My wolf, usually so quiet since Lily''s death, stirred with interest. This wasn''t just gossip or spection-this was scientific fact. Victoria had been lying all these years, using an innocent


    child to manipte Ethan.


    I paused at the medical den entrance, considering my next move. Confronting Ethan directly would be foolish. His wolf was too protective of Victoria and Emma; he''d likely me me for


    trying to cause trouble rather than question his own judgment.


    "I need proof," I whispered to myself. "Concrete evidence he can''t ignore."


    As I contemted this, a sleek ck vehicle pulled up to the curb. The driver''s door opened, and Lucas ckwood stepped out, his powerful Alpha presence unmistakable even from a


    distance.


    "Luna Winters," he greeted me, his voice deep and controlled. "I thought you might need a


    ride."


    I approached cautiously. "Alpha ckwood. What brings you here?"


    His prating gaze studied me. "I heard about your... situation. I thought I might offer


    assistance."


    He reached into his pocket and pulled out a smartphone. "To rece the one you lost. My


    number is already programmed in."


    I epted the phone with surprise. "Thank you, but why help me?"


    Lucas''s expression remained unreadable. "Let''s just say I have my reasons for wanting to see justice served."


    I slipped the phone into my pocket, my mind working quickly. "I need to confirm something


    about Emma Frost''s parentage. I need blood samples-hers and Ethan''s."


    Lucas raised an eyebrow. "Interesting. I can help with Emma''s sample. The medical den keeps records of all pack members. But Ethan''s will be more challenging."


    "I''ll figure something out," I said, my resolve strengthening. "This could change everything."


    Lucas nodded. "Be careful, Luna Winters. Victoria Frost has powerful allies."


    < Chapter 76 Blood Secrets


    +8 Points


    As he escorted me to his car, I felt a strange sense of purpose filling the emptiness that had consumed me since Lily''s death. For the first time in years, my wolf was fully alert, ready to


    fight.


    The truth was within reach. I just needed to grasp it.


    (Matriarch Evelyn''s POV)


    The Stone Ancestral Hall hummed with tension as my grandson, Alpha King Ethan Stone, stood before the assembled family members. His posture was rigid, his amber eyes gleaming


    with determination.


    "I''ve called you here to announce my decision," Ethan dered, his voice carrying the


    unmistakable authority of an Alpha. "I intend toplete the mate bond with Victoria Frost."


    I observed the reactions around me. My son Richard''s face darkened with disapproval.


    Eleanor, always quick to align herself with power, nodded in agreement. And Olivia Winters,


    who had arrived unexpectedly, stood perfectly still, her face a mask ofposure despite the


    pain I knew she must be feeling.


    "Son," Richard began, his voice gruff with age and authority, "have you considered the


    implications? Olivia Winters is your true Luna, recognized by the pack."


    Ethan''s jaw tightened. "My decision is final, Father. Victoria has been by my side for years.


    Emma needs legitimacy within the pack."


    "And what of your obligations to your true mate?" Richard pressed, ncing at Olivia.


    "My personal choices are not up for debate," Ethan replied coldly. "As Alpha King,


    I have the final say in this matter."


    Richard fell silent, deferring to his son''s authority despite his obvious disagreement.


    I decided it was time to speak. Rising slowly from my seat, Imanded the attention of


    everyone present.


    "As the Matriarch of the Stone family, I also have an announcement to make," I said, my voice


    stronger than my aged appearance might suggest. "Olivia Winters is hereby officially


    recognized as my adopted granddaughter and will be granted special status within our pack


    hierarchy."


    Gasps echoed through the hall. Victoria''s face paled, while Ethan''s expression darkened


    further.


    "Grandmother," he began, his voice tight with barely contained anger.


    < Chapter 76: Blood Secrets


    +8 Points


    I raised my hand, silencing him. "This is not open for discussion, Ethan. My decision is as final


    as yours."


    Olivia stepped forward, her emerald eyes wide with surprise. "Matriarch Stone, I-"


    "You''ve always been family to me, child," I told her gently. "Now it''s official."


    Ethan''s wolf bristled visibly beneath his skin, his amber eyes shing at this challenge to his


    authority. But even an Alpha King couldn''t overrule the Matriarch in matters of family lineage.


    Victoria''s smile was strained as she approached me. "What a wonderful gesture, Matriarch


    Stone. I look forward to us all being one happy family."


    The falseness in her voice was apparent only to those who knew to listen for it. I merely


    nodded in response, having lived too long to be deceived by such transparent attempts at


    maniption.