“Alright ladies. Into the jeep we don’t have all day. Lunas in the front,” my mother yelled as I dragged my feet across the pavement to her stupid red Jeep Wrangler.
“Why do I have to go? Can’t I just stay with Fanny and help with the food,” I begged my mother as she dragged me to her jeep.
The lack of breakfast wasn’t improving my mood. I only managed a handful of bacon before leaving the dining room. Wolves need food, not like a one plate but a buffet to keep up with the amount of calories we burn when shifting. Right now I’m running on fumes. I barely want to walk and here my mother is dragging me to a mall.
“What are you saying, Isabella? You love going to the mall and shopping. I see you all the time checking out girls trying on outfits. This is the same thing.” I could hear Alaia giggling, giving me a knowing look and I glared at her. Why is she laughing? What does she know?
“I'd rather hang with the boys,” I pouted, refusing to get in. I heard a growl beside me as we both looked at Ashlee sitting in the backseat with Mia.
“There’s no way I’m leaving you here with my Hunty. Don’t think I forgot what you did to him yesterday,” Ashlee said.
“What did you do, Isabella,” my mother asked with her hands on her hips.
I shrugged my shoulders and completely avoided Ashlee stares. I could feel the anger oozing from her. Poor Mia looked as white as a ghost sitting next to her.
“C-c-can you l-l-let go of my arm p-p-please,” Mia stammered as Ashlee realized she was gripping it.
“Oh, sorry, Mia. I was thinking it was someone’s else,” Ashlee said through gritted teeth, staring me down. Oh boy.
“Isabella, we are doing this for your soon-to-be sister-in-law,” my mother started as she literally pushed me into the backseat, “and your brother.” She stated when she didn’t get the response she wanted.
I finally gave up and slouched in the backseat. Fine! She wanted me to go but I’m not going to enjoy it. Times like this I wish my parents had more kids. I could really use a little sister to use as a shield. I could actually use my best friend. Zira always knew how to turn a trip with my mother into something I can enjoy. I wondered what she was doing right now. Probably all puffy eyed with a mouth full of cookies.
Hmmm, cookies! I would love some cookies right now, especially Mrs. Lake’s cookies. My stomach growled at the thought food. What kind of mother would deprive her child of food? Mine! That’s the kind. I stared at the back of my mother’s head as she started making conversation with Alaia. Oh if I had laser eyes.
My mother pulled out of the driveway and we made our way down the street when it hit me. Lavender and vanilla. I closed my eyes and took in my most recent favorite scents. Hers. When I opened them I saw her. She was standing as still as a tree as if she was afraid of moving. Though her sapphire eyes captured me like a moth to a flame and I was enjoying the burn.
I noticed the bags in her hands and I was shocked. What the hell? Where is she going? I was confused until I remembered the first time we were together as mates. I told her I would run away with her. All she had to do was say yes. Here she was on her way to the packhouse with bags in her hands. BAGS! Does that mean-
Our mate want to be with us Jas finished my thought.
Yes, Jas. We’re actually doing this. We’re running away together.
Before my mother got too far I screamed, “STOP THE CAR.”
My mother came to a screeching halt. “Isabella, what the-.”
“Sorry mother,” I said, jumping out the back. “It’s an emergency. Isaiah just mind-linked me about-” I had to think of something quick and believable as she stared at me. “Something Alpha Zack wanted to ask-” I could see that she wasn’t really believing me so added, “me about going somewhere with him.” Believe it, believe it, believe it! I paused and waited for her response.
She stared at me for a moment, probably gauging what I was saying.
“Well-don’t keep him waiting, dear. It would be rude. We’ll just meet you at the mall, then. Maybe I should browse for your dress too,” she beamed.
I silently thanked the goddess. I nodded and as I turned to leave I noticed Alaia giving me a sideway glance. She knows something for sure. She was starting to creep me out, especially after what Victoria told me.
Before my mother could change her mind, I ran towards the pack house just in time to see Victoria walk onto the porch. My heart was relieved she hadn’t left. I couldn't help my feet as I ran to her and engulfed her in the biggest hug I could give. At first she froze up before slightly falling into my embrace. I quickly stepped back, holding on to her to keep her steady. My heart was racing fast. This was really happening.
