I was stunned. Two weeks left until six months. What was he thinking?
When he returned, I didn't say anything, but I couldn't shake the confusion. Why was he still here? Was he really willing to lose everything?
Three days before the six-month deadline, I invited him out for dinner. Joseph was over the moon, his eyes shining with excitement. Most of the time, it was him who initiated things, so this was a pleasant surprise for him.
"Here, have some wine, baby." He poured the drink into my glass, looking happier than I'd seen him in months.
He looked so at peace, it made me feel even guiltier. I had to ruin this moment.
"Alpha," I said suddenly.
He winced, the hurt evident in his eyes. "Why are you calling me that now?"
"Go back," I said softly. "I saw the message from your mom weeks ago. It's time."
He shook his head. "I don't care about the position. I care about you."
"Stop it, Joseph. Don't act like you care about me that much."
"But I do. I love you."
"No, you don't," I said firmly. "This was my fault. I should've been clearer from the start. It's never going to work between us. Go back to your pack."
His voice cracked. "I'm happy here, with you."
"Well, I'm not," I snapped. "I'm tired of this. Go back. Just leave me alone."
I left the restaurant, ignoring the hurt in his eyes. I hated myself for it, but it was for the best.
The next morning, I arrived at work to the news I expected—Joseph had resigned. He was gone. My mood was sour, and my coworkers left me alone, sensing something was wrong. I buried myself in work, telling myself it was better this way.
But that night, I couldn't sleep. I tossed and turned, thinking about him. Why did I care? Why did it hurt so much?
The following afternoon, the doorbell rang. I opened it, surprised to see Joseph standing there.
"What… I thought you left."
He smiled, a bright smile that always made my heart jump. "I dropped my resignation letter, but I couldn't leave. I went to the airport, but I ended up here. I can't do it. I don't want to leave you."
"Joseph… what about your title?"
"I don't care. All I care about is you, Anita. I love you."
I was speechless. He rarely ever said those words to me.
He stepped closer, his voice tender. "I really do love you."
Without thinking, I tiptoed and kissed him, pouring all my confusion and emotions into that one kiss.
"You're such a fool," I scolded when I pulled away, but he only smiled, too happy to care.
"Come on," I said, pulling his arm.
"Where are we going?"
"To the pack. You've got a few hours left before the deadline."
"But Anita, you don't have to—"
I rolled my eyes. "If I don't, you'll regret it."
We rushed to the airport together, laughing like kids. For the first time in months, when I looked into his eyes, I saw nothing but love and adoration.