Chapter 6

Maria's unexpected confession caught me off guard, leaving me speechless for a moment. I struggled to process her words, grappling with a mix of emotions ranging from confusion to disbelief. How could she claim to love me when we barely knew each other? And what about Gena? My heart still ached for her, and I couldn't simply replace her with someone who resembled her.

"Maria, you can't just say something like that out of the blue," I finally managed to respond, my voice tinged with a hint of frustration. "Love is something that takes time to develop, and I can't just reciprocate those feelings without getting to know you better."

Maria's expression faltered, her earlier confidence wavering as she processed my words. "But... I thought... I mean, we've been spending time together, and I feel a connection between us," she stammered, her eyes searching mine for reassurance.

I sighed, realizing that Maria's feelings had likely stemmed from our shared experiences and the time we had spent together. But for me, the situation was more complex than that. "Maria, I appreciate your honesty, but there's more to love than just shared moments," I explained gently. "I need time to sort through my own feelings and figure out what's best for both of us."

Her shoulders slumped slightly, disappointment evident in her features. "I understand," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "I just... I thought maybe... never mind."

I reached out to touch her arm, offering a reassuring squeeze. "Hey, it's okay. We'll figure this out together," I said softly, hoping to convey my sincerity. "But for now, let's focus on getting to know each other better and building a solid foundation for whatever comes next."

Maria nodded, a faint smile playing at the corners of her lips. "Yeah, you're right. Thanks, Elijah," she replied, her tone warmer now. "I'm glad we can talk about these things openly."

With that, we both got up from the bed and went about our morning routines, each lost in our own thoughts. Despite the unexpected turn of events, I couldn't shake the feeling that Maria's presence in my life was about to bring about significant changes, both for better or for worse. But for now, all I could do was take things one step at a time and see where this new path would lead us.

Maria's unexpected request hit me like a ton of bricks, leaving me momentarily stunned. Turn her into a werewolf? The mere thought sent a shiver down my spine, knowing the irreversible consequences it would entail. But more than that, it was the implications of her desire that troubled me the most.

"Maria, you can't be serious," I responded, my voice laced with disbelief. "Becoming a werewolf isn't something to take lightly. It's a life-altering decision with permanent consequences."

She nodded, her expression earnest as she met my gaze. "I understand the gravity of my request, Mr. Elijah," she replied, her voice steady. "But I've thought long and hard about this. I want to be a part of your world, to share in your experiences and understand your life as a werewolf."

Her words struck a chord within me, stirring up a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. On one hand, I admired her courage and determination to embrace the unknown. But on the other hand, I couldn't shake the nagging feeling of unease, knowing the risks involved in transforming a human into a werewolf.

"Maria, I appreciate your willingness to be a part of my world," I began, choosing my words carefully. "But becoming a werewolf isn't something I can just grant you without fully understanding the implications. It's a decision that will affect not only your life but the lives of those around you."

She nodded, her gaze unwavering as she listened intently to my words. "I understand, Mr. Elijah," she replied softly. "But please, consider my request. I'm willing to undergo whatever trials or tests you deem necessary to prove my commitment."

Her sincerity tugged at my heartstrings, making it difficult to deny her plea. But deep down, I knew the risks were too great, and I couldn't in good conscience subject her to such a fate without fully understanding the consequences.

"Maria, I need time to think about this," I finally admitted, my voice heavy with uncertainty. "I can't make a decision of this magnitude lightly. But I promise to give your request the careful consideration it deserves."

She nodded understandingly, a flicker of disappointment crossing her features before she masked it with a forced smile. "Thank you, Mr. Elijah," she said softly. "I'll wait for your decision."

With that, she turned and walked away, leaving me alone with my thoughts. As I watched her retreating figure, I couldn't help but feel a sense of guilt gnawing at me. Maria's request had opened up a Pandora's box of dilemmas, and I knew that whatever decision I made would have far-reaching consequences for both of us. But for now, all I could do was weigh my options carefully and pray that I made the right choice.