Big Bad Alphas

   "Isabella," a familiar voice calls, and I turn back to see Evangeline running towards me. "Wait."

   I stop and secure my towel, "I'm sorry, I have to leave."

   She catches up to me. "Just relax, you're too worked up, too irrational."

   "I can't stay here."

   She reaches out to me. "Just come with me, get some clothes and calm down."

   I shake my head, hating the fact that I have to refuse her. "I'm sorry—"

   "He doesn't have to know. Please, just come stay with me for the night. Eric doesn't have to know that you're with me." My eyes drift off. Evangeline seems desperate in her task to keep me on pack land. "Just sleep on it."

    I follow her back towards her house and enter with hesitation. She leads me upstairs and brings me clothes, reminding me of a mother, one I never had. I change and follow her back downstairs. Sebastian, her mate, is not here, and she sets me on the couch before bringing me a glass of water. I sip it, sit back, breathe, and take another sip.

   "Thank you, for the hospitality," I mumble, feeling worn out and depressed.

   She looks at me worriedly. "All I'm asking is that you sleep on it, okay?"

   I nod, for her, and she sits down with me.

   "What caused this, Isabella?" Evangeline asks carefully.

   I set down my water and take a few deep breaths. "I used to be the strong one, you know," the thought makes me almost laugh at myself. "I used to never show the weak side of me, for my sister, and she saw it tonight. I don't know what I'm doing anymore. I can hardly think straight sometimes."

she recalls something. "You know, I've been in your situation too many times. Confused, not thinking clearly, continually making the wrong decisions, believing that I shouldn't be a Luna—that I can't be. I tried running away once or twice—ran out in a towel too—and I thought I was losing my mind. Being mated to an Alpha, being a Luna, taking care of your sister; none of it is easy. Just stop, take a breath, and remember who you are. The worst thing that can happen is losing yourself through all of this. Having a mental breakdown is normal, just don't let

I am losing myself, and I have to grasp on before I'm like this forever. "What am I supposed to do? Everything I did—what I said, how is

he's forgiving. Don't be turned away by the Alpha reactions, just sit down, the two of you alone, and be honest.

my face. "Lately, that's all I've

she genuinely says to me, making me look up to her, again, the mother I never had. My mother never talked to me about feelings, as my father's death destroyed hers. "Take a day or two, stay here, collect your thoughts, organize your mind, and when you're ready, talk with him. Now isn't the time to run away. Your sister needs you; she's here for you. Kendra is welcome

  I shake my head. "Marina—I've asked too

  "Marina loves children, Isabella. I'm sure she would be delighted to watch over your sister for the day. And when you're ready, you can explain to Kendra too on why you

to Evangeline, completely open for her

your well-being.  I

Evangeline and I had breakfast together and spoke so more about my recent feelings and actions, relating them to her past

want to be better for him, for my sister, for Caroline, the pack, Evangeline, and my future. My thoughts of not wanting a mate anymore seem unreal now, and after a full day of healing, I truly, and utterly miss Eric. We agreed on another day away,

  The next morning we drank tea, an earthy mixture that tasted funny, yet calmed me. Afterward, Evangeline took me for a walk through the forest, and like before; I noticed my surroundings more thoroughly. In my head, I described it all to myself, and I wanted to share this with my Mate. I remember our moments

day, Caroline comes through the door after agreeing not to tell Eric. Together we sit in the living

"How are you feeling? I've been worried about you," she

  "I

past two days.

feeling excited to see him tomorrow. "How is everything? Was anything

plans, stuff like that. Things that would help decide the perfect time for an attack. Obviously, we're prepared now, after changing everything around. There have been a few rogue and member sightings around the borders. We think he's planning to do it

someone whiling to give up anything for her. She tells me that he will be joining our pack since

"How is Kendra?"

be back, but Marina is teaching her how to bake. They made

smile. "Good. Tell her

eyebrow. "I thought you