Page 34 of Bella and Her Beast
“What does that have to do with anything?”
“You said that your family is cursed to never love, however I think you have already broken that curse. You are always adamant that you just don’t do love or relationships, but sweetie, I think you do and he’s the reason why.”
“What if I’m wrong and just forcing myself to accept something that isn’t true?”
“I think it is. I’ve never seen you more happy than a few weeks ago. It was like you were floating on air. Then again, you might’ve been since your family is all witchy and shit.”
We laugh for a few seconds at her corny joke.
“But seriously, stop being so pig-headed and go to him. I understand you are scared and everything, but that’s the only way you will see if it’s real. Bella, tell him you love him and let him love you back.”
I throw my arms around her neck and squeeze as hard as I can.
She mimics choking, garnering another giggle or two from me.
“Joy, I love you. Thank you for being my sister by choice.”
“Love you too, girl. Now gone and get out of here. If I hear from you later, I know it didn’t go well, and he’s not the one. If I don’t, then I know that face will beam tomorrow. That’s if you show up.”
I swat at her arm before exiting the break room.
“Hey, James? Something has come up and I will be leaving out. Can you cover Joy’s shift and she’s gonna close for me? I promise to make it up to you in coffee gift cards.”
“Deal. I need the extra hours, anyway.”
“Thank you again.” I grab my purse, log off and head over to Greyson Manor.
* * *
Greyson
It isone week to the day before my twenty-fifth birthday. I had imagined myself doing something other than creating a more comfortable environment for my wolf habitat. Yet, here I am striking away at these nails with my hammer.All she had to do was talk to me,I think to myself as I continue to pound away. I hit the material so hard, it cracks.
“I can have another piece delivered here tomorrow, sir,” Russ says, when he enters the room. “I thought you may want something to eat. You’ve been down here for hours now.”
“Actually, days,” I reply, taking the cold beer from the small lap tray he's carrying.
“I wasn’t going to say anything. I take it you still haven’t heard from—”
“Bella? Yeah, she called. We talked for hours and even shared a few funny moments.” Sarcasm has become my favorite language of recent weeks. I know Bella said she needed time, but unfortunately, I’m running out of it. She had to feel the connection we had between us, or the deep intense affection when we made love. How could she not?
I toss the hammer to the other side of the room out of anger and finish my beverage before chucking the empty bottle into the trash can.
“Sir, I don’t mean to pry, but is this really about the possibility of becoming a wolf or is it about Bella?”
His question is spot on. I'm not sure which one makes me more angry.
"Maybe it's the thought of me turning and not being able to hold or even touch her."
"I take it she still has yet to respond to your attempts?"
"Oh, yeah. She's on her way over right now with cookies and ice cream, so we talk." I take a seat in the chair beside the enclosure.
My sarcasm isn't lost on him. He rolls his eyes at my remarks. "A simple no would've sufficed."
"I know you mean well. I'm just so frustrated with the unknown. If she would just see beyond the curse and how we love each other, then all would be well. She's the one."
"Are you positive?"
