Page 18

by Adilyn Andrews

Chapter One

In the heart of New Amsterdam University’s campus, an oasis lay within the quad, surrounded by lush greenery. Towering oak trees cast intricate patterns of light and shadow upon the cobblestone pathways, where students walked engaged in animated conversations, or lost in introspective thought.

The tranquility of the scene captivated all who passed through—the meticulously manicured lawns, the stately elms standing sentinel-like, and the red brick buildings, their ivy-clad facades whispering tales of academic prestige and history. The Gothic architecture, with its ornate details, served as a silent testament to the university’s enduring legacy of learning and discovery.

Ethan stood across from the imposing facade of the public affairs building, his phone pressed against his ear as he listened intently to the voice on the other end. “Yeah, I understand, Marcus,” he said, wincing. “I’ll make the trip to Ithaca for the meeting.”

Marcus, his uncle and the alpha of their shifter wolf pack, had called requesting his presence for an important meeting. Ethan knew duty to the pack came first, but he still felt a pang of apprehension as he considered how much work he had to do. He glanced up at the towering structure before him and reflected on the increased responsibilities he had shouldered since his parents moved to Washington. Being one of the few remaining family members in the area, he often found himself balancing the demands of his PhD studies with the obligations of the Ithaca pack.

He leaned against the bench, and listened to Marcus’s voice on the line. The sounds of the campus provided a backdrop to their conversation.

“How are your studies going, Ethan? I know it’s a busy time for you with everything going on.”

Ethan chuckled softly, running a hand through his hair. “They’re going well. I can manage it. Coming to Ithaca won’t be a problem.”

As he spoke, his gaze wandered across the quad, his eyes catching on a woman standing nearby. She had delicate features, with jet-black hair that danced in the gentle breeze. A faint smile tugged at his lips as he watched her, admiring her from a distance.

But his reverie was interrupted when he noticed the man beside her, wrapping her in an embrace. Ethan’s smile faltered as he realized they must be a couple. He tore his gaze away, refocusing on Marcus’s voice on the other end of the line.

“Yeah, I’ll be there,” he repeated.

“That’s good to hear, Ethan. And how’s James? I’ve been trying to get in touch with him,” Marcus inquired, asking about his son. “Tell him to call me.”

“He’s around somewhere.” He and James were working on a research project together, and he would see him later. “I’ll tell him when I see him.”

It was funny how even outside of the pack, he and James still ended up working with each other. James was two years younger and had just started the MBA program. Then he spotted James in the distance, engrossed in his phone as he navigated through the throng of people.

Before Ethan could say more, James collided with the young Asian woman, causing her to stumble slightly. Ethan’s eyebrows shot up in surprise as he watched the interaction unfold. He expected James to charm her with his usual charisma, but to his astonishment, the woman merely exchanged a polite word or two before turning back to the Asian man she had been talking to.

Ethan’s curiosity piqued as he observed the woman’s indifference towards James, something that almost never happened given his cousin’s usual charm. Without a second thought, the woman continued on her way, disappearing alone into the public affairs building.

“He mentioned that you two have been talking to the younger members of the pack,” Marcus continued, pulling him back into the conversation.

The importance of pack matters hung heavy in the air, overshadowing the picturesque scene around him. “There’s been some disagreements among them,” he began. “They’re questioning the current leadership and seeking more autonomy.”

Marcus sighed on the other end of the line. “I’ve noticed the tension brewing,” he admitted. “But we need to ensure unity within the pack, now more than ever.”

“I’ll speak with them and try to address their concerns,” he assured his uncle, his determination unwavering.

As they continued to discuss strategies for maintaining peace and stability within the pack, Ethan felt a surge of pride for the community he had grown up in. “We’ll get through this, Marcus,” he affirmed. “Together, as a pack.”

Then he remembered another thing to talk about.

“Before I forget, we need to address the situation with Gracie,” he urged, his lips pursing. “She’s been spending a lot of time with that shifter from the neighboring pack, and it’s causing tension.”

There was a brief pause on the other end of the line before Marcus responded. “I know, Ethan. Gracie’s like a daughter to me,” Marcus admitted. “But we need to tread carefully. We don’t want to escalate things further.”

