Les Liasons Dangereues (Adela)

[tinkerbell]

Josef needed to be distracted. Adela began to dig down in her purse without looking, something told her to stay aware of the werewolves around her. Finally, Adela’s hand grasped onto Josef’s leather wallet. She pulled it from her purse and stuck it into his hand without looking back. “Perhaps, you should go pay for your new clothes before you rip them to shreds,” Her words were not quite a whisper but he would hear her loud and clear. She didn’t want to be demeaning or bossy but control was imperative right now. Josef definitely needed a few moments to regain his composure. Smiling, Adela stepped towards Basset, “Perhaps we knew each other in a different life. Why don’t,” She stepped passed her and towards the entrance of the store, “We step outside. In fact, I know of a Cajun restaurant not too far from here. Mind you, it’s not all that close but…” They were outside now. The breeze was welcoming. She hadn’t realized how tense and stuffy it had become in the boutique. “I’d say…” She point eastward, “Two miles, max. A restaurant called, eh…. Thanksgiving, I think.” She laughed. It was a dumb name. But, she’d eaten there once. Not terrible. “Cajun isn’t my thing. I prefer Indian if I’m going for something spicy, you know?” How in hell was she able to make conversation with a woman who had quite possibly destroyed Josef’s life, at least as he saw it. Josef had every right to be angry. And if Adela ever met the wolf who changed her, she'd probably be mad too. She didn't really remember the attack, she'd been so drunk, but she certainly remember her first full moon. “I can’t apologize for him. It’s not my place and honestly, I can understand. I’m sure you too were once bitter as he still is.” She ran a hand through her hair and pursed her lips. This was a tough situation. Should Adela immediately create an enemy for herself just because Josef had? Perhaps. But, she wasn’t sold on the immediate image Josef had painted for Basset. She would wait and make her own judgments.

[bloodoak]

The Thanksgiving? That was an odd name, but she wasn't about to complain, good Cajun, was good Cajun. No matter how ridiculous the name seemed. Basset smiled, "Cajun reminds me of home, or at least close to home. I do appreciate good Indian on occasion though." The wolf next her was conflicted, her body couldn't make up it's mind between hostility, and neutrality. Basset understood what she was going through, he was her mate. Though she had never been in Adela's position, she had never had a mate, well not a true mate, she understood. It looked to her, that they had imprinted on each other, even if they hadn't realized it yet. The breeze blew cold on her bare shoulders as Adela said she couldn't apologize for Josef. Basset didn't want an apology, she just wanted to remember where she knew this lycan from. It was nice though, that she was trying to understand what went on between them. He most likely told her all kinds of horrific stories about that night. She probably thought that she was a monster.
She shook her head,"I was eleven, but not once did I feel sorry for my self. I was brought up to love my wolf, she is a part of me. I don't know where I would be with out her." Basset looked down for a moment, few people knew how long she had been a lycan. That part of her, she rarely spoke of. She remembered that night like it was yesterday, the full moon was so beautiful. Her mother was telling stories of the ancestors, that would be the last time her heard her mothers voice. She missed her mother, but somethings can't be changed. The only thing Basset could do was honor her memory and live as her mother would have her live, following her instincts and her heart. She looked back up and at Adela "You must know, I didn't bite Josef out of malice. He was living precariously, taking the risks he shouldn't and ignoring the ones he should've. He took his life for granted, and I couldn't stand it."

[Josef Ibn-Abad]

Adela had stepped in front of Josef. She took the lead in a situation this tense, in a situation the centered from a past even in which this woman nearly claimed Josef's life and yet Adela took the lead? "Oh Josef, don't flatter yourself, I didn't come here for you. It is she, that sparked my curiosity." Adela? Who did Basset think she is? Adela was not lunch. Before Abad could pass Adela and front Basset, his mate handed him his wallet and made the subtle but firm hint that he needed to go pay for his clothes and try and calm down. How was Abad suppose to calm down now? This was a woman, who by all accounts had twisted Josefs world, flipped it upside down and turned him into something he had not wanted. She did not ask him, Basset simply did it. Abad wanted nothing more than absolute revenge, to inflict on her that pain that had upon him. Every bite, every scratch, every claw and nip. She started this and Josef wanted to end in. Jager, however, was holding firm in her belief that Josef needed to calm and kept her body firmly between Josef and Basset.

