Fallen Love
Chapter 5

Chris.

The sun rises and I stand there, gazing at it from my window, having slept superbly, the result of yesterday’s battle having helped a lot too. I put on a t-shirt and head down the stairs, from which a pleasant smell emanates. Lisa is cooking, as she often does at weekends. She whistles a tune, then as I go down more I catch Emmett in the living room watching her, sitting in his corner.

Lisa turns around with the carafe of coffee in her hands and smiles at me as I approach.

– Hello Alpha,” she says after I k**s her cheek.

– That smells good,” I smile.

– Yeah, I was super hungry so I thought, ‘Sunday breakfast’.

I help her put the rest of the food she’s made on the table and see Emmett coming towards us. He looks nervous and doesn’t say a word. Nick comes trotting up, probably attracted by the smell, and goes over to k**s his sister and then give her a hug, which makes her laugh. We moved to the table and ate the brioche, pancakes with jam and drank the hot coffee.

– So what do you have planned for today? Lisa asked.

– Well, I was wondering if you were planning to see Esra today? I answer.

– It’s not planned, but it could happen.

– Does she have any family in the area? Nick inquires.

Lisa’s smile freezes, then turns sad, which I don’t like.

– No, her biological parents are dead and so is her adoptive mother.

– No siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins?

– No one, just me as she says.

We don’t say anything for a while, each of us in our own thoughts, she must feel lonely if no one around her is alive anymore. She must have forged a shell around herself to protect herself and I’d be happy to show her that a better life awaits her. I don’t know what would happen if I lost my parents, my pack, it would be atrocious. Just to find myself alone is unthinkable for an Alpha, frankly I can’t even imagine it. I’d protect her, that’s for sure, she’d never feel alone again. If, of course, she accepts me as her soul mate.

– Can you arrange something for this afternoon or noon? I suggested.

– Yes, of course, she’ll just be surprised that you’re there too.

– You’ll fit us in, don’t worry,” Nick reassures her.

She smiles at him, but he’s not really sincere. She gets up and takes her cell phone outside for some privacy, I think. After breakfast we get ready and I take a shower to make sure I’m in tip-top shape, then wash at least three times to make sure I smell nice.

– You realize her nose is normal, so she won’t smell that you’re super clean, dude,” laughed Tracker.

– But I would,” I say, annoyed.

He raises his eyes to the sky, then leaves me to get dressed quietly, I take a pair of black jeans and a white t-shirt, nothing better to show off my muscles. I put on just a touch of perfume so as not to piss off the others’ nostrils, then hesitate to put on some gel, but change my mind. It turns out she’s going to run her hand through my hair and gel is a bit gross, isn’t it? Once I’m ready, I shove my cell phone into the back pocket of my jeans and look at my watch to see eleven thirty. Lisa is calling us, so I breathe under Tracker’s laughter and head downstairs. I feel like I’m fifteen, not twenty-six, and I’m going on my first date when it’s not even a date. What the hell have I gotten myself into? In the corridor to the kitchen, I bump into Nick, who gives me a little shoulder in support. Thanks man.

– Come on, be happy, she’s really hot too.

– That’s the worst,” I exclaim. If she was a tuna fish, I wouldn’t give a shit, but this is f*****g hard and she’s a human shit. I can’t do this to her.

– You’re her soul mate, she’ll only be happy with you Chris, stop hesitating. Say, I don’t know if you’ve smelled her but her scent is soothing.

I simply nod to confirm that yes, I had smelled her, in fact it was her scent along with the soothing one I felt at the stadium that made me go towards her. I never thought I’d meet a girl with such hypnotic eyes. Blue and green, that’s a combination. Mine are blue, maybe a sign. We join the others and see Emmett and Lisa chatting away as she walks around him towards us, which he doesn’t seem to appreciate.

– We’re going to have a picnic in fifteen minutes, by the time we’ve made it to the road it’s clean, the baskets are ready, we’re good to go.

We nod, then she claps her hands, grabs the two baskets of food and heads out of the house. It’s a good thing she knows how to take care of everything, because otherwise I’d have taken anything. We greet several members of the pack before getting into the car. Wanting to know a little more about this Esra, I took Lisa with me, which surprised her. Yeah, well, not many people usually get into my car. Once we’re on the road, I wait until we’re out of the forest and on the main road to start talking.

– Have you known each other long? I asked.

