Chapter 131

Fiona

Ethan pulls back slowly, almost as if he doesn’t want to break the kiss. His forehead presses to mine softly while our breaths mix, and the pounding of our hearts take over our senses. My lips tingle, and I wonder if every kiss and every touch will be like this.

Every time he touches me, it’s like I’ve been zapped by electricity. At first it was strange, but now I lean into the feeling, knowing what it means.

And because he’s still holding my waist like I’ll pull away, I open my eyes and whisper, “I don’t want money or fame, Ethan. I want to be with you.”

A deep breath saws in and out of his chest before his entire body relaxes. I watch his shoulders drop and feel his hands loosen on my waist. Anger bubbles in my blood while I watch him slowly calm down.

At first, I didn’t understand why he was offering to buy me a house, but then I remembered the contract and how we were both using each other. My mind also jumped back to when he explained that everyone is always out to get something. I hate that his parents and ex-fiancé treated him so badly that he feels no one would be able to love him without something to gain.

Lifting my hands, I cup Ethan’s cheeks, just like how he does when I need to focus on him.

“Want to go see a movie?”

His eyes pop open, sparking with surprise as he stares down at me. A plan forms in my mind to show Ethan that he doesn’t always have to provide for me. I provide for him like he provides for me. I may not be a billionaire, but I have some money, and now it’s my turn to take care of him at least once.

“I’ll drive,” Ethan says, and I nod. I’ll let him have this one thing.

We’re quiet during the drive, but the tingles racing up and down my leg have warmth pooling in my body. I shift and focus on anything other than Ethan’s hand touching me. I’d love nothing more than to go home and get in bed, but I want to show him our relationship is more than physical.

I don’t want him to worry about that, so when we pull into the parking lot of the theater, I jump out. A little huff of disapproval follows me, and I smile. Usually, Ethan makes me wait until he comes around and opens the door for me. This time, I race around the car and open the door for him.

“Come on. I bet there’s a good movie on,” I tell him, taking his hand.

It’s not hard to tug him forward, leading him to the ticket booth. We haven’t watched movies together, so as I scan the display board, I ask, “What do you like?”

Ethan hums and leans against my back, lowering his head to lean against mine as he reads the options. After a second, he points, and my eyes widen.

“The romantic comedy?” I ask, surprised. I didn’t take him as the type. He nods, and before he can reach into his jacket pocket, I slap my debit card on the counter and push it toward the employee.

“Two to Inn Deep, please,” I tell the lady, and she smiles, glancing between Ethan and I, before taking my card.

“What are you doing?” Ethan questions, a hint of suspicion in his voice.

“Paying for our date.”

Ethan leans in further, looking into my eyes. “Why?”

“Because I can.”

“Enjoy the movie. Concessions are inside to the left,” the employee tells us. I thank her and grab Ethan’s hand, leading him inside. It’s his turn to know what if feels like to be on the receiving end of a date.

“And the part where he smacked his thumb with the hammer and then she accidentally knocked the paint can onto his head while trying to help him…” I laugh, and Ethan chuckles as I’m unable to forget the funny moment. It was so chaotic but cute.

I wipe the tears from my eyes and finally look around when Ethan parks the car.

“Wh-what are we doing here?” I ask, finding the soccer stadium in front of us. The same stadium I almost died in.

“We’re here to run,” he answers, smiling then frowning a bit when he looks over at me. There are no lights on in the stadium and no cars in the parking lot, but still, something about this place sends a shot of anxiety through me. “There’s nothing to be nervous about, Fiona. Nothing will happen again.”

“Promise?”

I hate that I sound so timid, but I can’t help but remember the large crowds closing in, the pain of being hit and pushed, and the fear from falling.

“I promise.”

Placing my hand in Ethan’s, I allow him to help me out of the car. We stop for a moment so he can grab a black duffle bag from the back seat. After his car beeps and the lights go out, we’re plunged into darkness.

“Do you trust me?” Ethan asks, and when he looks back, golden eyes glow in the darkness. They’re almost the only thing I can see, but it doesn’t matter. With his hand around mine and knowing he won’t let anything happen to me, I nod.

“Yes. I trust you, Ethan.”

A soft rumble sounds from him before he tugs on my arm, leading me forward. I can’t see anything, so I try my best to not stumble along behind him. I also try to think of anything other than the darkness that surrounds us.

“What are we doing here?” I ask again, swallowing my nerves.

“We’re going to play soccer and run around. My wolf needs out, and I thought it would be fun to teach you to play,” Ethan answers, just before I bump right into his back. “Stay right here, okay? I’m going to turn the lights on.”

His words don’t process in my mind until his hand disappears from mine. Then, I’m alone in the blackness.

Though, I should’ve known Ethan wouldn’t truly leave me because seconds later, lights begin flickering to life far above me. One after the other, the bright white lights come on, and then Ethan is beside me again, dropping the duffle bag with a thud against the grass.

“Kick your shoes off. Heels won’t be easy to play in,” he instructs while pulling at his tie. I do as he says, thinking that playing soccer in my business attire is a little strange, but does it really matter?

“Okay, are you going to show me your moves?” I ask, smirking. Ethan chuckles as he rolls his sleeves up.

“Something like that.”

Then, he’s running, kicking a ball half way down the field before I can even blink.

“No fair!” I shout, running after him. “You’re a cheater!” I’m nowhere near as fast as Ethan, so he slows and waits for me to catch up, snagging me by the waist and spinning me around when I almost run into him again.

After a moment he sets me down, and I kick the ball between Ethan’s feet, running around him to keep it away from him.

I shriek then a laugh bubbles out as my feet slide against the grass. We kick the ball back and forth, me trying to dodge Ethan’s advances, but he’s too fast. He gets the ball away from me with ease, but with a quick kiss on his cheek, I steal the ball back.

“That’s a dirty trick, Fiona,” Ethan growls playfully, reaching for me. I spin around him, laughing when he misses.

He’s not using his full strength, obviously, but it’s still fun. Seeing him so carefree and smiling warms my heart, but soon, I have to stop to catch my breath. Resting my hands on my knees, gulp down the cool night air.

“I thought…” I gasp for air, “You were going to let Zev out.”

Gold eyes flicker and bones snap, and before I know it, a large wolf is standing in front of me. I gasp at the speed of his transformation this time, realizing he meant it when he said the more he changes the faster it happens.

Zev releases a bark-like growl and then he’s off, bumping the ball with his nose to keep it away from me. I watch as he darts down the field before coming back. The ball rolls to me just close enough that I can reach it to kick and send it rolling.

Then, we run.