Page 48 of The Wolf and his Witch

Annabelle glared at Gabriel. “How do you even know that?”

“Because, Belle, Isobella going back, taking on this mission to eradicate Faucher, changes everything. This is the real reason we came. To ensure Isobella does what she is supposed to do. If she does not… The future as we know it will be different. How different?” He shrugged. “Perhaps the Langeais wolves no longer exist.” Gabriel caressed her cheek. “Perhaps, Belle,you and I will never meet. Who knows what effect it will have.”

Isobella sat down heavily on the couch. “Are you certain, without a doubt, that I survive?”

“Yes,” both Gabriel and Stef answered.

Isobella stared out of the window at the glowing lights of the San Francisco skyline. “I’ll go.”

“What? No. Just no.” Annabelle glared at the three of them. “Are you crazy, Isobella? Are youallcrazy? Gabriel, you’ve used the spell. You know what it feels like. How much it hurts. Like your body is being folded in half and squeezed through a rift in the fabric of time so small you don’t think it’s possible to fit through, but you do. Isobella is sick, and you want to put her through that?”

There was another way. Annabelle turned to look at her mate. At Stef. Shifters both. Impervious to disease and illness. Not much could kill a shifter. Not even cancer. And both with the ability to turn humans. “You can save her, Gabriel. Right here. Right now. Or you, Stefanie. All you have to do is turn her. Right?”

Stef shook her head. “That’s not advisable.”

“And why not?”

Gabriel gripped her shoulders and turned her to face him. “Believe me, Belle,I would if I could. If we change even one thing, we risk changing everything. Isobella has to go back as she is. Besides, our alpha must sanction all turnings, and Maxime will never agree to it. I’m sorry, Isobella. It’s the only way.”

“I’ll go,” Isobella said, more firmly this time.

Annabelle pulled away from Gabriel and went to her sister. “Isobella, you don’t have to do this. I can…” She glanced between Gabriel and Stef, their faces masks of resolve. Neither one of them would turn Isobella. No matter what she said, they’d made up their minds. It stood to reason none of their pack would turn her, either. But she could. Once Gabriel turned her.Then, maybe, she’d be okay with Isobella going back in time to do whatever it was she was supposed to do.

“I know what you’re thinking, Annabelle,” growled Gabriel. “Maxime won’t allow it.”

Annabelle snorted. She wasn’t going to let this Maxime tell her she couldn’t save her sister.

“You’ll need time to learn to control your wolf, Annabelle,” said Stef. “How much time is anyone’s guess. It’ll depend on how fast you learn. Will Isobella have enough time to wait for you?”

With Isobella’s life on the line, Annabelle would be a motivated student.

“No, Annabelle.” Gabriel shook his head. “If this is what you intend to do, you leave me no choice. I won’t claim you until Isobella has used the spell.”

From the set of his jaw, Gabriel would stand by his words. Then Isobella would die anyway.

“It’s okay, Annabelle,” said Isobella. “Really. I would never want to come between you and Gabriel. I’ll go.”

“But…”

Isobella gave her a wan smile. “I have a thirty-one percent chance of living maybe another five yearsifI have chemo and surgery. Thirty-one percent, Annabelle. Five years, and that’s with invasive surgery and months of debilitating chemotherapy. Forget a long and happy life. Forget having a family.” She stared past Annabelle to Gabriel and Stef. “They’re offering me the chance for both. What choice wouldyoumake?”

Chapter Twenty-Three

Annabelle’s shoulders dropped, and the fight seemed to go out of her. In four quick steps, he was behind her, gently stroking her shoulders.

She leaned back into him, and he nuzzled the top of her head. “It’s late. It’s been a hectic and traumatic few days. Why don’t we all get some sleep and talk about this again in the morning?”

“There’s nothing to talk about. I’m going.” Isobella took Annabelle’s hand. “You know this is the best option. I can do this, Annabelle.”

Determination flashed in Isobella’s eyes, and for a moment, Gabriel saw the woman who would not only survive in the tenth century, but would thrive.

“But I am tired.” Isobella dropped Annabelle’s hand, picked up her purse and slung it over her shoulder. “Stef, would you mind taking me home? And, uh, I’m guessing Annabelle’s bed will be free tonight if you want to crash at our place.” She jerked her head toward him and Annabelle. “I imagine these two have a bit of catching up to do.”

“Of course, Isobella,” said Stef. “And yes, the offer of a bed is much appreciated. These two are likely to be noisy, and my poor ears and refined sensibilities aren’t up for listening to that.”

With her parting shot and a wink, Stef followed Isobella, leaving them alone in the penthouse.

Annabelle turned in his arms and leaned her head against his chest.

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