Isabella and the four Alphas

Chapter Four

Isabella ’s Pov,

I stirred slowly, feeling more refreshed than I had in ages. A pleasant warmth surrounded me and I sighed, burrowing deeper into the nest of soft blankets. Wait...blankets?

My eyes flew open, memories of the past day rushing back. I bolted upright with a gasp, frantically taking in my surroundings. The sparse but cozy room was unfamiliar, yet free of immediate threats.

As wakefulness returned, so did recollection of vivid blue eyes and rough gentle hands. Anthony. My second chance mate who had inexplicably rescued me from the Quadruplet Alphas. Speaking of...

I reached out tentatively along our soul bond. His steady presence enveloped mine in response, vibrating with relieved happiness I was awake. Footsteps echoed outside before he ducked through the doorway bearing a tray.

"You're up. Excellent," Anthony greeted me with a heartstopping smile. He set the food aside to press a hand to my forehead. "Fever seems gone. How do you feel?"

I took quick stock of my various aches and pains. "Much better, thanks to you." Curiosity finally got the best of me. "So...care to explain what exactly is going on now?"

Anthony's smile faded. "You deserve answers," he acknowledged seriously, taking a seat facing me. "To begin, tell me what you know of your parents."

I frowned, confused by the apparent non sequitur. "Not much honestly. They died when I was very young."

Pain flashed across his stoic features. "Killed for protecting you is more accurate." At my shocked look, he elaborated. "They, along with myself, were part of a...special community, directly descended from ancient witch bloodlines."

My jaw dropped in disbelief. "Witches?! You can't be serious..."

"Deadly so," he confirmed gravely. "We kept our existence secret for good reason. When your uniqueness became apparent, there were those who wished you harm out of jealousy or prejudice." His expression darkened dangerously. "Your parents gave their lives so I could whisk you to safety as an infant."

My head spun as I struggled to absorb his extraordinary words. Glimpses of vaguely familiar feminine smiles and woodsy male laughter teased my memory...

"So what does this have to do with me?" I finally managed.

Pride lit his rugged features. "You, my dear one, are special - born of a werewolf father and witch mother. A supernatural hybrid holding unique potential once properly trained."

I gaped at him, speechless. My entire life I had felt out of place even among other werewolves for reasons I couldn't articulate. Was this why?

Anthony grasped my hands earnestly. "I can teach you to harness your abilities, Isabella . Together we will unleash the formidable power I always sensed simmering within you."

His steadfast belief was compelling yet anxiety still gnawed at me. "I don't know the first thing about witchcraft," I protested faintly. "What if I fail or--"

"Hush now," Anthony squeezed my hands. "You sell yourself short. I have faith in your resilience shining through." Determination blazed in his azure gaze. "I swear I will help you fully transform into the unstoppable force you were meant to be."

I searched his beloved face, drawing courage from the conviction radiating back at me. If witch blood truly ran in my veins, it was past time I embraced my heritage and realized my potential. With Anthony's guidance, what limits could I not shatter?

Renewed purpose kindled within my soul as I committed to this new path...this new life with the wolf sworn to defend me. Our intertwined fingers sealed the pact as excitement chased away residual doubts. I would reclaim my power and seek just vengeance against those who tried extinguishing my light.

"When do we start?" I asked intently.

Pleased satisfaction curled Anthony's mouth. "Eager, I like it! As soon as you've regained some strength we--"

He stiffened abruptly, nose flaring, before moving swiftly to the window. I followed his sharply alert gaze to where four familiar looming figures approached from a distance. My heart clenched with mingled fear and hatred.

"How did they find us?" I hissed.

"Doesn't matter." Fury darkened Anthony's face before he took a deep breath, visage smoothing into cold resolve. He turned to me, eyes glacial. "I will handle those monsters. You remain here where it's safe." Sensing my protest he grasped my shoulders, expression softening. "Please, Isabella . I cannot fight them properly while worrying for your safety too."

I searched his face, reading both plea and ruthless promise there. Reluctantly, I nodded. Satisfaction flickered across his features before they iced over into a lethal mask. He pressed one last searing kiss to my forehead then spun for the door, power rolling off him in almost visible waves.

My nails bit into my palms as I struggled not to race after him. I had to trust Anthony could best the Alphas this time since my presence would only distract him. So I waited, anxiety gnawing at my gut. Minutes stretched by endlessly until finally the clash of violence reached my sensitive hearing. My heart pounded erratically at sounds of the ferocious battle outside.

Eons seemed to pass before blessed quiet fell. Then familiar steady footsteps headed towards me, the strict control in them betraying Anthony's simmering fury. Relief crashed dizzyingly through me as he strode back in, marred only by a few shallow cuts already healing. We stared at each other wordlessly before I flew across the room into his waiting arms.

"It's done," his voice rumbled with vicious satisfaction as we clung tightly. "Those rabid mongrels won't bother us again anytime soon after the thrashing I delivered."

"Good," I whispered fervently, pressing closer. His vengeful promise washed away lingering sour terror the Alphas had filled me with. We had triumphed this round. Now it was time to ensure they or anyone else never threatened me again.

