You know what, I shouldn't be scared. Just because Kaden trampled on my feelings doesn't mean Christian will. I mumbled under my breath as resolve filled me.
I know it's important to be brave. But sometimes, I feel like I don't know how people would react if I told them the truth. Which is just like today, it has taken everything within me to gain strength in my heart to say the most important thing.
With determination in mind, I stood up straight and looked deeply into his eyes. A smile formed on my face, and I paused for a moment.
"This is it. He will either reciprocate my feelings. Or he will tell me he doesn't feel the same way that I do." I whispered, trying to urge myself to speak. But it wasn't enough to control the onset of emotions that would come my way.
While I was deep in thought, Christian's voice, both soft and calming, broke through my mind.
"What happened? Is there something you want to tell me?" Christian whispered in my ear, then placed a gentle kiss behind it.
As the warmth of his lips lingered on my ear I sighed. This is nice. I guess he's showing me how much he cares for me.
"I don't know how you will take this. But I need to tell you that I think you're my mate!" I blurted and then covered my mouth.
Once it was out, there was no taking it back. All I had to do was wait and see how he responded.
With each second that passed, my heart began beating rapidly inside my chest. It all depends on this moment. He will either tell me he loves me. Or Christian will reject my feelings.
The silence between us was killing me. I began pacing up and down his office, gearing my heart up for his response.
Before I could continue, his hand touched my shoulder, causing me to stop. I looked into his eyes, a smile on my face.
"Ana, I am in love with you. I have been since the first time I saw you. You're my mate that I've been waiting for!" He declared with a grin.
I shifted from one foot to the other, unsure how to respond to his love confession.
With each second that lingered my heart beat faster. My mind raced at the words left in my heart. It was as though he knew the right phrase to say, to get through to me.
I can't believe he feels the same about me! Are Christian and I going to overcome the challenges headed our way? Or will our love disappear as fast as it appeared? I pondered as it took everything in me not to run to him. Even though my heart told me one thing, my head spoke another.
Despite being confused over everything, Christian stood in front of me, his face a mask of concern.
"Anabelle, take all the time you need to come to terms with this. When you do, please don't forget I will always be here for you no matter what." He whispered quietly, and started rubbing soft circles on my back.
Sighing, my heart slowly started to calm down. My mind raced as I tried to understand the importance of having someone being there for me.
I can't believe he is attentive to my needs. Ever since I was little, no one has done that for me. And for this, I'm grateful the Moon Goddess chose him as my mate. Yet, is it enough to take my seeds of doubt from me? I pondered as Christian's hand made it to my shoulder. Then he started rubbing soft circles on it.
The warmth of his hands was just enough to silence my doubt. Peering up through my eyelashes, I caught a glimpse of a smile. "What's he smiling at?" I asked my wolf, hoping she could provide insight on what is going on behind him.
Before I could await her answer, I must express my gratitude to him. So, taking a deep breath I steadied my heartbeat.
"Christian, thank you for helping me overcome my distress," I spoke, my voice laden with so much emotion that I couldn't comprehend.
Christian sighed and moved his hand from my shoulder to my back, causing me to shiver. As the simple sensation from the contact made its way to my brain, my eyes glazed over, and memory pushed through my mind.
Although I used to be intimate with Kaden everyday I don't remember feeling butterflies flying around my stomach. But today, I have it. Is this why the Moon Goddess chose Christian for me instead of Kaden? I thought to myself, and
"Ana, there's no need to thank me. This is what true mates are supposed to do for each other." He replied, his voice trembling a little. He paused before continuing, "Do you mind if I hug you?"
Before I could respond, he pulled me close to his chest. The warmth of his body against mine allowed me to let my guard down. Is this what it's like to be with someone who loves you for you? This is a nice way to ensure my love is never forgotten, or taken advantage of. I wondered as I let the smell of pine fill my nostrils, helping me embrace the moment I always wanted to have.
"Anabelle, why don't I take you to my room in the packhouse? And there you can rest." He whispered in my ear, a stark contrast of the rampaging emotions of my heart.
Unsure of how to respond, I nodded, to which he moved his hand from my back to grasp mine.
"Good. Now that's settled, let's go. Don't worry about what the pack members will say. All you need to know is I love you so much," He revealed, and we walked out of his office.
With each step we took, my heart started beating rapidly. As we walked past them they whispered to each other, I can't believe he would choose that dreadful ugly woman as his mate! He should pick someone who has always benefited the pack. Not somebody that we don't know!
As their words made their way to my ears, my fists started clenching and unclenching. Anger started rising in my chest at everything they spoke.
"How could they say that about someone they don't know?"