*Isla*
I stand on the deck of the ship, my hand resting on my swollen belly as I watch the jungle fade into the distance. The Island of Maatua is a beautiful place, full of lush greenery and sparkling beaches. It's hard to leave it behind, even with all the danger and chaos that has recently unfolded there.
Maddox is standing a few feet away from me, his arms crossed over his chest as he stares at me. We’ve been on the boat heading home for a couple of hours, and he’s been eager to speak to me about what happened, but he hasn’t done so yet. He probably thinks it will lead to an argument. I don’t blame him for being upset that I left without telling him, though. While I am happy that he wants me to be his Luna, we need to talk this out.
I turn and look at him. “Let’s just clear the air,” I tell him. He seems to be glaring at me, so I turn back around and focus on the water, waiting for him to be calm enough to talk.
I can feel his anger and frustration, even without having to look at his face. He's mad that I went to Maatua without him, and even more mad that I put myself in harm's way by facing off against the evil witch who had been terrorizing the werewolf pack that lives there.
"Isla, how could you have been so reckless?" Maddox asks, his voice laced with anger. "You know how dangerous it is for you to use your magic, especially when you're pregnant. And going to Maatua without me was out of the question. You know how I feel about you putting yourself in danger."
I turn to face him, my own frustration rising to match his. "Maddox, I had to do something. My aunt Mary needed my help, and I couldn't just stand by and let innocent people suffer. I'm not just some damsel in distress, you know. I'm a princess from Maatua, and I have a duty to protect my people."
Maddox sighs and runs a hand through his hair. "I know, Isla. It's just that I can't bear the thought of losing you, or our child. And now, with the other Alphas expecting me to produce an heir, there is so much at stake. If they find out about our baby, it could lead to war between the packs. I just wish you had trusted me to handle things my way."
I reach out and take his hand in mine, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I'm sorry, Maddox. I should have talked to you before making a decision. But I truly believe that everything happened for a reason. We defeated the witch, and I have a feeling that the other Alphas will be happy to hear about our baby. We just need to find a way to tell them before it's too late."
Maddox nods, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. "You're right, Isla. We'll figure this out together. And in the meantime, let's enjoy the journey home. The sea is so beautiful today, the water a deep shade of blue that seems to stretch on forever. The sun is shining brightly in the sky, casting a warm glow over the island in the distance. It's moments like these that remind me of how lucky I am to have you by my side."
I smile back at him, feeling the tension between us dissipate. Maddox may be the Alpha King, but he's also my mate. We may not always see eye to eye, but at the end of the day, we love and support each other. That's what truly matters.
As we make our way across the sea, I can't help but think about everything that has happened over the past few weeks. It all started when my aunt Mary sent me a message, begging for my help. The werewolf pack on Maatua was being terrorized by an evil witch, and they didn't know how much longer they could hold out. She needed me to come to her aid to help break a spell that had put the island under a curse, a spell put there by that witch. To break it, we’d have to kill her. I didn’t know all of this at the time, but I’d wanted to help.
I knew I had to do something, even if it meant going against Maddox's wishes. I couldn't stand the thought of innocent people suffering.
So I’d gone and helped, and we were able to defeat the witch, break the curse, and bring home the Diamond of Faith. Once we had it back in our own pack lands, I was hopeful it would help restore the other Alphas’ faith in Maddox so he could rule in peace again.
I can't shake the feeling that something is off about Trinity. She's Maddox's dead wife's cousin, and she looks almost exactly like her. When Maddox was forced by the other Alphas to find a Luna, Trinity encouraged him to give me a fair shot. She’s helped me so much when it comes to learning to be a Luna. I will always be grateful to her for that, but that doesn’t mean I know I can trust her.
Maddox seems to have no doubts about her loyalty, though. As we stand on the deck of the ship, he talks about how much he trusts her to run the kingdom in his absence. "Trinity is a strong, capable woman," he says. "She's proven herself time and time again. I have no doubt that she'll be able to keep everything running smoothly while we're gone."
I can't help but feel a twinge of betrayal at his words. Trinity was the one who told Maddox about my trip to the Island of Maatua, even though she assured me she would keep it to herself. I don't understand why she would do that, especially after she gave me her word.
"Maddox," I say, trying to keep my voice steady. "I don't know if I trust Trinity as much as you do. She told you about me going to Maatua, even though she promised me she wouldn't. I don't understand why she would do that."
