A Second Chance Mate

Chapter 5: Growling

-Isabella-

It was crazy that I had even gotten into the car. Wolves didn’t like half-bloods, yet these guys seemed different. They appeared genuine, and I had scented the air around them, assessing whether they were lying while listening to their steady heartbeats.

Solid as a rock, and all I detected was the scent of men around them. Except for the one driving. His scent was different. Stronger. Musky. Almost intoxicating to me—why was his different? I tried not to dwell on it, but being trapped in a car with him made it hard to ignore.

I could see little more than the back of his head and his hands tightening on the wheel. What couldn’t he do with those hands? Wow, where did that thought come from? I wondered. But I quickly diverted my eyes, looking out the window to focus on something else. What was happening to me?

It felt as though he was calling me without saying a word, drawing me toward him. The guys in the alley had forced my submission, but I knew this strong, slightly intimidating man wouldn’t do that. No, I would willingly submit to him. That thought was unsettling… I hated bowing to anyone.

“Is there a place we should go to get your stuff?” the blond man beside me asked, snapping me out of my thoughts.

I turned to him and saw that charming smile on his lips, his light blue eyes radiating nothing but honesty and sincerity. I thought about where I was staying. I didn’t own much—just a sleeping bag, a backpack with a few clothes, a flashlight, and some snacks. Was it worth going back there? Unfortunately, I needed the extra clothes.

“Yes, there’s a place,” I replied.

-Damian-

Isabella guided us through the darker parts of town, navigating the abandoned and dangerous areas. She stopped in front of a rundown apartment building, grabbing the handle and saying, “I’ll be right back.”

“No way, sweetheart,” Chris replied. “We’re going with you.”

He opened the door and stepped out of the car. Isabella wore a small smile as we got out, but it quickly faded as she moved behind the building. At first, I thought she was just trying to grab something, but then I saw her approach a container, pulling it toward her.

She positioned it right under the fire escape before climbing on top. Balancing on the edge, she jumped up to grab the lowest part of the staircase. Sh*t, the little wolf was so small she couldn’t even reach from the ground. Yet, she effortlessly began to climb.

“We don’t all need to go up there,” I said as Chris took another step forward.

“I know. You guys wait here,” he replied with a smile.

I placed a hand on his chest as he moved closer, looking confused. There was no way I was letting him go after her.

“I’ll go.”

“You?” he asked.

I raised an eyebrow. “Yes,” I replied.

Chris just laughed and took a step back. “Go for it, but she didn’t seem to like you very much.”

I was close to growling at him, but he wasn’t wrong. Isabella definitely hadn’t seemed pleased with me for stating the obvious and then ordering her around. I sighed, deciding it might be best to let Chris take the lead.

I shook my head and crossed my arms. “Fine. You go after her,” I said, my tone a bit too bitter.

Chris smiled before climbing after her. It was hard to sit back and wait, but what the hell could I do? It’s not like I could lay claim to her. Amelia was my one and only. The memory had faded a bit over the years, but I still remembered her clearly—her golden hair and green-blue eyes.

She was tall and lean. I wouldn’t have to lean down much for us to kiss. She had the most beautiful, radiant smile, and her touch had been soft yet demanding. Yes, she was the only one. Isabella had no right or claim to my heart. Only Amelia.

“You’re growling.”

I turned to see Evan leaning against the wall. He had taken the time to light a cigarette, slowly exhaling smoke into the air as his dark eyes met mine.

“What are you talking about?” I inquired, irritation creeping into my voice. I was clearly on edge because Chris, the man-w***e, was with my mate. Alone.

“You’ve been growling ever since Chris climbed after Isabella,” he replied calmly, his eyes scanning me intensely for answers.

“I don’t know what you mean,” I said, turning my back to him.

He didn’t say anything else, retreating into the shadows where he liked to linger, but I could feel his gaze on me. Did he know? I hoped not, but I had to suppress the growl rising within me. Otherwise, it would be hard to convince anyone that Isabella wasn’t my mate.

I felt a wave of relief wash over me as I heard them climbing down. Isabella reached the top of the staircase first, and I stood ready to catch her, but the little female was more agile than I expected. She let go and landed perfectly on her feet beside the container.

She had a backpack with her, a sleeping bag strapped to it—it almost looked like she was going camping. It was quite adorable, but that sweet vision was soon interrupted when Chris landed in front of her, blocking my view.

F*ck, I want to kill that male!

I couldn’t help but agree with my wolf. I was close to wanting to take him out, especially since it felt almost intentional the way he blocked me from her.

“Shall we?” Chris asked cheerfully, leading Isabella back to the car.

He is important to the king. He is important to the king. He is… I repeated those words to myself as I followed behind the two of them.