He wasn't sure how exactly he walked off but it must have been noticeable cause as soon as he made his way to the cashier, he slapped the counter, along with his prior clothes. It did not take a rocket scientist to tell that something was wrong in another person. If someone was having a truly emotional experience, it was written well on their face. Abad had a look of semi-aggrivation mixed with near pure irritation. It made no sense. Why out of all of the places on this rock did Basset have to be in Paris? Why in the entire city of Paris did Basset have to be here? And why did Basset have to follow her nose? Did she not know the rule that curiosity kills the cat?

"Everything ok?" The teller asked. The way he phrased the question caused it to come off as a rehersed line. Stores often taught, or well... tried to teach sales associates interpersonal skills. If they were more personable to a customer, the customer may buy more.

Abad looked at the teller. He knew full well what slipped from his lips so the shock that crossed the Tellers face did not surprise him. "Have you ever seen a woman whose neck you wanted to wrap your hands around and squeeze tell her head went pop like a balloon with too much air?"

"Uhhhh....." The teller looked towards Adela and Basset but his eyes were shifting, as if following a movement. Abad turned to watch Adela walking out with Basset, "Which one is the one you wanna choke?"

"The abnormally long armed one who reminds you of one of those space aliens from a 1950's Sci-fi movie." Abad replied as though ice were on his voice. The teller took the clue and remained quiet for the rest of the ring up. Josef was not sure what to do now. The teller bagged his old clothes, slipped the receipt in it, handed the card back to which Abad put in his wallet and simply watched the pair. His body was waiting for that small flicker, anything, that would show Basset as a threat towards Adela.

She had attacked Josef with his back turned. It was horrid enough that she did it in her wolf state, but the fact she attacked a man with no chance to defend himself was reprehensible. This day needed to end... now. He was not going to be any place Basset was, though he did not want to leave Adela. If she had attacked Josef, she had the same ability to attack someone he loved. Though it appeared, for the time, they were civilized and by Adela cutting in front of Josef earlier, it seemed she did not want him doing anything.

So he would not.

"Where is your men's restroom?" Josef asked. The clerk pointed to a back corner of the store and Abad immediately took off for it. Unlike other public restrooms, this boutiques was clean. Four stalls, four urinals, four sinks, four paper towel dispensers. Everything seemed classy. Plopping his bag on the floor, Josef took tissue plugged the sink and filled it with cold water. As the water filled the porcelain bowl, Abad stared at himself in the mirror. He finally noticed that his eyes were caught mid shift. Jo wanted out and Jo was determined to get out. Abad wondered why he shouldn't just let Jo loose. Have at Basset and inflict the same pain upon her as she had to him. All he wanted was his chance, the opening.

"No."

With that one word, Abad stuck his head into the now filled sink. Submerged, he tried to cool off, to calm down but it was not working. Perhaps it was best if he simply just went back to the apartment. He just could not be around Basset, no matter how much of a "act" she put on.

[tinkerbell]

“He took his life for granted and I couldn’t stand it.”

Funny how one little line like that could change your perception of a person. Adela was certainly not one to dwell on the past. The fact that she remembered so little about the night she was attacked just made it easier for her not to think about it. There was nothing she could about it now and so she was trying not to fight what she was. She wanted to accept her wolf and for the most part, she was succeeding in doing so. But, Josef was his own person. He should be allowed to do what he wanted. And, if that meant mourn for his past life and disagree with his other half, then so be it. “Oh, I understand…” Adela stared at Bassett with cold eyes, her muscles tensing beneath her skin, “You’re the caped crusader. Someone wronged you. And so you find it comforting to run around dealing out people’s fate because someone a long time ago dealt you a card you didn’t expect. Don’t you think,” Adela took a step closer towards the werewolf, her own words fueling anger inside of her, “You could have let him live out his life and let him ‘take it for granted’ and that would have been punishment enough for his sins. Perhaps he would have died alone…. I wonder. Who was it that made you God? Who gave you this awesome control over life itself? I think they may have made a mistake,” Adela’s words were probably foolish. But she felt compelled to defend Josef. Adela wondered suddenly where Josef was. Why was he taking so damn long? She might need him after the words she just let escape from her mouth. Perhaps, she shouldn’t have defended him. Adela started to apologize but stopped herself. Why? Why should she apologize to someone who was apparently trying to do God’s work for him? Hell, Basset could be the werewolf who had been her not too long ago. “Josef has every right to despise what you are and what he is. He hasn’t been given any time to allow the wounds you gave him to heal. He needs time,” Adela was breathing heavily and trying to calm herself down again. Josef needed time, he needed her. Adela would be there for him.

