When fantasy becomes reality

Chapter 16

Sinking into the plush cushions of the couch, I let out a heavy sigh, the events of this morning swirling in my mind. Kian's revelation still echoes in my thoughts, the weight of his words bearing down on me. Werewolves. Mates. It all feels so surreal, like something straight out of a movie. But the undeniable pull between us, the strange connection that seems to bind us together, tells a different story. It feels all too real.

I glance around the living room, taking in the cozy yet distinctly masculine atmosphere. Furniture in leather and dark woods is mixed with muted, natural colours and a raw interior details. The walls are adorned with a few black and white photographs of wolves and nature, and for a second I wonder to myself if they are family photographs. It wouldn't be completely illogical, would it? The scent of leather and wood lingers in the air, mingling with the faint aroma of Kian's cologne. It's a bachelor's den, that much is obvious.

I promised Kian that I would try to sort out my feelings, to come to terms with the reality of our situation. But as I sit here, alone and with only my own thoughts as company, doubt gnaws within me. I suspect Kian's intention was to leave me alone for a few minutes and let me settle into my thoughts. But now I wonder if it was really such a smart idea. Because the more I let my eyes wander across the room, the more my mind fills with anxious thoughts. Can I truly accept this newfound truth? Can I embrace the idea of being bound to someone I barely know, someone who isn't even fully human?

The uncertainty weighs heavily on my shoulders, casting a shadow over the room. I want to believe in Kian, to trust in the depth of our connection. But the rational part of me hesitates, questioning the validity of it all. Lost in my thoughts, I wrap my arms around myself.

As I sit on the couch, lost in the turmoil of my thoughts, the door creaks open, drawing my attention. Oliver steps into the room, his usually vibrant demeanour subdued, a serious expression etched across his features. He moves with a quiet grace, the lines of worry etched into his features.

"Hey, Ellen," he greets softly, sinking into the armchair beside me. "How are you holding up?"

I offer him a small, uncertain smile, unsure of how to answer. "I'm... I don't know, Oliver. Everything feels so overwhelming right now."

He nods sympathetically, his gaze meeting mine with a mix of understanding and concern. "I get that. Finding out about us... about Kian... it's a lot to take in."

I swallow hard, the weight of his words settling heavily in my chest. "Yeah, it's... it's definitely been a lot."

Oliver reaches out, his hand hovering uncertainly before resting gently on my arm. "I just want you to know, Ellen, that we all care about you. We would never do anything to hurt you."

His words are laced with sincerity, and for a moment, I find myself believing him. Yet, beneath the surface, doubts quickly creep in once again. Can I truly trust them? And what does this revelation mean for our relationships moving forward? As I struggle with these questions, a sense of isolation hits me. The world around me feels distant and unfamiliar, far from the world that I once thought was the reality.

I absently nod, struggling to find the right words to express the whirlwind of emotions coursing through me. I mean, werewolves? Soulmates? It's all so... surreal. I glance towards Oliver, whose posture is somewhat stiff and uncomfortable. Just like Kian, he has something supernatural about him. The grace of his movements and the sharpness of his gaze do not feel quite human. It's so obvious now.

Suddenly, his expression shifts, as if remembering something important. "Oh, right, Melissa wants me to pass along a message. She's eager to see you and make sure you're okay. She's worried about how you're handling all of this."

The mention of Melissa's name jolts me from my thoughts, and I offer a faint nod in response. "Yeah, I'd like to see her too."

I expect Oliver to pick up his cell phone to text or call Melissa. But as I glance at him, I notice a distant look in his eyes, as if his thoughts are somewhere far away. As if he is far lost in his thoughts and I wonder if he even heard me.

"Is everything alright, Oliver?" I ask anxiously.