Piss Off, Alpha! You Lost Me Forever-Chapter 122 A New Grandma

SOPHIA’S POV

I walked inside and stood frozen in the hallway, my hand still on the door handle. My heart kept racing as I listened to Ashley’s cheerful voice.

"Franca! Franca! I’m home!" Ashley’s squealed. She gave Franca her backpack "Can you put this in my room? I need to go find-"

Her voice cut off mid-sentence, followed by the sound of running feet and an excited squeal.

"Tiffany! You’re here!"

I stayed hidden in the shadows near the entrance. Ashley had thrown herself into Tiffany’s arms. Her whole face glowed with happiness. This was the same face that had been twisted in pain just minutes ago.

"Of course, I’m here," Tiffany said warmly, smoothing Ashley’s hair. "I told you I would be. Did you miss me?"

"So much! And I missed Tasha too!" Ashley pulled back, looking around eagerly. "Is she here? Did she come?"

"She’s in the guest room resting," Tiffany said. "But I’m sure she’d love to see you."

Tasha. Tiffany’s mother. The woman with cancer that Damien had offered to help. She was living here now in Stone Villa, in what was supposed to be my home.

My wolf whimpered with the pain of rejection. This was my den, my pack house. And it had been completely taken over by another woman and her family.

"Can I go see her?" Ashley was practically bouncing with excitement.

"Of course, sweetheart. Just remember she’s still recovering, so be gentle."

Ashley ran down the hallway, and a moment later I heard a door open.

"Tasha! You’re really here!" Ashley’ squealed "I’m so happy!"

I was able to hear Tasha’s voice due to my enhanced wolf hearing.

"Oh, my sweet girl," an older woman’s voice replied "Come here and give me a hug."

Unable to stop myself, I moved closer, staying out of sight but positioning myself where I could see into the guest room.

Tasha sat in an armchair by the window with a blanket over her lap. She was in her fifties, with graying hair and kind eyes. Ashley was kneeling beside her chair, holding Tasha’s hand.

"Did the surgery go okay?" Ashley asked with genuine concern. "Does it hurt?"

"It went very well, thanks to your father’s help," Tasha said "And it only hurts a little now."

"I’m glad." Ashley rested her head on Tasha’s knee. "I was so worried."

Tasha stroked Ashley’s hair. "Your father is such a kind man, letting me stay here while I recover."

"Daddy says you’re family now," Ashley said matter-of-factly. "So of course you can stay here. Family takes care of each other."

The words cut like a knife. Family. Damien had told Ashley that Tiffany’s mother was family now.

But what about my family? What about my parents, my brother, my niece? When had Damien ever called them family?

So, this was the reason Ashley faked having a stomach ache – so, she could come see Tasha.

"Have you eaten dinner yet?" Tasha asked. "I made some soup earlier. It’s in the kitchen staying warm."

"You cooked?" Ashley’s face lit up. "Even though you just had surgery?"

"Just a little something. I couldn’t let you go hungry." Tasha smiled.

"Your soup is the best! Way better than..." She stopped, catching herself.

"Better than what, sweetheart?" Tasha asked gently.

"Nothing." Ashley changed the subject quickly. "Can I have some now? Please?"

"Of course. Let me just-" Tasha started to rise from her chair.

"No, no!" Ashley pushed her gently back down. "You stay here and rest. I’ll get it myself. Tiffany can help me."

I watched my daughter run back to the kitchen with Tiffany, talking excitedly about Tasha’s cooking. The easy affection between them, the genuine care Ashley showed for this woman she’d apparently known for a while now - it was everything I’d wanted from my daughter and never received.

My vision blurred with tears, but I blinked them away. I couldn’t break down here, not where anyone could see me.

DAMIEN’S POV

I came downstairs to the sound of Ashley’s laughter. For a moment, the sound warmed something in my chest. My daughter was happy and carefree.

Then I rounded the corner and saw the scene in the guest room.

Ashley was sitting on the floor beside Tasha’s chair, showing her something on her phone while Tasha smiled. They looked comfortable together.

"Ashley," I said gently from the doorway "What are you doing? Tasha just had surgery. She needs rest."

Ashley jumped up guiltily. "I was just-"

"It’s quite alright," Tasha said quickly. "I enjoy her company. She’s such a sweet child."

"Nevertheless." I walked into the room "You’re here to recover, not to take care of my daughter."

"I understand, Alpha. I’m sorry if-"

"Don’t apologize." I softened my tone. Tasha was a guest, and she was ill. "Just focus on getting better. That’s all I ask."

"Daddy’s right," Ashley said "You need to rest and get strong again."

I poured a glass of water from the pitcher on the side table and handed it to Tasha. "Your medication is at two p.m., correct? I’ve instructed Franca to remind you and bring whatever you need."

"You’re too kind," Tasha said, accepting the water with shaking hands. "I don’t know how to thank you for all of this. The surgery, the recovery room, everything..."

"No thanks necessary. You’re Tiffany’s mother, and Tiffany is..." I paused, aware of Ashley listening intently. "Important to this family. Therefore, so are you."

Tasha’s eyes filled with tears. "You’re a good man, Mr. Stone. Tiffany is very lucky."

Ashley tugged on my sleeve. "Daddy, can I walk with Tasha every day after school? The doctor said exercise is important for recovery, right? I can help her!"

"If Tasha feels up to it," I said "But remember, she’s recovering. Short walks only."

Ashley hugged my leg. "Thank you, Daddy!"

Tiffany appeared in the doorway with a bowl of soup for Ashley. When she saw her mother crying, her expression shifted to concern.

"Mom? Are you okay? Is the pain-" Tiffany asked.

"I’m fine, sweetheart," Tasha said, wiping her eyes. "Just overwhelmed by everyone’s kindness."

Tiffany moved to help Tasha stand. "Come on, Mom. Let’s get you comfortable."

After they left, Ashley looked up at me with those big dark eyes – so much like Sophia’s and said, "Daddy, I really like Tasha. She’s nice, like a grandma."

Something twisted in my chest. "That’s good, sweetheart."

Tiffany returned, and I could see the worry in her eyes. "I’m sorry about all of this," she said quietly, once Ashley had wandered off to eat her soup. "I know having my mother here is probably... complicated."

"It’s fine," I assured her. "You needed help, and I could provide it. That’s what matters."

“I hope she’s not too much trouble”

I hugged her then kissed her forehead “Not at all. I just want you to focus on your studies, alright?”

Tiffany rested her head on my chest and sighed “You’re the best”

As soon as she said those words, my wolf growled inside me.

For some reason, he didn’t agree.