Right before I had the chance to get closer to my mate, my brother interrupted us. Of course he picks this time to barge in. I wish he could just effing leave already. I could tell from the beginning he had a problem with this union. I didn’t care. I couldn’t wait to leave his pack. There’s nothing left for me but bad memories. Memories I never want to relive.
As I reluctantly walked past my brother, I mind-linked him, Please don't mess this up for me.
Of course he didn’t respond nor did he look my way as I walked past and closed the door. I stood near the closed door for a minute knowing full well I wouldn’t be able to listen in. What was he going to tell him? I asked no one in particular.
The truth maybe, my wolf, Elaine spitted out.
Elaine? I haven’t felt or spoken to her since the accident. Ever since that day we slowly grew apart. It wasn’t a big surprise since I felt more in tune with my witch side. I hadn’t realized how alone I was until now. The moment our mate stepped into our lives I felt her stir. I miss the old days when we were friends. When she had my back, but now I could barely see her in my mind.
Luckily we found our mate, so she won’t hide forever. I checked my surroundings, making sure the hallway was clear before pulling out my pendant. I tapped into my magic to connect with Isaiah’s bracelet. The only avenue I had into the room. Their voices came through my mind and I heard my brother say.
“Alaia lost control and killed her.”
I jumped back from the door. No. No, no. no. NO! Why would he tell him that? I paced back and forth in the hallway. Goddess, I wanted to kill my brother. Isaiah will reject me now for sure. I’ll be alone. Again. I won’t have anyone.
Good, Elaine growled. We don’t deserve anyone. Isaiah could do better.
How many times do I have to apologize, Elaine. I lost control. You know how much I loved Maria, I cried.
Yeah, you seemed to forget that I see everything you do. If that was love please don't love me.
I shut her out not wanting to hear another word. I’ve already suffered enough and I’m paying for my mistakes. I lost Elaine. I lost Maria. I lost James. Hell, even my brother doesn’t trust me. I went back to the door to listen in.
“Her powers for her life,” Zack said.
True, he did confront me about Maria’s death. By that time I would have told anyone the truth. The guilt was eating me alive. I never meant to kill her, just drive her away from James, my beloved James. So yeah, I made her act a little crazy to isolate her from others, but it only seemed to bring them closer. Soon she figured out I was influencing her and she attacked me. She really did attack me, almost killing me until I had no choice but to stop her.
Seeing Maria dead at my feet, James tried to avenge her death right there. Luckily my brother was able to subdue him. Zack would’ve killed him if I didn’t stop him. So instead, Zack banished him as a rogue.
“So that’s why I want you to reject her,” my brother said.
There it was. What my brother really wanted. Those simple words made my heart plummet to my stomach and I nearly collapsed to the floor. Even Elaine whimpered from the thought of losing our mate. I never knew the bond could affect me like this. Is this what James felt when Maria died? Is this what I made him go through? No it must have been a hundred times worse if this feeling is just from a thought.
I couldn’t help but let the tears fall from my eyes, as I tried to keep my emotions at bay. The glow from the pendant that held the last bit of my power illuminated my hand. For a moment I forgot about the bracelet I gave Isaiah. I focused with all my might on him. There is no way I’m losing anyone else. He will love me. He will want me. I will never feel alone.
Then I heard something that gave me hope. Isaiah said no. He loved me. Love me. It was working. Finally something is going my way.
You shouldn’t use magic on our mate. Let him make his own decisions about you, Elaine snapped at me. She’s always finding ways to pop in with unnecessary comments.
Oh hush. Would you rather I left it up to Zack? You should be thanking me. Isaiah loves us now.
He would love us regardless. He’s our mate and YOU DON’T NEED MAGIC Elena growled.
Relax Elena. It doesn’t hurt him. It just enhances what’s already there. I’ll just take the bracelet off later now that we know for sure.
Just then Hunter appeared around the corner, making me jump from the door. His face was serious and I felt a bit nervous. He couldn’t know anything, right? His eyes moved away from the Alpha’s door to me.
“Sorry there, Luna,” Hunter smiled, giving me a little bow.
“I’m not Luna, yet,” I said, looking down at my feet.
