New Beginnings

Chapter 27

Isabelle's P.O.V.

“Excuse me?” Dumfounded, I think that’s the word to describe me right now, I stare across the grass at Dylan in disbelief. “You want to claim me? I don’t understand. I thought that was never going to happen, that you didn’t want that to happen?”

“I never said I didn’t want it to happen, at the time I just thought it was best for you if it didn’t.”

“And now you think otherwise?” I wasn’t quiet getting this.

“Well, yeah.” He was nervous again. “Like I said… think about this properly. I am the only one who can claim you right?” I nod my head in agreement “To be able to make use of your full wolf I need to claim you, otherwise you’ll never gain the ability to shift. We are on a dangerous mission, if we succeed in finding Elle we will be going up against the Dark Wolf and it would be stupid for you and reckless of me to let you go into this as a human when you have the opportunity to be so much more and the possibility to defend yourself and even fight for yourself. Another thing is you’ll be able to travel with the rest of us, talk to us during the day by mind link and I’ll know if you’re in trouble.” The last bit comes out viciously and I think he’s still beating himself up about the wolf attack earlier, which technically is my fault considering I wandered off. Overall I think he has a good point, the thought of coming across guys, like the ones today, and going through the same thing again is terrifying, I was useless and no help to anyone, exactly why the twins didn’t want me here and being able to shift would be amazing and something I thought since my birthday would only ever be a dream. On the other hand there is always a downside, I will be connected to Dylan in such an intimate manner for the rest of my life, at the moment our connection is basically dormant and only stirs when we’re around each other or touch each other, if I was to go through with this that would be so much stronger, our relationship is so rocky and throwing ourselves into this could be a huge mistake.

“And what about you and me?”

“Well that part is harder, as you know we are going to have stronger feelings for each other, that can’t be avoided. But we’re adults we can handle it as such.” That hit me hard. I am actually so naïve, I thought, for a second, that maybe he meant… oh never mind, but I did think we were making progress in our relationship. I compose my disappointed expression so I look neutral.

“So this is purely a business deal? You mark me I, I can shift, that’s it?”

“That’s the plan yes, unless you have any other ideas you want to throw on the table?” I bite my tongue and shake my head. “So what do you think?” Secretly I’m heart broken but I’m not going to tell him that.

“I actually think it’s a good idea.” He beams at me. “When do you want to do this?” This is so wrong, a marking between couples is supposed to be romantic and a big deal, caused because of the heat of the moment not planned on your to do list like a casual cup of coffee.

“What’s wrong with right now? There is no one around. Then we can all move out in the morning together as wolves.” Wow throwing me into the deep end I have never even shifted yet. He must have noticed my panic. “Don’t worry there is nothing to be scared about, knowing you you’ll love it.” He climbs to his feet and makes his way slowly across the grass to where I am sitting and holds out a hand, I grab hold and he pulls me gently to my feet into his chest and wraps his arms tightly around me.

“Just relax.” He whispers in my ear, his warm breath tickling the back of my neck.

“It sounds like you have experience in this area, do you have a collection of mates back home in your closet?”  It was a joke, when I'm nervous i joke, however I don’t think he finds it funny as his grip tightens and he growls low in his chest, which because of his close proximity I can feel as well as hear. “Dylan Matthews! Don’t you growl at me!” I scold playfully and swat his chest with my hand.