The Wolf Within

Chapter Six: Under Candlelight

The restaurant was a world away from Willowridge—soft lighting, crystal glasses catching the glow of flickering candles. The air smelled of roasted herbs and fine wine.

Ethan pulled out my chair, and I smiled, heart thudding in my chest like the first time we’d met.

We ordered the chef’s tasting menu—each course more delicate than the last—and a bottle of something rich and velvety.

We talked quietly, voices low enough to blend with the smooth jazz playing in the background.

Ethan’s laugh was warm, and I found myself leaning closer, catching the subtle scent of his cologne mixed with the night air.

When we finally stepped out into the cool night, the city felt electric—alive and full of possibilities.

Back home, the world shrank to the soft glow of the lamp and the heat of Ethan’s hands on my skin.

I traced the curve of his jaw, tasting the sweetness of the moment.

He kissed me slow, like he hadn’t in a long time—like he remembered every inch of me and wanted to memorize it all over again.

His hands slid over my waist, grounding me.

Mine curled into the back of his shirt as I pulled him closer, needing the weight of him, the warmth.

All I wanted was Ethan.

The way his breath caught when I whispered his name.

The way he looked at me like I was still magic to him.

We moved through the dark—no need for light, no need for words. Just skin, and breath, and the steady rhythm of something old and familiar reigniting.

As he pushed further into me I let soft moans escape my lips, nails digging deeper into his back.

I arched into him, and whispered “Don’t stop”. It wasn’t just about the pleasure. It was the safety I found in him, the anchor I desperately wanted to keep hold of.

After we’d finished, I got up to shower. I held my hand out and he took it. Grinning eagerly he raised his eyebrows “again?”

“I just can’t get enough” I said seductively.

(Ethan’s POV)

I followed her into the shower, she was incredible. She knew all the right things to say and do and looked gorgeous while doing it.

On the outside she seemed like a sweet innocent girl but when it came to us alone.. she was wild.

I helped her wash her hair, her lavender scented shampoo was my favourite, she always smelled good.

As the soap floated down her body, I couldn’t help watch it trail down, I grabbed her waist and slowly kissed her neck, she turned to let me have more. I spun her around and kissed her passionately.

Our hands moved over each other, in patterns that made my legs weak, I couldn’t wait any longer. I grabbed her thighs and picked her up. Pinning her against the wall.

I wanted all of her.

(Serena’s POV)

He made me melt, I let him take me with ease.

I wanted all of him

It was gentle at first but the kind of love that makes you crave more, the kind you don’t want to stop.

We finally crawled into bed, tangled in each other we smiled “Goodnight baby” he kissed my forehead and closed his eyes

“Goodnight” I replied, finally ready to drift to sleep.

As Sunday morning began, I woke up feeling refreshed and sore.. maybe last night is just what we needed for us to be us again.

I rolled over and the bed was empty, confused I slowly sat up. That’s when the scent hit me.

Bacon, eggs and toast, making my mouth water. The delicious scent filled our small apartment.

I walked into the kitchen, wearing a dark violet, silk robe. Ethan, still in his underwear, glanced up smiling like a kid with candy.

“Good morning” he said as he handed me a cup of coffee.

“Good morning”

I took the mug and lifted it to my lips. He watched me eagerly. Almost as if he wanted my approval.

“I didn’t know I had my own personal chef”

“Well after last night, I thought I’d treat you to a nice Sunday breakfast”

“The bacon smells delicious, can I have a taste” I asked as I walked over to the plate of freshly cooked, still steaming bacon.

“Anything for you my love”

He kissed me gently and I smiled, things felt normal again.

We decided to have a lazy Sunday. We went for a walk around town, got bagels for lunch at the cafe below us and sat at the park and talked.

It felt good to be back to normal.