RISK

29

Things seem still. This is the first time in what seems like months that Isabella has found herself being still. She's not sure how she feels about it yet. Moving to a new place and new school wasn't simple but it was swift. She remembers packing her bags then the next moment she was walking into a new school. Just a few moments later she met Xander, and new things have been happening since. She never noticed how her meeting and beginning a relationship with Xander consumed so much of her time here. His friends were her new friends, she's only explored her new town with him, and his room has grown to be one of her favorite places. Being with him is her new favorite place to be. She loves the way he looks at her; like all his hopes and dreams lie within her. He hasn't left her mind in the last days of the weekend they've been apart. 

Isabella's weekend was spent with herself. An odd at first, but refreshing, time. It felt comforting to pick up a paintbrush and paint something with no end in mind. Just strokes and colors that represent everything she's feeling. That and talking to Xander on the phone is how she spent most of the weekend and now it's finally Sunday night. Monday morning is finally in sight so soon she'll be able to see Xander. That's all she can think about as she lay under her plush comforter, staring at the ceiling, taking everything in.

With her newly found wolf, her senses are enhanced. Earlier the sounds of birds and the aroma from Xander's sweatshirt draped around her, relaxed her in the most beautiful way. Now in the darkness of the night, the birds have quieted down and all that's left to hear are the trees moving in the wind. 

Xander's in a meeting right now as she awaits his call back.  She's been thinking about what Xander told her about how getting a hold of shifting into her wolf may help protect her. She's still hesitant but if there's anything she can do to hopefully make this timeless frightening, she should do it. She's felt so helpless the last few weeks, maybe this will allow her to take some power back while feeling more connected to Xander in the process. As if their minds are connected and he heard her thinking about him, her phone finally rings. A soft smile is immediately brought to her lips as she quickly answers the phone, revealing her mate's handsome face. 

"Hi," the two say at the same time, watching each other's happy expressions through the phone. 

A smug smile forms on Xander's lips, "Are you wearing my sweatshirt?", he says happily with a teasing tone. 

Isabella blushes as she moves the phone up so the clothing is no longer in view. 

Xander laughs shaking his head, "It's too late! I already saw it. Someone misses me." He teases her, lifting his brows.

She laughs but nods giving in to his antics, "I do...and it still smells like you." 

This time it's Xander's turn to blush. He looks into the phone with a look of admiration, "I think this is the beginning of me giving you all of my clothes just so I can see you in them." 

Before she can even respond, Xander continues, "But I'd love to see you without them too."

The sly remark goes over Isabella's head at first but Xander can see it on her face when the words finally click in her mind, and she covers her face to hide her blush. 

"Xander!" Isabella whines.  

"Alright, Alright," he says, "I'll let you survive the rest of this call without me teasing you."

"Thank you," she says, "That is greatly appreciated." 

He nods, "It's not my fault though. I'm making up for lost time. I can't wait to see you tomorrow." 

"I can't wait to see you too," she smiles at him and Xander loves the sight, "I was wondering...how much can we, ya know, be together in school? I know we don't have any classes together but can we still meet up when we can? And can I still sit with ya'll at lunch?" She asks. 

These are questions Xander has thought about as well. He knows that basically everyone in school has already seen Isabella with him and the closest members to him in the pack. All of the wolves who go to their school are in his pack. If anyone is dangerous or close to Octavius is attending his school, there's no way Octavius wouldn't know about Isabella by now. Plus, he likes the idea of seeing her throughout the school day to make sure that she's ok. 

"Of course," he nods, "Besides, I don't know if I could be in the same building as you and not see you. That would take some real strength."

Isabella blushes, "Good. I'm excited."

Xander nods agreeing, "By the way, if you see some extra eyes on you tomorrow, don't be alarmed. The pack knows about Octavius and keeping you safe so they're just gonna be keeping an eye out for you."

Isabella frowns, "That's really sweet and I appreciate that Xander, I do. But I don't want people to worry about me or go out of their way. I'm sure they have enough things to worry about besides me."

 She's grateful so many people care about keeping her safe but again, she feels so helpless. 

Xander shakes his head, "These people are your future pack members, Izzy," he emphasizes, "They don't view it as a hassle to look out for you, they view it as their proud duty to the pack, Alpha, and future Luna. Trust me, ok? They're worried about you but in the nicest way possible." 

Isabella takes it in and tries to find peace in it. She still can't believe she has a future role in this pack that's still so new to her.

"Ok," she nods deciding to trust his words, "speaking of, I was thinking...maybe I do want to try shifting again sooner than later."

Xander can't hide the smile of excitement that forms on his face, "Really? Great! What made you change your mind?"

"Well honestly," she begins, "All of this. I feel like everyone's trying to keep me safe but I can't even keep myself safe. Maybe it's just for the best. Everyone will benefit from it so I should just do it." 

Xander nods in understanding. He can tell that she's trying to convince herself as she speaks. 

"Ok, I understand," he speaks honestly, "I know it seems like a lot of pressure but I want you to be doing it for you, Iz, not anyone else. There's no rush and you can take some more time to think about it. But if you definitely want to then we can absolutely do it."

Isabella ponders on her mate's words, "Ok," she nods, "I'll decide soon." 

Xander's glad she'll be giving it more thought. He'll support her no matter what but he also knows the experience will be much better if she wants to do it for herself, nobody else. Not even him. There are tons of benefits that will come with Isabella shifting and he hopes to experience them with her but her first time-shifting wasn't ideal. He doesn't want her to have to relive anything close to that experience. He can still see her suffering so vividly and he never wants to see or have her go through that again. Instead, he wants to share with her the joy that can be found when you begin connecting with your wolf. 

"It's getting late," Xander says looking at the time, "We should head to bed." 

Isabella nods, "We should." 

The agreement leaves their lips but the pair both know their time on the phone won't come to an end anytime soon. They'll talk and talk and time will pass but they won't even notice as they're so emersed in the conversation. Then finally, when Xander can tell she's getting tired or knows it's best that she get some rest before the morning, he'll bring their conversation to an end full of sleep wells and sweet dreams. For now, he holds onto the view he has of Isabella all cuddled up in her blankets, wishing he was there holding her. 

That's how the past couple of days talking through FaceTime have been. Getting comfortable with one another while still being in their own spaces. Isabella has let Xander see her in her most comfortable state, bonnet and all because she's not doing her hair if she's not leaving the house. When Xander needs a break from being in the packhouse he'll go to his family's personal home and let his guard down from the Alpha exterior he puts on in front of everyone. 

Sometimes they talk about anything and everything and sometimes they'll just be comfortable in quietness, as long as they're in each other's presence. Tomorrow can't come soon enough.

 Xander can't be forced away from his mate much longer. He hasn't shared it with the pack yet but he's thinking about being proactive and venturing out to Octavius himself. He needs answers and this needs to end soon.