ZIRA
"Keep away from him, Zira. You might catch something standing too close to him," Isabella said, glaring at Hunter while stepping between us.
Yeah, these two never liked each other. I always thought it was one of those enemies-to-lovers situations, but later, I discovered that would never happen. Like ever. They would always be the bickering old couple.
"Isn’t there some whore waiting in a bathroom for you to spread your disgusting seed on," Isabella asked with a smirk.
"Little Bella," Hunter smiled back, and I knew he was enjoying his little nickname’s effect on Isabella as she growled and stepped toward him. "Of course, you’re here. Tell me, how does it feel to be a life-sized cock blocker, huh?"
"Satisfying, especially when it’s yours I’m blocking," she said. "Who knows what gutter it came crawling from."
Now they were only a few feet apart. I was about to jump in when a hint of cinnamon and pine tickled my nose, and I knew who was coming up.
"Hey, that’s my sister, ass. Be nice before she chops off something you’ll regret," Isaiah said, coming up behind us and punching Hunter in the arm while Hunter shielded his privates. My breath caught in my throat at the sight of him.
Isaiah Thorne was a true Adonis, at least to me. He was one of the top warriors of the pack, which was no surprise since he was Alpha. His bronze-like skin looked as light as sand. His body was adorned with lean muscles, from his calves to his magnificent chest and broad shoulders. His tight black shirt revealed his abs as if they were painted on. Dark, curly hair with faded sides fell shy of his stormy, gray eyes.
He had a light stubble on his square chin and a smile that could completely melt you instantly. Looking at him sent waves of pure lust through my body to my center. I closed my eyes to control myself and keep from releasing any pheromones. That would be awkward. When I opened them, Isaiah looked at me curiously, and I couldn’t look away. He smiled, displaying those amazing dimples, and gave me a wink.
"Hey, it is not my fault your sister wants me," Hunter laughed, pursing his lips at Isabella.
"As if." Isabella stepped in his face. "You are insane," she growled. Hunter didn’t move from her advance.
"All of this just to get this close to me. I feel honored."
Here began the usual back and forth between the two. I stood there watching the show, and Isaiah took this chance to hand me a chocolate swirl croissant.
"Here, not as good as yours, but it’ll do the trick."
"Thanks. It’ll last until the party. Your mom requested a lot of desserts," I said, taking the croissant from his hand.
There was a spark between us, and we stared at each other momentarily. This wasn’t the first time there were sparks between us. Every now and then, when we touch, whether it’s a hug or an accidental tap, I would feel little sparks through my body. I could never tell if he felt the same thing. Though as soon as they arrived, they went away. It was as if it was a mistake.
At first, I thought we were mates, but I never experienced the strong sensation people talk about. Besides, Nina, my werewolf, would tell me. So usually, I just ignored it, but I won’t lie and say this isn’t why I didn’t leave the pack when I turned eighteen.
I was waiting for him to turn eighteen, thinking our bond might get stronger. When it didn’t, I thought he would at least feel something enough to make him choose me as his mate. Still nothing. Just friends. Who was I kidding anyway? He was an Alpha, and I was just a hunter. The two positions just didn’t match. Isaiah needed a Luna and someone with the power to rule next to him. I didn’t have that, or I didn’t think I did.
A scream interrupted my thoughts, and I saw Isabella holding Hunter in a headlock, telling him to cry, ‘Uncle.’
"Bella!"
Victoria, Isaiah’s now girlfriend or friend or whatever she was, came to stand by Isaiah.
"Are you making trouble again," she asked, giggling at the situation.
There are a lot of words I can use to describe Victoria. Bitch, slut, and trashy aren’t any of them. Of all the girls Isaiah has been with, she is by far the most impressive. She’s intelligent, kind, supportive, and very sexy. Her clothes might seem very conservative, but many sleepovers proved she’s good at hiding all the goods.
Hell, if I was down, she would definitely be my second choice. But, of course, Isabella had to be first, or she would kill me. I won’t deny I was a bit jealous of Victoria. She gets more attention from my best friend and gets to cozy up with Isaiah anytime she can. Though, now that I think about it I’ve never seen her get cozy with Isaiah. Still, Victoria got special treatment. Isabella even let Victoria call her Bella, which was unfathomable to me. This girl practically had the life I wanted, and she’s only been here less than a year.
