The two men knelt before me, their faces bloodied from my security team''s efficient handling. Despite their predicament, they continued their desperate


    pleas.


    "Alpha Stone, please," the taller one begged, blood dripping from his split lip. "She approached us first. She was flirting, touching our arms, suggesting we meet her in private."


    I studied their faces carefully, searching for signs of deception.


    "We wouldn''t lie to you, sir," the shorter man added, his voice trembling. "We know who you are. We''d never disrespect your... your woman."


    "Unfortunately, we were in the restaurant''s blind spot," the taller one continued. "No cameras to back us up. But I swear on my mother''s life, she started it."


    I noticed the slight twitch in his left eye, the excessive sweating despite the cool temperature of the room. ssic signs of lying.


    "Please, Alpha Stone," the shorter one pleaded. "We made a mistake responding to her, but we didn''t threaten her. She''s twisting what happened."


    Their desperation seemed genuine, but something about their story didn''t add up. Victoria would never behave so carelessly in public.


    Daniel Reed, my Beta, leaned close to my ear. "Their scents indicate fear, but not necessarily dishonesty, Alpha."


    I nodded slightly, acknowledging his assessment. My wolf remained suspicious, but I needed more information before passing judgment.


    A piercing scream cut through my thoughts.


    "Ethan! ETHAN!" Victoria''s terrified voice echoed from the private dining room.


    I bolted toward the sound, my heart racing. The scene that greeted me was all too familiar.


    Victoria was pressed against the wall, her dress torn at the shoulder, her hair disheveled. Her eyes were wide with terror, her body trembling violently.


    The sight transported me back five years, to the night I found her cornered by attackers in an alley. The same fear in her eyes, the same vulnerability in her posture.


    Any doubt I had vanished instantly.


    I turned to Daniel, giving him a subtle nod. He understood immediately, signaling the security team to remove


    the two men.


    "Alpha, please!" the taller one shouted as he was dragged away. "She''s lying! We didn''t-"


    The door closed behind them, cutting off his protests.


    (Victoria''s POV)


    +15 Points >


    I watched through myshes as Ethan approached me, his amber eyes filled with concern. My performance had been wless-the torn dress, the disheveled hair, the trembling hands.


    "Victoria," he said softly, reaching for me. "It''s okay. They''re gone."


    I flinched away from his touch, adding anotheryer to my act. "Are they really gone?" I whispered, my voice breaking perfectly.


    "Yes," he assured me, keeping his distance now. "You''re safe."


    I allowed my eyes to dart nervously around the room, as if expecting the men to reappear at any moment. Then I focused on Ethan''s face, letting my expression shift from fear to uncertain hope.


    "Am I dreaming?" I asked, my voice small and childlike. "Ethan, is it really you?”


    His expression softened, just as I knew it would. We''d yed this scene before, five years ago when he rescued me from those attackers I''d paid to stage an assault.


    "Yes, Victoria," he said, echoing his words from that night. "I told you I would never let you be hurt again."


    I copsed into his arms, burying my face against his chest. "Thank you foring," I whispered. "I was so scared."


    As he held me, I allowed myself a small, secret smile. Everything was going


    ording to n. Olivia was forgotten, abandoned somewhere in the wilderness, while Ethan was here with me, exactly where he belonged.


    (Ethan''s POV)


    I carried Victoria to my car, cradling her against my chest. She felt fragile in my arms, her body still trembling slightly.


    "I''m taking you home," I told her, settling her gently in the passenger seat.


    She nodded weakly, her eyes still wide with lingering fear. "Thank you, Ethan."


    The drive to Rosewood Haven was quiet. Victoria stared out the window, asionally wiping away a tear. I reached across to squeeze her hand reassuringly.


    When we arrived, I carried her inside despite her weak protests that she could walk. Martha Wilson, the housekeeper, met us in the foyer.


    "Is everything alright?" she asked, her eyes widening at Victoria''s disheveled appearance.


    "Ms. Frost had an unpleasant encounter," I exined briefly. "Is Emma asleep?”


    Martha nodded. "Yes, Alpha Stone. She finished her evening lessons at the training school and went to bed about an hour ago."


    "Good," I said. "Please prepare some moonflower calming tea and bring it upstairs."


    I carried Victoria to her bedroom, setting her gently on the edge of her bed. The room was elegantly


    decorated in soft blues and silvers, withrge windows overlooking the garden. "You should rest," I told her, turning to leave. "I''ll have Daniel investigate those men further."


    Victoria''s hand shot out, grabbing mine with surprising strength. "Please don''t go," she begged, her eyes filling with fresh tears. "I''m afraid I''ll have nightmares."


    +15 Points >


    < Chapter 70 Abandoned in


    (Victoria''s POV)