3. Sudden Appearances

Isabelle POV

My day began with the usual sense of exhaustion and a weak heart pounding against the odds. Yet, here I was, in Zander's arms, his touch sending electric tingles through me. My cheeks flushed like a ripe tomato as I realized how close he was. My first time ever to be this near to the opposite sex. But the sudden presence of that mysterious person had frozen me in fear, forcing me to hold on to Xander as he covered me protectively with his body.

"Isabelle, I need you to go back inside the school."

"But—" 

"No arguments. Your safety is my priority," he insisted, his eyes locking with mine, filled with a mixture of worry and determination.

Reluctantly, I nodded and allowed him to walk me back into the building through the side of the building, as the exit door we passed through could not be opened from the outside. My heart continued to race, but I managed to make my way to my locker, trying to shake off the fear that clung to me. I opened my locker and started shoving my things inside, my mind whirling with questions. Who was that figure? And why did they know me? What did he want from me?

I was deciding on what to do next after locking my locker when someone I recognized as Xander's best friend stood in front of me. "We are to wait for Xander in the library."

Xander POV

I mind-linked the pack's warriors, ordering a search of the area around the school while leading Isabelle to the side of the school building so she could get back inside. I sent a picture of the rogue who boldly came near me and Isabelle. Shifting and running to where I last saw the rogue walk, I mind-link Dave, telling him to protect Isabelle as I think she is the reason for the sudden rogue appearances.

"On it, alpha," came the responses.

....

I headed towards the library where Isabelle waited for me with Dave. My thoughts were a chaotic storm of concern and anger as we did not find even a trace of the mysterious rogue earlier. The rogues near Isabelle's residence, the mysterious figure—all signs pointed to something bigger, something sinister.

Entering the library, I saw Isabelle waiting for me in a secluded corner. Her eyes were wide with apprehension, but she gave me a small, hopeful smile as I approached. I sat down beside her, my mind racing to form a plan.

"Xander, what's going on? Who was that person?"

"I don't know for sure," I admitted, leaning in. "But I think they're connected to... men we've been dealing with near your residence. They know you, Isabelle, and that worries me."

Her face turned pale. "Why would they know me? And what do they want for me?"

"I'm not sure," I said, taking her hands in mine. "But we'll find out. For now, I want you to stay close to me or any of my friends. No wandering alone, especially not near the forest." I could not tell her yet about the pack members as she is still not aware of us being werewolves.

She nodded. "Okay," she whispered.

As we spoke, a sudden chill swept through the library. I turned instinctively, my heightened senses picking up on an unfamiliar presence. A tall figure stood at the entrance; his eyes glinted with malice as they locked onto us.

Dave and I alertly stood in front of Isabelle, ready to protect my mate and the future Luna of Bright Moon pack. The figure stepped forward, revealing a menacing grin. My muscles tensed as the figure advanced toward us. The air thickened with tension.

"You are stepping where you are not supposed to rogue. State your business or leave." I commanded in my most dominating stance and voice; my voice low and threatening. I will not let anyone threaten my mate. 

The figure laughed softly, a sound that sent a shiver down my spine. "You'll find out soon enough, Xander. But for now, consider this a warning. Isabelle is more important than you know. And you... you're standing in the way."

With that, they turned and vanished into the shadows. I looked at Dave in horror. How did they get inside the pack territory? Past all the warriors on guard and past the pack witches' protection barrier?

"What did they mean?" Isabelle broke the tense silence.

"I don't know," I said, my mind racing. "We're going to find out. But whatever happens, we will protect you. I promise."

As we stood there, the weight of the unknown pressing down on us, Dave and I communicated through our minds. We need to speak to the present alpha. Before something out of our control happens that would endanger my mate.

Isabelle POV

The rest of the day passed in a blur. Reluctantly, I stuck to Xander or his friends. Feeling a false sense of safety and comfort. 

Throughout the day, I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. Every rustle of leaves, and every whisper of wind seemed to carry a hidden threat.

Xander drove me home, his eyes constantly scanning our surroundings. When we reached my house, he came inside to check that everything was locked, his expression a mix of concern and determination.

"I still think you should come stay with us. At least for tonight, or until we confirm what's going on." 

"I'll be fine. Don't worry about me."

"I can't not worry about you baby." Xander breathed deeply. "I'll come back later and stay with you for the meantime. I don't feel comfortable with you alone in here even with my friends outside guarding you. Don't argue, please. This is important." Reluctantly, I nodded. He made sure I locked the door after he got out. 

I stood by my window in my pajamas. My mind was a whirlwind of questions and fearful thoughts as I watched the silent forest. But then I saw it—a shadowy figure standing just beyond the fence, eyes glinting in the moonlight. My breath caught in my throat as it raised a hand, a mocking wave that sent chills down my spine.

The figure turned and disappeared into the darkness just as Dave ran to the figure, obviously having spotted him. My breath caught as Dave came back to silently check on me, a cold knot of fear settling in my chest. Whatever was happening, it was far from over.

And I had a feeling that the worst is yet to come.