Isadora, look at me!

“Where is Jake?” I asked, and John shook his head.

“He doesn’t like parties,” he said loudly over the loud music. Around us, werewolves danced to loud hip-hop music. John twirled me around, and I danced, coming close enough to stare into his eyes and kiss him. Ever since the day we kissed, we had become more exclusive, and I learned werewolf males were very jealous of their women, and John certainly was. His hand held my waist possessively as if afraid I would wander off.

“I won’t wander off,” I said, and John grinned and kissed my check.

“Never trust when a lady says that,” he said, and I gasped playfully.

“John! Ouch! So you don’t trust me,” I said, and he grinned.

“One bit,” he said, and I punched him playfully in the shoulder.

"Kidding,” he said, and we walked to a bar, where he poured wine for me.

"Cheers!” I said, and he smiled at me.

“To what?” He asked, and I shrugged. I filled my glass with his, and we drank while staring at each other. He finished his work quickly and grinned.

“I am faster,” he said, and I pouted, earning a laugh from him. “You are so cute,” he said, and I smiled.

“And you are handsome,” I said, and we smiled. He kissed me, and someone cleared his throat from behind, and we slowly pulled away. We turned to see Jake, who sat on a bar stool beside me. He turned to me and forced a smile.

“Hope John handles you well in bed,” he said, and I reddened, and John scowled.

“That’s none of your business, Jake,” he snarled, and Jake grinned as if he enjoyed making John uncomfortable.

“I have every right to know when your woman here screams like a banshee, when you guys... you know.” He said and raised his glass. “Cheers to loud screaming women,” he said and drank his liquor. He sighed and stood.

“Have fun,” he said, and sauntered away on the way. He grabbed a half-naked lady, and she squealed in delight, and they walked into a dark room. John sighed and kissed me on my check.

“Don’t think much about what he says; he likes getting into people's heads,” he said, and I nodded. He stood and gave the bartender a wad of cash.

“Let me attend to something; I’ll be right back,” he said, and I nodded. I kissed him, and he smiled and walked off.

“Where’s the lover boy?” came Jake's voice behind me, and I rolled my eyes. He sat on the bar stool John had before. He grabbed a glass and poured a drink for himself. I ignored him, and he smiled, enjoying making me uncomfortable.

“Ignoring me?” He whispered in my ear, and I backed away.

“Who’s ignoring you? I don’t want to talk to you. You are a monster,” I said, and for a moment he looked like the statement hurt him, then he leaned back and roared harshly in laughter.

“Hmmm, I am.” He agreed and slammed his glass on the table. “I really don’t care what you call me. I have my reasons for doing what I do.”

“You mean kill recklessly and kill innocent animals?” I retorted, and he smiled. For a moment, I noticed how dazzlingly handsome he looked, even more than John.

“I only kill enemies, and they deserve to die; as for the animals, they are just lunch,” he said, and I shook my head.

“You’re a beast,” I said with distaste, and he nodded. He didn’t smile this time.

“I am a werewolf; we are beasts. Unlike you, who cannot even bring out yours,” he said and stood. “I’ll be watching you,” he threatened, and he walked off just as John came in.

“I saw Jake just leave; I hope he didn’t say something stupid,” he said, and I scowled.

“He did,” I answered, and John smiled sadly.

“I am so sorry,” he said. I stared at him and frowned.

“Why is he going to be training me?” I asked, and John stared at the crowd dancing for a while, then turned.

“I hate to admit this, but he is better than I in training, and he is also a better fighter. I need his experience on you,” he said, and I reluctantly nodded.

“Okay.” I said, and he smiled at me.

“You don’t have to be so scared of him; he only hurts those that he feels are threats,” he said, and I nodded, still not convinced.

“He has experience on how to bring out a dormant wolf,” John added, and I suddenly remembered what Jake had said about soulmates being the key to unlocking a werewolf dormancy. For a moment, I wondered if John was not my true soulmate, but I let that slide. I didn’t want to offend him, and he has been so kind to me that suddenly I needed him.

“Let’s go to your room, away from all this people." I whispered in his ear, and he grinned. Desire flared in his eyes, and he smiled, and he led me out of the party. We met Jake sitting on the porch, staring at the starry sky. He turned his head slightly and smiled mockingly.

“Make sure to gag her brother,” he said, but neither John nor I answered; we were focused on what we were about to do. He carried me to the bedroom, kissed me on the lips softly, and smiled at me.

“I love you,” he said, and I grinned and stared into his eyes.

“I love you too,” I said, and I let my gown drop to the floor.