ZIRA
"Keep away from him, Zira. You might catch something standing too close to him," Isabella said, glaring at Hunter while stepping between us.
Yeah, these two never liked each other. I always thought it was one of those enemies-to-lovers situations, but later, I discovered that would never happen. Like ever. They would always be the bickering old couple.
"Isn’t there some whore waiting in a bathroom for you to spread your disgusting seed on," Isabella asked with a smirk.
"Little Bella," Hunter smiled back, and I knew he was enjoying his little nickname’s effect on Isabella as she growled and stepped toward him. "Of course, you’re here. Tell me, how does it feel to be a life-sized cock blocker, huh?"
"Satisfying, especially when it’s yours I’m blocking," she said. "Who knows what gutter it came crawling from."
Now they were only a few feet apart. I was about to jump in when a hint of cinnamon and pine tickled my nose, and I knew who was coming up.
"Hey, that’s my sister, ass. Be nice before she chops off something you’ll regret," Isaiah said, coming up behind us and punching Hunter in the arm while Hunter shielded his privates. My breath caught in my throat at the sight of him.
Isaiah Thorne was a true Adonis, at least to me. He was one of the top warriors of the pack, which was no surprise since he was Alpha. His bronze-like skin looked as light as sand. His body was adorned with lean muscles, from his calves to his magnificent chest and broad shoulders. His tight black shirt revealed his abs as if they were painted on. Dark, curly hair with faded sides fell shy of his stormy, gray eyes.
He had a light stubble on his square chin and a smile that could completely melt you instantly. Looking at him sent waves of pure lust through my body to my center. I closed my eyes to control myself and keep from releasing any pheromones. That would be awkward. When I opened them, Isaiah looked at me curiously, and I couldn’t look away. He smiled, displaying those amazing dimples, and gave me a wink.
"Hey, it is not my fault your sister wants me," Hunter laughed, pursing his lips at Isabella.
"As if." Isabella stepped in his face. "You are insane," she growled. Hunter didn’t move from her advance.
"All of this just to get this close to me. I feel honored."
Here began the usual back and forth between the two. I stood there watching the show, and Isaiah took this chance to hand me a chocolate swirl croissant.
"Here, not as good as yours, but it’ll do the trick."
"Thanks. It’ll last until the party. Your mom requested a lot of desserts," I said, taking the croissant from his hand.
There was a spark between us, and we stared at each other momentarily. This wasn’t the first time there were sparks between us. Every now and then, when we touch, whether it’s a hug or an accidental tap, I would feel little sparks through my body. I could never tell if he felt the same thing. Though as soon as they arrived, they went away. It was as if it was a mistake.
At first, I thought we were mates, but I never experienced the strong sensation people talk about. Besides, Nina, my werewolf, would tell me. So usually, I just ignored it, but I won’t lie and say this isn’t why I didn’t leave the pack when I turned eighteen.
I was waiting for him to turn eighteen, thinking our bond might get stronger. When it didn’t, I thought he would at least feel something enough to make him choose me as his mate. Still nothing. Just friends. Who was I kidding anyway? He was an Alpha, and I was just a hunter. The two positions just didn’t match. Isaiah needed a Luna and someone with the power to rule next to him. I didn’t have that, or I didn’t think I did.
A scream interrupted my thoughts, and I saw Isabella holding Hunter in a headlock, telling him to cry, ‘Uncle.’
"Bella!"
Victoria, Isaiah’s now girlfriend or friend or whatever she was, came to stand by Isaiah.
"Are you making trouble again," she asked, giggling at the situation.
There are a lot of words I can use to describe Victoria. Bitch, slut, and trashy aren’t any of them. Of all the girls Isaiah has been with, she is by far the most impressive. She’s intelligent, kind, supportive, and very sexy. Her clothes might seem very conservative, but many sleepovers proved she’s good at hiding all the goods.
Hell, if I was down, she would definitely be my second choice. But, of course, Isabella had to be first, or she would kill me. I won’t deny I was a bit jealous of Victoria. She gets more attention from my best friend and gets to cozy up with Isaiah anytime she can. Though, now that I think about it I’ve never seen her get cozy with Isaiah. Still, Victoria got special treatment. Isabella even let Victoria call her Bella, which was unfathomable to me. This girl practically had the life I wanted, and she’s only been here less than a year.
