Page 19

The harsh glow of the computer screen made the words blur together into a jumble of letters and numbers. With a sigh, Ethan pushed himself away from the desk, rubbing at his tired eyes.

“Enough for now,” he muttered to himself, glancing at his watch. The runner’s meeting wasn’t for another hour, but he knew he needed a break from the monotony of work.

Deciding a change of scenery was in order, he headed out of the office, the cool air hitting him as he stepped onto campus. But before he could fully immerse himself in the surroundings, a familiar hand landed on his arm, pulling his attention.

Turning, he found Lidia standing beside him, her presence magnetic as always. She was a gorgeous woman with a mischievous glint in her eye and an air of confidence that drew people to her effortlessly.

Her style was casual yet alluring, often opting for jeans and a simple T-shirt that accentuated her natural beauty. Her tousled hair fell in waves around her face, framing her features with an effortless charm.

Despite their busy schedules as PhD students, Lidia and Ethan had a special thing going on—they were friends who also hooked up. It was built on mutual respect and understanding, plus the undeniable attraction that simmered just under the surface.

As he met her gaze, a playful smirk tugged at the corners of her lips.

“Ethan, hey!” Her voice was bright and cheerful as she greeted him, her smile infectious. “I’m so glad I ran into you. I’m heading out to a conference, but when I get back, we should hang out.”

Ethan raised an eyebrow. “Hang out, huh?” he teased, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Lidia chuckled, a playful glint in her eyes. “You know me too well,” she admitted. “But seriously, I’ve missed spending time with you.”

He smiled. “Text me when you’re back in the City, and we’ll make plans.”

Lidia grinned. “You got it,” she replied, leaning in to press a quick kiss against his cheek before turning to leave.

As he watched her go, he knew that when she returned from her conference, there would be more than just hanging out on the agenda. He turned in the other direction and thought about their conversation. Their understanding was clear: they focused on their studies and agreed to keep their relationship casual. It was a dynamic that worked for them, at least for now.

He was undoubtedly drawn to her—she was beautiful, intelligent, and their chemistry was undeniable. But beneath the surface, a nagging sense of apprehension gnawed at him. He had been down this road before, dating humans and hiding his true nature. It always ended in heartache and disappointment, leaving him wary of opening up to anyone outside his pack.

He wondered if history would repeat itself with Lidia. Despite their connection, he couldn’t see a good time to broach the subject of his shifter identity. The thought of revealing such a deeply guarded secret filled him with dread, yet he knew it was inevitable if their relationship were to progress.

He shook his head. For now, he would enjoy her company. He appreciated her honesty and clarity about their relationship; they’d always kept it chill, no strings attached. Lidia’s straightforwardness allowed him to relax, knowing they had no hidden expectations or pressures.

For Ethan, the simplicity of their dynamic was a welcome change from the complexities of his past relationships. He was content to go with the flow, as long as their arrangement continued to work for both of them, he was more than happy to embrace its ease and simplicity.

A sudden craving for caffeine hit him. “I could use a coffee,” he mused and decided to go to the Coffee House. Pushing open the door, he was greeted by the warm aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the gentle hum of conversation. He made his way to the counter, placing his order with a grateful smile.

As he waited for his coffee, Ethan leaned against the counter, enjoying the break from work. The quiet chatter of the cafe patrons and the comforting scent of coffee beans filled the air, washing away the tension that had been building within him. Amidst the scattered conversations and the soft hum of espresso machines, his eyes landed on Ji-min. She sat alone at a corner table, her attention fully absorbed by the glow of her laptop screen. She is really pretty.

His order was up, so he turned around to get his coffee. When he turned back, he found Ji-min looking up from her laptop, a faint smile gracing her lips. He felt an impulse within him and walked over to her.

It had been a week since their meeting, and he hadn’t heard from her. So he could conceivably use that as a reason to talk to her. Probably.

She smiled as he approached her table. “Hey, Ethan! I…How are you doing?”

“Hi, Ji-min,” he said, gesturing to the empty seat across from her. “May I?”

“Of course,” she said while putting away her laptop.

“I’m killing some time before I have to get to Central Park for a runner’s group meetup,” he said, motioning to his shirt.

“Ah, so that’s your break from PhD life?”

“Yeah, it’s a good way to not think about work,” he grinned at her. “How about you? What do you do for stress relief?”

“Well, I usually do yoga, but I haven’t looked for a studio yet,” she said, sounding like she felt guilty.

