ã€ŠAlpha King Chases Abandoned Lunaã€‹


 Chapter 1

    (Olivia''s POV)

    The beeping of the hospital monitors had be the soundtrack to our lives. My daughter Lilyy in the sterile bed, her small frame dwarfed by the medical equipment surrounding her. Kidney failure. Those two words had shattered our world.

    "Mommy," Lily whispered, her voice barely audible over the machines. "Do you think Daddy wille tomorrow?"

    I brushed her thin hair back from her forehead. "Of course, sweetheart. It''s your birthday."

    "And we''ll go to the Moonlight Fair? All three of us?" Hope flickered in her emerald eyes-eyes just like mine.

    "Yes, Lily. I already asked him, and he promised." I forced a smile, ignoring the doubt gnawing at my heart.

    Lily''s face lit up with a joy I hadn''t seen in months. "Really? Daddy promised?"

    I nodded, squeezing her fragile hand. The doctors had given her days, maybe hours. This birthday might be herst, and her only wish was to spend it with her father.

    The next morning, I dressed Lily in her warmest clothes. The weather had turned unexpectedly cold, but nothing would stop us. We waited at the Moonlight Fair entrance, the colorful lights and cheerful music a stark contrast to the heaviness in my chest.

    One hour passed. Then two.

    "He''s just runningte from work, right Mommy?" Lily asked, her lips turning slightly blue despite the heavy coat.

    "I''m sure he is, sweetheart." I dialed Ethan''s number for the twentieth time. Straight to voicemail.

    Three hours. Lily refused to sit in the wheelchair I''d brought, insisting on standing so her father would see her right away.

    "Maybe he forgot," she whispered, her voice breaking. "Maybe he''s with Emma again."

    My heart cracked at her words. "Let me try once more."

    This time, someone answered. Not Ethan, but his assistant.

    "The Alpha King is unavable. He''s at Disney with Ms. Frost and her daughter for a special celebration."

    The world tilted beneath my feet. "But today is his daughter''s birthday. Lily is waiting for him at the Moonlight Fair. He promised."

    "I''m sorry, Mrs. Winters. He left strict instructions not to be disturbed."

    When I turned back, Lily had copsed. Her small body convulsed on the cold ground, her breathing shallow and rapid.

    "LILY!" I screamed, gathering her in my arms. "Someone help us!"

    At the hospital, the doctors worked frantically, but I could see in their eyes what I refused to ept. Lily''s organs were shutting down.

    "Mommy," she whispered, her eyes fluttering open onest time. "Why does Daddy love Emma more than me? Is it because I''m sick?"

    I couldn''t answer through my tears. Lily''s phone slipped from her pocket, the screen lighting up with a video someone had sent her. Ethan, Victoria, and Emma at Disney. Ethan was carrying Emma on his shoulders, all of themughing. A giant banner read: "Happy Birthday, Emmy!"

    "I just wanted him to love me," Lily whispered.

    Then she was gone, her final breath a question I couldn''t answer.

    The monitor tlined, its continuous tone announcing what my heart refused to ept. My daughter was dead. And her father wasn''t even there to say goodbye. The funeral home was quiet except for my muffled sobs. I stood alone beside Lily''s small body, arranged peacefully on the cremation table.

    "Where is everyone?" the staff member asked gently. "Surely the Alpha King..." "He doesn''t know," I said, my voice hollow. "He doesn''t even know she''s gone."

    I pulled out the Moonstone Hair Clip I''d designed for her birthday-tiny healing crystals embedded in a delicate silver setting. I''d spent months crafting it, infusing each stone with protective energy.

    "This was supposed to help you get better," I whispered, carefully cing it in her hair. "I''m so sorry it wasn''t enough."

    The staff member shifted ufortably. "The Alpha King should be informed before we proceed."

    "He''s at Disney," I said, bitterness seeping into my voice. "Celebrating Emma Frost''s birthday with the same party he promised Lily. With the woman he always loved more than us."

