Chapter 28: Chapter 28

TWENTY-EIGHT

Black was trying not to show how anxious he was as he entered the familiar restaurant. Even as he looked at the front counter, he saw the familiar waitress who was very chatty. He nodded his head at her as a greeting before searching for Willow’s familiar face. It didn’t take long for him to spot her, he slowly walked towards her dreading whatever was about to happen. But as he drew closer to her, his steps hastened down when he smelled her scent.

He took in a deep breath and stood in the same position, only looking at the back of her head. On cue, Willow turned and met his eyes, her honey-brown eyes shining in the light of the room. Black could not bring himself to move forward. Every possibility of it being the last time he would see her clawing at his vulnerable mind and heart. He knew that he probably looked weird in front of all these people for freezing up in the middle of the restaurant but he would rather remain frozen than walk ahead and risk being rejected, never to see that lightly freckled face ever again.

Willow motioned for him to come over with her hands, a small smile on her face. Black scowled, she obviously had no idea what she was doing to him. Not only were her eyes a weakness for him but now that her scent was back, it invaded his senses and made him want to claim her as his with no hesitation. A week before he had managed to smell her scent when it was slowly coming back and it had almost made him want to mark her but now that it was fully back, he was not certain if he could control his instincts.

With a surge of bravery, he took the remaining steps towards her even though his mind warned him against it. His wolf was already fighting for control and he had to take a few breaths before taking a seat, which only proved to be fatal for him because he inhaled more of Willow’s newly and fully recovered scent. The sweet smell of fruits and what he could make out as a strong shampoo and body wash tormented his mind and weakened his strong will.

“I was starting to think you bailed on me,” Willow rested her hands on the table but avoided his eyes. “It feels weird being here as a customer.” She added with an awkward laugh.

Black looked around just as she did. He wondered if she had bothered to spend money to drive from the city just to reject him. Was it that urgent for her to reject him?

“Should we order first? I think we should.” She said and stood up. Black silently watched her walk to the counter and order their food. He watched Willow chat with the other woman and a small smile found its way on her face before she hit the other woman’s shoulder.

When she walked back though, she seemed tense once again. “I didn’t want to call a waitress over because I think it would be awkward for me. I ordered a burger and fries, I hope you’re not picky...I’m kinda broke.” She laughed and Black smiled before shaking his head.

“It’s alright.”

Black surprised himself by being able to make it through the entire time Willow initiated small talk until they had their food. His wolf was on edge and he silently thanked the people around them because he was certain that if there was no risk of revealing a whole entire race, he would have fallen to his urges.

Black grew more wary of the situation after they finished eating and Willow bid farewell to the staff of the restaurant that she was acquainted to. He realised that now they were drawing toward the moment of truth. Willow would finally make the decision to either reject or accept him. He took in a sharp breath as they stepped out of the restaurant and Willow shoved her hands in her pockets. She looked just as nervous.

Black looked at her and tried to memorise every single detail about her, from her round eyes to the tiny freckles that littered her face. Having the littlest memory of her saved in his mind would be both helpful and a drawback when she rejected him. Either way, he prepared himself as much as he could—well, as well as one could prepare themselves for rejection.

“Black,” Willow called his name in an airy voice. They continued walking down the road. “I’ve made a lot of mistakes and I wish I could turn back time and undo those mistakes. I’m not proud of how I’ve lived my life for a while now...” She paused and stopped walking. Black turned to her and stopped walking as well.

“I won’t lie to you, I hate werewolves and they scare the shit out of me. The first one I met, swept me off my feet, deceived me, betrayed me and used me and the others that followed, the-they...” Willow stopped herself, the horrible memories of men and women having their way with her invaded her mind.

Black noticed the shimmering tears in her eyes and wanted to reach out and pull her into his arms, tell her that she was safe now and that he would never let anyone touch her. It angered him that someone dared to lay a finger on her.

Willow looked up at the sky and tried to hide her tears. “...Anyways, the only person I fully trust is Levi and that’s because he’s earned my trust and I’m thankful to have him by my side. I almost lost that though...” Willow paused and chewed her bottom lip. It was not her intention to go so deep but Black made her feel safe, like she could just let go and tell him everything.

