“That’s it,” Nina growled and took over.
She got out of the car and walked in front of the car with the headlights casting a shadow across the ground. The werewolves surrounded her, and she was a little peeved that no one had recognized her. Granted, they’ve been rogues ever since they cut ties with the Ancient Walkers pack months ago. So, Zira could understand the confusion.
Still, the fact they were growling at her as if she was a threat pissed her off. Nina growled back before Zira yelled at her to cooperate. Seeing that her growl didn’t stop all the werewolves from advancing, Nina held her ground to signal her cooperation. They weren't Luna, but they did have power. Power that would be easily recognized. They let it flow through the air like a stream, watching the werewolves take in their scent. Hopefully, this will work.
“It will,” Nina said, just as one of the werewolves stepped closer.
One gray werewolf in particular stepped forward while the others watched it as if waiting for its signal. By the color of its fur, she knew it wasn’t Hunter or Jace or Chris, but the scent was vaguely familiar to her. The werewolf continued to scent the air, but it seemed more confused than ever. Confusion and werewolves are never a good mix. Its mouth pulled back, teeth shown glistening white as it snarled at them. The others soon joined and continued their advance.
“Well, that didn’t work,” Zira said.
“This is all your fault,” Nina asked. “We’ve been gone too long.”
Of course, she blames me for everything.
A second later, a howl could be heard through the woods, causing the werewolves to stop and lift their heads to the sky. Then, one by one, the werewolves disappeared through the trees except for the gray wolf. It continued to stare at them with anger in its eyes. Why was it so familiar?
Against her better judgment, Zira stepped close enough to touch its fur, but it pulled back and snapped at her hand. What an attitude, Zira thought. Then it hit her. She sniffed the air to pick up its scent and couldn’t believe she hadn't recognized it before.
“Zed?”
The wolf perked at her brother’s name before turning around and disappearing through the trees. Her brother has a wolf now. Of course, he would have his wolf by now. He was nineteen now, but what she couldn’t understand was his hostility towards her. Yes, they bickered at each other as siblings do, but what had him acting like this?
Zira got back in the car and drove the rest of the way to the packhouse with no interference. A nice little gathering met them at the front of the packhouse. So much for a surprise. A bunch of eyes were on them now…mostly her.
Nerves racked through her body as her hands gripped the steering wheel. A warm hand suddenly covered hers and she nearly jumped before Percy pulled back.
“Sorry,” he smiled.
Percy Synclair was a rogue that she met six months ago. He was a white wolf just like Arias, but his ability involved emotions, though he only used it to ease the minds of others. His former pack abused him and his abilities until he was able to get away. He was also looking for the illusive White Wolf Pack when they bumped into each other. So, she figured why not team up. She was glad he decided to. It made this journey less lonely.
“Why do I feel like we were better off back there? You’re making me more nervous,” Percy said with a worried expression.
“Nervous? Me? I’m not…I’m…not nervous, Percy,” she said. “Just excited to be home.” Yeah, very convincing, Zira.
“Liar,” Percy grinned. “I bet they didn’t even know we were coming and I’m going to guess they didn’t know you were bringing company, either?” Percy sighed and crossed his arms, leaning back into the seat. “Better get ready for whatever shit show you’re bringing me into?”
Zira huffed at him. “It won’t be a shit show, Percy. It’s just been a while and well…I didn’t really have a good conversation with the Alpha the last time we talked so…”
“Why am I not surprised,” Percy laughed.
“So, are you going to stay in the car all night?”
Zira turned to see Isabella standing in her headlights with her hands on her hips. She failed at trying to look angry, especially with a smile playing on her lips. Zira got out and pulled her into a hug. She stepped back only to be enveloped by Hunter, Jace, and Chris. The Boys.
“It’s good to have you back, Luna,” Chris said before Hunter punched him in the arm. Chris looked confused for a moment before realizing what he called her. “Sorry, I-”
“It’s fine, Chris. Really. It’s good to be back.”
