14. Chelsea's Betrayal

Xander POV

After the tensely, energy draining meeting earlier, I decided to have a little break for the time being from everything. I invited my strong and beautiful mate for a much-needed romantic stroll through the moonlit forest. A time to enjoy each other's company, a time to enjoy our bond which she finally understood, perhaps because of all that happened. I enjoyed having her in my arms, lovingly enjoyed the tingling wherever we touched as we walked through the cool forest. Without warning, Isabelle stopped and bent over with a scream as if in pain. Her whole body convulsed; knees buckled under the force of an unfamiliar heat. I shout out of alarm, realizing what is happening as her bones cracked, reshaping, reorganizing themselves inside her body. Fur sprouted across her skin; claws tore through her fingertips. A primal painful howl erupted from her throat, echoing in the night. In stunned disbelief, I stared at the beautiful wolf in front of me. I knew immediately what happened. Her wolf has awakened, raw and untamed, seizing control with a force that left me reeling of its immediacy. I mind link my parents, informing them of what happened, so that they would organize whatever needs to be done as I focus on my newly shifted mate.

"Can you hear me baby?" I asked gently, afraid to speak louder and spook her. I slowly stepped closer reaching out to touch her fur, gently caressing the silvery strands. 

Isabelle took slow, tentative steps forward, her muscles fluid and powerful.

"I can hear you!" she replied through mind link, her voice a mix of wonder and triumph. I was shocked. She was able to use the mind link ability immediately after shifting. Wolves usually from other packs needed to be sworn in before they can mind link with anyone in the pack. How did she do that? 

"Any pains baby? How do you feel?" Her shift was so sudden. We were not able to prepare for it. Though, it also went by so fast. This must be the fastest shift I have ever seen.

"Nothing baby! I feel grrreeeat!!!" Did you ever want to see a smirking wolf? Sorry, but I was not able to take a picture.

By midnight, we were resting by a small stream, Isabelle lapping at the cool water while I watched with a fond smile. We both have shifted back to human form after stopping for a rest, subsequent to the run we had after her shift. She wore my shirt which I tied around my feet before shifting to accompany her to test out her wolf. I pulled her to sit by a tree with me after assuring my parents that everything is well.

"You shifted easily. You're a natural, it's like you've been doing this your whole life."

"I guess it's always been a part of me, even if I didn't know it," she replied. "I am just glad you were with me when I shifted."

I brushed a strand of hair from her face, my touch lingering. "You're stronger than you think, Isabelle," he said softly. "And I'm honored to stand by you."

Our eyes met, a moment of quiet understanding passing between us. No words were needed as we relaxed and basked in each other's presence and love. Celebrating our beautiful evening with gentle kisses, warm caresses and loving touches.

....

Isabelle POV

The evening air was cool and crisp as the pack gathered in the grand hall for the night's meeting. The room buzzed with murmurs of disappointment and apprehension. Alpha Benjamine had called for a discussion on the growing threat posed by the Destroyer and Vesper's minions.

I silently sat with Xander, listening intently as the alpha spoke. The revelation that Chelsea was conspiring with Vesper's minions had shaken the pack, and the tension in the room was palpable. It's a good thing a friend followed her when she secretly got out of the packhouse to meet with the dead Vesper's minions, and knowing the havoc they would be causing, her friend immediately reported what she saw.

"Chelsea's actions pose a grave risk to us all," Alpha Benjamine said, his voice grave. "We must remain vigilant and united. Her alliance with Vesper's minions is a direct threat to our safety and stability."

A murmur of agreement rippled through the room, and I glanced at Xander, his expression set in determined lines. I knew how much this betrayal hurt him; Chelsea had been a part of their lives for so long, and her actions felt like a personal affront.

A sudden vision appeared before my eyes as I quietly listened to the alpha. A figure slipping through the shadows, a flash of blonde hair. My heart skipped a beat as I recognized Chelsea, her expression twisted with determination and malice. I felt Xander let go of my hand as I saw Chelsea take her hand out of her pocket and bring out a vial of dark, swirling liquid. My breath caught as I saw what she held. How did Chelsea get possession of it?

My heart pounded in my chest, a rush of fear and anger flooding everyone of my senses. I bolted to my feet, my voice ringing out in a desperate cry. "Xander!"

But it was too late. Xander has already lifted a goblet to his lips and drank from it the light red liquid offered on the refreshment table, oblivious to the danger lurking within. I lunged quickly, knocking the goblet forcefully off his hands. The liquid splashed onto the floor, a dark stain spreading across the tiles.

Xander stared at me in shock, confusion flickering in his eyes. "Isabelle, what—?"

Everyone fell silent as Xander, and some other pack members fell to the ground after partaking from the refreshment stand. Chaos followed as everyone immediately realized what happened. Pack doctors and witches were summoned while those already inside the hall went down to save the poisoned members. My breath caught as I noticed something strange in Seraphina's eyes as she came and tended to Xander—an intensity, a hidden knowledge that sent a chill down my spine. Seraphina's fingers moved with swift, practiced precision, drawing out runes in the air that pulsed with a faint, bluish light. My eyes darted between Xander's pale face and Seraphina's cryptic expression. Suddenly, Seraphina's head snapped up, her eyes locking onto mine with a mix of urgency and fear. "There's a darker force at play here," she whispered, her voice trembling. "It's not just Chelsea—someone else is manipulating her mind to cause chaos. And he will reveal himself soon." As the weight of Seraphina's revelation sank in, I felt my breath come in short gasps, my heart squeezing so tight as I feel overwhelmed with everything that has been happening ever since Xander came into my life. Can I stay strong for my mate, for this pack that I now belong to, and for the family that I finally have?