Run! The Black Wolf's prey.

Chapter 21 - The ex

“So, have you decided?”

Isabel climbed up in bed behind John, sitting on her knees, and she hugged his waist as she rested her chin on his shoulder. Tilting her head, her long blonde mane to fell over to one side, and she kissed him on the cheek.

“What are you having?” she squinted her eyes.

“I was thinking Spicy Beef Szechuan, but now I’m thinking I should have you instead,” he gave her a mischievous grin.

He grabbed her by her waist, doing a wrestler's move as he pulled her over his shoulder into his lap, making her squeak and giggle with surprise.

Cradling her in his arms, he buried his head on her chest. She was wearing nothing but one of his oversized cotton t-shirts, her n*****s stiffened by the friction of the fabric, and as so many times before it awakened his desires. He just could get enough of her.

“Hold on to that thought! But let's order first,” Isabel laughed and pulled herself up, leaning into his arms. She snapped the menu card from his hand. “I think I’ll have the Cashew Chicken.”

“They don’t have avocados?” John smiled wryly.

“No, silly!” she hit him teasingly with the menu card. “But if they did, I would have forced you to buy them all!”

“I would buy you the whole world, if you asked me to,” John said honestly, all of a sudden with a serious face.

Isabel looked at him curiously for a moment before she slowly turned around and embraced him, her arms enveloping him in a warm, tender hug. As she leaned in to kiss him softly, she couldn't help but feel a rush of emotion welling up inside her. This man never stopped to surprise her! She couldn't deny that she was starting to fall deeply in love with him.

They had practically spent the entire weekend in his apartment, only leaving the bed for showers and infrequent food intake. She had been constantly swept up in waves of pleasurable endorphins since they just couldn't stop touching eachother, all the time yearning for more! The chemistry between them was so intense that it practically crackled in the air around them and they found themselves caught up in a whirlwind of passion and desire, leaving them both breathless.

In between the naps and snuggles, they had engaged in long and unhurried conversations. Isabel had bared her soul to him, sharing details about her childhood and the painful loss of her father, as well as her yearning for a sense of belonging. He had listened to her attentively, and comforted her through the difficult memories and emotions.

John, on the other hand, had only revealed that he came from a large family and that they were all very close. She had wished for him to tell her more, but he was a bit secretive, not telling her any details... But there would be a time and place for that as well, eventually, she mused. Not everyone could open up just like that with someone they had just met.

As the weekend had continued, she had become more and more comfortable around him, the depth of their intimacy surprising her. She was feeling loved and safe, and she enjoyed every second in his company. His dark features and tough appearance gave him this “bad boy” vibe, but he was incredibly gentle with her! And he treated her with more respect than David ever had done...

Being with John made her feel like she had finally solved a puzzle. Suddenly every piece fit, and she felt whole for the first time since... forever? It was a wonderful feeling! She was not looking forward to tomorrow when she had to go back to work, and they would be parted. Should she call in sick? She was seriously considering it, desperate to stay in this bubble for a few more precious days...

"Are you OK?" John murmured into her ear.

“Yes! Sorry, I zoomed out..." she smiled at him. "But OK, let’s order then.” Isabel grabbed her phone and dialled the number printed on the menu card. “They can do home delivery, right?”

John wrapped his arms around her as she made the call, his lips nuzzling her neck. He wished for this weekend to stretch on indefinitely! However, it was Sunday evening already - he would soon have to return to reality. His reality. Without Isabel. But how could he possibly?

The thought had plagued him all night. He had tried to think of every possible way that he could continue to be with her without revealing his true nature... But that would be extremely difficult in the long run. But it would be even more challenging to protect her from his family! They couldn't find out about her, and it would be extremely hard to hide her from them. No, not hard... Impossible.

Also, he had promised his parents to go on this trip in the search for his true mate, starting with the Pine Ridge pack. Which felt ridiculous now when he had Isabel in his bed! Isabel, this beautiful and clever woman, who was kind and caring... She even shared his sense of humor! She would have been the perfect Luna - if only she hadn't been human. It wasn’t fair, and it made him furious.

What if he lied to his parents and only pretended to go away, but actually stayed in town with Isabel? Discreetly telling the packs that were awaiting him that he had other business to tend to? It would buy him some time. But no, that wouldn’t work, he reminded himself. He was supposed to bring an entourage to go see the other packs, and he would be surprised if Chloe didn’t seize the opportunity to go with him.

So... He had to decide. Either he was to leave Isabel and go on his trip! Or he would tell his parents that he had fallen in love with a human. Either felt equally impossible.

“They will arrive in twenty minutes,” Isabel hung up. “I think I’ll have a shower while waiting.”

“Sure,” he kissed her on the forehead. “Not that I think you need one.” Her scent was still as captivating, making his endorphins flood! Almost like a drug... And he didn't want her scent to be mixed with the much less fragrant smell of soap or shampoo.

“You can join me if you’d like to,” she winked, holding his hand.

“I’ll let you have this one on your own,” he smiled wryly. “I have a hard time seeing we would be able to open the door to the delivery guy if I come with you.”

“Good thinking,” Isabel chuckled, pressing her lips against his before she let go of his hand, leaving him by himself in the bedroom.

He eyed her admiringly as she left the room - her long wavy hair cascading down her back, nearly reaching her waist, and her figure boasted a perfect curve. Her long legs were strong but slender, it was obvious she was a runner, and the way she moved was fluid and graceful, like a cat. He started to think he had been a fool to reject that shower offer...

Suddenly, Isabel’s phone, lying on his dresser, began buzzing. He walked over to it, glancing at the screen. ‘Dave’ it said. It was followed by: ‘Iz, I still love you, please ca…’

He growled, his eyes glowing. Isabel had told him a little about her ex-fiancé, and he had noticed him calling and texting her several times during the weekend. Isabel didn’t seem to care, but her old boyfriend was clearly not yet over their breakup.

As far as John understood, she broke up with her ex quite recently... And John and Isabel had just met. Even if they were falling for each other, which John had to admit was the case, how reliable were her feelings? It was so close after her breakup from such a long relationship. She had even been engaged to that other guy, for Goddess sake!

Could he seriously consider turning his back on his family, his pack and his whole life based on his evolving feelings for this woman, who might as well only see him as a fling?

He looked at himself in the mirror.

"What should I do?" he murmured.

For once, his wolf was as confused as he was himself, and remained silent.