Word Count: 1502

~Avia

Stifling a yawn, I stare bleary eyed at the car parked in front of me.

The sun hasn't yet risen, the golden hue of the manor lights spilling out onto the driveway, leaving everyone to squint irritably. Isaiah stands beside me, some of our belongings at our feet. For the first time, it is time for me, as Kenna, to do my job in a foreign Pack. And accompanying me, is everyone else of vague importance to Isaiah, unfortunately.

"We are all meant to fit in here?" Elise question distastefully. Her coat is wrapped tightly around her, fur brushing her jawline. Where we are heading is cold; the Independence Pack, with snow capped mountains and icy winds.

"I can't risk us all going in two vehicles when you're all too important," Isaiah mutters, stepping forward to pop the door open.

This entire trip will be political in nature. Isaiah is consulting with potential investors for a new development happening in the Pack. It's one the rebellion is actively pushing back against, but from where I stand, right now, there is not much I can do about it.

Other than comply, of course. Isaiah wants us all to go, deeming it's not safe for everyone to be away from him when rebellion is flaring up.

"Alright well there better be enough room to nap because it's far too early," Savea exclaims, climbing into the vehicle.

We all follow, but Isaiah stops me before I can step in.

"How are you feeling this morning?" he asks gently, pushing the door so no one can listen in. Not that they care, most of them already bickering between each other, irritated with the hour of the morning they have been forced to wake up. This is going to be a long couple days all stuck together in the mountains.

"I haven't ever been to the Independence Pack, so I'm excited," I say, regardless of whether it's true or not. As far as he knows, I come from a snowy Pack, so this will be like returning home. "But I somehow doubt everyone is going to get along the entire time."

Isaiah glances into the car. "I'm not sure how comfortable I feel about leaving you all in the estate with all these murders. And with Cherry coming, Savea didn't want to miss out, and Mari sort of invited herself."

"At least it will be interesting," I say flippantly, before sliding into the car.

***

We eventually make it to a cabin by nightfall, which is utterly beautiful.

It might be small, which isn't to Elise's taste, but it's stunning, with a magnificent view over the Independence Pack mountains. And most importantly, it's warm, which is a relief, because after clambering out of the car, I had to act as though the snow didn't bother me. In reality I wanted to rush inside, close the door and hope I never have to step back out there again.

"There are three bedrooms in here, which means me, Savea and Chery in here," Mari exclaims, ducking her head into one of the rooms. The best one, if I'm not mistaken.

"Excellent, so Zire and Kenna in that room and Isaiah and I in this one," Elise points out, glancing at the Alpha.

Isaiah's brow creases only slightly, vanishing before Elise has a chance to see it.

Turning, I look out the large window, fascinated by the way the snow drifts down peacefully, coating the tops of far away mountains. I wish it weren't so brutal out there, as I would love to explore and not be stuck with some of the most obnoxious people I've ever met.

Zire stands next to me, nudging my side with his elbow. "Kenna and I will have a lovely time along together, right?"

I watch Isaiah's expression, knowing exactly what Zire is doing. Sure enough, a flicker of annoyance passes Isaiah's pretty green eyes. There is no chance Isaiah is going to let Zire and I sleep in the same room with each other, especially after all the time's he has walked in on us speaking intimately.

Still, I'm not sure I want to think about what the result of Isaiah and I sleeping together in the same room would be...

"How about I stay with Zire?" Isaiah questions, rubbing the back of his neck uncomfortably.

"No." Elise and I say at the same time, neither of us wanting to sleep in the same room as each other.

"I'll sleep with Zire," Cherry announces quietly, looking anywhere other than the second-in-command who stands beside me, obviously very excited about Cherry's idea. I didn't realise they were moving as quickly as they seem to be considering it still seems they are in the awkward avoidance stage, despite the fact it's obvious they are into each other.

"I'll sleep on the couch," Isaiah relents.

I glance at Elise, whose expression reveals nothing. Is Isaiah that desperate for me not to share a room with Zire that he would rather sleep on the couch? Or does he not want to sleep in the same bed as Elise?

"Settled then," Elise says, turning on her heel. "Well I'm going to sleep, so see you all in the morning."

"Goodnight," Cherry chirps,

"Good luck," I whisper, nudging Zire right back. He narrows his eyes on me, but follows Cherry into the room regardless, closing the door behind him, leaving only Isaiah and I standing in the main living area, Mari and Savea having already made themselves comfortable in the room I'm going to have share with them.

"Get a good sleep," Isaiah advises, dumping an armful of blankets on the couch. "You're going to be stuck in here all day while I go out to all my meetings."

"You don't need me to come with you?" I try not to sound relieved. Even though I should be trying to get as much information as possible, the thought of avoiding all the political figures I would otherwise be immersed in is a nice thought, even if it means being stuck with everyone else here all day.

Isaiah shakes his head, adjusting the couch cushion. "Not this time."

"Alright then," I say, deciding not to push the reason why I'm not invited. "Well, goodnight."

Isaiah smiles tightly, watching me as I back away into the room, but doesn't say anything. He knows nothing can go on here, with everyone in such close proximity. I'm tempted to stay out and talk to him a little longer, but instead, I step into the room, and close the door.

No one speaks as I settle into bed next to Elise, who has her back turned to me.

Closing my eyes, I try to sleep. These days, it hasn't been coming easily, and now is no exception. Thoughts of Isaiah haunt me, and as much as I try to think of anything else, I can't escape the sight of him burned into my mind.

I'm not sure how much time passes before I decide I can't take it any longer.

Pulling the sheets off my carefully, I slip from the bed, careful not to disturb the slumbering figures in the other beds. Mercifully, no one wakes as I slip from the room, and I the dark living area, where I can hear Isaiah's soft, slow breathing from the couch.

I shouldn't wake him, but at the same time, I feel like I need to speak to him...He needs to know that we shouldn't flirt anymore, than we should just be friends. If I need information, I can find it, without making things complicated between Isaiah and I.

Rounding the couch, I look down at him under a layer of blankets, eyes closed, lips slightly parted as he sleeps soundly. I feel mean waking him, but I know he will want to speak to me.

Reaching down, I tap on his arm, hoping it's enough to wake him.

But instead, I'm shocked, as my bare skin grazes his, and sparks flicker through my fingers are a result.

Gasping, I flinch back a couple steps, staring at him.

No.

No, this can't be. Isaiah doesn't so much as stir, still deep in slumber and unaware that I just revealed to myself that him and I are mates.

Alpha Isaiah is my mate.

💜••💜

If you enjoy the story, it's always ten chapters ahead on Radish. It's another way of supporting me as a writer, so thank you!

***

I have a brand new story called IMMORTAL PRINCE now available on Radish, and soon on Wattpad (:

"Tomorrow, we don't have to speak of this again." I hardly know what I'm asking. I just know I want whatever it is.

He watches me with an intensity that I know only he is capable of. "Put my hand where you want me to touch you."

I hope you all enjoyed the chapter!! Thank you all!

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~Midika 💜🐼