RISK

28*

Hi, friends! Thank you so much for your feedback and for encouraging me to continue this story. Ask and you shall (finally!) receive! 

Had to come back with something a lil steamy for the girls (if that's not your thing, don't worry, I won't be making the remaining one's too intense. read the author's note at the bottom for more info) 

I will be uploading a chapter every Thursday! xoxo

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Alexander watches Isabella's hands as she plays with the end of his t-shirt, trying to give her hands something to do. A habit he observed she does quite frequently, especially when she's nervous, thinking, or having a conversation that makes her anxious. He grabs her hands in his and rubs his thumbs on the back of her hands. He squeezes her hands to get her attention and she finally looks into his eyes.

"How do you feel about that, Iz?" he asks sadly.

Isabella shrugs and nods, attempting to give the illusion that the circumstances aren't upsetting her nearly as much as they are. She looks around Xander's room trying to take in everything she sees.

"I want you to be honest with me. C'mon, I know there's a lot going on in that pretty little head of yours."

He reaches out to tenderly cup her face in his hand. He smiles softly when she sweetly leans into his touch.

She sighs before letting honest words escape her lips, "I'm sad we won't be able to see each much. Especially right when I'm starting to feel our mating bond strengthen."

It's compelling for Xander to hear his mate use werewolf terminology more casually. Just a little bit ago she didn't know werewolves existed. Knowing that this is the beginning of their lives merging into one brings him immense comfort.

Isabella continues, "But I know that keeping our distance will be safer. And I'll still see you when we can, right? As safely as possible?"

Xander had made the tough decision that in order for Isabella to stay as safe as possible, they can't be seen together around town much. Octavius doesn't know about Isabella and he needs to keep it that way. He regretfully thinks back on all the wasted time he spent in the past avoiding Isabella, meant to keep her away from all this chaos. Moments he missed out on that he wishes he had now, as they approach a time when seeing each other often is too dangerous.

Xander pulls Isabella into his lap, as he does habitually.

"Yeah, of course, Iz. When we can." He forces a small smile hoping to make her feel better. He doesn't know how much they'll be together but he wants them to have hope.

"Let me ask you something," Xander begins, "and I want you to answer honestly, ok?"

Isabella nods nervously, curious about what's to come.

"Would you be interested in shifting again? Into your wolf?"

The blank stare is all Xander needs to see before he removes the suggestion from the table. Her comfort is his priority.

Xander shakes his head, "It's ok if you don't. I was just curious but I know that was a traumatic experience for you. I understand, Iz." He looks into her eyes assuring her that any choice she makes is valid and that he supports her.

Isabella sighs, "I...," her mind is racing with numerous thoughts and emotions, "It's not that I never want to. It was just really scary, Xander. Really painful," she says sadly, reflecting on her experience shifting into a wolf form she didn't even know she had.

Xander pulls her closer and wraps his arms around her waist. He absentmindedly begins rocking them back and forth, his body's natural way of comforting her. "I know, baby. I'm truly sorry for that. I'm sorry that-"