Chapter 27

Isabella Martini - POV

I don't think I have ever been this disturbed my entire life. Even when I was in the blood moon pack as Gael's mate, I still knew what to expect from him. It would either be a beating or he would just come inside and rape me, and after the initial days, I almost got used to that pattern. But sleeping next to Arlo and thinking about what tomorrow holds make sure to keep my mind awake most of the night. 

My body was exhausted, and I felt like someone had placed bricks in my eyes, making it hard to open them. But strangely, I felt my body relaxed as I snuggled closer to the warm and comfortable pillow that I was cuddling that was sending pleasurable tingles all over my body. As I opened my eyes, I saw something tan in front of me, and it took me a few blinks before everything became clear. 

It wasn't a damn pillow, instead, it was Arlo who had his back towards me, and from the uniform rise and fall of his chest, I knew that he was still asleep. 

Look who is crossing the border after clearly stating that we stay on our side. 

"Why don't you turn around and look," Rose commented, and this made a frown appear on my face. I turned around when I realized there was a huge space behind me, and I was sleeping on Arlo's pillow, not mine. 

Shit! 

I looked at my position when I saw that I had one leg over his hip while one of my hands was tightly wrapped around his chest. 

"He did stick to his word." Rose mocked in my head, and I had to shut her out. 

I better move away before he wakes up. 

I slowly moved my leg away, when I accidentally brushed on something that was huge and hard, and this immediately made me blush when I realized that he was having a morning wood. 

Shit! Shit!

After I had taken my leg, I tried to remove my hand, and that was when I realized that it was stuck. I got up from the pillow when I saw Arlo's large hand holding mine in a firm grip. I tried to wriggle, but it was no use. Letting out a sigh, I laid back on the pillow and stared up at the ceiling. 

What time is it? 

I turned around and looked out the window to see that the sun was only beginning to rise. 

I have never woken up this early, and I still feel like I didn't have enough sleep. 

I was yelling at myself for being so careless when I felt Arlo pull my hand even more, making me close the little distance that we had between each other. "I thought I told you to stay in your side?" I heard his voice, and I felt his chest vibrate. 

"I am sorry, I...um…tend to roll a lot in my sleep. But this won't happen again. We will keep a pillow in between tonight." I rumbled when I didn't hear him say anything. After a long while, I felt he finally let me go when I quickly got up from the bed, and when I was about to head into the bathroom, I remembered that this wasn't my room.

I should probably ask if he wants to use the washroom first. 

"Do you want to take a shower first?" I asked Arlo as he got up and sat on the bed. He shook his head as he grabbed his phone and began browsing. 

"Ten minutes, and if you don't come out, I will come in," he said.

"What! But…"

"Your time has already started." he interrupted me, and I knew there was no point arguing right now. I quickly ran into the washroom and locked the door as I quickly began my morning routine. I had never taken a shower in under ten minutes, but I guess everything has a first. I twisted the handle as I pulled the door open when I saw Arlo standing there, ready to knock. 

"I took a shower in under ten minutes," I said in awe as he pushed me aside and went into the washroom. I was wearing my earrings when I heard the bathroom door open, and I walked out of the closet to ask something from Arlo when I momentarily stood. I felt my throat dry up while I felt my stomach tighten with an unknown feeling as my eyes were glued to his wet body.

He only had a towel wrapped around his torso, and this scene in front of me did something to me that I could not explain. "Get out." I heard a growl, which made me finally look up at him. His eyes were dilated, and I didn't know why. 

Was it because he was angry? 

"I…I am sorry." I stammered as I quickly averted my eyes and ran out of the room. My heart squeezed in pain when I realized how much Arlo hated me. 

"Hello, dear." I looked up when I saw the tall, thin man with salt and pepper hair, one of the elders. 

"Good morning, Elder…" 

"Michael." he finally gave me his name, and I nodded my head. 

"Let me get something for you to drink." I offered, and he nodded his head as we made our way to the kitchen. I was a ball of nerves as I prepared some coffee for him. Why was he up so early? "Here you go." 

"Thank you, dear," he said as he took a sip while I stood there.

"Have we met before?" he asked me, but I shook my head. 

"I am afraid not, Elder Michael." I asserted, but I saw something flicker in his eyes. 

"Hmm, I have a feeling that I have seen this face before," he commented, and before I could say anything, I saw Arlo walking towards us accompanied by the other two elders. As they took a seat, I quickly placed the coffee cups in front of them before I made my way to stand next to Arlo.