Secrets Beneath the Fur

Chapter 35:- Jealousy Resolved

Emma’s POV:

The tension in the air is thick as I watch Jules from across the pack grounds. She’s always been a looming presence, a reminder of Evelyn’s past, of a time when I wasn’t part of this world. Ever since the battle, since Evelyn and I started to find our way back to each other, Jules has been more distant, more reserved. But every time she visits, I can feel her eyes on me. There’s something unresolved between us, something unspoken that neither of us has dared to confront.

Until now.

I take a deep breath and walk toward her, my heart pounding with each step. Jules is sitting on one of the benches near the pack’s training grounds, watching a few of the younger wolves sparring. She doesn’t notice me until I’m almost standing in front of her.

“Mind if I join you?” I ask, trying to keep my voice casual.

Jules glances up, her expression neutral. “It’s a free bench.”

I sit down beside her, the awkward silence settling between us like an unwelcome guest. For a few moments, we just watch the training in front of us, neither of us saying a word. I can feel the tension in my shoulders, the weight of everything unsaid between us.

“I know things have been... complicated,” I finally say, my voice quiet. “Between you, me, and Evelyn.”

Jules’s eyes flicker toward me, but she doesn’t respond right away. Instead, she leans back against the bench, crossing her arms over her chest.

“Complicated is one way to put it,” she mutters, her tone laced with bitterness.

I bite my lip, unsure how to approach this. Jules has always been guarded around me, especially since Evelyn and I have grown closer. I know she still has feelings for Evelyn, and that’s been a constant source of friction.

“I don’t want there to be bad blood between us,” I say, choosing my words carefully. “I know you and Evelyn have a history. And I respect that.”

Jules lets out a short laugh, but there’s no humor in it. “Respect it, huh? Is that why you’re with her now?”

I turn to face her fully, meeting her sharp gaze. “I didn’t plan this, Jules. I didn’t come here with the intention of falling for her. But it happened. And I can’t change that.”

Jules stares at me for a long moment, her eyes narrowing. “You really expect me to believe that? You expect me to believe that this wasn’t all part of your grand plan?”

Her words hit harder than I expect, and for a moment, I feel the familiar sting of guilt. She’s not entirely wrong—I did come here with a plan, a mission. But that mission had nothing to do with Evelyn’s heart, and everything to do with my own misguided beliefs.

“I didn’t plan to fall in love with her,” I say softly. “But I did. And I know that hurts you. I know you still care about her.”

Jules’s jaw clenches, and she looks away, her gaze hardening as she watches the wolves training. “Of course I care about her,” she says through gritted teeth. “I’ve known her for years. I thought we had something special. And then you show up, and suddenly, I’m nothing.”

Her words are sharp, but there’s pain behind them, a vulnerability she’s been hiding. I can see it now, the hurt she’s been carrying, the sense of loss that’s been eating away at her.

“You’re not nothing,” I say gently. “Evelyn still cares about you. She always will. But... things have changed. We’ve both changed.”

Jules scoffs, shaking her head. “You think I don’t know that? I’ve seen the way she looks at you. It’s different. It’s... real.”

Her voice cracks slightly on the last word, and I can tell she’s trying to hold back her emotions. For all her strength, Jules is still just as vulnerable as the rest of us. She’s hurting, and I can’t blame her for that.

“I’m not trying to replace you,” I say, my voice soft. “I couldn’t, even if I wanted to. You’ll always be a part of her life, of the pack. But... she’s my mate, Jules. And I’m hers.”

Jules’s eyes snap back to mine, and for the first time, I see the full weight of her pain. But there’s something else there too—acceptance. As if she’s finally realizing what she’s been fighting against all this time.

“I know,” she whispers, her voice barely audible. “I’ve known for a while. I just... didn’t want to admit it.”

We sit in silence for a moment, the tension between us slowly dissipating. It’s not completely gone, but it’s better. There’s a sense of understanding now, a mutual acknowledgment of what is and what can’t be.

“I’m sorry,” I say quietly, breaking the silence. “For everything. I never wanted to hurt you.”

Jules sighs, running a hand through her hair. “It’s not your fault. I’ve been holding on to something that wasn’t there anymore. I guess I just needed time to let it go.”

I nod, understanding the weight of her words. Letting go isn’t easy—it never is. But it’s necessary. For both of us.

We sit together in companionable silence, watching the wolves sparring in the distance. For the first time, I feel like we’re not enemies, not rivals. Just two people who care deeply about the same person.

“So,” Jules says after a while, her voice lighter. “How long did it take you to realize she’s an absolute pain in the ass?”

I blink, caught off guard by her sudden change in tone. Then I laugh, a genuine, heartfelt laugh that surprises even me.

“Oh, it didn’t take long at all,” I admit, grinning. “She’s stubborn, impossible to read, and has the emotional capacity of a rock.”

Jules smirks, shaking her head. “Sounds about right.”

We both laugh, the tension between us finally easing into something resembling friendship. It’s strange, how things can shift so suddenly, how two people who were at odds can find common ground.

As the laughter fades, Jules turns to me, her expression more serious. “Take care of her, okay? She deserves to be happy.”

I nod, feeling the weight of her words settle in my chest. “I will. I promise.”

Jules stands, brushing off her jeans before glancing down at me. “Guess I should go say hi to Evelyn. Can’t have her thinking I’m avoiding her.”

I smile, watching as she walks away toward the pack house. There’s still a lot to work through, a lot of healing that needs to happen, but this feels like a step in the right direction. For all of us.

I stay on the bench a little longer, feeling a sense of peace wash over me. The jealousy that had once gnawed at me is gone, replaced by something softer, something more understanding. Evelyn chose me, and that’s all that matters.

For the first time, I feel like I truly belong here. Not just with Evelyn, but with the pack. And with Jules. We’re all part of something bigger, something stronger. And together, we’ll face whatever comes next.

I get up, stretching my arms above my head before heading toward the pack house. There’s still so much to do, but for now, I’m content.

I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.