“I almost lost Levi because of stupidity...and I almost lost you.” Her voice went lower. Black’s eyes widened and he looked at her with a shocked look. “Levi told me that if I reject you, I’d be making a bigger mistake than Louis. I don’t want to make such a mistake.”

Willow finally looked at Black and met his eyes. So many emotions awoke the moment their eyes met.

“I want to give not just you but us a chance.”

Black looked away and exhaled the breath that he had been holding. He had expected the night to go in a completely opposite way. He fully expected Willow to reject him, she knew how to do it. She just had to say the words and she did not have to be his mate. Instead here she was telling him that she wanted to give them a chance.

“Will—” Black began after clearing his throat but Willow stopped his speech by grabbing his face and pulling him to look into her eyes.

“Don’t ask me if I’m certain because I am.”

Black remained silent for a few more seconds and Willow grew worried that he misunderstood something.

“I’m still going to ask. Are you sure?” Black finally spoke and Willow smiled at him while nodding.

“I’m very possessive,” Black warned and Willow still nodded.

“I have terrible mood swings,” Willow laughed but still nodded regardless.

“My family is extra and overbearing.”

“I can handle that.”

Black smiled at her and hugged her. Willow took a few seconds to recuperate from the sudden hug before she hugged him back. Up close, Black’s scent invaded her nostrils and she breathed it in even more. His arms held on tightly to her and she felt safe in his embrace.

It took every last resolve in Black to not mark her. He was ecstatic, cloud nine felt like an understatement. He had been praying and hoping for this for so long. He inhaled her scent and sighed.

“I’m going to keep you happy and safe.” He couldn’t help himself, he wanted to assure her.

Willow pulled away and Black did the same even though he would rather hold onto her until his arms did not feel like his own.

“Does this mean you’ll move in with me?”

Willow’s eyes widened. “What?! No!...God No!” She shrieked. “I want us to go slow. Get to know each other and build trust.”

Black had a displeased look on his face. “That doesn’t sound fun.” He grumbled and Willow laughed. “I can live with it though. What happens now though?”

Willow smiled excitedly. “Mm, we go on a lot of dates, get to know each other and everything else in between.”

......

Caleb rolled his eyes as he got into the passenger seat of Black’s car. Yet another beautiful morning that had to be ruined by his “favourite” cousin. He looked over at Levi as the other male got into his own car and waved at him, Caleb waved back just as eagerly. He wished he did not have to sit in another car, he wanted to be in the same car as Levi...to be driven to school by Levi.

But none of that would happen anytime soon, not with the multiple dates that Black and Willow kept going on. At first, when Black told them the good news about Willow changing her mind, Caleb was happy for his cousin. Now though, he wanted to strangle both Willow and Black. Because of the new setup which was Willow living in the city, Caleb was forced to take a ride from Black every morning.

It had been a mere suggestion by Isaac after Black told them about his plans with Willow. Before Caleb knew it, Levi also agrees with Isaac. Apparently, it cost less if they used one car and Caleb didn’t have to buy fuel. Caleb felt betrayed by his own mate, needless to say, he had thought Levi would argue for him only to be disappointed because it seemed like Levi did not enjoy the little time they spent together in the morning when driving to school.

After a talk about it being cheaper for Black and Caleb to use the car, as well as how it would be less troublesome for Levi, Caleb gave in and accepted to be driven to school by Black. Caleb couldn’t complain, a car ride with Black was not bad but it was not a car ride with Levi. He sulked silently with his lower lip sticking out as Levi drove ahead of them.

“Don’t be such a crybaby.”

Caleb clicked his tongue. “I’m not being a crybaby, this has been going on for too long.” He said and leaned in his seat with his arms wrapped.

“It’s only been three days,” Black shot back with a shake of his head.

“Who the hell goes on morning dates for three straight days? Don’t none of you have busy schedules?” Caleb asked in total disbelief.

“We’re both jobless.”

“Could have fooled me.” Caleb removed his phone and sent a text message to Levi. “What do you even do on these morning dates? Personally, I think dates are better in the evening.”

“As if you’d know, you’ve never been on a date.”

“Of course, I’ve been—Oh...” Caleb drawled out before rapidly sending another text message to Levi. “I can’t believe we’ve never gone on a date together.” He muttered to himself.

