Chapter 37

(Isabella’s POV)

Warmth from nearby flames warms my skin. The crackling of embers startles me awake. I’m comfortable and in bed. My eyes jolt open, and I sit straight up.

Remembering I was naked in the forest, I grab at my own breasts and pat myself down, realizing that I’m in a nightgown under a blanket.

I feel my brows furrow as my head turns rapidly back and forth, trying to figure out what happened and where I am.

My heart pounds within me as panic rises through my chest to my throat. I wheeze and wince suddenly as sharp pain sears through my belly.

A soft, melodic, motherly tone greets me as a woman I don’t know rushes from across the room to my bedside. “Easy, now, Alpha Costa. You don’t want to tear your stitches,” she says looking down on me. She helps me lie back and uses her hand to push stray hair from my face.

I let her lay me back. She is old enough; I muse to be my mother. The woman has long enough hair to be pulled back in a thick, loose bun.

“Where am I? Who are you? How’d I get here?”

“We saw you assaulted in our forest, Alpha. Before we could retaliate on your behalf, your attacker ran away like a coward. We decided to let him go and concentrate on helping you.”

My eyes widen. “Your forest? You’re rogues?”

She bows her head in submission. “Yes, Alpha. My name’s Bethany.”

“Bethany, it’s nice to meet you. I’m Isabella. I owe you my life, so please…just call me Isabella.”

Two men walk in from outside. The older one, kisses Bethany on the forehead and hands her some fish to clean. For a fleeting moment, I feel like I know him from somewhere.

He nods at me. As his hazel eyes meet mine, I realize where I’ve seen him…or rather a younger version of him.

It’s my turn to bow my head. “Your son is the missing rogue, isn’t he?” I ask.

Bethany’s mate shoots her a warning look. She clears her throat. “Yes, Alpha Isabella. His name was…” Her voice cracks.

My eyes dart toward hers. Tears reach the brim of her lower eyelids. “Seth,” she finishes. “His name was Seth.”

I nod.

The younger male raises an eyebrow and speaks. “How did you know about my brother, Alpha.”

The way he spits out the word Alpha is the polar opposite of the respect his mother has shown me. In fact, it drips with disdain.

“Zack, Bethany scolds. Do not speak to our guest that way. I raised you better than that.”

“Given how Seth died, Mom, I’d argue that ya didn’t,” he fires back then slams firewood down a few feet from my best and storms out.

“Boy!” His father roars and takes off after him.

The silence between Bethany and I grows awkward. I decide to press her just a little bit more. “The burnt body then…was Seth?”

Her tears run down her face and cause my heart to ache in my own chest. “Yes, Alpha Isabella. And yes, to your next question. But when he took the job to take your photo, he was told no harm would come to you. He didn’t know your drink had been spiked. He was sick over it when he found out. I swear. He didn’t know.”

“I believe you. I am so sorry you lost your son.”

Her eyes shoot to mine as if she didn’t expect my answer.

I try to sit up and become lightheaded. I flop back against the headboard. Stabbing needle sensations jab at my ribs.

“You know, pureblood werewolves are self-healing through our wolves…And while sensitive to silver, it doesn’t pose a fatal risk to us. It slows our healing capabilities only slightly. You almost died, child. Have you had a reaction to silver like this before?”

I nod.

“I assume the person who attacked you knew this. Has the issue ever been evaluated by a pack doctor?” Bethany asks.

“Some tests have been completed, but we haven’t found the answer yet,” I tell her.

“Your mate should be ashamed of letting you walk home alone,” she says. “From now on, young lady…be careful, especially until you find out why you are so sensitive to silver, okay?”

I smile. She reminds me of my mom. “Yes, ma’am,” I say.

She hands me a warm cup of herbal tea. “You’ll be able to return home this evening. We have received permission to enter Veridian Shadow Pack to return you to your mate.”

Santiago is standing in front of the gates entering the territory. His face his stoic. This man should play poker with that face…I never know what hand he is holding. If I didn’t know better, I’d think he’s mad at me.

My wolf is groggy in my mind, but is finally waking up. “He better fucking not be mad.” She says, “What happened to us is entirely his fault.”

“I agree,” I tell her.

He walks over to me, cocks his head to the side. “What happened? Did they hurt you?”

“What? No!” I lower my voice. “Jesse did this. This family saved my life.”

His eyes widen and dart toward Bethany.

She stomps over to him with no fear at all. “Listen to me, young man. It’s not very Alpha-like to let your mate wander through rogue territories during the day, let alone that late at night!” she shrieks.

I halfway expect Santiago to come back at her, but he doesn’t. Does she remind him of his mom like she reminds me of mine?

“Good,” my wolf says. “Someone needs to tell this asshole he is being stupid.”

I stifle a chuckle at the situation.

“Her assailant,” Bethany continues stabbed her with silver, and apparently she has a sensitivity to it.” With her index finger, she pokes him in the chest. “Do better, Alpha. Take good care of your mate. She should see a pack doctor to follow up at once. Like now. And no shifting for at least a week. Unless the doctor says otherwise.” She shoves a jar into his chest.

Santiago stifles a barely audible growl, but accepts the jar with a raised eyebrow. “What is this?”

“Herbal tea. It will help her rest and ease pain. Your pack doctor may be able to offer her something more efficient, but the tea has helped her sleep.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he says.

“Make sure they have safe passage home,” I whisper.

He nods.

As they turn to go, Santiago lifts me bridal style and carries me to his room. “We need to talk,” he says.

I sigh deeply, feeling safe in his arms. This feeling is short-lived when he opens the door and Layla is lounging in his bed.

This scene is all too familiar. My eyes bulge. I hop out of his arms and bolt to get as far away as possible.

Santiago catches up to me in the kitchen. “What the fuck, Bella?”

I stop and double over as the pain rushes from my stitches to my head.

“I have kept my mouth shut, Santiago! I have dealt with that homewrecking she-wolf from hell being here and all the torment she dishes out! She’s manipulative and crazy! And because of her, I have lost everything!”

Santiago’s poker face lifts. His eyes are wide and dart side to side as if he is processing what I’m saying as new news. This only fuels my anger.

“Bella, we have a contract. How is she a homewrecker?”

I take a deep breath. Tears run down my face. “I’ve decided to end our living arrangement.”

“We are a contract,” he growls. “I was called away from the Ball. I had to help Layla. She was poisoned. We still don’t know how, but her situation was dire. I had no idea what happened to you. I’ve been worried sick!”

“Oh, with her in your bed! I can tell you were so worried!”

“I don’t know why she was there. My room and bed were empty when I left it to meet you at the gates.”

“Oh my moon goddess, you are dense! That crazy bitch cheated on you! She broke up my marriage and helped Jesse set me up as the cheater! Now, after running me off out of my territory she’s come back here!”

Dammit! She’s only staying here through her pregnancy! There is nothing going on here! I was going to have you lay down in there so I can be close if you need anything!”

The next thing I know, he grabs me, pulls me flush to his body, and in one swift motion presses his lips to mine. His tongue glides across my lips as if asking permission to enter my mouth. My lips part obligingly.

My wolf fully wakes and all but purrs. I moan against his lips, then hear Layla walk up behind us.

“Baby,” she says, feigning shock at the scene.

I jump and push Santiago away and storm out.