[bloodoak]

Basset didn't think that the truth would spark such anger. But apparently Adela wasn't ready to hear what she had to say. It wasn't surprising though, from the moment she met her, Basset knew that it wasn't going to be easy. Not with Josef as her mate at least . Fate dealt her hand to each person, and they had to learn how to play. It wasn't a curse that she gave, but a gift, an alternate life that could be lived. If Basset had not bitten him that night; than he would not have the strength to even being to understand what is is truly capable of. He was at the second stage of the process though, which was good. First came denial, than anger, depression, and finally acceptance. Once he accepted himself as he was, he would become more powerful than he could imagine. "Your the caped crusader..."[/i] And so came the assumptions, she was evil, she was the bane of all living existence, blah, blah, blah. Basset knew she wasn't a saint and she accepted that fact. She was a murderer. She killed those who harmed innocents and she knew that one day she would have to answer for it. "I am no hero and I don't pretend to be. What happened to me was unfortunate, but I don't take it out on innocent people. Be angry if you wish, but I do not regret what I did. Josef needed an attitude adjustment and I gave it to him." She was slightly disappointed, Basset had hoped she would understand. Adela was blinded by her love for him, that much she recognized. She turned toward her and looked her straight in the face, "Tell Josef to check his story, I bit him on the ankle." Adela was pissed, and Basset decided simply to walk away. This was not going to go anywhere productive. Her wolf didn't want to fight with Adela, it was just curious. It would have to find another way to satisfy it's intrigue. This wasn't the first time it had lead her into a tight spot and it wouldn't be the last. "I don't wish to fight you, I will take my leave. But do look me up when you are ready to listen." She turned and walked down the street. Basset sighed and turned the corner, she would have to figure out why she knew Adela on her own. It was going to drive her inane if she didn't. She wasn't about to let this one incidence ruin her day though, it was simply to beautiful. The sun was shining, the birds were singing; she could get used to living in France.

[Josef Ibn-Abad]

Water splashed across the floor as Abad brought his head back up. He was still hot with anger, with rage and so he stuck it back into the sink. Not unique for him, cold water felt good, especially against his face but still this was having little effect. All the water was doing was soaking his head, hair and the top of his shirt. Might as well stop. Pulling the makeshift plug out, Abad used from tissue to dry off his face, tossed it into the trash and made his way out. A with a soaked shirt and wet hair immediately caught glanced but the Syrian paid them no attention. He picked up on Adelas scent but it appeared Bassets was fading. What happened? What was going on? He picked up his pace through the store and towards the front. He spotted his mate but Basset was gone.

Josef shoved his way out of the door, shaking the hinges of the door, "Is she gone?" Abad asked. "Did she take a damn clue?" He was still irritated that Adela had cut in front of him, taken the lead in that situation. They would need to have a discussion on that but what if Adela stood up for him? Did she come to his defence when he was not around? Did she want to approach Basset in a more civilized manner than Josef would have in order to ensure that a fight did not erupt? Many questions and no answers... yet. Finally he noted a glance from Adela at his 'dampness'. "Oh sorry. The Urinal I was in had a urinal cake color that I did not like so me and that Urinal got in a fight." Sarcasm was not his best ability and he knew it but right now he was not trying to amuse anyone. He was trying to remain as calm as humanly possible.

"What happened?" Josef finally asked, his voice calming down a degree as he finally gave Adela his full attention. Jo wanted to scold her, nip at Dela for that stunt in the store. There were times when it was acceptable for Adela to take the lead but was that one of them? Essentially neutering her man in front of another wolf or was Jo looking at it wrong? Abad decided to try and take a page from Adelas book, see it from her perspective. A male wolf who went from happy go luck to outright angry on a dime, his body reading nothing but of a threat, a human who was losing control of his wolf in a store full of people. Jager had made the right call. Had she not done what she did, Josef and Basset may have been in a brawl in the middle of a Paris boutique. "Thank you for... sending me away with my wallet."

