The King's Return

46| I MADE THAT DECISION

AMIRA’S POV

"You must be joking," I blurted out, unable to mask my disbelief.

Logan's expression was earnest, his eyes locked onto mine with unwavering determination. "Why would I joke about something like this, amor? I told you I wanted to make things right between us."

His words echoed in my mind, mingling with the swirling doubts and fears that had clouded my thoughts since he first broached the subject. "But you also promised you'd respect my pace," I countered, my voice tinged with frustration. "You said you wouldn't force me into anything. Why are you doing the opposite of that?"

Logan's brow furrowed, his gaze softening with empathy. "I know what I promised you, and I'm not trying to force you into anything. I just want us to do things the way they should be done. My love, we are werewolves, and what's considered normal for humans isn't necessarily the same for us.

"If we have a chance at bonding, then we must live together. I knew you weren’t going to allow me to come live with you and your family, so I made that decision."

I had just arrived at work when I was told that our boss was waiting for me in his office and I was wondering why Logan would call me to his office. To be honest, I thought he wanted to talk about what happened yesterday when I accidentally told him that I loved him. This isn’t what I expected at all.

I knew I was staying with him; we were practically sleeping on the same bed for a few days before we started having differences, and I was okay with that. I was even thinking of giving myself to him fully, like he wanted, to be fully mated to him and become his queen.

But after everything that has happened, I don’t think living together is a good idea. I know he said that he wasn’t going to sleep with me until I was fully committed to him, and that’s not what I was worried about. I just know that if I decide to live with him, I might change my mind and do stupid things; after all, I am a healthy young woman. I am not ready for the responsibilities that come with being Logan’s mate and I don’t want to be forced into those responsibilities just because I couldn’t close my legs.

Logan is my mate, and I know living with him will deprive me of any s****l restrictions. I will want certain things from him the more time I spend with him, and there will be no going back. I looked at him, only to find out that he was also looking at me as if trying to figure out what was going through my mind. I had actually forgotten that he had the most beautiful grey eyes. I remember he told me he got them from his mom.

"I can't ignore everything that's happened," I admitted, my voice softer now, tinged with vulnerability. "Living together... It's a big leap, especially after everything."

Logan's eyes bore into mine, his gaze unwavering yet filled with an understanding that went beyond words. "Mi amor, I just want us to be together so we can mend what's broken between us."

"I'm just not sure if I'm ready," I confessed, my gaze faltering slightly under his intense scrutiny. "It's not about... about that," I stumbled over my words, cheeks flushing despite my efforts to maintain composure. "I just... I don't want to rush into things and regret it later."

Logan's expression softened, a gentle understanding etched into his features. "I wish I could see what's going through that beautiful head of yours," he murmured, his voice laced with sincerity. "I only want what's best for us, for you. This separation..." His voice trailed off, a shadow of concern flickering in his eyes.

A pang of guilt tugged at my heart. Logan's determination to make things right was a testament to the depth of his feelings for me. And yet, the prospect of fully committing—to him, to our bond—felt like stepping into uncharted territory.

"We have a chance to fix this," Logan continued, his tone gentle yet unwavering. "I understand your concerns but living together... It's not about losing your freedom. It's about us, about giving ourselves a chance to truly understand each other, faults and all."

His words resonated within me. Could we truly mend what was broken by closing the physical distance between us? Or would it only amplify the fractures that had already formed?

"I just need time," I finally murmured, meeting Logan's gaze with a mixture of uncertainty and determination. "Can we take things one step at a time?"

Logan's expression softened, a ghost of a smile playing upon his lips. "Of course, amor. We'll take it at your pace. Just know that I intend to make things right between us, whatever it takes."

The weight of his reassurance eased some of the tension coiled within me, yet doubts still lingered at the edges of my consciousness.

As I turned to leave his office, I couldn't shake the feeling that our journey was far from over—and that the path ahead was shrouded in uncertainty and desire.

Upon exiting Logan's office, my mind was a chaotic tornado of contradictory feelings. His idea carried a great deal of weight, weighing against my fears of venturing too far into the unknown and my need to salvage what we had lost.

The remainder of the workday flew by as I struggled to understand Logan's request, my attention straying. I jumped every time my phone buzzed or my email notification chimed half expecting him to send me another message. However, the afternoon went by in silence, leaving me alone with my doubts and concerns.

As dusk fell and I made my way home, the city streets seemed both welcoming and frightening. It had only been a few weeks since I arrived in this busy city, yet already they were beginning to seem familiar. The dazzling lights, the buzz of traffic, and the conversation of pedestrians were a dramatic contrast to the peaceful countryside where I had spent most of my childhood.

