Freya
I wrapped my arms around my daughter, her small body still trembling with emotion.
"It’s okay, don’t be angry..." I whispered, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead.
Though Isabella was still upset, I felt her tension ease slightly at my touch. But instead of calming down completely, her expression crumpled further, as if my affection had only intensified her feelings of betrayal.
Tears suddenly streamed down her face as she made a desperate demand. "Then... you... you can’t hug her anymore, and you can’t say she’s cute!"
Understanding dawned on me like the first rays of sunrise. Jealousy. Pure, primal jealousy. My little wolf was marking her territory.
Despite her declaration moments ago that she didn’t want me as her mother, she couldn’t bear seeing someone else receive my affection. The irony wasn’t lost on me - this same child who eagerly sought Aurora’s maternal attention was now fiercely guarding her claim on me.
I bit back the small smile threatening to form. This wasn’t the time for amusement, even if there was something sweetly possessive about her reaction.
Isabella seized the momentary distraction to forcefully push Amy out of my arms. The smaller girl stumbled back, her eyes wide but not tearful this time. Though young, Amy seemed to instinctively understand the complex dynamics at play. She cast a wary glance at Isabella’s fierce expression before taking another cautious step back.
I kept my hold on Isabella and spoke softly, choosing my words carefully. "Bella, Mommy knows you’re feeling cool right now, but everyone has different tastes. You like being cool and handsome, but some people also like being sweet and cute, like Amy."
My daughter’s intelligent eyes locked with mine as I continued, "You can’t say others are ugly or disgusting just because their tastes are different from yours. We should respect everyone’s preferences - do you understand what Mommy is saying?"
Most children her age might struggle with such concepts, but Isabella was different. She had alpha blood running through her veins, and with it came a natural understanding of leadership principles - including respect for others in the pack.
Isabella’s expression shifted subtly as she processed my words. The fury in her eyes dimmed, replaced by reluctant understanding. She knew she’d crossed a line. Selene sensed her acceptance before I did, calming inside me as Isabella’s wolf did the same.
"It’s okay to make mistakes," I said gently, wiping away her tears with my handkerchief, "as long as you correct them. But you can’t say those things about others again, alright?"
My continued tenderness seemed to finally break through her defensive walls. Isabella’s shoulders relaxed as she leaned into me, wrapping her arms around my neck. She nodded against my shoulder, her voice small but sincere. "Got it."
I kissed her cheek before turning to Amy, who stood watching us with cautious eyes. "Amy, this is Bella, my daughter. She knows she was wrong. Will you forgive her?"
Amy glanced between us, clearly still intimidated by Isabella but drawn to me. After a moment’s hesitation, she nodded, her voice soft but steady. "Mm, I will."

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