“I can’t believe you really want to do this,” I said, spinning her around.
“I-I.. dont-” Victoria started but I didn’t have time. My mother could easily come back here with an excuse just to see what Zack would’ve said.
“Just give me one minute. My bags are already packed,” I said, not wasting one second as I raced towards my room.
I went to my closet and picked up the bags I had packed the moment I found out Victoria was my mate. I took a moment to write Zira a note. Letting her know about Victoria and my plans. I know she will understand. I placed the note in our secret spot under my bed. I took one more quick look at my room before leaving it behind. Forever.
I ran downstairs with my bags and realized Victoria was gone. I frantically searched the porch but there was no sign of her anywhere. I didn’t understand what was going on. She was just here, ready to go. Wait, were we supposed to meet somewhere? No, we didn’t discuss anything like that. Where could she be? I did the only thing I could think of.
Vi, I’m here. Where are you I mind-linked her. I waited for what seemed like forever until I heard a soft voice.
It’s not what you think. I wasn’t running away with you, Isabella. I’m sorry. I just can’t be around you. It hurts too much.
Before I could say anything she cut me off, and just like that. My heart broke again. I dropped the bags on the porch and started to walk. I didn’t pay attention to where. I just needed to leave that spot. The spot where I got my hopes up. The spot that held what was left of my broken heart. My sadness was slowly turning into anger.
How could she? Again, how could she break me like this? I could feel Jas trying to comfort me but she was hurting too. I wanted to cry, scream, but I think I was tired. Nothing came out. No tears, no yelling. Nothing. I felt completely void. This must be rock bottom.
The houses passed by me like rolling film until I realized I was at the mall. Our little town had a small mall but everything you needed was here. I made my way inside and follow the stupid sounds of girlish laughter. I hated that someone was happy. I didn’t want anyone to be happy but I have to face it I guess. I didn’t want to hear my mother’s mouth about my mood dampening their day.
Before entering the shop I had to fix my face. Pretend everything was fine. I didn’t want to get a third degree. I didn’t want anyone asking me anything. If I could just get through this with a nod here or there I should be fine. I walked in and Alaia was showcasing a white dress. It was a delicate patterned lace layered on a nice creamy colored silk. The bodice was adorned with pearls and the bottom flared out in a triangular fashion. Alaia turned in the mirror and I could see the cut-out displaying her nice, blemish-free back. I was impressed by how beautiful she looked, like an angel, and the dress was perfect.
“And then we'll have your hair up in this fashion and accessories with some long earrings,” my mother cooed. I could tell she was excited about this.
Just let have, Isa. You can do this I coached myself. “Mother, this is beautiful,” I added.
My mother looked at me like I was crazy. Maybe she didn’t expect the nice commentary from me. “Well nice of you to join us, Isabella. Took you a while.” She sent Alaia back to the dressing room to change, then she turned her attention to me.
“Well-.,” she said, tapping her foot. I didn’t know what she was referring to, so I just stared at her. “Well, what did Alpha Zack want?”
I totally forgot about the lie I told earlier to get away from them. SHIT! I didn’t think this far. What should I do? What should I do?
Don’t ask me. This is your mess Jas whimpered. She was still hurting from the earlier incident.
“Well-he said-um-,” I stuttered as my brain worked overtime to come up with something. Anything, Isa. “that..I-want- to try on a dress.” Well my brain is completely fried and out of good suggestions.
The emotion on my mother’s face went from anticipation to shock to giddy as a small scream left her mouth.
“I knew it, I knew it. I’ve already picked out dresses that would compliment your muscular features and long neck. Come on,” she said as she hurried me into a room populated with said dresses.
This is truly hell. First I would never wear a dress, let on white dress to my ceremony, and second, my neck is average. After a few dresses the last one was my mother's favorite. I won’t lie but the dress was beautiful. It was a classic strapless, off-white dress of semi-embroidered fabric that accentuated my waist and hugged my hips just right. The V-slit on the side flared out a bit, revealing a less-heavily embroidered underskirt. I stared at my reflection while my mother and the clerk walked around me discussing plans to alter the dress. Who was I going to wear it for? The one person that mattered didn’t want anything to do with me.