Maddox's brow furrows as he looks at me. "I’m not sure why you are mad at her about that, Isla. Trinity led me to the book from Maatua that was sitting in your room because she was worried about you. She didn’t want you to get hurt. I don’t think you should be upset with her about that."
I feel a wave of confusion wash over me. How had my book gotten out of my bag in the first place? No, I thought Trinity must’ve had something to do with it, but it seemed clear to me that Maddox couldn’t see it yet, that she wasn’t as trustworthy as he thought she was. “I’m just saying I think we should be careful with her, Maddox.”
Maddox's expression softens as he realizes what must have happened. "Oh, Isla. I'm sorry. I had no idea that Trinity was lying to you. Trust me, though. I’m a good judge of character, and I know that we can trust Trinity."
I arch an eyebrow as Maddox's words sink in. He must not be as good a judge of character as he thinks he is, but I bite my lip.
I still can't believe that Trinity would lie to me like that. I always thought she was one of the few people I could trust. But now, I'm not so sure.
Maddox takes me in his arms, pulling me close. "I'm sorry, Isla," he says. "I should have realized that something was off. I'll talk to Trinity and get to the bottom of this. But in the meantime, know that I trust you. You're my mate, and I love you. I'll always have your back."
I melt into his embrace, feeling a sense of peace wash over me. Maddox is not only the Alpha King, but he's also my partner. We may have our differences, but at the end of the day, we're in this together. And that's all that matters. We won’t let Trinity, or anyone else, come between us.
I wake up early the next morning, feeling a sense of restlessness wash over me. I can't shake the feeling that something is off about Trinity, and I know I won't be able to relax until I figure out what's going on.
I slide out of bed, being careful not to wake Maddox, and pad quietly down the stairs to the lower deck of the ship. As I round the corner, I see Poppy, my friend and maid, talking to Antony, my cousin. Antony is now the King of Maatua since that was part of our agreement when I went with him to the island, but since he’s also Poppy’s mate, he’s decided to come back with us, for now. His mother, Mary, is helping get the island put back together.
Maddox doesn't like Antony very much, and I can understand why. Antony lied to Maddox about his background, pretending to be a military expert named Commander Pepelos. It turns out that Pepelos means liar in the language of Maatua, and Maddox was not pleased when he found out the truth that he was just there to get to me.
But despite everything, Antony is still my cousin. I know he has the best interests of our people at heart. That's why I can't help but feel a twinge of guilt as I see him standing there, talking to Poppy. He’s giving up helping his people to be here now, for Poppy. But I don’t want to lose her.
As I approach them, I see that Mystica, the pack healer, is also there. She's an older woman, but she's still full of energy and vitality. She's originally from Maatua, like me, and I've always trusted her wisdom and counsel.
"Good morning, Isla," Mystica says, noticing me as I approach. "I hope you're feeling well. How's the baby?"
I place a hand on my swollen belly, a smile spreading across my face. "He's doing great, thanks for asking. I'm feeling a lot better now that we're on our way home."
Poppy and Antony exchange a nervous look, and I can't help but wonder what they were talking about before I arrived. "Is everything okay?" I ask, feeling a sense of concern wash over me.
"We were just discussing whether or not Poppy should go back to Maatua with me," Antony says, his voice laced with hesitation. "I know she's always lived in the kingdom, but I want her to be with me and my family. And with me being the new king, I'll need her by my side."
I turn to Poppy, seeing the conflict written all over her face. "Poppy, what do you want to do?" I ask, hoping I'm not putting her in an awkward position.
Poppy takes a deep breath before speaking. "I don't know, Isla. I love Antony, even though he‘s a pain in my ass, and I want to support him in whatever he does. But at the same time, I have a life in the kingdom. I have my family and friends, and I don't know if I'm ready to leave them behind."
I nod, understanding where she's coming from. "I know it's a tough decision, Poppy. But in the end, it's up to you. You have to do what's best for you."
Poppy nods, a look of determination coming over her face. "You're right, Isla. I'll think about it and let you know what I decide."
I give her a reassuring smile, feeling proud of her for standing up for herself. No matter what she chooses, I'll support her. That's what being a true friend is all about.
