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
THIRD PERSON P.O.V Frank used the magic ball to disappear before the she-wolf did more damage. After the smoke disappeared, he realized he was at the meeting point just outside the pack’s line. He looked around for Danny and Mac, but no one was in sight. He tried to move and remembered his leg. "Stupid bitch and her big ass mouth," Frank cursed while trying to hop to a nearby tree. Frank looked around and finally found a stick large enough to carry some of his weight. Finding the tree with their hidden clothes, Frank only saw one other set, so at least one of his brothers made it back. While trying his best to dress with a broken leg, Frank contemplates his day. He should have faked being sick, but that wouldn’t have worked with this crew. Everybody had to pull their weight no matter what, and the money was always good. He was trying to think of a way to get back to Nas and his crew when the smell of blood hit his nose. The smell was familiar, so he slowly hopped to find the source