I walked out of the bathroom and noticed Zira sitting on my bed on her phone. Immediately the memories of our passionate night came flooding through my mind. Not right now, not right now.
I focused on controlling my urges as I tried to get ready for this arrangement with Alpha Zack. There were a few details with this marriage arrangement we had to iron out before signing this little treaty between packs. After some studying, I knew he needed this more than we did.
Recently his pack has been subjected to frequent attacks. With our help, we could make it non-existent. Thanks to my dad, my warriors were thirsty for some action. I rushed to my closet before she had a chance to look up and put on some boxers and a tank top.
When I walked to the bed to get my jeans she looked up at me and smiled.
“I think I finally convinced Isa not to poison your mom’s tea,” Zira said, standing up.
"Yeah, is that all she was planning to do," I asked, knowing full well my sister had a plan b, c and d.
Zira paced around the room talking about Isabella’s plan to destroy everyone and I was finally able to get a good view of her entire outfit. She usually wears leggings with a graphic tee but today it was a cute green sundress.
It hugged her curves and flowed out at the bottom when she turned. Around her neck was the same pretty necklace she wore at the party. She looked so cute that I couldn’t help but walk over to her and captured her lips while she was talking.
It took her by surprise but she quickly relaxed in my arms. She deepened the kiss as we both fought for dominance. I broke free, planting kisses down her neck. A small sound of pleasure escaped her lips and my body immediately reacted.
I loved the effect I had on her and she on me. I lingered there and breathed in her perfume. The smell of peony and rose oil filled my nostrils, but underneath I got her signature apple cinnamon.
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt,” I said, placing my forehead onto hers.
“If that’s how you interrupt, please do it more often,” she laughed.
“Oh before I forget, I got you something,” I said, grabbing a little black velvet box from my night stand.
“Thank the goddess. Do you know how hard it is to find something with your name on it and not open it? I’ve been staring at the box since yesterday. Any more and I could have opened it with my mind.”
She opened the box and pulled out a black choker with a gold round wolf pendant. The eyes of the wolf were gray, just like mine.
“I know Isa got you a necklace, so I wanted you to have one from me. Now you have a piece of both of us,” I said, helping her put the necklace on.
“This is gorgeous, Isaiah,” she said, admiring it in the mirror. “But I think just for today I’ll wear Isabella’s necklace. I hate seeing her so unhappy when I’m the opposite, you know.”
Times like this made me feel so lucky to have someone like Zira. Always caring about other people’s feelings over her own to make them happy. I could totally see her as a future Luna.
I was beyond elated when she decided to stay and see where this goes. When I finally gave her the papers she needed, she decided to celebrate by burning them.
At first, I was afraid our relationship would get in the middle of my Alpha’s duties but it didn’t. She never complained or got upset if our dates were cut short. She would say ‘At least we had this moment’ or ‘It’s just temporary’.
I couldn’t wait to get this whole marriage thing over with. Then I can focus on the three weeks of traveling to other packs with Zira along for the ride. Mornings will be filled with meetings and tours, but I made sure to clear all my evenings just to be with her.
“Of course, I understand. Sisterhood, solidarity and all”
“But I promise after today, I’ll wear it forever” she said, admiring it in the mirror before placing the necklace back in the box on the nightstand.
She looked at me and smiled. I knew that smile. Before I could say anything she pushed me back towards the bed. I fell down and watched her hike up her dress to straddle me. Every day she's getting bolder and bolder, and I was all for it. She kissed me, grinding her hips over my now hardened erection.
"Zi, we can't. I'm needed downstairs," I said as my breath started to accelerate.
"Oh come on. You're the Alpha. They can wait, right," she smiled, looking as if she was planning something. I grabbed her hips and rolled us over with me on top. She laughed.
"Now this brings back memories," she said, biting her lips and trying to push her hips up.
"What has gotten into you," I asked, staring into her hazel eyes.
"Not you apparently," she sighed, rolling her eyes with a smile on her lips.
"Fine, you don't have to tell me twice. Maybe I can make this quick and we can meet back here in an hour. Then we can see how dominant you can be," I said, kissing the area above her marking spot.
I felt a rumble vibrate through her chest, knowing I was getting Nina's attention. That's no easy task, so I felt a bit accomplished. I enjoyed the way her body was reacting to my kisses as I made my way down to her chest, but we were interrupted by a crashing noise in the hallway.
"Duty calls it seems," I sighed as I helped Zira up and she fixed her dress. We both ran out the door and looked down the hall to see Hunter dodging objects from Isabella’s room.
“I said I’m not going down there you buffoon,” Isabella yelled, throwing her hair dryer that barely missed Hunter’s head.
She slammed her door and Hunter noticed us looking as we tried to hold back our laughter. His hair was a mess and he scratches on different parts of his body. His eyes looked like he just saw something traumatic. With Isabella, I wouldn’t be surprised.
“She-” Hunter pointed towards the door, “you-” he pointed towards me, “This was not part of the deal when I said yes to being your Beta.”
