Tᴇᴛʜᴇʀᴇᴅ

❄︎𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 25❄︎

•Isadora•

"Are you nuts? Why the hell would you say that to him?! Do you have any idea how hurtful that sounded? Did you see the light disappear from his face?! How could you be so imbecile?!"

Brielle's been showering me in her rage since Zephyr left for college, without me. I understand her but I just spewed out whatever was in my mind. And it is true that I didn't want a mate to become an easy target, weak in other word. But I shouldn't have said it to him in that way.

Because now that I know what it feels like to have a mate, to care for and be there for someone, I'd never want a life without one. Without Zephyr. He means the world to me, and caring for him and protecting him now gives me the kick I need to go on in life and be the best Beta there is.

I have to clear his misunderstanding, I can't possibly have my mate mad at me for such silly stuff. I hope he forgives me, I can't believe we've been together for only a few months and we're already fighting frequently.

"It's cause of your douchie ass."

"I'll talk to him as soon as he returns. Relax."

"You better!"

︎︎❄︎☽︎❄︎☽︎❄︎

It's getting dark outside and yet no sign of Zephyr yet. I don't know if I should worry or not since he's supposed to meet up with his buddies and I'm sure he'd prolong his visit just to spite me. I just hope he doesn't do something silly like the last time.

Fuck. What if they get drunk and hunters or rogues attack?

I can feel my heart begin to race as I pace around the front yard, waiting for him and calling him, but he doesn't pick up.

"Isa? Everything okay?" Papa steps out on the porch, a beer can in his hand. He's been drinking a lot ever since the revelation of my brother's presence.

"Yeah. Just waiting for Zephyr." I reply, "You can go sleep, we're fine."

His brows crease as he takes a sip, making himself comfortable on the chair by the stairs.

"I'll accompany you, no worries. I'm not sleepy anyway." He says the last line with a bit of sorrow and dread lingering in it.

I only smile gratefully and continue to call Zephyr.

It's almost 8:30, and now I'm hella worried, even papa seems to be on edge.

"It's getting late, love. He shouldn't be out alone." He reinforces my panic.

"I-I'll go look for him." I say.

"Be careful, baby." He warns and goes back inside after I nod in affirmation.

I strip off my clothes and shift, feeling the familiar break of bones welcoming me and Brielle pushes forward with a growl. We take off in a sprint, heading for the forest route to avoid attraction.

Half an hour into running, we finally catch the sniff of Zephyr's scent and Brielle fastens her pace, the ground thudding beneath her huge paws as we search for our mate.

It's darker around this area now, it seems like a place for junkies. What would Zephyr be doing here? What if someone kidnapped him?!

My thoughts attempt to spiral but stops the moment we hear a small whimper. Everything in me freezes as I realise it's my mate's voice.

"Zeph? Baby, where are you? I'm here."

I try but he doesn't reply, we hear the whimper again and Brielle's quick to chase after the sound, our hearts racing against time as panic flares our chests.