Chapter 4 MOONLIT SECRETS

**Ethan Blackwood's Point of View**

Fur bristling, my wolf form taut, I stood in the alley. Behind me, Lila was panting and frightened. In the streetlight, the yellow-eyed wolf snarled, its fangs piercing. The person sniffing about my region was one of Victor's scouts. In addition to the danger, Lila's presence and seeing me in this state made my pulse race. I couldn't tell her my secret, but I wanted to keep her safe. Not quite yet. I glared at the competitor wolf with my emerald eyes and gave it a stronger roar to tell it to retreat.

With its claws scratching the floor, the yellow-eyed wolf took a stride. I was prepared to fight, and I showed my teeth. I could feel Lila's terror tugging at my chest as she gasped. I couldn't take my eyes off the adversary, but my wolf wanted to turn to her and check on her. When the opposing wolf rushed, I sprang to meet it in midair. Our teeth snapped when our bodies collided. I pushed it away, feeling more powerful now that Lila was close. With a cry, the wolf fled into the darkness, its tail down.

I looked across at Lila. With her luggage on the floor and her eyes wide, she remained still. Seeing her so terrified broke my heart. I wanted to tell her it was me and change back, but I was unable to do so. Not right now, not here. I took a step back and tried to reassure her that I would protect her. My paws were silent on the pavement as I dashed into the alley. With my garments ripped but still on, I reverted to human shape and hid behind a trash. I leaned against the wall, my head racing, my chest heaving. Lila noticed me. She caught sight of my wolf. How would she perceive it?

She was grabbing her purse with trembling hands when I peered out. Gazing back at the alley, she dashed to the bus stop. My heart fell. I detested the fact that I frightened her. My pack needed me strong, not pursuing a human girl, yet I still wanted to get to her and explain. even if we were partners. She was selected by the moon goddess, but I pushed her away to keep my pack safe. Now that she was so close, my inner wolf screamed, pleading to be close to her.

Slipping back, I parked my vehicle a block away. Marcus's name displayed on the screen as my phone buzzed. My voice was quiet as I replied. "What?"

Marcus said, "Victor's pack is moving." They're keeping an eye on the city. I believe they are aware of her.

My stomach turned over. "Lila?"

"Yes," Marcus said. "Ethan, they can smell your vulnerability. You must have your partner.

My fist tightened. "She is not necessary for me. I have to protect the pack.

Marcus let out a sigh. "With her, you're stronger. You are aware of it.

With my mind whirling, I hung up. Marcus was correct, but I had to keep Lila out. Not with Victor's pack swarming about, trying to find any weakness in me. With the city lights fading, I drove back to my flat. I could still see Lila's face, her kind brown eyes, and her terrified exclamation. In an attempt to return to her, my wolf clawed at me. I clamped down on the steering wheel.

I arrived at the workplace early the next morning. It was silent on the tenth floor, but my thoughts were noisy. Lila's poster on the wall caught my attention as I stood near my desk. She seemed to know what I wanted without asking, as shown by the flawless blue backdrop and brilliant phone. My chest constricted. She was incredibly kind and talented. I pushed her away, but why?

Voices filled the room as others began to arrive. Lila walked in with her hair in an untidy bun and a bright yellow top. Her eyes darted around as if she were afraid, and she appeared exhausted. I'm to blame. My throat tightened up when I tried to speak to her and apologize. I pretended to be working as I turned to my computer.

Marcus approached, his expression solemn. Are you alright, boss? You seem rugged.

"I'm all right," I answered sharply. I didn't want to discuss the wolf or Lila from last night. Marcus arched an eyebrow without pressing. He was too familiar with me.

Lila worked quickly with her pencil at her desk. From the corner of my eye, I observed her. Her face was concentrated now, sketching an automobile. My heart made a strange flip every time she tucked her hair behind her ear. I loathed how she made me feel-soft, vulnerable, alive. I rose up and proceeded to her desk, my hands in my pockets.

"New project looks good," I responded, attempting to sound natural. Her eyes flashed up, wide and anxious.

"Thanks," she responded, her voice quiet. She gazed at me like she was seeking for something. Was she aware that I was the one last night? My wolf woke up, eager to be near her. My jaw was clenched as I took a step back.

I turned aside and muttered, "Keep it up." It took all of my willpower not to turn around when I felt her eyes on my back.

I ate a sandwich by myself when I was at my office for lunch. Marcus came in after knocking. He sat down and said, "We need to talk about Victor." He has too close scouts. Ethan, they're pursuing her.

I massaged my face. "I understand. Last night, I stopped one.

Marcus bent over. Close to Lila? She cannot be kept in the dark. She is your partner.

"Cease saying that," I yelled. She is a person. She has no place in our world.

Marcus said, "She's already in it." "Fate cannot be changed."

I gave him a fierce look, but he was correct. I was putting Lila in risk. How was I going to protect her? She would flee if I told her the truth. Victor's pack would approach if I didn't. Torn between duty and her, my wolf snarled.

As the day progressed, I stayed occupied by reviewing documents and interacting with the team. Lila remained at her desk and silently drew. Like a rope binding me to her, I felt that tug each time I went past. It ached, but I chose to ignore it. Her buddy Sarah stopped by my desk at the end of the day. Her eyes were keen, and her blond hair was disheveled.

Sarah remarked, "Lila is acting strangely." She is afraid. Has anything occurred?

My face remained expressionless. She's all right. just putting in a lot of effort at work.

Sarah scowled. She is a buddy of mine. Tell me if anything is amiss.

I gave a shrug. "There is nothing wrong. Return to your job.

I observed her whisper to Lila as she left. My gut wrenched as they gazed at me. Was she informed about the wolf by Lila? I couldn't tell Sarah or anybody else my secret.

I waited by the elevator when the office was empty. With her purse slung over her shoulder, Lila arrived. Even though her eyes were sleepy, I felt that spark again as she glanced at me. It was only the two of us when the doors closed. I was compelled by my wolf to speak and tell her everything.

"Well done today," I remarked in a harsh voice. I wanted to add that I was the wolf and that I would keep her safe. However, I was unable to.

She murmured, glancing down at her feet, "Thank you." She spoke softly, like if she were afraid of me. My heart ached.

We got out as the elevator stopped. To ensure her safety, I wanted to escort her to the bus stop. However, I remained behind and watched her go. The air seemed thick, as if a storm were about to arrive, and the night was gloomy. I heard someone scream as I began to go for my vehicle. Lila was the one.

My heart was racing as I ran. At the bus station, two wolves surrounded her, their eyes yellow and vicious. Victor's scouts. Lila's luggage was on the floor as she remained still. Inside, my wolf raged, eager to transform. But before I could, a third wolf with black hair and ruby eyes sprang out of the darkness. Confounded, the others retreated as it snarled at them. With a chilly gaze, the red-eyed wolf turned to face Lila. My blood turned to ice. Victor didn't have that one. It was terrible.