Four weeks
I woke up really early today. After that little showdown with my mom, I’ve been staying with Zira for the past two weeks. So usually I would be up all night thinking about my mother and Victoria, and of course Zira’s snoring in my ear. I pray for the mate that has to deal with that. I looked over to my best friend with her mouth wide open, drool wetting her pillow and smiled. Had to do a lot of groveling to get her to stay and not leave. She’s been such a great support this week. Staying up watching romantic movies, eating our weight in desserts, and singing into the night.
I had to find a way to repay her. I had to find a way to repay all of them for taking me in. I carefully got out of bed, trying not to wake her and packed my things. I quietly made my way out the door and headed for the front door. I heard Mrs. Lake in the kitchen making breakfast and I stopped by to say goodbye.
“Good Morning, Mrs. Lake.”
“Oh Isabella. Good Morning. Breakfast,” she asked, gesturing towards the spread on the table.
“Oh no. I’m fine,” I said as my stomach protested loudly.
She laughed and practically pushed me into a seat at the table. “Just take a seat and fill a plate. Can’t have the Alpha and the Luna thinking you left here starving, can I? Besides, you deserved more than this. Keeping my baby girl from leaving.”
While she went back to cooking, I scarfed down at least two handfuls of bacon, two scoops of eggs, and two croissants. I didn’t realize how hungry I was until I went in a second time. I’m a growing wolf and by the time night comes I would have the majority of this burned off. We have fast metabolism and shifting into our wolves burns so much calories. Hence our hefty appetite. A laugh brought me out of my food coma.
“I guess I have my work cut out for me. Make sure you breathe between those bites.”
I finished my plate and gave Mrs. Lake a kiss on the cheek. “I’m going to leave before I eat you out of the house. Thank you again for all you’ve done. I can’t even begin to-”
“It’s all good, Isabella. You know you’re like a daughter to me so there’s nothing I won’t do, ok?” This woman.
I gave her another hug before leaving the house, a happy person. Since I was full I took my time to get to the packhouse. I really wasn’t ready to see my mother. I wish I had waited for Zira to wake up. I could always use some extra support.
When I got to the pack house I noticed all the craziness going on. Granted it was the day before the ceremony which meant my mother was at ground zero bossing everyone around. I maneuvered my way through the people and almost made it to the stairs when I heard my name. So close I thought. I turned to see my mother and Alaia in the middle of the courtyard. My mother waved me over and I rolled my eyes. I slowly and reluctantly moved their way, wearing a scowl on my face so they would know exactly how I feel right now.
“Nice to finally see your lovely face, dear," my mother said, exaggerating 'lovely'. "I hope your little time away was to help you think things over clearly,” my mother asked, barely making eye contact. She was flipping through a book on the table while sipping from her tea cup.
“It was great,” I said, faking my happiness about what she was insinuating. Well she had another thing coming. The moment this ceremony ends I'm going straight to Zack's pack to get my mate.
Alaia was playing with the centerpieces on the table a few feet away. She smiled at me and I glared at her. She acted as if this whole thing wasn't a bit her fault too. You just don’t out someone you don’t know. I don’t care if you didn’t know about the situation. It still wasn’t her truth to tell.
“Great. I have to make arrangements for other packs coming in tonight so I would like you to help Alaia out today. Can you do that?”
“Do I have a choice?”
I didn’t want to help anyone. I just wanted to go to my room and think of what to say to Victoria to get her to come back. Dammit! Now I’m thinking about Victoria. I wondered how she was doing or if she even missed me being away so far.
“Let’s not today, ok? This is a day of celebration, Isabella. So just be a good sister and help out.”
My mother nodded towards Alaia and walked away. I watched as Alaia slowly made her way towards me. Probably thinking I would attack her. I wondered how she would feel if I blurted out a secret of hers. I don't even know her secrets. I could find out-but that's too much effort.
“Hey, Isabella," Alaia said cautiously. I had to control my eye rolls. I'm not falling for her tricks. "I just want to apologize for-”
I cut her off before she finished that half-assed apology. “Look, you’re marrying into the family, not to me. I don’t have to like you and vice versa. Since you’re my brother’s mate and today is a celebration, I will be nice. What you did was unacceptable but I forgive you. So let’s put it behind us, ok?”
Alaia was shocked by my declaration but only nodded to my request. Cool, the ground has been set.
“I have to change first and I’ll be back,” I said to Alaia and left before she said anything else.
When I stepped into my room, I felt a bit at peace. I walked over to my neatly made up bed and remembered the night I spent with Victoria. Our bodies entangled in the sheets while she laid her head between my breasts and her hair fanning across both of us like a cover. She felt so good in my arms and her scent was therapeutic.
I wish I had something of hers but she took everything away. Even the extra toothbrush she kept in my room. I shook my head to focus on the task ahead. I’ll get her back eventually. Even if I had to go to the Blue Moon Pack to get her. Yes, that's what I’m going to do. After this stupid ceremony, I’m going to bring my mate home.
This idea got me excited and gave me a new sense of purpose. I needed to tell Zira. I quickly got changed into a nice green summer dress with my black hi-tops. I was going for the wedges at first but if I’m going to be running around I want to be comfortable. Glad to be back in my room, I laid down on my bed for a few minutes to mentally prepare myself for the day.
“About time you’re back.” A voice said, interrupting my peace. "It's hard being the good twin when the bad one is away."
“Yeah I couldn’t hide forever. Besides, what kind of sister would I be if I didn’t help you with your ceremony?” I sat up and saw my brother leaning against the door frame. I cocked my head to see Hunter cautiously looking at me.
I shook my head. “Hunter, shouldn't you be in front of him? As Beta, you’re supposed to protect him, right?’
“This is more of a support situation, Bella, and I think he could handle this situation.”
My brother furrowed his brow. “Are we enemies now?”
I shrugged my shoulders. “The mate of my enemy is my enemy.”
Isaiah sighed and walked in, ignoring Hunter’s pleas, who stayed near the door. “Isa, she didn’t mean it. I talked to her and all this was just a mistake. Can’t you see that?”
He wasn't there. He didn't see the way she looked but he's just an idiot for his girl. I can understand that but then again I can't help the fact that his girl is a b.itch. “I know. I’m just still mad I had no control over it, that's all.”
Isaiah sat next to me and wrapped one arm around my shoulders. “I agree and we talked about it. She is really sorry. Just give her-”
I cut off before he went on. “I already talked to her. So don’t worry, my claws are retracted for the moment.”
Isaiah gave me a hug. “You are the best. Now this thing with mom.”
I quickly stood up and headed for the door. “Nope, not even going to touch that.”
“Is it so hard to want all my girls to be happy for at least one day,” Isaiah asked.
“Take what you can get bro. I don’t have time to deal with whatever is going on with mom and trying to be nice to your mate. As a matter of fact, I have to go anyway. Alaia needs help.”
I practically ran out my door and down the stairs with Isaiah on my heels. I turned towards the courtyard and saw something I didn’t expect to see so soon. Alaia and Zira were having a conversation and both girls were still intact. Well this should be a fun encounter.