Gracie was not only Marcus’s niece but also deeply cherished by their pack. Her involvement with a shifter from another pack threatened to strain their fragile peace. They talked about what they could do when he suddenly realized he had completely forgotten about the meeting he was supposed to attend. “Sorry, Marcus, I’ve got to go. I just remembered I have a meeting.”

“No problem, Ethan. We’ll catch up later.”

With a quick goodbye, Ethan ended the call and hastily made his way into the public affairs building, his mind already shifting gears. James often sat in his cubicle since they were working together on a project. He wondered if James was there so he could tell him to call his dad. As he approached his workspace, his attention was drawn to a familiar voice.

He paused in the doorway, and to his surprise, James was engaged in conversation with the young Asian woman Ethan had noticed earlier. They seemed to be deep in discussion, their expressions animated and relaxed.

As he observed them, he noticed the ease with which the woman interacted with James.

“Sorry for the delay. Lost track of time,” he said, glancing between them.

She turned toward him, and he finally got a good look up close. She was stunning, her features delicate yet captivating, and he found himself momentarily taken aback by her beauty. But it was her gaze that held his attention, a sense of depth and mystery lurking behind her eyes.

James gestured toward her. “Ethan, this is Ji-min. She’s here for a meeting with you.”

“Of course. Hi, Ji-min. James has been keeping you entertained, I assume?”

She blushed. He stared as the color spread and made her even more pretty.

“I only live to serve,” quipped James, walking toward the door. “I’ll leave you to it. Good luck with your research, Ji-min.” And with that, he disappeared through the doorway.

Ethan moved to the chair next to her and realized that sitting this close seemed like a bad idea. He looked at her, and his wolf started to stir for some reason, which was weird since his wolf never reacted to anything unless something was wrong, and he tried to remember what they were supposed to talk about.

She straightened in her chair, and when their eyes met, he felt her tense up.

“As I mentioned in my email, I’ve been doing some research on wolves in the United States,” she began. “Their historical presence and the current efforts for conservation and reintroduction. It’s a fascinating topic with so many layers to explore.”

Right, that’s what she needs information on. He crossed his arms over his chest. “Wolves, huh?” he replied. He tried to pull himself into the moment. “There’s no shortage of myths and misconceptions surrounding those creatures. Are you just looking to romanticize them, or do you genuinely want to understand the reality?”

Her brows drew down. “I assure you, I’m approaching this with genuine curiosity,” she said, her voice firm yet earnest. “I want to dig deeper, to uncover the truth behind their history, their role in the ecosystem, and the challenges they face.”

“Well, be prepared to face the harsh realities,” he retorted and gave her a small smile. “It’s not all fairy tales and wonder. There are complexities and conflicts involved in the world of wolf conservation.”

“I’m not one to shy away from the truth,” she replied, her voice steady. “I want to explore the complexities, to shed light on the challenges and efforts to protect these incredible creatures. I believe their story deserves to be told authentically.

“Actually, I’m quite familiar with the reintroduction efforts in places like Minnesota and other parts of the Midwest. It’s incredible to see how wolves have come back in those regions and the positive impact they’ve had on the ecosystem.”

“You’ve done your homework,” he acknowledged, a faint smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “It’s good that you’re already aware of the success stories in other areas. But remember that every region is unique, and the dynamics of wolf reintroduction can vary.”

She nodded. “Absolutely, that’s why I’m drawn to exploring the specific history and potential for wolf reintroduction here in New York.”

“New York, huh.” His wolf stirred again. What, you don’t like that she’s doing research on wolves? “I understand your interest in the history and potential of wolves in New York, but it’s worth noting that there aren’t any active conservation efforts for wolves in this state. The last confirmed sightings were decades ago, and their populations have remained scarce since then. So, why the focus on New York?”

“That’s precisely why I’m drawn to it. There’s a gap in our understanding of what happened to the wolves in this region. I believe their story deserves to be told, even if it’s a story of absence and loss. By exploring the history, documenting the sightings, and understanding the factors that led to their decline, I hope to bring attention to the significance of their presence in the past and the potential for their return.”

He studied her. “It’s an unconventional approach,” he acknowledged cautiously. “But I suppose there’s merit in uncovering forgotten narratives and connecting them to the legacy of these creatures. It won’t be an easy task, though. The information is scarce, and many of the firsthand accounts have been lost to time.”