“Hmm, so maybe grad school isn’t stressful enough?” He took a sip of coffee.

She leaned back in her chair, “Oh, it’s been challenging. I’m grateful for the opportunity to sharpen my skills. And I’ve been fortunate to work with great professors who push me to think critically and explore new perspectives.”

He nodded. “Yeah, it’s always great to have PIs who are easy to work with.”

“PIs?”

“Oh, principal investigators or, I guess, for journalism, professors. Anything that has stood out so far?”

“Absolutely! One was on a multimedia storytelling project about environmental conservation in the city. It involved interviewing local activists, scientists, and community members, and bringing their stories to life was incredibly fulfilling. These hands-on projects remind me why I’m interested in journalism.”

“Sounds like an incredible project. It’s great that you’ve combined journalism with environmental concerns.”

“It’s been a journey of self-discovery, finding my niche, and using storytelling as a catalyst for change.” She smiled appreciatively. “But enough about me. How about you? The last time we talked, you mentioned you were working on a proposal. How’s that going?”

“Finding the right words has been challenging, but it will be worth it,” he said, smiling. He knew he was on the right track, and the proposal had a lot of potential.

They continued talking, and he was glad he didn’t feel his wolf reacting. Maybe there was just something, a one-off thing. He remembered their meeting and asked her how her research was going.

“Sorry, what did you ask?” she said, looking across the room.

“How is your research going about wolves in New York? Did the list of people and resources I give you work out?”

She nodded, regaining her composure. “Ah, yes. I’ve been working on it. Have you encountered any new insights or developments since we last spoke?”

“Actually, there have been a few interesting findings. Some studies suggest that the resurgence of wolves in certain regions might impact the local ecosystem unexpectedly. It’s a complex issue, and the more we uncover, the more questions arise.”

“That’s fascinating! I’d love to hear more about those findings and explore potential connections with my research.”

“I must admit I had reservations about your focus on wolves in New York. It’s a challenging subject to tackle, and some researchers believe it’s not a significant enough topic to dedicate extensive research to. However, I’m open to discussing things further.”

Her lips pursed as she looked at him. “I understand your perspective, Ethan, and I respect differing opinions.” she maintained a diplomatic tone. “However, I firmly believe that exploring the resurgence of wolves in New York can shed light on the delicate balance between human activity and wildlife conservation. I’d love to discuss our viewpoints further if you’re willing.”

Damn it, why do I always come across as difficult to her? He tried to find the right words. “Perhaps that would be good. Let’s schedule a time to sit down and discuss the research in more depth.”

“Ethan, I’ve noticed that whenever we talk about wolves in New York, you seem to hold back. Is there a specific reason why you act so guarded on this topic?”

For some reason, his wolf started to press against his skin again. “It’s just a personal matter, Ji-min. Wolves and their presence in New York carry a deeper significance for me, one that I prefer to keep to myself.”

She nodded. “I respect that. If there’s ever a time when you feel comfortable sharing, know that I’m here to listen.”

A brief moment of silence passed between them, and he tried to make sense of what was happening with his wolf.

“So, I don’t know about you, but I love the coffee here,” she said, smiling. “I’m a coffee snob and will not touch anything instant.”

He grinned. “So, how bad is this coffee addiction?” he teased her. “How many mugs and types of brewers do you have?”

“Well, I don’t have as much here in the City,” she admitted, a lovely blush covering her cheeks. “But enough to make a good cup of coffee in the morning. And sometimes I bring coffee on trips to ensure I start the day right.”

He laughed, “That’s fair.”

Their conversation continued over their cups of coffee, and he mentioned growing up in Upstate New York and being part of a close-knit community with a strong attachment to their land.

“Whereabouts are you from?” she asked.

“I grew up in the Adirondacks,” he said, sipping his coffee and setting the cup back on the saucer. His hand rested beside it.

She leaned forward slightly, her eyes sparkling with genuine interest. Her hand reached out, and her fingertips brushed against his knuckles, and for a fleeting moment, time seemed to pause. The connection was electric, a surge of energy that traveled through him from the inadvertent touch.

Their eyes locked, and he watched as her cheeks flushed with surprise and something more. The touch was accidental, yet it felt like destiny aligning their paths. In that unguarded moment, the layers that separated them melted away.

“Um…Wait, s-so you’re from the Adirondacks?” she stammered, her fingers retracting slightly.

