Chapter 5 5

On my grandfather's farm, I met Arthur - a kind, good-hearted, and handsome guy. Blond, with light brown eyes - "whiskey-colored," as they say - he had a natural way with animals and was studying to become a veterinarian. He was a bit skinny and had only recently started working for his grandfather. He was the same age as Eli.

We quickly became friends. Arthur always knew how to keep a conversation interesting, and his sense of humor was spot on.

One day, when Eli came to visit us on the farm, I whispered shyly,

"Eli, I think... I have a not-so-friendly kind of crush on Arthur."

We were standing in the garden, and I couldn't take my eyes off Arthur, who was fussing over a mare about a hundred meters away.

"He has such hands... And his gaze? It goes straight into a woman's soul. Here's a secret - I think I'm in love," I confessed softly.

Eli snorted and laughed - not very ladylike.

"You just realized this today? What about yesterday?"

"Well, yesterday I didn't have those thoughts. But today... I realized I can't breathe properly when he's around," I admitted, still not used to sharing my feelings.

Eli laughed even harder.

"Oh, you silly greenhorn! It's a full moon tonight! Werewolves have what you might politely call heightened libido for twenty-four hours. Your female instincts need male attention. And since Arthur's young and handsome, guess who caught the spotlight? He's definitely into you too. Don't confuse physical urges with real feelings," she said more gently.

I thought about it - and she was right. Mostly, it was just strong physical excitement.

"Do you get like that too? How do you handle it?" I asked, then added quietly and a bit embarrassed, "Have you... well, experienced THAT yet?"

Eli's expression suddenly grew sad.

"No. Not yet. My parents are 'saving me for my carefree future.'"

I raised my eyebrows, confused.

"That's why they lock me in my room on full moon nights. During the day, it's just desire, but at night, it becomes a need - one not everyone can resist."

"What do you mean by 'my carefree future'?"

"They're not true mates," Eli explained. "Their marriage is one of convenience. My mother wasn't eager to marry my father, and he didn't care who he married. Now they claim they're happy and tell me to find my mate. But I think they just settled and got used to it. They're trying to find a suitable purebred mate for me to keep the family's status and wealth. That's my fate too."

I was shocked. I looked at Eli and couldn't imagine living with a man you didn't love. What if he was awful? It felt so unfair. I felt sorry for her - she's such a bright, cheerful person, and they want to force this on her.

"But last full moon, you were in the woods!" I recalled, frowning.

"Yes. My parents went to visit relatives - probably my cousin was looking for a fiancé. They had a family council. The maid forgot to lock me up since my parents usually do it themselves. I slipped out for a walk," Eli said cheerfully, then added, "Don't worry. I've got a plan. If my fiancé turns out ugly or old or just wrong for me, I'll run. I'm even learning to pick locks - saving my pocket money," she winked.

My eyes widened. God, I wish I had her courage and optimism sometimes.

That night, I asked my grandfather to lock me in my room. He was surprised but did as I asked.

The night was horrible. A burning heat low in my belly, I thought I'd climb the walls. I'd never felt desire so intensely. My she-wolf didn't understand my reclusive behavior - she wanted to roam free, not act like a noble lady. I won't admit it openly, but I had to... take care of myself.

How long could I keep this up?

____

Six years passed.

What changed? Almost everything.

Eli found her true mate - Robert Vesnitsky. He's also a werewolf, though not originally meant for her. Fate, it seems, is a magician - they found each other.

I'm so happy for her. Now they're raising their son, Nicholas, who's four. I adore that little boy - those sweet cheeks just begging to be kissed.

Mia grew into a beautiful girl. I can't really call her "Cucumber" anymore - well, only when I want to tease her. But I still love her madly.

Her favorite pastime is reading - especially romance novels. And she's obsessed with a popular boy band, like most girls her age. Apparently, at this age, everyone sees the world through rose-colored glasses, waiting for their prince on a white horse.

