Coming back home after Nevermore shut down was supposed to feel good. And for Isadora, it did—especially seeing you again.

But coming back with a Hyde? That was different.

When she stepped into the big house, the people she’d saved and sheltered over the years immediately surrounded her, voices and hands reaching out in welcome. Tyler lingered at the edge, scanning the crowd like a predator.

You were halfway to your room when your ears caught the sound of her voice—then her scent hit you. You pivoted, heading back down the hall to the stairs, leaning over the railing until you spotted her in the center of the circle. Without thinking, you vaulted over, slipping through the crowd.

“Isa… you’re back!” you blurted, coming to the front. She turned, eyes flicking over you with a small smile, her fingers falling from the necklace at her throat.

“I am,” she said softly.

Before you could stop yourself, you wrapped your arms around her, nearly knocking her off balance. She laughed, steadying you with her hands around your waist. “Easy, pup,” she murmured against your shoulder.

When she pulled back, the crowd surged in again with questions. You stayed close, eyes tracing her profile—until your senses caught Tyler’s scent. You frowned, nose twitching.

“You brought a Hyde back?” you asked, your wolf stirring. The chatter died.

Isadora blinked, her gaze flicking between you and Tyler, whose face hardened.

“You have a problem with that?” Tyler shot back.

“And if I do?” you scoffed.

Isadora’s hand pressed against your chest, gently pushing you back as tension spiked her own wolf stirring. But it was too late—words turned sharp, Tyler’s eyes shifting, his body starting to change. Your teeth bared on instinct. People stepped back, some already on edge, their own forms threatening to surface.

“Enough!” Isadora’s voice cracked through the room her own nails almost coming out. Your growl faltered, claws retracting. “Upstairs. Now.”

Your jaw ticked but you obeyed, retreating to her room.

Minutes later, she entered, fingers adjusting her necklace as she watched you at the window as you watched Tyler crossed the garden outside.

“What was that?” she asked quietly.

“You brought a Hyde back,” you said, still staring out.

“I did. This house is for everyone.”

“Yeah, no kidding. You’ve made that clear for years,” you muttered, finally turning to her. “But Hydes—they always end the same.”

“Not always.” Her fingers fidgeted with her rings.

“What about Alfie then?” you shot back before you could stop yourself. Her face fell.

“I’m sorry,” you murmured, looking away. “I just… I don’t want to—”

“You’re too protective,” she cut in, twisting a ring. “You act like I can’t defend myself. Don’t forget who brought you here.”

You straightened at that. “Hard to forget when you remind me every time we argue,” you growled softly.

Your voice cracked as you added, “I don’t want to lose you. I know you can protect yourself—but you won’t, not until you’re nearly dead. I’m not letting another Hyde get to you just because you’ve got a soft spot for them.”

She exhaled slowly, studying you. “You get so angry when I’m away. I don’t understand.”

“Because you’re not here,” you said, shaking your head.

Her hands stilled, then she stepped forward, cupping your face. You inhaled sharply. “I’m here now. So ease up, pup,” she whispered, stroking your cheek.

“You haven’t had any… out-of-line transformations, have you?” she murmured, brushing your hair back.

“No. Not with the other wolves,” you said softly, leaning into her touch.

“But you’ve had them with the others?” she pressed.

“Not drastic ones. Just arguments over territory,” you muttered. Her eyebrow lifted in question, and you added under your breath, “Your territory.”

“Why are you so protective of my territory, huh? I get yours—but you don’t need to guard mine,” she whispered.