* Isabella *
I look at my reflection in the mirror, with my hair done in soft curls from the salon. To change my usual straight hair I went to get it done, especially for this evening. Excitement and joy filled my lungs as I thought of the five-star restaurant in the City. It's been a while since I had dined there, without my father. The dress I'm wearing is a sleeveless V-neck midi dress in a vintage blue color. The stylish and flattering neckline shows a bit of my cleavage and skin in the middle of my breast.
My shoes are of the same color and I brought with me a blue silk scarf in case the cold gets into me. Even in summertime, the North has a low temperature, which some enjoy but there are also a few who want to have the heat of the sun during summer.
"Miss Bannister?"
A soft voice coming from Martha made me turn away from the full-length body mirror of my room. "Yes Martha, did Bernard come?"
She smiled looking at me from top to bottom. "You are so beautiful tonight Miss Bannister. And yes, Mister Shaw is waiting downstairs."
"Thank you, Martha. Please tell him that I am going down in a sec."
Martha retreated and got back to the hallway. He came earlier than the agreed time, it was five minutes to seven. My father should be in the video room watching the news or his favorite TV program. I look at my small blue velvet pouch above my bedside table and check the things inside.
My phone, lipstick, and face powder are present. But above everything I had my small pocket-size semi-automatic handgun which is loaded with silver bullets. It isn't necessary to carry on this one because I am with Bernard who is capable of defending me however, I am sure that he does not carry guns with silver bullets.
I grab the pouch and walk confidently with my two-and-a-half-inch heels. I Hope Bernard does not pout since it is my birthday and the high heels would make me half an inch taller than him. My father is watching his favorite TV program when I peek at the door of the TV room.
"I'm leaving Dad!"
He turned his head towards me but did not get up from the rocking sofa. "Enjoy my dear, happy birthday once again!"
I blew a kiss towards him and headed for the grand staircase. Bernard is already standing with a smile on his lips. He looks fresh in a dark blue fitted long-sleeved formal shirt tucked inside his trousers in a lighter shade.
"You look, good birthday girl! I'm glad to be your escort tonight."
He offered his elbow for me and I gladly accepted. "You look fresh and I love your outfit tonight. Good to see you not in uniform every once in a while."
He chuckled and we began to walk outside the mansion into the parking area. We are using his ride since I am wearing heels and he prefers to drive whenever we are together. My phone alerted but I did not open it until I was inside the passenger's seat beside him. My father's guard opened the gates as we were about to go out of the mansion.
"Who is it?"
He casually asks before starting the engine of his white old Mercedes.
"Oh, my cousin Richard and his sister Amy sending their greetings for my birthday. It's funny how they told me not to be sad because I didn't have a party and that we could celebrate when we meet up tomorrow."
He nodded and glanced at me. "Tell them we are going out for dinner as suggested by Mister Bannister and tomorrow is not your birthday anymore."
I shrug my shoulders. "Yeah, I will let them know later or we can talk tomorrow as we all going to meet in the gym."
He chuckles and continues driving. We are not far from the City where we will have dinner. After the traffic lights and a few buildings, we are only a few kilometers from the venue. The road is less crowded at seven pm as there are no more students on the streets. Bernard drove through the parking space of the tall building and got us a space beside a new GMC Sierra, his car looked small compared to the new pickup with its neat features which tells me that either it's from the car wash or it's recently purchased.
Bernard got down and made a turn to open the door for me. "We are here my lady.”
"Oh, I'm ready for a feast. let's order the best plate on the menu."
He smiled at me. "Anything for the birthday girl."
We started walking towards the elevators, smiling as the building security greeted us. The lift opened and we walked inside, there were restaurants on the first floor but our reservation was on the rooftop. We waited inside until we reached the top and the doors opened to the entrance of the fine dining in place.
"Good evening mam and sir. Do you have a reservation?"
I smiled at the host standing at the entrance. "Yes, please. My father made the reservation, Mister Lorenzo Bannister."
She checked her ledger and looked at both of us, Miss Isabella Abegail Bannister confirmed, please follow me."
I was holding Bernard's elbow as we walked behind the host and followed her inside the resto. The elegant surroundings and the soft music playing in the air is a comfort that I think would give me a pleasant evening. There are a few tables occupied by guests who wear expensive clothing, as expected in a five-star dining place. We followed the host to the table reserved for us, the restaurant had the best view overlooking the road and city lights. There is also a full moon in the sky which looks unusually big and bright this evening.
