After Isabella left, Luna Bella wasn’t in the mood to keep shopping. I tried my best to comfort her but in the end we all ended up going back to the packhouse. The trip wasn’t a total bust as I admire the dress we picked out for the mating ceremony.
Mating ceremony. I couldn’t believe I was here. Granted it wasn’t the person I would have loved to be mated too, but Isaiah was definitely close. He was tall, handsome and charismatic. He had the body of an Adonis, soft curly black hair and his eyes. His gray, stormy eyes were to die for. He was a complete opposite of my James. They were both tall and handsome, but James was a ginger with golden eyes and freckles.
It was weird thinking of James while laying on my mate’s bed. After all this time my love for him never faltered. My thoughts went back to when James and I hung out in my old pack before Maria was his mate. No matter how crappy my day was, he always found a way to make me feel better. Whether it was a joke or a snack he would steal from the Head Omega’s stash.
Just disgraceful. Sitting here thinking about another man Elena snapped.
There’s nothing wrong with reminiscing about the past, Elena.
Remember I know what’s in your heart. If James showed up right now you would drop everything to be with him.
She had a point. My love for James seemed to surpass this bond I had with Isaiah. Though it wasn’t my fault. I can’t control who my heart wants more than I could control Elena’s feelings for Devon.
Well it doesn’t matter. He’s not here. So let’s enjoy what we have before it’s gone too.
Antagonizing his sister and trying to kill his friend is not helping, Alaia.
I was shocked. I could have sworn I put Elena to sleep during most of my antics. I guess my magic is not as good as I wanted it to be.
I did that for us. His sister seems suspicious of me and I can’t have her in my business. As for his FRIEND, no, she’s more than that. I refuse to have a repeat of my past and if you say ANYTHING, I mean anything, I would make sure to put you to sleep for good. Do you understand me?
I could feel my anger rising as the glow from my necklace lit up the whole room. I might not be as strong as I was before but I had enough power to fuel my threats. Elena knew this and she backed down without saying another word. I sighed, rubbing my temple as I tried to calm down. I grabbed a pillow off the bed and inhaled my mate’s scent. That should be enough to calm us both.
Look, Elena. If you’re a good girl I might let you out for a little rendezvous with Devon. How does that sound? Truce?
I could feel Elena perked up at the sound of her mate. She regarded me carefully before nodding her head.
But one wrong word or emotion and that would be it I reminded her.
I put my new clothes away in the closet. Isaiah had created some space on the other side for my things. How thoughtful. While setting up my side, my nose kept picking up a scent from his side. It was familiar. I followed it to the far back of the closet and as I got closer I realized it was HERS. Moving some things out of the way, I noticed the black box. He was hiding it here. I reached for it just when the bedroom door opened.
“Alaia, are you in here?” A deep, husky voice that sent shivers down my spine echoed through the room. Why couldn’t I pick up his scent, I wondered as I walked out the closet. He immediately hugged me and buried his head in my neck to inhale my scent. We stood like this for a minute before he stepped back.
“I heard what happened from Ashlee and-”
“I didn’t know Luna Bella didn’t know about Isabella’s choice in mate,” I quickly countered and looked down at my feet. “I thought since we were looking for a dress for Isabella that she approved.”
Isaiah sighed and began rubbing my arms. “It’s fine. It’s just that their relationship is complicated.”
I looked at him with tears in my eyes. “Does she hate me?”
Isaiah hugged me. “Of course not. Who could hate, Alaia? You are the sweetest, most loving person here.” He pulled back to look at me and started wiping away the tears falling down my cheek. “Please don’t cry, love. This could be great. You probably gave Isabella a chance to stand up for herself.”
I smiled at him. “I just really want your family to love me.”
“Of course they would. Hell, I am overflowing with love for you and they will follow suit.”
“Thank you Isaiah.” He planted a kiss on my forehead before moving for the door.
“I promise I will be back shortly. No telling what they are doing right now. I have to meditate before the world comes to an end with those two.”
The moment he left I hurried to the closet and dressed in my cloak before transporting myself to the club. It was really busy today which was great since I didn’t want Mirja to see me. I made my way through the crowd looking for Nas. I finally spotted him in one of the VIP rooms, secluded from the rest. As usual I’m stopped by his crew. They pat me down before letting me through.
Nas was surrounded by his girls as he watched me get closer. I could tell by his face he wasn’t happy and I made sure to return the same expression. I stood in front of him and he motioned me to come closer. I thought about it for a moment.
“If I wanted to hurt you, I would’ve tried by now,” Nas said as he motioned again.
He dismissed his girls as I made my way to sit next to him. He took the bottle of liquor on the table and poured two shots. He handed me a glass and tapped it with his own before downing the shot. I followed suit so as not to be disrespectful. The burning sensation made its way down my throat before being replaced by a warm, comforting buzz. Nas nodded his approval and proceeded to bring a bag from underneath the table. I didn’t need to study to know it was a wolf’s head.
“So, a simple mission turned into two of my brothers dead and one critically hurt,” Nas said while revealing the head of Danny. “How does that happen with a simple she-wolf?”
I looked at his burning gaze with a bit of confusion. Apparently I’m not as intimidating as I thought as his gaze never faltered. How dare he question me about his crew’s failure.
“Are you serious? I could ask you the same question. I thought your men knew what they were doing,” I countered, moving around the table.
“My men are the best,” Nas growled, closing the distance between us. “I’m thinking you didn’t give us all the information about this she-wolf.”
He was too close for comfort but I refused to move. “I gave you all that I knew so your anger is misdirected. You should be directing that towards the person who killed your men.”
His eyes never moved from mine as he thought about what I said. I could feel the warmth radiating from his body and for some reason it was a turn on.
“Seeing that the people involved are either dead or can’t recall what they saw in the woods, I’m fresh out of options. So, who should I blame,” he whispered in my ear.
I could feel his breath tickling the hairs on my neck. I pushed him back and moved to distance myself.
“The she-wolf of course,” I almost yelled, avoiding his gaze and looking out into the crowd. “We need to get rid of her. That’s what I paid you for.”
“Hard to kill a she-wolf being protected by two Alphas,” Nas said walking back to the table to make another drink. “There’s no way I have that much power.”
I needed to balance the playing field. There’s no way I could get Nas close enough with both Isaiah, Isabella, and my brother in the way. I had to find a way to get Zira alone, away from the pack long enough for Nas’s people to grab her. I thought about what he said as I saw Mirja manning the bar with and keeping the crowd satisfied. Then an idea came to mind.
“But I think I know who does,” I said as I turned to look at Nas. I walked over, grabbed the glass from Nas’s hand and took the shot. The burning wasn’t as bad this time around. Guess I’m getting used to it.
“Be careful there, girl. I think I see your horns showing,” Nas said with an evil grin spreading across his handsome face.
“I have a plan involving what you do best. I need a way to get a hold of that book.” Nas listened as I told him my plan and this one was guaranteed to work.