Chapter 0146

Athena

Isabella practically smashes through the bedroom door as she bursts inside.

I had never seen her in such a state of panic.

Her eyes were wide, her breathing ragged like she'd just sprinted a full mile.

She flapped her hands wildly, trying to steady herself.

“I’m guessing you’re not okay?” I murmured.

“He’s here.”

She could only be talking about Zachary. “You saw him?”

“Yes, wait, you already knew?” She froze, staring at me in shock.

“One of the guards interrupted us to tell Alexander. What’s he like?”

“I didn’t speak to him.”

“Okay.”

“But he looked right at me.”

“Do you think he knows?”

“Of course he knows, Athena! I panicked. I dropped everything and ran straight here.”

She shook her head vigorously. “With Gabriel, we were both drawn to each other instantly. When I first caught his scent, I followed it, and he was doing the same. But this guy... he just stood there, staring at me while talking to Alexander. Acting like he couldn’t even smell me! Or maybe he was disgusted. Whatever it was, he did not look happy!”

“Maybe he was just surprised. You’ve known he was your mate without ever seeing him. This is the first time he’s realized it.”

“That doesn’t help.”

I couldn’t hold back a laugh.

Isabella pointed a sharp finger at me. “Don’t! This isn’t funny, Athena. Do you think it’s because I’m a Wolf?”

“I don’t know.”

“It is, isn’t it? He’s probably revolted.”

“Where is he now?”

“I don’t know. I told you, I came straight here. I thought you’d be the only one who gets this.”

“What does he look like?” I asked calmly, hoping to soothe her.

She stopped pacing and turned. “Like a God.” She collapsed onto the bed beside me, giggling as the panic finally melted away. “Do you think he’ll like me?”

“I’m sure he will.” I couldn’t imagine anyone not liking Isabella.

She rolled onto her side, a deep frown on her face. “He’s Brianna’s best friend.”

“You talked to her, didn’t you?” I muttered, avoiding her gaze.

“I was curious about Zachary, but yes.”

“Do you believe she’s sorry?” I whispered, staring at the ceiling.

“I really want to say no, Athena. But when she spoke about what she did, her voice was full of genuine sorrow.”

“You think I should talk to her?”

“Maybe hear her out first. Then decide.” She shrugged. “If you still think she’s lying, do what you need to do.”

Isabella stayed with me for a few more hours.

She turned on the television, but her conversation kept circling back to Zachary.

“Isabella, just go talk to him.”

“I can’t. I’ve been here for hours, and he hasn’t even tried to find me.”

“You’re in my bedroom. Inside the packhouse. Do you really think he’s going to barge in here?”

“You’re right!” She jumped off the bed and hurried to the mirror, checking her reflection. “I can do this. I can seek him out. Women are just as powerful as men.” She turned to me, eyes wide again. “What if he rejects me?”

“Do what Sophia did!”

“Refuse him?”

“Why not? It worked for Sophia.”

She nodded and rushed out of the room.

‘You should have told her.’ Nyx muttered.

‘I’m fine.’ I shot back.

‘Ignoring the pain doesn’t mean you’re fine!’

‘I’m carrying twins. It’s just discomfort.’

‘Isabella’s a doctor!’ Nyx argued.

‘I know. But she’s wrapped up in all this new mate bond stuff. I’ll be okay. I’ll get something to eat.’