Isabella gaped in awe as they approached the sprawling Manor.
The gray stone siding appeared stained with time around the many chimney stacks. Domed balconies decorated all upper levels. Fourth-story towers braced the four corners of the center hub, with two more bordering the east and west wings. Large wolf-like gargoyles perched atop the roof, giving the building a gothic appeal. The sounds of the swelling sea caps reached them from the forest, crashing against the cliff side behind the Manor.
Filled with trepidation, Bella trembled at the prospect of meeting her future family and losing the comfort of Wolfe's company - especially entering a building large enough to disappear inside of it.
As she neared the clearing, Wolfe yelled at her to halt. He dismounted his horse and held his hands up to help lower her to her feet.
"You must be ready to go inside and get things over with," he said as he stared at the house. "But I hoped to talk with you briefly first."
Worry flooded her features as she waited for whatever warning he needed to give. He had all day to say whatever it was he needed to. Why wait for the last moment?
He clasped her hand and gently guided her off the road and back under the tree cover. He slowed his gait as they neared a shallow pool of water fed by the creek flowing a few feet past the opposite side. A massive willow tree grew along the edge, the roots twisted and spilling over the stony ledge as if reaching down into the water. Its branches flowed around it like a curtain, the leaves a startling green and intact, though it should have shed them by now. Wolfe looked around cautiously and then pushed the branches aside.
They stepped under the curtain of willow branches into a dry, secluded, peaceful space. A wooden bench sat tucked against the trunk opposite the water, entirely sheltered from the falling snow. Wolfe gestured for her to rest there as he gripped an overhead branch and sighed.
"This is my favorite place on the grounds. In the springtime, the ground is purple with violets. The willow branches make thick green curtains, shielding anyone under it from view, though a few breaks overhead allow in light. It fully shades the bench in any weather. In this spot, I can see and hear others approaching while they can not detect me. I often come here to think or sleep when I want to be left alone. Only a handful of people know to search for me here, Isabella."
He is showing me his favorite place to be alone. Does he expect me to seek his company? She asked, "Why do you tell me this?"
Wolfe let out a long sigh, sounding somewhat defeated. "This land, this property, is a strange , cursed place, Isabella. Some would say enchanted, but it is sometimes far from that. There may be odd happenings and occurrences you do not understand. You will see the unexplainable and experience the unbelievable. There are secrets to be kept. Ones you may not like. Secrets that could put you at risk."
While she wanted to be skeptical, she had already noticed the strangeness of the land. As her worry deepened, Wolfe blurted out, "You have nothing to fear. No harm will come to you. I promise you." He let go of the branch to step closer. "I need you to trust me, Isabella."
"I believe I already do," she whispered, unable to meet his gaze. He reached for her face, his warm hand soothing her cold cheek. Though confused by the tender, affectionate touch, she did not pull away.
"I will be whatever you need from me, Isabella. A friend. A brother. A protector and confidant. Anything at all that you need, regardless of any status. If you need to find me, promise to wait here, in this place. It will keep you dry in any weather, and no one else will find you. If you are frightened, hurt, or need comfort, I will always be able to find you if you come here . I will know you are safe."
Her eyes welled with grateful tears, eager to have someone to rely on in her new home. Someone trustworthy who genuinely cared for her well-being when her siblings were so far away, and their father was unrecognizable in his desperation and grief. Given the circumstances, a friendship was better than Bella ever hoped for.
Taking in her emotional face, he knelt in front of her. His hands slid across her cheeks, silently pleading with her to meet his gaze. As soon as she did, he leaned in and gently brushed his lips against hers.
Bella gasped as she pulled away from him. Her hand flew to her mouth, her fingertips touching where his lips had briefly dared to land. Warmth bloomed from her cheeks to her chest as her bottom lip tingled, and her heart raced in her chest.
Wolfe looked away quickly as if embarrassed by what he had done. Although his kiss had been slight, it did not feel remotely brotherly or chaste. Least of all, to Bella, who almost regretted her choice to marry her sister's fiance in her stead altogether.
This man is not for you, Isabella Swan. And yet, she could not help but wonder if she was wrong. Her heart certainly seemed to disagree. Bella had never felt more physically content at a person's side. More than content, she felt attraction and affection. Bella had wanted Wolfe to kiss her the night before. She longed for the right to anticipate it when he did rather than taking her by surprise. These emotions were foreign to her, and she was unsure how to respond.
You are absurd, Bella chastised herself. He's practically a stranger.
His face but a breath away, he said, "My apologies, Mrs. Black. There is no telling what tomorrow may bring. I fear it may be the only opportunity."
Against her better judgment, she gave in to the urge to reach for him, clasping onto the front of his shirt. Ever so slowly, Bella leaned toward him, silently willing him to meet her gaze. She could have sworn she saw his bottom lip quiver. For the first time that day, she could see how weary and worried he was.
Was it possible? Was he feeling as remorseful about her decision as she? Wolfe had not faltered in his task; he delivered her safely as charged. While his interest in her was evident, he had not asked her to change her mind or plans. Wolfe had not spoken ill of her intended or given her any reason to fear her course. So why did he appear as if he would give anything to prolong the moment before she greeted her future family?