– I’d say a good three years, although Esra’s been living in the area for four.

– But you go to the same university,” I remarked.

– I’m studying art, she’s studying psychology, so our schedules aren’t exactly in sync.

– Do you think she’ll accept me?

Well, that’s a bit blunt, but I want to know if I’ve got a chance with her, and I don’t want to be stuck like an idiot not knowing what to say when I come face to face with her. Lisa turns her head towards me, thinking.

– Honestly, I don’t know it’s not her priority like I said, and I know she’s never dated a boy.

– She hasn’t?

She’s never been out with any boys, even though she’s gorgeous and young and everything. If I’m surprised, Tracker is delighted. He’s already thinking about deflowering her, making her his first and last love, and then having lots of baby wolves. What a pervert that wolf is, I swear!

– No, never. That’s why I’d appreciate it if you didn’t rush her. In that respect, she’s light years ahead of your usual conquests.

Ouch, I really don’t like hearing that, but she’s right about the conquests, I’ve been indulging my desires lately. Since I didn’t think I’d find my soulmate now I’ve got quite a reputation. However, I’m still glad she’s trying to protect her even from me, Lisa only lives with guys and doesn’t have much of a connection with the ladies, and I have no doubt that Esra seems to mean just as much to her. The idea of making her Luna’s Beta is obvious to me when Tracker shouts his approval. Esra looks really good to me and I can’t wait to see her again. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Lisa tapping away on her laptop.

– I love you, human, but press the f*****g button, I want to see her,” Tracker snaps.

– Do you mind? I’m driving here.

– My grandmother goes faster than you.

– Oh, shut up, Tracker. You’re pissing me off.

– Go to the bathroom,” he said innocently.

– Tracker,” I growled.

– I swear, take a shit, it’ll relax you.

I cut the connection to avoid getting angry when I need to stay calm. Luckily, we arrived at the rendezvous point and Nick’s car parked next to mine. Lisa got out of the car straight away, picking up the baskets she’d placed in the back, and went over to a picnic table by the fountain. She beckoned us over and I approached, looking around to see if Esra was already there, but I couldn’t see or smell her. Lisa settles herself at a table and places the baskets on it, smiling as Nick sits down opposite her, and suddenly Lisa raises her head so quickly that I start looking too. Esra arrives smiling, wearing black jeans with a red strapless top and white sneakers, trotting along as Lisa rises to give her a hug.

– The guy at the table is my brother Nick, the one against the tree is Emmett and the brown one is Chris,” she whispers.

– Message received,” thanks Esra.

They approach us, and seeing her smile like that makes my heart swell. No, actually, I shouldn’t get too excited, Nick is the first to come and meet her, he takes her in his arms and I frown as I see her body tense up in surprise, she looks at Lisa who smiles at him and shakes her head. Nick had noticed the scene, but pretended not to as he struck up a conversation.

– So how have you been since Friday?

– Fine, thanks, and you? she asked politely.

– Us too,” I say.

– Well, I’m hungry,” says Emmett.

When Esra laid eyes on him, she tilted her head to one side and smiled at Lisa, who simply shrugged, which puzzled me. We went to the table and sat Esra, Lisa and Nick opposite me, with Emmett at my side, since the two of us take up a lot of space with our muscles, it’s better to have room. Lisa gave us our lunch, then Esra took out hers. I winced at the smell of chicken salad. Please don’t let her be an anorexic who never eats anything to keep off weight.

– Is that all you eat? Lisa asked in astonishment, leaning over her salad.

– Yeah, I just grabbed what was left in my fridge. I didn’t have time to go shopping this week.

– Would you like a bite? I offer.

She looks at what I have in my hands, then smiles gently.

– No thanks, it’s not as bad as it looks,” she shrugs.

She starts on her salad and seems to like it, so we start eating too. She and Lisa give each other knowing glances and smiles, which we like to see. I’ve never seen her this close to anyone except the pack, and even then she’s not close to everyone.

– So,” began Emmett. Where are you from?

– Avalon, California,” replied Esra, smiling.

– Wow, that’s a godforsaken place,” hisses Nick.

– Do you know it? she says, a little surprised.

The guys look at me and nod. We know this town because a tragedy took place over ten years ago. Our parents were devastated by their deaths and hoped to see their only child alive again, despite a search that is still fruitless.

