ALAIA My brother interrupted us right before I could get closer to my mate. Of course, he picked this time to barge in. I wish he could leave already. I could tell from the beginning he had a problem with this union. I didn’t care. I couldn’t wait to leave his pack. There’s nothing left for me but bad memories. Memories I never want to relive. As I reluctantly walked past my brother, I whispered, "Please don’t mess this up for me." Of course, he didn’t respond nor look my way as I walked past and closed the door. I stood near the closed door for a minute, knowing I couldn’t listen in. "What was he going to tell him," I asked no one in particular. "The truth, hopefully," my werewolf, Elaine, spat out. "Elaine?" I haven’t felt or spoken to her since the accident. Ever since that day, we have slowly grown apart. It wasn’t a surprise since I felt more in tune with my witch side. I hadn’t realized how alone someone could feel until she stopped speaking to me. The
ALAIA While Hunter ducked inside, I went downstairs to do just that. I wasn’t sure I wanted to discover what was happening behind that door. I walked towards the garden to admire all the different flowers. Luna Bella had an eclectic taste, from vibrant flame lilies to gorgeous moon flowers. This would be a great place to grow some of my herbs. I was making a game plan when I heard someone yelling nearby. "Zira! This is the fifth message I’ve sent you. Stop ignoring me. I’m getting worried now. Please call me back!" It was Isaiah’s sister, Isabella. She paced back and forth, scrolling through her phone. It took her a minute to notice me. I gave her a small smile and waved. "Sorry, I didn’t realize how loud I was," Isabella said. "I’m guessing you’re done with my brother. Is he still in the office?" "Yeah, I left him with my brother and Hunter. They’re having a huge pissing contest right now." "Boys will be stupid boys." Isabella went back to her phone. "So, wh
ZIRA Just like that, my world came crashing down in one single moment. A moment that was cementing itself in my mind. I didn’t expect the scene in front of me. Isaiah, my Isaiah, was kissing another girl in front of everybody. He found his mate. That was the only explanation. That had to be the only explanation. He didn’t even realize I was there. Was I just a passing memory? I could feel myself moving toward them, but I stopped. What was I going to do? I couldn’t be mad. I kept telling myself. I wouldn’t allow myself to be mad. I wasn’t his mate, and it’s not like we ever defined our relationship, right? Right? Besides, he’s an Alpha, and I’m just a hunter. I wasn’t worthy of being his anyway. Still, I didn’t think I would find myself at this moment, watching as everyone in the room seemed happy while I was breaking down inside. Them kissing was the only image in my head as I bolted out the back door. I needed some air. I needed to find a way to be cool about this. "Fu
ALAIA Omega Mary took me to the second floor, where they housed all the guests. The room was plain but nicely furnished with a queen-sized bed, a boudoir, and a night desk. All my things were placed neatly near the bed. I walked over to my purse and pulled out my chalk. I really didn’t like the idea that my mate went running after some ex-slut of his. Surely, he had some unresolved feelings strong enough to make him leave me alone, even with my bracelet on. "Is there anything else I could do for you, Miss Alaia?" She was so quiet I totally forgot she was standing there. "That would be all," I said, ushering her out the door. "I will call upon you if I need you." "Oh, I think the Alpha wanted me to stay nearby," she said when I led her to the hallway. "Great! Then you can stay outside the door." Before she could say anything, I locked the door in her face. I went to my bag to get my witch blade and cloak. I stepped into the closet, closed the door, and caref
ALAIA Nas glared at Mirja as he dropped the man to the floor. He took a threatening step toward her, and within a second, Mirja had those pistols pointed toward his heart. Nas froze and growled before planting a smile across his face. "Sorry about that, Mirja. I get carried away sometimes. I was just having a little fun," he said with a voice as sweet as pie. The bar was still as the awkward staring contest continued between the two. Finally, Nas held up his hands and walked back to his table. "How about a round for everyone on me?" Everyone cheered, and the bar returned to its natural flow after a few seconds. A few guys help the small man from the floor and out the door. While Mirja was busy, I took two bar napkins and drew the Nauthiz rune on both. Then, with a bit of dab of blood on each, I hid them in my hands and headed over to Nas and his crew. Before I could get to him, two of his men blocked my way. One was tall with blue eyes and had a nasty scar across hi
ZIRA Nina kept her distance from the rogue. It shifted and stood before us as a naked man. He was huge, maybe 6’3, with pure muscle and scars all over his body. He had one distinct scar across his face from ear to ear. He was smiling, sniffing the air. "What is a she-wolf like yourself doing so far from home?" He asked, circling Nina. Then, he started to swirl what looked like a switchblade. Where the hell did that come from? I wondered. "He feels so sure of himself. I want to play Zira," Nina said. "I don’t know, Nina. He’s big," I said. "Come on. We’re leaving this pack soon. We must be able to take care of ourselves in these situations. We can take him. I can feel it." She was right. I just remembered that I had my original plans for leaving. I have a good excuse, and Isaiah will have to sign them now, but before that, I had to get rid of this rogue. I wasn’t planning on it, but I had feelings to release, too. Apparently, they were strong enough to make me s
ZIRA While talking to Nina, the rogue lunged toward me. I readied myself to fight, tooth and nail when I saw a blur jump in front of me. A giant dark gray werewolf appeared out of nowhere and knocked the rogue back in midair. I scented him, realizing he wasn't from our pack, and by the size and power flowing from him, he had to be a high rank. Maybe a Beta or an Alpha. I stumbled forward as the pain of my wounds became more apparent, and the gray werewolf used his body to keep me from hitting the ground face-first. His fur was so soft, and I almost lost myself in it. The gray werewolf growled at me to get my attention and motioned towards the bushes with his head. I nodded and hurried as fast as I could, keeping my eyes on the rogue who had just recovered from the attack. I watched my savior and the rogue square off. I was terrified but, at the same time, intrigued by the standoff. This wasn't a frequent occurrence in this pack, and besides, I could use this as a learning opport
ISABELLA I tried Zira’s phone again, and it went straight to voicemail while Isaiah dealt with his mate. Granted, I would have loved for Zira to be my brother’s mate, but I was glad I didn’t have to listen to her gushing about him. There’s only so much a girl can listen to concerning their sibling. So, I called her mother, and she immediately picked up the phone. "Any news?" her mother asked. "Not yet." I laughed, trying to lighten the mood. "I would not like to be worried, but should I be worried, Isabella?" I hesitated for a moment. "No. Of course not, Mrs. Lake. I know Zira can handle herself. She just needs a moment to cool down." Her mother went quiet on the other line. "Remember a couple of years ago, we got lost in the woods," I continued. "I panicked and was basically paralyzed, but not Zira. She took charge and used the river to get us back before nightfall. She will always find her way back home, okay?" Please, believe me. "You’re right. She is my brave little werewol
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.