    The man''s eyes widened in shock, but he nodded respectfully. "I understand, Mrs. Winters."

    As the cremation began, I stood alone, watching mes consume the daughter Ethan had forgotten.

    The traffic ahead was at a standstill. I clutched the Moonwood Ceremonial Urn to my chest, Lily''s ashes still warm inside. We were stuck on the highway, directly across from Disney.

    A massive screen on the park''s exterior wall shed with images-breaking news about the Alpha King''s extravagant celebration.

    "Alpha King Ethan Stone spared no expense for young Emma Frost''s birthday celebration today," the announcer''s cheerful voice boomed. "Sources say he rented the entire park for this special asion!"

    The screen filled with images of Ethan carrying Emma on his shoulders, bothughing. Victoria stood beside them, her hand possessively on Ethan''s arm. Victoria is Ethan''s childhood sweetheart. But she left the pack five years ago. After she left the pack, she mated to another wolf and gave birth to a daughter, Emma.

    Several months ago, she returned to the pack with Emma. My life was changed overnight.

    Ethan felt that it was hard and pitiful for Victoria to raise a child alone, so he always went to take care of them. He treated Emma even better than our daughter Lily.

    Now, Emma wore a Crystal-Embroidered Ice Princess Gown-the exact dress Lily had begged for, the one Ethan had refused to buy because "it''s too expensive for a sick child who can''t go anywhere."

    I turned the urn away from the screen, shielding it as if Lily could still see. "Lily, don''t look!" I whispered, tears streaming down my face. "Don''t look, baby."

    The Imperial Gardens was silent when I returned. Our wing of the massive estate felt empty without Lily''s presence. I carried the urn to her room, still filled with her toys, her books, her dreams.

    I sat on her bed all night, cradling the urn, watching the moon track across the sky through her window.

    Morning came, and with it, footsteps in the hallway. Ethan appeared in the doorway, his expression annoyed.

    "Where''s Lily? We''re supposed to meet the specialist today."

    I stared at him, unable toprehend his words. "What?"

    "The kidney specialist. From Europe." He checked his watch impatiently. "Go get

    her ready."

    Something broke inside me. I stood, still clutching the urn. "Get her ready? GET HER READY?"

    Ethan''s eyes narrowed. "What''s wrong with you? And what''s that?"

    I thrust the urn toward him. "This is your daughter! This is Lily!"

    He took a step back. "Stop being dramatic. Where is she?"

    "Lily''s dead!" I screamed, my voice shattering the morning silence. "Where are

    you going to pick her up? Hell?"

    Ethan''s face hardened. "This isn''t funny, Olivia. I don''t have time for your emotional outbursts."

    "She died on her birthday," I continued, my voice breaking. "While you were at Disney with your precious Victoria and Emma. While you were buying Emma the dress you said was too expensive for Lily."

    Ethan turned away, moving toward the stairs. "You''re being unreasonable. I''m going to get Lily myself."

    As he reached the stairs, his phone rang. He answered immediately, his entire demeanor changing.

    "Emmy? What is it, sweetheart?" His voice was gentle, loving¡ªa tone Lily had begged to hear.

    A little girl''s voice filled the room, sweet and demanding. "Daddy, I miss you, will youe and apany me?"

 Chapter 2

    (Olivia''s POV)

    "Daddy, I miss you, will youe and apany me?"

    The sweet voiceing through Ethan''s phone pierced my heart like a silver dagger. I watched as my mate''s entire demeanor transformed at Emma''s words.

    "Of course, princess. I''ll be right there," Ethan replied, his voice gentle and loving a tone Lily had begged to hear in her final days.

    He ended the call and turned to me, his amber eyes cold. "I need to go. Victoria needs me."

    "Our daughter is dead," I whispered, clutching the Moonwood Ceremonial Urn tighter to my chest. "Lily is gone, and you''re running to another child?"

