I watched Ethan''s expression soften as I reminded him of my past trauma. The


    nightmares had been a recurring theme in our rtionship, a tool I used whenever


    I needed his presence.


    "Alright," he conceded, pulling a chair beside my bed. "I''ll stay until you fall


    asleep."


    It wasn''t exactly what I wanted-I''d hoped he would join me in bed-but it was better than nothing. I epted thepromise with a grateful smile.


    "Thank you," I whispered, reaching for his hand again.


    Martha arrived with the moonflower calming tea, setting the steaming cup on my nightstand. "Will there be anything else, Alpha Stone?"


    Ethan shook his head. "That will be all, Martha. Thank you."


    I sipped the tea obediently, feeling its soothing warmth spread through me. The moonflower herb was known for its calming properties, particrly effective for werewolves experiencing anxiety.


    As drowsiness began to overtake me, I held Ethan''s hand tighter, gazing up at him with a carefully crafted mixture of love and vulnerability in my eyes.


    "Don''t go," I whispered, my voice already slurring slightly from the tea''s effects. Ethan''s amber eyes softened. "I won''t," he promised.


    I smiled as I drifted off to sleep, secure in the knowledge that I had won this round. Olivia was forgotten, while I had Ethan exactly where I wanted him-by my side, protecting me, just as he had promised five years ago.


    (Olivia''s POV)


    The darkness seemed to close in around me as I stood alone on the dirt road. Ethan''s taillights had long since disappeared, leaving me stranded in unfamiliar territory.


    My ankle throbbed painfully where I had twisted it. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. "Think, Olivia," I muttered to myself. "You can''t stay here all night."


    I looked around, trying to get my bearings. The moon provided some light, illuminating two paths at a fork in


    the road. One continued in the direction Ethan had driven, while the other veered off to the right.


    I chose the right path, reasoning that it might lead to a main road or settlement. Each step sent pain shooting up my leg, but I forced myself to continue.


    The forest was eerily quiet except for the asional rustle of nocturnal creatures. I wrapped my arms around myself, wishing I had worn something warmer than my thin blouse.


    After walking for what felt like hours but was probably only twenty minutes, I heard the distant rumble of an engine. Hope surged through me-perhaps it was a passing car that could give me a ride back to civilization. As the sound grew louder, I realized it wasn''t a car but a motorcycle. The single headlight cut through the darkness, illuminating the road ahead.


    Something about the approaching vehicle made my wolf, Cora, uneasy. Instead of relief, I felt a surge of fear. I ducked off the road, hiding behind arge tree. The motorcycle slowed as it approached, its engine growling


    < Chapter 70 Abandoned in


    in the quiet night.


    My instincts screamed danger. I turned and ran into the forest, ignoring the pain in my ande, Behind me, the motorcycle engine revved loudly as the rider spotted


    me.


    I pushed myself harder, my heart pounding in my chest. The uneven ground made running difficult, especially with my injured ankle.


    The motorcycle veered off the road, cutting through the trees to intercept me. The rider was se navigating the rough terrain with ease.


    He cut me off, skidding to a stop directly in my path, I stumbled backward as he dismounted, his face hidden beneath a ck helmet.


    "Well, well," he said, his voice muffled but clearly amused. "What''s a pretty little thing like you doing out here all alone?"


    I backed away slowly. "I''m just trying to get back to town. My car broke down"


    He removed his helmet, revealing a rough-looking man with a scar running down


    one cheek. "No car around here, sweetheart. Try again."


    "Please," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "I don''t want any trouble."


    He stepped closer, his eyes traveling over my body. "Hand over your valuables, and there won''t be any?


    I reached for my purse, only to remember I had left it in Ethan''s car. "I don''t have anything." I told him truthfully.


    His eyes narrowed suspiciously, then fixed on the crystal pendant around my neck-the one containing Lily''s ashes.


    "What about that?" he demanded, pointing at the pendant. "Looks valuable


    I instinctively clutched the pendant, shaking my head. "It''s not. It has no mary value.


    "You''re lying," he snarled, stepping closer. "You wouldn''t protect it like that if it wasn''t worth something"


    Before I could react, heshed out, striking me across the face. I stumbled backward, tasting blood in my mouth.


    "Give it to me!" he demanded, reaching for the pendant.


    I clutched it tighter, desperation giving me strength. "No! You don''t understand. This is my daughter, I pleaded, my emerald eyes filling with tears. "She died. These are her ashes."


    He hesitated for a moment, then his face hardened, "Do I look stupid to you? Hand it over!


    He lunged at me again, grabbing my throat with one hand while trying to rip the pendant away with the other.


    I fought back with all my strength, wing at his face, kicking at his legs,