4. Bringing Her Home

Xander POV

My heart twists in fear thinking that Isabelle is still in danger, and the continues presence of the rogues in our territory had everyone's nerves on edge. I have to figure out why my mate is being targeted to be able to protect her.

After meeting with dad, mom, and warriors, I returned to Isabelle's house. Her home looked peaceful, but I knew better. The door immediately opened after I knocked, and there stood Isabelle, looking relieved and confused at the same time.

She stepped back to let me in. "I saw another one earlier at the forest. Is he gone?"

"Dave told me. He's disappeared right after you all saw him. I need to keep you safe Belle. And I can't guarantee your safety while you stay here. You should stay with us in the meantime."

She looked at me, a storm of emotions in her eyes—fear, confusion, and something else, something that tugged at my heart. "Is there something you're not telling me?" she asked, her voice trembling.

I sighed. "There are things I can't explain right now. But in time, you will know everything you need to know."

She looked away, her jaw tightening.

"Look baby, let me take you home. You will be better protected there. We have more than enough war... uhrrm... guards to help protect you. I promise to tell you everything you need to know as the need arises." 

....

The drive to the packhouse was tense and quiet; both of us in our rogue thoughts. I wonder how I would be able to tell her about us being werewolves, or her being my mate, or her being the future Luna of the strongest werewolf pack in the west. 

"Why is your place so deep in the woods?" She asked, breaking the silence.

"A lot of reasons, but safety is one of the uppermost." I patiently answer her. In time, she will understand.

"Would they attack?" I immediately understood whom she was referring to.

I sighed, remembering the reason why I had to risk exposing her to my world too early.

I looked around, noting the high walls and the warriors, alertly guarding the territory. Isabelle doesn't know, but Dave and some warriors ran alongside the car as we drove to the pack house, hiding themselves through the trees, shrubs, and shadows.

"No. We still don't know why, but we think they are after you." I admit to her. She needs to know the seriousness of the situation for her protection.

"How dangerous is it?" 

"This is the first time these rogues openly challenged our territory, and we think you are the target. I want to protect you, Belle. I need your trust. We need your trust."

She sighed deeply, looking out to the packhouse. Her vulnerability cut through me like a knife. I wanted to tell her everything, to share the truth about my world, but it wasn't safe yet. Not until I was sure she would not be running away.

"Why?"

I looked at her. I anticipated her question, have been replaying it in my mind, and pictured myself in a lot of scenarios. But now that she was beside me, asking that question, my tongue seemed stuck at the roof of my mouth. "Can we talk about this tomorrow? When we have a clearer picture of what's happening?" I delay telling her. Call me a coward, but if this is the way to keep her with me, so be it.

"Xander, who are all these people?" she asked, as we got inside the packhouse, looking at the warriors who came in after, her eyes wondering to the women and men pack members waiting inside for us. More warriors stayed outside to guard.

"They're part of my pack. They're here to help protect you."

She frowned. "This is more than just a close-knit community, is it?"

Before I could respond, a sudden commotion outside caught our attention. I stiffened, smelling and sensing the presence of rogues. "Stay here," I instructed Isabelle, my voice urgent.

Her eyes widened with fear. "What's happening?"

"I don't know yet. Please just stay inside with them. I'll be right back."

Isabelle POV

As Xander rushed outside, my heart pounded in my chest. I watched him through the window, his figure tense and alert. Other muscular men gathered around him; their expressions grim.

My blood ran cold as I saw shadowy figures emerging from the woods, moving with inhumane speed towards the house. They would have been just any other men, if not for the dark shadows all around them, making them seem like apparitions that could not be physically stopped. Xander and the men moved to intercept them, but the figures dodged them effortlessly, heading straight for the door.

I backed away, my breath coming in rapid gasps. The shadowy figures reached the door, and I felt a surge of fear like I'd never known, my heart squeezing so tightly in fright even with all the men standing in front of me, willing to sacrifice their lives to protect me. They pushed against the door, hitting it with their hands and bodies until Zander's group came on them, pulling them roughly away from the entrance. They struggled against the guards and Xander, fighting to be set free to enter the mansion. Then they immediately stopped fighting against Xander's men, totally at the same time, turning to look directly at me through the window. Their eyes glinted with malevolent intentions, and twisted smiles spread across their faces as one, before quickly running to the forest.

I stepped back in fear, bumping on someone behind me. I saw the dark figures vanished into the woods, leaving behind an eerie silence of creepiness and fear. My breath caught and my head felt light and big like it would float away. I looked behind me to see that I bumped into a very beautiful woman, the feminine structure of Xander, just as I slide down the ground. My heart has taken its toll of excitement for the night.

Xander's face was the first thing I saw upon opening my eyes, his eyes wild with worry. "Are you okay baby?"

I nodded, remembering everything. "It's real. They're real." I said shakily. 

 Xander POV

As I held Isabelle close, my mind raced with a thousand questions. The rogues' bold and continues presence here, the way they targeted Isabelle—it all pointed to something far more dangerous than I'd anticipated. I needed answers, and I needed them fast.

Isabelle's voice broke through my thoughts. "I'm scared."

I looked down at her, seeing the fear in her eyes. "We're here to protect you." I said, determination hardening my voice. "Whatever comes next, we'll be ready."

As I spoke, a chill ran through me. This was more than just a rogue attack. This was a challenge, a test of our strength and resolve. And as much as the pack is willing to protect Isabelle, I couldn't ignore the feeling that something darker is at play. That this was just the beginning of a battle that would test everything we have. But I am ready to fight. For Isabelle. For the pack. For us.

As we sat at the living room, feeling the fear caused by the bold entrance of the shadowy rogues in our territory, I realized that my life had irrevocably changed. I had no idea what was coming next, but I am sure, no harm will come to my mate. I will give my life to keep her safe.

The tension in the forest grew palpable, and a distant howl pierced the night, signaling the beginning of a conflict that would test the very core of our bond.