(Jesse’s POV)
I halt mid-stride and c**k my head, squinting to be sure that my eyes aren’t playing tricks on me. Isabella. My wolf never wanted Layla. He barely spoke to me after we reconnected and especially after all we put Isabella through as our mate thereafter.
It’s not like I wanted to hurt her. She’s just collateral damage.
After Isabella formally rejected us, he has not spoken to me at all. Seeing her now feels like a silver-bladed dagger dipped in wolfsbane to the heart.
My wolf releases an ear-splitting howl inside my head.
I ignore him.
She’s alone. This is my chance. Maybe I can negotiate a trade with her – the healing gem for returning her pack.
“Isabella!” I jog to catch up with her.
She stops and turns toward me when she hears her name. Damn, she is beautiful.
