Chapter 3 UNEXPECTED PULL

**Lila Carter's Point of View**

My hands were trembling as I sat on the bus. The emerald eyes of the wolf, which glowed like Ethan's, lingered in my mind. My heart refused to stop beating. Was I losing my mind? There were no wolves in the city. I gazed out the window while tightly gripping my suitcase. I kept glancing back because I was afraid the wolf was after me, even though the city lights were blurry. I hurried into my flat and closed the door as the bus pulled up outside. Breathing heavily, I leaned against it. Although I was secure now, I had a queasy feeling in my stomach, like if something significant was going on.

That night, I didn't get much sleep. I jumped at every sound. In the darkness, I kept seeing their eyes. My eyes were fatigued by morning, but I had to report to work. I dressed in trousers and a yellow top in the hopes that vibrant hues would cheer me up. I raced to the bus after grabbing my sketchbook. Even though my heart was still pounding, I urged myself to concentrate. Ethan loved my poster, but I had work to do. For now, it was plenty.

The foyer of Blackwood Enterprises was crowded. Fidgeting uneasily, I rode the elevator to the eleventh story. Ethan was speaking to Marcus as the doors opened. His emerald eyes flitted to me, and his black suit gave him a powerful appearance. Every time he stared at me, my stomach flipped once again. He had a serious expression on his face, so I refrained from telling him about the wolf.

Marcus grinned and said, "Good morning, Lila." I felt a bit better after looking into his gentle eyes.

"Hello," I murmured in a low voice. Ethan was already leaving with papers in his hand when I looked at him.

Over his shoulder, Ethan yelled, "Complete the poster today." "We must have it by noon."

After giving a nod, I moved to my desk. As Ethan suggested, I prepared my pencils and began adding blue to the poster's backdrop. Though I was focused on the wolf, my hand moved quickly. Those eyes seemed so near, so genuine. I gave a headshake. I needed to concentrate. Phones were ringing and people were chatting loudly in the workplace. Sarah's blond hair bounced as she waved at me from her desk.

She came up and said, "Hey, are you okay?" "You appear afraid."

I forced a grin and lied, "I'm fine." I was reluctant to share the wolf with her. She would consider me foolish. "Just worn out."

Sarah nodded, but she scowled. "All well, but let me know if you need to speak. Today, Ethan has been grouchy.

I gave Ethan a quick look. He was looking at a computer at his desk. He had a tense, angry-looking jaw. Did he also see the wolf? I ignored the notion and continued sketching. I was pleased when the blue caused the phone to pop. Perhaps this time Ethan would grin.

I ate my apple by myself at lunch while observing Ethan. He was using his phone while standing near the window. He seemed agitated, but his voice was quiet. I pondered with whom he was speaking. After Marcus joined him, they strolled to a peaceful chamber. I remained at my workstation, wanting to know what was wrong. Drawing was my job, not spying.

I finished my poster by midday. I held it up and looked at each line. The blue backdrop was brilliant, and the phone seemed sparkling. With my pulse racing, I made my way to Ethan's desk. Now he was by himself, studying documents. I displayed the poster.

With a trembling voice, I replied, "Here is the poster."

He picked it up and looked it over. He gently scanned the hues with his eyes. As I waited for him to speak, my stomach wrenched. At last, he gave a nod. It's good. We'll make advantage of it.

My heart leaped. I grinned and replied, "Thank you." His gaze softened for a moment, as if he saw something unique in me. Then he turned his head away, his expression icy once again.

He responded, "Go begin the next project." "Sarah will demonstrate."

My grin faded as I nodded. Why was he so cruel? I felt heavy as I made my way back to my workstation. Sarah arrived with a brand-new project: an image for a vehicle advertisement. We collaborated while giggling over ridiculous concepts. For a moment, her grin let me forget about the wolf. However, my heart made that amusing flip every time Ethan passed. I couldn't figure out why he made me feel that way.

We held a team meeting later. Ethan spoke about the company's ambitious objectives while standing at the front. Everyone listened to his powerful voice. With my pencil still in my hand, I observed him. I felt heated all over as his emerald eyes found me after scanning the room. For a brief period, he seemed to see me alone. I glanced down at my notepad as my cheeks began to flush.

Sarah drew me aside after the meeting. You can't stop looking at Ethan, Lilia. Take caution. It's difficult to know him.

With a flushed face, I replied, "I'm not staring." However, I knew she was correct. Ethan had a way of drawing me in like a magnet. Despite my dislike, I was unable to stop it.

I packed my suitcase as the day came to a close. Now that most people had left, the workplace was quiet. My feet were heavy as I made my way to the elevator. With his hands in his pockets, Ethan was back. As the doors closed, my heart pounded. As previously, there was just the two of us.

"Well done today," he replied quietly. His comments were warm, but he didn't look at me.

I looked at my shoes and replied, "Thank you." I wanted to inquire about the wolf, but I was unable to speak. The elevator was filled with his tree-like scent. His eyes locked with mine as I looked at him. My heart stopped beating. He seemed different for a moment, as if he had something important to say. I felt that spark again, stronger than before, and my stomach fluttered.

The doors opened and the elevator dinged. Ethan went outside. His voice was icy once again when he replied, "See you tomorrow." He left me alone and went away. My heart fell. Why did he continue to do that? He was icy one minute and friendly the next.

It was cold outdoors when I stepped outside. With lights flashing and automobiles honking, the roadway was crowded. With my backpack bouncing on my shoulder, I made my way to the bus station. I kept thinking about Ethan, his voice, his eyes. At first, I was unaware of the footsteps behind me. They approached, yet they were kind. With my heart racing, I turned. There were just streetlight shadows and no people.

I continued to walk, now more quickly. Even when the bus stop was near, the footsteps continued. I whirled around, gasping for air. I noticed them, those green eyes, shining in the darkness in the alley across the street. The wolf has returned, larger than ever. It remained still and watched me with its black fur. I wanted to shout, but my voice was gone, and my legs were shaking.

With its gaze fixed on me, the wolf advanced. I believed my heart would burst from the thunderous pounding. My backpack slipped off my shoulder as I retreated. Like it recognized me, the wolf merely looked without moving. Then, from behind me, rather than from the wolf, I heard a faint growl. Another wolf with vicious, golden eyes was standing there when I turned. My whole body went cold as it flashed its fangs. With a louder snarl, the green-eyed wolf moved to block my path from the yellow-eyed one. I was at a loss for what to do as they faced each other, prepared to battle.