James stared at me, shocked, and asked, "Are you sure you want that? After what you just said. You're positive it isn't out of anger or sorrow?" I shook my head and heavily said, "That is exactly what it's about! My mother died to keep me safe, if I can't honor what she started then she would have died for nothing." James sincerely grabbed my hand and replied, "I know you're upset. But I don't believe you're thinking clearly. From my understanding, you must take the life of that you hold dearest. I can't think of anyone but your father to be that someone!" I turned away from him and darkly answered, "It is my father. Despite what he did, he's my father and I love him more than anything. But I can't say I'd be opposed to his death, especially if I'm the cause. He deserves it for what he did to my mother, and me." I saw James's hand signal one of the guards. I didn't know what he was doing until he said, "Can I take you somewhere to cool down?" I suspiciously nodded my head. Seconds later a carriage appeared in front of us. James gestured for me to get in. He grabbed my hand to help, and then we got in. The carriage began driving. James wouldn't tell me where we were going, but it was only a short drive to the place he wanted to go. We both got out and to say this was a beautiful sight was an understatement. "What is this place?" "It's the place I go when I need some comping down. Amelia, I want you to know that no matter your decision, I support whatever you choose." I smiled at his words and said, "Thank you." James sat down on the bare, green grass and said, "Why don't you sit with me. It's calming to just relax!" I giggled and replied, "It isn't quite as easy for a woman to relax now-a-days." James was confused so I continued, "Corsets are quite uncomfortable unless you're standing." James stood up and walked behind me. He neared his face to my neck and said, "I could help you with that if you'd like?" I felt his warm hands trace up and down my side. My pulse racing, my heart beating out of my chest. I think James noticed because he said, "Do you mind?" I quickly shook my head which led James's fingers off of me. I was calmed down a bit until he relaxed them again, but this time upon my lower back. He began lowering the sleeve of my dress from my shoulder. It felt good, I always feel so cold, but his hands are warm. I quickly stepped forward, slipping my sleeve back on, and said, "I can't. I'm sorry James, I would love nothing more than for this to continue, but I must refuse your offer." He grabbed my hand gently and asked, "What's the matter?" I took a heavy breath and answered, "My father says that if I should make a good wife one day then I should save myself for the man I marry. And I highly doubt you would ever want to be with someone like me —"He seemed confused as I continued, "— a werewolf." James strokes the side of my cheek and whispered, "Werewolf or not, I will always feel the same about you Amelia Crescent." I smiled and bit my lip shyly. James noticed and he placed one of his hands on my waist and the other cupping my face. My heart was beating harder than ever. I couldn't deny the tension between us any longer. I then said, "What now?" James whispered, "This is the part where you run away from me, denying the sparks between us." I looked deeply into his eyes and said, "Is that what you want me to do?" "Not a chance in Hell!" We stared blankly at one another with passion in our eyes. James began slowly leaning in to me. I simply stood there, frozen in place, even if I wanted to move I couldn't. James could see some sort of 'look' in my eyes because he swayed away from my face and to my ear as he whispered, "We have time Amelia. No need to rush anything." I exhaled dramatically when he pulled away. He smiled and tucked a curl behind my ear. "Do you want to leave?" I quickly answered, "Actually, yes. I want to go talk to my family about doing the ritual." James's eyes widened in surprise as he said, "Wouldn't you want to wait until tomorrow? It seems like you've had quite the day." I looked him dead in the eye and answered, "No. I want to do the ritual...and I want to do it tonight!"