Breaking their silent stare-off, he begged, "Please say something."
She whispered, "No man has ever kissed me before." She bit back an embarrassed laugh as she blushed.
"Fools." The corner of his mouth lifted into a smirk.
"And you did not ask," she whispered as she stared at his bottom lip.
"My apologies." Wolfe's chest rose and fell almost as rapidly as hers as he leaned closer. Bella closed the distance between them and firmly pressed her lips to his.
His lips melded to hers, moving as if always meant to fit together, and her eyes fluttered shut. Wolfe took advantage of her parted lips as she gasped, slipping his tongue into her mouth. Bella had witnessed Emmett kissing Rosalie once before and had snuck away from them, embarrassed. She did not see the appeal of having one's tongue in another mouth. Bella certainly had not expected it to feel so pleasant. He tasted sweet, and she responded instinctively, pressing herself tighter against him. Bella wondered at the heightened rush of sensations throughout her body, wanting something more yet not knowing what that was.
Needing a breath, she broke away from him and slowly freed her grip on his shirt. Dazed by her passionate response, she stood. Stepping around the trunk to face the water, Bella leaned against it to calm herself. She closed her eyes as she tried to clear her head and slowly caught her breath. Her lips still tingled from his kisses, feeling slightly swollen and utterly naked without his lips upon them now.
His voice was a worry-filled whisper as he leaned around her side. "Are you alright?"
She tilted her head back to see his face and forced a smile. "I will be, I hope. It seems my task has become more difficult." She looked away from him, across the rushing creek and into the forest.
"It doesn't have to be," he whispered and leaned down to press his lips to the side of her neck. Despite the thrill that shot through her, she quickly stepped away.
"It already is." Bella moved around him to sit back down. "I have to marry Jacob Black."
Wolfe tried to hold back his grin. "I know. I will not stand in your way."
Bella shook her head and huffed in aggravation. Gesturing between them, she asked, "Then… why?"
"Because there is something between us," he said. "Something natural and true. I had to kiss you before you entered that house."
Already somewhat overwhelmed, his words did not soothe her. Everything about this place was different. She suspected there was something he was merely hinting at - something that could bring them both great pain.
Tentatively she asked, "What will happen once I am inside, Wolfe?"
" Everything will change," he said cryptically and sighed. Holding his hand out for Bella to take, he looked in the direction they had come. "Come along, Isabella. I need to get you home before sunset."
Bella looked at his open palm, hesitant to take it. "With there be no moonlight tonight?"
He chuckled, beckoning for her hand. "There will be, but the forest is unsafe after dark, Mrs. Black."
As her fingers barely touched his palm, she froze. The name struck a nerve, and her cheeks flushed with her temper. Her heart already ached for what she might be sacrificing. She was in no mood for teasing. "Do not call me that. Until I say those vows, I am still just Bella." Wolfe wrapped his hand around hers and chuckled. His eyes shined with amusement.
"So, it is Bella, then?"
His smug grin annoyed her, yet she felt compelled to smile back. "It is what my family calls me. My mother started the nickname. Isabella is fine, but those that care for me call me Bella."
Tugging at her to come along, she stood and began following him back to their horses.
He looked back to wink at her. "Any other aliases I should know?"
Spotting movement in her peripheral gave her pause. Bella slowed her gait and tugged at his hand. "What was that?"
Wolfe frowned, slowing his pace as he scanned their surroundings.
Bella gasped as the massive brown wolf came into view. It huffed at them and licked its chops, sending an instant shiver down her spine. She scrambled toward Wolfe, wrapping her arms around his waist in a panic.
That is what he meant by the forest being dangerous after dark. That wolf is going to eat us. I will die an unmarried virgin, and Mary Alice will have to become Mrs. Black.
Bella pulled away from him in shock as he cackled. She had accidentally spoken aloud again. Her face and neck immediately felt flushed as she pointed at the wolf.
The huntsman grinned toward it and, to her horror, beckoned it closer.
Bella ducked behind him and buried her face against his back as he laughed.
Wolfe said, "Bella, he is no danger."
No danger? He is a giant wolf! Of course, he is dangerous!
Wolfe pried her locked fingers from his shirt as he turned around to face her. She immediately clung to him again and watched the wolf approach them hesitantly.
"Come," he commanded, and the brown wolf walked to his side.
Bella stepped back, gaping at the wolf in awe. Its coat was soft and luxurious in a chestnut brown with a slight curl. He glanced between them curiously, his mouth ajar as if grinning. Bella immediately thought of the young man she met, whose hair needed combing.
"Quil," she whispered.
The huntsman's face was unreadable as he glanced toward her and asked, "Pardon?"
"He reminds me of Quil somehow," she said. The wolf sniffed at her, inching closer as she stood entirely still. The footprints he left in the snow were large enough to fit both of her feet inside. One swipe of his sharp claws could surely kill them.
