Five Alphas Kneel for Me (Isabella) novel Chapter 512

The private pack airfield.

I stood at the exit of the terminal’s lunar lounge, my gaze locked on the frosted glass door. My wolf was pacing restlessly behind my ribs, her claws lightly scratching at my consciousness in anticipation.

Grayson stood beside me. He didn’t say anything, his Alpha presence a grounding force. He simply reached out and enveloped my cool fingertips in his palm.

His hand was dry and warm, and a steady, dominant strength flowed through our intertwined skin, the heat of his blood gradually smoothing out the anxiety knotting in my chest. My wolf let out a soft, appreciative purr, settling her head on her paws at the touch of our fated scent.

Finally, the door slid open to either side.

A slender man, his back ramrod straight despite his age, walked out, leaning on the arm of a young he–wolf.

His hair was white and meticulously combed. Time had etched deep lines into his face–marks of many winters and full moons–but his eyes were still sharp and bright, holding the wisdom and authority of a lifetime leading the Grant lineage.

The sight of him, my grandfather and the Elder Alpha, made my scent glands ache and my nose immediately sting.

I released Grayson’s hand and hurried forward.

Grandpa.”

Grandpa Grant’s steps faltered.

He lifted his head, his gaze sweeping over the crowd until it landed, unerringly, on my face.

n that moment, the sharp edges of the old Alpha’s gaze melted away, replaced by a profound wave of grief and longing that seemed to threaten to consume him. I felt his aura ripple, a wave of ancient, sorrowful energy that made the air vibrate.

His gaze swept over me, lingering on my dark, flowing hair, my clear eyes, the delicate curve of my nose, and the stubborn set of my lips when they were pressed together.

The resemblance was startling.

was almost a mirror image of his deceased she–wolf daughter, Sunny.

The old man’s hands began to tremble uncontrollably, his knuckles turning white as he gripped his cane–carved from ancient weirwood–tighter. Evan, who stood beside him, seemed to sense his grandfather’s sudden emotional upheaval. He leaned in, murmuring softly.

Grandpa.”

But Grandpa Grant ignored him. He brushed Evan’s hand away, taking shaky but incredibly determined steps directly toward me.

He reached out a wrinkled hand, as if to cup my face, but stopped mid–air, his fingers hovering, as if he feared I was nothing more than a fragile illusion brought on by the moon’s trickery.

His lips parted, silently forming the name “Sunny,” before he finally spoke.

‘Isabella.”

“Grandpa, it’s me.”

My eyes were stinging. “I’m back.”

In my past life, I hadn’t gotten to say goodbye before the blood bond was severed. The chance to see him again, now, overwhelmed me

He watched me standing there, and a mist quickly welled up in his cloudy eyes.

“Oh, Isabella, my girl,” he choked out. “You’re home! You’re finally home! You’ll stay here, with the Grant Pack. You’re not going anywhere ever again!”

He gripped my hand tightly, and it was a long moment before his trembling subsided, his breathing evening out.

Then, his gaze shifted, landing on Grayson, who was still standing behind me.

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Grayson stood tall and poised, his Alpha demeanor exuding an undeniable dignity that set him apart.

He had remained quietly by my side, a silent presence, not interrupting this poignant reunion.

Yet, he was right there, behind me, a silent, protective presence. His wolf was alert, his scent projecting a territorial shield around me.

Grandfather Grant’s gaze sharpened, taking him in, assessing the strength of the male who claimed to be my mate.

Grayson, however, met his stare without flinching, his tall frame exuding an almost palpable strength.

He gave a slight nod.

‘Hello, Grandfather,” he said.

I watched as the sharp scrutiny in Grandfather Grant’s eyes gradually softened, replaced by a subtle, almost imperceptible hint of approval for this Jowerful Alpha.

Mersi

He must have known Grayson. Everyone in the various territories did. Grayson was a household name, not just on our Howlnet, but his exploits often nade international pack bulletins.

Young, incredibly accomplished, and famously kept his nose clean of pack scandals.

More importantly, the way he looked at me–with such undisguised tenderness and a possessive edge–I knew, deep down, it wasn’t an act. My wolf eaned into his scent, confirming the truth of his pheromones.

He truly cherished me.

So, you’re Isabella’s mate?” Mr. Grant finally asked.

Yes.”

Mr. Grant nodded heavily, a gesture that, to me, conveyed his absolute approval.

ust then, another voice cut in.

Dad.”

Carson stepped forward, Wendy and Lola right behind him.

ola’s face stretched into her sweetest, most innocent smile, and she practically cozied up to Old Master Grant.

Grandpa! You’re back! Lola missed you so much!”

Her voice was syrupy sweet, tinged with a deliberate, ingratiating tone that made my wolf’s upper lip curl in a silent snarl.

Old Master Grant looked over at the sound, his gaze lingering for a second on Lola’s meticulously made–up face.

could tell he remembered Lola.

