly. "Give you a chance to catch up with the Council?"

Aiden hesitated. "I don’t think that’s a good idea."

"Of course," Elena purred. "We’ll be fine."

"There’s no better person than Elena. She knows this place like the back of her hand," Marcus chimed in, oblivious to the tension between us.

I opened my mouth to object, but Aiden caught my gaze and gave a small nod. "I won’t be long."

The moment he turned away, Elena’s grip on my arm tightened, guiding me down a side hall.

"You don’t have to drag me," I pointed out.

"Not dragging," she said sweetly. "Just making sure you don’t get lost."

"Uh-huh." I pulled my arm free. "I can walk."

She smiled. "Suit yourself."

We walked around the house, going through the sitting rooms, dining halls, and training yards. People observed us everywhere we went: some looked on with curiosity, while others displayed clear disdain.

Elena narrated in a calm, polished tone, pointing out landmarks, explaining traditions, and weaving casual comments that barely masked the sharpness beneath.

"This is the war room," she said, pausing at a heavy oak door. "Where real decisions get made. I doubt you’ll spend much time here."

"Pffftttt... you also follow orders," I replied evenly. "So..."

We passed the gardens. "We host the Moon Rituals here," she explained. "Of course, only wolves can participate fully. Might be awkward for you."

I stopped walking. "Elena."

She turned, lifting an innocent brow. "Yes?"

"Cut the crap."

Her smile widened, teeth flashing. "I’m just preparing you, Jasmine. It’s a different world. Not everyone’s eager to welcome a human Luna."

"I’m not here for their approval."

"No," she agreed softly. "You’re here for Aiden’s. But what happens when they force him to choose?"

I stiffened. "Is that a threat?"

"Not from me." Her gaze darkened. "But the pack... it’s not as simple as you think."

I held her stare. "Nothing about this is simple. But I’m not going anywhere."

"Mm." She stepped closer, lowering her voice until her breath brushed my ear. "They’ll never follow you. No matter what Aiden wants."

Her words were supposed to be sharp, but I didn’t flinch. I smiled instead.

"We’ll see."

Her eyes narrowed slightly. Then, from somewhere beyond the walls, a long, low howl echoed through the night.

Elena’s head snapped up, her smile vanishing.

Another howl followed. Then a chorus.

My heart thudded hard in my chest. "What’s happening?"

Elena’s expression sharpened. "Go back inside."