ZACK
**PRESENT**
I reached the top floor and used my werewolf senses to sniff out which room she was in. I mentally prepared myself for whatever was on the other side. I wasn’t sure what I would do if she were up to no good. What more could I do?
I took the one thing that made her evil, and yet I still feel it wasn’t enough. I took a deep breath and opened the door. The room was empty. I looked around for anything suspicious and only found a black box on the floor.
Before I could inspect it, Alaia appeared from the bathroom. She stopped in her tracks and looked at me.
"What do you want, brother?" she asked. A towel was in her hands, and I could faintly smell blood.
ALAIAIt took everything in my power to control my anger toward my brother. It subsided for a moment when he called me ‘Lia.’ Only a little. It’s been a while since I heard that nickname. Aside from that, he was very good at getting in my way, almost like a sport for him. I walked back into the bathroom to clean my mess before Isaiah came back.I was watching the events unfold in the bathroom mirror moments before. With a bit of blood magic and Zira’s choker, I kept her from shifting. Unfortunately, I didn’t account for her werewolf being as strong as she was. I could see the glow of my necklace slowly diminishing as I tried to hold onto the magic.Every attempt her werewolf made to break through made me a bit weaker. There were a few close moments when I thought the
ALAIA I blinked a few times before looking away. I decided the cup of water in front of me was more interesting as I cleared my throat. "You are invading my personal space, so everything is fair game." "I hope that goes both ways," he said with a smile. Mirja returned to drop off his drinks, and he slid one my way. "Take your time with that sweetheart. Might be a bit strong for ya." I stared at him and took the shot in one gulp. It burned like hell, and I instantly regretted it, but I composed myself, not wanting to look inexperienced. "It’s Alaia, not sweetheart," I said when I could breathe. The shot was disgusting, and my mouth had a slight tingling sensation. He laughed softly, and I w
ISAIAH I slowly opened my eyes, and instantly, my favorite cinnamon and apple scent filled my lungs. Then, I remembered I had found my mate yesterday. She was lying right next to me, sound asleep. I couldn’t believe I was lucky enough to find her so early. I expected at least five to ten more years, but this was truly a blessing. Having a Luna only makes the pack stronger, making me a stronger Alpha. Goddess, I sound like my mother, I thought, rolling my eyes. That would make her day. But, knowing we’re not the biggest pack in the world, I want to make sure we can hold our own, and Alaia could be the key. As I stared at my sleeping beauty, I couldn’t help but think abou
ZACK After the night of dealing with rogues and the confrontation with Alaia, I barely slept. I kept thinking she had something to do with it. That rogue used magic to get away. Unless he was a hybrid, he had to have help from a witch, but Alaia had no powers. All of this couldn’t have been just a coincidence. It seemed like the light came through the window when I closed my eyes, disturbing my nonexistent sleep. I sat up in bed, clearly frustrated from the lack of sleep. I looked at the time, and it was only seven. Though I didn’t get much sleep, this was usually late. I’m up at five thirty every day and training. How could I have overslept? I would never know. I took a shower and decided to go for a run. With the details of last night running through my head, I let my werewolf, Alexi, take over and guide us through
ISAIAH I froze momentarily when I saw Zack pull Zira into a hug. Then, a growl escaped my lips. I saw them look our way, but we moved before they could see us. “What was that?” Hunter asked. “It was nothing. Let’s go back to the office,” I snapped. Why the hell am I mad? She could hug anyone she wanted. Even if it’s that obnoxious oaf of an Alpha. “You do know I can feel your true thoughts,” Devon said. “I was worried, and she was crying,” I said. “Sure, you were,” Devon scoffed. I ignored him as we made our way back to the pack house. On the way, I mind-link Delta Chris and Gamma Jace to meet us there. They were waiting by the door as we entered my office. Standing by the window was- “Father.” “Alpha Jack,” the others bowed. He glared at all of us, but I knew from his aura he wasn’t that mad. Though I can guess what it was all about. Like I said before, we never really experience attacks from rogues or neighboring packs, so- “Why am I just now hear
ALAIA I woke up feeling cold as I stretched my hands to an empty space beside me. Isaiah was gone. I shot up to a sitting position, looking around the room for his presence. Why did he leave? Where did he go? “He’s an Alpha. He’s probably training. Though I would know for sure if you weren’t blocking me from his werewolf,” Elaine growled. A sense of relief washed over me as I turned to see it was eight in the morning. Of course, he’s training. So, there was no need to worry. As for Elaine... “Who knows what you might say if I let you talk? Unfortunately, we’re not best friends,” I replied, remembering that I had blocked Elaine from Devon when I found out Isaiah was my mate. “What is there to say? That the Moon Goddess paired them with a maniac. Do you have some plans I don’t know about?” Elaine questioned me. “Wouldn’t you like to know? Just be a good little she-wolf, and let me work my magic for the both of us.” “Your magic is never good. You only use it to hurt ot
