Chapter 3 There Were Sparks

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?" Victoria 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.