Jealousy Alpha's Regret novel Chapter 134

Chapter 134

Iris’s POV

I sank deeper into my sofa, the cushions molding perfectly around me

as I popped another grape into my mouth. My laptop perched on my

knees displayed some Netflix series I’d been half–watching for the

past hour. The characters were arguing about something dramatic,

but honestly, I couldn’t focus enough to care.

“This feels weird,” I muttered to myself, reaching for another grape.

“Having even a few days of downtime before jumping into another

challenge.”

For the first time in months, I had a small window of breathing room.

The New Moon Design Spring Competition wouldn’t start for a couple

weeks, giving me a rare chance to decompress after the graduation

project madness and all the drama with Megan and Crescent Design.

I stretched my arms above my head, feeling my spine pop pleasantly.

“God, I’d almost forgotten what it feels like to just exist without

someone immediately expecting something from me.”

The events of the past weeks played through my mind like a highlight

reel: exposing Megan’s design theft, winning the competition as Aurora, leaving Crescent Design, completing my university degree.

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Each memory brought a small smile to my face. I’d stood up for

myself at every turn, and now I could at least breathe for a moment

before facing Miles at the upcoming competition.

My phone buzzed on the coffee table, interrupting my relaxation. I

glanced at the screen and saw Rachel’s name flashing. A grin spread

across my face as I answered.

“Well, look who remembered I exist,” I teased, pausing the show.

“Bitch, please,” Rachel laughed through the speaker. “You’re the one

who’s been MIA since your big designer showdown. How’s the

infamous Aurora enjoying her short break before the next battle?”

I snorted. “I was literally just sitting here thinking how weird it feels to have even a few days without running around like a headless

chicken.”

“That’s exactly why I’m calling!” Her voice took on that excited tone she always got when she had an idea. “Remember when we talked about taking a trip together? I know you’ve got that New Moon consultant gig coming up, but you’ve still got like two weeks before

that starts, right?”

My eyebrows shot up. The conversation came back to me–we’d made plans months ago, before everything with Sebastien and the divorce

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had consumed my life.

“I actually do need a break before I dive into the competition prep,” I

admitted, running a hand through my hair. “It would be good to clear

my head before I have to face Miles again as a judge.”

“That’s my girl!” Rachel practically squealed. “Where do you wanna

go? Beach? Mountains? City? I’m down for whatever.”

I laughed at her enthusiasm. “I honestly don’t care. Anywhere that’s

not here and doesn’t involve werewolf politics would be perfect.” The

mere thought of escaping from Moon Bay’s werewolf community

made my shoulders relax even further, “You choose. I trust your

judgment.”

I heard Rachel typing furiously on her end. “How about… Italy? The

weather’s gorgeous right now, the scenery is to die for, and bonus-

European werewolf packs barely interact with North American ones.”

My heart skipped a beat. “Italy sounds amazing.”

“Perfect! I just booked our flights for tomorrow morning,” Rachel

declared triumphantly.

“Wait, what?” I sat up straight, nearly spilling my grapes. “Tomorrow?

Are you serious?”

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“Dead serious. First class tickets! We leave at 9 AM.”

I shook my head in disbelief. “You’re insane. But also… thank you. I

think I needed someone to make this decision for me.”

After finishing the call with Rachel and getting details about our

destination–a small town called Varenna on Lake Como–I felt a

flutter of genuine excitement in my chest. I padded to my bedroom

and pulled out my suitcase, mentally cataloging what I’d need to

pack.

As I folded clothes into neat piles, I spotted my sketchbook on the

nightstand. I hesitated for a moment before adding it to my packing

pile. My mind drifted to my mentor Marcus. Whenever he spoke about

Italy in our design discussions, his eyes would light up, especially

when mentioning Varenna. “The inspiration capital for designers,”

he’d call it, his voice filled with reverence when describing the Italian

landscapes and architecture.

“Who knows,” I murmured, smoothing a hand over the blank pages.

“Maybe I’ll find some new ideas for my studio’s first collection.”

I continued packing with renewed energy, feeling more lighthearted

than I had in months. For once, I wasn’t thinking about Sebastien, or

the Grey family, or the Stone family drama. I was just Iris–not

someone’s mate, not someone’s pawn, just me.

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The next morning, I wheeled my suitcase through the airport,

scanning the crowded terminal for Rachel. I spotted her waving

enthusiastically near the check–in counters, oversized sunglasses

already perched on her head as if we were already lounging by a

Mediterranean beach.

“There she is!” Rachel called out, giving me a once–over as I

approached. “Damn, girl! You’re actually glowing. Being free of

Sebastien suits you.”

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help smiling. “Good morning to you too.”

“I mean it,” she insisted, linking her arm through mine as we walked

toward security. “You’ve got that natural beauty thing going on now.

It’s like all the hot–girl ingredients were there before, but they only

started mixing properly once you ditched Mr. Broody Wolf.”

I felt my cheeks flush. “You’re ridiculous.”

“I’m right and you know it,” Rachel grinned, then lowered her voice.

“Don’t worry, I’ve got this trip all planned out. You’re going to relax

so hard you won’t even remember what stress feels like. No werewolf

drama, no design competitions, no family bullshit.”

“Sounds perfect,” I sighed, already feeling lighter at the thought.