The School Bully Husband & His Genius Doctor Wife

The cruel family of Jake

Eden Grace

“Oh Freya darling, this color was made just for you! Doesn’t it scream class? Any wolf with sense would recognize the class immediately. You're definitely suited to be a Luna of our pack!” Jake's mother Clarisse gasped dramatically, as Freya stood before a full length mirror.

Freya turned before the mirror, the silk gown hugging her frame like it had been woven to honor her bloodline.

“I was uncertain at first, but Jake always said gold brings out the best in me.”Freya said softly, lips curving.

Emily, Jake's younger sister clapped lightly, eyes shining. “It does. You should wear it to the council dinner next week. You and my brother will look so good together. Right mom?”

“Right. Freya and Jake would look absolutely good together. Just like a reputable Alpha and Luna.” Clarisse said approvingly, then her gaze slid toward Eden, her expression tightening with open disdain. “Unlike some people who forget their place.”

Eden’s fingers twitched around the bag handles. She knew the hate was directed to her but she chose to not say anything.

Emily barely glanced her way. “Honestly, if Freya officially joins our pack, the alliance alone would elevate us. She fits into our circle so naturally. Do you not agree, Eden?”

The question was deliberate. Eden remained standing to the side. Her arms were already hurting as she had to carry all the luxury shopping bags embossed with exclusive pack crests.

But the pain was insignificant compared to the quiet humiliation tightening in her chest.

Freya gave Eden a quick glance and smirked. “Oh my Eden, are you alright? I hope these bags aren’t too heavy for you.”

Clarisse, who eyed Eden with disgust let out a light chuckle. “Let her carry them, darling. It’s the least she can do after tagging along. It’s not every day someone like her gets to walk through these stores. She must be grateful to even touch those luxurious bags.”

Emily added casually, “She should thank Freya for the experience. With her background, would she be coming here in the first place?”

Their laughter filled the space, sharp and unrestrained. Eden felt heat creep up her neck. She stared at the floor, breathing slowly.

“You are not upset, are you?” Freya asked, her voice gentle but her eyes keen. “We are only joking.”

Eden clenched her jaw, the words sitting bitter on her tongue. She was goimg to say something when a familiar presence entered the hall.

“Sorry I am late.”

Jake strode toward them in a sleek charcoal shirt, sleeves rolled to his elbows, his hair slightly disheveled as if he had crossed half the city without pause.

The moment he stepped inside, the atmosphere shifted. Even without releasing his scent deliberately, alpha authority followed him like a shadow.

Jake’s gaze swept over the group, pausing briefly on Freya before settling on Eden.

Without a word he walked up to Eden and took the bags from her hands casually like it was the most natural thing to do.

The weight vanished from Eden's arms but her silence didn’t. She didn't even bother to look at him.

But on the other hand Freya’s smile dropped for a second when she saw Jake standing close to Eden. Freya put on a practiced smile and walked towards him.

“Jake, you're finally here. We were starting to wonder if work had kidn*pped you.” She gave him a concerned look, “You look exhausted. Long day?”

“Yeah, it was. I had a lot of patients today but I hope I made it here in time.” Jake didn’t look at her when he spoke. His attention was still on Eden, who looked quieter and dull than usual.

Even if everyone greeted him she didn't and it was quite unsettling for Jake.

A wolfless woman, especially his mate should have reacted to her alpha’s arrival, if not with submission then at least awareness.

But Eden did neither. It was as if she had built an invisible wall around herself, one that even his presence could not breach.

Before he could speak, Clarisse’s voice sliced through the tension. “Jake darling, do you know Freya’s graduation gift for Emily…? She gifted her latest edition of Hermès bag! So generous of her and thoughtful, don't you think?”

“Is that so?” Jake said it flatly with no amusement or any praise as his gaze was just fixed on Eden.

However Eden didn’t lift her eyes at all. Her hands were clenched at her sides, lips pressed into a line. She wasn't even sparing a glance to him.

Something in Jake shifted. A dangerous stillness settled behind his eyes, that even Freya noticed it too.

Freya suddenly cut the distance and linked her arm through Jake's possessively. “We should go. I already reserved the rooftop lounge for all of us.”

Clarisse’s face lit up immediately, approval gleaming in her eyes. “Oh my god, really? The top floor lounge that only the elite packs can afford? That is exactly why I always say Freya is perfect daughter in law material. She plans everything ahead, she knows our pride and dignity. She carries herself so properly.”

Emily nodded, laughing warmly. “She is not just daughter in law material, Mom. She is the daughter in law, the Luna we always prayed for. Just look at them. They belong together.”

Freya lowered her gaze modestly, hiding the glint of satisfaction behind her lashes. “Auntie, you’re too kind…”

However Jake said nothing. He just removed her arm from his casually and walked towards Eden.

Jake grasped her wrist gently but deliberately that Eden flinched at the sudden contact.

