Submitted to Love

Chapter 13

--Isabella—

I could feel a slight excitement as I made my way to the Castle. It has been quite a few months. I have so many stories to share, of my new friends, my classes, the college building, a few cute love letters… I smiled lightly at the thought while staring out of the carriage window, putting my chin on the sill. The nature outside is becoming greener and dense…we are nearing the castle.

“Earth to Bella…earth to Bella.” Jaz broke my reverie. Jasper is Alpha Joseph’s son. My college comes under the ruling area of Alpha Joseph. Luna or Queen Alisa is our college Principal, a real strict lady with a heart of gold. Luna Mary is Jaz’s aunt and he is coming to this castle after years.

“You seem happy returning to the castle.”

“Yeah Jaz. I made my first real friend here, Ariana. I cannot wait to share all the news with her…and I miss the corn chicken dish we get sometimes in breakfast…yumm yumm yummmyyy.”

Jasper laughed at me when I rubbed my belly to show how much I miss the sumptuous breakfast spread of this Castle.

And him…I missed Adrian. I would keep my distance after the last incident. But my mind…my body….yearns for his touch …his smell….

In a short while we reached the huge Castle gate. The guards let us in, and the carriage left the way it came. A shrill cry reached our ears.

“ISABELLA!!!!!!!!!!!!!” Ariana came running out from inside and before I could discern anything the girl was dragging me with her.

“Woaaa Ari, hold up…we have our luggage… “

“We? Who is the other in “we”? I will ask Callum to manage the luggage …”

Ariana spun around to see Jasper, standing there smiling at our theatrics. Ari waved furiously at him, inviting him to join us. With a small laugh Jas started pushing our stuff. I and Ari went back to help the poor lad.

“It is fine girls. I am a “macho” man “Jasper made a show of flexing his highly developed biceps. Ari was giggling at his funny faces while I held his hand to tug my bags away from him.

We were all startled by a loud growl that came from somewhere near us. Adrian was approaching us with fury written all over his face. His hand balled into fists and he looked ready to pounce at Jasper.

My breath was stuck in my throat. The veins were bulging from his arms. He seemed to have been working out a lot lately. With no shirts on, his abs were distinctly visible. Sweat was dripping down his body and the musky smell still watered my mouth.

“Who the f**k are you? And what are you doing in my ground?” Adrian screamed at Jasper. His face clouded with anger.

“Alpha, what are you…” Ariana started to speak. But Adrian help up a hand to silence her.

His eyes were now on me with disapproval and sheer indignation.

“A few months away and you return back with a boyfriend? My my…. Isabella you are craftier than I had imagined.”

Anger was pulsating through my veins and before I could even respond we were interrupted by Luna Mary.

“Isabella…my girl. It has been so long.” I was pulled into a bear hug which assuaged my anger. It felt home. I felt loved and protected. Mary always had that aura around her. A sweet mother but fiercely protective of her children.

“Jasper! I cannot believe that little baby who was learning to walk with her aunt is now a grown handsome young man. Tell me Jazy, why did you not make time for your poor aunt?” Luna put on a stern expression before pulling Jasper into a tight hug. She had tears in her eyes when she let go.

“Sorry Auntie Mary. You know how ill my mother had been. It was near impossible for my parents to travel. But thanks to Dr. Nora she is so much better the last one year. I will be staying the whole break Auntie and make up for the lost time.”

The earnest exchange between them tugged at my heart. How must it feel to have an aunt who cares so much for you? To have families that protect you. In a very short while the castle had made me one of its own…it is the closest I feel at home.

I always believe in one thing…. we never get every share of the pie…but whichever share we get…however little…we must savor every bit of it.

“Yes, Yes munchkin. Jasper do you remember Adrian? You used two were inseparable” Mary laughed at the memory.” …so much so that one would not go to sleep without the other. We had to put you two in cots side by side. “

“Pleasure meeting you again Adrian.” Despite the awful welcome he has received Jasper had a broad smile on his face and extended his hand.

“Likewise.” Adrian said. His eyes were on me the entire time and he was pissed. I really fail to understand his problem. But I chose to ignore. Mary ushered us all the dining area

---Adrian---

“Mine”

 my wolf confirmed the moment we got a whiff of that honey and Lavender. I had decided yesterday to keep my distance from Isabella. It is a matter of a month before she leaves. But I could not …just could not stop myself from getting a glimpse of her.

 I left my training midway and the sight that greeted me made me see red. Isabella had a huge smile and was holding the hand of another man. I know I have no authority or claim over her, but I could stop the possessiveness …the rage that came over me. She is my destined mate after all, she is meant to be only mine. My wolf was out for blood and I was as well irate at the display.

Turned out that jackass was my own cousin. I had some vague memories of Jasper. I felt bad to scream on his face, but my wolf was still pissed off. It was pissed at me too for hurting Isabella. I feel terrible thinking about it, but I was so angry…How can she be close to another man? …

Point is why can’t she be? I have never asked her if she wants to be mine and neither have I any intention of making her mine. My wolf whimpered at the thought.

I should apologies or make up to her…I rubbed my face and ran my hands through my hair. A hand touched my arms lightly...

“Cool it off Adrian. I understand your quandary.” Joseline said slowly with concern in her eyes.

“Do you…”

“Yes, I do. I am not sure if anyone else does.” Joseline smiles sadly at me. “working along side the Alpha as his strategist I also know how much he is against a human mate. I know more than I would like to know…... I cannot protect you from the pain Adrian but I will stand by my Alpha. I know you will make the right one.” Joseline patted my back and left me to my thoughts. She has always been insightful…has an innate ability to see through any complexity. Talking with her always calms me down and this time it had been no different.

While jogging back to the castle I stopped on my track when I looked up. Isabella was standing at the balcony with her elbows on the raining and chin on her hands …

She is deep in thoughts…her hair flowing behind till her hips. Her full red lips moving to some song she is murmuring. Eyes closing to the lyrics and a soft smile adorned her face.  I stared at her lips…enthralled …rooted at my spot.  Her curves are more prominent. I am glad she is well fed now.

Mate or not, this lady has the power to enchant me. To burn down my core and I will always ask for more. She is oblivious to how alluring she is. Every male sees that and so does Jasper. She is too naïve to notice Jasper’s interest in her ….in being more than just her friend. The thought riles up my wolf. I sigh quietly. I need to clear my mind of the strong whirlpool of emotions and figure out a way to make amends with her.

I am a lost traveler Isabella …in this ocean of responsibilities. You are my light house …my place of solace…. but the waves do not let me reach you…perhaps it never will …. perhaps I will always admire you from afar.  

I need to set some plans in motion…I need Joseline to keep her insight to herself…I need Isabella to be away from me because I do not trust myself to be away from her….

But first …some “Sorry Time” ….So here I am , the most efficient warrior in the pack…the future Alpha…sweating profusely at the thought of facing my angry mate…God save me from the Lady’s wrath…I hate the pain in her eyes I inflict …pain I vow to take away each time I see it.