ALAIA I could feel him on my heels, and I turned in my doorway to block him from coming in. “I don’t need a lecture right now, Zack.” He looked at me with a bit of confusion and shrugged it off. “You’re a grown woman. I do not care about your night festivities. I came to see if you’ll be leaving with me today.” Was he freaking serious? After last night, I couldn’t believe he thought I would want to return with him. But he must have seen the surprise on my face because he just sighed. “If you really think you’re ready for this, then I can’t stop you, but I want you to really think about this, Alaia. There are always consequences for everything you do. Since you’re mated to an Alpha, there’s not much I can do if-” I couldn’t let him finish that sentence. I knew where he was going with it. “I don’t need you trying to save me, Zack. I can take care of myself.” Besides, this time was going to be different. This time, I’m Maria, and unlike her, I am strong enough to never
VICTORIA After leaving Isabella the other day, I went home and lay in bed for hours. I vaguely remember my mom checking in, leaving food near my bed, and returning to retrieve a plate still full of food. I had lost my appetite. That could be a side effect of rejecting your mate. My mate. I took a deep breath and breathed in her scent-lavender and vanilla-as I pulled her shirt closer to my chest. I stole it. Not intentionally. It just happened to fall into my box from the hangar in the closet. I forgot I even had it. Rae, my werewolf, was the one who sniffed it out when I got home, and I couldn’t bring myself to return it. It was all I had left of her. I watched the night fade until the rays of light from the sun peeked through my windows. How long have I been lying here? I took another deep breath and welcomed the pain as my chest tightened with each inhale. Fresh tears dampen the side of my pillow. Was this my punishment? Rejecting the gift of the Moon Goddess. Even though
ISAIAH Water splashed on my face for the hundredth time as my son’s laughter filled the bathroom. I looked down at Arias, who apparently got a kick from throwing soap in my face. Each time seemed to make Arias laugh more. “Arias, we’ve been in here for twenty minutes. You have to let me wash you,” I said, trying to grab him, but Arias slipped out of reach. “That’s it. I’m coming in.” Arias shrieked, trying to get away from me. I couldn’t help but laugh. Who knew bath time could be this fun? After another ten minutes or so, I was able to thoroughly wash and dress Arias for bed. I laid Arias down in his crib and grabbed a book to read from the bookshelf. Arias climbed out of his crib and
ZIRAI stretched and yawned as the light from the window crept across my face. I reached across my bed and realized it was empty. I instantly sat up. Panic starting to set in. I looked around the room for him, and it was empty.I was on my way to get out of bed when the door to my bathroom opened. James walked out and noticed my panicked face. He cocked an eyebrow, with a smile playing across his face.“What?”“I thought,” I said, trying to catch my breath. “I thought you were gone.”James laughed. “Where would I go?” James asked sarcastically. “You barely let me pee without hovering over me. And that snoring-”
ZACKAfter Alaia’s death, getting things back together slowly improved as the days passed. I took her body back to my pack to have a proper burial. Mirja didn’t think she deserved it. She wanted to burn the body, but I stopped before she could.True, Alaia was evil, and I knew that. However, she was still my sister, and I felt partially responsible for everything that had happened. So, I brought her home and buried her next to our parents. She was their problem.After that matter was settled, our days were filled with rebuilding the Blue Moon Pack. With the help of Alpha Isaiah and Alpha Fiona, we were now working at a ninety percent capacity. Most of the houses were rebuilt, and Bronx proved to be a responsible Beta. George and Harry came around more often. Harry was obsessed with Mirja’s knowledge of
ISABELLA"No, no, no!"Luna Bella's screaming filled the entire hospital room and down the hall. She sat in bed, holding her hands out in front of her while Victoria stood in front of her. Victoria sighed, holding a teacup of medicine in her hands."Luna Bella, you have to drink this to get better," Victoria said to her, clearly frustrated. "Are we seriously going to go through this every morning?""Are you seriously going to force me to drink that crap," Luna Bella growled at her.Hitting the breaking point, Victoria growled back. "Drink it!"Luna Bella leaned back with a shocked expression before glaring at Isabella, who sat back, watching everything unfold.
