Chapter 18: Torn Between Desire and Doubt

Ethan hung up the call, leaving Cecilia clutching her phone, her emotions in turmoil. The wolf figurine sat on her counter, gleaming under the dim light. Its presence seemed to echo his words, "I believe it's time we had a conversation."

But what did he mean? And why now?

Cecilia shook her head, trying to focus on the tasks ahead. Her shift at the mall began in a couple of hours, and she couldn't afford to let Ethan's sudden reappearance derail her life. She needed clarity, stability and things Ethan had never brought her.

As she prepared for work the next morning, her mind churned. Why did Ethan feel drawn to her? And why was he so capable of upending her carefully constructed world?

***

Ethan seated in his chair, looking up at the ceiling of his penthouse. His hands tightened into fists as he recalled the conversation with Cecilia over the phone in his thoughts. Her voice was unsteady but resolute, and he couldn't ignore the impact it had on him.

She was his mate . He could feel the undeniable attraction, the electric connection that appeared to link his soul to hers. However, she did not match his expectations.

Ethan had always pictured his mate as a fierce, independent wolf who could challenge him at every turn. Cecilia, with her gentle demeanor and quiet strength, was the opposite of what he thought he wanted.

He growled, his frustration echoing in the room. The Moon Goddess had a twisted sense of humor, pairing him with someone so delicate. Still, he couldn't keep himself distant. Every urge screamed to safeguard her, to own her, to make her his own.

But what if he hurt her? His rough nature, his tendency to lash out. He'd never forgive himself if he caused her pain.

Ethan stood abruptly, the chair scraping against the floor. He needed to see her.

***

The mall was lively with activity while Cecilia arranged a display in the shop where she was employed. The trivial task offered a pleasant diversion from the turmoil in her thoughts. Customers came and went, their conversations merging with the gentle background music.

She was folding a scarf when a recognizable fragrance enveloped her earthy and untamed, with a trace of something known. Her heart raced for a moment.

She didn't have to glance up to recognize who it was.

"Cecilia," Ethan's low voice growled, sending a tremor through her body.

She gradually straightened up, turning to look at him. Ethan was positioned a short distance away, his towering stature drawing attention even amidst the busy mall. He donned a leather jacket atop a black shirt, his demeanor radiating a subtle intensity that attracted attention.

"What brings you here?" Cecilia inquired, her tone more stable than she sensed.

"I had to see you," he confessed, his eyes fixed on hers.

Cecilia folded her arms, attempting to create a divide between them. "You can't just show up like this."

Ethan stepped closer, his expression softening. "I know. And I'm sorry. But I couldn't stay away."

Her breath hitched at the vulnerability in his tone.This was an aspect of Ethan she seldom witnessed-a facet that complicated her ability to remain on her guard.

"What is it that you want, Ethan?" she queried, her voice hardly rising above a whisper.

He paused, brushing his fingers through his dark hair. "I desire for us to become friends."

Cecilia blinked, surprised. "You want us to be friends?"

"Absolutely." He breathed out, as if the word had been hard to utter.

"I know I've been... difficult. But I don't want to lose whatever connection we have."

She frowned, her emotions warring with her rational mind. "Why now? Why are you doing this?"

Ethan's jaw tightened. "Because I feel something when I'm around you. Something I don't understand." He paused, his voice lowering. "I think you might be my mate."

The world seemed to tilt beneath Cecilia's feet. She had rejected her first mate by herself without fighting for their love. Could this be her second-chance mate? Not everyone is given a second chance. Maybe the Moon Goddess had decided to bless her with one.

Still deep in contemplation, she compelled herself to break the silence.

"Are you not sure about this?" she inquired, her voice shaking.

He nodded, irritation flashing in his gaze. "I've always imagined my mate would be strong, fierce. Someone who could handle my... nature. But you..." He trailed off, his gaze softening. "You're different. Fragile. And it scares me."

Cecilia's chest tightened. His remarks pierced her heart, even though she realized he had no intention to harm her.

"I might not meet your expectations, Ethan," she replied, her tone calm even with the turmoil within her. "But I'm stronger than you can imagine."

Ethan's lips twitched, almost forming a smile. "I'm beginning to notice that."

They remained quiet for a moment, the sounds of the mall diminishing into the background.

"I just... I don't know how to do this," Ethan admitted, his voice raw. "But I want to try. As friends. Nothing more. At least for now."

Cecilia studied him, searching for any sign of deceit. But all she saw was sincerity-and a hint of fear.

"Okay," she said finally. "We can try being friends."

Relief flashed across his face, quickly replaced by a flicker of something deeper. "Thank you."

As he turned to leave, Cecilia called after him. "Ethan."

He stopped, looking back over his shoulder.

"If you truly care about this, you must be truthful with me." No more games."

He nodded, his gaze steady. "I promise."

***

Ethan emerged into the brisk night air, his thoughts swirling. He had made the initial move, yet the path forward appeared overwhelming.

Cecilia was his mate. He was sure of it now. However, claiming to have her to himself would require him to face his own inner struggles, his worries about causing her pain and not measuring up.

He strolled down the city avenues, his hands buried in his pockets. His wolf snarled within him, compelling him to return to her, to claim his right on her immediately.

"No," Ethan whispered softly. "Not yet."

He needed to be careful. Cecilia deserved better than a mate who couldn't control his temper, who might lash out in a moment of weakness.

For now, friendship would have to suffice.

But deep down, Ethan knew that staying away from Cecilia would be the hardest battle of all.