Had I heard her right? She couldn't have just suggested that we mated. Like the idiot that I was, I just stared at her, mouth open, not saying anything.

"Look I know it isn't exactly ideal, but it might work," she said sounding more nervous than before.

"I thought you didn't want me as your mate," I responded stupidly. Instantly wishing I hadn't said that. She looked at me with guilt.

"I didn't, or, at least, I thought I didn't," she paused pursing her lips. "Look, I was wrong. I assumed that since you were an alpha that you would be just like my father." I frowned at that. Comparing me to that scum was nearly as bad as a slap to the face. "I know, like I said I was wrong."

"You got that right."

"Whatever," Izzy said rolling her eyes. Her response made me believe she didn't like being wrong and hated admitting when she was, even more. As I thought over her offer, my frown deepened. I would be lying if I said I liked the idea. I was sure it was something she didn't want or was even ready for.

"You want us to mate?" I asked already knowing the answer.

"I guess," She replied after a long pause. "I mean we would most likely end of doing it eventually, right?" Sighing and getting up from the bed, I began to pace in front of her. It was in moments like this I couldn't help but realize how much younger she must be, and I wasn't sure if I knew how to explain everything wrong with what she just said. I mean yeah, in a way she was right. We would eventually mate if all things went well, but it wasn't supposed to happen like this.

"You don't want to mate me do you?" Though it was a question, she said it in a very accusing tone.

"I didn't say that," I defended stopping to look at her. She rose to her knees, still sitting on the edge of the bed.

"You don't do you?" Again the way she said it didn't sound like a question. I hated seeing her get upset, but I wasn't sure how to explain myself either.

"It's not that, it's just--," I began, but she cut me off.

"But what, huh? I'm not good enough for you?" She yelled getting off the bed. The anger and frustration evident in her voice.

"No, I didn't--," And again she didn't let me finish.

"What? Just because I am a Phillips, I am not fit to be luna of your precious Silent River pack?" She raged, her face only inches from mine. Normally, her close proximity would have me wanting her something bad, but at the moment, all I was thinking was how the hell did this happen. I hated the accusation in her tone. Without warning, she stormed off. At first, I thought she was going to leave, but she was heading in the opposite direction of the door. When she reached the far side of the room she whipped around so fast some of her hair came loose from its ponytail, falling around her face. Before I could see what she was now holding in her hands, Izzy sent the item soaring towards my head. It made a loud shattering sound as it made contact with the wall just behind me. Turning around, I saw the broken pieces of the frame that had once held my wedding photo. I went to pick up the photo that was now covered in shards of glass, but I quickly stopped myself.

"It's her, isn't it?" She asked still angry but now sounding more defeated. "You won't mate me because I am not her." Izzy sat on my bed hastily wiping a stray tear from her cheek.

"You're right, you're not her," I said walking to the bed, kneeling before her. "But that isn't the reason I don't want to mate you." She looked up at me unshed tears in her eyes.

"So, you don't want to mate with me," her words were quiet and filled with sadness. I slowly shook my head.

"No, not right now, but that isn't saying I don't ever want to," I sighed trying to gather my thoughts into words. "Mating isn't just something you do because you're mates, it is something you do because you love each other, and the idea of not being with the other person is more pain than you can bear. It's a way to show your complete and utter devotion to each other, and I don't think either of us are at that point yet, do you?" For a moment, she looked like she might protest, but instead she only shook her head.

"I do care about you, more than I have cared about anything in a long time, and it is because of that that I want to do this right. I want to get to know you better, to serenade you, and eventually if you'll have me become your mate and husband one day. But what I don't want is to rush into something because of your father." A small smile graced her face as she sniffled.

"So, it's not because I'm not like your old mate?" She asked hesitantly.

"No, it's not. I like that you're nothing like Olivia," I said. "I can't really explain it, but the way you are is exactly the way I would want you to be. If that even makes any sense."

"Not really," she laughed. "But thank you." Izzy slid off the bed and wrapped her arms around my neck. I pulled her closer to me and placed a light kiss on her lips. I tried to pull away, but Izzy only tightened her arms around my neck.

"What do you think you're doing?" she asked smirking at me.

"Getting up?" 

She only shook her head at me.

"No?" I asked mimicking her motion.

"No, you can't just say all that stuff and then think a quick peck on the lips will suffice." 

This time, I smirked.

"Really? Then what would?" I quipped, already leaning in. I gave her another kiss only this time on her cheek.

"This?" I asked.

"No." 

I moved closer gently kissing the corner of her mouth.

"This?" 

She only shook her head, her eyes darting to my mouth.

"How about this?" I questioned in a whisper just before pressing my lips to hers. My actions started off slow and gentle as my right hand slid up to hold the back of her neck, but soon I was kissing her with everything I had. When she moaned, I couldn't help but smile against her mouth. I couldn't get over how incredible it felt to be kissing her. The way she fought for dominance was something new to me. Olivia had always allowed me to take the lead, but Izzy challenged me. Her kisses were filled with such an intensity, and it made me crave more. I let my free hand glide down her back and firmly squeezed her butt. Izzy let out a surprised gasp, allowing me to slip my tongue into her mouth.

'Logan,' Griffin called me through our link.

'Whaahuh?' was my none too intelligent response. I just couldn't think with Izzy kissing me like this. The only thought running through my mind was how I wanted more of her.

'Busy are we?' a hint of amusement in his voice. 'Well, I just thought I would inform you Alpha Davidson is here. You know the man you invited here to discuss our impending doom with, but by all means take your time.' Groaning, I reluctantly pulled away from Izzy.

"I gotta go. Alpha Davidson is waiting for me."

"Of course, you do," she huffed annoyed.

"I'm sorry. I won't be long I promise," I said getting up. I walked to the door but turned to look at her one last time. "You know what, why don't you join me?"

"Nah, I think I have reached my daily alpha limit," she joked.

"He isn't that bad of a guy," I defended.

"I'll take your word for it," She said pretending to inspect her nails. "I'll just wait here."

"If you're sure," I replied leaving her in my room. It was moments like this being an alpha kind of suck.