Chapter 168

Victoria's POV "Victoria, I think you're misunderstanding me," Patrick murmured, his voice dropping, tinged with a slight tremor. "Or has someone been saying things to you? It feels like there's a... chasm growing between us." I shook my head, my golden hair brushing my shoulders. Nora, my white wolf, stirred restlessly within me. Even she seemed uncomfortable with the direction of this conversation. "No one has said anything," I replied, my voice firm. "If I've misunderstood you, then I apologize, Patrick. I've always considered you a good neighbor and a good friend, ever since we were children. I'm glad you see me as a friend too, but that's all we can ever be." "But I don't *want* to be just your friend," Patrick insisted, the air around him thickening with his rising anxiety. My wolf instincts picked up on his escalating emotions. He pressed on, "Even though we haven't seen each other in years, I'm very clear about my feelings. I like you, Victoria. A lot. Is there really no chance