Chapter 2 I HAD A ONE-NIGHT STAND

It took Emily some time to realize that she might have just made a costly mistake. Shocked, she sat up immediately, her heart racing as she turned to the other side of the bed, but there was no one there. What just happened? she thought, desperately trying to convince herself that everything in her memory was true. How and where was she going to search for him if she wanted to see him again? Her gaze fell on a stain on the bedspread, a stark reminder that she had just lost her precious virginity. Taking a deep breath, she opened the window wide, welcoming the fresh air that rushed in through the hotel room.

Ethan! That name echoed in her mind, fresh and vivid. He had introduced himself with a charming smile, and she could never forget it. She placed both hands on her face, closing her eyes for a moment as a wave of conflicting emotions washed over her. She had just had a one-night stand, but why did it feel so different? Wasn't it supposed to be simple? Why did she still feel that magnetic attraction towards him? It was as if he should come back and claim her, as if she still wanted him badly.

Trying to shake off the lingering feelings, Emily swung her legs over the side of the bed. But as soon as her feet touched the floor, she felt something beneath them. She lifted her foot to see what it was and spotted a small piece of paper. Curiosity piqued, she picked it up and froze. It was a passport photograph of Ethan! Her heart raced with hope as she got off the bed and rushed into the bathroom to clean up.

After a quick wash, she emerged with a white towel wrapped around her waist, feeling both exhilarated and anxious. Sitting on the edge of the bed, she glanced around the room, her mind still swirling with thoughts of Ethan. Just then, something caught her eye-a letter lying on the bedside table. Had he left her a note? Did he hope to see her again? She thought, her heart pounding as she lifted it up. But as she unfolded the letter, her excitement turned to confusion.

"Do not look for me! We are not of the same class. That money is yours, from me. Bye!"

Emily froze, her heart sinking. What did he mean? They had shared beautiful moments together. She tried to control her racing thoughts, but anger bubbled up inside her. Pissed off, she stood up and got dressed, holding the passport photograph, the money, and the letter tightly in her pocket. She left the hotel room, her mind a bag of emotions, and managed to find her way back home.

As she reached the middle-class neighborhood she called home, and paused for a moment before stepping inside her house. "I have been looking for you, Emily! Hope you are well," Sia exclaimed, rushing towards her and enveloping her in a tight hug, as if she had been missing for days.

"I'm sorry... I can't explain," Emily replied, sinking onto the couch. The apartment was modestly furnished, a stark contrast to the lavish hotel room she had just left. Sia, another werewolf and her best friend, looked at her with concern, relief flooding her features. "I wonder what can't be explained. Either way, I made breakfast, and I know you must be famished. Go have a cool bath and come join me in the dining room."

Without wanting to stress Sia further, Emily complied. After a refreshing shower, she walked into the dining room, feeling slightly more composed. Sia was busy dishing out food for both of them, acting like a sister who had feared losing her twin. They ate in comfortable silence, the tension slowly dissipating as they settled into their routine.

Once they finished breakfast, they moved to the sitting room, where they curled up on the couch to watch a movie they had been following for weeks. It was a welcome distraction, but Emily's mind kept drifting back to Ethan. Finally, unable to hold it in any longer, she confessed, "I had a one-night stand."

Sia froze, her eyes wide with disbelief. "One-night stand? Is that even a thing?" she stammered, trying to process the information. It took her a moment to regain her composure. "What do you mean, girl?"

"I'm serious," Emily replied, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her.

"No, you can't be. Do you know what that means?" Sia asked, concern creeping into her tone.

"I guess I do, but I still feel like I want more of him," Emily admitted, her heart aching at the thought.

"More of him? Well, that's not a one-night stand then. Maybe he's a lover," Sia suggested, raising an eyebrow.

"I don't know him. I don't even know where he lives. He's a stranger, but the feeling is different," Emily said, her voice tinged with sadness.

"Where did you guys meet?" Sia inquired, leaning forward with interest.

"At the field. In the woods," Emily replied, recalling the magical night under the full moon.

"Last night was the full moon. I told you to come home earlier. Are you sure you weren't mated?" Sia asked, her eyes narrowing with concern.

"I don't know what it is, but I just feel like I want more. But I think it's different for him," Emily said, feeling a wave of despair wash over her.

"Girl, you are tripping. Chill. I think it's just a fling. There's nothing serious there. Dada asked about you," Sia said, trying to lighten the mood.

"What does he want?" Emily asked, her curiosity piqued.

"No idea, but how do you intend to tell him about this? You know he likes you," Sia replied, her tone serious.

"Well, I don't," Emily said, shrugging as they continued to watch the television, though her mind was far from the screen.

Meanwhile, Alpha Ethan sat in his office chair, his thoughts consumed by the events of the previous night. He replayed the moments they had shared, the way her laughter had filled the air, and how her touch had ignited something deep within him. It was evident that he still craved the warmth of her body, but there was no way to find her now. His mother had warned him about leaving the pack on that fateful night, but he had ignored her advice. Was this the consequence of his recklessness?