Page 48 of Chasing Luna

“What?” I yawn, and make my way back to bed.

“I realized how much of a coward I actually am.”

Huh?

Before I can say anything, he speaks, “When I saw what your sister did, I remembered what happened during the uprisings. How scared I was back then, how I let myself get swept up in all of the mayhem without ever doing anything.”

“Gregory, we were kids.” He cups a hand on my mouth. He stares at me before speaking again.

“I was stupid to let you go without telling you how I felt.” He moves his hand to my cheek. “Isabela, I like you. I always have.” He moves a little closer to me, slowly. Gently.

“And I know I always will,” he breathes out.

Chapter Forty-Six

“You have the worst timing in the world,” I reply, and this takes him by surprise.

“I, um, what?” he sputters.

“You barge into my room at this hour, confess you’ve liked me since we were kids, and expect me to just accept it? After everything that happened tonight?” I hiss.

“I don’t mean to overwhelm you, but seeing you earlier with Kenji—”

“So, this is fueled by jealousy?” I roll my eyes at him. “Gregory, I don’t know if this is something we should be thinking about right now.” I sigh. “It’s not a good time for me. For both of us. Remember? We’re here because we need to get your father out. I also can’t leave my pack behind anymore, not after Katya’s death. Not until I learn why Katarina’s acting strange.” I go off on a tirade, but he takes both of my hands.

“I understand all that, Isabela.” Gregory nods, stepping closer to me. “But I just have to let you know. I can’t let you go again without you knowing how I feel. I don’t ever want to leave you again, especially not here with your evil grandmother. I’m not even asking for an answer from you.” He rubs his thumbs against the back of my hands. “I just want to let you know, before it’s too late again.”

Okay, breathe, Isabela.

“Do you think, I, um,” he inhales to steady his nerves, “do I have a chance, though?” He smiles. “With you? Not now, of course. But, sometime in the future?” He exhales shakily. I stare at him. He’s looking at me in earnest, hazel eyes big and vulnerable. He’s hunching over me, broad shoulders rising up and down to match his breaths.

This grown man looks so out of place inside my quaint room, but he seems comfortable, at home, even. Although if the situation wasn’t this serious, I would’ve burst out laughing at the contrast. I try to calm myself down, realizing I haven’t given him an answer yet. “Can you wait for me?” I ask, hesitating to look at him. “It’s not a no, but right now, there are just too many things that are happening. I can’t exactly say yes.”

He lifts my head so I can face him. “Of course, take the time you need.” Gregory lets me go. “I, uh, I’ll see you tomorrow?” he offers. I nod and he leaves me alone. For the first time in my life, my heart is pounding and it’s not because of an enemy.

He likes me? He actually likes me?

I feel myself starting to get giddy, but I force myself to get serious. “Am I a child? Stop this nonsense, I’ve got to concentrate.” I shake my head to clear my thoughts, and let myself drift off to sleep.

***

I wake up with a start at this point. It’s still pitch-black, so I know I haven’t been asleep for long. Feeling the scratchiness in the back of my throat, I head outside to get a glass of water. I go to the kitchen, and take a glass from the cupboard. I reach for a pitcher from the fridge and drink to my heart’s content. “You’re up late.” Kenji’s voice startles me, and I almost spew the water out of my nose. I glare at him. “Oops, sorry about that.” He snickers and hands me a towel.

“The hell are you doing up? Also, I’m surprised you’re still here.” He feigns being hurt at my words.

“I’m actually staying until you turn eighteen. I mean, I traveled all the way here might as well stay for a few more weeks.” He shrugs and takes the pitcher from my hands, and pours himself a glass of water. “How are you doing?” he starts after a moment of silence.

“I don’t know, it’s a lot to take in,” I mutter.

“How likely is it that Katarina’s gained a new power?” he asks and I think back to what Eliza told me earlier.

“I don’t know,” I answer carefully, not ready to fully trust Kenji too.

“Really, because it seems to me that’s what’s happening here.” He takes a swig from his glass.

“Yeah? Why is that?” He looks at me, blue eyes twinkling in the dark.

“How else will you explain how she killed the Alpha?”