Yes, we’re talking about the same people who built us a shelter to keep members of the pack safe during the attacks. A silence falls over the table in spite of ourselves, as we think about this story that has turned the order of magic upside down.

– Are you all right? asks Esra, trying not to upset us.

– Yes, I’m fine. So you’ve come all the way here for your studies,” says Emmett.

– My adoptive mother lived in Seattle, so yes,” smiles Esra.

– You’re staying close to home, that’s good,” Nick told her.

The girl smiles and nods, then stares at a point in front of her. Lisa nudges her to bring her back to us. She raises her head and falls into my gaze. Her milky eyes dance before me and I can’t help but stare.

– Do I have something on my face? she asks.

Honestly, I didn’t realize she’d spoken to me; her eyes hypnotize me so much I can’t hear a thing. I can feel everyone’s gaze on us and I’ve got to think of something or I’m going to get burnt. Which I’m not going to do right now.

– I’ve never seen eyes like that, sorry for staring.

– Oh that’s all right, I’m used to it,” she laughs.

– It’s true that it’s unusual,” adds Lisa.

The conversation turns to something else, which is a relief to me. Esra stops paying attention to me and we start talking about her studies. She’s in psychology and it’s a subject that seems to suit her like a glove, from the way she talks about it. The girls have a lot in common and I feel through their friendship that there’s something deeper going on, I can’t say what it is, but as an Alpha I can feel this fusion. What’s surprising is that between a she-wolf and a human, a friendship is totally possible, but this kind of bond is much stronger than a simple friendship, in their gestures, their looks, their knowing smiles. Tracker thinks, as I do, that there’s something more between them.

We eat quietly, then Lisa opens her packet of potato chips and puts it between her and Esra, who pecks into it, laughing.

– They’re more like sisters than best friends,” I declare.

The two of them straighten up like pegs with smiles on their faces, confirming my thoughts.

– It’s weird for you,” begins Lisa. Except that we’ve known each other for more than two years, we’re close, that’s all.

– It’s the first time we’ve seen you like this with someone,” says her brother.

– I’m sure that won’t happen with your Q plans,” she laughs.

We’re not laughing at all, although I don’t mind her talking about Nick and Emmett’s, but not mine, and especially not in front of Esra. What will she think now? Especially since she’s got no experience whatsoever, and if I try to approach her, I’ll get a flat refusal with that kind of thinking. I glance over at Esra, who’s staring at the table, embarrassed. F*****g Lisa, I’m going to kill you.

– Well, she’s right,” says Tracker.

– Shut up, you flea-bag!

– What’s wrong with you? You’re the one who slept with her, not me,” he defends himself.

Frankly, I’m on my own to get out of this mess. Lisa knows she shouldn’t have said that, but she throws in a peak anyway to clarify that, Alpha or not, if things go badly with Esra, I’m in for a rough ride. I’m still wondering if I’m still Alpha considering what she says. Yeah, well, I’m going to put her in her place anyway, just so we’re clear.

– And why do you have a rugby team if you’re not in college? Esra asks to erase the blankness that had set in.

Thank you, my dear soul mate.

– When we were still at university, we had one, and since then we’ve been taking part in a few matches so we can all do something together again, we’ve just changed some people,” Nick replies.

– Anyway, come and play against Shane any time, he needs his a*s kicked,” she laughs.

– Count us in,” laughs Nick too.

We finish the picnic and throw the papers in the garbage cans near us. To digest, we go for a walk in the park next door. We’re in the back with the guys, and the girls in front of us, stuck arm in arm, are having a big fashion talk. But from what I can hear, it’s more Lisa explaining various things to Esra.

– How’s Alpha? Emmett asks.

– Yeah, I’m just not sure how to act,” I explain.

– You’ve got to take it easy,” confirms Nick.

– Your sister didn’t help either,” I attack.

Nick stops and raises his hands protectively. Okay, it’s not his fault, but I had to get it out. I hope I’ve still got a chance, otherwise Lisa’s going to hear all about it, believe me. Nick comes back to catch up and gives me a shoulder tap.

– Don’t worry, if Lisa said it, Esra already knew, the peak was for all three of us.

– How’s that supposed to help me?

– Well, Esra already knows about the hookers, so now or before, it doesn’t make any difference.

– She’s just jealous because she doesn’t have anyone,” says Emmett, referring to Lisa.

