Chapter 2

The cold wind slapped against my body the moment I stepped out of the Moonshine Packhouse. I walked through the same courtyard where Brandon once carried me in his arms, whispering promises he clearly never meant. Funny how the places that held your happiest memories could so quickly turn into haunted ground.

I didn’t cry. I thought I would. I thought the tears would come pouring out the moment I was alone. But instead, there was only silence in my chest. I kept walking. No goodbye. No luggage and soon I was far away from the pack house.

It’s not like I wasn’t hurt—I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t. But after hearing Brandon call me a wolfless disgrace, I realized crying would only make me feel pathetic. They say you shouldn’t cry over spilled milk, and maybe they’re right. I loved Brandon… deeply. But he betrayed me. So why should I shed a single tear for someone who was shameless enough to bed my friend in our matrimonial room?

I don’t know why, but Bradon soon started calling my phone non-stop and of course, I did not answer. I was about to block his number when a text from him came in. “Isabella, where are you? Tell me and I will come to pick you up. I need to see you, I don't think we have talked about this properly.” I scoffed, my blood boiling with both anger and irritation. He really had some nerves. 

Almost immediately, Stella’s text came in “Izzy, I know you're probably hurting right now, and I wish things hadn’t unfolded the way they did. You didn’t deserve to find out like that. Please believe me when I say I never meant to fall for Brandon. It just… happened. We tried to fight it for so long, for your sake, but we could not anymore, and we started seeing each other behind your back. I’m sorry. I hope you understand one day that love doesn’t follow the rules. And if it helps at all, I truly do hope you find happiness somewhere else. Far away from here. From us. Love Stela.”

It was only after reading Stella’s message that I realized who she really was…a fake, backstabbing bitch who pretended to be sweet but secretly wanted to see me fall. I’d seen glimpses of the truth before, the flashes of anger in her eyes whenever I talked about the good things happening at home or the gifts Bradon gave me. I thought I was just imagining it, but this message proved she was never truly happy for me. I could hear the mockery and sarcasm in the message.

And now that I think about it, maybe she wanted me to catch them. She had texted me earlier saying Bradon had a surprise for me and that’s why I rushed home. Well, she got what she wanted because I was fucking surprised. Good for her.

After blocking their numbers, I dialed a number that I thought I would not need anymore. Just one ring and the person’s voice came up. “Isabella?”

“Father…” There was a pause as I tried to manage the emotions threatening to drown me. I heaved a deep breath before I continued. “Father, I am coming back home.”

I didn't even have to wait for too long because in no time, a fleet of cars had lined up at the city’s border and a large number of warriors began jumping out of the cars.

“Welcome back Princess Isabella.” My father’s best friend and Beta, George greeted me as he helped me into the car. I only nodded, not saying a word…not even sparing anyone a glance. I just wanted to leave that city as fast as I could and never look back. 

After several hours on the road, we left Azrael City and got to Broodwin City…my home, where I was the princess. A place I had run from three years ago. As I looked at the busy city through the window, I felt my chest tighten. I could not believe I was back.

Soon the car came to a halt as we reached the palace, my home. A warrior helped me out of the car and I inhaled the breath of fresh air, taking in the familiar surroundings. Everything was still the same, with only a few changes. Like the new guards at the gate, fresh flowers by the fountain, and a taller fence lining the garden walls.

“Issabella?” My father called as he walked out of the palace. He still had a look of disbelief on his face, probably finding it so hard to believe I was back after three years.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I took in my father's state. He had aged a bit but still looked handsome as ever. 

I couldn't hold it anymore, and tears burst out of my eyes as my father rushed toward me and embraced me in a tight hug. “My favorite little pumpkin is back.” He said softly, and I knew he was crying too, as I felt his tear drop on my back. He would probably deny this later.

“I’m sorry, Father, your wayward pumpkin is back.” I choked out, my tone thick with so many emotions. My father pulled out of the hug and gave me a long kiss on the forehead. 

“Quick, ask the chefs to prepare something special. Isabella Alexandria the First is back!” my father announced with pride and I smiled.

I was the first female born into my father’s bloodline, and that was why I was named Isabella Alexandria the First, after Sir Alexandria, the very first King of Brooder City. My name alone carried power.

Of course, my father never let me out of his side and was overly clingy as we entered the palace, throwing so many questions at me. Yes, he asked about where I had been and I lied that I was traveling the world and only returned because I discovered that he was right about the world being a dangerous place.

My father only allowed me to be by myself after I decided to have my bath and I took longer there as if I was trying to drown out my past. When I was done, I went downstairs to join my father for dinner. 

It was quiet for a while as we both enjoyed our meal, until I finally said, “I’m ready to take over from your father, as both the Queen of this kingdom and the heir of the Alexandria group.” 

I felt my father stiffen and I looked up at him to see his shocked gaze. He probably thought he had heard wrong.

Three years ago, he brought up the topic about me taking over and I declined the offer because I honestly did not want to deal with politics and a whole load of business work. My father kept dragging it, almost trying to force me to change my mind, but I did not want any of it so I ran far away. 

I met Bradon when I went to Azrael city and I fell in love at first sight. Call me shameless, but I stalked him for a while and realized that he was being forced by his elders to get a wife, so I volunteered, and he agreed. I thought the moon goddess was on my side, as being a luna of a small pack was much better than ruling one of the greatest kingdoms and managing a multi-billion-dollar empire. Guess the moon goddess simply wanted to teach me a lesson about being grateful because now I was truly back and ready to take over. I no longer wanted to be boring. 

I heard my father sigh.

“Issabella, you know do not have to force yourself to do it as I've already planned on giving the position to George’s son, the young man who will now be your Beta.” He paused, looking deep into my eyes as a small smile graced his face. “I have already come to the understanding that you do not want any of this, and I've decided not to force you, so please just enjoy your food, dear, and forgive me for acting overbearing three years ago. ” 

I smiled as I grabbed my father’s hand. “Father, you know I would not have come back if I did not want this,” I smirked, winking at him, and his face immediately brightened as he beamed like a kid. 

“Does this mean you're ready to settle down?” He asked and the smile on my face immediately disappeared. 

Shit!