I watched my brother leave with Isabella on his tail. It took everything in my power to control my anger towards him and for a moment when he called me ‘Ala’ it subsided. Only a little. It’s been awhile since I heard that nickname. Aside from that, he was very good at getting in my way, almost like a sport for him. I walked back into the bathroom to clean my mess before Isaiah came back.
I was watching the events unfold in the bathroom mirror moments before. With a little blood magic and Zira’s choker I was able to keep her from shifting. I didn’t account for her wolf being as strong as she was. I could see the glow of my necklace slowly diminishing as I tried to hold onto the magic.
Every attempt her wolf made made me a bit weaker. I silently cursed the elders from taking some of my magic. Now everything I cast seemed like that of a novice witch. I have to figure out something soon before all my power is gone. There has to be a way to restore me to my former self.
There were a few close moments that I thought for sure the rogue would finish her off, but then another wolf intervened. A stupid gray wolf leaping in to save her. My stupid brother! See always in the way. I didn’t realize how angry I was until I slammed my fist into the mirror, breaking it into pieces. I dropped the choker and stared at the cut on my hand.
This pain was nothing compared to the pain of losing and my brother is always there to make sure of it. It was the same with James. He was there in between us. Never giving us a chance to nurture our relationship. He kept saying I would get hurt or I was too young to understand my feelings. MY FEELINGS! How the hell would he know? My sudden desire to kill him was slowly creeping back. The first time wasn’t too long ago.
FLASHBACK
I was sitting at the bar chatting with Mirja. It’s been a month since I was let go from the center. It took a while for me to get used to being just a wolf. Although she hasn’t spoken to me I could feel Elena’s happiness. She never liked the witch part of me one bit. She kept saying it was corrupting my mind but I think she was wrong.
It was the only part of me that made me feel strong and proud of who I was. Now I’m only a half empty shell of a person. My mother would be disappointed and it’s all HIS fault. My stupid dick of a brother, who claims to love me. Who would put someone they love in this much pain.
“I think I want to kill my brother,” I said, swallowing down the last bit of my cocktail.
Mirja took my glass and laughed at me. She handed me a clear glass that I thought was another drink but no. Just water. I pushed the glass back towards her and gestured for my drink.
“No more for you. Drinking too much can bring out the worst in you, doll.” Mirja pushed the water back towards me.
“I’m serious. I think I could do it. I might be able to find some sort of solace, right?”
Mirja sighed. “Look, with the right amount of money, I could off someone in an instance but I won’t. You have to draw the line somewhere or face the darkness that comes with it. I know killing the Maria girl was out of self defense but actively trying to kill your brother is something different. That’s something you can’t come back from.”
“What do you know? You only cater to the scrum of the earth.” Mirja slammed a glass on the bar, making me jump.
I know I was pissing her off but I was angry. I spent almost a year in a place where no one listened to me. No one cared about what I wanted or how I felt. Where the best part of me was stripped away in an instant. Now I had to go back to my brother’s pack. Back to where everything started. Back to a place where James no longer lived. Back to where people already see me as a monster. So what did it matter anyway?
“I know what it’s like to lose people. I was just like you, years ago. Split between two worlds thinking I had to choose one because I was in a coven. I never came to terms with who I truly was til it was too late.
I was so blinded by my self-loathing I couldn’t see the people who actually cared about me. I let darkness in and that darkness burned down my entire coven. I lost everyone just like that,” she said with a snap of her fingers.
“It didn’t matter that I didn’t get along with my siblings or that my mom disapproved of my choices. Nothing mattered because they were gone. Then I knew what it meant to be truly alone.”
She continued to clean the glasses behind the bar, staring at no one in particular. I’ve never seen this part of her. She doesn’t talk about her past or anything before owning this bar. The only thing I knew was that this bar belonged to her brother and that was it. If she felt that way about killing people then why own this bar.
It’s full of criminals who have done things worse than death in my opinion. Now and then I would hear conversations about torture, assault, rape, etc. This bar held the worst of the worst, but me talking about killing my brother upsets her. What gives?
She must have been reading my mind because she laughed at the look on my face.
“I know that’s weird coming from the owner of a bar full of assholes, but it’s the only thing left of my family. I can’t tell people what to do outside my bar, just as long as they don’t bring it here. People are going to do whatever the hell they want. I only give advice to those I care about.” She winks at me, causing me to smile and forget about my brother’s situation.
Noise from the other side of the bar grabbed our attention. A group of rogues enjoying themselves with drinks and women. I’ve noticed them before when I came to visit. They all wore jackets with a wolf with an eye patch on the back. I was about to look away when I came upon dark green eyes staring me down.
His dirty blond hair was pulled back in a ponytail and a light stubble played across his face. He looked at me as if we were the only ones in the room. Then suddenly he was up and walking my way. I quickly sat up straighter in the chair. I could feel my heart starting to pick up its pace. No point in trying to hide it. He was a wolf and he could probably sense it. He walked up to the bar and started a small conversation with Mirja.