Well, that’s not totally untrue, but it’s not our fault that Nick scares every guy who comes near him anyway. Besides, humans aren’t really on Lisa’s radar, so she stays away from guys. Since she’s a she-wolf, she’d only make mincemeat of them. But if she’s frustrated, there’s nothing we can do for her. Nick’s the violent type when it comes to his little sister, so I don’t want to die, no thanks.

It’s a good thing I’m an only child or I’d be tearing my hair out with all the crap girls can do. Speaking of the wolf, Lisa turns around and gives us a suspicious look, Nick sticks his tongue out at her in retaliation, which makes her laugh, but before she can turn around, she falls butt-first into a garbage can. Dying of laughter, Esra steps back with her hands over her mouth. Lisa’s face is laugh-out-loud funny, mouth wide open and hands outstretched. Nick can’t resist taking a photo of his sister.

– Nick deletes this photo, or I’ll make your life miserable,” Lisa threatens him, glowering.

But Nick’s passion is pissing off his sister, so believe me, he’ll never delete the photo, and he might even print it out and plaster it all over the place, just to shame her. Glancing at Emmett, he smiles a little with his arms crossed, used as I am to their sibling quarrels. When I look at Esra, I see a sad smile on her lips, but her eyes are also sad and empty. Taking a few steps towards her, I stop when Esra closes her eyes for a few seconds, before opening them and turning towards me. I look at her seriously, trying to work out what’s going on in that pretty head of hers, but I can’t get inside her. Not yet, we’re not connected, but when we are, her thoughts will hold no secrets for me.

– Esra, please help me,” Lisa pleads.

With her face glowing again, Esra helps Lisa out of her beloved garbage can, except that Esra doesn’t have the strength of a wolf, so I lend her a hand, which makes the guys laugh.

– So you’re that fat that Chris has to help you? laughs Emmett.

Lisa doesn’t answer him but glares at him with her back turned, Esra hops up next to her with a little puppy-dog pout to get the she-wolf to stop sulking, and I have to say I’m cracking up myself. Lisa can’t resist either, laughing discreetly. Esra turns to us with a smile, confirming that the situation has been resolved, and even though we’d heard Lisa’s laughter, we pretend to be relieved.

– Thank God you’re here,” says Lisa, giving her a hug.

Esra lets out a laugh while Lisa fixes me with a sly look, showing me the power she has over Esra and what she can do that I can’t. This makes Tracker growl, and he’s not happy. Oh the bitch, she’s taunting me. I growl and glare at her, but I must not have been discreet enough, because Esra moves away from Lisa’s arms and looks around uncertainly. She steps back towards us, accompanied by Lisa. Damn.

– Did you hear that?

– It must be a dog around here, listen… You can’t hear anything,” I tell her, almost clinging to her.

Not seeing her move when we brush up against each other, I don’t mind. She looks around a little more, then relaxes and smiles at me to calm herself down.

– You’re right, it must have been a cat that ran past.

We all nod, agreeing with her and finding nothing better to say. We continue our walk and this time I’m in front with Esra, the others behind. Glancing over my shoulder I see Lisa holding Nick’s arm, her eyes closed and her head on his shoulder, leaving him to chat with Emmett. Focusing on Esra, I see her hands behind her back, staring off into the distance.

I wonder what she’s thinking? It really is a mystery.

– So you have family in Seattle? I asked, curious to know her answer.

– No, there’s more than just me.

– I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to pry.

I can hear Tracker laughing at me because I knew exactly what question to ask. She hasn’t lied to me, that’s something, and there are no secrets I’d like to know.

– My biological parents died several years ago now, and my adoptive mother also died four years ago,” she said softly.

– Don’t you have any other family?

– I haven’t been around them for a long time, none of them are reliable for me, so I’ve cut all ties.

Ah yes, hot family, now I understand why she’s turned her back on them. She’s totally alone, which can’t have been easy, even if she’s had to get used to living on her own and relying only on herself. This means I’m going to have to break through her shell to get closer to her. I’ll gladly melt her sad little heart for me, and she won’t regret it, I can assure you of that. Our soulmate means the world to us, and I’d never do anything to hurt her.

– What about you? Any family around? She asks.

– My parents went around the world with Lisa’s parents,” I explained. After that, I live in a small community in the forest not far from here, so we all know each other, but we’re not related.

– Yes, Lisa told me about that.

I look at her, not sure what Lisa told her about us. Did she goof? Esra must see the mistrust in my eyes, since she’s smiling at me.