    Ethan''s jaw tightened. "Stop with this nonsense. I''ll deal with youter."

    Without another nce at the urn holding his daughter''s ashes, he turned and left. The sound of his car engine roaring to life momentster confirmed what I already knew Victoria and Emma would alwayse first.

    I sank to the floor of Lily''s room, surrounded by her stuffed animals and books. Her favorite nket stilly folded at the foot of her bed, waiting for an owner who would never return.

    "He didn''t even believe me," I whispered to the urn. "Your father doesn''t even believe you''re gone."

    Since Victoria''s return to Silvercrest Pack territory with Emma, our lives had changed dramatically. The woman who had abandoned Ethan years ago suddenly became his priority again.

    I remembered how Lily would wait by the window each evening, hoping to see her father''s car pull into the driveway. How many times had I wiped her tears when he called to say he was having dinner with Victoria and Emma instead?

    "Daddy promised toe to my recital," Lily had said once, her small hands clutching her moonstone ne. "Why does he always choose Emma?"

    I had no answers then. I had none now.

    (Ethan''s POV)

    The antiseptic smell of the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den greeted me as I strode through the automatic doors. Staff members bowed their heads respectfully as I passed, but I barely noticed them.

    I made my way directly to Victoria''s VIP suite. The door was ajar, revealing Victoria sitting beside Emma''s bed, stroking her daughter''s hair.

    Victoria looked up, surprise shing across her perfect features. "Ethan? What are you doing here? I thought you were with Lily for her birthday."

    Emma sat up immediately, her eyes widening. "Daddy!"

    Victoria frowned at her daughter. "Emma, you called him? I told you he was busy today."

    Emma''s lower lip trembled. "I had a nightmare about monsters. I was scared, Mommy."

    I crossed the room and sat on the edge of Emma''s bed. "It''s okay, princess. I''m here now."

    Emma threw her arms around my neck, her small body shaking with dramatic sobs. "I was so scared, Daddy. The monsters were going to get me!"

    I pulled her closer, inhaling her sweet scent. "No monsters would daree near you while I''m around."

    Victoria''s eyes met mine over Emma''s head. "But what about Lily''s birthday? Olivia must be upset."

    I waved my hand dismissively. "We can celebrateter. Emma needs me now."

    Victoria smiled gratefully, reaching out to squeeze my hand. "Thank you for finding the kidney donor, Ethan. You saved my daughter''s life."

    I returned her smile, remembering the strings I''d pulled to secure that donor. "I''d do anything for Emma. You know that."

    Emma''s sobs quieted as she nestled against my chest. Victoria''s fingers intertwined with mine, warm and familiar.

    "I need to speak with Dr. Fletcher about Emma''s recovery," I said, gently disentangling myself. "Why don''t you take her downstairs for some fresh air in the garden? The doctor said walking would be good for her cirction."

    Victoria nodded, her eyes filled with gratitude. "We''ll wait for you there." (Olivia''s POV)

    The hallway outside Dr. Fletcher''s office seemed to stretch endlessly. My footsteps echoed against the polished floors of the Medical Den as I approached his door, the Moonwood Ceremonial Urn clutched tightly in my arms.

    I knocked once before pushing the door open. Dr. Fletcher looked up from his desk, his expression changing from professional to guarded when he saw me.

    "Mrs. Winters," he said, rising from his chair. "I wasn''t expecting you."

    He called me "Mrs. Winters" because his Alpha never acknowledged me as Luna.

    "I need to know," I said, my voice breaking. "The kidney donor that was meant for Lily-who received it instead?"

    Dr. Fletcher''s eyes darted away. "I''m not at liberty to discuss other patients'' information."

    I ced the urn on his desk. "This is my daughter. She died waiting for that donor.

    A donor that was mysteriously redirected at thest minute."

    "I understand your grief-"

    "No, you don''t!" I mmed my palm on his desk. "My daughter is dead because someone with more influence stole her chance at life!"

