“Well,” she began more softly than before. “Is there anyone in there you do like, or that you find attractive?” Isaiah sucked in his breath a little more loudly than he had expected to. He could tell it wasn’t the easiest question for her to ask, and he didn't know the reason why. It could have been as simple as comparing herself to other beautiful women. Women did seem to be insecure like that sometimes. Tamara was the only woman who didn't seem to show those kinds of emotion.
Isaiah went through the files, one by one this time, and there were a couple of them that were attractive. But that was not what a union should be about. There was no one that sparked a feeling that he could even put close to love or care. “If I am being truthful, not really. I am not close to most of these women at all. Some of them I barely know. Any more words of wisdom like choosing the one closest to my age or something?” He meant it kind of as a joke, but he was also desperate at that point to have someone else make this horrible decision for him. He did not want to be responsible for ruining the life of a young woman or his own. It was easy to put this on Annalise. She was so willing.
Annalise thought hard for a moment about everything she knew about Isaiah so far. What would Isaiah be able to live with? Who would be able to live with him? It came to her slowly, but she did not like it. She did not like it because she saw the potential for it to be amazing for the both of them. Her first impression of the person wasn’t the best, but this woman was loyal to Isaiah. There was no doubt there.
Annalise reached over and picked up the files, making sure who she was thinking of was there. She was, and Annalise pulled her out, setting her in front of Isaiah. There had to be something in the fact that she was still in the pile. “That’s the answer, Isaiah,” Annalise told him, pointing to the simple photo, so different from the others. It was candid, not forced or posed.
“You think that Tamara should be my mate?” he asked incredulously. He had passed over her in the pile several times but had not put any thought into it. He was certain he would not pick her. Tamara had been waiting for a long time to find the right one and had once had a connection with his little brother. And yet, Orson had still put her in the list.
“You care about her. She cares about you. Maybe it is not in that way, but it is better than no feelings at all,” Annalise argued, patting him on the shoulder. Isaiah thought about it and knew her father would be thrilled, but how would she feel about it?
It didn’t really matter because as he thought about spending all that time with anyone else, it didn’t make any sense. Even after only a little time of knowing him, Annalise had gotten it right when even he could not. “I guess you’re right,” he told her, feeling a strange sadness come into the room like a rain cloud. It was decided. There was no more reason to talk with her about it.
“I guess I will let everyone know first thing in the morning after I meet with Roman. I have to talk with him about the fact that the witches are on the move.” Annalise perked up at that. She was not ready to be found yet, and also because of what it would mean for Isaiah and the pack if they found her there, looking like a prisoner.
“I didn’t get the feeling that they were looking for Annalise specifically. It was almost like more than one of them had gone missing,” Roman explained, making Isaiah's eyes go wide. He had almost forgotten all about the news he needed to pass on to his brothers and to Tamara.
“So, this is bigger than we thought,” Isaiah commented, leaning back into the chair. It felt comfortable to be back in the home he shared in his bachelor days with his two brothers. He still had not had the chance to redecorate the cabin, but before moving in any woman, he would have to. He was not about to creep Tamara out with the spirits of chiefs or anything like that. Annalise kept mentioning the place was too dusty and scary anyway. He had to move her to Roman’s old room and put Hector on the couch. Apparently, he bought into the bad vibe in Orson’s room as well, which was ridiculous. Maybe it was one big joke since they didn't get along with the guy. “Is there any sign that they know who has done this?”
Roman shook his head. “I don't even get the idea that they think we did anything. They don't have a hybrid in their hands right now, so they wouldn’t even know that werewolves were involved. This could be much bigger than we thought and that there is a witch or another enemy of theirs involved. It seems Annalise may not be the only victim here. Are you positive she knows nothing that can help us?” It was not the first time Roman asked, and it irked Isaiah every time. He knew that his brother was just doing his job, but why was everyone so quick to judge Annalise? As irritating as it was, all she had done was to lay low and hog his television.
“She knows nothing, Roman. I’m sorry, but she is just a victim of this. That’s all.” Roman nodded, backing off.
“I am glad that you’re so sure, brother,” Orson said, walking into the room only half dressed. His hair was a mess like he had just rolled out of bed. The man was on his own schedule.
“Orson,” Roman scolded, but Isaiah put his hand up to stop it. He could not imagine what kind of bickering had taken place between them since he had left. He got the feeling they were on fragile footing.
“I actually am glad he is out here. I need to talk to the both of you about something,” Isaiah said sitting back on the edge of the recliner. “Let's just shelf this for now, Roman until you find out more. There is no need to get everyone upset over a complete mystery.”
Roman nodded as Orson joined the two of them, handing out a cup of coffee to each. “I don't know how you two can get right up to this heavy stuff, I sure can’t. I need this sweet delight first,” he said, sitting down and putting his feet up on the coffee table. He took a few loud gulps of his coffee with a smile. He always had to make an entrance. Sometimes, it was annoying, but right now, anything to distract Isaiah from his feelings was great and completely welcome.