– I don’t know much more than that, she just explained it to me because I didn’t understand why she lived in a forest, but having a small community surrounded like this, I find it reassuring.

– Reassuring? I repeated, not sure I understood.

– I live on my own, so being surrounded must be reassuring.

– It’s true that we can count on everyone here,” I affirmed.

Esra nods and wanders off into her own thoughts, probably ruminating on her isolated case and ours. She didn’t mention it, but I wonder how long she’d been alone before meeting her adoptive mother. I hope it wasn’t hard and that she didn’t suffer too much, because I’d feel powerless and selfish to have had a wonderful childhood when my other half wasn’t well.

– Tell her,” Tracker orders me.

– No, you’re crazy, she’ll run away once she knows.

– Maybe not,” he says stubbornly.

– Listen, if there’s any chance of something happening between us, I’ll tell her afterwards because the link will already be made, so she’ll come back in any case, I explain.

He thinks it over and then agrees with me, provided the lie doesn’t last too long. I hope it won’t last either, because I don’t know how she’ll react, and since she’s already alone, she’ll feel betrayed and never want to see me again, which I absolutely don’t want. Perhaps bringing her into my world without telling her about the werewolf part might please her. I gaze at her stealingly and still in her thoughts Esra pays no attention to me. I turn to the others, surprising them with my quick gesture.

– Shall we go home and watch movies? I say.

The three of them look at me surprised, as does Esra, but she nonetheless smiles a little, not showing that she’s happy inside. Her eyes sparkle, confirming to me that this is a good idea.

– At home, you’re sure?” inquired Emmett.

He doesn’t seem to believe I’d say that, but my gaze dissuades him from continuing his questioning. Once decided, we return to the cars and I was secretly delighted to see that Esra doesn’t drive, so she doesn’t have a car to follow us and especially not to leave without my knowledge. Without discretion, Esra climbs in with me, which makes Lisa smile as she climbs in with the guys. Leaving first, I get a good look at Esra, not sure where she’s going. Believe me, she has no idea she’s walking into the lion’s den.

The drive is silent, which I don’t like at all. I want her to feel at ease with me, to discuss everything and anything, but I think it’s a bit too early, and Lisa isn’t here, which doesn’t make it any easier to talk. Esra looks out of the window, searching for any clue as to where we’re going.

– Are you scared? I say to tease her.

– A little, I must admit, but I was wondering what it was like at Lisa’s, and now I’ve got my answer.

– There’s nothing to be impressed about, we live well and you’re welcome any time.

– Thank you very much.

We arrive ten minutes later and as we pass through the gate and advance through people’s homes, they wave at the car and I take the opportunity to clarify one thing through the link.

– As soon as the woman with me is in our territory, the transformation must take place out of sight, she’s my soulmate and I don’t want to tell her everything right now, understand?

– Yes Alpha,” they all answer in chorus, which I have to say makes my head hurt.

I refrain from insulting them and go back to our house. As I pull up in front, Esra’s mouth is open when I get out, and by the time I go round the car to open the door for her, she’s still in the same position, which makes me laugh. The pack members we saw have gathered to see the future Luna of the pack. The people who dare to approach Esra when she gets out of the car are the children. Alice, a little orphan who lost her parents in a fight, greets us and goes up to Esra.

– You’re pretty,” says the shy little girl.

Esra gives me an unsure look, so I shrug, leaving her free to choose. The others have got out of their cars and are watching the scene, as are many of the werewolves present. Unknowingly, Esra is taking a test of her instincts. Esra bends down to Alice and smiles gently.

– That’s sweet, but you’re much prettier than me,” Esra says confidently, thinking we can’t hear.

Her reply made the pack smile, as they listened attentively to the exchange between the future Luna and Alice. Alice blushed at Esra’s words, which made her laugh, then stroked her hair and Alice looked at her surprised.

– Have you lost your parents too? asks Alice.

My soulmate’s laughter stops dead in its tracks, and I refrain from intervening. Everyone around us stares in surprise, while Esra nods gently in agreement. How could Alice know that? I didn’t say anything and neither did Lisa, but Lisa approached the two girls and crouched down next to Esra.

– You know, Alice, you’re not the only one without a parent,” says Lisa gently.

– But …. how do you manage to live without them? Alice confessed.