    When he remained silent, I fell to my knees, pride abandoned in my desperation. "Please, Dr. Fletcher. I''m begging you."

    His face softened with genuine sympathy. "I''m truly sorry about Lily, Olivia. She was a sweet child."

    "Then tell me the truth."

    He shook his head, but I caught the way his eyes flickered toward the door- toward the direction of the VIP suites.

    "It was a high-ranking pack member''s child, wasn''t it?" I whispered.

    Dr. Fletcher adjusted his sses. "I don''t know anything about donor reassignments. That''s handled by administration."

    But his eyes told a different story. Every time I mentioned the donor, they darted away, confirming my suspicions.

    "Thank you for your time," I said finally, rising to my feet and retrieving Lily''s urn.

    I left his office, my suspicions hardening into certainty with each step.

    In the lobby, I froze. Victoria stood near the entrance with Emma, both of them turning as I approached.

    Victoria immediately pulled Emma behind her. "Stay away from my daughter."

    "I wasn''t going anywhere near your daughter," I said, my voice cold.

    "Don''t direct your anger at an innocent child," Victoria said loudly, drawing attention from nearby staff. "It''s not Emma''s fault that Ethan prefers to spend time with her."

    Before I could respond, Ethan appeared, his expression darkening when he saw

    me.

    "What''s going on here?" he demanded, immediately positioning himself in front of Victoria and Emma.

    "Nothing," I said, painncing through me at how quickly he took their side. "I was just leaving."

    "She was ring at Emma," Victoria whispered loud enough for everyone to hear. Emma peeked around Victoria''s leg. "Is she mad because Daddy celebrated my birthday instead of Lily''s?"

    The innocent question hit me like a physical blow, sending me back to that day by the pool. Emma had fallen in and immediately med Lily, iming she had pushed her. Ethan had believed Emma without question, scolding Lily harshly despite her tears and protests.

    Lily had fallen ill that night, her condition worsening rapidly.

    "I didn''t push her, Mommy," she had whispered, her small body burning with fever. "Why doesn''t Daddy believe me?"

    Now, looking at Emma''s practiced innocent expression, something shifted inside

    me.

    Emma''s face crumpled on cue, her whimpers perfectly timed to draw maximum attention. "I''m sorry if I made you sad," she said, her voice wobbling expertly.

    Victoria stepped forward, her hand on Emma''s shoulder. "Perhaps if Lily had been stronger, like Emma, she might have¡ª"

    The p echoed through the lobby before I even realized I''d moved. Victoria''s head snapped to the side, a red mark blooming on her cheek.

    I didn''t stop with one. My hand struck again and again, leaving bright red imprints across her perfectly made-up face.

    "OLIVIA!" Ethan''s voice boomed through the Medical Den as he pulled me away. "Have you lost your mind?"

    Victoria touched her reddened cheek, tears welling in her eyes. Emma wailed dramatically, clinging to her mother.

    Ethan''s face contorted with fury as he towered over me. "What the hell is wrong with you?"

 Chapter 3

    (Olivia''s POV)

    But I didn''t stop. Instead, I pped Ethan across the face, my palm stinging from the impact. His head jerked to the side, amber eyes widening in shock.

    "Don''t you dare touch me," I hissed, stepping away from him.

    The lobby of the Medical Den had fallenpletely silent. Staff members froze, mouths agape at the sight of their Alpha King being struck by his mate.

    Ethan''s face darkened with fury. "Have youpletely lost your mind?"

    "Yes! I am crazy, are you satisfied?" I replied, clutching Lily''s urn tighter against my chest. "We''re done, Ethan. Our rtionship is over."

    Victoria gasped dramatically behind him. Emma''s wails grew louder, the perfect soundtrack to her mother''s performance.

    "You can''t just decide that," Ethan growled, reaching for my arm.

