*The Fight
THIRD P.O.V
A Year Later
Isabella and Victoria looked at each other as the awkward silence enveloped the room. They recently returned from Zack's pack right back into some more drama, asking themselves the same question. What the hell is going on between these two?
That question settled in Isabella’s mind as she stared at her frustrated brother and irritated best friend, who were both sitting across from them. They were all sitting in the Alpha’s office while the faint sounds of laughter could be heard from outside festivities.
The yard was decorated like a little winter wonderland. There were tents set up with winter-themed games, lights strung up in the trees, snow sledding, a petting zoo, and even a miniature train set rollercoaster that traveled around the entire packhouse for the little pups to ride. Today was a special day for both Isaiah and Zira. At least that is what Isabella thought, but now they could barely look at each other.
It was turning out to be the best event of the year until it came for the mating ceremony. Everyone waited patiently for Isaiah and Zira to show up, but neither did. So, Luna Bella ushered everyone to the reception and festival. Isabella went to search for them and found them both yelling at each other in Zira's old room while she was holding a packed bag. Isabella wondered if she was going somewhere. With the help of Victoria, Isabella was able to get them to calm down and into the Alpha’s office.
Isaiah and Zira were sitting as far apart as they could, not looking at each other. He was slouched against the side while she had her arms crossed over her chest. Isabella internally sighed. She hated being in the middle of their fights. She did not like having to choose sides, especially when they were both acting like idiots.
“Vi, do I have to be here? Can’t you talk to them,” Isabella whined.
“Bella, they obviously NEED our help. We cannot keep ignoring this and walking on eggshells around them. This needs to stop, now. So please, help me help them.”
Victoria pleaded with her eyes and, of course, Isabella couldn’t say no to that.
“Not fair.” Isabella cleared her throat. “Well, since no one wants to talk, I’m just going to ask. What the hell is going on with you two? You were supposed to be completing the mating ceremony right now. Zira, you’re supposed to be the next Luna.”
Zira and Isaiah slowly glanced at each other before looking away again. Neither one of them wanted to talk, afraid it might turn into another argument. Isabella let out an exaggerated sigh before standing up and moving towards the door.
“Fine, maybe our mothers might want to weigh in-”
“No!” Zira and Isaiah both yelled.
Isabella smiled before turning around and making her way back to her seat. They sat there for a minute or two, waiting for the other to start speaking. With a sigh, Isaiah sat up and looked in Zira’s direction.
“She wants to leave, by herself, and look for a group of wolves that no one has ever seen, to find a cure that might not exist, for Arias, who might not need it.”
Isabella remembered Arias falling extremely ill a few months ago. He didn’t heal like he used to; instead, he slept a full day, scaring the s.hit out of everyone. So, Zira took him to the Ancient Walkers Pack to be seen by one of the elders. Without much information about white wolves, the elders didn’t have much to go on.
Zira, of course, blamed herself for relying on Arias during the fight with Alaia. So much so, she became obsessed with learning as much as she could about the white wolves. When she read about sightings of them, she discussed it with Isaiah, who didn’t believe they needed to worry, but she couldn’t let it go.
“There has to be something we can do to get his power back, Isaiah.”
“Right, use our son as an excuse to leave. AGAIN,” Isaiah yelled, standing up to face her. Zira followed suit.
“It is more than that and you know it,” Zira growled at him.
“You’re right, it is more than that,” Isaiah said with a harsh laugh, turning to Isabella and Victoria. “She also doesn’t want to be Luna and-” Zira gasped and looked at him in shock. “-frankly, I don’t think she wants to be my mate.”
“Isaiah! It is not like that and-”
“Really, Zira? Do you even realize that you’re still part of the Ancient Walkers, James’ pack? You still wear HIS mark on your neck.”
Isabella and Victoria looked at each other before looking at Zira, who subconsciously covered her neck with James’ broken mark. A mate's mark never goes away. It's either replaced by another or fades to look like a scar.
"How do you think it looks when my supposed mate doesn't want to be part of our pack?"
Zira looked at Isabella and Victoria, who quickly diverted their eyes. She couldn't believe they really thought that.
"Isaiah-"
“How should I feel…,” he interrupted her while taking a step towards her, “...seeing your heart still in the hands of another? I can’t compete with a ghost, Zira?”