“Yes.” He smiled gently, his gaze never leaving hers.

She smiled. “That’s interesting! I’m thinking of going there next week. What was it like growing up there?”

“It’s a place of immense natural beauty, and we have a tight-knit community. We believe in being stewards of the land, protecting and preserving it for future generations.”

“Is that why you ended up in environmental policy?”

“Growing up surrounded by such breathtaking landscapes and witnessing the delicate balance between humans and nature, I developed a deep sense of responsibility.” He paused and smiled while he thought about his journey. “I wanted to make a difference, to ensure that our land and its inhabitants are safeguarded.”

He pulled out his phone. “Here are some photos,” he said, moving closer to her. “This is Mirror Lake.”

“I’d love to see,” she replied, and reached for his phone, her fingers brushing against his for a fleeting moment. She swiped the screen, revealing a gallery of photos.

“Mirror Lake is where I spent my summers swimming and hiking with my family,” he said, pointing to a serene image of a pristine lake surrounded by towering pine trees.

Her gaze lingered on the photo. “It looks like a magical place,” she whispered.

He nodded, his voice softening with nostalgia. “It truly is.” He swiped to the next photo, revealing a snapshot of a rustic cabin nestled among tall trees. “The Adirondacks holds a special kind of magic.”

She continued to scroll through the photos on his phone, and their fingers brushed against each other again, a subtle connection that sent a shiver down his spine. It was an accidental touch, but neither seemed eager to pull away.

“There are strict regulations in place to preserve the Adirondacks,” he explained. “The region is protected by the Adirondack Park Agency, which ensures that any development or activities within the park align with its conservation goals. It’s about finding that delicate balance between allowing people to appreciate the area’s splendor and safeguarding its ecological integrity.”

“That sounds like a challenging task. How do you navigate those complexities?” she asked, looking at him.

“It’s a delicate dance, for sure. We have to consider the economic needs of the local communities, but always with an eye toward long-term sustainability. It’s about finding ways to promote responsible tourism and outdoor recreation while minimizing the impact on the ecosystem.”

He heard her breath catch as her fingers found his again, sending a rush of warmth through him. She looked up, and their eyes locked. He saw the same desire reflected in her gaze. It was a silent invitation, an unspoken understanding that this moment was something extraordinary.

Their fingers continued to bump each other’s, a magnetic pull that neither of them could deny. They seemed to be in their own world, even with the scent of freshly brewed coffee and the gentle hum of conversations around them.

They talked more about the intricacies of environmental protection and the challenges faced in upholding the Adirondacks’ beauty. His thumb traced a gentle path along the back of her hand. “I’m glad I could share this with you,” he murmured, his voice soft and genuine.

“I’m glad you did,” she whispered back, smiling. Then took a deep breath. “So, what led you from the Adirondacks to the City?”

“Well,” he began, “I’ve been in the City for quite a while now. It all started with grad school, where I focused on environmental studies. I wanted to gain a broader perspective and learn how to effect change on a larger scale.”

He paused. “I dove into research and worked on various sustainable development and conservation projects. It was a time of exploration, of finding my place in the world beyond the familiar landscapes of the Adirondacks.”

She listened attentively, and seemed to be interested, so he decided to tell her more. “And then I found myself in the realm of public policy. It became a way to translate my passion for the environment into actionable change. I’ve been fortunate to contribute to developing policies to preserve natural spaces, including the Adirondacks.”

Their fingers continued to touch, and it felt as if they were on the cusp of something magical—as enchanting and timeless as the mountains themselves.

Ethan took the last sip of his coffee and glanced at his watch. With a slight sigh, he placed the empty cup back on the table, his gaze meeting hers. “Well, it’s been great catching up with you,” he said, smiling. “I have to go now.” His thumb gently caressed her fingertips one last time. His gaze met hers, and he sighed softly.

She nodded. “It was nice talking to you.”

He glanced over at her, and their eyes locked. “I enjoyed it too,” he replied. “If you ever want to learn more or have any further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m happy to help.”

She smiled. “I’ll keep that in mind, Ethan.”

He stood with a final nod. But he couldn’t resist and reached out one more time, his fingers gently touching her hand. It was a simple gesture, but through his shifter senses he could feel her heartbeat race at his touch as she looked into his eyes.

“Bye, Ji-min,” he smiled and withdrew his hand.

Before he walked out of the coffee shop, he stole one more glance at her and it looked like she was deep in thought.

*****