Many of us are surprised to hear her words. It’s been almost a year since Alice’s parents have been with us, and she’s never opened up like she just did to Esra, whom she met thirty seconds ago.

– I still can’t,” confesses Esra. You have to learn to live without them, but don’t forget that you’re not alone. Don’t close in on your grief, otherwise the pain will make you lose your grip on life, and you’ll get confused about what’s true and what’s false. Don’t think that with time you’ll forget them, no, you’ll just learn to live without them.

Alice listens carefully to Esra’s words, just as we do. Her words are for many of us who have lost loved ones. Without knowing it, Esra has spoken for everyone who has heard her. I approach them to put an end to this more than sad exchange, because we’re not here for a philosophy lesson, and although this has reassured Alice, with her inner questions, this is not the time. I didn’t bring Esra home to solve the pack’s problems by thinking about her past.

– You’re not alone, Alice, you know that,” I added.

Nine-and-a-half-year-old Alice nods, looking up at me. She thanks Esra with a k**s on the cheek, then runs off to her aunt, who gives me a puzzled look. Esra gets up with Lisa, intrigued, so I go over to them.

– Who wants to watch it?

– I choose,” says Lisa, running towards the house.

Esra watches her go, amused, rolling her eyes and not at all surprised by Lisa’s reaction. I hold out my hand to invite Esra in. Once inside, her mouth opens again, making us laugh. At least Alice’s visit didn’t leave her in the lurch.

– You’ve got to be kidding me. Is this really your place?

– Home Sweet Home,” Nick croons.

– Wow, I’ve never seen anything so big and nicely decorated.

– And who do you think did it all? Lisa asked, throwing flowers at herself.

The guys and I don’t say anything, since it was our mothers and my brother and sister who did most of it. Lisa just changed a few things here and there, but nothing more. She takes Esra by the hand and leads her into the living room. For those of us who see this décor every day, it’s strange to see someone in awe as she looks around. But I try to put it into perspective, she’s not used to seeing things in the big picture.

– Lisa urged Esra to sit down on the sofa. What do you want to watch?

– Oh no, I don’t choose, it’s not my place,” replies Esra, embarrassed.

– When I come to your place, it’s always my choice.

Esra stared at her for several serious seconds, then Lisa tensed, suddenly looking sad. Catching the glances of Nick and Emmett, who were also wondering, a movement made us resume the scene in front of us and Lisa sat down next to Esra, resting her head on her shoulder.

– It’s true that I often forget that you know nothing of ordinary customs,” she whispers.

– This is new Lisa, let me get used to it.

Lisa nods, then stands up and claps her hands, surprising us by going back to the cabinet to grab the remote control, then returns to Esra’s side. I don’t really understand what’s happened here, this girl is definitely a mystery.

– Come on guys, we don’t bite,” laughs Lisa, sticking her tongue out at us.

She and Esra look at each other, laughing, but if my soul-sister knew what she meant she wouldn’t be laughing, in my opinion. We take our seats in turn, while Lisa is already putting on Netflix. We opt for a horror film, Hostel. I’m a little surprised that Esra watches this kind of movie, another thing I’m learning about her. Although Nick and Emmett are reassured that they won’t be sticking with a cheesy movie, we’re pleasantly delighted. Seeing room next to Esra, I quickly move in next to her. I don’t see them, but the others smile as they take their seats. Lisa starts the film and I approach Esra to speak in her ear.

– Have you seen it before?

– No, I just know it’s gory, but nothing more.

– You won’t be disappointed,” I add.

She gives me an intrigued look, and our proximity doesn’t seem to faze her as I struggle not to stare at her lips. The TV attracts my attention, allowing me to escape her vairon gaze, but her scent fills my space and I breathe it in as discreetly as possible. During the film, I can see Esra flinch at several scary passages, but the sight of b***d and torture doesn’t seem to have any effect on her. On our way, we watch two and then three to complete the trilogy, but in the middle of the third film, a head lands on my shoulder. Tracker reacts immediately and spins around, tongue hanging out.

– Oh, go on, human, take her in your arms.

– Damn it, you can’t calm down for two minutes. She’s asleep, she didn’t jump on us as far as I know.

– No, but put her in our bed so we can sleep together tonight,” he rejoices.

– Is that all you can think about, Tracker?

– She’s so hot.

Desperate, I don’t answer him anymore, leaving him to his delirious plans for the night. Although he makes me laugh, I’ve never seen such an obsessed wolf. What to do after the film: wake her up? Put her to bed? I agree with Tracker that she’d be much better off in our bed, but….