“What’s so shocking? You’re both busy and when you meet at the end of the day you’re too busy sucking each other to think of anything else.”

Caleb chewed on the inside of his lip while cringing at Black’s words. It was not like he was lying but Caleb would have chosen to word it better. In his defence, they did not spend all their time together indulging in their desires, they also spent time cuddling. And Levi had also started showing interest in Caleb’s hobbies, so on occasion, he’d play video games with him which he sucked at. Or he would read a comic or watch anime with him, and continuously comment about how he could only see breasts.

Caleb wished that Levi would quit his job already. He had told him countless times that he no longer had to work alongside his brother but Levi either changed the topic or distracted him with kisses. Caleb knew that Levi loved his brother despite everything he had done to him. He wished he could easily understand Levi’s love for Louis, especially after everything his brother had done to him.

“Why do you suddenly look like that?” Black asked as he took a corner.

Caleb sighed out loud. “Levi...I don’t know if he’s going to leave his brother. His brother is dangerous and I don’t want him to be associated with him anymore but he won’t listen to me.”

Black remained silent for a moment before speaking. “He still has hope for his brother.”

Caleb turned to him. “Did you also...did you also hope for Wyatt?” The heaviness of the topic made Caleb hesitate with his question.

“Even after everything he had done, I hoped that he’d realise his mistakes. If Wyatt would have apologised and realised his mistakes, I would have probably forgiven him. He was my family after all.” Black confessed with his eyes solely on the road. “Just be there for Levi, support him.”

“Wyatt was good once upon a time. He was a great brother and I looked up to him, even after everything he did it was hard for me to hate him completely. I was scared of losing my only family—”

“Black we’re yo—” Caleb tried to cut him off.

“I know that you guys are my family and I don’t doubt that but Wyatt...he was my brother. After my parents died and despite knowing that Wyatt was the reason, I still hoped for him to change and become my brother again. No matter who was beside me, I worried for my family.”

Black looked over at Caleb. “Didn’t you say Louis is Levi’s only family?” Caleb nodded without hesitation and Black went on to speak. “Believe me, he’s scared to lose his own family.”

The rest of the ride was silent, comfortable. Caleb thought about Levi and how the other probably felt. It never occurred to him that it is hard for people to let go of certain relationships, he never had to experience such a thing. After hearing what Black said, he understood Levi. Caleb tries to put himself in Levi’s situation and realised that he would also be reluctant to let go of his brother.

When they arrived in front of the school, Caleb got out of the car. “Thanks, I understand now,” Caleb said while balancing his backpack and trying to keep the door open with his other hand

Black nodded. “Do you mind waiting for me to pick you up at Dylan’s pack?” He asked and Caleb frowned. “Don’t look at me like that. You just have to get a taxi and wait there.”

“Why can’t you just pick me up exactly after school? Ugh! This is exactly why I should be driving myself.”

“Hey, I did my part and warned you that I'll be late.” Black shrugged.

“Fine,” Caleb muttered after a few seconds. It had been a while since he had been to Dylan’s pack anyways and other than that it would not hurt to see the twins or fill Zaira in on what was happening in Black’s life.

Caleb watched Black drive away before he turned and came face to face with his only friend.

“There must be some really great genes in your family, y’all are so freaking good-looking.” Edward complimented as he eyed the car that was at a very far distance.

“Thanks?”

“Are you sure I can’t date him?”

Caleb rolled his eyes as he pulled Edward by his backpack toward the school’s main entrance. “I’ll tell you what I told you yesterday and the day before...No, you can’t date him.”

“Why?” Edward whined.

“Because he’s got someone and you’re not his type.”

Edward gave Caleb an offended side-eye. “Whatever...” He mumbled.

......

“We've had this living arrangement for two years,” Willow said as she stretched her arms above her head.

Black looked around the apartment, seemingly content with how it looked. Willow looked at him with an amused smile, it almost looked as I’d he was inspecting for anything wrong just to tell her why she should move in with him. In all honesty, the apartment was a better choice than Black’s empty house.

Black nodded after he was done eyeing the living space, it was an upgrade from their previous house. He was glad that Willow and Charlotte seemed to have everything they needed.

“Of course, I’ve known Charlotte my entire life and we’ve lived together for more than half of my life. She moved in with us when I was young and ever since then I’ve considered her to be more of an elder sister than an aunt.” Willow further explained before tapping the spot next to her.