Again, silence filled the room with everyone in their own thoughts. Victoria could relate to wanting to be with someone who wasn’t ready to fully commit. Isabella could feel the pain her brother hid away, and she was shocked by Zira’s actions. Isaiah was relieved a bit to get that off his chest, but soon that was replaced by sadness and anger.
Zira was filled with a mix of emotions which was eating away at her soul. She never really gave much thought to how much this was affecting Isaiah. She realized she was being selfish and only thinking about her feelings. True, she was still a member of the Ancients Walkers, but it wasn't easy letting go. It was the only thing besides this mark that made her remember the good times, even if it was brief.
“You’re not competing with James, Isaiah.”
“Then why are we here, Zira, instead of at our ceremony? Why can’t we decide on these things together? You want to leave, fine, but how would I know if you’re ok when we’re not connected at all?”
Zira was about to say something and stopped herself. She knew exactly why she was here, exactly why she wasn’t bonded to Isaiah, exactly why she didn’t want to be Luna, but it was a hard truth to face. She loves Isaiah truly, madly, deeply, but she wasn’t ready. She didn’t feel prepared to take on the burden of a pack, especially when she was so bad at caring for her son.
“Isaiah, I’m sor-”
“No,” he yelled. “If the next words out of your mouth isn’t ‘Let’s do this,’ then I don’t want to hear it.”
He paused for a second, giving her a chance to fight for them. He felt disheartened with each passing second as Zira kept her gaze on the floor. He stepped closer to her and raised his hand as if he wanted to touch her, but let it fall to his side.
“I don’t understand,” Isabella started, breaking the silence. “I thought we were all good. You guys made up, right? On the cliff. Zi, you told me that.”
Zira couldn’t look at her best friend. She didn’t want to see the hurt in her eyes. She knew Isabella could feel Isaiah’s emotions.
“It’s more complicated than that, Isabella.”
“How,” Isaiah asked Zira, almost pleading with her. “Either you want to be with me or don’t. I gave you an out on the cliff, Zira, and you said you were willing to try, but now it seems I'm the only one who is.”
Zira clenched her fists, controlling her anger. He was starting to get on her nerves with this relationship drama. He should know how she feels about him. "I am willing, Isaiah. It's just Arias- “
"Don't use him as an excuse, Zira. This-” he said, pointing between the two of them, “-was happening way before Arias lost his power. You were barely around and anytime I mentioned our relationship, you would make up an excuse to leave."
"I'm sorry, Isaiah. I'm sorry I'm not ready to be what you want me to be. I'm sorry that every time I try to move to the next step something gets in the way and this time is my son-"
“Our son, Zira. He’s mine too.”
“Fine! Our son needs us, and I can’t help it if I’m more worried about what’s going on with him than our relationship.”
Isaiah threw his hands up. “That’s just it, Zira. We don’t have one.”
"Then what’s the point of this stupid ceremony," Zira yelled before thinking. She quickly covered her mouth. He had valid points and each one hurt like hell, but she didn't mean what she just said.
Isaiah took a step back as if that were a blow to his face. He couldn't believe she would say that. She really didn't want to be his mate. That realization hit him harder than having someone stab him in the chest.
"Wait, Isaiah-" he held up his hand, looking at everyone before straightening his suit and walking out the room. Zira tried to follow him, but Isabella got in her way.
"Don't," Isabella growled as Victoria touched her arm. Of course, Isabella was only feeding from his anger. Zira took a step away from her.
"He might need to air after that,” Victoria said.
“Who wouldn’t? That was low, Zi, even for you,” Isabella said, walking out the room.
Zira could feel the tears falling down her face. Her legs felt weak, and she fell to the couch, sobbing. She could feel Victoria rubbing her back to calm her. After a few minutes, Zira was able to catch her breath. “I didn’t mean it. I just…”
“It’s gonna be okay, Zira. Just…just say you’re sorry. I’m sure Isaiah would forgive you.”
Zira took a few deep breaths before looking at Victoria. No one seemed to understand that it was more than their relationship. She couldn’t think about moving to the next step until everything was right in her world. Anytime she felt she had a grip on happiness, something always got in her way.
She hooked up with Isaiah only to have him find his mate. She planned to leave the pack only to find she was pregnant. She found her mate only to find out he was in love with another girl. They finally move past that only to end up with him dying to protect her. She thought she had finally got a break and now this.
