The Alpha’s Substitute Mate

Isabella

In the morning we were about to leave the hotel when I suggested to the brothers that I wanted to visit my dad’s pack before we headed home.

” I want us to stop over in my father’s pack and see them.”Malcolm stiffened, ” Bella, I don’t think that is a good idea. I have a bad feeling about this not turning out so well. I could feel it in the depths of my soul.”Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

” I knew you would say that, but I’m going anyway. I haven’t seen my family in months. I need to see them and make sure they are okay. I also need to tell them about us… And it’s not something I can explain over the phone.” He wasn’t still convinced but he agreed to go with my plans, since seeing them would make me happy.

We made the long drive down to my father’s pack. Malcolm insisted on driving, so Lance lounged in the back seat, playing games with his laptop. ” Bro,” Malcolm said quietly, his eyes meeting Lance in the rearview mirror. ” Be alert.” Lance nodded in agreement.

We approached the gates and the guard came to the window. ” Lady Isabella! You’re back! Everyone has been asking and looking for you!”

I smiled and greeted him ” It’s good to see you again Frank. I’ve come to visit my father.”

He opened the gates immediately, and we drove the rest of the way up to the main house. My heart sighed with memories at the familiar sight of my childhood home. The guards at the gate had already alerted the house of our arrival, and as soon as we parked, my sisters came out of the door. I drew in a deep breath and awkwardly came out of the car, my sisters rushed and enveloped me in hugs. ” Oh, Bella, we were so worried when your husband Alpha Arden came looking for you. We were so worried knowing that you had never left home to be on your own. We are so sorry, we haven’t been the best of sisters to you, please forgive us.”

” Bella…” Gwen shouted and pointed at the fresh mark on my neck. They all giggled and chorused ” Now, we know the actual reason why you ran away, you found your mate already?”

Not really, I wanted to tell them but we didn’t have time to get into details before I felt my Dad’s commanding presence on the steps. I looked up and whispered “Dad.”

I felt his face flush a little bit as he took in the fresh mark on my shoulder. Then he looked over my shoulder to Malcolm and Lance, as if he was trying to decide which of them had done it.

But I shoved aside all the awkwardness and just threw my arms around him in a hug. He stilled for a moment and then he pulled me out of his body. ” Isabella, you shouldn’t be here, don’t complicate issues.” I stared at Dad, but his face was expressionless, and his gaze was distant. I knew things were a bit complicated regarding the alliance. And somehow I felt uneasy inside.

” I know,” I said, ” Can we go inside and talk? I can’t stay for long, please, Dad.” I reached behind me and held Malcolm’s hand. I could tell by the way his lip flat-lined and his eyes narrowed that Dad had already met Malcolm before. I remembered how Lance had told me Arden had turned my Dad’s pack upside down in his search for me. Whatever Arden had done, I couldn’t imagine that Malcolm had been disrespectful towards my Dad. It just wasn’t in his nature even though they are brothers. Malcolm is totally different from that ruthless monster. Dad turned and led us back into the house, into his office.

I motioned for Lance to join us too since he was my beta in our little pack of four or should I say five. Immediately we got seated, Dad stared deep into my eyes as if he was prying deep into my soul. And there is something about the way he looked at me that gave me chills and frightened me to the point my soul was restless.

” Tell me why you did that,” my Dad said

“I’m sorry Dad,” I said bowing my head. I failed you and the pack, you sent me on a mission, but I couldn’t stay. I messed up the only chance of the pack’s survival and protection, please forgive me, Dad.”

He smiled, and for a heated minute, we stared at each other intensely without mumbling a word. He shifted his gaze to the mark on my neck and his gaze wandered back to Malcolm, and for a second I swear I saw a flash of rage cross his eyes.

” You fulfilled the mission Bella, You married the Alpha and also consummated the marriage, but the contract didn’t say you had to stay forever. I knew you were strong enough to put up with Alpha Arden and also the alliance was the only way to secure our little pack. Now that the treaty is broken I wonder if Alpha Arden might invade or we would go back to being prey to rogue wolves.”

I waved it off. ” I don’t think any of that would happen.” I raised my chin ” I have my own pack now and I just needed to tell you in person. I’m safe. I’m happy. And I’ve found my mate.” I looked across at Malcolm who was sitting beside me in one of the pelt chairs. Dad stared at him for a long time and finally consented with a nod. Not that we needed his consent, but it made me happy anyway to know that he approved.

Suddenly Dad excused himself with the promise of bringing a bottle of wine for us to celebrate but I didn’t feel right about it. There is something about him that made my stomach churn. I had no idea what he was up to, and an uneasy feeling had crept into my soul. I sighed and held onto the chair as the knot in my chest tightened. I could feel myself in danger. I could feel an impending danger looming around me.

I shut my eyes, burying my face in my palm, and for the first time, I regretted my decision.