I stepped back to meet Anthony's gaze squarely. "So, ready for your first pupil?" Determination and anticipation charged the air between us. With my second chance mate guiding me, soon enough no enemy would pose challenge for long. The Quadruplet Alphas would only be the first to fall before my might.

Sweat dripped into my eyes, blurring my vision as I struggled to draw oxygen into my burning lungs. My arms trembled from exertion, on the verge of giving out and dropping me face-first into the dirt. Still, I gritted my teeth and forced myself through another push-up, fueled by pure stubbornness.

Just one more, I repeated my internal mantra once again. Anthony's training was brutal, testing the very limits of my physical and mental endurance daily. He showed no mercy, driving me relentlessly towards unlocking the well of untapped power lying dormant within.

"Faster, Isabella ! Your enemies will not pause for breath on the battlefield," Anthony barked, pacing around me.

I swallowed a growl of frustration, glaring at him through tangled, matted hair. The morning had started with hours of grueling combat training against Anthony's superior strength and skill, leaving me black and blue. Now in the blistering afternoon heat, he had me doing repetition drills to build "stamina".

My arms finally gave out and I collapsed with a grunt. Chest heaving, I peered up defiantly at the impassive man looming over me.

"Get up," he commanded sternly. "We're not done here."

"Slave-driver," I accused between pants. Anthony had promised to unlock my full potential but seemed intent on running me into the ground first.

His eyes glinted with wry amusement. "Maybe so. But the strongest steel is forged through flames, little witch." He held out a hand expectantly. "Now show me your mettle."

I grimaced, knowing any further protests were futile. With a groan I grasped the proffered hand, inordinately pleased when Anthony effortlessly pulled me to my feet. I swiped sweat-soaked hair off my face and nodded.

"Let's keep going then."

We continued long into the twilight hours. By the time Anthony called a halt, I was ready to drop, muscles screaming in agony. I limped on shaky legs towards the cabin we now called home, barely making it across the threshold before collapsing face-first onto my cot.

Sometime later I awoke to delicious aromas tickling my nose. With a pained groan I cracked open crusty eyelids and observed Anthony stirring a pot of savory stew nearby. Sharp pangs of hunger reminded me I had skipped lunch earlier.

He glanced over with a knowing look as I struggled upright. "Eat. You'll need your strength back."

I wasted no time digging ravenously into the thick chunks of meat and vegetables he ladled out. The hot meal somewhat revived my depleted energy. As I scraped the last spoonful from my bowl, Anthony pulled up a stool to scrutinize me head to toe.

His stern countenance gave little away, but satisfaction glimmered faintly in his gaze. "You did well today, little witch."

Pleasure rushed through me at his gruff praise. I knew he was a harsh taskmaster only to push me towards realizing my potential. And though muscle fatigue made even keeping my eyes open a herculean task right now, I could not deny feeling myself grow stronger with each brutal lesson.

Anthony absently brushed tangled hair off my forehead in an unexpectedly tender gesture before his hand dropped abruptly to fist on his thigh. His eyes shuttered with emotion.

"You remind me so damned much of her sometimes," he whispered hoarsely. Before I could ask who he meant, Anthony visibly gathered himself. His eyes glinted with renewed resolve when they met mine again.

"But you are forging your own path now. And when the time comes..." His mouth curved in a ruthless smile. "The Quadruplet Alphas will sorely regret ever crossing you, or me."

Anticipation curled hotly in my stomach. Since recovering from my injuries under Anthony's vigilant care, we had thrown ourselves into planning the downfall of those sadistic beasts. I itched to test myself against the monsters who had once brought me so low. To unleash all that I was on those who wanted to snuff out my light...

First though, Anthony insisted I hone my newfound skills to deadly perfection, holding my impatience in check. Much as I chafed to rush straight into retaliation, I knew he was right. When vengeance came for the Alphas, I would be ready.

My wrist unexpectedly flared hot. Glancing down in shock I watched an arcane symbol blaze briefly to life before sinking back under my skin. Wide eyes lifted to meet Anthony's satisfied ones.

"Your training progresses well. Your soul now stirs, awakening to its witch heritage," pride and fierce affection colored his gravelly voice. "We will nurture that spark until you stand invincible against any who defy you."

His absolute faith fanned my kindling courage and conviction. With Anthony guiding me, what heights could I not reach? Soon enough none would threaten me ever again. For now though, weariness seeped back into my very bones.

I struggled vainly to suppress another jaw-cracking yawn. Anthony's expression softened further and he gently pulled me close until I slumped against his broad chest. His hand came up to stroke over my hair soothingly as my eyes drifted shut despite myself.

"Rest now, little one. Let your dreams feed the growing flame within." His murmured rumble followed me into the welcoming darkness, rich with promise. "A new dawn comes..."

When I next awoke, pale dawn light filtered through dingy windows. Every muscle protested violently as I pushed upright with a hiss. Catching sight of my reflection, I paused in surprise. Had I always had that eerie glow in my eyes...?

A door creaked open and I turned to see Anthony watching me with quiet expectation.