Chapter 330
Three hundred and thirty-two
Isabella POV
Later that night, Iris and Harrison were binge-watching a series when I lifted the sleeping Maverick and knocked. Iris opened the door, and I handed him over. She settled him on the bed.
Harrison looked up, then immediately looked away. I almost laughed. I understood his reaction, considering he had once liked me and was now with Iris.
“Now that’s some hot girl stuff,” Iris said with a whistle.
I grabbed Maverick’s bag, packed with snacks and water.
The black dress ended above my knees, hugged my waist, then fell loosely over my hips. The neckline dipped lower than I was comfortable with, while the thin straps left my shoulders bare. I paired it with Iris’s black purse and flat sandals because I didn’t have anything else.
I texted Wesley that I was already outside and told him not to come to the lodge.
“I hope you have a good time!” Iris shouted as I hurried into the quiet street.
The moon hung over the rooftops, casting enough light across the road for me to spot Wesley’s black Jeep parked along the side. He leaned against the front, and the moment he saw me, a smile spread across his face.
My stomach fluttered.
It was ridiculous how easily seeing him did that to me. Every time I saw him, it was as if every sensible thought
vanished.
He pushed away from the Jeep as I approached, his eyes sweeping over me.
“I’m actually surprised you obeyed and didn’t come to the lodge,” I said.
“I would have if I’d waited five minutes longer.” He pulled me toward him.
“You look beautiful.” He tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear, then kissed me softly.
I leaned in and kissed him back.
“Your cousin gave me this,” I said.
“Then I owe her a thank you p>
He kissed me again.
I slipped my arms around his neck without thinking as the kiss deepened, our tongues intertwining while his hands settled around my waist. Moonlight washed over us, heightening every desire I felt for him until I forgot anyone could turn the corner and catch us making out.
Wesley finally pulled back, laughing.
“Look at you. You’re always going on about how we should be careful, and now you’re kissing me like you’re starving p>
I gave his chest a slight shove.
“Where are you taking me p>
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“You’ll see. Get in the car p>
He opened the passenger door and nudged his head toward it
We drove in comfortable silence. The restaurant sat outside the busier part of the main district. From the road, it looked more like a large wooden lodge than a restaurant, with dark timber walls, wide windows, and warm light spilling through them.
I glanced through the windshield.
“Are you sure this place is safe p>
“You’ll like it. They have a special dinner every Saturday, and I asked them to make it tonight p>
I looked at him.
“Todsy is Thursday p>
“It is p>
I shook my head.
“Of course p>
Inside, the place was almost empty. Two couples occupied tables on the far right, while a group of men sat near the bar, laughing and enjoying themselves.
Wesley pulled out my chair before taking the seat opposite me.
“So what is this dinner?” I asked.
He smiled.
“Our first proper date. Where I actually take you somewhere nice, feed you, and fuck you afterward p>
My cheeks burned.
“Wesley p>
“What? You don’t have to be embarrassed about it. I’m yours now p>
I laughed. “I wonder how many people you’ve said these same lines to p>
His smile was still there, but it became less flirty.
“Besides Emma and Anita, the last girl I came here with was Beatrice p>
My heart pounded at the mention of my sister’s name. Not because I doubted Wesley was telling the truth, but because of how twisted everything seemed to be.
How would he even take it when he found out that his former lover was my half-sister?
“Well, I’m honored,” I said softly.
The server brought our food, steam curling from the wooden plates, and we continued talking between bites.
“Mom’s gala is next weekend. I want you to come,” he said.
“Anita already invited me p>
24
1
aamery hea
His frown deepened.
+15 Benus
“And you said yes p>
I threw my head back, laughing at how childish Wesley could be sometimes.
“What would you have me do? I designed her dress, and it would be rude to say no. Besides, it’s not like we’re just. going to walk in, you and I, holding hands when you’re still in your fake relationship with Barbara p>
“I still don’t think it’s a good idea. Word has it that Anita can be very persuasive with her love interests p>
My lips twitched.
“Are you worried she might steal me from you p>
“I’m not worried p>
“Really? Because she’s gorgeous, witty, carefree, and she doesn’t even have to try. If I were into women, you’d be in trouble p>
He gave me a look.
“She’s my sister. I don’t want to share p>
I laughed. “Good to know p>
He went back to eating, but the crease between his brows told me he was already thinking through what to do.
I reached across the table and took his hand, my thumb brushing over his.
“We can’t keep hiding forever,” he said. “We’ll tell her the truth p>
My face broke into a smile.
“When p>
“Now? Tomorrow? I don’t care. We just have to tell her. She’ll be hurt, but she’ll get over it p>
I sighed. Things could get messy if I didn’t handle this carefully. I had to involve Grandma Cassidy first, before Wesley found out the truth about the bond.
“Why don’t we leave it until the gala?” I said.
“Hmm, not a bad idea p>
We went back to eating.
“So what changes after we tell her?” I asked, needing to know whether Anita was the only obstacle or if he truly
wanted me.
He sighed.
“You know what I hate most right now? Being the future Alpha. If I weren’t, I’d marry you right now p>
My heart skipped. I chuckled, trying to play it down.
“You like me enough to marry me? You don’t even know me p>
“That’s what I’m planning to do. Get to know you, every part of you p>
3/4
The hurt and thaty-twist
C
+15 Bgnus
I sighed.
“You don’t mind that I have a child p>
His gaze softened.
“No. I don’t mind at all. Maverick is part of you, Isabella. I wouldn’t expect you to separate the two p>
My chest tightened.
“More than anything, I want whoever assaulted you to face the consequences. What happened to you shouldn’t be something you have to carry while the person who did it walks around freely p>
I couldn’t meet his eyes.
He pulled his chair closer and lifted my chin.
“People who hurt others and get away with it only learn that they can do it again. I won’t let that happen to you p>
I swallowed.
He studied my face. “If you can give me anything that leads me to him, I will find him. And when I do, he’ll answer for what he did p>
My heart ached at the certainty in his voice.
I wanted to believe him. I really did. But it had been too long since I believed the world cared about fairness. I’d learned that some people could hurt you, walk away, and leave you to deal with everything they had destroyed.
Wesley didn’t know who he was promising to find. He didn’t know the man was an Alpha like him.
“I could try,” I said, unsure why the words left my mouth.
His thumb brushed over my cheek.
“You don’t have to tell me everything tonight. But when you’re ready, I’ll be here p>
I managed a small smile.
“Let’s eat p>
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Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.