Isabella.I flinched in response.But…Now?“Wh-What made you two think about it now?” I asked, looking interchangeably at them.They looked toward each other. It was the Luna that spoke.“During this time, what this pack needs most is stability. We had hoped to transfer it to him sooner, until the rogue attacks started.But the more we think about it, we can't leave him to shoulder so many things as he is doing now. We aren't as strong as we used to be, and with these rogue attacks, we aren't blind to how the perception of us is starting to dwindle. If it goes further, our pack would be further shattered."“That's why." I turned to the Alpha who spoke now. “We want him to become the Alpha now. We can take care of the other duties on his behalf while he works solely as the Alpha. The Pack's stability may return after.”It was a good theory, one that was probably workable. But…“No," I said, shaking my head, looking at them.It was a risk, one that could mean the thriving or the end o
Isabella.They stood stunned as they all looked at me. Every stare was prickling amidst the silence and I couldn't help but shuffle under the scrutiny.“Isabella?" I turned to look at my mother, whose expression held unbridled shock. “What do you mean?"My gaze flew to the floor. Guilt swelled up in me like bitter heat. I should have told them a long time ago, but then again, I was planning to tell them. Unfortunately, things didn't work out as planned.But it was better late than never. That was the saying, wasn't it? Sucking in my breath, I looked back up to face them.I knew what I was about to say was probably life changing, upending everything they knew about mates and mate bonds. “I have a mate.”Silence reigned for seconds, each one that passed lengthening the heavy tension that surrounded the room.I counted every single one. When it had reached the tenth, it was as though everything disappeared.A cacophony of noises arose from every end, and throughout the mingling of the
Isabella.I stepped out to meet the orange glow of the sun. Goddess, it was already evening?That was enough to remind me about the length in which we spoke.I looked around. Since it was evening, it seemed like the number of pack members outside had dwindled. To my further relief, however, I found that the ones present hadn't stared at me with that same disgusted look. They simply nodded before passing me.Hope filled me. If that was the case, then it meant that I could go home on my own this time.I moved the familiar route to my home, savoring the fresh evening air. Though packs were different, the refreshing spring-like air that was common with them was still enough to bring a smile to my face.Suddenly my phone rang, making me stop in my tracks. Could it be?I quickly extracted it, only for disappointment to sink in as I found that it wasn't Leo, but Connor.My disappointment gave way to confusion. Connor was still in the pack and could simply meet me. Why then, was he calling?I
Isabella.The next day began as normal. Albeit alone, I went all the way to my father's office after wishing my parents and son goodbye. I had found myself discussing with Ethan on the matters of yesterday along with preemptive steps.Although working in the practical sense was still a question.I went through the information shared through the meeting I had with the Alpha, Luna, and my parents.From all they had told me, the timeline matched. Lucy had come into the pack as a lone wolf, seeking shelter. The pack had taken pity on her, with the council of elders finally declaring her an official pack member. Shortly after, my father had begun to notice Darius and her together more and more. Even worse was that unlike the last time I came, the pack's perception of Darius had slowly lessened as more of his bad behavior came into light. It was even more evident now.Therefore after about three months after new year's - likely before Sierra's wedding in my timeline. Under the rule of the c
Leo.Everything was worth it now, as I stayed in this strange forest, holding the love of my life in my arms.I shut my eyes as I remembered what led up to that moment, what even made it possible.Flashback.I stepped into the restaurant, suitcase at the ready. There was no other thing to do but wait.True to time, Mr. Donovan came in - or the correct term would be 'wheeled in' - with his bodyguards all surrounding him. His face nor appearance hadn't changed within the last several days, yet a smug smile rested on his face.“You came early today. Did you need time to savor the last taste of freedom you had?”I said both, keeping my face expressionless as I looked straight at him, never wavering.“I have a celebratory dinner to enjoy, so let's get this over with, shall we?” He looked at me with an expression I could easily identify as mocking.Still I remained silent, pity filling me as I looked at him. He wasn't going to know what hit him.As I signaled behind me, Gino moved closer, b
Isabella.I stared interchangeably at Connor and Leo after I stepped away from our embrace. It was… Goddess, it was so surprising to see even now.Though I had waited and anticipated at times, I had never imagined what it would be like for him to be here. It was as though two separate parts of my life - one in the city whilst the other in the pack - had merged together. It was foolish to think of that, considering that they were never separate at all, but still.I roved over him again. He was evidently tired, yet he still held himself with a strength that made me feel warm inside.But back to the main topic.I turned to Connor.“Explain," I spoke sternly.I watched as Connor carded his hand through his hair before staring at me with a slight exasperation.“Come on, isn't it enough that I brought your mate here?" Referring to Leo as my mate brought heat through my cheeks. Wasn't it ironic? Only yesterday I had continuously explained and referred to him as my mate, and now I was blushin
Isabella.It took time, with plenty of mental work, but when it was ready, I was sure that nothing would get in our way.We maneuvered through the woods. Its familiar terrain had barely changed, even after more than six years, so it was easy for me to bring Leo through without disturbing anyone in view.From the trail, we moved toward my parents home.Entering silently through the back entrance, I held him back quickly, turning to face him.Even from afar, Treasure's voice could be heard. I saw the longing in his eyes at our son's voice. Cupping his cheeks, I made him face me directly only to feel the wide berth of emotions.Longing.We had been away from each other for so long. I could only swipe my tongue against his cheek in assurance.“Stay here," I whispered to him, moving toward the place. The young woman who was taking care of Treasure was still there as I had expected, and so I couldn't take Leo in without getting her out.So leaving the back entrance, I circled my way into th
Isabella.I moved up the stairs, moving to my room. While my parents were busy down the stairs, I had to check on Leo.The moment I opened the door however, I stopped in my pace. Leo was there, standing above the desk and facing it fondly. My gaze turned to his hand, which rested on a standing toy, one of the trinkets that were usually on my desk.I was so enamored that when he finally locked eyes with me, my belly churned.He smiled before looking back to the desk. “This was your childhood home?” He turned to me with a small smile.Shutting the door, I took a step forward. I nodded with a small smile of my own.“Yes it was, although as you can see, some of the furniture has been updated,” I said, gesturing to the rest of the room.I suspected it had happened after I left years ago. My room was no longer frozen in time with my childhood sheets but replaced with plenty of others. Even my bed had been replaced with a bigger one. I was thankful for the change, a sure sign that my paren