I can't accept your proposal!

I looked Arthur in the eye and took a deep breath, preparing myself for what I had to say. "Arthur, I can't accept your proposal," I said firmly, trying to keep my voice steady.

Arthur's smile faded, and confusion clouded his expression. "Why not?" he asked, his tone laced with hurt.

I sighed, knowing that what I was about to say would hurt him even more. "I just don't believe in all this... fate and werewolf stuff. I'm sorry," I said, feeling a pang of guilt.

Arthur's frown deepened. "But I thought we had a connection," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Don't you feel it too?"

I shook my head, feeling terrible for causing him pain. "No, I don't," I said softly. "I appreciate your interest, but I'm not interested in you or your pack. I want to go back to school and live my life as a normal person."

Arthur sighed heavily, his pain evident. "So that's it then," he said, his voice filled with resignation. "You're rejecting me and my world."

I tried to explain, to make him understand. "I'm not rejecting you as a person. But I can't be part of a world I don't understand or believe in. I want a normal, human life," I said, hoping he would see my point of view.

Arthur was silent for a long moment, his eyes fixed on mine. Then he nodded slowly. "I respect your decision, even though it pains me. You're free to go, Arlyn. I won't stop you."

"Thank you," I said sincerely. "I'm sorry for hurting you."

Part of me longed for the excitement and mystery of the world Arthur offered, but I knew deep down that I wanted a normal life. It was safe, predictable, and what I truly desired.

After leaving Arthur, I returned to school feeling conflicted and uncertain about my decision. I needed to talk to someone about it; someone who could understand what I was going through. That's when I turned to my best friend, Claire.

I knew I had made the right choice. As I told her everything that had happened between Arthur and me, she listened patiently. When I finished, she looked at me in shock.

"Arlyn, what were you thinking?" she exclaimed. "Arthur is dangerous and possessive; you need to stay away from him!"

I shook my head, feeling defensive. "He's not like that, Claire. He's just passionate about his beliefs and his pack."

Claire raised an eyebrow skeptically. "Passionate? Arlyn, he's a werewolf! Do you have any idea what that means? His pack is loyal to their own kind, and they won't be happy with his choice of mate."

I felt a chill run down my spine. "What do you mean?"

Claire sighed, looking at me with concern. "I mean that they might see you as a threat. They might try to get rid of you to protect their pack."

What should I do?

Claire put a hand on my shoulder, her expression serious. "Stay away from Arthur and his pack," she said. "Focus on your studies and your life here. You don't need that kind of danger in your life."

I nodded slowly, feeling a sense of dread settling in my stomach. "Okay, I'll try."

Even as I said the words, I knew deep down that I couldn't stay away from Arthur. There was something about him that drew me in, something I couldn't explain. And as much as I wanted to listen to Claire's advice, I knew I couldn't ignore my feelings for him.

Arthur walked through the woods back to the pack grounds, my words still ringing in his ears. I had rejected him, refused to believe in his world. Part of me felt guilty for hurting him, but I knew I had made the right choice.

He was greeted by his family and friends; I could tell they were comforting him. But some of his friends seemed hostile.

From my hiding place in the bushes, I overheard Greg scoff at Arthur for wanting a human like me. He questioned Arthur's judgment and loyalty, suggesting he find a werewolf mate instead.

Arthur defended me, saying I was remarkable. But Greg persisted, insisting a human could never truly understand their world.

I felt a surge of gratitude toward Arthur for standing up for me, even if he couldn't change their minds. As his father led him away, I realized how much courage it must have taken for Arthur to love a human in a world that didn't understand.

I tried to focus on my schoolwork and forget about Arthur, but my mind kept wandering back to him. No matter how much I told myself it was foolish, I couldn't help feeling drawn to him still.

In class, I noticed some of the students giving me odd looks and whispering to each other. I was sure they suspected something about Arthur's interest in me. The secret seemed to be spreading through the school like wildfire.

My friend Amy pulled me aside after class. "Is it true you're seeing one of the werewolves?" she asked.

I hesitated and then decided to be honest. "We talked a few times, but I decided it wouldn't work."

Amy shook her head. "Are you crazy? A werewolf wants you and you said no! They're like the hottest guys on campus!"

I sighed. "It's complicated; we come from very different worlds."

Amy rolled her eyes. "He's so hot! Forget about the world, go for the hot werewolf guy!"

I had to smile at her directness. But I knew in my heart our worlds could never truly align, no matter how drawn I felt to Arthur.

Though Arthur kept his distance, I could sense his presence as a watchful shadow, ensuring my safety. It both comforted and unnerved me.

In class, I often caught glimpses of him in the corridors or courtyard, always keeping watch from afar. Part of me longed to speak to him again, but I resisted, sticking to my resolve to live a normal human life.