Chapter 9 : The Price of Protection -1 Thea's POV I helped Leo pack his clothes into the small suitcase, trying not to think about how empty the house would feel without him. Two days ago, when I had to tell him about leaving with his grandparents, he'd thrown the biggest tantrum I'd seen in months. My side still burned from the rogue attack, but that pain was nothing compared to watching my son's face crumple at the news. "Mommy, can I bring Mr. Snuggles?" Leo's small voice came from the doorway. He clutched his favorite dinosaur plushie, his eyes wide with uncertainty. I managed a smile, though my heart felt like it was being squeezed in a vice. "Of course, sweetheart. Mr. Snuggles needs a vacation too." I tucked the stuffed animal carefully into the suitcase, pretending this was just another holiday, not what it really was sending my son away to protect him from the mess my life had become. "I still don't understand why I have to go." Leo's lower lip trembled. "Why can't I just stay here with you?" I knelt beside him, ignoring the sharp pain that shot through my side. "Baby, we talked about this. It's a special trip - just you and your grandparents." "But why can't you come?" His green eyes filled with tears. After speaking with Sebastian, I knew they were being sent somewhere safe and tropical. "You're going to the beach," I said with forced cheerfulness. "Haven't you been begging us to take you to see the ocean?" His whole face lit up at the word 'beach.' My sweet boy had been obsessed with the ocean ever since our first beach vacation last year. He'd cried for days after we left, begging us to move there permanently. "You're not lying to me, are you?" he asked, suddenly suspicious. "Would I ever lie to you? " "No." His frown melted into a brilliant smile. "I guess it's okay then. I'm not mad at you anymore. " 1/3 Chapter 9: The Price of Protection-1 "Why were you mad at me?" "Because you wouldn't come with me. But it's okay now you can always join us later!" I swallowed hard, unable to tell him I wouldn't be joining them at all. Let him hold onto that hope for now. "Come on, we'll be late." I reached for his suitcase with my good arm, but the doorbell rang before I could grab it. I rushed to intercept Leo, who had an unfortunate habit of flinging open doors without checking who was on the other side. No matter how many times I warned him about stranger danger, he never listened. The moment I opened the door, Sebastian's towering figure cast a shadow across my doorway. My heart gave an imperceptible twist - just when I was trying to move on, he seemed to appear around every corner. "Dad!" Leo darted past me and launched himself at his father. "Hey, buddy." Sebastian caught him easily, burying his nose in Leo's hair and inhaling deeply. It was a wolf thing - he'd once told me that our son's scent helped calm his beast. Not that I would know, being wolfless and all. "I told you not to come," I said flatly as Leo bounced back inside. His expression was as cold as ever when he looked at me. "I'm here to take you to the airport." He gestured to my injured arm. "There's no need. I've already called an Uber." A lie, but anything was better than being trapped in a car with him. "Cancel it." His Alpha voice rippled through the air, making my skin prickle. "Not gonna happen, asshole." I kept my voice low, mindful of Leo in the room. "Now leave. I'll meet you at the airport." He stepped into my space, all Alpha dominance and barely contained aggression. "I'm not leaving. Cancel the fucking order and get your ass in my car." Seven years ago, I would have backed down immediately. But I was done being the meek 2/3 Chapter 9: The Price of Protection-1 little wolfless wife who lived for his approval. "You arrogant son of a bitch," I hissed. "Who the hell do you think you are? I'm not some fucking puppy you can command anymore." Chapter Comments 3 POST COMMENT NOW Title: CEO's Wife Spoiled by Three Big Shot Brothers Author: CrushReel Genre: Romance, Billionaire, CEO, Sweet Romance, Modern, Romantic, Hidden Feelings, Office Status: ongoing In "CEO's Wife Spoiled by Three Big Shot Brothers" by CrushReel, a twist of fate leads the daughter of a wealthy family to grow up in the care of another. Upon discovering her true lineage, she returns to her biological family and finds herself embraced by three influential brothers. Caught between two worlds, our protagonist navigates hidden emotions and familial bonds that transcend wealth and status. As she unravels the secrets of her past, love blossoms amidst the backdrop of corporate intrigue and personal growth. This captivating romance novel blends themes of self-discovery with the allure of forbidden love. With a modern setting and a touch of sweet romance, "CEO's Wife Spoiled by Three Big Shot Brothers" promises readers a journey filled with passion and intrigue. Available to read at CrushReel.