– But yes, take her to our bed so we can mix our scents, Tracker says.

– Do you really want to scare her or something?

– Not at all, I’m sure the three of us will sleep just fine.

I can’t think straight with him. My head rests on top of Esra’s for extra contact, and she doesn’t mind because she doesn’t move a muscle. The film ends and night falls on the territory, Lisa stretches then is about to give a blow on Esra’s thigh but I block her gesture by catching her wrist which surprises her, but she smiles seeing Esra sleeping against me.

– What do I do, wake her up? I asked Lisa in my mind’s eye.

– No idea, just try to move and you’ll see.

Straightening up, Esra follows my gesture but doesn’t wake up, so she falls head first onto my legs, trying not to look at the position we’re in, I make another gesture to get up, it was a failure but I have to catch Esra who slips to the ground, positioning her correctly I get up with my soul-sister in my arms.

– Are you going to take her with you? asks Nick.

– Yes, I will. Lisa, can you please fix us something to nibble on and come and change her for the night?

– I’ll prepare the tray and take care of it.

Nodding, I climb the stairs to my room, set Esra down on my bed and stand back to gaze at her, the image etched in my memory. Her pale hair is scattered on the pillow – my pillow – there’s no trace of make-up on her face, just a faint scent of fruity perfume emanating from her. A knock brings me out of my thoughts and I see Nick enter with a tray accompanied by Lisa, who is holding some things. Okay, I must have spent some time watching her sleep.

– You’d better take a shower while I get her into her pyjamas,” Lisa advises.

Grabbing some things, I go into my bathroom, while Nick leaves the room and closes the door, I turn on the tap and throw myself under the spray of cold water to try and forget what’s happening right next to me. My soulmate is lying in my bed, and I still can’t f*****g believe it. Honestly, who would believe that I’d find my better half at only twenty-six, when I wasn’t thinking about it at all? As you know, it’s clearly not a good time with werewolf enemies, witches and the red moon… Oh shit, I forgot about that, what if the moon turns red again, what if we get attacked while Esra’s here, I can’t protect her and what if she decides to run away from me?

– We’ll protect her Chris, relax and Lisa would never leave her alone, Tracker reassures me.

Yes, it’s true, Lisa’s there to look after her if things get out of hand, plus she’s got her magic bracelet and that’s a huge reassurance. Washing up quickly, I make my way to my room, dressed in my pyjamas which I never wear because I’m used to sleeping alone, and therefore in my boxer shorts. Lisa is still there, but looking out of the window, I apprehensively join her, seeing the moon high and shining as usual.

OUFFFFF.

– It’s going to be a quiet night,” she declares.

– I hope so,” I murmured. Esra’s awake?

– Yes, but only for a minute to help me get changed and nibble on something, then quickly went back to sleep.

– Do you think she’ll be mad at us tomorrow? For not taking her home?

Lisa steps back and stares at Esra, smiling and urging me to do the same.

– Just for the fact that she’s sharing your bed, because she’ll be embarrassed but deep down, she’ll be happy about it.

– She doesn’t have many friends, does she?

– Esra has a lot of trouble trusting people and her social relationships are good but vigilant, today was the first time she’d been invited to someone’s house.

– Is she that lonely?

– Unfortunately,” sighs Lisa. But now that you’re soul mates it should get better. Good night, Chris.

Lisa k****s my cheek and then goes to k**s Esra before leaving the room with the tray. I stand there, pondering Lisa’s words, the first time she’s been invited? I understand better her reactions to Nick when he hugged her at first, when I invited him home, she didn’t say anything but she was surely delighted not forgetting when she let Lisa choose the film when it was Esra’s to choose. I hope our bond will help her to open up and blossom, I’d do anything for it.

When it’s my turn, I slide into bed, trying not to wake her, then turn to face her, tucking a lock of hair that was blocking her face back behind her ear and imagining her beautiful vairon eyes looking back at me. I move even closer, leaving only my arm between us, separating us. Starting to close my eyes, happy that she’s here with me, I open them again when I feel her hand encircle my forearm and never let go. Looking at her again, I fall asleep, leaving Tracker to watch over her for the night. A role he takes very seriously.

But at one point I got really hot, leaving my shorts and t-shirt to end the night on the floor. Oops.