[tinkerbell]

“Ready to listen,” Adela mumbled to herself as Basset walked down the street and away from her. Now, the werewolf was angry. She thought he was giving people some gift. What gift? The gift to be bound to the moon for all eternity? It was one thing if someone had asked for this but who in their right mind would do so. Obviously, Basset was crazy. A self-absorbed, egotistical werewolf. Adela was pacing, breathing hard, and furious when Josef finally emerged from the store. She wanted to call him out on what she thought he had just been: a coward. Running from what he feared. Of course, Adela wasn’t thinking logically. When in reality she had helped him excuse himself to save face, she was now thinking he had run and hid in the bathroom. “Why are you wet?” She spat in his direction. He spouted something off about a urinal and she got the sense he was trying to be funny. Adela didn’t laugh. “She’s gone, your welcome, and I want to go home.” Adela started off towards her apartment. The area was still rank with Basset’s scent and she wanted to get away from the smell. She didn’t wait for Josef as she stormed down the street. Why was she so angry? Dela wasn’t angry. The wolf was calm. It was the human that was so upset. In her eyes, Josef had just come off very weak. It wasn’t appealing. Of course, she had been the one to send him away. But, women were never that logical. Yes, Adela wanted to be independent of him. But she suddenly felt scared. Was he even capable of being an Alpha? He’d just freaked out in Basset’s presence. Adela didn’t know. She didn’t know why she was feeling so emotional suddenly. Adela stopped and leaned against a nearby wall. “I’m sorry, Josef.” She turned to where he was, “That must have been awful for you. Are you alright? I don’t know what got into me.”

[Josef Ibn-Abad]

The atmosphere between Adela and Josef had changed so quickly, so rapidly that Abad had no time to adapt. His emotional defenses shot up as soon as the first words erupted from her mouth. “Why are you wet?” Josef wanted to fire back. The attitude at which she snapped at him needed to be changed quick, fast, and in a hurry. Who did she think she was addressing? The more she grew agitated “She’s gone, your welcome, and I want to go home.” Jo was pissed, possibly just as angry as Josef himself. He could smell the angry, the irritation. What went on between her and Basset and why was she angry with him? Did he do something? Abad began to think carefully. She couldn't be mad about a wet shirt. Was it that he got so angry? Surely she couldn't be mad that he did not confront Basset more, that he did not take the lead. She essentially took that from him. Holding his tongue, Abad walked closely behind Adela, his eyes staring a hole in the back of her head.

Arabs were known to have tempers. A trait Josef was not proud of but accepted. He'd been trying to watch is since the events that unfolded in his house the morning Adela had left but she had essentially promised to not purposefully push him that far. She watched herself and he watched himself. It just did not make sense and Adela was trying his nerves. When she suddenly stopped and leaned against a wall, “That must have been awful for you. Are you alright? I don’t know what got into me.” He was not sure what to say. Another huge emotional swing on the turn of a dime yet again. Adela was emotional, that was for certain but what the hell was the earlier outburst for? If she was so angry with him, why make snide comments and stomp off like the end of the world was at hand?

He could say so much. So many words wanted to escape his words but what should he say and how should he say it. If he came off as outright rage filled over her demeanor, she'd probably kick to another emotional switch. As calmly as he could, he ask "What is going on?" His eyes narrowed and his voice lowered as he remembered there were other people besides them around. It was easy for someone to lose themselves in thoughts and ideas and opinions, especially when they were in such an emotional conflict. "This same thing happened in New York. Just before you left. Remember?" He paused as his eyes widened slightly. Everything with Basset had faded, instead he focused on what he thought was the problem, "Is this about me having to leave Paris?" He remembered when she was leaving New York, he got agitated and upset. Reality was starting to set in, and it had, but with such high emotions it was coming back again, Josef would be away from Adela for a couple of weeks, "Don't worry! I'll be in New York. Remember, I tracked you down. You have nothing to worry about."

