Five Alphas Kneel for Me (Isabella) novel Chapter 7

My head throbbed and I felt a dull ache behind my eyes as I shifted towards Emily’s den.

Even through the door, I could hear the excited yaps and happy howls from within.

Jared shouldered past me, yanking the door open.

Four tall, muscled Alphas crowded around Emily’s bed, their presence making the spacious den feel cramped.

Emily, sensing my arrival, flinched, nearly knocking over Mason as he offered her healing herbs.

The joyful atmosphere evaporated, replaced by wary glares.

Every eye snapped to me, all suspicion–like I’d jump her right then and there.

Their excessive concern for Emily a stark contrast to my own experiences.

This den, once mine, had been the best

closest to my brothers‘ dens.

They showered me with affection, bringing me the finest meats and the most interesting trinkets.

“Isabella is our favorite little princess,” they’d howl with pride,“she deserves the best.”

I believed them then.

But since Emily’s near–fatal injury during the hunt, they claimed she needed this prime location to recover, relegating me to the guest

den.

That’s when I knew I was no longer their favored pup.

Emily greeted me with forced cheer, “Hi, sis. You’re here.”

But in my brothers‘ eyes, her smile held a hint of fear, a forced display of familial harmony.

My wolf snarled; their concern for Emily felt like a betrayal.

Once, I’d have done anything for them.

Now, Caleb was using this against me? My wolf howled in defiance.

After my transformation, I’m putting myself first.

These menial tasks? Let others tend to them.

“I don’t think this hunt is so vital,” I retorted.

“Isabella!” Caleb’s fury was palpable.

His wolf’s snarl echoed his anger.

“How did she become so defiant?”