She pursed her lips and stared back at him. “I’m ready for the challenge,” she assured him. “I believe there’s a story waiting to be unearthed, and I’m determined to find it.”

She took a deep breath. “Ethan, I understand your reservations, but I truly believe there’s something valuable in this research,” she said, her voice earnest. “Do you think there’s anyone else I could reach out to? Maybe someone who has studied wolves extensively or who has firsthand experience working with them?”

I didn’t realize that I was being ‘reserved.’ When he finally spoke, he tried to sound less guarded. “There are a few researchers and organizations that might be worth looking into,” he said, hoping he came off as friendly. “I can compile a list of recommended readings, studies, and contacts for you. But I won’t sugarcoat it—you’ll need to approach this with a critical eye and be ready to face opposing viewpoints.”

She nodded. “Thank you, Ethan. I appreciate your help,” she replied, her voice laced with sincerity. “This is my thesis we’re talking about, and I want to ensure I leave no stone unturned. I want to challenge my own assumptions and delve into the complexities.”

He leaned back in his chair. “If you’re truly committed to going beyond the surface and exploring the nuances of wolf conservation, then I’m willing to assist,” he said, trying to come across as more optimistic. “Just promise me you won’t shy away from the less glamorous aspects. Wolves aren’t just noble creatures; they’re part of a larger ecosystem with its own set of challenges.”

Her gaze glinted. “I’ll approach this with an open mind and a commitment to uncovering the truth. I want to understand the intricate balance between human interests, conservation efforts, and the survival of these animals.”

She ran her fingers through the ponytail that was on her shoulder. He felt his eyes drawn to her hand and wondered if she was feeling self-conscious.

“I believe there’s a story to be told, one that hasn’t received as much attention,” she said. “And I want to highlight the challenges and opportunities unique to this region.”

Ethan leaned forward, his brow furrowing slightly. “I can respect that,” he admitted. “Alright, Ji-min. I’ll put together that list for you while you’re here. Otherwise, with this grant proposal I’m working on, I might completely forget.”

“Sure, that would be great.”

“Just give me a few minutes to look up the information,” he said, turning to the laptop near him.

“Thank you so much. I really appreciate you taking the time to do this.”

He nodded, his fingers already tapping on the keyboard. “No problem at all. It is a small break from my grant writing frenzy. I’ll do my best to gather the most relevant resources for your research.”

Now, who would work as a good resource? He went through his contacts, then compiled a list of researchers and included their email addresses in an email. He looked away from the computer and glanced at her. She looked relaxed and lost in her thoughts. That’s when he realized that she had been tense and uncomfortable while they were talking. Way to go, Sullivan, that’s the way to make a good first impression.

“I sent the email,” he said, leaning back in his chair. “It might not be exhaustive, but it should provide you with a good starting point.”

She nodded. “That’s fantastic. I’m looking forward to looking over those sources. Thank you.”

He offered her a brief smile. “You’re welcome. Just remember that research like this requires patience and persistence. Don’t get discouraged if you encounter roadblocks along the way.”

He could swear that she was about to roll her eyes at him.

Instead, she smiled while she stood up. “I won’t give up easily, Ethan. This means a lot to me, and I’m ready to put in the work.”

With a nod, he stood up and extended his hand. She reached out to clasp it, but as their palms touched, an unexpected jolt of electricity surged through him. A tingling sensation traveled up his arm, leaving a trail of warmth in its wake. She looked up at him, and her breath hitched ever so slightly. Their hands lingered for a fleeting second longer than necessary, as if time had momentarily frozen.

She withdrew her hand and mustered a smile. He could feel the energy in the air as if there was an unspoken understanding, a brief but powerful connection that defied explanation. What the hell was that?

“Good luck with your research, Ji-min,” he said, sitting back down and turning to his laptop. “Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.”

“Thanks again, Ethan,” she said. Through his wolf senses he could hear her heartbeat hammering away as she walked away.

His wolf stirred against his skin again. He stared at his laptop, though he wanted to call out to her and keep her near for a little bit longer. He looked behind him and watched her walk through the door.

Well, that was weird.

*****