We sat around the dining table as the Omegas began setting the table with different kinds of breakfast foods. Next to me Alaia was talking to my mother who was probably planning our wedding as we speak. Hunter and Ashlee were busy in their own little world, every now and then giggling like they knew a secret. Chris’s and Jace's mates, Fanny and Mia, were sitting in their conversations as well.
I guess I have to get used to this. Isabella finally walks in with Zack on her tail. I internally growled as they both sat down. I noticed Zack and my sister being more friendly than before. I was curious about what changed all of a sudden.
So we like him now I mind-linked Isabella.
Well he did save my best friend last night.
Pfft. He’s probably the reason she was in trouble at all. Besides, any one of us could’ve done that I snapped back and it was true. If I had gotten there just a few minutes earlier I could have saved her and killed that rogue.
Oh brother, Isabella started mockingly, Green is not even in season for your complexion right now.
I’m not jealous, Isa. I just don’t trust him.
He’s not that bad, Isaiah, especially now that I don’t have to marry him.
Don’t be so confident. Knowing mother, she might find a way to keep him in your presence.
I cut the link and watched Isabella glare at me before my mother started a conversation with Zack.
“Alpha Zack, I do hope you come back for a visit,” my mother said. “Maybe sooner than expected. I swear the Goddess sent me a dream of a wedding coming in the near future” She looked at Alaia then at me. I shook my head and Alaia giggled. Leave it to my mother for her “subtly”.
“Well I do feel like I would be in good company,” Zack started, looking at Isabella who smiled nervously back at him. My mother couldn’t help but notice the interaction and react the way mothers do when they see wedding bells in the future. “Also, I would like to come back even just to check on Alaia. Making sure she’s getting accustomed to this sudden change.”
“Aw. That is so nice. You’re such a good brother,” my mother cooed.
“Or just annoying,” Alaia whispered but we all definitely heard it.
“Then again maybe Alaia needs to go back home to finish growing up,” Zack glared at Alaia.
“She's staying here,” I almost yelled.
Everyone was looking at me now and I didn’t care. I don’t get nervous from a lot of attention. I wanted everyone looking at me, especially HIM. Zack met my gaze dead on with a smile playing at the edge of his lips. He knew that was going to upset me. Maybe the yelling was a bit uncalled for but what Isabella said was getting to me. I’m not jealous.
“No need for the dramatics, Isaiah. Of course she is staying here. She’s your mate after all. Zack here is just doing his job as her brother, so calm down.”
My mother glared at me and raised her tea cup to her lips as if to conclude the conversation. It didn’t stop my anger towards that prick but Alaia’s hand on my shoulder did the trick. My anger nearly disappeared as I stared at her smiling face. There’s no better suppressant than a mate’s touch. She started rubbing circles down my back sending a wave of sparks through my body.
“Don’t worry. I’m not going anywhere,” she whispered, putting her head on my shoulder. Then she shot up as if she got an idea. “As a matter of fact, how about we plan the mating ceremony?”
My mother screamed with joy as Alaia continued. “Yes, I would like that. How about two weeks from today? That should be enough notice for everyone.”
“Two week from today,” was all I could say.
Granted my wolf wanted nothing more than to mate and mark Alaia but wasn’t this a bit fast. I turned to look at Alaia who was staring holes into her brother. I was starting to feel this was all to get a rise out of him. She didn’t like him as much as me but that shouldn’t be the reason to want to do the ceremony so soon. Right?
Everyone around the table was shocked at the sudden announcement. I think my mother even broke her teacup. Everything was happening so fast that I didn’t even feel my head nod.
“You literally just met,” Zack said with a bit of annoyance in his voice. “What is the rush?”
“I just want to honor this union. It’s not everyday people get a chance to meet their mate. Some don’t get to meet them at all,” Alaia said, smiling at her brother's glare. “Besides, it's going to eventually happen anyway. Why not seize the moment?”
Someone is in a rush. Are you sure you want to do this Isabella mind-linked me.
Well, it’s going to happen eventually right I said, knowing she could feel my hesitancy.
Yeah but it should be something both mates should agree on. That’s what a partnership is all about.?
Yeah and how’s that partnership with Victoria going I snapped at her. I knew I was wrong and directing my irritation to the wrong person.
I’m going to blame that misplaced anger towards the situation and forgive you just this once Isabella said before cutting the link. She glared at me then turned her attention to Alaia. “Are two weeks even enough time to plan all of this,” Isabella asked.
