I can’t read her (Alpha Zion)

From the limited information I had gathered about Bella, she appeared to be not only beautiful but also strong, qualities that I desired in my Luna.

I imagined the look on Zach's face when he discovers that the she-wolf he wanted dead had not only survived but had also become my wife and would be my Luna.

Despite our strained relationship, I contemplated inviting Zach to our coronation to witness the pain in his eyes. Bella claimed she did not kill Iris, so I needed to uncover the truth about my sister's fate.

The main obstacle was the unwavering loyalty of Zach's tribe members to him. It seemed unlikely that anyone would betray him to provide me with the information I sought, except perhaps Ivy.

However, Bella had mentioned that Ivy held a strong affection for Kari, making it challenging to involve her without revealing Bella's presence.

In the meantime, I resolved to integrate Bella into the tribe, even if she declined to be my wife. I was determined not to give up on her.

No she-wolf ever caught my attention like she did, and just with her presence, I never desired those sex workers to quench my sexual desires. One by one, I will break her defenses until she becomes mine.

'Madai, send in your mate for the membership covenant,' I mindlinked my beta. It wasn't long before he entered my office with his mate.

"Are your parents aware that you found your mates here?" I asked, certain that her parents would not want her to leave Zach's protection. She nodded in agreement.

"They weren't happy, but this is the moon goddess's choice."

My wolf scrutinized her and informed me, 'She's stubborn but can be tamed.'

It was evident in how she verbally attacked Bella, which concerned me greatly. "If you don't find this tribe comfortable, I can relieve Madai of his beta duties for him to be with you at the Crimson Moon Tribe," I informed her. Both she and Madai looked surprised.

"Alpha, I never intend to cut ties with this tribe," Madai said seriously.

My lips pursed briefly as I contemplated my plans. "Then you must keep its secrets. We all must protect Bella, and I don't want her to be uncomfortable."

The unease on his face was expected as I explained further, "There is something about her. I can't put a finger on it, but I have a reason for all I do." "Alpha," he said, and I knew he had something important to say. "Don't beat around the bush, just get to the point."

"Alpha, you've never shown a special interest in any she-wolf, and this one was just a foolish omega with many alleged sins," he continued, but I interrupted him.

"If she was guilty of all those sins, do you think she would have endured the torture of the brazen bull without confessing?" I questioned, leaving him speechless as I had anticipated. Apphia quickly interjected,

"With all due respect, Alpha Zion, Alpha Zach doesn't make mistakes, and there is evidence to support everything."

Being naive was one thing, but flaunting it was another. "Could it also be possible that the evidence was tampered with?" I asked, her gaze lowered as I continued to speak. "Remember, she was just a foolish omega, as you said. Who would stand up for her rights?"

"You may have a point," she admitted, not lifting her head. "Beta Gaius was willing to investigate further, but Alpha Zach deemed it unnecessary."

How would Zach feel when he realizes he made a mistake, acting unjustly, just as our father did when he ignored Zach's request to investigate the incident where I had sent she-wolves to his room to trigger his allergies in the middle of the night?

In that case, may I assume that you will not betray this pack by revealing her existence to her former tribe and will treat her as you would a friend?" I asked.

"Yes, Alpha, I will keep this secret and make her feel welcome," she replied honestly. Javan's voice echoed in my mind, 'You tamed her faster than I expected.

'I didn't tame her,' I responded. 'The truth did.' I was determined to show that Zach wasn't as powerful as they believed. Perhaps this mistake could be his downfall, especially since it seemed the moon goddess favored Bella.

Why else would the crimson moon appear just before she was to die in the brazen bull? This error might bring a curse upon the crimson moon tribe for condemning an innocent person to death.

"In that case, you must take the oath," I declared. She appeared ready, so Madai brought a drinking glass, and I added a few drops of my blood before offering it to her.

"As long as you taste my blood, you will be a member of this pack, sharing its burdens and receiving its protection. Do you agree?" She took the drinking glass from me and emptied its contents down her throat. "Yes, Alpha, I agree," she said.

As soon as the words left her mouth, a wave of dizziness hit her, causing her to lose her balance. Madai caught her just in time. "Thank you, Alpha," he said, carrying his mate to the door.

Noticing their pheromones in the air, I instructed him, "Send Bella in."

Many she-wolves were eager to become Luna, but she was rejecting the position. When she entered, her eyes fell on the blood-stained drinking glass that Apphia had used earlier.

Realizing that it frightened her, I asked, "You haven't done this before, have you?"

Confusion filled her eyes as I clarified, "I mean, being a full member of a pack?"

She shook her head, a mix of emotions evident in her expression. "You're going to make me a full pack member? Please don't make a mistake. I'm okay with being an omega," she insisted, but I shook my head.

"This is my tribe, and I decide where you are most needed. If you won't be a member, then you can choose to be a rogue."

I sensed that she was hiding something, and even Javan admitted, 'I can't read her.' Perhaps, it was time to crack her.