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
ISAIAHWe sat around the dining table as the Omegas began setting the table with different kinds of breakfast foods. Next to me, Alaia was talking to my mother, who was probably planning our wedding as we spoke. Hunter and Ashlee were busy in their little world, occasionally giggling like they were sharing a secret. Chris’s and Jace’s mates, Fanny and Mia, were also sitting in their conversations. I have to get used to this, I smiled to myself. Isabella finally walked in with Zack right on her tail. I internally growled as they both sat down. I noticed Zack and my sister being more friendly than before. I liked her better when he and the whole marriage thing disgusted her. “So what? You like him now,” I mind-linked Isabella. “Well, he did save my best friend last night,” she said teasingly. “Pfft. He’s probably the reason she was in trouble at all. Besides, any of us could’ve done that,” I snapped back. If I had gotten there just a few minutes earlier. What was he doing out
ISAIAH “Someone is in a rush. Are you sure you want to do this?” Isabella mind-linked me. “Yeah. I mean, it’s going to happen eventually, right,” I said, knowing she could feel my hesitancy. “Yeah, but it should be something both mates should agree on. That’s what a partnership is all about, right?” “Yeah, and how’s that partnership with Victoria going,” I snapped at her. I knew I was wrong and directed my irritation to the wrong person. “I’m going to blame that misplaced anger on the situation and forgive you just this once,” Isabella said before cutting the link. She glared at me and then turned her attention to Alaia. “Two weeks? Is that even enough time to plan all of this,” Isabella asked. “Of course it is, dear,” my mother happily said. “I had everything planned for you, but now I can change some details, and we can do everything for Alaia. As a matter of fact, let’s start right this minute. There’s so much to do. Let’s go, ladies. I need all the help I can ge