He was close enough that I could his after shave. Nice piney musk trying to cover the smell of a rogue. My eyes roamed down his muscular arms threatening to rip his shirt from one wrong turn to his broad back. I continue further down to his dark blue jeans sculpting a nice behind.
I was so focused on his body I didn’t realize he was talking to me until I heard him laugh.
“What’s so funny,” I asked, obviously mad that I was caught checking him out.
“Were you just checking me out,” his deep voice rumbled through my ears, making my cheeks red.
I looked away and focused on the cup of water in front of me. “Well you are invading my personal space, so everything is fair game.”
“I hope that goes both ways,” he said with a smile. Mirja came back to drop off his drinks and he slid one my way. “Take your time with that sweetheart. Might be a bit strong for ya.”
I stared at him and took the shot in one gulp. It burned like hell and I immediately regretted it, but I composed myself not wanting to look inexperienced.
“It’s Alaia, not sweetheart,” I said when I was able to breathe. That shot was disgusting and my mouth had a slight tingling sensation.
He laughed that smooth laugh again and I was present on how my body reacted. I was starting to wonder if he could possibly be my mate. No, I’m sure it would be more evident than this.
“Where did you find this one, Mirja,” he asked, not taking his eyes off me.
“Leave her alone, Nas, before you corrupt her.”
He smiled and raised his glass to me, before downing his shot. “It was a pleasure, Alaia. Maybe next time, we can find a quiet place to enjoy a drink.” He grabbed and kissed the back of my hand. For the second time this guy made me blush and I didn’t want to admit that I kinda liked it. His kiss lingered on my hand for a minute until one of his guys called him over.
“Let me know if there’s anything I could ever do for you, Alaia.” He stressed the ‘anything’ as he let go of my hand and walked away. For a moment, I wanted to move and go with him but I was glued to my seat. I felt a hand on my shoulder that broke my trance and turned to see Mirja looking at me worried.
“You okay, doll.”
I nodded and I tried to look away before she could see the blush planted on my cheeks. Of course I knew Mirja saw it. She started laughing and I instantly growled at her.
“That is so cute. You have a little crush on Nas.” Mirja said a little too loud for my liking.
“Shut up. He’s a wolf and can probably hear you,” I said, crossing my arms and sitting back in the chair. “And I don't have crushes on anyone anymore. Crushes for the desperate.”
“Whatever you say doll. Just listen here. Stay away from Nas. He’s the king of the worst. He would do anything for money and I mean anything.”
“Then why is he here? You don’t HAVE to serve just anybody.” I glanced back over to the rowdy group and saw Nas still looking this way. I quickly focused back on Mirja but I could feel his eyes on the back of my head.
“Because money pays the bills and he brings in enough to last at least half the year.” Mirja went back to cleaning glasses, staring off to nowhere. “I would probably do anything to keep this place. This is my family.”
Those words echoed in the back of my mind as I thought about my family. Well just Zack right now. Although I’ve grown to despise him, somewhere deep down I knew he cared for me. If he didn’t I would've been killed by the elders instead of spared to live a magic-less life. So I guess that counts for something. Maybe just enough to keep my plans on the back burner.
FLASHBACK ENDS
With a bit of magic, I fixed the mirror as if it was brand new. I used the towel covering my now healed cut to clean the blood off the choker and the surrounding area. I made sure to place the choker and the box back in place. I laid down on the bed and surrounded myself with his sheets. I was trying to get his scent but forgot I had him clean them earlier. So I walked to the closet full of his clothes. I picked up a sweatshirt and wrapped it around myself, enjoying his scent. Although it wasn’t enough to calm my anger knowing he was out looking for some wench. It was enough to keep me here.
I didn’t realize I dozed off until I heard the door open and close. I sat up quickly and saw Isaiah leaning against the door. He was only wearing shorts and the bracelet was still there. He looked up and saw me sitting in his bed. His eyes went wide then he immediately closed them. I felt a sharp pain in my heart. Silently hoping the rune was still working.
I hope it isn’t. We don’t deserve him like this Elena whined.
Shut up, Elena. You’re no help at all. I yelled back at her, making her shrink back.
I walked over to Isaiah and cupped his face with my hands. I felt the tingles flare across my body and I welcomed them. Isaiah grabbed me and pulled me into a tight embrace. I could feel him relax in our embrace. I was surprised how much I miss the feeling of his body next to mine in the short amount of time he was gone.
“What can I do,” I asked. I did want so badly to ease his pain.
“Stay with me,” he asked and I tensed up. “Not in that way. I just don’t want to be alone tonight.”
“Of course,” I said, moving away from him. “But you need to shower first.”
He laughed before nodding. “I guess I did bring the forest in with me. I’ll be back soon.” He grabbed a few things from the closet and raced to the bathroom.
I sat on the bed content with the fact that my mate wanted to be with me. Now I just have to make sure I’m the only one. Yeah my plan to get rid of his floozy failed but today is just day one. She was lucky this time around but now I’m more incentivized to get the job done. I will be the only one on Isaiah’s mind and I’m going to make sure of it.