I finished my studies in the city a couple of years ago but never stayed.

I came back to care for my grandfather, who had sacrificed so much for me. Age and the loss of my grandmother have taken a toll on him. Werewolves can live over a century - but not without their mate.

It's been a month since he passed away.

I still live on his farm. Somehow, it makes me feel closer to him - I miss him deeply. He was not just my grandfather but my life mentor. We buried him next to my grandmother, so they're finally reunited.

I have never met my mate, and probably never will.

I'm almost twenty-five, and still no suitable candidate for family life.

There were suitors, dates, courtships - but nothing ever felt right. The honeymoon phase is lovely, but I can't imagine any of them as my lifelong partner.

So I stopped looking. Finding your mate is a gift of fate - and maybe it's just not meant for me.

One afternoon, sitting on the porch of my grandfather's house, sipping aromatic tea and watching the workers around the farm, my phone rang.

Damn. I'd just gotten comfortable, and the phone was inside the house.

Reluctantly, I got up and trudged to answer. Who could disturb my siesta?

I answered without looking:

"Hello?"

"Danka, hi!" Eli's voice was warm. "How are you?"

"As usual. Nothing new," I answered, lacking enthusiasm.

"That's no good!" I could hear her frown - then excitement crept into her voice.

"Listen, Robert's good friend needs an assistant - well, technically a secretary's assistant. Apparently, the secretary 'works after hours' so much she never finishes her tasks. Grandpa's gone now, so why stay in that village? A change of scenery might help you find a groom. It's good for women's health."

I rolled my eyes. Everyone wants to set me up. First Mom, then Dad, now Eli.

"I don't have problems with 'women's health,'" I replied dryly.

"Oh, right. You have Arthur - your 'female helper'!" she teased, irritated.

"Oh God! Don't call him that! You know he's a good guy," I muttered.

"All right. He loves you, so he'll do anything. Why don't you give him a chance?"

"I love him - as a friend. A special friend, yes, but nothing more. What chance? It wouldn't be fair to him. I don't have deeper feelings, and he deserves someone who loves him completely."

Arthur matured a lot over the years. He started going to the gym and got strong. Not a skinny boy anymore - a handsome man popular with women.

We were, are, and I hope, will remain good friends. Arthur and Eli are my best friends.

It would be foolish to deny that I know about his feelings. It's obvious to anyone paying attention.

I endured every full moon, hoping for my soulmate, then grew desperate. The she-wolf demanded her due.

And at one of those moments, Arthur was simply there.

Abstinence wasn't just unpleasant anymore - it was painful. I thought the she-wolf would one day take full control, so better to give my innocence to someone I know and who loves me, rather than to the first person my horny she-wolf gazed at.

That's how our friendship became friends with benefits. When it gets really bad, Arthur helps. Never refused.

It's funny - who can say no? Maybe he still hopes I'll love him, though I've been clear from the start so he has no illusions.

We probably should end it before he never finds someone else. Arthur deserves happiness. God, how selfish I am! Maybe Eli's right - I need a change of scenery.

"Yeah, he's a good guy," Eli agreed. "Think about the job. It's a great chance to settle in the city, and the pay's good. But the boss is, let's say, lovey-dovey - which keeps the secretary from getting work done. I bet there's a blonde with a size five bust and saucer lips," she laughed. "Don't think too long - a place like that won't stay empty."

"You know what? I'm in. What do I have to lose?" I shrugged. "But one condition - just for you."

"What's that?"

"Don't tell Robert to help me get the job. I want to do the interview myself. No pretty eyes or connections."

I heard Eli sigh and probably roll her eyes. Then she said,

"All right. You're smart and responsible. I trust you'll manage. I promise not to interfere."

"Deal."

"But pack your things. The interview's the day after tomorrow. You'll stay in our old apartment - not far from the firm. We haven't sold it since buying the new house."

"Thank you so much, Eli. What would I do without you?"