The Alpha’s Substitute Mate

Isabella

Dad came out later with an omega trailing behind him carrying a bottle of wine and a reflector. He held a mischievous smirk and I tried my hardest to fight off the worry that clouded my thoughts, the conflict in my soul.

“Let’s have a quick drink and celebrate together and then you guys could leave. You know he’s still looking for you Bella. He hasn’t given up.” Dad pulled my hand towards the door and we went together to the kitchen and sat on the stools around the counter. My sisters joined us.

Dad opened the bottle of wine and poured it out for everyone.

He raised his glass, ” To a beautiful and resourceful beginning, may the universe and goddess watch over us.” We all touched glasses and drank, and conversation swirled around. I told them about how Malcolm was my second-fated mate and how I found happiness and bliss with him.

Dad narrowed on me as his unreadable gaze burned deep into mine. ” You can’t change destiny, Isabella. Some things might happen for a reason, even if we can’t always decipher the meaning at the time.”

I felt a shiver run down my spine at his words and I clutched my hands together. I don’t agree with him. Things don’t happen for a reason. My mum didn’t die for a reason. Arden didn’t abuse me for a reason. Sometimes bad things just happen, and sometimes life can be unfair. But I wasn’t going to argue with Dad about the whole stuff. This was a moment of celebration and I didn’t want to ruin it even though I had this strange feeling that Dad couldn’t be trusted and whatever he was scheming scared the hell out of me as my heart prickled with fear.

I felt this sudden urge to leave and we drained our glasses and I had to move on to saying goodbye. I squeezed each of my sisters hard and kissed their cheeks, knowing I probably wouldn’t see them again till the whole issue with Arden was settled.

” Have a blissful ride back to your pack, Isabella,” Dad spoke in an oddly calm manner, his eyes holding something I couldn’t fathom and the air around grew colder.

We got into the car and left. We were driving toward the outskirts of my dad’s pack, and Lance and I were bickering over whether or not we should stop halfway to get a hotel. I was totally in favor of the idea, I have this strange feeling deep down in my body and soul that something bad was about to happen. The fear that had taken dominance within me had begun to feast on every piece of me and the air around me was suddenly too cold for my liking. I was frightened to the point that my soul was restless. I closed my eyes, holding back the tears in my eyes. It scared me to think of what Arden would do if he found out that I was now mated to his brother. I held my dress tightly, unable to fight the fear in my bones, making me more terrified of what I was feeling. The troubled feeling in my chest was sickening, feeling as though a terrible storm was heading my way and was going to consume me and everyone I love. It scared me deeply.

“Ohhh Goddess help me I could feel the danger looming around.”

Lance kept bickering that we should drive straight so that he would see his mate and also enjoy a good sleep while lying next to her. We were now on a quiet narrow stretch of road that twisted through a no man’s land. Thick canopies of trees and forests encroached on both sides of the road. Suddenly Malcolm slammed on the brakes, throwing my body hard into the seat belt. ” Trouble, we are not alone,” he said through gritted teeth. Two tinted black cars blocked the road ahead. Malcolm threw the car into reverse and tried to turn around but a third vehicle came speeding up from behind and blocked us from escaping.

Arden emerged from one of the vehicles looking like a handsome angry demigod and behind him more warriors piled out into the road. Immediately I saw Arden, my eyes widened and instantly I shot up in fear, feeling the heavy pounding of my head against my skull. My breathing became rough and erratic, and the tears from the deep sadness I felt drowned my silver cloud gaze and I couldn’t stop it as I was reminded of my reality.

” Please, love don’t panic,” I heard the unmistaken voice of Malcolm. I turned my head sharply and my silver eyes connected with his hazel ones. He was sitting and his hold on the steering wheel was firm, his eyes were dull and I could feel the pain and sorrows that dwelt behind that gaze of his that held mine. I couldn’t stop the tears that rushed down again, as I felt Lance’s warm hand on mine ” Luna,” He drew closer and I could see his unshed tears. “This’s bad Lance,” I said, holding his weak gaze, but he only nodded in sadness. The pain in his gaze made more tears flow past my eyes.

” I will protect you from him, even if it’s the last thing I do, I won’t allow him to take you,” he said and I felt my heart jam at his words, and my tears began flowing again. I watched his tears fall from my blurry vision and his eyes didn’t blink at all. ” Thank you, Lance, for all you have done and also for being there for me all this time,” I said, almost chuckling and pulling his cheeks.

” Bella, you’re scared, I can feel it but please no matter what happens, don’t move,” Malcolm said gently with his voice crippled with sadness and agony. In a split second, Malcolm’s huge hands cupped my face as his lips took mine in a deep hungry kiss. He pulled away abruptly and held my gaze for a painful second before nodding to Lance.

He and Lance opened their doors and came face to face with Arden and his warriors.Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.