I’m not jealous though. I thought to myself watching Victoria smiling at Isabella and Isaiah. Well, maybe a little.
Instantly Isabella beamed at Victoria and let go of Hunter. He dramatically fell to the floor, reaching for Isaiah, who swatted his hand away.
"And here you are, making it all better. Vicky dear, let’s go and leave this man-baby alone." Isabella walked away with Victoria right behind her.
"I guess that’s my cue to leave," I smiled at Isaiah. "Oh, before I forget, did Alpha Jack ever sign my papers? I know you’ve been working closely with him for training, so I’m guessing you might know the answer. I need them to move safely through other pack lands when I leave."
Isaiah’s smile suddenly dropped, and he furrowed his brows as if to think about my question. Of course, no Alpha liked that any member wanted to leave, but I figured Isaiah would understand since we were both looking for our mates. Gosh his thinking face is so cute.
"Focus," Nina growled. She was more excited about leaving than me. She wanted nothing more than to be free and find her mate.
"No, I don’t think that came across my desk, but I’ll ask him about it later," Isaiah said dismissively. He turned around, and I grabbed his arm. Spark. He looked at my hand before bringing his stormy grays to meet mine. We stood still for a moment before I reluctantly let him go.
"Sorry, Alpha-"
"Isaiah," he interrupted me with a smile. "I told you before, Zi. You can call me Isaiah."
"Of course, Isaiah. I was going to say I’ll be at the party tonight if you do happen to find them by then."
"In a rush to leave us so soon, Zi," Isaiah asked, crossing his arms.
Did I hear a bit of irritation in his voice? Was he actually mad about this? "Of course not. I love this pack, truly. I’m just, you know, excited for a new adventure, and Nina really thinks we’re going to find our mate out there. Besides, nothing is really keeping me here anyway."
Isaiah didn’t respond back. He just stared at me for a minute. "Well, we’ll have to see what happens tonight." He turned away and walked over to Hunter, who was still pretending to be hurt on the ground.
"Bro, you just left me here to die," Hunter whined.
"What did I tell you about flirting, Hunter," Isaiah asked while helping Hunter off the floor.
"It’s my best quality. It’s out of my hands when I see a beautiful woman." Isaiah sighed and released Hunter, making him fall to the floor again.
I couldn’t help but laugh and turned towards the direction Isabella sauntered off to. I thought about what Isaiah said. What did he mean by that? What’s going to happen tonight? What could happen to make me change my mind? I knew nothing short of meeting my mate could make me stay, but this information got me excited. This party was going to be something worth remembering.
ISAIAH Thinking about the conversation with Zira earlier had me tearing a hole into another punching bag. That was my third one so far. Anytime I had to make difficult decisions, this was my way of thinking. That stupid request plagued my mind like a sickness, and I didn’t know how to get rid of it. "I don’t understand your frustration. She is not our mate," my werewolf, Devon, reminded me. I could see him now in the back of my mind, lazily grooming himself like there was no care in the world. "Don’t you think I know that," I snapped at him. Still, I felt connected to her somehow. Every time we touched, I could feel a spark. Fleeting, but it was there. Wasn’t that similar to what others say a mate’s touch feels like? Maybe something was blocking us. Or fate is waiting for one of us to make the next move. This mate stuff isn’t an exact science. I know of many Alphas with a chosen mate; it was their best decision. "Hunter, I need another o-" Hunter dropped another bag near m
ISABELLA The noise from the party was deafening. I stood in my bathroom, looking at myself in the mirror. My mother had a professional makeup artist cake on a bunch of stuff. I didn’t need all that crap, so here I was, washing a fortune off my face. Definitely going to piss her off, which is usually my agenda when she throws a party. My mother was relentless. According to her, she knows best because she’s ‘been there.’ Whatever the hell that meant? I knew this whole party was her way of butting into my personal life. Again! When I get my mate, I’m making sure I get the hell away from here and from her. "Isa, come on. You’ve been in there for half an hour now. What are you doing," Zira asked, knocking on the door. Zira, my girl, my best friend since we were fifteen. Heck, we were stuck together like glue the first day we met, much to my pleasure. I remember the first day I saw her at school. We were all in the gym getting ready for dodgeball. She stood in the corner, scann