“You know that stuff is just sludge in your intestines,” Roman commented. He was a pure eater who had even tried being a vegan once or twice. It didn’t last. Wolves liked and inherently needed their meat. There was no way around that. It disgusted him to see Orson junking up his body with everything that he did, though.
“Frickin’ delicious sludge,” he said with a chuckle. Even Isaiah had to laugh a bit at that.
“Thanks guys, I needed a laugh this morning,” Isaiah told them, attempting to relax in the chair again. If he didn't deal with all that tension, he was going to age prematurely. At least that was what Annalise kept saying. But why did he keep going through things she had said in his head?
“You chose a mate, didn't you?” Orson asked, setting his mug down on the coffee table and sitting up. He was on the edge of his seat now, looking like he was about to watch a movie or something.
“What is he talking about?” Roman asked.
“You know all the pressure I have been under to find a mate and make some heirs, especially with all this worry we are going to end up at war with the coven. I thought I should go ahead and let Orson help me out. He brought over this file system with all the eligible women in the pack, so I could choose. I chose. I haven't told her yet, but I wanted to tell the two of you first and make sure it was alright because of who it is,” Isaiah told them, expecting Orson to protest despite her being on the list. Orson was good at pushing his true feelings down and hiding them, unlike Isaiah. It was a great skill sometimes, He did not want to step on his brother’s toes, if there was the slightest chance he could still reconcile with Tamara.
Before Isaiah could say anything, Roman spoke for him. There was a resignation in his brother’s voice he couldn’t place. “It’s Tamara, isn’t it?” Maybe Roman was longing for his own mate, or maybe he would just miss having his best friend. As adults, he and Tamara had become quite the companions, sharing a lot of secrets and time. Isaiah intended to still allow Tamara as much time to be with her friends as possible. He wasn't going to be some cruel overlord.
“It is, but I promise, I am not going to make her chan
ge her whole life for me. She can still be your friend. She can be a friend to both of you.”
“Good choice,” Orson said, slapping him on the back. “I am proud of you, brother. Maybe you are going to make an alright alpha.” Orson left the room without another word. He seemed to be genuinely happy, so Isaiah did not see any more need to wait. He now needed to speak with Tamara and her father.
“Well, he took that well,” Isaiah commented, standing up. “Hey, Roman, it’s going to be alright. It’s not going to change either of us. I just couldn't stand the idea of choosing someone I didn't know or didn't care about. At least I care about Tamara, you know?”
Roman nodded with a renewed smile on his face. “That's great, Isaiah. I know you have a tough duty to fulfill, and I am proud of you for trying to do it the right way. I bet Tamara is going to be very happy not to be living with her father anymore.” Isaiah chuckled and slapped his brother on the back, feeling altogether better about the choice he had made. Maybe things were going to be alright after all.
He marched out of his old house, feeling more like an adult than he had before. He would have to thank Annalise in some way later, if Tamara and her father cooperated. He owed her for helping him make this sound decision. He would have been lost otherwise.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Tamara was already outside, just sitting on the steps of the house she had grown up in, when she saw Isaiah heading towards her. There was something in his gait that told her it was time; time for something she had almost been sure was coming years before this moment actually occurred.
She kept her head down, just hoping it would pass and go away. It wasn’t that she didn't care for Isaiah. She cared for him deeply, but there was nothing romantic between them despite her father's and even her own best efforts at times. In fact, everything she had done when she was younger to get his attention and make something happen between them had only led her into Orson’s arms. That was truly the last place she needed to be.
If she was being honest, that was one of the reasons she was still single. Sure, her father was the best at sending away the worthless nobodies in the pack. That was what he called them. She was just grateful to have him as the excuse. Things with Orson had been hot and heavy like she had never expected. The three brothers had always been her best friends. She was one of the guys. The idea of kissing one of them had been strange, even as her father insisted, she would marry the alpha. That was until she had been sitting at their usual spot, crying because things were not working with Isaiah. He didn't even notice she was dressing any different. There was Orson, ready to pay her back for all the times she had been there for him when it came to his problems. And his problems were heavy and numerous. They ended up kissing, and even through the tears, it had felt nice.
She had gone home with hope every day afterwards that she had not let her father down just yet. She wouldn’t marry the alpha, but she would marry his brother. It was almost as good. It would still be an honor, but that never happened. Orson’s problems got bigger as he got older, and they just got in the way. She couldn’t help anymore, and eventually he sought that help in other women. It hadn't surprised her, but it had still hurt.
She had kept hoping once Orson had healed from his childhood, especially with his father gone from this world, he would come around. He hadn’t said a word to her since then, not really. And here was Isaiah, coming in her direction with a purpose. She knew him well enough to know he did not go into the decision lightly. He would have had to sit down with both of his brothers before coming to her. It meant that Orson had let her go just like that. Roman had too for that matter.
