Chapter 109

"What do you mean this is a date?" I asked Lucas, feeling a mix of confusion.

"I mean that I wanted to take you out, properly," Lucas said. "I wanted it to mean more. I wanted it to be real. A real date."

My heart fluttered with excitement as Lucas's words sank in.

We were on a date, an actual date, in this beautiful restaurant with its romantic atmosphere. I felt a rush of emotions, a combination of happiness and anticipation.

"Lucas," I stammered, unable to hide my delight, "I can't believe you planned all of this just for me. Why didn't you say something earlier?"

"I don't know." He rubbed a hand behind his neck. "I didn't know what your reaction would be if I told you, it was a bit more serious than a casual hang out."

"I would've loved it either way," I confessed.

He smiled, his eyes holding a warmth that made my heart skip a beat. "I wanted today to be special, Shana. You mean a lot to me, and I thought it was about time we had a real date."

"Well, Lucas." I couldn't stop smiling, my cheeks tinged with a rosy blush. "I'm so glad you did," I replied softly, my fingers gently tracing the edge of a beautifully arranged bouquet of flowers on our table.

We spent the evening talking and laughing, sharing stories and dreams, just like we used to when we were kids.

Suddenly, Lucas's earlier nervousness made so much sense. He was trying to keep this from me the whole day. I couldn't help but admire our surroundings.

The candlelight added a touch of magic to the dinner date, making it feel as if time had stopped for just the two of us.

Lucas had ordered pasta for the both of us and as we enjoyed our meal, his gaze remained fixed on me.

The lighting in the room made his eyes shine so much brighter than usual. Something inside of my chest hurt, and I wasn't sure if it was nerves or butterflies.

His eyes held an intensity that I hadn't seen before, and it sent shivers down my spine. I could tell there was something that he wanted to say, but he kept closing his mouth like he was too afraid to speak it aloud.

He was holding something back... and I wondered if he would ever be able to voice his thoughts.

Finally, unable to contain his feelings any longer, Lucas leaned closer across the table, his voice soft and filled with vulnerability. "Shana, there's something I've been wanting to tell you."

My heart raced as I met his gaze, my curiosity piqued. "What is it, Lucas?"

"Shana..." Lucas took a deep breath, his blue eyes locking onto mine. "There's something that I've been meaning to tell you for a long time now. It just felt like there was never the right time or moment."

My heart raced with anticipation.

"I think... No. I know that I have feelings for you. And it's deeper than just friendship."

His words hung in the air, and I almost couldn't believe what I was hearing.

Why was he telling me this now?

I had always thought of Lucas as just a friend, but for the past few months, I couldn't deny that those feelings had slowly changed. As I looked into his eyes, I couldn't deny the sincerity of his confession. He was being honest with me.

I bit my lip, trying to control the turmoil of emotions bubbling inside me. My palms began to sweat as nervousness took over.

I don't know why I felt so scared all of a sudden.

"Lucas, I don't understand. Why now? You said you felt this way for a long time, but what made you want to tell me?"

"Because." He looked at me with fascination, his gaze unwavering. "I couldn't let it sit inside any more. My feelings have been here for a while, but I was afraid to say anything. I didn't want to ruin what we had. And I didn't know how you'd react."

His confession made me feel at ease and I immediately felt a warmness spread through my chest. It seemed as if Lucas had felt the same way I had all along. I wasn't alone in whatever was going on between the two of us.

It felt amazing to know that we were at the same level, emotionally.

But there was a dark cloud hovering over me. There was one thing that separated Lucas and I.

"Lucas, you know I'm wolfless, right?" I said, mentioning the elephant in the room. "I found something the other day on the internet... Because of my recent symptoms, I might not live as long as others. If it gets worse..."

"I know, Shana." Lucas reached his hand across the table to grab mine. "I know, and don't worry. I'm not going to let anything happen to you. I've already talked to the doctor about it."

"You have?" I asked. "What did he say?"

"He said that as long as you take care of your health, like going through routine checkups and exams, you'll be fine. And I promise you, I'll do anything to take care of you."

His words were like a promise, giving me a sense of comfort and hope. I was afraid. Afraid of what could happen to me if things got worse, but knowing that Lucas would be there made me feel better.

"Lucas..." I wiped away a stray tear that had escaped my eye. "This is all so sudden. I think I need some time to process all of this."

He nodded understandingly. "Of course, Shana. Take all the time you need. But I couldn't hide my feelings any longer. I understand that you might not feel the same way, but I want to be with you, to care for you, and to make you happy. I do that for you now anyway, but I just want to make you mine. Officially."

"Lucas, that's not what it is at all." I shook my head at his words, realizing that he might think I don't feel the same way he does. I couldn't hold back any longer. "I... I feel the same way. I've had feelings for you for a long time, but I was afraid you didn't feel the same."

Lucas looked dumbfounded for a moment before his lips morphed into a smile. "You're kidding, right?"

I shook my head. "No, Lucas. I'm being serious. I've developed feelings, feelings that friends shouldn't feel."

Lucas intertwined his fingers with mine, his eyes searching over every inch of my face for a lie that wasn't there.

"So, you like me?"

I swatted his hand away with a laugh as he wiggled his eyebrows saying, "You likeeee me."

"Way to ruin the moment," I teased.

He smirked, tilting his head to the side. "I'm sorry. I just can't really believe this is all happening."

"I know," I agreed, sharing a gentle smile.

"Well, there's one more secret that I have to tell you tonight," Lucas said mysteriously.

My interest peaked again. What could it be now?

"And that is?" I asked, feeling nervous all over again.

"I've planned something special. How about we spend the night in a rented mountain cabin? Just you and me, under the stars."

I looked at him as a smile took over my face on its own accord. "I would love that, Lucas."