Arriving at the apartment I shared with my brother and sister-in-law, I was greeted by the comforting scent of home-cooked dinner and the cheerful sound of laughter from the living room.

Setting my bag down, I joined them at the dinner table, my mind still preoccupied with thoughts of Logan. My brother noticed my distracted demeanour and gave me a knowing look.

"Everything alright, hermanita?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.

I hesitated, unsure of how much to share with them. "It's... Logan," I admitted finally, knowing they deserved to understand the turmoil I was facing and I knew it was not a good idea to hide this from them, especially my brother. I know he wants to be responsible for everything that happens in my life after being away for years.

My sister-in-law's gaze softened, her hand reaching out to squeeze mine in a gesture of support. "Did you talk to him after what happened yesterday? Is he giving you a hard time?"

"Not exactly," I replied, struggling to put my feelings into words. "He wants us to... live together."

My brother raised his eyebrows, exchanging a glance with his mate. "That's a big step," he remarked, his tone thoughtful.

"I know," I sighed, swirling my fork through my food absentmindedly. "He wants to fix things between us and I want that as well, but I'm not sure if I'm ready for this step he wants us to take."

My sister-in-law leaned forward, her expression gentle. "Amira, it's okay to take things at your own pace," she reassured me. "You've been through a lot recently. You are both werewolves so there's absolutely no problem with you staying together but he should also respect your thoughts as well. You don't have to feel guilty for not agreeing to his request."

I wanted to ask her how she knew I was feeling guilty but then I realised it was not necessary, ever since we met, she's been reading me like an open book.

My brother nodded in agreement. "You don't have to rush into anything," he added, his voice filled with brotherly concern. "Take all the time you need. I will talk to him if need be. He may be the king, but you are my little sister and no one has the right to force you into anything, even if that person is the king himself and your mate."

I smiled at him gratefully. "Thank you, hermano. You don't have to worry though, I will fix this myself."

I found myself feeling enlightened despite the chaos after hearing their thoughts. Maybe I didn't need to know the answers all at once. If I relied on my gut feeling, perhaps the way forward would become clear shortly.

After dinner, I retired to my room, where the usual comforts of my surroundings provided relief. As I sat at the window, I looked out at the city skyline, the city's lights creating a mosaic of possibilities against the darkness.

I closed my eyes and took a long breath to centre myself in the here and now.

After thinking for a few minutes, I grabbed my phone and called Logan. The phone rang once, twice, and then his rich voice answered on the other end.

"Amira," Logan's voice was warm, tinged with anticipation.

"Logan," I replied, my voice soft yet firm. "I've been thinking about what you said."

Silence stretched between us, pregnant with unspoken words. "And?" Logan prompted his voice barely a whisper.

"I understand why you want us to live together," I began, choosing my words carefully. "But I need more time. It's not that I don't agree with you, but I'm still unsure about taking such a big step."

Logan remained silent for a moment, the weight of his understanding palpable even through the phone. "Mi amor, I respect that," he finally replied, his voice filled with sincerity. "I want you to take all the time you need."

I exhaled softly, relief washing over me at his understanding. "And... Logan," I continued, my voice wavering slightly. "I meant what I said yesterday. I love you, but it will take some time for my heart to fully commit to this."

There was a pause on the other end of the line, followed by the sound of Logan's deep breath. "And I love you, mi amor," his voice was gentle yet unwavering. "I will wait for you, no matter how long it takes. Just know that I'm here, whenever you're ready."

Tears welled up in my eyes. "Thank you, Logan."

"Amira," Logan's voice was warm yet cautious.

"Logan," I replied, my voice steadier than before.

"I want to be with you, Amira, but I want it to be because we both truly want this, not out of guilt or obligation."

There was a softness in Logan's tone as he spoke again. "Mi amor," he said gently. "I want nothing more than for you to be happy. If living together is not what you want right now, I understand. I would never want you to do anything you're not ready for."

As I ended the call with Logan, a sense of peace settled over me. His understanding and unwavering support gave me the courage to face my uncertainties head-on. I think a part of me knew that he was truly committed to our relationship, and that reassurance meant more to me than words could express.

Sitting by the window in my room, I allowed myself a moment of reflection. The city lights twinkled outside. My mind wandered back to the time when I first met Logan, how his presence had sparked a fire within me—a fire that had dimmed in recent weeks but had never fully extinguished.