[tinkerbell]

Her words had been manufactured. She felt bad for being so angry at him so she’d just said the nicest thing she could. Adela hadn’t really meant it. Not truly. Before she spoke, she wanted to sort through her thoughts. Maybe, she could control herself. Adela held up a finger and turned away from Josef’s questions. Yes. She was angry. She was also scared. Josef had not been there when she’d been defending his honor and it had almost put her in a fight with a much more experienced wolf. Adela sighed. Less thinking more speaking. She turned back towards him slightly, “No. It’s not about that! I mean…” She bit her lip hard, drawing blood, “It is. But, Josef! I know I told you to leave us but….” ‘Buts’ were always bad. Adela didn’t care and continued on, “You left me out there! I was defending you while you were drinking out of the damn toilet! I understand that you weren’t in control but you couldn’t have gotten in control and backed me up??” Adela didn’t really care about the other people on the street at the moment. They probably couldn’t understand her because she wasn’t speaking French…. Or German, yet. “And now you’re leaving me alone and I don’t want to be left alone again, damnit!” Oh that wall, Adela looked intently at the brick wall in front of her, she wanted to punch it and punch it hard. It was better than lashing out at Josef. Her brain told her that she was being unreasonable. But emotions were winning the battle for now. “You keep leaving me! At my art show, in your neighborhood, tomorrow!” Did she have abandonment issues? Yes, apparently. How did she remember the times he’d left her? That was strange. It signaled something in her head that scared her even more… Was Adela already giving in to him? She hoped not. “You want to be my Alpha? Well, you’re doing a shit job of it, verdammt!” There was the German. She was fluent but she preferred English. “You should just leave now and save me the heartache!” She turned away and headed down the street swiftly. Well. That was strange.

[Josef Ibn-Abad]

"Excuse me." His voice lowered to a near growl. She was angry cause he left in the store to go pay, then went to the restroom in order to try and calm down. Adela told him too! What was it with women and saying one thing but wanting another. How can they not realize men are creatures of order? Men are not known for their sensitivity. Usually people have to explain things to men, if one rellys on unspoken words, they would be sadly disappointed. "You sent me away. You stepped in front of me. You took the lead. If you wanted me to have remained the Alpha in that situation, the dominate you should have stayed out of my way. Can't handle the heat, love, then stay out of the way." His eyes glanced around, realizing people had begun to watch, "This isn't over." Abad barked. He was tired of the emotional swings. She had done it yet again. He understood the reasons she was upset. Adela seemed to have abandonment issues but if memory serves, she abandoned him as well, in New York but each time they were left, the two always found each other again. Grabbing her upper hand firmly Abad began the trek back to her apartment. He did not care what people thought, Jager needed to come to the realization that Josef was not leaving her and that she could not explode on him like she had been.

It was amazing. For how much both of them liked to gain the upper hand on the other, to lead the argument, the debate yet the entire trip back to her apartment, through the gate, up the stairs and through the front door had been in complete silence. Neither spoke but Josef had kept his hand firmly on her upper arm. Once her door had been closed, Abad dropped his bag put his hands on his hips while letting Adela go, "I don't know what goes through you head sometimes. You tell me to do one thing but want another. I could have handled Basset myself but you stepping in front of me kinda took that option from me. Next time, stay behind me and let me do what I need to do. If Jo explodes, if he escapes out, if I lose control then so be it. When it comes to that woman and what she did to me, the decision she made for me instead of allowing me to decide for myself, the pain she inflicted, I can not forgive." He stepped up in front of Adela. His body was hot, his eyes narrowed.

"You need to stop and think next time. Think, 'Is this what Adela wants?' Think twice before you act or speak." Abad's voice had lowered. "You need to get over whatever fears you have. I traveled here to find you. I did it. I'm not going anywhere. If you can't see that then I dunno what else I can do."