    I stepped back, my voice steady despite the hurricane of emotions inside me. "I can and I have. For five years, I''ve watched you neglect our daughter. I''ve made excuses for you, lied to Lily about why her father never showed up."

    "I was busy running the pack-"

    "You were busy ying father to another child!" My voice echoed through the lobby. "You had time for Emma''s recitals, her birthdays, her skinned knees. But you couldn''t spare even an hour for your own daughter''s final birthday."

    Ethan''s jaw clenched. "This is neither the time nor ce¡ª"

    "When is the right time, Ethan? After you''ve forgotten Lilypletely?" I held up the urn. "Our daughter is dead. She died waiting for you to love her."

    "Stop lying about our daughter''s life!" He said angrily. He still didn''t believe me. "I''m leaving," I said, my voice dropping to a whisper. "Don''t follow me."

    With a final re, my emerald eyes shing with determination, I turned and walked away, leaving Ethan standing stunned in the medical den.

    (Ethan''s POV)

    Three days had passed since Olivia''s outburst at the Medical Den. I hadn''t returned to the our home since then, choosing instead to stay at my office in the Silvercrest Pack headquarters.

    Victoria had been calling constantly, demanding I punish Olivia for her disrespect. Emma had nightmares about "the scarydy," ording to Victoria.

    I pushed open the door to our home, expecting to find Olivia sulking inside. The house was eerily silent.

    "Olivia?" I called, my voice echoing through the empty rooms.

    I strode to our bedroom, finding the closet door ajar. Her clothes were gone.

    Anger surged through me as I pulled out my phone, dialing her number. The call went straight to voicemail. I tried again. Same result.

    I sent a text: "Where are you?"

    The message failed to deliver. I checked my contact list-Olivia''s name was gone. She had blocked me.

    My wolf, Noah, growled inside me, furious at this tant disrespect. No one walked away from the Alpha King.

    Especially not his mate.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    Maple Grove stood on the outskirts of Silvercrest territory, a modest house surrounded by ancient maple trees. This had been my foster mother''s home before she passed.

    She had rescued me when I was eight years old, taking me in after I escaped from the cruel orphanage where rogue wolves experimented on pups. Though she was an Omega without a wolf, she had more courage than many Alphas I''d known.

    I ced Lily''s urn on the mantel, arranging fresh flowers around it. "We''re home, baby," I whispered.

    Three days had passed since I walked away from Ethan. Three days of silence, of grieving properly for my daughter without having to hide my tears.

    I gathered the trash to take outside, pausing at the front door. A familiar scent hit me before I saw him-sandalwood and pine, the unmistakable scent of my mate. Ethan emerged from between the maple trees, his amber eyes locking with mine. I turned away, continuing to the trash bins. Maybe if I ignored him, he would leave. "Olivia," his voice was deceptively calm. "Why have you blocked my calls?"

    I didn''t answer, dropping the trash bag into the bin.

    His hand mped around my wrist, spinning me to face him. "I asked you a question."

    "Let go of my wrist," I said, my voice steady despite my racing heart.

    "Not until you answer me." His grip tightened, the bones in my wrist threatening to crack under his Alpha strength.

    Pain shot up my arm, but I refused to show it. Instead, I brought my foot down hard on his instep, putting all my weight behind it.

    Ethan winced, his grip loosening just enough for me to wrench free. I turned and hurried toward the house, my wrist throbbing.

    I could hear Ethan''s footsteps behind me, gaining quickly. His hand reached for me again, but I dodged, spinning to face him at the top of the stairs.

    "We''re broken up, Ethan," I reminded him coldly.

    His lips curled into a mocking smile. "Broken up? After everything we''ve shared?"

    The way his eyes raked over my body made my skin crawl. He stepped closer, his voice dropping to a husky whisper.

    "You still belong to me, Olivia. Your body remembers mine, even if you''re trying to forget."

    I kept my expression impassive, though his words sent a chill down my spine. "We''re done, Ethan. Now leave."

