8. Adrian's confession to the Xavier

IN A MORNING

ADRIAN'S POINT OF VIEW:

The sun hung low in the sky as I stepped into the clearing where my pack gathered, the warmth of Isabella's presence still clinging to me like a comforting blanket. But the moment I crossed into the familiar territory, I was met with a wave of scents, and among them was the unmistakable fragrance of her scent that I couldn't forget. As I walked, my pack members caught wind of her scent, and their excitement bubbled over.

"Adrian!" Ethan said. His nose twitched, and his eyes gleamed with curiosity. "What's this I smell? Is that a female omega? You finally brought someone home?"

"Yeah, her name is Isabella. She… she helped me when I was in trouble."I said."She still not here."

"Helped you?" Ethan leaned closer, a grin spreading across his face. "What do you mean helped you? Did you find her in the woods, or did she rescue you from some big bad wolf?"

Laughter erupted around us, and I felt my cheeks heat up. 

"I was in a tough spot." I mumbled, trying to downplay it. "She's an amazing cook, too. She made this fish that I've never tasted before. It was incredible."

"Sounds like she's a keeper." Althea my mother said as she joined the crowd. "Is she pretty? You've got to bring her home to meet us!"

I nodded, a hint of pride swelling in my chest.

"Yeah, she's beautiful. And she's single, too."I said.

The group buzzed with excitement, voices overlapping as they speculated about her. 

"What's her story? Where did she come from? How old is she?"One of pack members asked.

"Calm down!" I laughed, holding up my hands. "I just met her. I don't know all the details yet."

"But she's an omega?" My father, Lysander, chimed in, his eyes glinting with hope. "This is wonderful! An omega in our pack is a rare find."

"Yeah, but she's from Xavier's pack." I said, my tone dropping slightly.

"Xavier?" Mother said. "We need to be careful. You know how protective he is over his territory."

"Exactly." I said. "He's a fierce alpha. I'm not sure how he'll react if he finds out I'm interested in her."

"Then you have to bring her here!" My father insisted, determination in his voice. "If she's an omega, we can't let her go. We'll talk to Xavier together."

"Are you serious?" I protested, my mind racing. "You think it's that easy? He won't just let her go."

"Then we'll have to convince him." Mother said, a smile creeping onto her face. "You can't let a chance like this slip away, Adrian. You deserve happiness, and if she's the one, you have to fight for her."

I sighed, knowing she was right. But the thought of approaching Xavier filled me with a mix of dread and determination. I wasn't ready to lose Isabella, especially not to an alpha who would do anything to keep his territory and his people safe. 

"Alright, I'll bring her here." I finally said, my resolve strengthening. "But we need a plan. I don't want to create a scene."

As the pack continued to chatter excitedly about Isabella, I felt the weight of their hopes resting on my shoulders. This wasn't just about me anymore, it was about bringing a new life into our pack. Isabella was worth the risk, and I was determined to make her mine, no matter the obstacles that lay ahead.

THE NEXT MORNING

XAVIER'S POINT OF VIEW:

The morning sun peeked through the trees as I navigated the trails of my pack's territory, the familiar sounds of the forest surrounding me. I was lost in thought, my mind occupied with the image of Isabella and the strange feelings she stirred within me. That's when I caught the unmistakable scent of a lycan. Adrian. There he was, striding toward me with an air of confidence that made my wolf, Charlie, bristle with irritation.

"Xavier." He called, his tone annoyingly casual, but I could sense an edge of seriousness behind it. "Can we talk?"

I crossed my arms, glaring at him. 

"What do you want, Adrian? Shouldn't you be in your territory?"I asked.

He stepped closer, and I could see the determination in his eyes. 

"I need to talk about Isabella."Adrian said.

How does Lycan know about my omega? How does he know her name?

"What about her?"I asked.

"I want her." He said. "I'm serious, Xavier. She saved my life, and I feel this… connection with her."

My anger flared, and I clenched my fists. 

"You want her? Just like that? You barely know her!"I said.

"It doesn't matter!" He shot back."know enough! She's special, and I can't just ignore what I feel for her. I know you care for her, but I want her for myself."

"You think you can just stroll in and claim her? She's not a trophy, Adrian. You have no idea what you're getting into.'I said angrily.

"And you think being overprotective will keep her safe? I'm not here to hurt her. I want to show her what it means to belong to a pack that values her. I know you kicked her out."Adrian said.

"Values her?" I scoffed. "You're a lycan. How can I trust you to put her first? Your own pack comes first, and you know it."

"I'd choose her over my pack any day. If I had to make that choice, I'd do it without hesitation. You know nothing about how I feel!"He growled.

"You want me to help you win her over? You're delusional. I won't let you hurt her."I said.

Adrian met my glare with unwavering determination.

"Then you better keep an eye on her, because I'm not backing down. I'm going to fight for her, and if that means going through you, then so be it."He said.

The tension in the air crackled, and I realized that we were both ready to go to war over Isabella. 

"You don't know what you're getting into. This isn't a game, Adrian. She could get hurt, and if you don't treat her right…"I started.

"I know what I want, and it's her." He interrupted. "You're protective, but you can't deny what's between us."

"This isn't just about you. She's part of my pack, and I won't let anyone take advantage of her."I said.

"Then do something about it." He said, his voice low and challenging. "Show her you care, or I will. This is your chance to prove you're not just a jealous wolf. Be a leader."

I knew he had a point, and I couldn't let my anger cloud my judgment. But the thought of Isabella with him made me angry. I had no idea why I felt like this especially since she wasn't my luna. As I stood there, watching him walk away I had to find Isabella before Adrian got the chance to sweep her away. The stakes had never been higher, and I couldn't afford to lose her to a lycan.