Bernard pulled out a seat for me and I sat down. There are two empty tables beside us and then there's a four-seater occupied by three gentlemen. I glance at them and notice how their eyes are on us, I look away and focus on Bernard who's checking the menu. "Let's start with a sparkling wine."
He smiled at me. "Yes of course my lady, just like I thought."
He waved at our stand-by waiter and talked to the man while I glanced at the occupied table near us. The men were having a very low conversation and I couldn't even catch any word coming from their mouths. They have their attention on each other now, which gives me time to study their looks. All have a good physique and I wonder if they are gym buddies. My eyes were on them when they suddenly stopped talking and looked in the same direction.
I followed their gaze and met the dashing blue eyes of a tall and well-built man with light brown hair to almost blond. He wore a dark long-sleeved button-down shirt, tucked into formal trousers. His undeniably raw animal magnetism is making me speechless.
His features are not normal so I couldn't guess his age and it sent a deep curiosity to my mind. Then he looks at me and I wonder why it feels like his eyes are caressing every inch of my skin not covered by the fabric of my clothing. And a tiny gasp erupted from my throat.
"Something wrong Isabella?"
The question coming from Bernard turned my head towards him. Then I realized for sure that the man I just saw would be sitting together with the three men at the table near us. I can feel him from the corner of my eyes and I am aware of the tiny hairs standing at the back of my neck. I smiled at Bernard.
"Nothing, are you ready to order?"
He nodded. "This is such a lovely place, we need to come back some other time."
"Of course, my father took me here a couple of times. I think it just opened last year."
I chose to ignore my feelings and ordered the food when the waiter came to bring us our drinks and asked us for our starter and main dish. Bernard also noticed the table when his eyes looked around and furrowed his brows. I wanted to ask him if my hunch is true but I have my doubts too. This part of the City should be safe from wolves but then. I gulp down a lump in my throat, they are probably from the Cold Mountain pack if they are here at such a classy restaurant.
My eyes wanted to see them again to confirm my doubts but I knew that the moment I looked at them, they would find out that I knew what they were. Something does not sit right with me, it should be prohibited for the wolves to dine in exclusive places. I know my father allowed them to mingle with us but why don't they dine at a restaurant run by their kind?
* Alpha Charles *There were several rogues spotted in hiding at the most crowded place in the North, the City. I must pursue the investigation further, as it would be dangerous for the humans to protect themselves against a rogue attack. We had stayed until evening and found a few traces that we must continue our search. Before going back to the Alpha house, I decided to treat the warriors at a restaurant. "Are you sure this is a good place for us Alpha? This looked expensive."Ben, one of the warriors with me, looked around and commented on the elegant place. There are only a few guests around that is why I chose the place."It does not matter the price, Ben. What I want is for us to have a private conversation, some humans would freak out when they know that we are not among them."He nodded. "You guys order whatever you want. I will come back in a second. Beta Lohan, will you order for me?""Sure thing Alpha." Lohan is the best warrior in the pack and knows me better than anyone
* Isabella *"Good morning Dad!"I give him a peck on the cheek while he folds the daily newspaper on his lap. A wide smile curved his lips. "Good morning my dear. Are you going to the ranch early?"Looking at my cowboy outfit, he doesn't even need to ask where I'm going. I haven't slept well thinking about what happened last night. I took a deep breath in."There is something I wanted to ask you, Dad."He put back the cup of coffee in the saucer and looked at me. "Hmmm, what is it, Isabella? You seemed anxious so early today. Did something happen last night?"I cleared my throat when Martha came in the dining room bringing the usual breakfast. The smell of bacon and scrambled eggs made me look at her. I waited until she was done putting a cup of coffee in front of me. "Thank you, Martha.""My pleasure Miss Bannister, please enjoy your breakfast, and you also Mr. Bannister."My father nodded towards her and waited until I started talking. "I had a great time with Bernard last night D
* Isabella *The following day came fast just like a blink of an eye. I woke up early to get ready for my morning run around the backyard of the Bannister mansion. It feels good to have peace and maintain the quiet and safe surroundings of our lands. My father loves this place despite it being far from the City proper of the North. I guess old men love nature and the slow life away from the busy streets of the City.I was about to get back to the house when along the road my phone rang. "Hello?""Miss Bannister, sorry to disturb your morning run but your father asked me to call you."It was Martha on the other side of the line using the phone of the house. "What is it, Martha? Did the guest arrive?""Yes, Miss Bannister, and your father wants you to come back quick and meet with them in the library."I turned the phone off and ran fast towards the backside of the mansion. He came earlier than usual, I let out a harsh breath after arriving at the gates which the guard opened promptly.