Now Arias’ healing is gone right when things were about to be decent, but Isaiah was right. It was true she was pulling away before Arias got sick, but it wasn’t because she didn’t love Isaiah. She was just…just…
“Scared,” she whispered, forgetting Victoria was sitting right next to her.
“Of what, Zira?”
“Allowing myself to be happy. The moment I do, something happens, and I always end up on the losing side. I just need…need…more time to think about this and this journey might give me the space to do so.”
Victoria nodded along. She could understand needing space, but she could also understand what it feels like waiting for someone you love to feel the same way.
“If that is what you need, Zira, then do it. Just don’t let Isaiah believe he means nothing to you. He needs to know and really understand what part he plays in your life.”
Zira nodded, wiping fresh tears from her cheeks. “I will. Thank you, Vicky. Really, I appreciate it.”
Victoria smiled and planted a kiss on Zira’s cheek. “I will do anything to help my Luna. Don’t forget that.”
Victoria left as Zira made her way to the balcony. She looked down over the festival. She was able to easily find Isaiah amongst the crowd. He was walking with Arias to the miniature train and they both got inside. She couldn’t help but smile at how happy they both looked. It literally made her day when she could see her son's smiling face, especially since he had been sicked a few days before.
She wanted to keep that smile on his face, and she was going to do whatever it took to make sure that happened. She knew exactly what she had to do. She stood on the balcony just staring at everyone having fun. She stood until the moon was high in the sky before leaving to execute her plan.
*Coming and Going
THIRD P.O.V
Isaiah was wiped out from all the activities he did with Arias at the festival. Still pissed from the fight before with Zira. Not to mention all the pity stares from the members of his pack. The only thing keeping his irritation down was the laughs and smiles from his son. So, he kept his mind focused on Arias.
As the night winded down, Isaiah noticed that Arias was sneezing and coughing, and he started to get fussy. Arias was a bit warmer than usual, so Isaiah took him to Doctor Callie who was helping with the festival break down.
“He’s getting another fever, Alpha. We can get over to the pack’s hospital to keep an eye on him.”
Isaiah was about to speak, only to be interrupted by Zelda, Zira’s mother.
“Nonsense, Doctor Callie. I am more than qualified to watch over him here. That way he is not too far away from his parents. If it gets serious, I’ll bring him in myself.”
“Good idea, Mrs. Lake,” Isaiah chimed in. “I don’t want to freak Zira out if it turns out to be nothing.”
“Ceremony or not, Alpha Isaiah. You can call me, mom. I have nothing but hope for you two.”
He smiled while handing Arias over to Zelda. He gave her a hug before retiring to his room. He took a quick shower and got into bed. He thought about everything that happened and didn’t happen today. Zira hadn’t shown her face since their little argument. He wanted to get up and find her, but he didn't want to start another argument.
He hated that this was the way the day ended between them, especially when he loved her so much. His thoughts were invaded by her scent before a knock came upon his door.
“Isaiah?”
It was her. IT WAS HER!
He sat up in bed. He was shocked she was even here. Since the day on the cliff, she has primarily stayed at her parents’ house. The only time she stepped foot in the packhouse was when Arias was here. She said his name again as she opened the door and cautiously walked into the room.
He noticed her nightgown and wondered if she was going to stay here because of Arias. They both stared at each other, not saying a word. Every few seconds, Zira would move as if she were going to speak but never did. He couldn’t get a reading from her, so he only hoped she wasn’t here to fight.
“I’m not here to fight,” Zira said, as if she could read his mind. A ghost of a smile played across her lips as she moved closer to sit on the bed. Isaiah moved to sit next to her. “I’m actually tired of fighting.”
Isaiah nodded. “Me too.”
"I do love you, Isaiah, and I hate that you don't believe that."
"I'm trying, Zira. It's just...I feel so distanced from you."
They sat there quietly for a few more moments. Isaiah could feel the heat of her body, tickling along his exposed skin.
"I'm sorry for that, Isaiah. I really am," Zira said, grabbing onto his hand. They both felt the illicit spark between them. Even though they weren’t connected by the mate’s bond, they could still feel each other in some way. He looked at her eyes and his breath caught in his throat from the intensity of her gaze. Then it hit him like a gust of wind. Her desire.
“Zira…”
Before Isaiah could say anything, Zira pressed her lips onto his. It was soft and tender at first, before she felt his hands travel around her waist to the small of her back. He pulled her closer to him as he deepened their kiss. For once, it felt like they were on the same page. Everything that happened before, all the anger, frustration disappeared into this kiss.