“You didn’t even greet me when I arrived, how long are you planning to stay angry with me?” Jake's voice dropped to a low murmur, barely above a whisper that it was quite intimidating.

Eden’s lips parted and she hated how close he was. Jake looked at her like he could still read her every thought, like nothing had changed.

But everything had.

“I’m talking to you Eden.” Jake growled in a low tone.

She looked at him finally, her expression unreadable. “Oh sorry, didn't realize I was required to, since you already have your entourage for that.”

Jake exhaled slowly, jaw twitching. “Why are you treating me rudely? You’re still the same. Always assuming.”

She snapped, “And you’re still the same, pretending to care after choosing convenience.”

Jake's voice was almost accusing now. “If I didn’t care, I wouldn’t be standing here Eden. Do you have any idea how many things I had to cancel just to fly here for one day? Do you know how much is on my plate right now? And you’re giving me attitude…”

Eden blinked, her throat tightening. He always knew how to cut through her shields.

“I didn’t ask you to come.” she whispered, her voice shaking slightly.

Jake’s hand dropped from her wrist and for a second, the air between them felt heavier than silence.

“Maybe you didn’t. But I still came.” His voice was heavy now. “Do you still think I forgot your birthday on purpose? I still can’t forgive myself for it, Eden. I’ve never stopped thinking about it. Not a day goes by that I don’t wish I could go back and fix it but you just decide I don't care.”

“Really? You missed it twice, Jake.” Eden retorted sharply. “Don't give me your emotional crap.”

Jake’s inner wolf was getting restless now. He couldn't bear her hatred.

“Then go ahead. Punish me. Ignore me. Hate me for doing what I had to do. Maybe I should quit the hospital, leave it all behind. What’s the point if the woman I’m doing it for thinks I’m some heartless climber?”

Eden glared at him, “Don’t turn this on me.”

But he didn't listen, he just leaned in whispering, “Maybe I don’t deserve you but you’re acting like you never mattered to me at all. So what’s the point of reaching so high if you’re just going to hate me for it?”

Eden couldn't believe what he was saying. How dare he put all the blame on her? Her throat tightened in anger. “Hate..!? How dare you say that? You…”

“Then what, Eden? What do you call it if not hate? You turn away from me, you froze me out, the way you look at me now, the way you speak, it is like I am nothing to you. You act as if I never mattered, as if every moment we had was empty. If that is not hate, then what is it?”

The sheer audacity of him.

“You...” Eden jabbed her trembling finger on his chest, her voice shaking, “How dare you! I bent myself into silence so you would never feel chained. I asked for nothing, not your wealth, not your promises. All I wanted was one evening, just a few hours on the day that mattered to me, and even that was too much for you.”

Tears formed her eyes as she said and stepped back, desperately trying to put distance between herself and him but he didn't let her. His hand closed firmly around her arm, holding her still.

“Eden, please, don't behave like this. Can't you forgive me once?” Jake looked stressed. His wolf stirred restlessly inside him, not in dominance, but in strain.

“You know how miserable my life is even if it looks shiny on the outside. You know how hard I'm trying to keep the pack intact. My father is losing control over our territories. Trade routes are failing. Rivals circle us like they smell weakness. Mom keeps taking support from Grandpa. It's just shameful...I just want to rebuild this pack with my own strength, with pride. That is why I push myself every day, why I barely rest, why I take every burden on my shoulders. Is that too much to ask?”

His eyes burned into her, “And I’m trying, okay? For us. For the future I thought we wanted but if I’m just someone you see as selfish now… then maybe I’ve already lost. I'm tired, Eden. No one understands me, if you also back away from me, I will have absolutely no one.”

Eden looked up at him and he looked tired and heartbroken, but still him. She knew how brutal pack politics were, how much blood and sacrifice it took to climb to the top without bending to elders. She knew his struggle better than anyone.

She was about to speak, about to reach for him, when sharp heels clicked against the marble floor.

“Jake, sweetheart, we’re waiting. And Freya said the table is ready.” Clarisse spoke from behind..

Eden looked away as Clarisse’s voice cut between them. She stepped back, smoothing her dress as if grounding herself, forcing her breathing to steady.

“Please….” Jake hesitated only a second before offering his arm to her, his eyes soft, almost pleading, carrying the unmistakable look of a wolf asking for reassurance.

Eden hesitated at first but then she placed her hand in his. Jake's amber eyes lightened up immediately, his shoulder relaxing a little.

From behind, Freya watched. Her gaze lingered on their joined hands, her lips tightening ever so slightly.

The closeness unsettled her. She wanted to rip them apart, she wanted Jake all to himself and the only obstacle was Eden.

They reached the rooftop hall of the five star pack estate. Eden suddenly froze.

Wait what..? She couldn't believe what was in front of her.

This was not a family dinner, this was a whole ranks of the pack gathering!

Jake stiffened beside her. He had not expected this either. Without a word, he released her hand and stepped forward.