I’m not jealous though. I thought to myself watching Victoria smiling at Isabella and Isaiah. Well, maybe a little.
Instantly Isabella beamed at Victoria and let go of Hunter. He dramatically fell to the floor, reaching for Isaiah, who swatted his hand away.
"And here you are, making it all better. Vicky dear, let’s go and leave this man-baby alone." Isabella walked away with Victoria right behind her.
"I guess that’s my cue to leave," I smiled at Isaiah. "Oh, before I forget, did Alpha Jack ever sign my papers? I know you’ve been working closely with him for training, so I’m guessing you might know the answer. I need them to move safely through other pack lands when I leave."
Isaiah’s smile suddenly dropped, and he furrowed his brows as if to think about my question. Of course, no Alpha liked that any member wanted to leave, but I figured Isaiah would understand since we were both looking for our mates. Gosh his thinking face is so cute.
"Focus," Nina growled. She was more excited about leaving than me. She wanted nothing more than to be free and find her mate.
"No, I don’t think that came across my desk, but I’ll ask him about it later," Isaiah said dismissively. He turned around, and I grabbed his arm. Spark. He looked at my hand before bringing his stormy grays to meet mine. We stood still for a moment before I reluctantly let him go.
"Sorry, Alpha-"
"Isaiah," he interrupted me with a smile. "I told you before, Zi. You can call me Isaiah."
"Of course, Isaiah. I was going to say I’ll be at the party tonight if you do happen to find them by then."
"In a rush to leave us so soon, Zi," Isaiah asked, crossing his arms.
Did I hear a bit of irritation in his voice? Was he actually mad about this? "Of course not. I love this pack, truly. I’m just, you know, excited for a new adventure, and Nina really thinks we’re going to find our mate out there. Besides, nothing is really keeping me here anyway."
Isaiah didn’t respond back. He just stared at me for a minute. "Well, we’ll have to see what happens tonight." He turned away and walked over to Hunter, who was still pretending to be hurt on the ground.
"Bro, you just left me here to die," Hunter whined.
"What did I tell you about flirting, Hunter," Isaiah asked while helping Hunter off the floor.
"It’s my best quality. It’s out of my hands when I see a beautiful woman." Isaiah sighed and released Hunter, making him fall to the floor again.
I couldn’t help but laugh and turned towards the direction Isabella sauntered off to. I thought about what Isaiah said. What did he mean by that? What’s going to happen tonight? What could happen to make me change my mind? I knew nothing short of meeting my mate could make me stay, but this information got me excited. This party was going to be something worth remembering.
ISAIAH Thinking about the conversation with Zira earlier had me tearing a hole into another punching bag. That was my third one so far. Anytime I had to make difficult decisions, this was my way of thinking. That stupid request plagued my mind like a sickness, and I didn’t know how to get rid of it. "I don’t understand your frustration. She is not our mate," my werewolf, Devon, reminded me. I could see him now in the back of my mind, lazily grooming himself like there was no care in the world. "Don’t you think I know that," I snapped at him. Still, I felt connected to her somehow. Every time we touched, I could feel a spark. Fleeting, but it was there. Wasn’t that similar to what others say a mate’s touch feels like? Maybe something was blocking us. Or fate is waiting for one of us to make the next move. This mate stuff isn’t an exact science. I know of many Alphas with a chosen mate; it was their best decision. "Hunter, I need another o-" Hunter dropped another bag near m
ISABELLA The noise from the party was deafening. I stood in my bathroom, looking at myself in the mirror. My mother had a professional makeup artist cake on a bunch of stuff. I didn’t need all that crap, so here I was, washing a fortune off my face. Definitely going to piss her off, which is usually my agenda when she throws a party. My mother was relentless. According to her, she knows best because she’s ‘been there.’ Whatever the hell that meant? I knew this whole party was her way of butting into my personal life. Again! When I get my mate, I’m making sure I get the hell away from here and from her. "Isa, come on. You’ve been in there for half an hour now. What are you doing," Zira asked, knocking on the door. Zira, my girl, my best friend since we were fifteen. Heck, we were stuck together like glue the first day we met, much to my pleasure. I remember the first day I saw her at school. We were all in the gym getting ready for dodgeball. She stood in the corner, scann
