Chapter 5

• In the car, Isabella remembered what happened that morning at the airport when Delta Dave took one of the triplets to the bathroom. She should have known there was no way to avoid him. Their plane had landed in a werewolf airport, increasing the chance of seeing Alpha Ethan. But she had hoped the moon goddess would be merciful and spare her from such a fate. They say the moon goddess always has a good plan for every werewolf, but Isabella wondered what amazing things were in store for her, since all she’d ever known was pain.
• She recalled hearing Alpha Ethan calling her name and walking as fast as she could to escape his sight. She knew she wouldn’t be able to avoid him if he attended the meeting. No matter how well she hid her scent, he would sniff her out.
• “Ma, we are here,” said her driver.
• The car ride felt too short. She wasn’t done gathering her thoughts, but she stepped out as the passenger door opened.
• She checked her reflection in the large mirror, straightening her black sleeveless gown while searching for any flaw—a reason to justify going back home. But she found none.
• Presenting her fawn and invitation letter to the security guards, she was granted access.
• After reading extensively about Alpha Jackson and the Silver Moon pack, she knew she’d need to be bold, fearless, daring, diplomatic, and firm when discussing the peace treaty. But first, she had to locate the designated seat for the Moonlight pack.
• As she moved towards her seat, she could feel the intense aura of each Alpha, compelling her to bow even when she resisted.
• ---
• **Ethan's POV**
• Alpha Ethan paced around the small airport security room where CCTV footage was monitored. He had no authority here, as the airport wasn’t his; it belonged to a friend. Yet, a single call had his friend arranging everything so Ethan could check the CCTV.
• He’d been here for hours, but they still couldn’t find where Isabella had disappeared. Frustrated, he smashed one of the monitors.
• “Does this mean she vanished from every CCTV spot? Or are the cameras just poorly positioned?” he demanded angrily.
• “Sir, we’ll keep trying,” the head of security responded.
• “Alpha, it’s time for the meeting. We should start moving now,” his Beta suggested.
• “What meeting?” Ethan asked, his eyes blazing.
• “The Alpha international meeting, Sir.”
• “I never planned on attending. Send the Gamma. This is more important than any meeting.”
• “It’s already done, Alpha. He’s on his way to the venue. He knew you wouldn’t be able to attend and prepared himself.”
• “Always on alert, just like his father,” Ethan muttered approvingly.
• As the meeting drew to a successful close, Isabella scanned the room for Alpha Jackson. He had been one of the first speakers, discussing human hunters, and she’d made sure to keep her eyes on him—but somehow, she’d lost sight of him.
• A deep voice behind her said, “Looking for someone?”
• Startled, she turned around. “Alpha Jackson,” she gasped, astonished at her luck.
• “I’ve heard someone’s been searching for me, tracking my every move. I assume that’s you, Miss Isabella?”
• Taking a deep breath, she replied, “Pardon my manners, Alpha Jackson,” bowing slightly out of respect.
• “And what brings about this frantic search?”
• “I’m from the Moonlight pack, Alpha. I’m Dr. Isabella Darkclaw.”
• "So I’ve heard. Walk with me,” he said, leading the way.
• Alpha Jackson was the opposite of what Isabella had expected. His expression was stern yet attractively composed. He addressed her gently and respectfully, genuinely interested in what she had to say.
• As they walked through the crowded hall, Isabella tried recalling her rehearsed speech, but it felt disjointed. So, she spoke from the heart.
• “Alpha Jackson, our pack is peaceful and trustworthy. The Moonlight pack was built, and continues to grow, on the foundation of honesty, equality, and peace. Alpha Jay…” She froze mid-sentence as she felt a familiar connection.
• Her heart skipped a beat as she sensed someone from her old pack and quickly turned around, scanning the room.
• Her sharp werewolf eyes landed on a blond, tall figure just as he spotted her. It was Gamma Gabriel, the older brother of her old confidante, Gina. He was the male version of Gina, and the sight made her heart tighten. She had left without saying goodbye to Gina; there had been no time.
• Isabella noticed Gabriel mind-linking someone, perhaps his Beta—or worse, his Alpha. Realizing she couldn’t let Alpha Ethan see her, she hurriedly moved toward the exit, forgetting about Alpha Jackson.
• But as she finally stepped out of the crowded hall, she knew it was too late to flee.