I felt guilt, sadness, exhaustion, hope. I found myself missing the old Leonardo-the one who met the world with calm indifference, who kept his feelings buried deep beneath a confident front. It was easier to hate that version of him, to turn him into the heartless stranger who rejected me. This new Leonardo, though-he was harder to despise. Despite the cold mask his pale skin and dark hair seemed to wear, his eyes betrayed an emotion that was reserved only for me.
“What would be the point in giving in?” I replied, trying to keep the bitterness from my voice. “Nothing would change. You’d take what little I have left, then leave. Why would I expect any different? Sure, you regret your choice now, but something clearly happened between you and Francesca. If it hadn’t, you’d still be with her. Like I said, it’s too late, Leonardo. You’re too late.”
The words hurt more this time, like a punch that left me breathless, a sharp ache settling in my chest. I ignored the pain in his eyes, the faint shock there, and for a brief moment, it felt like I’d lifted a weight off my shoulders. Finally, I’d given him a glimpse of what I endured every day. Maybe, just maybe, it would push him away.
“Rejecting you was the biggest mistake of my life.” Leonardo’s voice was low, but steady. “Francesca and I-it was always bound to end. I’ve thought back to that day hundreds of times, wondering what the hell was going through my mind. But if you accepted our bond, things would be different now. I’d never make the same mistake again.”
His sincerity threatened to bring me to my knees. He was putting everything on the line, but I couldn’t let myself care. I didn’t want to care. His eyes were open, vulnerable, his words a plea. Instead of accepting that remorse, I threw it back in his face.
“You don’t want me, Leonardo.” I scoffed, turning away, unable to bear the thought of facing him all night, of seeing the peace in his sleeping face, the temptation in his every feature. It was easier this way. I’d lived with the pain for so long that it had become familiar, a shadow I’d grown used to.
Just as I shifted, his cool hand closed around my wrist. His face was set with determination, his eyes challenging. Before I could blink, he pulled me into the center of the bed, pinning my arms beside my head. His damp hair brushed against my nose, and I glared up at him, barely holding back a snarl.
“Get off me,” I growled, struggling against his grip.
“Not until you listen to me.” Leonardo’s frustration broke through. “You’re so damn stubborn, you know that?”
“I’m stubborn because you don’t listen!” I snapped, narrowing my eyes. “Say what you need to and get off me.”
“I want you, Isabella.” His voice was soft, warm. He leaned closer, his breath a whisper against my face. Despite myself, I took in his scent, shallow breaths I couldn’t stop. “Not just to share a bed with. I want you as my mate, my Luna. You can fight the bond, but I’ll be fighting, too. You might be stubborn, but I’ve got you beat.”
I could feel the pull of our bond, his soul reaching out to mine, closing the space between us with every heartbeat. Each breath fanned the flames, my body aching with a longing I’d tried so hard to bury. This was what I’d dreamed he’d say, the words spilling from his lips in a dance meant only for us. I could feel my walls crumbling, as though the barriers around me were tumbling down one by one.
“Leonardo.” His name was a warning on my lips, but his gaze was steady, unwavering.
“Don’t worry, kitten.” A mischievous glint sparked in his eyes. “I won’t kiss you until you ask. And you will.”
“I won’t,” I muttered, shaking my head, though my heart was already betraying me. “You’ve said your piece. Now let go.”
As I spoke, my freezing hair brushed against my skin, and a shiver wracked through me. The mischief in his eyes shifted to concern as he reached up to brush the damp strand away, his fingers lingering on my collarbone.
“You’re freezing.” He frowned, and before I could protest, he flipped us both over, pulling me to his side, his arms a strong cage around me. His warmth seeped through every layer of clothing I wore, surrounding me, melting the chill that had settled into my bones.
“Leonardo, this is not happening.” I wiggled in his hold, fighting the surge of comfort I felt there.
“Stop fighting it, kitten.” He sighed, rolling his eyes. “You’re practically shaking. This is self-preservation. I won’t get any sleep with you trembling like that.”
“You’ll keep your hands to yourself?” I asked, one eyebrow raised.
“Promise.” He nodded, but his eyes sparkled with amusement. “You’d warm up faster if we took these clothes off.”
“Leonardo,” I shot back, my tone sharp.
“Just saying.” He shrugged, a laugh rumbling low in his chest. “Still thinking of smothering me?”
“Still considering it,” I muttered, letting my gaze wander to the shadows in the room. “I might let someone else have the honor. I’m not interested in taking over your entire pack.”
“Good luck,” he chuckled, a warmth in his laughter that made something inside me soften. I wanted to hear that laugh more, see him smile, feel what it was like to share in his happiness. Realizing where my mind had wandered, I pushed those thoughts away, returning to what tomorrow might bring.
As my thoughts drifted, a familiar scent caught my attention.
“Did you really use my shampoo and conditioner?” I asked, a hint of accusation in my voice.
“You smell good.” He shrugged. “Besides, you used mine. so it’s only fair I do the same.”