We are standing in the sleeping quarters of the ship. The room is cramped and sparsely furnished, with multiple sets of bunk beds lining the walls. All of the bunks are empty, the only sound coming from the gentle rocking of the ship. I don’t know where my brother, Ben, is but I know he often gets up before the rest of us. I must’ve gone the other way around the ship and missed him when I came down. Maddox and I have been sleeping in the captain’s quarters while everyone else has had to make do down here.
Poppy’s long dark hair tied up in a bun as she stands beside Antony who is leaning against the wall, his arms crossed over his chest. He's a handsome man with dark hair and amber eyes, but his cynical and disagreeable nature can sometimes be a challenge to deal with.
"I can't believe that Trinity betrayed my trust like that," I say, shaking my head.
Poppy gives me a sympathetic look. "I know, Isla. It's so frustrating when people you thought you could trust turn out to be something completely different. What are you going to do about it?"
I take a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. "I don't know. I talked to Maddox about it, and he's going to speak to her and try to get to the bottom of it. But in the meantime, I just have to try and trust my instincts. If something doesn't feel right, I need to listen to that."
Mystica gives me a reassuring smile. "You'll do the right thing, Isla," she says, her gentle demeanor a testament to her caring personality. "You're a strong and capable woman, and you have the support of your pack behind you."
Antony rolls his eyes at this, his disdain clear. "I don't know why you're even bothering," he says. "Trinity's a lost cause. You're better off without her."
Poppy nods, a look of determination coming over her face. "He’s right, Isla. You're the princess of Maatua and the mate of the Alpha King. You can't let people walk all over you like that. If Trinity can't be trusted, then she needs to go."
I can't help but smile at Poppy's feisty attitude. She may be only be a maid for now, but she's got a big heart and a backbone of steel. "Thanks, Poppy. I appreciate your support. I just hope that Maddox can get to the bottom of this and we can move past it."
Poppy gives me a reassuring pat on the hand. "I'm sure everything will work out, Isla. You're strong and capable, and you have Maddox by your side. Whatever comes your way, you’ll be able to handle it.”
I hug her and thank her again for her kindness before I decide to go back upstairs. The deck of the ship is abandoned, so I easily find a spot where I can be alone and think things through.
The ocean before me is tumultuous and turbulent, and I am filled with a sense of awe at the power of the elements. The choppy, gray waves crash against the hull of the vessel, the spray of saltwater misting my face as the gusty winds whip my long, golden locks around me. I gaze out at the horizon, where the sun is just beginning to peek over the edge of the earth, its golden rays spreading out across the sky in a stunning display of natural beauty.
Just recently, I discovered my own inner strength, my own magical powers. As a child, I had been resurrected in the pool beneath the waterfall in Maatua, imbued with powers that had lain dormant within me until the moment I needed them most.
And need them I did, when I was called upon to use them to defeat the witch of the woods and lift the curse that had been placed upon our beloved island home. With the help of my aunt Mary, we were able to unlock a treasure that will help us to rebuild Maatua, and we rediscovered the Diamond of Faith, a stone that will restore the trust of the Alphas in Maddox, the Alpha King.
As I stand here, watching the dawn of a new day break over the ocean, I am filled with determination and hope. We may have faced challenges, but with the support of our pack and the magic of Maatua, I know that Maddox and I can overcome any obstacle that comes our way.
Suddenly, I feel a strong pair of arms wrap around me from behind. I turn to see Maddox standing there with a concerned look on his face.
"Isla, what are you doing out here all alone?" he asks, his voice laced with worry.
I turn back to the ocean, taking a deep breath. "I just needed some time to think. It's been a lot to take in, you know? Discovering I have magical powers, helping to defeat the witch, finding the treasure... it's all a lot to process." I purposely don’t mention Trinity as I don’t see the point in mentioning her again.
Maddox nods, a look of understanding on his face. "I know, my love. It's been a lot for both of us. But we're in this together, and we'll get through it together. You don't have to face these challenges alone."
I turn to him, a sense of gratitude and love filling my heart. "I know that, Maddox. And I'm so grateful to have you by my side. Together, I know we can overcome any obstacle that comes our way."
Maddox gives me a reassuring squeeze, his strong arms wrapped around me as we watch the sun rise over the ocean. "Yes, my Luna. Together, we are strong and capable. We will weather any storm that comes our way."
My lips find his, and he pulls me against him the best he can with my baby bump in the way. Soon enough, we will arrive home, and we will have many challenges waiting for us. But we will find a way to conquer each of them—together.
I was ready to get started.