THIRD POV After her little laughing fit, Alaia turned her attention back to Mirja, who was trying to claw her way out of Alaia’s grip. Alaia could see her brother stalking back and forth beyond her little shield, looking just as helpless as his little mate. “You know,” Alaia started with a malicious smirk, “it tickled me when I found out you were my brother’s mate. All this time, I couldn’t figure out why you always dismissed my plans of wanting to kill him. Subconsciously, you were always on his side. You just didn’t know why. So now I’m going to enjoy killing you while he watches.” Alaia tightened the hold around Mirja’s neck as Mirja gasped for air. Alaia was so wrapped up in her fury to kill that she didn’t notice anyone entering her space until the last moment. She whipped around and came face to face with James. 
THIRD POVAlaia blocked another attack from Deacon as he pushed her away from Arias and Zira. From the corner of his eyes, he could see Zira finally getting up and assessing the situation.Alaia looked around, confused. James’ wolf, Deacon, was attacking her, but she could clearly see James’s body in the hall. Unfortunately, her mind was so clouded that she couldn’t figure out who was real. Besides, this wolf was moving too fast for her to focus on attacking.This…this wolf had to be an imposter or some sort of trick. She thought.Deacon kept attacking her, pushing her back, and she could feel herself getting weaker, or maybe it was tiredness. She watched Deacon stand between her and Arias. The one whos
THIRD POV It took a moment for Zira to realize she was being carried. Then, she looked up and saw James, who noticed she was awake. “You...you rejected me,” Zira said softly, and it tugged at James’s heart. “James would not reject you, Zi. I can tell he loves you,” James said to her. Zira looked at him, confused. “You’ve never called me Zi before, and why are you speaking in the third person?” “I’ll explain when I get you as far away from here as possible,” James said as he proceeded down the long hallway. They descended a few hallways before Zira squirmed out of James’ hold. “No,” Zira screamed. “I have to get Arias. I have to find him.”
THIRD POVThe sounds like that of beating drums echoed throughout the woods as werewolves collided with each other. More rogues descended upon them as they tried to hold the line. Deacon maneuvered as best as he could, taking down a rogue every step of the way, but they seemed to be multiplying. He did his best to concentrate, but he felt pain spiral throughout his body occasionally.Zira. He had to get to her, but there were too many obstacles.“Portals are open,” George linked him.Deacon immediately started running towards George when a rogue jumped right before him. Maybe it was because he was only a few minutes away from her, but he felt a new kind of energy surge through him.
THIRD POVMary gripped the bottle behind her back as the rogues glared at her. She tried controlling her fear as she approached them, but it slowly took over as she felt her legs shaking slightly. She was still just an Omega with meager fighting skills.“No one should be in this area,” growled the she-wolf as she gave Mary a once-over, noticing the shaking. “Why are you here?”“Luna Alaia,” Mary squeaked out before clearing her throat and failing to stand tall. “I’m here at Luna Alaia’s request. She wants me to check on the baby.”Mary tried to step through them, but the she-wolf held her back. Mary was able to get close enough to spray the pheromones on the she-wolf.