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1449 Words
Ariella’s POV
I stared at the stranger, a bit taken aback at his weird way of helping but at least he was doing something.
“The punishment for adultery is death. She had attempted to cheat on him after she found out they were mates. It is either death or banishment.”
Lydia glared at me and it clicked. Ha! She really wanted me friggin dead.
“Banish me then, I'll go–”
“I'll take her.” The stranger said and the entire council stared at him as if he had lost his mind.
“Is he crazy?” I murmured to myself.
“Well, well. I suppose you would have some use for the cheating bit–”
“One more word from you Miss Lydia and your tongue would be out of its place.” He smiled sweetly and then introduced himself.
“It's a pleasure to meet you all. I'm Zane.”
There was a collective gasp from the council as we all tried to process what he had just said.
Zane? The Alpha Zane?!
“Now, now. I don't want any reactions. I'm merely with a disguise so that's why I'm a bit unrecognizable. Now, this lady will be coming with me. Any questions?”
“No–none.”
“Good, come with me lady. We have a journey to make at the moment.”
***
After the council meeting, Alpha Zane pulled me aside. He looked serious. “You’re safe now,” he said, his voice calm but strong. “No one will hurt you while I’m around.”
I didn’t know much about him, but he had a way of speaking that made me feel safer. I was still shaken from all that happened back at the pack. I never thought Lydia could ever do such to me.
“Welcome to Silver Creek,” Zane said as we entered the grounds. I want you to be my personal maid. It’s a simple job, but you will have a place here.”
“A maid?” I repeated, surprised. “But I don’t know anything about that.”
“You’ll learn,” he said with a friendly smile. “I will make sure you’re taken care of. Just trust me.”
I nodded slowly. Maybe this was my chance to start over. After everything, I could really use a fresh start.
***
After a quiet dinner, Zane showed me to my new room. It was simple but cozy, with a small bed and a window looking out onto the forest. I took a deep breath, glancing around the room.
“It looks nice.” I mumbled as sleep took over.
The following day, I started my job as Alpha Zane’s personal maid. I cleaned and organized the common areas, helping with meals and laundry. Everyone was friendly, and I appreciated the kindness they showed me. It felt good to be busy and to feel needed again.
Later that evening, I was preparing dinner when Zane walked in. “You're doing a great job, Ariella,” he said with a smile. “I really appreciate the help.”
“Thank you, Zane,” I replied, feeling a little proud of myself. “I’m just trying to find my place here.”
“You’re doing well,” he assured me. “And we’re glad to have you.”
Just then, the door opened, and a tall, handsome man entered. He had dark hair and striking features that made my heart race. I felt drawn to him, but I quickly pushed it aside.
“Hey, Zane!” the man said, his voice warm and inviting. “What’s cooking?”
“Isaac, meet Ariella,” Zane said, gesturing to me. “She’s our new maid.”
“Nice to meet you, Ariella,” Isaac said with a charming smile, and I felt butterflies in my stomach.
“Nice to meet you too,” I replied, trying not to blush.
As we talked, I felt the strange connection between Isaac and me grow stronger. It was a feeling I had never experienced before, one that made my heart race with excitement.
“You’re doing a great job here,” Isaac said, leaning against the counter. “I hope you’re settling in well.”
“I am, thanks! Everyone is so welcoming,” I said, my smile widening.
As we talked more, I felt a sense of comfort with him. “So, what do you do around here?” I asked, genuinely curious.
“I’m the beta of the pack,” he replied, looking proud. “I help Zane with everything.”
“That sounds important,” I said, impressed.
Isaac smiled, but there was a seriousness in his eyes that caught my attention. “It is, but it’s also a lot of responsibility. We all work together to keep the pack safe.”
I nodded, and just then, Zane cleared his throat, breaking my thoughts.
“Dinner is ready!” Zane announced, and we all sat down at the table.
As we ate, I couldn’t help stealing glances at Isaac.
“Are you okay?” Isaac asked, noticing my stares.
“Yeah, I’m fine,” I replied, trying to dismiss it, but inside I felt something tugging at me.
After dinner, Rinse and repeat, I was cleaning up while Zane and Isaac spoke quietly at the table. My heart raced as I caught snippets of their conversation. “She’s really something, isn’t she?” I heard Zane say.
“Yes, she is, it's weird when she's around” Isaac replied, but his tone shifted. “I feel… something.”
My heart leaped at his words. Could he feel it too?
“I'm probably reading too much into stuff. Ignore it Ariella.” I said to myself.
When everyone had finished eating, I made my way back to the kitchen to clean. Isaac followed me. “Hey, can I help you?” he asked, a friendly smile on his face.
I looked at him, feeling nervous but excited. “Sure, that would be great!”
As we worked side by side, I felt the tension build. I wanted to say something, anything, about what I felt. “Isaac, can I ask you something?” I said, trying to catch my breath.
“Of course,” he said, looking at me with those striking eyes.
“Do you believe in second chances?” I asked, my heart pounding. I was stupid but I had to.
He paused, his expression turning serious. “Yes, I do. Why?”
“I’ve felt something between us,” I admitted, my voice shaky. “And I don’t know if it’s crazy, but I think you might be… my second chance mate.”
Isaac’s eyes widened in surprise. “Ariella, I—”
“Wait,” he interrupted, his expression changing again. “What about your first mate?”
“I… he rejected me,” I said softly. “But I feel this strong connection with you, and I didn’t expect it. I thought… I hoped maybe…”
“Ariella,” Isaac said, looking troubled. “I need to tell you something.”
My heart sank. “What is it?”
He took a deep breath. “I’m already married.”
Shock hit me hard. “Married?” I repeated, my voice barely above a whisper.
“Yes,” he said, pain in his eyes. “I’m sorry, I'm already with someone. I can’t do this.”
My heart shattered. “But… how can this be happening to me?” I whispered, feeling tears prick at my eyes.
“I’m so sorry, Ariella,” Isaac said, reaching out to me. “I just felt a bit different around you but didn’t know about our bond until now.”
I stepped back, feeling the pain rush over me again. “You don’t understand! I thought I had a chance—again!”
“I know it’s hard,” he said, his voice thick with regret. “But I can’t betray my wife.”
“You’re saying it’s all for nothing?” I cried, feeling the tears finally spill over. “We could have had something special!”
Isaac shook his head, looking away from me. “I can’t accept this bond. I can’t hurt my family.”
I felt sick. “So, I’m just going to be alone again?” I choked out, the weight of my heartache crushing me.
“I’m truly sorry,” Isaac said, with sadness in his voice. “You deserve someone who can be yours fully.”
Defeated, I turned away from him. “Just leave me alone.”
- Writer
