Chapter 47

ISABELLA

As I zip up my overnight bag, my phone rings. I answer immediately when I see my best friend's name on the screen.

"Hey, what about this weekend?" He asks me immediately. He hadn't lied when he said he'd call me to find out everything in detail, when I texted him to let him know I wouldn't be there this weekend.

"Hi. Well, it went really well. It was nice to see them in the house they grew up in."

There's a pause of a few seconds, just enough for me to have a doubt that he's still on the other end of the line.

"Sounds like it's getting serious." He tells me in a monotone voice.

"Yes, it does. They asked me to live with them and..."

"Don't fucking tell me you're thinking of accepting."

"Well actually I already have." I reply defensively at his lack of enthusiasm.

"You've got to be kidding me." He pauses for a fraction of a second. "Damn it Isa, what are you doing?! I don't doubt that they have to be better than Dom in bed, but that's no reason."

"Wow, and I thought you knew me better than that."

"Well, I'm as surprised as you are. You've only been divorced a few months and you jump into another relationship, with three guys no less."

"You're the one who encouraged me to go out and meet people." I reply, raising my voice.

"Yes, to take advantage of your single life. When I told you that, I was thinking about stringing together one-night stands, not moving in with three guys." He lets out that little scream he does when he's frustrated.

"I'm not the one-night stand type and you know it."

"Yeah, well, you could have been. Shit you only slept with one guy, a guy you met in college. Who wouldn't want to keep getting dicks, once you got rid of that jerk."

"I'm going to hang up." I warn him. I feel humiliated by his words. Is there really anything wrong with marrying your first boyfriend? Isn't the point of dating to find the person you're going to spend the rest of your life with and build a family with, if that's what you dream of?

"I'll drop by your place. Maybe we shouldn't be having this conversation over the phone." He tells me more calmly.

"Maybe we shouldn't have this conversation at all." I take a deep breath. "We can have lunch together tomorrow, and I'll meet you at the gallery. We'll both have calmed down."

"Good idea. I love you, Isa. You're like a sister to me, which is why I only want what's best for you."

"I know, but maybe you should start trusting me. I'm capable of making good decisions on my own."

"I know. See you tomorrow."

"See you tomorrow."

I hang up and sit on the bed. I was sure he'd take the news differently. I was so in my bubble, I didn't take the time to see the situation from his point of view. To an outsider it may sound crazy, but the four of us are connected. The more time I spend with them, the more I feel it. I can't imagine spending even a day without them. So much so, that I didn't get an ounce of fear when I saw Knox's fangs. I'd even say I wanted him to mark me. Huh I wish all three of them would.

When I walk through the penthouse doors, I'm less enthusiastic than I was a few hours ago. Alex has literally burst my bubble of happiness.

ASHER

I hear the sound of doors opening and approach the entrance, but I'm somewhat surprised by Isabella's facial expression. I thought she'd look a little happier at the prospect of spending the night and all the others with us.

"Everything all right?" I ask her as I approach her. She drops her bag, letting it fall to the floor. She nods before shaking it gently as I take her in my arms.

"I've been talking to Alex. I told him I was planning to move in with you and he didn't have the reaction I was expecting."

I step back to look at her. "I guess he thinks we're moving too fast and you're moving from one long-term relationship to another without really having spent any time alone."

She looks at me, frowning. "Can you hear all the way to my place?"

I laugh. "No, I can't. I guessed because that's what a normally constituted person would have thought. He doesn't know our situation, our connection."

She sighs, pinching the bridge of her nose. "For the first time, I thought he might not be a part of my life anymore. I could never talk to him about this and..."

"Hey. Stop, don't torture your mind because you may never have to." Knox and Jax join us before I can go any further, but knowing her I don't think she's planning to let go of the subject. What my dear mate doesn't know is that her best friend has a mate too. The charming young man he left the gala with, Chase, is his mate. We noticed it right away and he confirmed it to me via the mind link when they left. I wouldn't interfere, but I don't think he'll be able to let him go. Eventually he'll tell him the truth and then he and Isabella will be in the same situation and that will make it easier for both of them.

Well, that's just my opinion. I watch my brothers walk away in the direction of the living room, surrounding Isa. Maybe I should be selfish and demand to spend the night alone with her. I'd like to take her with me, she has the advantage of being able to work from anywhere. But that would force me to tell her I'm going to California to see my ex, and I don't feel like it. I intend to remain as vague as possible on the subject, at least until I know exactly what she wants from me.