[tinkerbell]

'Is this what Adela wants?' Think twice before you act or speak." Oh, Jesus Christ, he was pushing he buttons. She wasn’t a child and yet here he was, demeaning her. Josef stepped closer to her but Adela wasn’t about to back down. Sure, she was several inches shorter than Josef but she felt more than capable of taking him on. And if she were to go and put on a pair of stilettos? Well, it might just give her an unfair advantage. “Please, Josef. Don’t talk to me that way. It’s pathetic. If you had lost control back there, we’d all be paying for it dearly. Learn control,” She placed a firm finger on his chest and pushed him back. “I understand that you are angry about what happened to you. But get over it. There’s nothing to be done about it now.” She sighed and stepped around him. The long, angry walk home had calmed her down. Yes, she’d be hankering for a fight but now… She was just tired. And sad. Adela plopped down on the couch. Was this her wolf exerting control? Controlling her emotions without her consent. It was annoying. “I don’t mean to give you whiplash, Josef. This is all way too much for me in a very small amount of time.” Exhausted. That was how to describe her now. Emotionally, physically, intellectually exhausted. If life with Josef was always going to be this tiring, she wasn’t sure if she was up for it. Adela leaned forward, pinching the bridge of her nose. Wow. She’d just given herself whiplash. “Sorry,” She whispered, knowing Josef would hear her clearly. She just wasn’t ready. For any of it. They were rushing and it wasn’t setting right with her. She looked up at him, her eyes remorseful and her lips tight. “Do you want lunch? We could order in Chinese…?”

[Josef Ibn-Abad]

“Do you want lunch? We could order in Chinese…?”

And again another. What was going on with Adela? Nothing was adding up? Abad never remembered his parents fighting like this, in fact, his parents were the opposite at times. They always had the same emotion during a fight. There was never any mood swings. Adela had changed her mood, five possibly six times during this fight. Something was off. Was it hormones? Was there a deeper, underlying emotional issue that was eating away at her? What did Josef do? Even Jo, who had essentially been a non stop monster most of the morning had suddenly calmed. He was confused as well and when a wolf could not come to an understanding of a mates issues, there was seriously something wrong. Even the Syrian felt drained. He had to adjust himself based on the level of Adelas intensity. If she was angry, he matched it but if she was reserved like she was now, he lowered that anger but even here and now he didn't let his defenses down. What if she exploded again? What if she tore into him as she had earlier? He needed to be careful while trying to find the root to the problem.

Cautiously and very apprehensively he approached Adela and kneeled in front of her. He was not sure if he should touch her, place his hands on her though he settled for placing them on her knees, "Let's have a rational discussion. I'm sorry for not coming out when I should have. When you told me to go, I went. I was losing control and I apologize." His eyes locked onto her's which seemed to be pointed down, "The only thing I ask is that you open up to me without the outbursts. That really throws me off." His kept his voice soothing and calm. Though she had asked him about lunch, he would avoid the topic until he at least worked out this issue with her. If Josef ate upset, he would just spit it back up because of nerves. No this issue, whatever it was needed to be resolved. "What's going on?"

[tinkerbell]

Adela looked down at him. He was truly concerned for her. She slid her hands slowly underneath his and then wrapped her fingers around them. "I am not being rational." How was she supposed to explain her outburst? Telling him the truth was probably best. But Adela wasn't sure she knew exactly why she had acted like she had. Perhaps, if she talked it out, it would make more sense. "Okay, so," She sighed and leaned forward, resting her head on Josef's, "I am terrified, absolutely terrified Josef. I don't know what any of this means." She leaned back into the couch and shook her head. "I'm terrified because...." She looked at him. Adela was terrified of him and everything he represented for her future, "You. This is happening really fast Josef. I think I've said that before but... What does alpha mean, anyways? I mean, does that give you power? Over me? Did we talk about this already, I can’t remember. I can’t keep anything straight in my head. This is the most crazy week of my life and I can’t think straight and it terrifies me. I don’t know how to react to you. Josef, I…” Adela laughed, shaking her head and squeezing his hands, ”I don’t know you. We never finished our game of twenty questions! And we’re already talking about…” She couldn’t believe she’d already talked about moving in with a guy she’d only know for five days. It was absolutely insane. “Nothing in my world is rational or normal anymore. I think I’m going crazy. Maybe,” She pulled her hands out from under his and covered her face, “I dreamed up the last ten months of my life. And it’s just a really bad, practical joke. And you,” She reached out with one hand and placed it on his cheek. His skin was warm and she couldn’t help but smile, “Are just an angel sent to torture me more in my dreams. And, then I think… That this isn’t a dream and life is just really fucked up and I can’t handle it anymore.” It was official. Adela was going crazy. Her grandmother had always told her that everyone was crazy. But it wasn’t a problem until people stopped handling their craziness. That was her now. “So, I’m terrified and crazy and I’m really sorry for my outburst earlier.”