He started to walk away before turning around and adding, “Alpha Zack is here and your parents want you both downstairs now. I need to find a quiet place to collect myself.”
We watched him wobble a bit down the stairs. “Maybe you should go after him before he falls or something,” Zira said while walking towards Isabella’s door.
“Yeah, I’ll see you downstairs. Good luck with all of that.” I gave her another quick kiss before running after Hunter, who was taking the stairs one at a time. “Come on, buddy. I got you.”
I finally got Hunter to a chair in the hallway. I gave myself a mental note to figure out what Isabella did to him. He’s usually not easily shaken. Then all of a sudden, Devon started freaking out in my head. He was getting very excited. Suddenly, Ashlee, Hunter's mate, walked in and immediately ran to his side.
“Oh Hunty, what happened to you?”
I almost gagged at his nickname. He practically pushed me away as he grabbed onto her.
“I think I saw the seventh circle of hell and it’s name is Isabella. I don’t want to go back. Hold me.”
Yeah. Finding his mate definitely changed him and maybe for the worst. The new Hunter 2.0 was a big ole’ baby, now. I might have to rethink my Beta position.
"I'm going to have to give that girl a piece of my mind," sneered Ashlee while planting kisses on his "boos-boos". Her words.
Again, I felt Devon stir inside my mind.
Dude, what's your problem?
I can feel her, Isaiah.
Feel who.
Before he could answer, the most amazing smell hit me like a wave. I sniffed the air and followed it down the hall where I could hear people chatting. Fresh cinnamon and baked apples. It was eerily similar to Zira's but this was intense. Like an overload for my nose. I braced the wall as it momentarily made me dizzy.
Mate Devon howls excitedly.
I quickly traced the smell to the living room. When I entered I noticed my parents conversing with Alpha Zack, but my attention got pulled to a tall girl standing beside them.
Her head slowly turned until our eyes made contact. I could swear my heart leapt through my throat. She had the most beautiful blue silver eyes with a heart shaped face framed by her long straight blond hair. The room went silent and everyone was looking at her. Before I could register anything she ran across the room straight into my arms.
She looked up and whispered “MINE”, before crashing her lips onto mine. Suddenly no one existed in the room but us. I pulled her closer to deepen the kiss. I wanted as much of her as I can get.
“Ahem,” my mother interrupted, “Isn’t this a twist of events.”
I reluctantly broke away from the kiss. Realizing we were surrounded, she buried her red face into my shirt. It was the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. My mother was beaming with excitement and started planning the new arrangement. My father was trying to contain my mother's excitement and failing. Alpha Zack looked worried and a bit irritated. I guess he figured he’s not marrying my sister now.
On the other side of the room, Hunter managed a smile and two thumbs up while keeping his eyes on Isabella. Ashlee was staring daggers into Isabella, who couldn’t care less. She was too busy jumping up and down since now she didn’t have to marry anyone. Then I heard a small growl from my mate. Her eyes turned dark brown and I knew her wolf was on the surface.
"Who has touched you," she growled, holding my gaze.
"No one. You don't need to worry," I said, caressing her face as her eyes changed back and she smiled.
I looked around to make sure Zira wasn't near. I don't know how she would react.
Isabella, where is Zi? I mind-linked her.
Isabella stopped and looked around. I don’t know. She was just here a minute ago.
Shit, I have to find her and explain. I started to leave but Isabella stopped me.
“Don’t worry. I’ll find her. I’m sure you’re the last person she would want to see right now. Stay and get to know your mate.” Isabella turned to Alaia. “Hi, I’m Isabella. The better looking twin and this jughead is Isaiah.”
“I’m Alaia. Alaia Lucius,” she said, giving my sister a hug.
Alaia. Such a beautiful name for a beautiful girl. I couldn’t help but stare as my sister was making conversation. Alaia was tall, standing about 5’10, skinny with alabaster skin. Her eyes were most impressive. They were really light blue like small ice crystals.
I didn’t think this mate bond would have this much of an effect on me, but dare I say it. I’m sprung. Even Devon was pacing with excitement in my mind, wanting me to mark her here and now. Not yet buddy.
My mother was able to get everyone in the dining room for lunch. I sat down and immediately Alaia sat in my lap. It took me by surprise being that we’re complete strangers but I love it anyway. I pulled her closer while the Omegas set the table with food. Alaia makes us a plate and proceeds to feed me. It felt strange at first but how could I protest from someone so cute.
I’m going to look for Zira. You have fun getting fed like a baby, Isabella links me, standing up from the table. “Well if you'll excuse me. I have pressing matters to attend to. Alpha Zack, I’m deeply saddened we couldn’t complete our nuptials but glad that we’re still going to be family. Alaia, welcome and thank you.”
Isabella left the table fast, knowing my mother was going to scold her for her behavior. Alpha Zack just shrugged his shoulders and continued to feast. Every now and then, I would catch him staring at Alaia. I wonder what his problem was or if he had a problem with our union. I’ll have to confront him later about this.
Right now, there are only two things on my mind. Making sure Alaia was happy and comfortable about this sudden arrangement, and making sure Zira was alright.