Zach was always the best, always coming first in everything, and as usual, I would come second. For as long as we were together, I could only exist in his shadow.
Even after turning eighteen, his allergies kept him away from she-wolves, but that only made them desire him more than me. Despite my father's rule against sleeping with tribe she-wolves we weren't mated to, I found ways to be with she-wolves from other packs or lone ones, many of whom were sex workers.
Zach was seen as the most disciplined, but I was certain in my heart that if it weren't for his allergies, he would have been with more she-wolves than me.
What I can't believe is that even after seven years of his absence and never setting foot here, his name never left the lips of the tribe members until I made it somewhat taboo.
Now that he despised this she-wolf so intensely, I found myself wanting her for myself, despite initially planning to use her to spite him. However, a perplexing issue arose when I noticed that she bore two marks, which left me questioning how that was possible.
Typically, once a she-wolf is marked, no other werewolf can mark her unless she is rejected, and vice versa. Yet, in her case, she carried two marks.
Contemplating this, my frustration towards Dina grew for not disclosing this information to me, prompting me to mindlink her. 'Why didn't you inform me about the marks?' I inquired. Her response was prompt and respectful, 'Sorry, Alpha, but my focus was on aiding her recovery.'
The unspoken implication in her mindlink was evident – the marks were not her concern, and she had prioritized the she-wolf's well-being. However, a nagging feeling persisted within me.
Despite the multitude of prisoners, Zach's fixation on this particular she-wolf intrigued me, fueling my desire to claim her. She appeared genuine in denying involvement in Iris's death, and as much as I cherished my sister, I couldn't bring myself to exile Bella from our pack.
The mention of Bella evoked memories of the red-haired girl we encountered at the witches' coven on the day Zach was bitten by the venomous snake. I envied him, but that didn't overshadow my love for him.
We all hoped for his recovery. I wanted him to live, not just to prove myself better than him, but because I cared for him deeply. However, the witches refused to reveal the name of the red-haired girl.
When my father pressed for it, a woman with the same red hair informed us that her name was Bella. She had a pale complexion, yet her beauty was undeniable. I suspected she might be the mother of the red-haired girl, but I never got the chance to ask her.
Zach and I were just teenagers at the time. Later, I heard that she was the one who saved Zach. Despite her petite stature, I couldn't fathom how she managed to rescue someone as strong as Zach.
Even as teenagers, we were well-built due to our training, and now, things were becoming more complicated. It intrigued me that even after the pardon of the crimson moon, Zach still harbored a desire to see Bella dead.
This was the third time I had witnessed the passing of the crimson moon, and each time, we had not pursued a redeemed prisoner. As the mindlink was about to end, Dina's voice echoed in my mind,
'Alpha, at one point, I thought they were birthmarks because no one could have two marks.' I secretly hoped it was true and that everything could be dismissed as a birthmark.
"Care to explain where you got those marks?" I inquired of Bella, noticing the sorrowful expression on her face that tugged at my heart.
"Alpha, Alpha Zach marked her to track and eliminate her, and through this mark, we were informed that she was dead, but here she is," Apphia reported.
She and her family were once loyal members of our tribe but chose to follow Zach after I banished him. I had done so to prevent him from challenging for the Alpha position or posing a threat to me.
"What about the other mark?" I asked, focusing on Bella while directing my question at Apphia. "Alpha, I have no idea," she sighed. I asked Bella, "Will you tell me?"
She nodded, but quicker than I anticipated. I was ready to coax the information out of her. "Yes, I will tell you, but in private."
Today, I had plans for her, but with this mark, I was unsure of what to make of it. "Come with me," I said, leading her towards the study.
Once inside, I held the door open for her. Nervousness enveloped her as I closed the door behind her and she began to speak.
"I was almost killed by rogues, but someone saved me and instructed me to come here. When I mentioned Alpha Zach's mark to him, he marked me to nullify its effects as long as I avoid seeing Alpha Zach again," she explained, her honesty evident.
Zach's actions puzzled me. Why would he waste his mark on a she-wolf he wanted dead? Did he forget that he couldn't mark another as long as she was alive?
Perhaps he underestimated her. "Who is this savior you speak of?" I inquired, feeling a sense of unease as the person mentioned my tribe. There was a possibility that they were using her to reach me.
"I'm sorry, but I can't reveal his identity. He entrusted me with a secret, and I promised not to disclose it to anyone," she responded, leaving me disappointed.
The thought crossed my mind that this secret could potentially harm me in the future. Just as I was about to inquire further, she seemed to anticipate my question.
"Please trust me, this secret has nothing to do with you. It's about why his mark can neutralize his Alphas," she explained. If her words were accurate, then this werewolf was a protective force, and those were dangerous.
What if this protective wolf sought to challenge his Alpha's authority? Judging by the situation, it seemed likely that this wolf was a Lycan, given the extent of his power. Zach might be biting more than he can chew.
"Alpha Zion, if you feel the need for me to leave, I understand because I can't betray him, when he saved my life," she stated, I focused on her.
"And how do you plan to repay his kindness?" I questioned, leaving her momentarily speechless.
It appeared she was unaware that protective wolves often had ulterior motives and didn't offer their help without expecting something in return.