Chapter 5 GALA NIGHT

**Lila Carter's Point of View**

My heart was thumping like a drum as I stood at the bus stop. The two yellow-eyed wolves snarled, their fangs gleaming in the shadows. My legs were immobile, and my luggage was on the ground. Then the third wolf appeared, its crimson eyes making my stomach ache. It looked at me as if it knew me, and it was larger and more frightening. With their tails down, the yellow-eyed wolves retreated. I wanted to scream as the red-eyed wolf approached, but I was unable to do so. Out of nowhere, there was a loud honk from the street. The wolves fled into the darkness as the lights of an automobile flashed. When the bus arrived, I snatched up my luggage and leaped on board, my hands quivering.

My breath came quickly as I sat in the back. Even after the wolves left, my heart refused to stop beating. The red-eyed wolf followed by the yellow ones and finally the green-eyed one. What was going on? Ethan's emerald eyes, which resembled the first wolf's, sprang to mind. Was this all in my head? In an attempt to feel secure, I embraced my luggage. I was afraid to see those eyes again, so I gazed out the window as the bus rumbled through the city.

I double-checked and closed the door when I arrived home. Despite being modest, my flat felt secure. I had my sketchbook on my lap while I sat on the sofa. To put the wolves out of my mind, I tried to sketch, but my hands kept trembling. Despite going to bed early, I didn't get much sleep. I thought the wolves were out there, so I jumped at every sound. I was exhausted by morning, but I had to report to work. Tonight was the big business gala, and I had to complete my automobile advertisement.

I pulled my hair up and put on a purple dress. I didn't care if my eyes were swollen in the mirror. I raced to the bus after grabbing my sketchbook. There were automobiles and people all around the city. The foyer of Blackwood Enterprises was decked up in glittering gala decorations. My stomach twisted as I rode the elevator to the tenth level. Ethan would be there, and after last night, I wasn't sure how to behave.

Sarah was standing at my desk, her blond hair in curls, when I arrived. "You look exhausted, Lilia!" she said, her eyes wide. "What took place?"

I sat down and lied, "Nothing." I was unwilling to discuss the wolves. She would believe I was insane. "I simply didn't get enough sleep."

Sarah scowled without pressing. "All okay, but I take it you're attending the gala? It will be enjoyable!

I forced a grin as I nodded. With my pencil flowing quickly, I began working on the vehicle advertisement. The car's red color popped and it looked elegant. I couldn't stop thinking about Ethan, his warm gaze and his icy voice. Why did he give me such conflicting feelings? I had a look at his desk. There he was, conversing with Marcus. His emerald eyes flashed to me, and his black suit suited him like a glove. My heart leaped, and I glanced quickly down.

The day flew by. I assisted with the gala setup and completed the automobile advertisement. There were long tables with food and sparkling lights in the large space below. I was pleased to see my poster up on the wall. They arrived, conversing and laughing, dressed in elegant attire. My purple outfit seemed too simple as I stood near the wall. After locating me, Sarah gave me a glass of juice.

"Lila, you look fantastic!" she said with a smile. Let's locate Ethan. You must display your effort.

She dragged me through the throng, even though I didn't want to. Ethan conversed with a few suit-clad individuals while standing beside a table. When his eyes met mine, my stomach made that amusing flip once again. Sarah shoved me. "Disclose the poster to him!"

I took a deep breath. I pointed and said, "The poster is up there, Mr. Blackwood."

He glanced first at it and then at me. "Well done, Lila," he replied in a gentler tone than normal. As my cheeks heated up, I cracked a little grin. His gaze lingered on mine for a minute as if he had seen something unique. I felt alone once again as he went back to the guys.

We giggled while whirling to the music as Sarah pulled me along for the dance. For a time, I forgot about the wolves. Then I saw Ethan across the room, observing me. Like the green-eyed wolf, he had keen eyes. I stopped dancing because my heart was racing. Even if Sarah didn't notice, I couldn't take my eyes off of him. My legs became limp as he began to approach me.

When he got to me, he said, "Lila, we need to talk." His tone was solemn and quiet. Gently, he grabbed my arm and guided me to a peaceful area. It was just the two of us as the music faded. I thought he would hear my heart pounding so loudly.

"What's the matter?" My voice was tremulous as I asked. I pondered if he was aware of anything as I considered the red eyes and wolves.

His jaw was clenched as he gazed at me. He said, "You're doing great work," yet his eyes sent a different message. He seemed to be struggling with himself as they went from being warm to freezing. "Just... exercise caution."

"Wary?" I scowled as I said. "What do you mean?"

He parted his lips, then shut them again. At last, he replied in a firm voice, "Just keep your focus." I caught his arm as he turned to go.

With my pulse pounding, I whispered, "Wait." "Why do you continue to behave in this manner? You may be kind one moment and cruel the next. I don't understand.

His eyes became wide as if I had startled him. He seemed kind for a moment, as if he wanted to speak to me. My stomach churned, and I felt that warm, powerful spark once again. He moved closer till I could smell his aroma, which was like that of a tree. I thought he may say something significant, and my breath caught.

His voice was low as he began, "Lila." Marcus then rushed up, his expression disturbed.

"We have a problem, Ethan," Marcus remarked, turning to face me. "Outdoors. Right now.

Ethan's expression hardened and became angular. After glancing at me, he followed Marcus. My heart was heavy as I stood there. What was going on? Sarah took my hand even though I wanted to follow.

She drew me back to the audience and said, "Come on, let's dance more." I made an effort to grin, but my thoughts were on Ethan. What issue was Marcus referring to? Did the wolves play a role?

With laughter and song, the gala continued. I remained late to assist with cleanup. Only a few employees and I were left in the room. After grabbing my stuff, I made my way to the lobby. It was dark outside, and the thought of the wolves made my stomach turn. The air was frigid as I went out onto the street. I went quickly, my sneakers clicking, to the bus station, which was a block away.

Then a deep growl reached my ears. My heart stopped beating. The yellow-eyed wolves were emerging from an alley as I turned around. They brushed their teeth and drew nearer. With my bag sliding, I retreated. I wanted to run, but my legs were too quick, and they were shaking. Then, behind them, I saw the red-eyed wolf once again, this time larger and more menacing. It didn't snarl. Its eyes, odd and chilly, merely gazed.

A loud bark sounded from the side as I opened my lips to yell. The green-eyed, powerful, dark-furred wolf sprang out. It glared at the others as it stood in front of me. My heart pounded. Like last night, it was keeping me safe. The red-eyed wolf advanced, its gaze fixed on the green-eyed wolf, as the yellow-eyed wolves growled. With their fangs exposed, they circled one another. Breathing rapidly, I retreated. I swear the green-eyed wolf's eyes looked just like Ethan's when it gazed at me. Everything went crazy as the red-eyed wolf attacked.