Betrayed and Claimed by the Lycan King Chapter 256

ISOLDE'S POV

The car finally pulled into the circular driveway, and I watched as Lydia practically threw herself out of the car, slamming the door with enough force to make me wince. The sound echoed across the perfectly manicured lawn like a gunshot.

"Ugh! Finally!" she groaned dramatically, stretching her arms above her head.

I shook my head in disapproval as Holden rolled his eyes beside me. The girl had absolutely no appreciation for anything. I carefully stepped out of the vehicle.

The afternoon breeze played with my hair and brushed strands across my cheeks.

My heart swelled with relief and happiness. I didn't care about Mom's financial situation - all I'd ever wanted was to find her again. But seeing her free from the struggles of Emerald Valley District, living so well... it filled me with a warmth I hadn't felt in years.

*At least she didn't end up crushed by debt like your father,* Lyra added softly.

"My dear children are here!"

Mom's voice rang out as she emerged, her arms already extended toward us. The joy in her tone was unmistakable, and I felt my step quicken involuntarily.

But Lydia, true to form, dodged away from Mom's outstretched arms like she was avoiding the plague. She brushed past her rudely and stormed straight into the house without so much as a greeting.

I felt my jaw tighten. How incredibly disrespectful, especially considering everything Mom was providing for us. This beautiful home, the safety, the luxury - and Lydia acted like it was all beneath her.

Mom didn't seem fazed by the rejection, though I caught a flicker of disappointment in her eyes before she turned to smile at Holden. He leaned over and placed a quick kiss on her cheek before following his twin inside, his movements efficient but not unkind.

Then it was just Mom and me.

She opened her arms wide, and I didn't hesitate. I rushed into her embrace, throwing my arms around her neck and holding on like she might disappear if I let go. Her familiar perfume enveloped me - something floral that I remembered from childhood. I smiled like a little girl, feeling years of pain and longing melt away in her warmth.

"God, I love this!" I whispered against her shoulder. "I'll never get used to being able to hug my mother again."

"Welcome home, my little wolf cub," she said softly, her voice thick with emotion.

"Thank you, Mom. I missed you so much."

She pulled back to look at me, her hands framing my face, and I felt myself almost shy under the intensity of her gaze. It had been so long since anyone looked at me with such pure love.

"Come," she said, taking my hand. "Let's go inside."

Mom led me to a leather sofa, and we settled in facing each other.

She studied my face intently, her eyes drinking in every detail. "Tell me," she said, her voice becoming more serious, "did those twins give you any trouble? I worry they might resent you."

"Uh... it wasn't that bad, actually," I replied, noting how her eyebrows drew together in a way that demanded more detail.

"Well... Holden didn't give me any trouble. Actually, he was kind of protective of me," I explained, watching surprise flicker across her features.

"Him?" she asked, clearly shocked.

I nodded, unable to suppress a small smile. "Yeah. He asked me some questions about Silver Moon Group, and after that phone call that made Lydia so angry, he straight up told her to leave me alone."

"He said that?" Mom's eyes widened. "Oh my God! He's just full of surprises, isn't he?" We both laughed, the sound light and genuine.

"He really is good, despite how cold he seems," I said, thinking back to our brief conversations in the car.

"He likes you. He likes you very much, believe me. I'm happy for you!" She playfully pushed my arm, her smile infectious.

I recalled our short exchange about my choices, and couldn't help but grin. "He really is."

Mom's expression grew more serious as she leaned forward. "As for Lydia, you shouldn't let her push you around. Sometimes you need to let her know her place. Like Holden said, it's time for her to stop bothering you!"

I felt something loosen in my chest, like I'd been given permission to finally stand up for myself. "Got it," I said firmly.

"Good." Mom settled back against the cushions, her demeanor shifting to something more businesslike. "Now that this is settled, and Lycan King Ezra has no reason to come snooping around here anymore, you need to think about what you want to do next. There are endless possibilities out there waiting for you. You're free now - you can finally live the life you've always dreamed of."

The words hit me like a physical relief. *This is it,* I thought. *Finally.*

But even as the thought filled me with hope, Lyra's voice whispered softly in my mind: *But you know the bond between us and him is still there...*

I pushed the thought away. I couldn't afford to think about that now.

"Um... I haven't really figured out what I want to do yet," I admitted. "I might go back to combat training, but I need some time to think."

"Of course," Mom said immediately. "Take all the time you need. I just want you to know that whatever you need, don't hesitate to tell me. Bruce and I will support you every step of the way. Okay?"

Tears pricked at my eyes, but I fought them back. I didn't want to seem weak in this moment of new beginnings.

*This is like a dream come true,* I thought. *Me and my mother together, living a life where I can make my own choices. I love all of this.*

"Thank you so much, Mom. You're the best mother in the world," I managed, my voice thick with emotion.

She pulled me into another warm hug, and for a moment, everything felt perfect.

"You should go freshen up," Mom said as we separated. "Lunch will be ready soon. I can't wait to have lunch with all of you."

"Me too, Mom. See you in a bit." I gave her one last kiss on the cheek before standing and heading toward the staircase.

As I climbed the stairs, my face was lit with the brightest smile I'd felt in months. This second chance at life, this freedom, I was going to live it to the fullest.