    Without waiting for his response, I turned and continued up the stairs.

    (Ethan''s POV)

    I followed Olivia into the apartment, irritated by her defiance but determined to resolve this situation. In my hand, I carried a gift box containing a Crystal- Embroidered Ice Princess Gown for Lily.

    The apartment was small but neat. Photos of Lily adorned the walls-Lily at her school y, Lily in the garden, Lily smiling despite the IV in her arm. My chest tightened at the images of my daughter I barely recognized.

    "Where''s my daughter?" I called, softening my voice. Lily was probably napping in another room.

    Olivia didn''t respond, standing rigidly by the window.

    I strode to the bedroom on the right, pushing open the door. Empty. I checked the other bedroom. Also empty.

    Confusion crossed my features as I turned to Olivia. "Where''s Lily?"

    Her response chilled my blood, her emerald eyes swimming with unshed tears. "Lily? You''ll never see her again!"

    I stared at her, trying to process her words. Was she hiding our daughter? Had she sent Lily away?

    "What have you done with her?" I demanded, advancing on Olivia.

    She picked up the princess gown I had brought, her hands trembling. "This is the dress she begged you for. The one you said was too expensive for her."

    I frowned. "I brought it for her now."

    "After Emma wore it?" Olivia''s voice cracked. "After you bought it for another child while your daughter was dying?"

    Her words confused me. Lily wasn''t dying. She was sick, yes, but the specialists would help her.

    Olivia threw the dress and box away with a cry of anguish. "Ethan Stone, Lily doesn''t want it!"

    The boxnded near a wooden urn I hadn''t noticed before. The dress fell out,nding on a smoldering incense stick. A small hole began to burn through the delicate fabric.

    "Stop this nonsense," I growled, my patience wearing thin. "These antics need to stop."

    "Get out," Olivia said, her voice suddenly calm. "Get out of my house."

    My phone rang, Victoria''s name shing on the screen. I answered, keeping my eyes on Olivia.

    "Ethan? Where are you?" Victoria''s voice was sweet, concerned.

    "I''m handling something," I replied, my voice automatically softening.

    "Is Lily there? Remember we nned to take the girls to Disney this weekend."

    I watched Olivia''s face contort with pain at the mention of her daughter. "No, Lily isn''t here. We''ll have to cancel that n."

    "Oh," Victoria sounded disappointed. "Emma was so looking forward to it."

    "I''ll go over there to apany you and Emma," I assured her. "I''ll be there soon."

 Chapter 4

    (Olivia''s POV)

    After saying this, Ethan hung up the phone. His amber eyes hardened as he looked at me with contempt.

    "Olivia, if you have the guts, don''t let Lily call me again," he said coldly.

    Without another word, he turned and walked toward the door. His shoulders were straight, his stride confident - the walk of a man who believed he waspletely in the right.

    Just as he stepped out, my legs gave way beneath me. A loud thud echoed through the small house as I copsed to the floor.

    Ethan instinctively turned back. His eyes narrowed when he saw me sprawled on the hardwood.

    "Olivia, I warned you, don''t try these pathetic tricks in front of me," he sneered.

    Iy on the cold floor, still semi-conscious. His words pierced me like silver daggers, each syble dripping with disdain.

    In his mind, I was just a conniving woman resorting to desperate measures. A maniptive female trying to gain his attention through pathetic tricks.

    He saw me as the woman who had drugged him five years ago on his anniversary with Victoria Frost. The evil witch who forced his precious Victoria to leave the territory alone and endure hardship while pregnant with Emma.

    Now, he believed I was using Lily''s illness topete with Victoria for his

    attention. The thought made bile rise in my throat.

    I wanted to scream the truth. To tell him how our daughter had suffered, how she had begged for his love until her final breath.

    My lips parted, trying to form words. I wanted to tell him to leave, to nevere back.

    But weakness overwhelmed me. A wave of darkness crashed over my consciousness, pulling me under.

