The Alpha's Unclaimed Mate (Jason and Laila) by Caroline Above Story novel Chapter 57

Chapter 57

Laila’s POV

I lunged just hard enough for believability. Shoulder connected with hers. She stumbled backward.

Her purse flew.

Contents exploded across marble flooring. Lipstick rolling. Phone clattering. Keys. Wallet. Tissues.

Including the one with Ava’s hair.

I hit the floor immediately. Hands moving fast under the guise of helping. In chaos and confusion, nobody watched close enough to see what I was really doing.

My fingers found the tissue. Ava’s hair. Palmed it smoothly while simultaneously dropping my prepared sample in its place.

Three seconds.

The entire swap took maybe three seconds.

“Don’t TOUCH my things!” Brittany snatched her purse back. Clutched it like I might try stealing her firstborn.

“I was trying to help-”

“You ATTACKED me!” Her voice carried through the hallway. Making sure everyone heard. “You actually ASSAULTED me!”

“I barely touched—”

“What the hell is happening here?”

Jason’s voice cut through chaos like an Alpha command. The crowd went silent. Instant. Total.

He stood at the hallway entrance–Marcus beside him–expression thunderous. Those green eyes swept over everything. Me and Brittany disheveled. Pack members crowding. Brittany’s belongings still scattered across expensive flooring.

We both started talking. Same moment.

“She attacked me-

11

“She was harassing Ava-

“This woman is unhinged

41

“She cornered my daughter-”

“ENOUGH!” Jason’s voice dropped lower. More dangerous. “One at a time. Vanessa, what happened?”

I stood slowly. Brushed off my dress with hands that genuinely trembled. Not hard faking the shaking when adrenaline was flooding every cell.

“I saw Brittany following Ava. Into this hallway. Alone.” My voice shook with barely controlled anger. “When I came to check, she was cornering my daughter. After what happened at the hospital? I’m not taking chances with my child’s safety.”

“That’s a LIE!” Brittany scrambled to her feet. “I was trying to be nice!”

“Nice?” Disbelief packed into one word. “You’ve made it abundantly clear how much you hate me. Why would you suddenly be nice to my child?”

“Because I’m not a monster-”

“And now you’re following her around? I want to know Why!”

+25 Bonus

“I wasn’t following anyone!” Brittany’s desperation showed clearly. “You’re stalking ME! This is harassment!”

“What’s happening out here?”

Sarah pushed through the crowdExpression severe. She took in the scene with sharp, assessing eyes,

“Brittany was cornering Vanessa’s daughter,” someone offered helpfully.

Sarah’s face hardened. “Brittany. I think you should leave.”

“But I didn’t do anything —‘

“You’ve caused enough scenes for one evening.” The older woman’s voice left zero room for argument. “Jason, please escort Brittany out.”

“This isn’t fair!” Brittany looked at Jason with pleading eyes. “I was trying to be friendly! She’s making up lies!”

“Go.” Jason’s voice carried absolute authority. “Marcus will see you home.”

Brittany opened her mouth. Thought better of it. She shot me one last look–pure venom—while clutching her purse.

That purse. With my hair sample instead of Ava’s.

She had no idea. Not a clue I’d switched them right under her nose.

“This isn’t over,” she hissed while passing.

“Stay away from my daughter,” I said quietly. “Or next time I won’t be restrained.”

Marcus escorted her toward the exit. The crowd began dispersing. Pack members whispering. Casting curious glances my

direction.

Jason remained.

“Are you alright?” His voice was quiet. Concerned.

“I should find Ava,” I said, “Make sure she’s okay.”

“Of course.” He stepped aside. But his hand caught my wrist gently. “Vanessa, I’m sorry about Brittany.”

His apology caught me off guard.

“Thanks.” I pulled free carefully.

I found Ava in the main hall, playing with other children like nothing had happened. Riley appeared at my side almost immediately.

“We need to leave,” I murmured low. “Now.”

She saw something in my face. Simply nodded. “I’ll get the car.”

The goodbyes were quick. Polite. Professional.

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