That came out a bit shakier than she wanted as they stood there in an awkward silence. True, she was Luna, but technically she wasn’t. It’s not like they did the ritual or anything. She was guessing everyone either knew or heard the argument she had with Isaiah the day before she left.
Hell, she was technically still a member of the Ancient Walkers pack at that time, but it didn’t stop pack members from calling her Luna when they found out Isaiah was her mate. Also, it didn’t stop her from yelling at everyone that did either. Zira didn't think she deserved to be their Luna. She made so many mistakes in the past and she felt they deserved someone better. That he deserved someone better.
“I couldn’t believe it when they said they spotted you coming down the road. A few months too late, don’t you think,” Isabella asked, trying to break the silence.
“I know, I know. I had…a little distraction.”
Zira turned to look at Percy, who was still in the car which was surrounded by werewolves and other pack members. Percy saw her looking at him and started to open the door, making a few werewolves growl. They didn’t like the fact she brought a rogue into town. She started to say something when the most heavenly smell reached her senses.
“Mate,” Nina purred inside her head as her heart began to race.
Zira turned to see Isaiah leaning over the balcony, staring back at her before his eyes moved to Percy in the car. I guess absence can make the mate’s bond grow stronger, she thought as she took in the sight of him. Even from a distance she could make out every little detail of his face. His gray eyes moved back to hers with a sense of indifference, but still she felt like she could drown in them.
“Enough!”
His husky voice rang in the air with a tidal wave with just a dash of anger. The sound of his voice reverberated through her as if it was the first time she had ever heard it. He gave her another glance and literally she could feel her heart in her throat before he quickly turned around to retreat back to his office. The werewolves and spectators surrounding the car scurried off back to wherever they came from.
“Holy Goddess, Isaiah got hotter,” Nina purred in her mind.
Zira rolled her eyes at her statement. It’s funny how, before all of this, Nina could barely stand the guy. Now she’s drooling all over him. She closed her eyes for a moment before opening them to see Isabella smiling at her with a bit of worry in his eyes. She noticed they all looked a bit nervous.
“Well, he sounds…happy,” Zira said with a small laugh, trying to lighten the mood. “I guess I should go and talk to him.”
“Um…,” Isabella started, but Hunter interrupted.
“Please do,” Hunter said, letting out a sigh. “I thought handling a pregnant she-wolf was an emotional rollercoaster. Everything seems to piss him off lately and we’re the target of his aggression.”
“What?!? He hasn’t-”
Everyone said ‘No’ while shaking their heads and started talking at once.
“More like training early, early in the morning,” Hunter started.
“Yelling at anyone who says your name,” Isabella chimed in.
“Training in the evening,” Chris added.
“Throwing away anything that smelled like cinnamon…,” Isabella continued.
“Training late at night,” Jace said.
“Or apples…”
“And did we mention training late at night in the woods,” Hunter added.
“Or you,” Isabella finished.
Zira sighed, shaking her head. “Okay, okay. I think I get it. I’ll go have a talk with him, but before that, where is Arias?”
“His room is next to the Alpha’s, or he might be in the Alpha’s room.”
“Great. Isabella, can you find somewhere for my friend to sleep? It’s late and we’ve been driving all day.”
“Already giving orders like a Luna,” Chris smiled before Hunter punched him in the arm again. “What? She is,” he whined.
Isabella nodded as Zira left them, making her way to his room. She wanted to see her Arias first. She checked the room next to the Alpha’s room and found it empty. She went to the adjoining door and froze. She could feel him. Isaiah. She stood in front of the door and took a deep breath before walking in.
It was dark except for a bedside lamp and the light coming through the window. Zira immediately saw Arias sleeping in the bed. She looked around for Isaiah as she made her way to Arias.
“Look who finally dragged herself back,” Isaiah grumbled from the balcony.
Zira turned to see Isaiah walk through the double doors with a drink in his hand and immediately her heart raced again. All she could think of at that moment was...
"Wow!”