    (Ethan''s POV)

    I stared at Olivia''s copsed form, annoyance flickering through me.

    This was just another one of her maniptive tactics. She''d always been dramatic, but this was taking it too far.

    I turned to leave again but something made me pause. Her breathing seemed shallow, her face unnaturally pale.

    With an irritated sigh, I walked back and nudged her shoulder. "Olivia, enough." She didn''t respond. I crouched down and shook her more firmly. "Olivia!"

    When she slumped back down, my annoyance evaporated, reced by instinct. I caught her before her head hit the floor, cradling her limp body.

    The sight of her pale face and closed eyes finally convinced me. This wasn''t an act.

    Her skin felt cold beneath my fingers. I pressed two fingers against her neck, relieved to find a pulse, though it was weaker than it should have been.

    I lifted her easily, carrying her to the bedroom. Her weight was rmingly light in my arms.

    Afterying her on the bed, I pulled out my phone and dialed Dr. Harold Bet''s number.

    Half an hourter, Dr. Bet arrived at Maple Grove. The elderly doctor had been with our family for as long as I could remember.

    He examined Olivia thoroughly in the master bedroom while I waited impatiently outside. When he finally emerged, his expression was grave.

    "What''s wrong with her?" I asked before he could speak.

    Despite my seemingly casual tone, Dr. Bet knew better than to underestimate my question. He had served the Stone family for twenty years, witnessing my transformation after the attack that killed my mother and left me blind for six months.

    After regaining my sight, I briefly showed a spark of hope but lost it again after failing to find the woman who had cared for me during my amnesia. I became increasingly cold and distant until Olivia entered my life.

    "She''s suffering from extreme exhaustion and malnutrition," Dr. Bet reported, adjusting his sses. "She''s also showing signs of severe grief response."

    I raised an eyebrow. "Grief?"

    "Yes, Alpha. Quite profound grief, actually." His eyes flickered to mine, then away. "Combined with sleep deprivation and poor nutrition, it''s caused her body to simply shut down."

    My gaze deepened, noting the doctor''s mention of grief. What did Olivia have to grieve about? Our daughter was fine - just sick, not dead as she kept iming.

    "Should we send someone from the main house to care for her?" Dr. Bet inquired, his tone careful.

    I knew he was thinking of the past - of how devoted I had once been to Olivia. How different things were now.

    "No," I replied curtly, dismissing Dr. Bet with a nce. "That won''t be necessary."

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I was trapped in a nightmare, reliving the day Lily died.

    Dr. Marcus Fletcher stood before me, his face grave. "I''m sorry, Mrs. Winters. The kidney donor has... disappeared."

    "What do you mean disappeared?" I asked, my voice rising. "The surgery was scheduled for tomorrow!"

    "The donor kidney was redirected to another patient," he said, not meeting my eyes. "There was nothing I could do."

    I felt the world tilting beneath me. "But Lily has been waiting for months! She won''t survive without this transnt!"

    Dr. Fletcher''s silence confirmed my worst fears.

    I rushed back to Lily''s room, pulling out my phone to call Ethan. One call. Two. Three. Straight to voicemail each time.

    "Please, Ethan," I begged after the tone. "Lily needs you. The donor kidney is gone. You have connections - please help us!"

    But my pleas went unanswered.

    I returned to Lily''s bedside, taking her small hand in mine. Her skin was so pale, almost translucent.

    "Mommy?" she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Did Daddy call back?"

    I forced a smile, swallowing my tears. "He''s very busy, sweetheart. But he loves you very much."

    Lily''s emerald eyes - so like mine - filled with understanding beyond her years. "It''s okay, Mommy. I know he''s with Emma."

    Her small fingers tightened around mine. "Mommy, I''m scared."

    "Don''t be scared, baby," I whispered, stroking her hair. "Mommy''s right here."

    "Will it hurt?" she asked, her voice trembling.

    I shook my head, unable to speak past the lump in my throat.

