CHAPTER 12
881 Words
Despite the training being exhausting and demanding, it was worth every moment. Seth had gradually become less distant and more approachable. He spoke more than he used to, and our conversations grew longer and more natural. He smiled more often now, though his serious expression still appeared whenever we were at the office. He even started accepting my invitations for lunch and dinner.
Those were some of the happiest days of my life. I loved spending time with him. Every interaction brought warmth into my heart, and my wolf seemed just as excited whenever he was around. Although we no longer saw each other as often after my training ended, we stayed connected through long phone calls that often lasted late into the night. Our conversations had little to do with work, yet neither of us ever seemed bored. In fact, Seth talked more freely with each passing day.
There was, however, one thing that continued to bother me.
In all the time we had known each other, I had never once seen Seth transform into his wolf. Every time I asked him to spar with me in wolf form, he refused. Eventually, my curiosity got the better of me.
One evening during a phone call, I finally asked.
“I've never seen you wolf out. Why?”
“Why should I transform without a reason?” he replied, his voice restrained.
“Even during full moons, you control your transformation perfectly. And every time I ask, you refuse to let me fight your wolf.”
“I’m afraid I might hurt you.”
“That’s not true, Seth. We remain in control when we transform. It’s not like we completely lose our senses.”
Silence followed.
There wasn't even the sound of breathing on the other end. Just silence.
I already knew he was hiding something. In truth, I had known for a long time.
Then he sighed.
“Hello? Seth? Are you still there?”
“I’m afraid you'll be scared of me,” he finally admitted. “You'll fear my true nature, my origins. I don't want that. I want things to stay as they are. I don't want you to be afraid of me.”
“Because you're a black wolf?”
Silence.
“H-how did you know that?” His voice was filled with shock.
“Well, I've known for a while. I overheard part of your conversation with my dad. To be honest, I was hurt that you trusted him with the truth before you trusted me.”
“I’m sorry,” he said immediately.
The sincerity and embarrassment in his voice were impossible to miss.
“Good night, Jade. See you tomorrow at work.”
“Good night, Seth.”
I didn't want to push him. The topic clearly made him uncomfortable, so I chose to let it rest. If he wanted to avoid it, then I would pretend nothing had happened.
The following day, I acted as though everything was normal. I spoke to him the same way I always did, but Seth seemed distracted and ashamed throughout the morning.
Finally, during lunch, he brought it up.
“Jade... about yesterday.”
He paused, gathering his thoughts.
“I didn't mean to hide it from you. I was afraid you wouldn't see me the same way. I thought you wouldn't want to be close to me anymore. I'm sorry.”
“It's okay,” I replied with a smile. “You had your reasons, and I understand. But don't make assumptions for me. I don't care if you're a black wolf or any other kind of wolf.”
I grinned.
“Well... maybe except a rogue wolf.”
A chuckle escaped him, and the smile that appeared on his face was breathtaking. I placed a boiled egg from my plate onto his.
“Besides, everyone knows I don't like boiled eggs. You're one of the closest people in my life. Whatever you are, I'll accept you—unless you've decided to join the dark side.”
His eyes softened as he looked at me.
“Do you take me as a friend, Jade?”
I met his gaze and felt my heart skip a beat.
Friend?
I had never considered Seth to be just a friend.
He was someone I cared about deeply—someone who had quietly become one of the most important people in my life. Somewhere along the way, my feelings for him had grown into something far stronger than friendship.
“No,” I answered honestly. “I've never thought of you as just a friend. You hold a special place in my heart, Seth. You mean a lot to me.”
Relief washed over his face. His shoulders relaxed, and he released a satisfied sigh before continuing his meal with a small smile.
I watched him quietly, my own heart beating faster.
I liked him far more than I should have. I didn't know exactly when it had started, but I was certain of my feelings. Yet I couldn't bring myself to tell him the whole truth.
I was afraid.
Afraid of rejection.
Afraid of losing what we already had.
So, for now, I kept those feelings hidden and treasured the happiness of simply being by his side.
- Writer
