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

said.
    “No.” He showed her the ghost of a smile. “But there’s no reason why you should tie yourself to narrow-minded human rules either, especially when you live in Silver City.”
    “So – just for the sake of argument – you’d be fine about me dating you and another werewolf at the same time?”
    “Bella, unless we were formally mated, I couldn’t make a claim on you. But I will say this: from the first time I saw you, I wanted you. But it was more than that. I wanted to date you, to get to know you.” His voice had become low and intimate, and Isabel found herself softening. Moving aside, she let him sit beside her on the step.
    “I’m not your first human, am I?” Jed shook his head.
    “No. You’re not the first human I’ve been with. But you are the first that I could imagine myself having a relationship with.”
    “But how is that possible, when you must be looking for a mate?”
    “It’s not so important for me. I have brothers, and, unlike most of the packs around the world, our family line isn’t sick. My parents aren’t putting pressure on me.”
    She looked at him, thinking how different he was from Peter. He didn’t have that life-or-death intensity. He was just relaxed.
    “It’s natural for you to desire both of us,” he said, eerily tuning into her thoughts. “And he’s a good-looking guy, I can appreciate that. Can I just urge you to think about the danger that he represents to our town, and the werewolves who have lived here for generations, and to think carefully about your choices?” Isabel nodded equivocally.
    “Jed, I’ve taken on board everything you’ve just said. Now, I’m sorry, but I’m really tired, and I can’t think about anything right now.”
    “Of course.” He stood up immediately. “I’m sorry to have intruded on you like this. I just came by to make sure you were ok, after I found out that Josie had told you. I’m sure it’ll take some getting used to, and I don’t want to push you. When you’re ready, just give me a call.” Isabel smiled and nodded, and he walked over to his car. As soon as she heard the clunk of his door closing, she pulled herself up and went inside her house.
    She bolted the door and pulled the blinds and curtains in her living room. Then she went to the freezer and took out a tub of cookie dough ice cream and brought it to her bedroom. She stripped down to her underwear, climbed between her cool sheets and let out a sigh. There were some days when bed felt like the only safe place to be, and today was indisputably one of them. She opened the ice cream and swallowed one delicious spoonful, before picking up her laptop and Skyping Kara.
    “Bella!” Kara yelled, then paused and frowned at the screen. “You look terrible, hon! What the hell’s happened?”
    “I’ve been sworn to secrecy.”
    “Ok, so I’ll have to guess.” It was a game they’d played before. “Peter did something to ruin your date with Jed?”
    “Nope. Jed did that all by himself.” Kara cast her eyes upwards. Isabel knew she was probably thinking of some silly things and was trying hard not to voice them.
    “Jed did something to put you off him?” Isabel nodded. “You had dinner at his place, so I can only conclude that you got to the ooh-là-là stage. So it was something sex-related?” Isabel nodded again. “I don’t think it was bad hygiene. He’s definitely not the type. He was too rough?”
    “No, but you’re not a million miles away.”
    “Hmm. He reminded you of Peter?” Isabel nodded vigorously.
    “You’re not saying – ?” Kara gaped at the screen, unable to finish the sentence.
    “Yes. I’m being hunted by wolves,” Isabel said, humorlessly. “Turns out it’s not just Peter. It’s Jed and Josie too.”
    “What?” Please explain!”
    “Peter is a werewolf. One of many in Silver City.”
    “And Jed?”
    “I should probably tell you the whole story from the beginning.”
    “I’m listening.”
    By the time Isabel