Chapter 9
~ Lucian's POV
When I got back to my room, I felt a rare kind of happiness. Meeting Isabella had been such a surprise, and feeling that instant connection with her had my heart racing. I hadn't expected to meet my mate today, let alone fall for her at first sight.
But thinking about what she'd been through, how she'd almost been raped made me seethe with anger. My hands clenched into fists just imagining those bastards who hurt her. I thought about tracking them down and making them pay, but then I saw her face, the relief in her eyes when she realized she was safe. I knew then that focusing on her well-being was more important than hunting them down. Besides, I decided it was best not to stir things up any more than they already were.
What surprised me the most was that Isabella was human. I had expected to feel a connection through her wolf, but all I got was this deep, undeniable sense that she was my mate. My wolf had sensed it, but there was no wolf bond to speak of. It was just this raw, powerful feeling that she was meant for me.
I knew I had to be careful. I had been planning for a future with someone who could share in the werewolf world's challenges and joys, but Isabella was different. She didn't have a wolf, and that made things complicated. I wanted to take things slow and give her time to adjust to this new world.
I decided to focus on making her feel safe and welcome here. I was committed to seeing where this relationship could go, to understanding her, and to giving her the space she needed. Despite the uncertainty, I was hopeful. I wanted to build something real with her, to find out what we could become together. For now, all I could do was be patient and see where this new path led us.
There were a few tasks that needed finishing, some paperwork, a quick review of the security measures, and a couple of messages to send to my advisors. I tackled them with a newfound sense of purpose and joy. Even heavy tasks seemed lighter somehow, the weight of responsibility easing just a bit with the thought of Isabella.
As I wrapped up everything, I found myself smiling, thinking about her again. The way her eyes lit up when she saw the clothes I'd arranged for her, how she'd laughed when her stomach growled. It was such a small, human moment, but it meant so much. It made the world feel a bit brighter, a bit warmer. With everything sorted, I finally allowed myself to relax. I lay down in bed, the events of the day replaying in my mind, each memory filling me with a mix of anticipation and excitement.
As I drifted off to sleep, my last thought was of her. I imagined the days ahead, the moments we would share, and how we would navigate this new chapter together.
******
The next morning, I woke up feeling an excitement I hadn't felt in years. Isabella was the first thought in my mind. Her presence in my home seemed to brighten everything. Part of me wanted to rush straight to her room to check on her, but I restrained myself. She needed rest, especially after everything she'd gone through. As much as I wanted to see her, I knew I had to be patient.
I dragged myself out of bed and got ready for the day, my mind still buzzing with thoughts of her. I had a council meeting scheduled for the morning with the elders of the pack. They were vital meetings that I couldn't just skip, even though today, it felt like a chore.
As I entered the council room, I tried my best to focus on the matters at hand. The elders were discussing the usual: border patrols, pack resources, alliances with neighboring packs. But I found myself barely able to keep up. My thoughts kept drifting back to Isabella—how she looked last night, so fragile yet strong, sitting up in the guest bed, her eyes filled with a mix of confusion and relief.
I wondered if she had slept well, if she had eaten enough, if she felt safe. Every minute spent in that meeting felt like an hour, and I found myself growing more and more impatient. The elders seemed to notice my lack of focus, but none of them dared to call me out on it. They probably assumed I was preoccupied with some other pack matter. Little did they know, my mind was far from their discussions.
Eventually, I couldn't take it anymore. I rushed through the rest of the agenda, skimming over the details that normally would have held my full attention. As soon as the meeting was adjourned, I practically bolted out of the room, not bothering to hide my eagerness. My destination was clear, the guest room where Isabella was staying.
When I reached her door, I paused for a moment, suddenly nervous. What if she was still asleep? I shook off the doubts and knocked gently, my heart racing as I waited for a response. A few seconds later, I heard her soft, sweet voice from inside, telling me to come in.