ZIRA Isaiah looked at me, and I noticed his gray eyes still held anger. My heart raced as I pressed my back against the door, facing him. For a moment, I thought I was having another dream. However, my nerves started to calm when I saw Isabella slide into the back seat. “Relax, Zira. I’m not going to hurt you,” Isaiah growled as he pulled off, keeping his gaze on the road. I’m sorry. Were we both in that room back there? I thought to myself. We drove for a few minutes before I settled back into the seat, pulling the towel tighter against my body. We didn’t talk the whole ride, and I was glad. I didn’t know what to say about everything that happened. It felt like I didn’t have control over what I was saying, and Isaiah... How he looked at me like I was the most hated person in his life broke my heart. I get it. I do. I would be mad if someone tried to get rid of my child. Hell, I might even try to attack them too. But, I just really thought I was doing him a favor, both of t
VICTORIA I couldn’t believe everything I missed while away, especially the part where my mate was involved in helping Zira get an abortion. Of course, I was worried about Zira, but I was more worried something might also happen to Isabella. This was why I shouldn’t leave her by herself. She makes stupid decisions all the time. I should’ve stayed, but no. I wanted to go see my cousin. I had to. Two weeks ago, I rode with my Aunt Vera to James’ new pack, only about three hours away from Zack’s. We rode in silence most of the way. She knew my reason for coming, and she didn’t like it. She didn’t want to cause trouble for her son, and I couldn’t blame her. James has already been through a lot, but I knew if he heard why, he would help me. I was smiling at a text from Isabella when my aunt broke the silence. “Guessing it’s that Isabella girl you’re smiling about,” she said, glancing my way. “Yeah. She’s at a spa with Luna Alaia and complaining about the mud bath. Says she gets eno
VICTORIA I placed my hand on James' shoulder and smiled. “Then maybe I am that person. Maybe the Goddess wants you to help me take down evil, once and for all.” James laughed a bit and looked at me. The serious guy was gone, and in its place was my goofy cousin again. “What are we? The Power Rangers? Defenders against evil? You don’t quit, do you?” “I know you don’t want to be a part of this, but you know her. You know how she works better than anyone. So, I just want to make sure she isn’t hurting Zira. That’s all.” “Zira?” “You know her?” “No. Just sounds familiar. Like in a dream,” James said, staring off into the distance before shaking his head. “Anyway, what does this Zira girl have to do with Alaia?” It was my turn to laugh when I thought about everything that had happened. I told my cousin the entire story from the night I met my mate to my first encounter with Alaia, the bracelet Isaiah was wearing, to Zira’s pregnancy. I could see him clenching his fists thro
ISAIAH It’s been two weeks since the day at the motel, and Zira was still locked in the room. So, she kept to herself most days, not that it was her choice. I didn’t want to keep her locked in her room, but I needed to keep her close and safe. I let her family visit as much as they could, but I couldn’t help but think they had something to do with the abortion. Well, at least, that was what Alaia thought. Zira was close to them, so maybe they did know something. Mary delivered her food three times a day, and every time I asked about her. Mary would tell me the same thing. Zira wasn’t sleeping well, but her appetite was as strong as ever, and of course... “She wants to get out of the room,” Mary said, but I couldn’t. I couldn’t trust her anymore. Mary once asked if Zira could get some fresh air. It was fall now, and I knew how much she loved the fall season. She told me she loved how the cool air felt through her fur and the sound of the leaves crunching underneath her paws. Th
ISAIAH Alaia stood up immediately and started to walk away. I grabbed her wrist before she could make it out of the room. “Alaia…” “I need a moment, Isaiah. I promise I’ll be back.” She turned to smile at me before pulling her wrist from my grasp. She was blocking me, so I couldn’t feel her emotions. “Not too long,” I nodded. I couldn’t believe my ears. Zira was having a white werewolf. White wolves were rare. Legends go that long ago, the Goddess had mated with a white werewolf, and those offspring had some of her powers. Whether it was faster healing, mind control over any werewolf, or being the Alphas of all Alphas. So white wolves were not just rare but sought out for their power. Throughout the years, many were killed due to other Alphas being afraid or jealous of the power they held. My great-great-great grandaunt was one of them. She was the second oldest, and her brother was the Alpha then. He was jealous of her power and thought she was trying to take his positi
ALAIAARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?!?! After all that work to get Councilman Faulkner here, of all the things right now, she was going to have a white werewolf. A white werewolf! That should’ve been me. Me carrying his firstborn. Me carrying a white werewolf. If I had something to throw, I would’ve, at that moment. But, instead, I stood up. I couldn’t stand to be in the same room as her. I needed to act quickly. There was no way she was getting out of this. All that manipulation would not be for naught, and I refuse to give up. “Our baby is just as precious, Alaia.” “Who cares if it’s competing against a white werewolf, Elaine? So, stop coming to me with unimportant things!” I snapped at her, cutting her off completely. She only seemed to make me angrier. I left the room and went back to my office. I opened the grimoire and touched the pages to draw more power. I needed more than usual to manipulate Councilman Faulkner. He was undoubtedly old and resistant to magic, but this grimoir
ALAIA “What kind of favor?” I asked cautiously. Knowing my brother, he doesn’t ask people for favors. He prides himself on doing things with no help. This alliance with Isaiah was the first time he asked for help. So, whatever he wanted me to do was serious enough to need my powers. Zack was deep in thought before he answered. “I’m sure you know we went to the Wormhole two weeks ago to follow a lead on the rogue attacks. At first, I thought it was the owner, but he had no clue that a witch had bought his men. A witch was behind the whole thing,” Zack said. I controlled my face so as not to give away my surprise. Is he really trying to accuse me of my face? I slowly opened the dresser with the grimoire, preparing myself for whatever he would do next. “Why are you telling me this?’ Zack pulled out a necklace with a rune carved into it. It was Mirja’s. He placed it on the table. “I got this from a rogue at the bar. It belongs to the witch,” Zack spit out ‘witch’ as if it lef
ISAIAHI watched as Councilman Faulkner seemed to be thinking or fighting with his thoughts before he spoke. “I understand. However, I still believe she should be executed for her actions. Changing her mind doesn’t excuse the fact that she was there on her own accord in the first place. Meaning everything up to that point was premeditated. Who’s to say she won’t have another change of heart,” Councilman Faulkner said. I looked at Zira and her family. They all shared the same look of desperation. I racked my brain, thinking of some way to help them. But, even though these weeks have been hectic, Zira was...is still my friend and a member of this pack. It’s my job to protect her, regardless of what she could have done. “Believe me, Councilman Faulkner, I was thinking the same, too, but maybe we could think of something less severe. Instead of an execution, we could…,” I hesitated and glanced at Zira. “I’m sorry, Zi,” I linked her. I knew she wouldn’t like this idea, but it was the