RISK

30

Xander groans as his alarm clock takes him out of his dream state and back to reality. He hits snooze one more time attempting to delay the dread of getting up for yet another Monday morning. He hasn't gotten much if any, luck in the sleep department. His sleep pattern for the last few days reminds him of the poor sleep he was getting before he met Isabella. Before his title in the pack alone felt like all he had to keep him going. Not only has she given him something, someone, to help get him through the day, but she's also taught him to be more present; to appreciate what he has in front of him to contrast with the heaviness of his life. Without seeing Isabella in person the last few days, worrying about her and his pack's safety, his sleep has been suffering.

However, the past nights, in the hours just before then, he's been laying in bed listening to the melody of his mate's voice through the phone. Every sacrifice of slumber is worth it if that means he can hear that tune for just another minute that always turns into hours. 

Eventually, he'd hear a whisper of fatigue in her voice as she fights with her body to remain awake. Wanting his mate to get enough sleep, he'll urge her to get some rest, promising to talk to her tomorrow morning.

Now tomorrow's come and the very moment he thinks about Isabella, he instantly remembers that this morning is sweeter than the rest. This is the Monday he gets to see Isabella. He wonders how much his wolf will miss her in the future when their time apart is more than a few sleepless nights. He knows his wolf not only misses her but also her wolf. Their wolves have only gotten to connect twice and well...she fainted the first time and shifted unexpectedly the second. Two fleeting moments that failed to be true moments for their wolves to connect. Nevertheless, as they discussed, Xander won't rush her into surfacing her wolf. Her comfort is his top priority.

The ride to school is quiet, Xander and Melissa's usual conversation is reduced to her mix of excited but also worried glances too. Melissa can't imagine what her brother is going through. To have to stay away from the person you're destined to be with. To compete with the stars and the moon is to fight a losing battle.

"I," Melissa's voice fills the silence, "I know seeing Isabella today is exciting! You know if you ever want to talk about how difficult this must be, I'm here for you." She smiles encouragingly.

Xander nods, giving her a look of appreciation, "Thank you. But I'm ok. Just want to focus on the good right now. I get to see her today and that's what matters."

Melissa nods, unconvinced. She knows this moment is bittersweet. Sweet to soon be reunited with his mate, but bitter that they have to have distance between them. She decides not to rain on his parade and allow her brother to keep his focus on his joyful reunion. Sooner or later, he's going to have to let her in. They're going to have to set a plan.

Xander's heartbeat grows with each stride he takes into school. The rhythm creates a ripple effect spreading warmth through his body as his excitement peaks. Without thought the soul-mates  bond guides them to each other, waiting to feel whole again.

Feeling her mate's presence, a shiver runs up Isabella's spine. Not the eerie kind of chill. The warm chill that creates goosebumps and butterflies in the pit of one's stomach. Where the anticipation of touching the person you desire most is just within reach.

A quick breath leaves Xander's lips as his eyes meet with hers. Washed away with her scent, his wolf immediately purrs smelling the scent of home. Before Isabella can even process it, her wolf is rising to the surface ready to be with her mate.

"Xand-", her words are cut short as his arms capture her waist, pulling her tight against him. Their bodies meet like the perfect match of puzzle pieces, coming together as one. He tilts her chin up to press his lips to hers closing the space that's keeping them apart. The kiss feels sweet, the sweet that lingers for a while as your tongue traces your lips.