The Retake

Ralph and I are growing closer each day.
We now officially have a love affair going on and are inseparable. At work, however, we continue to interact formally. Ralph wanted to announce our relationship in a management meeting so there would be less gossip and my place in the company would be clear. But fortunately, I was able to persuade him to wait with that; our relationship is just in the very beginning.
As I said before, we are formal in the workplace.
But as soon as we can, we steal some kisses or an embrace. The offices are glass-walled, so we usually do a quick make-out in the elevator or hallway to the parking lot. He takes me to dinner several times a week and then we take long walks along the beach. We talked about our lives before we met, our family and our dreams for the future. I told him about Storm Forest, my father, the Beta of the former Alpha, my mother, and my sisters Rachel and Ruth. Also that I had a happy childhood and love my family very much.
Ralph has yet to meet Ruth, but my sister keeps putting off the moment. When I told her about my relationship with my boss, her attitude changed, she was disappointed but kept her cool. Her many frowns when we meet tell me that she disapproves of me moving on with my life. John too did not react enthusiastically, but he also kept quiet about it.
Once my boyfriend asked me again why I left Storm Forest to settle far from my pack. I hesitated to tell him the truth and he noticed. So I indicated that I had had a relationship with a pack member but that it didn't end well. Fortunately, he didn't push on the matter further, he had already noticed from my icy tone that I didn't like to discuss this subject. And he respected that, thank God. Lying is not really my strong suit.
Ralph told me that he comes from a pack in Canada.
Every year he leaves on a business trip for a few weeks to visit the major companies of his pack. He then investigates some projects that are in progress. He does this more to get out, sometimes feeling suffocated in his community and wanting to meet new people. Usually, he stays away for just a month but having met me, he is deviating from this rule this year. But what worried me more was his statement that he is his parent's only child. I grew cold at his words, they made me decide to delay my confession to him. I have yet to inform Ralph that I will not be able to bear him pups. And as the only son, his parents must be looking out for grandchildren. And I won't be able to give them any. Before me, I see a replay of my past playing out.
Well, I will let everything take its course, believing that time will bring all the answers.
Ralph must return to his pack one day and with that I believe the end of our relationship will be heralded. Long distance has never worked for romantic relationships and I have no plans to freeze my career to follow him. So I enjoy the moments we have now to the fullest, the future will solve the problems that may come.
Right now, I am getting ready to go to dinner with my man.
He has discovered a brand-new restaurant and wants to try it out. According to him, the food in the new eateries is always the best because they have to establish their place in this highly competitive catering sector. I am very much looking forward to our night together. For several days I have been restless, my conscience is gnawing at me or I might be overworked. Maybe tonight I can relax a bit, which is always the case after an hour of walking on the beach with Ralph's warm arms around me and breathing in the fresh air.
I smile as I look at my appearance in the mirror.
Again I feel my breathing increase for no reason, my heart beating faster. And my body temperature rises, drops of sweat form on my forehead. My thoughts go in all directions. Werewolves do not get sick easily, but without my wolf, I am still at some risk. It is usually our wolf that heals wounds and diseases on us.
Quickly I do my makeup, grab my purse and walk to the living room. Ralph will arrive any minute. I have given him free access to my penthouse by also uploading his fingerprint into my security system. In doing so, I proved to give importance to our relationship, at least taking it as seriously as it could be.
I just got my stilettos on when the door opens and a handsome Ralph steps in.
"My woman," he whispers. The admiration in his eyes makes me blush; it says more than words. He steps toward me, takes me in his arms and holds me close to him. Yes, I know, Ralph longs for the physical fulfillment of our relationship. His kisses become more demanding, his embraces show his need. So far he has been behaving like a gentleman, the most intimate we got is grinding our bodies against each other with lust. More his initiative than mine.
Not that he is unattractive, but the sparks are missing. Ralph is not my second chance mate. Maybe if Jasper and I had rejected each other he would be. But officially, Jasper and I are still mates despite not having marked each other. We held a Luna ceremony and promised loyalty before the pack. Only thing missing was the marking but we had agreed to wait with that until I shifted. Marking each other at the same time is breathtaking, at least, that's what the mated wolves claim.
"Come, our table is waiting. Today is a special night," he lets me know softly. With our arms around the waist, we head for the elevator to take us to the parking lot. In good spirits, we get in and drive to our destination. When we arrived at the restaurant, I noticed that much was done to keep the atmosphere airy, yet distinguish. Ralph takes me by the hand and we walk onto the beach that is part of this eatery. There I see our table right in the middle, romantically decorated and lit.
I utter a cry of happiness; this is a pleasant surprise.
It may be time for me to give in to Ralph's desire and spend the night with him tonight. His love for me is real, he proves it not only with words but also with his actions. I grab his hand and pull him on faster to our seat. As we are seated, we have eyes only for each other. Ralph pours our glasses. "Here's to a great future together, Rain. You are the woman I want to continue spending my life with," he says softly. It sounds like a beginning of a marriage proposal. But before he can continue, the sky suddenly lights up brighter, it seems as if the moon is shining straight on us. Ralph also notices the change and so looks up at the sky with a jerk.
A cold hand closes over my heart.
A warmth rises to my head and I stiffen in my seat.
All the blood draws from my face as it dawns on me what is going on.
It is a full moon tonight.
The night of the Lupercalia Full Moon Festival. ...