Alpha's Triangle: Fatal Love Between Mates

ZIRA

I woke up with my head feeling like it would explode. My brain was having its own personal rave inside my head. The room was dark, but a sliver of light passed through the windows and across my face. My eyes could barely open as I tried to focus on my surroundings.

Surroundings that looked unfamiliar at that moment. This room felt huge, way bigger than mine. The walls were not the usual deep red. Instead, it was more of a deep almond color, but the smell of it was familiar. I'm still in the pack house, in someone's bed. A bed that was significantly bigger than my queen size.

Wait, this isn't my room, I thought to myself.

"And this guy isn't our mate," my werewolf, Nina, growled.

"What are you talking about-" I stopped when I noticed someone's weight on top of me. Oh shit! How the hell did I miss that?

I couldn't for the life of me remember what happened last night. The darkness obscured some of his features, and my eyes were still unfocused. He snored softly, and I could feel his warm breath against my neck. I could barely move my head to look at him, so I tried my best to get a side view. His black curly hair covered his face, leaving only his lips displayed. They looked bruised. I'd like to know if I did that.

"You did more than that," Nina said, with a bit of annoyance.

I was sure this person looked familiar, but my mind was too occupied with my current headache. I tried not to panic as I wanted to move him. That's when I felt something twitch inside me, and instantly pain traveled through my body. My mouth was so dry that my whimpers were inaudible.

Shit, I think he's still inside me, and why the hell is he still hard? Fuck! Now I panicked as I untangled one of my legs from his. Next, I carefully pulled my arms from between our bodies and placed them on his shoulders.

"Mmmm," he groaned, grinding his hips against me, making my body tighten its grip. A mixture of pain and pleasure enveloped me, and for a moment, I wanted to stay.

"Zira, focus and get this guy off of us. We have to leave now," Nina yelled, snapping me out of it.

"Right. You're right. A little help would be nice," I yelled back.

My vision was still a bit blurry, and the stupid sliver of light made me want to keep my eyes closed. Nina was angry; hell, I was angry. How could I have let this happen? How exactly did this happen? I couldn't dwell on that now.

The Batman clock read seven thirty-eight am, meaning the pack house would be fully awake in less than thirty minutes. So, with the help of my werewolf, we lifted the man off us and right onto the floor with a loud thud. I froze for a moment, thinking it would wake him.

"Nina, what the hell!" I yelled at her, knowing she did that on purpose.

"Just be lucky that's all I did," Nina growled before disappearing to the back of my mind.

With bile slowly building in my throat, I didn't have time to argue with her. Hell, I could barely concentrate enough to get up. Standing made everything worse. I took a deep breath and focused on my balance. The man groaned behind me when I stumbled in the dark to pick up my clothes.

I turned to face him, and my eyes widened. His hair no longer covered his face, and I was looking at a completely naked Alpha. The Black Moon Pack Alpha.

Isaiah! Did I...I mean...we...

"Fuck, Zira. Stop being such a virgin," Nina snarled. "Well, I guess you're not anymore."

"You are the worst," I said to her.

Isaiah was slowly waking up, and I couldn't let him see me here. What would I say? I bolted for the door and did my best to keep from falling. I used the wall to help guide me down the hallway, and I heard someone coming. I froze in fear as I watched Isabella walk to her room with someone. Her back was turned away from me, so I slowly tiptoed around the corner and ran straight into Luna Bella, of all people.

"Slow down there, Zira. Where's the fire?" She laughed. Then she took in the view in front of her. "Are you alright, dear?" She asked, looking over my attire.

She gasped and stood back when her eyes glanced at the bottom of my dress. I followed her gaze and noticed dried blood on my legs. Am I already being punished? My brain was fried, so I said the first thing that came to mind.

"I'm so sorry, Luna Bella. That son..."

"My son," she asked with a raised eyebrow.

"No," I nearly yelled. "I said that the...sun came right through Isabella's window and gave her a jolt, and she scratched me by mistake. You know she's a crazy sleeper. I don't even think my scream woke her up. So, I better go take care of this before it gets worse." I bowed and ran down the stairs, mentally slapping myself in the face. I couldn't come up with a better lie. Maybe, 'Oh hey, Luna. Oh, the blood. Well, you know Aunt Flo comes when she wants to.' It was much more believable, but I couldn't dwell on it now.

I immediately threw up on the lawn when the sun and air hit my face. I took a moment to control my queasiness before making the three-mile trek home. Now I understand what the walk of shame means.

Sneaking into my house was easy. My room was on the second floor near the side of the house, and I always kept my window unlocked. So the moment I climbed in, my door almost flew open. I quickly jumped into my bed, trying to cover myself as my parents sauntered into the room. My mom sat on the breakfast tray near the side of my bed. The smell of bacon and eggs was making me queasy.