ZIRA Did she say what I think she just said? She found her mate. Oh, my goddess. SHE FOUND HER MATE!!! Wait, why isn’t she more excited, and why is she hiding in the bathroom? "Wait, what-" Before I could finish, Luna Bella burst through the door like she was raiding a party. "Where the hell is she? We have guests," Luna Bella yelled. Before I could turn around, the bathroom door opened, and Isabella walked out. If anyone could get Isabella out of a room, I knew Luna Bella would do it. Isabella enjoyed her little pow-wows with her mother. So much so that I sometimes think she looks forward to them. "Mother, cool your tits. I wanted to make sure I looked good enough to be chosen like a prize slut," Isabella started. "Sorry, I meant prize Luna." "Oh, stop it with the dramatics," Luna Bella said, dismissively waving her hand toward Isabella. "What can I say? I learn from the best," Isabella whispered, knowing we could hear her. Luna Bella sighed and placed her hand
ISAIAH I wasn’t really here to enjoy the party. Just make an appearance and leave. This was more for Isabella and my mother finding a suitable Alpha for her. Lucky for me, I had planned on who I wanted to choose for my mate. Though my werewolf, Devon, would disagree with my choice. He’s always growling his disapproval when I’m with other women, saying I should only want to be with my mate. Apparently, my body doesn’t feel the same way. Then I met Victoria some months ago. We bonded over a few video games I let her win. She’s cool, but every time we got close to going further than making out, here comes Isa. Literally every time. She spends more time with Victoria than I do. Then I realized it was more than that. My sister had a crush on my girl, again. It figures we have the same taste in women because of being born around the same time. Twins were known to have the same mate. Though we were born hours apart with her being first. "Dude, I’m drowning out here," Hunter complai
ISABELLAWhile my brother angrily watched Zira dance with Hunter. I left and went to his room to look for Victoria. It was empty. Where the hell is she? I angrily walked back to the party, and then it hit me. Like times before, the smell of sweet pea and vanilla invaded my nose."Mate is near," my werewolf Jas purred.&nbs
ISABELLAI stared at Victoria with my mouth slightly open. "Victoria...""This is my home now, Bella, and I don’t want to run away again," Victoria said as she approached me and grabbed my hands. "We don’t have to run away."
ZIRA This felt like a dream. I had dreams like this before. Usually, I’m in the woods surrounded by the smell of pine and oak or on the beach listening to the sound of the waves. Then he would appear and pull me into a hot, steamy embrace. Then fireworks and a happy ending. I was sitting on a soft California king-sized bed surrounded by a sheer black canopy this time. That’s when I saw him walk out of the bathroom. Isaiah. There was so much steam covering him that, for a second, I thought it was coming out of his skin. I watched him walk over towards another door. Maybe a closet. He had nothing but a towel around his waist, leaving very little to the imagination. I could feel the lump in my throat as the scent of cinnamon and pine tickled my nose. Then it disappeared as quickly as it came. My heart raced so fast I thought it would jump out of my chest. I wondered if he could hear it. Could he feel my eyes preying on his body as he moved across t
ISAIAH I felt a headache throbbing against my head. Then, slowly, I opened my eyes and saw a blur run out of my room. Who the hell was that, I wondered as I looked around and noticed I was lying a few feet away from my bed. Naked. How the hell did I end up on the floor? I took a minute to stabilize myself before slowly getting up off the floor. "Not our mate. You should be ashamed," Devon growled. "Yeah, well, where were you last night? I didn’t hear you stopping me then," I snapped back. He growled at me inside my mind and disappeared. Good, I didn’t need his mouth right now. There was a knock on the door, and with each one, my head felt like it would split. "Breakfast is ready, sweetie. Come downstairs," my mother yelled. I dragged myself to the bathroom and showered as I tried to remember the events from last night. The last thing I remembered was going to my room and showering. Then there was a girl waiting for me on my bed. I returned to my messy be