[Josef Ibn-Abad]

What was Josef to do? What was he to say? These were the same concerns Adela had expressed before and yet... a part of him did not want to listen. He thought they had gotten past this, or at least he did but it appeared Adela was still have problems with it. Struggling to comprehend what she was and struggling to come to terms with Josef. Should he leave? Should he stay? Even Jo was still silent. The once hyper wolf lay dormant. This was confusing, agonizingly confusing. Jager had asked a whole ton of questions and was expecting an answer. She still was not entirely sure of what it meant to have an Alpha, a dominate and it was just coming so natural for Abad. That was the one thing he and Jo did not seem to fight about. Jo took control in issuing the stance of dominance and it seemed Adelas wolf fell right into place. Eerie yet ironic.

"I can not explain to you in words what an Alpha is Adela. It comes natural to me." Josef was not lieing. "Everything I do, especially as a wolf, comes natural. I follow my gut. My emotions, my feelings, my actions, it all natural instinct." He kissed her forehead and pulled away so he could get a good look into her eyes, "I can't explain it. Science has taught this planet that everything can be explained away and yet, sitting here in front of you, I cant explain whats happening between us. We are not humans and never will be again. We are not full wolves either. What is going on has never been looked at and can never be explained so I won't even try. All I can tell you is this..."

"I am Josef Abad. Syrian and former Muslim. I am Wolf. And if you would just accept me, if you stop fighting within yourself and just give me a chance, I will be your mate, your guardian, your protector and you will be mine." He paused as his hands began to rub her thighs. He was not going to pressure her into coming to New York. He wanted her too and she knew it. He would have her plane ticket ready but if Adela was not ready, Abad would not make her come. "I've chosen you. If you do not chose me, I will respect that Mon Cheri."

[tinkerbell]

The kiss he left on her forehead burned against her soft skin. Not it a bad way. But in a way that reminded Adela how strongly she would be cared for by the werewolf kneeling in front of her. Yes, she was absolutely terrified of the thought of giving into Josef and all the things he represented. Even he couldn't tell her exactly what was in store for an Alpha and his mate. Perhaps if she just relented, just allowed him in, the anticipation she was feeling would simply dissipate. Everything could just fall into place for them. If she could just relax… Adela leaned back and closed her eyes. Josef began to rub her thighs and the movement was something other than relaxing. Adela cracked open an eyelid and smiled. "I've chosen you. If you do not chose me, I will respect that Mon Cheri." She laughed, “Josef, I didn’t know you spoke French! Si je viens à New York avec vous, puis-je avoir ma propre chambre à coucher ?” She grabbed his hands and yanked him towards her. Adela fell back onto the couch and pulled Josef on top of her. Beneath him, Adela felt small yet incredibly safe. Okay, maybe he was right. She could get used to being so close to him. His scent was unavoidable and the warmth of his body sent her heart racing. Reaching up, she placed her hand on the back of his head and pulled him closer to kiss him softly. Okay. So she was going to try and just let it all happen. Just let the cards fall where the may and play the hand she was being dealt dealt. Lots of poker analogies. Adela sighed into his lips, enjoying their warmth and the weight of his body. “Let me translate for you,” She whispered. Adela kissed him a few more times before continuing, “I said: 'If I come with you to New York, can I have my own bedroom?'" She laughed, throwing her arms around his shoulders and snuggling into his neck. “Because, there will be rules to be made if I'm to live with you, like…” Her lips moved softly over his jaw line and down his neck, “I get the first shower in the morning. You have to help fold laundry. I get sixty percent of the closet space. And you have to cook dinner for me on Sundays,” Adela teased him softly, both with her wandering lips and her amusing words. Adela pulled back to look into his eyes and smiled. She wanted to tell him that she was going to try and simply accept everything that life was handing her. But something told her she’d be better off showing him than telling him. So she simply leaned in and kissed him again.