Read Online Isabel and the Wolf: (Part 4) by Ariana Hawkes - Free Book Online

sex?”
    “No, that only happens outside of my control during the full moon.”
    “Ah, the full moon. Of course. So that’s why you don’t want to have sex sometimes?”
    “Correct. The rest of the time, I begin to shift as I reach orgasm, but it’s just the edge, and then it’s gone again. It’s not like you’re having sex with an animal.” He gave a bark of laughter. “It takes a lot for me to keep it under control though, which is why I could never let you see me. And the last time, when I left your house, it was the trauma that made me shift completely.” His eyes were beseeching.
    “Peter, what do you want from me?” Isabel said. He squeezed her hand.
    “The past few weeks have been very confusing for me, Bella. I never expected to develop feelings for a human female. All I know is that I want to be with you.”
    “And if I was to stay with you? What does this mean?” He was silent for a long time.
    “I could never ask you to be my mate.”
    “Just for the sake of argument, what if I wanted to be?”
    “You would want to come with me to Romania, to bear the children of a werewolf?”
    “You’re right, that is pretty full on. Here, in the US, people – I mean human people – usually date each other for years before they figure out whether they’re suited, and decide to make things permanent.”
    “I understand that. And I suppose, what I am asking for is the opportunity to date you like this. To continue enjoying our time with each other, and to continue to have very enjoyable sex.”
    “But, at the same time, you’re going to continue to look for a werewolf mate?” Peter hung his head.
    “I carry the whole burden of my family on my shoulders.”
    “But you have brothers, who can share that with you?”
    “I am the eldest. Do you know what that means?”
    “Tell me.”
    “It means that one day I will become the alpha of the pack – the leader. And for the alpha not to have progeny is unthinkable. In fact, there is a very real possibility that I would be forced out of the pack altogether.”
    “I can’t imagine what that would be like.”
    “Our rules must seem very harsh to humans, but they are critical to retaining the integrity of the pack, and in return, we receive security and a sense of belonging that has been absent from most of the communities I’ve visited around the world. And since I have my own rules that I must abide by, I wouldn’t expect you to date me exclusively. In fact, werewolves are not naturally monogamous, unless they’re mated.”
    “That wasn’t at all the impression I got from you when you hurtled into the dance that night and attacked Jed,” she said, unable to keep a note of amusement out of her voice.
    “I was jealous. I admit that. You were my first human female, and I was worried that I would lose you to Jed. I felt that he was intruding on my territory. I know that you have since coupled with him. But, from the fact that you’re here now, I am carrying a hope that you might still like me as well.”
    Isabel stared deep into Peter’s eyes.
    “I do still like you, Peter, but this is all very confusing for me. I need time to think.” He nodded.
    “Of course. I couldn’t ask for anything more.”
    “I’m going to leave now, but can I get you anything – something from the supermarket? Or the drugstore?”
    “No. That’s very kind, but I’m fine, thank you.”
    Isabel turned and walked towards the front door. On the threshold, she paused and lifted her face towards his. He stooped to meet her, and she aimed a kiss at his cheek. He turned his head quickly and his mouth met hers instead. Against her will, she found her lips parting to him, her tongue touching against his. Once again, a bolt of electricity shot through her body. She pulled away, banging her back against the doorframe.
    “No, Peter. Not now.”
    “I’m sorry,” he said. They said goodbye, and, as she drove away, she could see him in her rearview mirror, watching her until