"So, how was the party?" She asked, sitting on my bed with my father standing behind her.

"Oh, it was okay, some might even say forgetful, but I'm not really dressed for this conversation," I croaked out, trying to keep from throwing up, hoping they would take the hint.

Like always, they didn't. "Oh, don't I know it? My first party was horrible but amazing at the same time. It was the first time I met your father. I shifted and ran five miles to keep him from mating with me right there," she laughed and continued, "but I was so happy to finally have a mate."

"Mom, please. I would love to hear this story again, but I just need a moment to collect myself," I pulled the covers over my head.

"Of course, sweetie. It's just, there were about three different packs at the party, and I wanted to know if you met him?" She asked, a bit too hopeful.

"Mom!"

"Or her? Whatever floats your-"

"Alright, honeybun. I think our daughter needs to be alone. She'll talk with us when she's ready. Let's give her a moment," my dad said, trying to get my mom out of my room. I was grateful because I wanted to strangle her.

"But I don't need all the details. Just a simple yes or no," my mom yelled as my dad pulled her out of the room.

Finally, a bit of peace. Since I decided to leave the pack, my mom has been nagging me about finding my mate. Hoping if I find him, I will stay or make him stay. She believed it would change my life and make me stronger or whatever. My mom worked at the pack hospital, so she's constantly surrounded by wolves who've found their mate and started the family process. Then she would come home and bug me about wanting grandbabies, in which I'm hoping my brother, Zed, grows up faster and fulfills her dreams. He only has two more years to go.

On the other hand, my dad could care less if I find a mate or not. He just wants me to follow in his footsteps and become the best hunter in the pack. When I was younger, he would take me on long treks through the woods and teach me ways to find my way home by myself. It became so routine, there were times I would beat him home.

I hurried out of my covers and ran straight to the bathroom. After shoving my ruined dress into a bag to throw out for later, I finally took in the whole view. I could feel the bruises on my body, mostly on my wrists and my ass. Luckily, my dark skin could easily hide them, and they would disappear in a few hours. Werewolves were great at healing, but it always depends on the werewolf, and mine was a lazy bum. I saw a mark on my neck, and I panicked. I looked closer and was relieved to see he didn't mark me. Thank the Goddess. Not only did I not find a mate, but now I'm a slut who couldn't save herself for her mate.

"It was what I was trying to say all night," Nina said, "but no, someone just ignored me, and now we're ruined." She was sitting in the back of my mind and turned away from me. She's so dramatic.

"Ruined, really? It was once with one guy," I hesitated, hoping I was right. "Yeah, but that one guy was supposed to be with our mate," Nina shouted before I shut her out. I didn't need a moody werewolf right now. Instead, I needed to clean up and figure out what had happened. Bits and pieces came back to me, and even though I knew this wasn't an ideal situation, I couldn't help but smile.

ZIRA - Day Before

"I just want to look perfect when I find my mate," yelled my best friend, Isabella, while throwing more clothes over the fitting room door.

The poor clerk did her best to catch them before they hit the floor. I gave up helping her an hour ago. Now I was buried under Isabella's rejection pile, too lazy to move.

"Alright, dress number twenty-one!" Isabella yelled as I sat up, dropping the clothes to the floor. I looked up in time to see Isabella walking out wearing the most beautiful red dress.

"I want to look good. Like deliciously good," Isabella said, staring at herself in the mirror.

She sighed, took off the dress, and threw it on the floor. She went back inside the fitting room, closing the door in frustration.

"Hey, that one was hot. Your mate wouldn't be able to keep their hands off you," I said, holding the red dress against my body.

Then something caught my eye. A dress that only Isabella could pull off.

"Hey, try this," I said, throwing the dress into her fitting room.

Less than a minute later, she stumbled out of the room while smoothing the dress down. She didn't say anything at first, just looked at herself in the mirror. The deep emerald off-the-shoulder, velvet short-sleeve bodycon dress fit her perfectly. The green shade contrasted nicely against her curly auburn hair that draped down to the middle of her back. I couldn't help but gawk at her with my mouth open as she ran her hands up and down the material.

"So?" Isabella asked with a glint of mischief in her blue-grayish eyes and a wicked smile. "Would you be able to keep your hands off of me?"

I walked over to her as she turned to give me a full thirty-sixty view of the dress. th

"Hmph," I said, walking to sit back down and giving her one more look, pretending to think it over. "Well...," I started before she pummeled into me, grabbing my hands, and trying to make me touch her.

