Chapter six

AN ENEMY FROM MY PAST LIFE.

Isabella pov

I snuggled deeper into the king-size bed, feeling the warmth of the duvet envelop me like a cocoon. The softness of the mattress and the gentle hum of the air conditioner lulled me into a peaceful slumber. But my rest was short-lived.

The sound of a loud, boisterous voice pierced the air, jolting me awake. "Common girl, you didn't tell me you've found your mate!" Mae's voice was like a slap in the face, and I sat up with a start, my heart racing.

How did she find me here? I thought, my mind foggy with sleep. I rubbed my eyes, trying to shake off the haze. Mae's face came into focus, her eyes sparkling with excitement and a hint of mischief.

She tossed a nylon bag onto my face, and I pulled it off groggily. "Mae, what are you doing here?" I asked, my voice husky from sleep.

Mae plopped down beside me on the bed, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. "I've been trying to reach you for hours, but no one picked up. Finally, one of the alphas answered and told me you were...indisposed."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Which alpha?"

Mae grinned mischievously. "Let's just say it was one of the handsome triplets. He seemed quite... protective of you."

I felt a flush rise to my cheeks as I thought of Asher and his brothers. "How did you know I was here?" I asked, trying to deflect her attention.

Mae's grin widened. "I have my ways. Besides, I've been tracking you down for weeks. You're not exactly the easiest person to find, you know."

I shook my head, laughing. "You're crazy, Mae."

Mae's expression turned serious. "What's going on, Isabella? You're not exactly the type to get all mushy over a guy. What's happening with you and the alphas?"

I shrugged, trying to play it cool. "Nothing's happening, Mae. I'm just...guessing here for a bit."

Mae's eyes narrowed. "Don't play dumb with me, Isabella. I know you too well. You've got that look in your eyes, the one that says you've found your mate. Spill the beans."

I sighed, feeling a bit overwhelmed. "Mae, can we talk about this later? I'm still trying to wrap my head around things."

Mae's face softened, and she put a hand on my shoulder. "Okay, okay. But don't think you're getting out of this that easily. We'll talk soon, and I want all the juicy details."

I smiled, feeling a bit more at ease. "I'll tell you everything, I promise. Just give me some time to process things."

Mae nodded, standing up. "Alright, I'll give you some space. But don't think you're off the hook that easily. I'll be back, and I'll be expecting a full report."

As Mae left the room, I felt a mix of emotions swirling inside me. I was glad to see my friend, but I was also anxious about how much she knew. And what did she mean by "one of the alphas" telling her I was indisposed? I had a feeling that things were about to get a lot more complicated.

I threw off the duvet and got out of bed, feeling a bit more energized. I needed to find out more about how Mae had tracked me down and what she knew about the alphas. And I needed to be prepared for when she came back, demanding answers.

As I walked over to the window, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. My eyes looked a bit more haunted than usual, and my skin was paler than normal. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves.

I stood there, lost in thought, when the door swung open. I was about to say, "Mae, I want to be left alone," but the words died on my lips as I turned to see alpha Asher standing in the doorway. My heart skipped a beat as our eyes met, and suddenly, I was transported back to our past life. I could see us wrapped in each other's arms, our love burning bright.

Without thinking, I rushed towards him, my lips crashing into his. He was taken aback, his eyes widening in surprise, but I didn't care. I missed him, I missed us, and I missed the love we shared. The kiss deepened, and for a moment, I felt like I was home.

As we broke apart for air, I gazed up at him, my eyes shining with tears. "I missed you," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

Asher's expression changed from surprise to confusion. "Isabella, are you okay?" he asked, his voice soft and concerned.

I composed myself, trying to shake off the emotions that threatened to overwhelm me. "I'm fine," I said, forcing a smile. "I'm just happy we're mated again."

Asher's face broke into a laugh, and he took a step back, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "It's our first mating, actually," he said, his voice teasing.

My heart sank as I realized he didn't remember. He didn't remember our past life, our love, or our bond. I felt like I'd been punched in the gut, and for a moment, I couldn't breathe.

I tried to play it cool, to pretend like I wasn't hurt, but inside, I was reeling. How could he not remember? Didn't he feel the connection between us? Didn't he know that we were meant to be together?

Asher's eyes narrowed, his expression concerned. "Isabella, are you sure you're okay? You look a bit...pale."

I nodded, trying to force a smile. "I'm fine, really. Just a bit... overwhelmed."

Asher nodded, his eyes still searching. "Okay, if you're sure. I'll leave you alone for now. But maybe we can talk later?"

I nodded, feeling a sense of desperation. I needed to talk to him, to make him remember. But for now, I just nodded, trying to play along.

As Asher turned to leave, I felt a pang of sadness. I knew I had a long road ahead of me, a road that would lead me to reclaiming our love and our memories. But I was ready for the challenge. I was ready to fight for us, for our love, and for our future.

As the door closed behind Asher, I let out a sigh, feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside me. I knew it wouldn't be easy, but I was determined to make him remember. I was determined to make him fall in love with me all over again.

A sudden whispering at the door caught my attention, Asher was on call. I stood frozen, my heart racing as I listened to Asher's conversation. At first, I hadn't paid much attention, but then I heard a name that made my blood run cold. Enzo. My stepbrother, the one who had killed Asher in our previous life.

I felt a shiver run down my spine as I listened more closely. Asher's voice was low and serious, and I couldn't quite make out what he was saying, but the tone sent a chill down my spine.

My mind was racing as I tried to process what I was hearing. Enzo was here? In this life? How was that possible? And what did Asher have to do with him?

I felt a wave of fear wash over me as I thought about Enzo's cruelty and ruthlessness. He had killed Asher once before, and I had no doubt he would do it again. I had to protect Asher, but how?

I tried to calm myself down, telling myself that I was being paranoid. Maybe it was just a coincidence. Maybe Enzo was just a friend or acquaintance. But deep down, I knew that wasn't true. Enzo's presence here was no coincidence.

I felt like I was living in a nightmare, with Enzo's shadow looming over me. I had thought that I had left him behind, that I had escaped his cruelty and abuse. But now, it seemed like he had followed me into this new life.

I didn't know what to do, but I knew I had to act. I couldn't just sit back and wait for Enzo to strike again. I had to protect Asher, and I had to protect myself.

I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself down. I would watch Asher, and I would wait for my chance to warn him. I would tell him about Enzo, and we would face him together.

But as I stood there, listening to Asher's conversation, I couldn't shake off the feeling of dread that had settled in my stomach. Enzo was here, and I knew that our lives were about to change forever.

I felt like I was walking on eggshells, waiting for the other shoe to drop. Enzo's presence here was like a ticking time bomb, and I knew that it was only a matter of time before everything exploded.

I tried to focus on the present, on Asher, and our budding relationship. But the past kept creeping in, haunting me. Enzo's presence here was a reminder that I couldn't escape my past, that it would always follow me.