Chapter 40

Isabella

My meetup with Julian began as usual, with us meeting at the bus stop near his apartment. The concrete bench still dug uncomfortably into my backside, but spring weather had finally brought some comfort to our outdoor wait—not that Julian would ever admit there was anything pleasant about waiting outdoors.

"Girl, those boots are absolutely fucking perfect!" Julian shouted as soon as he saw me approaching, his eyes lighting up as he scrutinized my new leather ankle boots. "Where did you get them? Tell me everything!"

I did a playful twirl, showing them off. "Richard took me shopping. That boutique on Silver Street—the one we always joke about having ridiculous prices."

His jaw dropped dramatically. "The one where a single shoe costs more than our paychecks? You lucky girl!" He paused, giving me a critical once-over. "But seriously, why would you pair them with that top? The colors clash completely."

I rolled my eyes, glancing down at my blue blouse. "Aren't you judgmental today. Who knew such fashion expertise was hiding beneath that coffee-stained apron?"

"Girl, you know I've always had taste," Julian pressed a hand to his chest, feigning offense. "Don't even play."

The bus arrived with a screech of brakes, and we boarded, heading toward a quiet café in the arts district that Julian had discovered. It was farther than our usual spots, but he insisted we needed somewhere private to talk.

Once there, Julian carefully checked his chair before sitting down, wiping the already clean surface with a napkin.

"I'll get our drinks," I offered, standing back up. "Your usual latte?"

Julian tilted his head, considering. "No, I think I'll have hot chocolate today."

"Hot chocolate?" I raised an eyebrow, genuinely surprised. "Are you sure?"

"Of course not," he laughed, shaking his head. "You should see your face! When was the last time you guessed someone's drink preference wrong?"

I smiled, remembering the night I'd first met Richard at the Howling Night Bar and correctly guessed he preferred top-shelf vodka. The memory sent a warm current through my body. Damn, the way he looked at me that night, I can still feel his gaze burning through me.

"Yes, latte is fine," Julian confirmed. "Double syrup."

A few minutes later, I returned with our drinks and settled comfortably in the chair across from him. Julian immediately leaned forward, eyes glittering with curiosity.

"So, you're meeting them tomorrow?" he asked, barely containing his excitement.

"Yes, I might need—"

"Me to help pick your outfit?" Julian interrupted, giving my current attire a mock-despairing look. "Girl, why would you dress like this to see me when I know you have better things in your closet. But yes, I'll help you."

I couldn't help but laugh. "Thanks. We're discussing the mate bond contract tomorrow. Mostly figuring out my preferences and boundaries."

Julian's eyes widened. "Oh my god, is it like those things I've seen in movies?"

"Movies aren't realistic," I shook my head. "Real werewolf bonding has strict protocols."

"They didn't mention any 'moonlight ice cream' the other night at the restaurant, did they?" Julian suggestively raised an eyebrow.

The memory of cold ice cream sliding across my heated skin flashed through my mind, making my cheeks burn and my lower abdomen tighten. Fuck, they got me so wet that night with all three of them touching me, I'm getting wet again just thinking about it. "Actually, they did. Anyway, you wouldn't believe how many details there are to discuss in the contract."

"Like positions, toys, oral, frequency of safe words, I'm guessing?" Julian said with a knowing smile.

"How do you know about all that?" I asked, genuinely surprised.

Julian rolled his eyes. "Please, I've dated several guys."

I decided to change the subject, leaning forward conspiratorially. "Since we're discussing private matters, who's the new guy?"

"Nice deflection," Julian laughed. "Fine, if you must know... it's a crazy story, we met at a pre-full moon gathering a few weeks ago and ended up talking all night. Just talking, but somehow, I was really into it. We've kept in touch, been dating for a few weeks now. I really like him, Isabella."

"I'm happy for you," I said sincerely. "What kind of werewolf is he? Does he seem like the hunting type or more the pack activity type?"

"His name is Taylor, also a werewolf, super handsome." Julian's eyes took on a dreamy quality. "Muscular, transforms a size bigger than me during full moons. And he's so gentle, the most considerate werewolf I've ever met."

He paused, looking at me. "Except for you, of course. You're thoughtful too."

"Why didn't you tell me sooner?" I asked, surprised my best friend had kept this from me.

Julian shrugged, looking slightly uncomfortable. "Because I wasn't sure if we were exclusive yet. It's too early to tell."

Exclusive. The word hit me like a bucket of cold water. In all our discussions, I hadn't thought to ask the three Alphas about exclusivity during our temporary mate bond. Would they expect me to be exclusively theirs while they potentially had other partners? Fuck, what if they have other partners? The thought made my stomach twist uncomfortably.

Back at New Moon Apartments, I tossed and turned on my mattress, unable to sleep. The wolf inside me paced restlessly, seemingly urging me to clarify the nature of the potential bond.

What if they have other partners and I'm expected to be exclusive to them? What if I'm just one of many? What if they're already bonded with others?

Damn, I was so excited about being marked by three Alphas at once. Now I'm worried I'm just another trophy in their collection. The thought makes me sick to my stomach.

I should know better than to let men I've known for less than a month get to me like this. But the way they make me feel...

The clock on my bedside table read 4:00 AM when exhaustion finally overcame my anxiety, and I fell into a fitful sleep.

When I woke at 3:00 PM the next day, only hours remained before my meeting with my three potential mates. I was both nervous and groggy from my restless night. I forced myself to eat a simple meal—leftover pasta from two days ago—while once again carefully reading through the mate bond contract Richard had sent.

The document was surprisingly detailed and comprehensive. It covered everything from scheduling and living arrangements to intimate preferences and boundaries. My face burned deeply as I read the sections detailing potential sexual activities, the words conjuring vivid images of what might happen during the ceremony.

Will the ceremony be private, or will other wolves witness it? Will all three mark me at once? How will we arrange positions for this kind of intimacy? What positions will they put me in? Fuck, thinking about this is making me soaking wet, it's disgusting how slutty I am.