As we worked through the roast and dessert, Willow relaxed, telling her mother about the rescue I’d gifted her. That seemed to win me bonus points with Isabelle Sterling. While she barely touched dinner, Isabelle ate a heaping portion of pudding.
Placing my napkin on my plate, I stood, pressing a kiss to the top of Willow’s head.
“The gardens are breathtaking this time of year. I’d love to show you the flowers. My ma planted them before she passed.” Sadnessbrimmed in Isabelle’s eyes. “Would you honor me with your presence, Mrs. Sterling?”
A half-hearted growl fell from William’s lips, but faded as quickly as it came. Willow stiffened, and her scent turned almost acrid with fear.
“I think I can only handle a short one,” Isabelle murmured, taking extra time to stand. “But that sounds lovely.”
“Wonderful,” I said, tilting my chin in the shadows. Aidan and Liam emerged, William blanching at their approach. “My brothers can join Willow and William and get to know him better.”
Once Willow understood I wasn’t leaving her alone with him, the tightness in her limbs faded. Aidan and Liam plopped less than elegantly into the empty seats on either side of Willow.
“Hi, sis,” Liam said, pecking her on the cheek and glaring at William.
I joined Isabelle. The faint scent of peaches and freshly baked bread shifted, lined with the barest touch of fear. My alpha reacted, trying to ease the omega who was now my mother-in-law.
As we stepped out onto the lawn, I wrapped her arm around mine. A light breeze rustled through the treetops, carrying the scent of honeysuckle with it. We strolled down the cobblestone path, my pace adjusting to match hers.
A subtle tremor twitched Isabelle’s fingers as she caressed the flower on a nearby hedge.
“You take care of her,” Isabelle said, patting my forearm.
“On my honor, ma’am,” I said, plucking the rose and tucking it into Isabelle’s hair.
We reached a secluded bench nestled beneath a willow tree. This had been my ma’s favorite place. On her last day, she sat out here for hours with my da. Ma always said willow trees represented resilience and rebirth. Told me they gave her hope.
My Willow was all those things. Strong. Tenacious. Unyielding. I watched her grow in the last few weeks, blooming into the fearless omega she had always been. My gaze landed on Isabelle, and it was easy to see where Willow had gotten her strength from.
Isabelle swayed but didn’t falter.
I gestured for her to sit, and she looked thankful for theopportunity to rest.
“Isabelle,” I began, my quiet voice laced with a serious undertone. Her eyes narrowed, a flicker of apprehension in their depths. “I’d like to help you.”
“I’m fine, Kaelen.”
“No, you’re not. You’re an omega, but your scent is barely visible, and Willow told me the doctors continue to downplay what’s happening with you.”
Her gaze dropped to her entwined fingers on her lap.
“Nothing to worry about. Getting old.”
The shaky break in her tone told me she didn’t even believe what she said.
“You’re not old,” I said, leaning forward. “Something orsomeoneis making you sick, Isabelle. I can help you. I have a private physician who has agreed to investigate your results, but he needs a blood sample from you first.”
Every muscle in her body went rigid, and she refused to look at me.
“I-I can’t. William wouldn’t allow it. His campaign, and I…”
“Shhh,” I whispered, rubbing her arm. “You don’t have to go anywhere, and William will never know. I have a nurse here who can take it right now, and all he will know is that you and I went for a stroll in the gardens where you threatened me if I hurt your little girl.”
A hollow laugh made her cough, and she finally looked up at me.
“You really think you can help?”
Hope illuminated her tired words. I took her small, delicate hands in mine, surprised by how cold they were.