"Touch him," Wolfe said and reached out to ruffle the fur on top of the wolf's massive head. The brown wolf butted Wolfe's chest with his forehead in response. When she didn't reach out, Wolfe took her hand and slowly lifted it, guiding her forward.
"He truly trusts you," she whispered to Wolfe in astonishment, and her hand slid into the wolf's fur. The wolf leaned into her touch, allowing her to explore the soft hair at the nape of his neck. He whined in disappointment as she pulled her hand away. Bella laughed, calming further as the wolf nuzzled her shoulder.
"And now he will trust you, too."
Bella gasped as a howl rang out in the distance, and the wolf jerked backward, out of reach.
"Go," Wolfe said, gesturing toward where the howl had come. The wolf darted away from them and back into the deep forest.
"I wondered if I would see any wolves, but I never imagined they would be such a size," Bella admitted.
Wolfe took hold of her hand again, and they began walking. "They are larger than average wolves," he said. "But they would never intentionally harm you. You have nothing to fear, Bella. At least not from the wolves."
Are there other things I should fear? He swore Jacob would treat me gently, but what about the rest of his family? What about Wolfe and his safety? How can I disregard my feelings?
Bella wanted to kiss him again. One last time, she told herself, hoping to make her peace and let him go.
Bella tugged on his hand to stop him again, and Wolfe turned back toward her warily. As she looked around them for signs of anyone near, he asked, "Do you see something else?"
"No," she whispered
Bella bravely moved closer, lifting her hand to caress his face. Mustering up what little courage she had left, she pleaded, "Kiss me? One last time?"
As if to emphasize the need to hurry, the horses whinnied and stepped into view.
Wolfe gave her a dazzling smile before granting her request. His arms slid around her waist as he dipped her back and crushed his lips to hers. This time, he was not so gentle. His kiss burned with desire for her, engulfing her senses as the world around them disappeared. She whimpered into his mouth when his palm came to rest at the swell of her buttocks. His responding moan seemed to set her aflame as he clenched her skirt in his fist.
Her hands clutched onto his shoulders, needing something to anchor her. Though nearly out of breath, she felt lighter than air. Her skin was flushed, and a pleasant ache filled her lower belly. She gasped for air as Wolfe broke away from her mouth only to press his lips to her neck.
Bella moaned as he kissed down her throat toward her breasts and felt a slick, wet heat between her thighs. She arched toward him in her wanton stupor, and they broke apart as she stumbled.
Laughing at their folly, Wolfe miraculously kept them upright. "I forgot where we were for a moment," he admitted.
Bella was at a loss for words as the intense lust she had been drowning in slowly faded. She never expected to feel such an urgent need for a complete stranger's touch. She waited in silence where she stood, watching Wolfe catch his breath as his chuckle died away.
How on earth could I ever love Jacob Black now? Her tears instantly flowed.
Wolfe frowned as he finally looked at her and stepped over to cup her face. "Please do not cry, Isabella." His thumbs brushed tears from her face, and she sobbed. "Did I frighten you? I apologize for getting carried away."
"No, no. That was not it at all."
Wolfe's frown fell away, and he seemed somewhat relieved. "What is it, then?"
"The inevitable," she muttered bitterly. "How can I walk into that house now?"
"I am sorry that you must," he said and sighed. "But not sorry for meeting you, Bella. I am grateful for today, no matter what comes."
Bella shook her head in disbelief. He was right, wasn't he? If today was all they had, it was certainly better than nothing. "Thank you for today. And for your kindness. Thank you for allowing me to share my first kiss with someone I truly wanted to."
"Thank you, Isabella."
She could not hold back an embarrassed giggle as he winked at her.
"We really must go now," he said as he dropped his hand from her cheek. "The sun has nearly set."
Bella followed him to their horses and then struggled to keep herself calm as they rode toward the Manor. When Wolfe helped her down at the foot of the front steps, she worried she might faint.
The charming stone staircase integrated into the landscape, cleverly disguised by moss, ferns, and ivy curling around the edges of each step. Behind them loomed the darkened Manor doorstep, nearly hidden under the massive balcony overhead. Wide wooden columns supported it and the roof above it. Ivy trailed up the columns and along the upper balcony railing. More ivy and white climbing Roses bordered much of the Manor, their large blooms starkly out of place under the early snowfall. The roses nearly reached the fourth floor in some areas. The view was magnificent.
Samuel surprised her when he abandoned his stoic stance as the door guard to grin and wave at her. She laughed with a snort.
"Bella," Wolfe whispered through a chuckle, seeking her full attention. "This is where I must leave you,"
Bella nearly whimpered as anxiety instantly flooded her. The sound of crunching snow under heavy footsteps drew near as Wolfe bent down to kiss the back of her hand.
"It has been a pleasure escorting you, Isabella Swan."
Someone took the reins from her other hand, and Bella spun on them, startled. It was the youngest guard, Seth. Warm and playful, like Wolfe, his smile left her immediately smiling back. It fell from her face in dismay as she turned to say goodbye.
Wolfe was already out of sight, nothing beside her but falling snow.