ZIRA Did she say what I think she just said? She found her mate. Oh, my goddess. SHE FOUND HER MATE!!! Wait, why isn’t she more excited, and why is she hiding in the bathroom? "Wait, what-" Before I could finish, Luna Bella burst through the door like she was raiding a party. "Where the hell is she? We have guests," Luna Bella yelled. Before I could turn around, the bathroom door opened, and Isabella walked out. If anyone could get Isabella out of a room, I knew Luna Bella would do it. Isabella enjoyed her little pow-wows with her mother. So much so that I sometimes think she looks forward to them. "Mother, cool your tits. I wanted to make sure I looked good enough to be chosen like a prize slut," Isabella started. "Sorry, I meant prize Luna." "Oh, stop it with the dramatics," Luna Bella said, dismissively waving her hand toward Isabella. "What can I say? I learn from the best," Isabella whispered, knowing we could hear her. Luna Bella sighed and placed her hand
ISAIAH I wasn’t really here to enjoy the party. Just make an appearance and leave. This was more for Isabella and my mother finding a suitable Alpha for her. Lucky for me, I had planned on who I wanted to choose for my mate. Though my werewolf, Devon, would disagree with my choice. He’s always growling his disapproval when I’m with other women, saying I should only want to be with my mate. Apparently, my body doesn’t feel the same way. Then I met Victoria some months ago. We bonded over a few video games I let her win. She’s cool, but every time we got close to going further than making out, here comes Isa. Literally every time. She spends more time with Victoria than I do. Then I realized it was more than that. My sister had a crush on my girl, again. It figures we have the same taste in women because of being born around the same time. Twins were known to have the same mate. Though we were born hours apart with her being first. "Dude, I’m drowning out here," Hunter complai
ISABELLAWhile my brother angrily watched Zira dance with Hunter. I left and went to his room to look for Victoria. It was empty. Where the hell is she? I angrily walked back to the party, and then it hit me. Like times before, the smell of sweet pea and vanilla invaded my nose."Mate is near," my werewolf Jas purred.&nbs
ISABELLAI stared at Victoria with my mouth slightly open. "Victoria...""This is my home now, Bella, and I don’t want to run away again," Victoria said as she approached me and grabbed my hands. "We don’t have to run away."
ZIRA This felt like a dream. I had dreams like this before. Usually, I’m in the woods surrounded by the smell of pine and oak or on the beach listening to the sound of the waves. Then he would appear and pull me into a hot, steamy embrace. Then fireworks and a happy ending. I was sitting on a soft California king-sized bed surrounded by a sheer black canopy this time. That’s when I saw him walk out of the bathroom. Isaiah. There was so much steam covering him that, for a second, I thought it was coming out of his skin. I watched him walk over towards another door. Maybe a closet. He had nothing but a towel around his waist, leaving very little to the imagination. I could feel the lump in my throat as the scent of cinnamon and pine tickled my nose. Then it disappeared as quickly as it came. My heart raced so fast I thought it would jump out of my chest. I wondered if he could hear it. Could he feel my eyes preying on his body as he moved across t
ISAIAH I felt a headache throbbing against my head. Then, slowly, I opened my eyes and saw a blur run out of my room. Who the hell was that, I wondered as I looked around and noticed I was lying a few feet away from my bed. Naked. How the hell did I end up on the floor? I took a minute to stabilize myself before slowly getting up off the floor. "Not our mate. You should be ashamed," Devon growled. "Yeah, well, where were you last night? I didn’t hear you stopping me then," I snapped back. He growled at me inside my mind and disappeared. Good, I didn’t need his mouth right now. There was a knock on the door, and with each one, my head felt like it would split. "Breakfast is ready, sweetie. Come downstairs," my mother yelled. I dragged myself to the bathroom and showered as I tried to remember the events from last night. The last thing I remembered was going to my room and showering. Then there was a girl waiting for me on my bed. I returned to my messy be
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.