CHAPTER 6
Isabella's POV
Mrs. Sabrina's voice drifted in and out like a radio losing signal in a tunnel. "…ankle's still weak… might take longer than usual… you'll need crutches when you leave tomorrow."
Tomorrow. Discharged. Crutches. Got it.
I'll be the only girl at school who looks like she lost a fight with a lawnmower and has the coordination of a newborn giraffe.
I nodded faintly, but my mind was elsewhere. Specifically on the words mating mark. Why did that thing mark me?
Did it see my medical records and think, 'Hey, this one's already broken, she'll be easy to track?'
My hand moved again, almost on its own, caressing the rough edges of the bandages at my neck.
Mrs. Sabrina gave my arm a light squeeze. "Try not to touch it too much. It's still healing. And… remember what I said. Keep it hidden."
Keep it hidden, she says. Like, I'll just wear scarves in ninety-degree weather. I'm sure that won't look suspicious at all.
"Get some sleep. You'll need your strength." She turned and left, closing the door behind her.
The silence that followed was heavier than the hospital food. The monitor echoed like a clock ticking down to my inevitable social and literal demise.
I sank back, staring at the ceiling. If I stare at the acoustic tiles long enough, maybe I'll gain the power to teleport to a different dimension.
One without twins or traps.
A soft knock broke the stillness and I tensed as the door opened slowly.
The moment I saw him, my eyes hardened.
Aleric.
He stood in the doorway, his tall frame blocking the light from the hall. His dark brown hair was messy, eyes shadowed with something between worry and guilt.
He stepped in, the scent of forest and storm following him. "You're awake," he said softly and I didn't answer.
Give the boy a prize for stating the obvious.
"How are you feeling?"
I wanted to say, 'Like I was chewed on by a demon and stepped in a trap because your girlfriend is a psycho,' but I refrained.
Silence is more cost-effective. "Isabella." He stepped closer, gripping the bed railing. "Say something!"
"Why!" I snapped then.
Aleric exhaled slowly, rubbing a hand over his face. He looked exhausted. Oh, poor baby. Was it hard watching me almost die for a week?
Must have been such a strain on his schedule.
"Why were you even in those woods, Isabella?" The question struck like a slap. I clenched my jaw, thinking of Selena's smirk.
If I told him, what would happen? He'd probably tell me I misunderstood her, or that she was just 'worried' about me.
People like Selena don't get punished, they get excuses. So I stayed silent. I'd deal with Selena my way.
"You're not going to tell me?" Aleric shifted, frustration edging into his voice. I didn't look at him. My hand brushed the bandages at my neck.
A nervous habit I was already hating. Aleric's gaze followed the motion, his brow furrowing as he reached toward my throat. "What bit you?"
I flinched back, heart slamming against my ribs in fear. "Don't touch me!" I screamed and Aleric froze, stunned.
Every instinct in my body reacted—years of flinching away from my mother's grip, Selena's nails, her hands twisting my hair, her fists.
Screamed 'danger.'
"Isabella, I'm just—"
"Just what?" My voice broke, anger and exhaustion overtaking my senses. "Just trying to help? Like how you always help by walking away? By pretending you don't see me until I almost die?"
"That's not fair." His jaw tightened with guilt flashing before turning cold.
"No?" I scoffed, forcing a laugh. "Then leave, Aleric. Do what you're best at. Go be the Alpha heir somewhere else and leave me the fuck alone."
Something dark flickered across his face — hurt, then anger. "You know what? Maybe I should. Because no matter what I do, it's never enough for you."
He stepped back, shaking his head, eyes burning. "You always had a mouth. Fine. Heal on your own, Isabella. I should've listened to Selena."
He turned sharply, marching toward the door, and slammed it behind him.
'I should've listened to Selena.' Of course. Put that on my tombstone.
Selena Selena Selena.
Selena, the golden twin.
Selena, the one they loved.
Selena, who wore my mother's features and their approval like a crown.
Selena, who left me to die.
I stared at the door. My chest heaved. I wanted to throw the water pitcher at the wood.
Of course he ran.
Why change a winning streak? But the words didn't soothe the ache. I forced the tears back. I wouldn't cry over a boy who takes advice from a snake.
No. Not now. I wouldn't cry. Not over him. Not over any of this.
Suddenly, the itch under the bandage flared. It wasn't a tickle any more, it was like a branding iron. "Stop," I hissed, but my fingers were already clawing at the fabric.
"Get off… get off!"
I ripped the bandage away. The fabric peeling away with a rough rip, fluttering to the floor. My breath hitched when cold air kissed the skin beneath.
My heart thundered. I didn't want to look, but curiosity is a bitch. I swung my legs off the bed, ignoring the dizziness.
My bare feet hit the cold tile, and the world tilted. Great. I'm dizzy, I'm limping, and I'm probably marked by a monster.
My life is officially a dumpster fire. I reached the bathroom and gripped the sink, forcing myself to look up.
The mirror reflected a pale, exhausted stranger. And there it was. Etched into my skin—dark red, curved lines swirling like fire.
My stomach dropped. It wasn't a scar. It wasn't a bite. And no matter how much I wanted to deny it… it was there.
Terrific. I'm not even eighteen, and I've already been claimed by a creature that probably doesn't even have a social security number.