I can’t believe this! All this time that I thought I was going crazy it’s been her manipulating me. Using her witchy powers and for what? To have a life that she already has. She has everything yet she still targets me.
I was pacing back and forth in my room, trying to figure out what to do with the information I heard from Mary and Victoria. Voices in my head told me to confront her. I felt a little comfort in hoping that they were from Nina. She would totally say skip the niceties and kick her ass. Goddess I miss her.
Go to her. Find her. Tell her how you feel the voices cooed.
I grabbed my hair in frustration. I hated these voices. I wanted them to stop. Maybe just maybe if I did what they asked they would go away. Yes. No. It could be her messing with me. Maybe I should go to her and get her to stop. Yeah, I’ll go to her.
I walked into the busy hall with people rushing in and out of rooms. Ever since Isaiah put everyone on alert, people have been running around in a panic. I maneuvered my way through the crowd to Alaia's office and saw a guard standing in front of it.
There was no way he was going to let me through. I was about to leave when I noticed a she-wolf walking his way. By the scent I could tell she was aroused and he was falling into her hands. She gently pulled at his shirt but he refused to move.
She then whispered something in his ear and I saw his stoic face turned into a smile. It must have been the jackpot because he picked her up bridal style and darted down the hall. I didn’t wait as I made my way over to Alaia’s door.
Should I knock? No, bust the door down. Catch her off guard. What if she already knows I’m here? Don’t chicken out and stop talking to yourself. Make a decision.
I squared my shoulders and took a few deep breaths before opening the door and knocking at the same time. Great decision. Alaia’s eyes connected with mine as the glow from her book took my attention. There was black ink attaching itself on her body and her eyes were as black as coal.
She didn’t acknowledge me, so I quickly closed the door and started to go back to my room. I couldn’t believe they were actually telling the truth. Alaia is a witch and whatever she was doing in there didn't look good.
“Zira!”
I heard my name and turned around. I let out a breath of relief when I noticed it was Victoria.
“Hey, are you ok? You look like you saw a monster.” Close enough I thought.
“Yes. I’m fine. Where is Isabella? I tried calling her.”
“She went with the Alpha to help the Blue Moon Pack. Alpha Zack got attacked by rogues,” Victoria said while leading me back to my room.
The moment we got into the room I pounced on her. “I know Alaia’s a witch,” I blurted out.
Victoria looked at me like she was confused but I didn’t give her time to think about it. I started pacing back and forth, spilling everything I knew so far about Alaia.
“I heard you talking to Mary about her targeting me and I think you’re right. I don’t know how she's doing it but I know she’s the reason I’ve been so paranoid lately. Having weird thoughts about people saying things or doing things to make me feel small.
I can’t sleep. I can’t eat. I can’t even communicate with my wolf. What if she took my wolf away? Can she do that? Did I lose Nina?”
Victoria stopped me from pacing and pulled me into a hug. “Shh. Shh. It’s gonna be okay, Zira. Breathe. Just breathe,” she said softly. I didn't realize how panicked I was until now. When I finally calmed down as she sat me on the bed.
“Okay. Let’s think about this. When did you start having these problems,” Victoria asked.
I thought about it for a minute. Going back to the party, then my relationship with Isaiah, and then Alaia came into the picture. Everything was great until…
“Honestly, the first day she was here. I don't know if she had anything to do with the rogue attack but he did say someone was after me. I never had anyone come after until that day. It’s been hell ever since.”
“Damn, I’m sorry Zira. I wish I had said something sooner,” Victoria said.
I shook my head. “It’s fine. What do we do now? How can we stop her,” I asked.
“Well I think you’re good for now. This was in Alaia’s office,” Victoria said, pulling something out of her pocket and handing it to me. It was the necklace Isabella gave.
“I’ve been looking for this for a while. Where did you find this?”
“Mary found it actually. I think Alaia’s been using this as a connection to you,” Victoria said right when someone knocked on the door. We both looked at each other before Victoria opened the door. Mary rushed in, panicking.
“Where were you? I couldn't find you anywhere,” Mary said between breaths.
“Mary, calm down. What’s wrong,” Victoria asked, stopping Mary from moving.
“She’s doing magic. I can smell it,” Mary said in a panic.
“Where is she,” Victoria asked.
“She might be in her office. The scent was strong near there but there’s a guard.”
“Okay. Mary, Zira stay here. I’ll go and check. I’ll text you if I find anything. If I don’t come back, don’t come after me. Just try to contact the Alpha or Isabella ok.”
I nodded my head along with Mary as Victoria ran out the door. I felt I should be scared but a part of me was a bit excited. We were going to catch her and expose her evil deeds. Maybe I can finally find some peace after all this. Maybe Nina will come back.
Seconds turned into minutes which felt like hours for me. Mary was mirroring my pacing back and forth while looking at the door. I was impatient or maybe nervous as time went by. How long would it take to find a pregnant she-wolf? I sighed with frustration.
“Would you like something to drink or eat, Miss Zira,” Mary asked. I knew it was because like me she was nervous too. We both needed something to occupy our mind.
“No, no. I’m so nervous I can’t even think about food right now. It feels like it’s been a long time. Has it been a long time?”
“Ten minutes.”
“Of course. I just need to sit down and relax. Victoria can handle this. I need to just believe in her,” I said, sitting down and immediately jumping up to the ping from my phone. It was from Victoria but...
Victoria: I have your friend. I won’t hurt her if you do what I tell you.
“Is it Victoria? What does it say,” Mary asked.
Zira: Fine. What do you want?
Victoria: Don’t say anything to anyone. Come alone to the spot. You know where. Let’s make this quick.
“Zira?” I looked at Mary who looked a bit worried. “What is it? Is Victoria ok? Did she find her?”
“She’s fine. She hasn’t found Alaia yet. She was just checking in.” I did my best to smile so Mary will calm down. “Actually now that she’s ok for now, I would love something to eat. Would you mind?”
“I’m on it. Thank you, thank you, Miss Zira,” Mary said, giving me a hug. “I totally need something to do or I just might turn gray.” She laughed and quickly left out the door.
I waited for a minute before struggling to put on my coat, Isabella’s necklace, and the scarf Isaiah’s gave me. I really wish Nina was here to help but I didn't have time to think too much on that. I opened my room door to make sure Mary was truly out of sight. I hurried down the hallway and ran straight into Luna Bella.
“Oh, Zira,” she laughed. “We have to stop meeting like this.”
I gave a little laugh. “Right. Sorry Luna Bella, I was looking for Victoria,” I said, knowing this was still a sore topic for her. Maybe she’ll let me go.
“Right, Victoria. I guess she’ll probably be on edge like me. Isabella is gone along with her father, hoping for some rogue action. I’ll tell you, I’ve never met someone who actively seeks out fights. That husband of mine is going to be the death of me, literally,” she laughed as I impatiently shifted my feet.
“You know, I didn’t think of that. I should find Victoria soon to make sure she’s alright.”
“Of course, dear. With all this commotion, it can be a bit much. Why don’t I go with you?”
“No,” I nearly screamed. “I’m sorry, Luna. I didn’t mean to yell. I just have to go,” I said, hurrying down the stairs as I heard Luna Bella scream my name.
I had to hurry. I had to save Victoria before it was too late. I was the reason she was out there in the first place.