* Isabella *There is almost a thousand acres of land which belongs to the leader of the Bannister and about a quarter is inhabited and well develop by my father and uncle. After the recent meeting with the Alpha of the Cold mountain pack my father called out my cousins and other relatives together with the people who works at the ranch and the farm."Today I would like to announce the new leader of the Bannister hunters! None other than, my only child! Isabella Abegail Bannister!"My Aunt and Uncle clap their hands as both of them stand up from their chairs to give me a formal greetings. It was a brief introduction from my father since it is pre determine that I would replace him of the title."Congratulations Isabella! I know you can make it, you have the blood of your father running through your veins! We are here to give you our full support just like how we supported my brother!"The smile on my uncle's lips might look genuine but I could see the disappointment deep inside of him
* Isabella *It was all so sudden, I was not ready. Losing my father hurt so much that it felt as though a big part of me died. I know that he was ill, yet I did not expect that he would leave me in just a matter of hours after we brought him to the family's private cemetery. I should have known that my father's heart and his body had become weak because of old age. The first time we brought him to the hospital was the sign that he was in a fragile condition."Goodbye, Dad. This will be the last time I see you but I know that you will always be here for me even though I can't see you. You will always be in my heart, remember that I love you more than anyone in this world. I promise to get stronger and keep our legacy, I promise to protect the people living in our lands and to fight the wolves that hurt your feelings."I felt the hands of my cousin on my shoulder as I threw the stem of a rose into my father's coffin that was slowly going down the six-foot hole. "Isabella, let me stay
* Isabella *The new day comes just like any other normal day in the Bannister mansion. Yet my heart is still filled with sorrow and grief from the loss of my father. My Dad, who tough me everything I needed to know to be a good hunter. So I enhanced my skills more on daily training with the hunters in the Bannister mansion. We need to be always ready when the wolves of the South come back. Richard is staying by my side as we keep our lands safe and going."Miss Bannister!"I stop the treadmill and turn around to face one of the hunters asking for my attention. "Yes, what's the matter, Dino?"Richard who was holding the weights on both his hands stopped and walked towards us. "Miss Bannister, guests are asking to come in. They said they are a friend of Mister Bannister and they wanted to visit his grave and talk to you.""Where are they from? Did you ask their identity?"I glance at the door of the training room at the back of the mansion. "Yes, Miss Bannister. He is Alpha Charles Ver
* Isabella *They left after a few minutes of staying beside my father's grave and I felt a feeling of uneasiness lifted from my heart. I wonder why the presence of Alpha Charles makes me so aware of him that I can't stay still knowing that he is around. It could be because I am not comfortable with them, as I blame the death of my father on their kind. The darkness of the clouds above me as I stood on the balcony of my room accompanied my grieving heart. "Isabella?"I turned around to see Richard walking towards me. The room where he stays is next to me and we share the same balcony. "You couldn't sleep too?"He nodded and let a tiny smile hover around his lips. "The wolves are not pleased because you have been obvious about your feelings towards them my dear. Alpha Charles is smirking every time he looks at you. You could be wrong about them you know?"I sighed. "I don't need their help, Richard, I could be civil if I happen to bump into them but unlike my father. I don't want to e
* Isabella *I woke up to the sound of the cars on the road and the rumbling of the engines of the motorcycles. My eyes opened and I looked around me, it was a relief to find my cousin Richard sitting on the long couch with his eyes closed and then the luggage on the floor. I got up and observed the room. The window is covered by a thin white curtain that runs from the wall to the floor. It must be a three-star hotel based on the simple design, but it is a blessing that the room is neat and the sheets smell of fabric conditioner."Richard?"He started to move, I was grateful that he was still with me. My thoughts went back to the time I listened to Bernard's story."Thank God you are awake Isabella. I was worried about you, Martha just left to buy us some food for dinner. Are you hungry?""How is everyone Richard, have you contacted Uncle Rodolf?"His expression dimmed and he looked away from me. I know that as much as I fear the worst had already happened."I could not get a hold of