“Of course it is, dear,” my mother happily jumped in. “As a matter of fact, let’s start right this minute. There’s so much to do. Let’s go ladies, I need all the help I can get.”
My mother got up and dragged Alaia from the table. Fanny and Mia got up to go with them. Isabella didn’t move and began eating her breakfast. My mother stopped and looked at her. When Isabella didn’t make a move my mother began tapping her foot. “Isabella, let's go, now.”
“I barely even touched my foo-”
“Now Isabella,” my mother yelled as she disappeared around the corner. Isabella growled and picked up the plate of food. “LEAVE THE FOOD!” Isabella groaned and slowly walked after them.
“Well that was the most interesting breakfast I’ve had in a while,” my dad chuckled. “Us Thorne men tend to have that effect on women. Don’t worry son. It's gonna happen so fast the next time you blink, you'll have pups running around here soon.”
Me? Pups? Is he serious? “Whoa Alpha Jack, he is still getting used to the responsibility of being an Alpha,” laughed Hunter. “I don’t know if he could handle a baby.”
“Yeah, Isaiah with a baby. Can you imagine our Alpha changing diapers,” Chris pitched in.
“He would rather fight a rogue,” Hunter cackled, making my dad cough up his coffee and join him.
This was stupid and irritating. “Well I handle you lot just fine. So what’s the difference,” I countered. It took a moment before it dawned on them what I was saying.
Before Hunter could say anything, Zack stood up from the table. “Well I guess that’s my cue to leave. If you don’t mind Alpha Isaiah, I would like a minute of your time before I leave.”
“Whatever you have to say, you can say here. I trust everyone at this table.” I wasn’t sure I wanted to meet with him alone. The last time it didn’t go as well as I hoped.
He looked at everyone and nodded before speaking. “It deals with the rogue's attack last night.” He turned around and pulled something out of his pocket. “The rogue I fought dropped this before he disappeared. It looks gang related,” Zack said, handing me the item. “Are you familiar with this insignia?”
I examined it and focused on the wolf insignia on one side. “No but one of my guys found a matchbook from a place called Wormhole. It could be connected. Sounds familiar?”
Zack thought about it for a minute. “It does. I’ll have to talk to my Beta, Bronx. He’s more of an outgoing type of guy. I’ll let you know what I find out.”
“You don’t have to do that. This is my pack’s matter and we can handle a simple attack,” I said, holding on to the switchblade.
“There’s nothing simple about this attack. Magic was involved and one of your members was the target,” Zack said.
“I seemed to recall three of my members being attacked. Who was the target,” I asked, hoping it wasn’t who I was thinking of. There’s no way someone would be after her. There’s no reason behind it.
“Zira, of course. Jeez, do you know anything, Alpha?”
A small growl tickled out of my mouth as I stood up. Hunter, Chris, and Jace followed suit, while my dad watched over his cup of coffee. This must be the type of excitement he misses bening Alpha. The once playful mood was over.
“Don’t push it, Zack,” I asked as calmly as I could. “Why do you think Zira was the target?”
Zack smiled at me. “Why don’t you ask her? You seem to have a way with women.” He turned to leave as Victoria appeared in the doorway.
“Oh good you’re still here” Victoria said, holding a bag in her hands. “Would it be possible to ride with you back to Blue Moon Pack? I would like to visit my aunt, please,” Victoria said with a bow.
“Of course. I’m in need of good company,” he said, gesturing towards the outside.
“Sorry to hear you go, Vicky. Hope you’re coming back,” I asked, understanding a bit about why she’s leaving.
“Oh of course, Alpha Isaiah. I still have family here,” she said, forcing a small smile on her face as she bowed.
I noticed her gaze on my wrist. I keep forgetting about the bracelet Alaia gave me. “”It’s not really my style but it makes her happy.”
“Sorry I didn’t mean to stare. It’s-cute,” Victoria said before bowing again and walking out the door. That was weird but I didn’t address it.
“You can keep the switchblade. I think I have it etched in my brain. I’ll update you with any information I find. I suggest you do the same. Though I think I’ll be back here soon,” Zack said as he made his way out the room.
So she was a target. That’s all I could think about while watching Zack leave. If what he said was true about this attack, then I have to talk to Zira. Regardless of her feelings, her safety is more important. I sat down as chatter about the attack spread across the table. Hunter and Chris were hounding Jace about his kill and my dad started reminiscing about his days on the field.
My mind kept wandering about Zira and how she was connected. Why would someone want to kill her? She is literally the sweetest person I’ve ever met, well unless you piss her off by dating her then kissing another girl but still. How could she have enemies?