Maggie and I spent most of the day sitting at the lake. The only reason we went back was because our stomachs were growling.
“It just takes some time. He’s still healing from it all. It doesn’t just go away.” Maggie said, squeezing my arm as we walked through the grass of the back lawn. “I know… It just doesn’t seem fair, is all.” I grumbled, making her sigh. “I know, but, sometimes it isn’t about being fair. It’s about doing what’s right.” I didn’t reply as she walked into the house, leaving me to stand in the doorway for a moment. I bit my bottom lip before following her inside.
Gabriel was sitting across from Mary, who was excitedly sharing her plans at Council. Oh, to be blissfully ignorant of what was to come. I thought to myself as I pulled the chair out beside Gabe. He turned to me, “Oh, hey.” He nudged me, “Your dresses for Council arrived earlier.
The next morning I woke up and noticed Alexander was gone. I sighed, sitting up to the side of the bed and sat there for a moment. I couldn’t decide to wait and go next time; I had to do this now. I couldn’t look like a coward to that woman. She, who killed my family, and was responsible for my entire life, is so messed up. Not just my own, but her damn husband made Alexander miserable and ruined his life. I was grateful that Alexander would never be like him. I kicked the blankets off and went to the bedroom door, hearing a noise in the hall. Adam and Alexander spoke in the hall about who would be riding in what car and the plan after that. Alexander had a briefcase in his hand, “I think Maggie should stay here,” Alexander shook his head. “She hasn’t been to Council in years. She just wants to see everyone.” Adam shrugged, “I don’t see how it hurts anything.” “She’s not supposed to be there. It could mess up sleeping arrangements.” Alexander huffed, “She should have asked soone
We arrived at the airport, and everyone boarded the plane for the flight to the U.K, where this year’s Council was being held. Every year, different countries get the chance to represent themselves and host Council; this year, Europe was where we were headed. Gabe was thrilled when he found out we were going to Europe, I didn’t like the idea of flying so far away from home, but Alexander assured me it would be fine. I shifted as he relaxed beside me, “Get some rest, Isabella. It’s a long flight.” He spoke, making me nod. “Ok. I’m pretty tired still.” I admitted, leaning my head against his shoulder. Alexander put a blanket over me and kissed my head. “I’ll see you when you wake up.” His words swirled around my head as I drifted off to sleep, listening to the quiet conversations around me until I didn’t hear anything a
Our drive didn’t last as long as I anticipated, though my anxiety worsened the closer we got to the large estate we would stay in for Council. Alexander took it as me just being nervous but he didn’t know what I did.We pulled into a long drive; large sprawling lawns on either side of the road revealed a vast landscape with no one for miles. “There are places like this worldwide for meeting places for the packs. It’s much easier than involving humans in our business. Plus, we can run if we need to.” Alexander spoke, explaining why it was in the middle of nowhere. “It’s hard to rent out spaces for two or three weeks at a time without drawing attention of curse humans.” James added, rolling his window down and taking a deep breath. “Ah… Council is probably my favorite time of year… Get to see forgien hotties that you&rsqu
Gabe and I settled into our room and laid down to take a quick nap. I was asleep before I knew it, and much too soon, Gabe’s alarm was waking us up. I sat up, groaning, “Why? Why was that so fast?”“That makes two of us.” He grumbled, rubbing his face as he sat up in his bed. “I’m taking a shower first,” I hissed, wagging my finger at him and scrambling to the bathroom. “Hey-” He began to complain as I shut the door behind me. I cackled evilly and turned to the shower, turning it on before checking for towels. In the cabinet behind the door, there were several big, white fluffy towels.I quickly undressed and climbed beneath the hot water, and sighed happily. I rolled my head along my shoulders and shifted my feet, the warm water soothing my tense muscles. I felt
I tried my hardest to shake what Maggie said, but it seemed to always be at the back of my mind.We paired off in twos; Alexander thought it would be best if he didn’t pair with me, as he didn’t want people to be staring at me. Though, it didn’t matter. As soon as we appeared in the doorway leading outside, everyone’s eyes were on us. Not just because of the Hunter who left the Guard, but because of the ‘dead’ alpha heir.“Presenting Alpha Alexander, his Beta James, Gamma Adam, and Alpha Heir Isabella.” The man from earlier announced our arrival. Alexander’s usual suave demeanor was replaced with a cold one, and he made it clear that he was not someone to be messed with.I held onto Gabe for dear life as
Eventually, everyone gathered at the table and waited for our meals to arrive. I was surprised that Alexander had decided to sit on the other side of Gabe. From my understanding, he made it very clear that he didn’t want to be associated too close to me, trying to make me less of a target than I already was. I believed it was because of Lachlan’s actions earlier at the bar, but I wasn’t sure.“Tonight, Isabella will take her Alpha oath.” Adam began to explain, “as will Mary. There will be a second one on the last day where all the new wolves take their oaths in front of the King and Queen, making them loyal to them.” I shivered. I did not want to be anywhere near that woman, let alone have to pretend to want to be loyal to her or her husband. “When does that start?” Mary asked, making Adam check his watch. “Soon. It goes from c
The rest of the night went by rather quickly, my head spinning from the number of times I was greeted by people who were excited to meet me. Some were merely excited to meet the future Queen; others knew my family and wanted to extend their happiness to me; I lived. By the time I finally made it back to my room, I had been floating the entire time and had just managed to come back to earth. I plopped on my mattress, kicked my shoes off, and rubbed my face. I thought Alexander said he didn’t want me and him to be associated with one another. What changed? Had something I had done made him think differently? Had I done something to change his fate and not known? “So…” Gabe trailed off, sitting on the edge of his bed. I turned to him, watching as he puffed out his cheeks, “Congrats?” He raised his shoulders, making me scoff. “On what?” “Your engagement?” I sighed at his words, laying on my back and staring up at the ceiling. “I thought you said that Alexander didn’t want us to be known
I sit there, staring at my friend, who was choking on her blood, as the Queen scoffs, “Too weak. She’d never make it as Queen.”“I agree, Your Majesty.” one of her guards replied. The Queen sighs, “Now… We should leave. I’m certain her mate will be here any moment.” With that, they left the room, closing the door behind them. I sat there for a moment longer until I was sure it was clear, then scrambled out from underneath the bed, “Isabella.” I cried, hot tears running now my cheeks. “Ga-Gabe.” She whimpered, “What are you doing-” She began to protest but stopped when I put my hands over her wound to try and stop the bleeding. She was pale and already going into shock. I knew this didn’t look good; what if her vision of Alexander was actually about