Chapter 4 She's Relentless

ISAIAH

Thinking about the conversation with Zira earlier had me tearing a hole into another punching bag. That was my third one so far. Anytime I had to make difficult decisions, this was my way of thinking. That stupid request plagued my mind like a sickness, and I didn't know how to get rid of it.

"I don't understand your frustration. She is not our mate," my werewolf, Devon, reminded me. I could see him now in the back of my mind, lazily grooming himself like there was no care in the world.

"Don't you think I know that!" I snapped at him.

Still, I felt connected to her somehow. Every time we touched, I could feel a spark. Fleeting, but it was there. Wasn't that similar to what others say a mate's touch feels like? Maybe something was blocking us. Or fate was waiting for one of us to make the next move. This mate stuff isn't an exact science. I know of many Alphas with a chosen mate; it was their best decision.

"Hunter, I need another o-" Hunter dropped another bag near my feet before I could finish my request. Hunter has been my best friend since birth, so, naturally, he became my Beta. Also, he was one of the few people that got me.

There were times when I needed to talk to someone, and there were times I needed to talk with my fists. Hunter knew of those times. Everyone saw him as a big flirt, but whenever I needed him, he was there with a semblance of seriousness. A tad, though. Hunter dragged the broken bag away as I hooked up the new one and started another boxing round.

I couldn't get the fact that Zira wanted to leave out of my head. We've been friends for six years, and she has never said anything about leaving. It wasn't until yesterday that my father brought it to my attention.

A lot has been brought to my attention since I started taking over. Becoming the next Alpha of the Black Moon Pack comes with many responsibilities. We reviewed contracts with other packs, border expansion, financial information from the businesses we had in other towns, boring letters from the Elder Wolves, requests to join our pack, and only one request to leave. Hers.

Leaving a pack wasn't unheard of. Most people do it when they find their mate and leave to stay with their mate's pack. But, since there were no secrets between us, well maybe a few clearly, I knew Zira hadn't found her mate. So, it confused me when I saw her name on the request. I had to control myself and not rip it up right then and there.

I wasn't mad that she wanted to leave, but I had plans. Plans that included her. First, I wanted to get settled into my position as Alpha. The first year was always the hardest one, according to my father, but I pretty much knocked it out of the park. Second, I wanted to get comfortable before thinking about finding a mate. Still, I knew I wouldn't wait any longer once I was settled. If Zira didn't have a mate by then, I would step into that role and make her my chosen mate. At least, that was my plan until now.

"So, I'm guessing this is about Zira?" Hunter asked, breaking me out of my trance. I stopped for a second to glare at him. I remembered the little altercation with him sharing a treat with her at the shopping mall. It was way too intimate for my liking.

"Yeah, and you were flirting with her," I growled at him.

Hunter held his hands up and stepped away as I continued my assault on the punching bag. Hunter was the only person who knew how I felt about Zira after the first day we met. Isabella had a clue, but she never gave anything away. As I said, we have a few secrets from each other.

"It was harmless fun. Anyway, don't you have Victoria now? Aren't you guys, you know?"

I stopped boxing and looked at him. "We...don't see each other that way. I just say it to keep my mother off my back, and Victoria is cool with that. So, drop it."

"Okay, okay. I'm not the punching bag, remember."

I went back to boxing. "Well, this one is almost done. So, you might want to get another one."

Hunter stood up to move the punching bag away from my attack, causing me to give him a confused look. "Actually, you might want to save this one for later. Guests will arrive in an hour, and Alpha Jack wants you to be ready to greet them. So-"

He didn't have to finish that sentence. Guests were arriving soon, so I needed to be ready an hour ago, and I had about five minutes before my mother came to get me. So, I nodded as we both left to get ready.

Being an Alpha was not only about looking over papers and contracts but also showing your face. These guests came from neighboring packs, and I had to keep up appearances.

I wasn't much for big parties, but it came with the title. It was also the best way to strengthen friendships and bonds, which was a plus. My mother told me this party was meant to celebrate my taking over as Alpha, but I knew that was a lie. Instead, it was my mother's way of finding a suitable mate for us, mainly Isabella. If only she knew what a waste of time it would be. Isabella had a preference that none of the Alphas coming tonight fit.

As I dressed, I laughed at the thought of a man trying to court Isabella. My sister was a tough person. Both in battle and in general. Call it sexist, but she only goes easy on women. Well, except for our mother. So, I knew tonight was going to be interesting. I didn't want to go, but I'll at least get a laugh out of it.

I was pacing in my office, reviewing the guest list to ensure I knew all the important names when I heard a knock on the door. By the scent, I knew it was Zira and why she was there. I looked over at my desk and saw her request still needed to be signed. By me. Shit! What am I going to do?

"Um...kinda busy. Can you come-"

"Sorry, Alpha-I mean Isaiah. Your mother just wanted me to let you know some of the guests are arriving, and I was just checking on my request," she shouted through the door.

"Thank you, Zi. Just tell my mother I'll be right down." I stayed quiet, hoping she would get the message.

"Awesome, and my request?" Damnit! She's relentless.

I cracked the door open slightly and noticed she wasn't dressed. Instead, she wore a cute purple and white sports bra with matching jogging pants. Her exposed skin was covered in sweat, as if she came from a steam room. Her eyes followed mine before smiling.

"Sorry. Parties make me nervous, and I work out when I'm nervous. Anyway, I should hurry and get ready myself so...," she trailed off, allowing me to finish her sentence with an answer to her question. Maybe I can play dumb.

"Right, my mother. Just let her know I'll be down shortly." I tried to quickly close the door before Zira stopped it with her arm.

"And my request?" She asked with an irritated tone.

Man, she was adamant. "Look, Zi. I've just been a bit busy trying to get used to everything. So, I'll get to it as soon as I can."

With that, I firmly closed the door, feeling like an idiot. There was no way she was going to give this up. I had to find a way to get her to stay, and it had to be tonight.