Oh, it’s Lola.

recalled how Wendy used to visit the Grant family territory so often. She was always so sweet–talkative, knowing exactly how to charm everyone.

Since the Grant family didn’t have any she–wolf pups, Grandpa Grant had always been quite fond of her.

I knew he was aware that Wendy had taken Lola in as her pup.

I could sense his disapproval of the whole thing. But since it was his son’s pack matter, he hadn’t said much

I noticed his demeanor toward Lola was incredibly distant, a complete turnaround from the warm excitement he’d shown me earlier.

Lola’s smile faltered for a brief moment, only to snap back into place almost instantly

I heard her say, ‘Grandpa, Brother,‘ as she turned to Evan, her greeting a picture of sweet deference.

Evan’s expression was as indifferent as ever. I could almost hear his unspoken thoughts: Just another she–wolf. Mom wants her to marry well into strong pack, so a bigger dowry isn’t a big deal.

And since she’s Mom’s niece, a little looking after wouldn’t hurt.

We all piled into the vehicles–rugged, pack–modified haulers built for the forest terrain–heading back to the Grant family mansion,

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At the long dining table for lunch, Grandpa Grant took the head of the table, the Alpha’s seat. I sat to his left, with Grayson beside me.

Carson’s family occupied the seats on Grandpa Grant’s right.

Lola was supposed to be seated at the very end according to rank, but instead, I watched as she took the seat across from Evan, right next to Grayson.

Grandpa Grant hadn’t been thrilled about recognizing Lola as a Grant family pup to begin with, and now, I could practically feel his displeasure deepen.

Lola must have sensed his disapproval, because she quickly tried to smooth things over. “I wanted to sit across from Evan,” she chirped.

This table is terrible,” Wendy chimed in. “Lola’s stuck at the end; it’s so hard for her to reach anything. We should really go back to our usual big, round

able.”

Her words seemed to dissipate some of the lingering tension.

Grandpa Grant watched me with a gentle smile, occasionally placing a piece of my favorite dish onto my plate. The affection in his eyes was so

rofound, it threatened to spill over.

After lunch, the staff brought out tea and pastries.

Grandpa Grant took a sip of his tea, then abruptly set his cup down, turning his gaze toward Grayson.

Grayson,” he said, “I need you to come to my study for a moment.”

Grayson set his teacup down, giving me a quick, reassuring glance before rising to follow Grandpa Grant. His wolf brushed against mine in a brief, elepathic reassurance.

The heavy stone study door slowly swung shut behind them, cutting off all sound from the living room.

Wendy’s gaze immediately latched onto the closed door.

fer hand, still holding her teacup, tightened almost imperceptibly. A flicker of tension and calculation crossed her eyes. The bitter scent of her envy egan to leak into the room.

I made me wonder what Grandpa wanted with Grayson, calling him into his study alone, just the two of them.

wondered if she was contemplating some secret offer to him.

Territory rights from the Grant family’s lands? Pack shares? Or some priceless ancient relic?

The mere thought of what was rightfully ours, the Grant family’s legacy, potentially falling into the hands of an outsider–I could almost feel Wendy’s tomach knot with a visceral dread.

der jaw tightened, a silent, absolute ‘No. Absolutely not!‘ screamed through her rigid stance, palpable in the tension radiating from her.

ust as I watched her visibly brace herself, ready to invent an excuse to pry, Carson, who had been silent beside her, spoke, his voice cutting through the juiet, utterly cold.

fis voice was low, barely above a whisper, yet it was laced with a chilling Alpha anger that went straight to my gut.

What’s with that look

My heart lurched. I spun my head around, only to lock eyes with the male’s profoundly disappointed stare.

‘T… I’m fine,” I stammered, my gaze flicking away, laced with a guilt I couldn’t hide

What?”

Carson’s

you?”

eyes

narrowed, a cold displeasure settling in them “What do you think Dad’s up to? Scheming over every last cent of the pack estate, just like

I’m not!” Wendy shot back.

“You’re staring at that door like ‘suspicion‘ is practically plastered across your face!

I watched Carson, his gaze fixed on Wendy, and a cold dread settled in my stomach. The way he looked at her… it was as if he was seeing a stranger. someone he barely knew, and the disappointment radiating from him was palpable.

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Meru

Wendy, let me tell you, even if Dad were giving things away, it would be for Isabella! It’s not your place to stand here guarding against him like he’s a

hief!”

He paused, his voice tinged with a weary pain that made my heart ache.

What do you think Dad called Grayson in for?”

It’s because of Gavin! Because of the pain my biological father caused me! Dad is scared, scared I’ll be deceived again, scared I’ll get hurt by another nale! He wants to personally test Grayson’s character, to vet him for me!”

So that’s what it was. I watched as Wendy’s tense posture slowly relaxed, a silent understanding passing between them that I was only now grasping.

All she cared about was that Grayson wasn’t getting any pack wealth.

saw the tension visibly drain from her, her shoulders finally settling. My wolf snorted at her pettiness, turning back to the door where my Alpha was roving his worth.