“Well not with that behavior,” Hunter said, lifting my chin so I’m looking at him. “Seeing the way Isaiah looks at you. You’re already Luna in his eyes.”
Luna. Me. I think I can get used to that. Then we both heard a yell and a bang on the other side of the door.
“That seems like my cue. You know you should check out the gardens and let the men settle our differences, yeah? ”
I nodded and went downstairs to do just that. 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. I was thinking 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 pacing 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 stated. “I’m guessing you’re done with my brother. Is he still in the office?”
“Yeah, I left him with my brother and Hunter. Having a huge pissing contest.”
“Boys will be stupid boys” Isabella went back to her phone.
“So who were you talking to just now?”
Isabella looked at me worried for a moment. Then shrugged her shoulders, “You'll find out soon enough. My best friend, Zira. She disappeared a few hours ago. She ran when she saw you and my brother kissing. They were kinda dating before, all of this.”
That immediately struck a chord. He has a girlfriend. Memories of James and Maria flashed before my eyes. I remembered what it felt like being discarded by someone you thought loved you. I remembered how I felt seeing them together. I didn't want to go back there. I didn't want to be thrown out like trash. With the way Zack was talking it was definitely a possibility. I was going back to being alone and unloved.
No! Not this time. This time I get my mate. This time I get what I deserved and if that means getting rid of someone then so be it. I didn’t even realize Isabella was holding me by my arms.
“Hey, hey. You ok?” Isabella asked, steadying me on my feet.
“I’m sorry. This is just a surprise. I didn’t know he was involved.”
“Oh no. Don’t worry about that. They eventually knew this would happen. Besides, I think my brother chose who he wanted, right?” Isabella gave me a small smile which I returned.
I felt a small relief. I was hoping what Isabella said was true. I can’t go through a heartbreak again.
“You’re right. Well I do hope your friend is alright. I know about heartbreak. It’s not easy, even if you know it’s coming.”
In a flash Isaiah appeared in the doorway. He looked a bit concerned, which warmed my heart a bit.
“Alaia, are you okay?” Before I could answer, he walked over to me and pulled into a hug. I breathed in his scent and instantly felt better. I could never get over the way I reacted to him.
“Of course,” I said looking up at him. “So how was the talk?”
“He told me about your past.” I immediately looked down but felt his hand cup my chin lifting me back to his eyes. “He told me you got help. So as far as I’m concerned, that’s all that matters.”
“So what did my brother have to say to that,” I asked.
“He doesn’t think you’re ready for this transition. I think he wants to take you home for a little while.”
“And what do you think,” I asked, hopefully knowing the answer but I wanted to hear him say it.
"Well-" He started, thinking over my question. I could feel my anxiety build up in my stomach traveling to my chest. Then he smiled down at me. “I think you should do what you want and if that's staying here with me then you're staying here with me."
I couldn't contain my excitement as I pulled him down into a kiss. It didn't last very long as we all heard a loud howl piercing through the sky. Isaiah immediately pushed me behind him. Isabella went down the steps looking towards the woods.
"Who was that," I asked. That howl brought back memories of James when Maria died. The same pain and anger. The thought made me gripped Isaiah’s arm.
"Don't worry. We got this. I'll meet you inside," Isaiah ushered me back through the door while mind-linking someone.
An omega appeared at my side. "Hi, I'm Mary. I can help you get settled. This way please."
Before following Mary I went back to the door looking for Isaiah. He was whispering to Isabella and a few others. Even with my wolf hearing I couldn't make out everything they were saying. Something about her. Maybe this Zira girl Isabella was talking about. His soon-to-be ex. I couldn't use my magic out in the open so I tried to get closer. Before I could I felt Mary touch my arm.
“Sorry Miss Alaia. Alpha really wants you to settle in. PLEASE this way.”
I took one last look as I saw the others and my mate disappear in the woods. I couldn’t help but feel a bit more jealous than nervous. This girl was either really dangerous or really important, and I didn’t like any option. I didn’t want to feel the way I did before. Girlfriend or not, this Zira poses a threat. A threat I can't afford if I want Isaiah to myself. I have to find a way to make her disappear and keep my hands cleaned. I had a small window to call in a favor.