Dana POV

　　"But I noticed that things changed between you and Bathel," My heart fluttered anxiously as she broached the topic of Bathel and me. Despite my efforts to sidestep the subject, it seemed she was intent on delving into it.

　　I mustered a strained smile. "What aspects are you referring to?" I probed, attempting to maintain an air of nonchalance despite the unease creeping into my demeanor.

　　Anna's expression shifted to one of solemnity, signaling the gravity of her next words. "Could we perhaps have this conversation in private? The current setting doesn't feel conducive to discussing such matters," she proposed, her tone laden with implication. Feeling a pang of discomfort, I hesitantly acquiesced with a nod, feigning ignorance of the underlying implications of her request.

　　We found ourselves nestled in the cozy confines of the pack's bar, with a refreshing glass of juice in hand courtesy of her. As we sat side by side, I couldn't help but notice her intense gaze fixed upon me.

　　"It's quite evident that my brother harbors a fondness for you," she remarked, her tone steady despite the weight of her words. I maintained my composure, offering a silent acknowledgment.

　　'I'm well aware, Anna,'

　　"He's gone to great lengths to ensure your safety," she continued, her voice tinged with a hint of admiration. With a deep breath, she paused before revealing more.

　　"It's almost as if he's forgotten about his past flame, seeing as he never truly valued that relationship," she divulged, her words laden with a mixture of contemplation and realization.

　　I gazed into her eyes, hoping she wouldn't detect the rapid thumping of my heart betraying my emotions.

　　"I've mentioned before that he sees you in a light far beyond just an omega," she reminded me gently, her voice tinged with concern. "He's accepted you completely for who you are. But lately, I can't shake this feeling of apprehension about what might have transpired between you two. You mentioned having talked with him, but- "

　　"We have spoken," I interjected, cutting her off mid-sentence. Her eyes bore a mixture of confusion and apprehension, as if she were simultaneously afraid and curious about what had transpired during our conversation.

　　Her observation didn't seem to surprise me in the least, as if I had been expecting her to comment on my calm demeanor.

　　"Are you aware of his feelings towards you?" she inquired, her eagerness palpable as she awaited my response, her eyes betraying a sense of desperation.

　　"Yes," I affirmed, acknowledging the depth of his affection with a simple word.

　　I could sense countless thoughts were swirling in her mind, words left unspoken, emotions simmering beneath the surface.

　　"You know, there are things I'd rather not- "

　　"He likes me," I interrupted her. She gulped, and I could tell she was worried about me. "So, am I," I added, noting the multitude of emotions reflected in her eyes.

　　"I always feel something else for him but I am not so sure if it's love because I don't even know what does feels like to love someone, but he made me feel things I didn't feel for anyone else, not even Ares," I murmured, aware of how desperate I must seem.

　　"Really?" she asked.

　　I nodded in agreement, my mind swirling with uncertainty and longing. "I'm not sure if you understand what I mean, but I truly desire to love him. I want him to accept me for who I am and to love me authentically. And, I yearn for him to treat me with a different kind of care than what I experienced with Ares," I confessed, the words tumbling out in a rush as I struggled to articulate my feelings.

　　I gasped, feeling breathless as I attempted to convey the depth of my emotions.

　　Despite her being a supportive friend, I couldn't shake the fear that she might disapprove of the idea of me being with Bathel.

　　"This is a bit awkward, but- "

　　"Bathel is not Ares," she interrupted, her voice closer now, infused with reassurance.

　　"Rest assured, my brother will never bring you harm," she reassured me with conviction, her voice carrying the weight of unwavering trust. "I've witnessed his love for you blossom over time, and it's a love that knows no bounds. He's been captivated by you since the beginning, and his devotion only grows stronger with each passing day, never faltering until you arrive here."

　　As she took a deep breath and ran her fingers through her hair, a sense of vulnerability crept into her demeanor. "You may not realize it, but you're the one I've been silently rooting for all along," she confessed, her words laced with a hint of regret. The mention of Alphas stirred an uneasy feeling within me, causing me to involuntarily gulp.

　　"Ares?" I uttered his name, the bitterness evident in my voice.

　　"I'd rather not dwell on him anymore. Today, my thoughts are solely occupied by Bathel. Whenever I'm in his presence, he has this remarkable ability to erase all the negativity from my mind with just a single glance. I know it may sound like I'm hopelessly infatuated, but I can't deny the possibility that I might be falling for him- perhaps even more deeply than he realizes," I confessed softly, my words trailing off into a murmured admission. If I allowed myself to go on, I could undoubtedly express more.

　　Taking a deep breath, I involuntarily flinched when I heard a fake cough from behind me. My heart leaped into a frenzied rhythm as soon as I laid eyes on Bathel standing in the doorway, his presence instantly captivating me.

　　Anna smirked knowingly, her voice barely audible as she mumbled, "Okay..." Sensing my need for space, I added, "I'll take some time. You go ahead."

　　With a nod, Anna departed, offering a reassuring pat on Bathel's shoulder before leaving us alone. Now, all that remained was the intense gaze of Bathel, his eyes locked on mine with a mixture of concern and affection.

　　As he continued to stare at me, a wave of reassurance washed over me. Despite the worries clouding my mind, I couldn't help but revel in the way he looked at me.

　　I loved the way he stared at me.