"See, I knew it. You can't help but touch me," Isabella laughed before standing in front of the mirror. "This is the one," Isabella said with a satisfying nod.

I was excited for her. The party tomorrow was all people were talking about. Alpha Jack and Luna Bella Thorne (Isabella hated that she was named after her mom) decided to throw a party for Isaiah to become the new Alpha since the first ceremony was interrupted by rogues. Though, Isabella feels like the party is an excuse for her mom to try to find them suitable mates.

They just turned twenty, and they have yet to find their mates. Though it's not for the lack of trying. I knew Isabella and Isaiah had been traveling to neighboring packs, even overseas, for spring break and met with packs there. Still, no luck.

Alpha Jack wanted to hurry and release the reins over to Isaiah. For a while, he's been talking about retiring and traveling the world now. Luna Bella convinced him to wait to see if their children would find their mates soon. However, time won, and Alpha Jack eventually stepped down for Isaiah to take over. On the other hand, Isabella is still at the mercy of her mom's attempts to find her a mate.

Since the Black Moon pack was small, the Alpha and Luna thought it would also be a great idea to invite the neighboring packs. This is common among the packs in this area since it could increase the chances of finding a mate. I would know. I just turned twenty-one a month ago and am still on the hunt. Even though the thought of someone claiming me and trying to domesticate me seems terrifying. I would still love to have someone to spend time with or travel with and have adventures. Here's to wishful thinking.

"Alright, let's go. There's so much I have to do, and we don't have much time together," Isabella said, pulling me to the register.

"Isa, it's not like I'm leaving right after the party," I said, helping her bring her things to the register. "Besides, your father still hasn't signed my papers to release me from the pack yet."

I've been talking with my parents about leaving the pack after this party if I don't find my mate. I figured sitting here and waiting wasn't doing it for me. I knew more than anything I wanted two things in life: to become a great warrior and to have a family (no rush on the last part), just like my parents.

I feel I've carried out the first one already, but I will never know if I stayed tucked away in the pack with my mom smoldering me. Besides, I've never been in a real battle, so I don't know how good I am, and this pack rarely gets attacked. Lucky them.

The second one requires me to find a mate. Someone destined to be my true love, the better whole, the perfect puzzle piece, and all that other mushy crap I've heard from people with their mates. Don't get me wrong, I would love to find my mate. It just feels hopeless the longer I wait for him to find me. I would love to find a mate here and stay with this pack. I've grown so accustomed to the people and the area. I could convince him to come back if I find him out there.

"No, no, no. I don't want to talk about this now. It's such a downer," Isabella suggested.

"Fine, fine. Just hurry and pay. I am starving."

"You're always starving," Isabella laughed. "Just go and get something already. I'll be done in a few."

I looked at the food court, and my stomach started growling. While Isabella paid for the clothes, my nose led me to a dessert stand. I could smell the sugar, butter, and cinnamon- my weakness. I looked down and was disappointed that all the cinnamon rolls were gone. All that was left were donut holes and cake pops.

"I think I took the last one," a silky, deep voice said behind me.

I knew exactly who it was. Hunter Meade, the Beta of Black Moon. He was considered the pack's bad boy, and, from his looks, he could get away with anything. He wore a tight navy-blue shirt that showed off his muscled arms, toned chest, and a nice six-pack. His blonde hair was slicked back, showing off his electric blue eyes that fit his perfectly chiseled face.

"We can share it if you want," he said with a twinkle in his eyes.

He put half of it in his mouth and indicated the other half. I hesitated before slowly walking up to him and trying to grab the other half with my hand. Hunter leaned back and shook his head. Then he grabbed my chin and traced his finger over my lips.

How subtle, I thought. He is such a flirt. I leaned towards him and grabbed the other half of the cinnamon roll, keeping my eyes on his.

Knowing Hunter, he would take this moment to casually put his hand somewhere it doesn't belong. But, of course, I knew all about Hunter and his antics.

"Mhmm." I pulled my half away and quickly devoured it as I watched him do the same. Hunter smiled, licking his lips, and I turned to walk away.

"Damn, Zira. If I knew sweets made you make those kinds of sounds, I would've saved the rest of them," he said, walking behind me.

I rolled my eyes at him. "Your flirtations don't work on me, Hunter. It was all for the cinnamon roll."

"That hurts, Zira. Truly," Hunter said, bringing his hand to his chest as if he was hurt. "But come on, not even a little for me," Hunter whispered.

I could've said yes to boost his ego, but my eyes were only for one. The one I hoped would come and save me from Hunter's advances. He was standing too close for comfort, so I turned around to push him away when I felt someone pull me back by my hand.

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.