I had to mentally stop thinking about Victoria. I could feel my eyes wanting to fill with tears. I turned at my mother's request.
“You are just beautiful, Isabella. I think any alpha would be lucky to have you as their Luna,” my mother said as she walked around me again.
Again, Alaia says something to Ashlee and they both start to giggle. Usually I could care less about girls gossiping about me but today was not the day. Ashlee has her own reasons to dislike me right now but Alaia had no reasons. What was her deal and why was she always giggling?
I glared at them in the corner talking and stealing glances my way. “What are girls talking about over there,” I asked quite loudly. I guess I was a bit bothered.
Alaia shook her head. “It’s nothing, Isabella. That dress looks beautiful,” she said innocently while looking at Ashlee, who began to laugh a bit. Okay now they were pissing me off.
“If you have something to say, then say it,” I almost growled at them.
Alaia looked at me unphased and said, “I was just wondering if Victoria was thinking all wearing a dress too. How would you guys decide if you both look beautiful in a dress?”
So she did know. I stood there shocked and looking at Ashlee’s face I could tell that wasn’t what they were talking about.
“Wait, Victoria,” Ashlee started, “and you.” She pointed at me and I just stared at both of them.
“Of course, silly,” Alaia said to Ashely. “Anybody could see their connection. I saw it the moment I saw you two together. It was adorable.” She spoke so sweet not knowing what she was actually doing.
“You don’t know what you’re talking about, Alaia. So quit while you’re ahead,” I growled as I started to take off the dress.
“Don’t tell me you’re ashamed that your mate is a girl. That happens all the time,” Alaia continued while dismissing my growls.
With each word the dress was starting to feel a bit tight around my chest. I knew I was just remembering what happened earlier today and now Alaia telling people my business wasn’t helping. I turned to go to the fitting room just in time to see my mother’s face. She must have heard.
“Alaia, what are you talking about,” my mother asked.
“I-I-” I couldn’t breathe. I was seconds away from tearing this dress off when the clerk rushed over to help me out. Alaia looked around at us as if she was the innocent party. This bitch.
“I’m sorry. I am speaking out of turn,” she asked. She knew she was. This whole act of hers was a bunch of bull and I couldn’t stand it.
“Of course you are,” I yelled, throwing the stupid dress towards her. Personally I wanted to punch her in the face but it would have only made me look like more of a threat. “It is not your truth to tell.”
“And what truth is that, Isabella?” I turned my gaze to my mother.
I’m sure she heard everything Alaia was saying, but I guess she wanted to hear me say it. I opened my mouth and nothing came out. What could I tell her? Yes, I found my mate. Yes, she’s a girl. Yes, she did reject me and I have nothing now. Remembering only made my heart tighten and I just wanted to get out of there.
“Isabella,” my mother said with a bit of concern, “what is going on?” She looked at me like she really did care about how I was feeling. It was beginning to be a bit much as I slowly moved towards the door.
Alaia sighed heavily, “She likes-”
“Don’t!” I glared at Alaia and I hoped the anger I was feeling was enough to keep her quiet. “Don’t make me say it!”
Alaia stepped back but I could see through her pretend shock. She knew exactly what she was doing. I wasn’t going to give in to her. I would tell my mother when I was ready. I kept my gaze on Alaia and I could feel the tears pooling in my eyes.
I walked out of the store trying to hide them falling down my face. I could feel my mother behind me so I started to jog that turned into a full out sprint. I could hear my mother calling after me but I ignored her. I knew it was probably dealing with the fact that I was only wearing my undies but at this moment I didn’t care. I just need to get away.
I didn’t know where I was going as I ran out the mall and down the street. I ignored the stares from people around me as my mind drifted back to what just happened. I couldn’t believe Alaia just outed me to my mother. The one thing I struggled with for most of life she just blurted it out in a second. Like it was no big deal. There were no words to describe how much I hated her right now, but I hated myself more. Hated that I was so weak to say anything. Hated that I couldn’t tell my mother the most important thing about who I am. This day sucked and only one person could make it better.