Tamara was already resigned to the fate she had when she stood up to greet Isaiah with dignity. As he stood before her, not just a man, but as the alpha, she thought back to the way they used to play when they were kids. Isaiah had always been the one to come to if she had a scratch or something. He had been the reasonable and smart one. Roman had been the one to make peace when they were fighting and the one to share secrets with. Orson had been the one to have fun and get them in trouble, always getting her heart racing.
Tamara couldn’t help but feel a little like the young wolf girl with the black dress and combat boots, with the pink bow her father had insisted she put in her hair, so she would look more like a pretty girl. Maybe then, the alpha would want her. It was exactly that sort of dress and behavior that might have saved her from the fate of being a mate to an alpha who didn’t love her. Isaiah wanted her because she was strong and not like the others. It was a compliment, but it had also turned out to be a curse.
“I think I know why you are here,” she told him, not really in the mood to beat around the bush. She knew that was exactly what they would try to do. Isaiah was always bad with tough news. It was why she was so present in his life as alpha. He was fragile and afraid he was going to slip up and hate himself for it. She guessed the one good thing about what he was going to ask her, it was the fact that she would always be there for him. She would always know he was safe.
“Tamara, I just didn’t know who else it should be. I mean, I care about you. But if you don't want this…”
Tamara put her hand up. She couldn't stand to hear any more of his personal guilt trip about doing this to her. More insufferable than her own misery would be his. It was the curse he had of never loving anyone. Isaiah had been too busy brooding and worrying about everyone else to fall in love with a woman, which was the other reason he was at her door rather than anyone else’s. She is the only woman who had ever known him intimately beyond his own mother. There had been a few girlfriends, for looks, when he was in his late teens, but they never went far. In fact, many of them were human. It was like he was trying to isolate himself from everything that he was, and he still ended up being alpha. He should have known he couldn't change his destiny. It wasn't up to him.
“Please, you don’t have to explain or feel sorry. I have known in my heart for a long time now that it would be me, and I wouldn’t dream of turning it down. My father would never let me stay here if I turned down the alpha.” Tamara tried to push out a laugh, but it wasn't at all believable. Isaiah opened his mouth to say something else, but he couldn’t bring himself to. He thought it would be a happier moment when he asked Tamara to be his mate, but he had underestimated the loneliness of such a choice for both of them. They were two best friends making a deal to be forever not in love but forced to make children with each other for the happiness of the pack. Wasn't this the exact type of thing he had promised himself he would avoid? It sounded too much like his father, but if Tamara had loved someone else, she would have mated already, regardless of her father's wishes. That was the kind of strong-willed woman she was. And he would not make her stay with him forever if she didn't want it. He did not believe in switching mates every few years, but he would do it, if that was what was fair to the women involved.
“Would you like to come in?” she asked, plastering a smile on her face. “I think my father would love to talk to you. Besides, I am pretty sure it is customary to speak to him before me anyway. Who knows, he might just send you packing.” If Tamara had ever told a joke, that was one. Her father would be so thrilled he might have a heart attack and die from excitement.
Isaiah tucked his hands in his pockets awkwardly and felt a chill coming in the air. Snow would come soon, he could tell. The seasons were turning quickly. Was the white snow a harbinger of cold despair, or what is all about light and purity?
Tamara followed behind Isaiah, rubbing her arms as she felt the winds turn. She knew that winter would be there soon enough, and they would get to frolic in blankets of snow. Or at least the pack would. She didn't know if the alpha's mate really got to frolic.
She led Isaiah inside and had him take a seat, grabbing both him and her father cups of lemon water. The ice clanked against the side of the glass as her hands shook with nerves like she had never felt before. Her father was looking Isaiah up and down expectantly, and the silence was deafe
ning. When you lived alone with your elderly father, you got used to silence, but you never liked it. She wished she had a mother around and siblings to play with, but instead she got three rowdy brothers who had taken her in. Now, she was going to move in with one of them and make a loud home of her own.
“So, what brings you here, Isaiah? It is quite an honor to have the alpha in our home,” Tamara's father began, pushing his greying hair out of his face. Tamara was annoyed at his treatment of Isaiah like he was some kind of god.
“Father, he is still just Isaiah.”
“Yes, Tamara, and Isaiah has always been in line to be alpha. You should show more respect.” Tamara bowed her head, more out of respect for her father than for Isaiah. It was something she had been doing by habit, but she got the feeling that Isaiah hated it. “Now, why don't we let the alpha tell us why he has come to our home, and alone at that.” Tamara noticed the smile creeping up on her father's face. Did he know? The old man did know. He had to know with the way he was nodding his head at Isaiah.
“I came, sir, because I had a question for you. I wanted to know if I would be allowed to take your daughter as my mate. I have thought long and hard about this, and your daughter is both smart and strong. She could do a lot by my side. The pack adores her and looks up to her. If she will have me, I would love to make this happen as soon as possible.” Isaiah sounded so regal and he didn't even know it. It was the second time he had been able to do that since being alpha. Isaiah had been given the gift of rhetoric like no one else. It was the one tool he had in his favor to use in bringing people together and bring them to his feet.
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