Isaiah wanted her. Needed her in whatever way she wanted to give him. She stood up to take off her nightgown as he got undressed with her. The moment their clothes hit the ground; his hands roamed over her body as if he were recreating the perfect mold of hers. Their lips found each other with a feverish pace while he laid her body on the bed, covering it with his.
He planted hot kisses down the side of her neck to her breasts before taking her nipple into his mouth. She could feel his growing need against her leg as she arched her back to give him more of her. The hunger in the room intensified as they cherished each embrace. Zira could feel Isaiah’s hand traveling up her thigh, sending shivers throughout her entire body. His featherlight touch around her clit was slowly driving her insane until she felt a finger enter her with a quickness.
He pulled back to watch her reaction to him. This was what he wanted all along. For her to want him as much as he wanted her all this time. He wanted to get back to where they were before all the crazy drama, but he knew they were different people now. Still, his love for her was always there, tucked away safely in his heart. He just wished she felt the same. Wished there were no hesitation at all.
“Isaiah…” She moaned his name as he moved slowly in and out of her while adding another finger.
“I’ve waited so long to hear you say that,” Isaiah whispered before capturing her lips again as he increased his speed. He moved as if his fingers were mapping out every inch of her walls. She nearly screamed when his thumb drew circles around her swollen clit. Instead, she bit down on his shoulder, making him wish she would mark him right then and there.
Zira couldn’t contain herself anymore as her orgasm hit her hard and fast. She muffled her scream against his shoulder and relished the feeling her body was experiencing. It has been a long time since someone has made her feel this way.
She cursed herself for letting her emotions get in the way of their relationship, but those thoughts quickly left her mind when she felt the tip of his groin press against her entrance. Her body shook as he teased her sensitive, throbbing clit.
She opened her eyes to see Isaiah staring back at her. She saw so much raw emotion in them. Doubt, pain, anger, love all mixed in one. She wanted to keep the love and get rid of all the others, so she pulled him into a kiss at the same time he entered her. He watched as her eyes rolled back into her head while she arched her body up towards him.
“You feel so…so good, Zira,” he whispered against her lips.
He moved slowly into her, enjoying the warm feeling of her walls tightening around him. Zira wrapped her legs around his waist to bring him closer as he looped his arms around her shoulders to keep her steady. Pleasure built up like a slow burn as Isaiah started to move a bit faster.
“F.uck, Zira. You feel better than…than everything right now.”
“Go faster,” she said between breaths.
That was all Isaiah needed as he thrust faster into her. His hands roamed over every inch of her body, committing it to memory. He didn’t want this moment to end, but each thrust brought him closer and closer to the edge.
Zira dug her fingers into his flesh while holding on for dear life as Isaiah continued his assault. The thought of what she was going to do after this almost became a distant memory. All that mattered was this moment-feeling-right here. It was her and Isaiah. The faster he moved, the more the warm knot in the bottom of her stomach grew and she couldn’t contain her cries of pleasure as ecstasy enveloped her entire being.
“Isaiah,” she screamed as the waves of pleasure rippled through her body.
Isaiah held onto her, moving faster along her tightened walls. He was lost in the frenzy, dominating her body as best he could. She screamed again from the ongoing pressure and with a few more thrusts he felt himself come undone inside her.
“Zira,” he husked, falling in the valley of her breasts.
They stayed this way for a few minutes, both gasping for air. Isaiah moved to the side and pulled Zira against his chest. Neither of them said a word as they lay there. Not sure if there was anything to say now. So, they stayed this way, listening to the sound of their heartbeats until they drifted off to sleep in each other's arms.
The next morning, Isaiah woke up stretching to an empty space on the bed. He looked around for Zira but only found a letter with his name on it.
Isaiah, I love you with all my heart. I hope-no- I know you feel it. I’m sorry if my hesitation causes the doubts you have about us. So that is why I came to you tonight. I wanted to surround you with my love because I know I must leave. You and Arias are my heart, my soul and I would do whatever it takes to find something to save him. Forever in my heart, Zira.
Maybe this time away will really help me get over James and open the part of my heart that has been damaged. We have been through so much and I can feel the connection between us. I want you. I do and I promise I will be back. I will save Arias. I will save us. I promise, Zira.
END