Ethan sat in his office, staring blankly at the wall, lost in thought.
"What's the great Alpha Ethan doing, sitting on his chair and looking lost?" Bella's voice broke through his reverie. She strolled into his office, wearing a short blue gown that hugged her figure, the turtle neck and short sleeves accentuating her pink eyes that sparkled with curiosity.
Ethan looked up, a smile breaking through his troubled expression. "I'm fine. You should be in your room," he replied, trying to redirect her energy.
"I wasn't born to be stuck in my room. By the way, it's morning. I can do whatever I want, but I guess I am bored," she shot back, her playful tone evident.
Not wanting to be the one to entertain her, Ethan stood up and left the room, leaving Bella in a state of confusion. He needed space to think, to process the whirlwind of emotions that had taken hold of him.
Meanwhile, Emily had decided to step out of her house later that day. She was on her way to visit Dada, her male best friend, who had been searching for her. As she approached his apartment, she felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. She opened the door, as she always did, but to her surprise, the place was empty.
"Dada?" she called out, her voice echoing in the silence. She checked various rooms, but he was nowhere to be found. Just as she was about to give up and leave, a figure suddenly jumped out from behind the curtains, startling her.
"Dada! Why?!" she exclaimed, her heart racing.
"Just wanted to make you laugh," he replied, a sheepish grin on his face.
"That was dumb," she said, rolling her eyes but unable to suppress a smile.
"Sorry! But you don't seem okay. Did something happen to you?" Dada asked, his expression shifting to one of concern as he noticed the subtle changes in her demeanor.
"Nothing. What did you find?" she deflected, trying to keep the conversation light.
"You've changed," he insisted, his gaze piercing through her facade.
"Dada, stop!" she said, plopping down on his couch.
"You look more beautiful. More beautiful than someone who mated with her mate in the last full moon," he said, his words hanging in the air like a spell. Emily froze, the compliment catching her off guard. Was there a special kind of beauty that came with that?
"Did you let any man touch you?" Dada asked, his tone suddenly serious.
"I don't think I want to answer that. That's such a private question," she replied, feeling a wave of discomfort wash over her.
"Tell me it's not what I'm thinking," he pressed, rubbing his blonde hair in frustration, as if he were a man betrayed.
"You're kidding, Dada! I think I should find my way out of here because you definitely want to piss me off," she said, attempting to stand up and leave.
But Dada grabbed her hands, pulling her closer, holding her face in his palms as he tried to bridge the distance between them. "What has come over you?" she asked, bewildered by his sudden boldness.
Dada felt a storm of emotions brewing within him. This was a woman he loved deeply but had kept silent about it, fearing the loss of their friendship. Now, it seemed that someone else had stepped into the picture, and he could sense it.
"What the hell are you thinking about, looking at me like that?" she asked, her irritation rising.
"I sense another man. Who did you let touch you?" Dada demanded, his voice laced with fury.
"Excuse you? What right do you think you have to question me that way?" she shot back, pushing him away.
"I had a one-night stand the night before. It was magical, and up until now, I still can't let go of the moment I shared with this stranger. I have no idea who he is. Now I feel very lonely. I'm telling you because you are my friend, the only male friendship I have and value, but please respect me next time," she said, her voice firm as she tried to make her way out of his house.
Dada's heart sank as he processed her words. "Why will you do that? Why, Emily?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Because it's my body," she replied defiantly.
"Why didn't you call me if you really wanted it?" he pressed, desperation creeping into his tone.
"I would never want you. You've got to figure your shit out because what the heck is going on here?" she asked, clearly confused by the intensity of the moment.
Dada felt a surge of heartbreak wash over him. He had always loved her in silence, wanting something more than friendship, but now it seemed that he had lost her to someone else. Without another word, he released her, feeling as if he were letting go of a part of himself. He had to erase her from his mind forever; it was clear he would never have Emily. He didn't want her as just a friend either. It was either they were an item or nothing at all. He was done pretending.
Emily returned to her apartment, her mind racing with thoughts of the confrontation at Dada's place. She felt a pang of worry but soon found her thoughts drifting to Ethan. A sense of urgency washed over her, and she felt an overwhelming desire to see him. But how was she going to make that happen? She thought, pacing around her living room.