Black looked at the spot before taking a seat, Willow smiled at him before placing her head on his shoulder. Black arrived earlier than she expected, she was still in her pyjamas and her eyes were still heavy with sleep. She started rethinking this whole ‘morning dates’ ordeal. At first, she had thought it a great way to get Black to get her coffee and breakfast but now it was becoming a nuisance to her sleep.

Unlike her, Black did not look half-dead or ready to crawl back into bed. He looked and smelled fresh, she could not help it but lean towards him. His scent was so inviting, yet masculine.

“I still don’t understand what’s so great about this place when you can come and live with me.”

Willow chuckled and rubbed at her eyes. “Your house has nothing in it, literally.”

“That is why you should buy things to put in it,” Black replied.

Willow remained silent for a while and Black looked down at her. One of his eyebrows quirked up when he saw her face.

“Why would you want me to do that?”

“Because you’re my mate.” He answered easily. “After the construction of the house was done, I promised myself to let my mate decorate the house and decide what she wanted.” He added truthfully.

Willow’s lips curved upwards slowly. “Sometimes I feel like I’m completely unaware of what I’ve gotten myself into.”

“Don’t worry, I’m not pressuring you into anything. And if anything I’ll wait patiently until you’re ready for my house to actually look like a home.” Black told her in a reassuring tone.

“You’re so different,” Willow said while looking into Black’s eyes. “How about I help you out with no “because you’re my mate” strings attached?” She proposed and Black nodded.

Willow untangled her crossed legs and stood from the couch. “I’ll get ready and then we can discuss everything over a nice breakfast meal.” She said before walking away to her room.

She hastily did her morning routine and took a brisk shower before wearing a dress and throwing a light cardigan over it. When she walked out of her room, Black was watching whatever program was on the television intensely. She realised that he had not heard the door open and decided to openly admire him from afar.

Black was immensely good looking and she realised that for a while she had probably not taken her time to relish in just how handsome he was. Perhaps it was because, as Millie put it, she hung around good-looking people. Maybe she had gotten used to seeing all these handsome men and beautiful women that she didn’t fully realise that Black’s looks deserved praise. Next to him, she probably looked as average as they come.

“You’ve been standing there for more than twenty seconds,” Black’s voice brought her out of her thoughts. She didn’t miss the smugness in his voice.

“No, I wasn’t.” Willow denied as she walked over to the couch.

“You seem to forget that I have enhanced senses.” Black was clearly amused and when Willow’s skin flushed a deeper colour, he had to keep himself from laughing.

“Whatever, “Mr. -I-can-hear-your-heartbeat”.” Willow said before switching off the television. “Come on, I haven’t had breakfast.”

Black stood up and did as told. Willow quickly looked at the house and pulled Black to the elevator by grabbing his hand. Black stared at their intertwined hands and smiled. Willow was warming up to him faster than he had envisioned. It was unbelievable that they had reached their resolve only a few days ago, she was already acting like they were a couple.

...

“Look at this! What do you think?” Willow shoved her phone in Black’s face.

Black squinted and leaned backwards to look at the screen. Willow continued to assault him with different pictures of home designs that flooded her Pinterest. He only nodded just as he had done with the previous ones. Everything looked good and some even seemed similar but Willow was quick to point out the differences.

She was more excited than he was. Her eyes lit up every time she saw something that she deemed worthy.

“You’ve only been nodding. Should we go with all the designs then?” She asked sarcastically before taking a bit of her pancakes.

“Just choose what you like.” Black shrugged.

“It’s your house...you better be more invested in this.”

“I trust your judgement, so please choose the interior design for our house well,” Black said before resuming to eat.

Willow did not miss the way he used ‘our’ and not ‘my’ and even though she wanted to remind him that it was too early to say such things, she didn’t. It did not bother her as much as it was supposed to.

“I need more than that. You need to let me know about what colours you like and dislike, patterns, material, and what your budget is.”

“I don’t care about patterns or material and as for the budget, I guess there’s not much of a limit. I’ll let you know if I think something is too much.”

Willow rolled her eyes but decided to not say anymore. She figured that it would be okay as long as Black is there. He would tell her what he did not like or what he felt to be too expensive.