    "Mommy," she whispered, her eyes growing heavy. "Can you tell Daddy I love him? Even if he loves Emma more?"

    Before I could answer, her small hand slipped from mine. The monitors began to wail as her eyes closed forever.

    "No!" I screamed, gathering her in my arms. "Lily, please! Don''t leave me!"

    I clutched her cooling body to my chest, desperately trying to warm her, to will life back into her small frame.

    "Please, baby," I sobbed, rocking her back and forth. "Please don''t go."

    But she was already gone. My beautiful, brave little girl.

    (Ethan''s POV)

    I awoke to the sound of heart-wrenching sobs.

    Disoriented, I blinked in the darkness, gradually remembering where I was - in Olivia''s guest bedroom at Maple Grove.

    I''d been exhausted after spending the day with Emma at the Silvercrest Medical Center. The young wolf had needed another check-up after her kidney transnt, and Victoria had insisted I be there.

    Now, these cries were interrupting my much-needed rest.

    With an irritated growl, I pushed myself up and followed the sound to Olivia''s bedroom.

    She was thrashing in her sleep, tears streaming down her face as she clutched at empty air.

    "Olivia, what are you doing-" I began, about to push her away, but stopped.

    Her face was contorted in pure anguish, her tears creating wet patches on the pillow. This wasn''t a performance.

    "Lily," she whimpered, her voice breaking. "Don''t leave me, baby. Please don''t go."

    My irritation faded as I watched her suffering. Her grief was palpable, her heartbroken whispers barely audible.

    I caught fragments of her pleas. "Don''t leave." "Can''t live without you."

    Something ufortable twisted in my chest. I sat on the edge of the bed, unsure what to do.

    "Olivia," I said, my voice softer than intended. "Wake up."

    She didn''t respond, lost in her nightmare.

    I gently patted her face. "Olivia, wake up, don''t cry," I said, my voice still stiff butced with a hint offort.

    But she didn''t wake. Her tears continued to flow, her body shaking with each sob.

    I reached for a tissue from the nightstand and carefully wiped her face. "It''s okay, don''t cry, I''m here."

    As her sobs intensified, something inside me broke. I couldn''t stand to see her in such pain, even if I didn''t understand its source.

    I cupped her chin and leaned down, pressing my lips to hers. I told myself I was just trying to silence her cries, to calm her down.

    But the moment our lips touched, something electric passed between us. A connection I''d been denying for too long.

    The kiss deepened, my body responding to her proximity. What had started asfort quickly became something else - passionate and uncontrolled.

    My hand slid beneath her nightgown, finding her skin warm and soft. All thoughts

    of Victoria, of Emma, of our arguments faded away.

    In this moment, there was only Olivia - my mate, my Luna, the woman whose scent still called to my wolf even when my human mind tried to deny it.

 Chapter 5

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I woke up with a gasp. The nightmare of Lily''s death still clung to me like a

    shadow.

    As my vision cleared, I realized I wasn''t alone. Ethan was holding me, his amber eyes unreadable in the dim light.

    "Let go of me," I hissed, pushing against his chest.

    His grip only tightened. "You were having a nightmare."

    "I said let go!" I shoved harder, fury building inside me. "You have no right to touch

    me."

    Ethan''s expression darkened. "I''m still your mate, Olivia."

    His words sent rage through me. After everything he''d done-neglecting Lily, celebrating Emma''s birthday while our daughtery dying, choosing Victoria over us-he still believed he had a im on me.

    "Mate?" I spat the word like poison. "A mate doesn''t abandon his sick daughter. A mate doesn''t celebrate another child''s birthday while his own daughter dies alone!"

    Ethan''s jaw tightened. "Stop with these lies about Lily."

    "They''re not lies!" Tears burned in my eyes. "She died waiting for you, Ethan. She died asking why her daddy loved Emma more than her."

    His face softened slightly, and he leaned closer. "Olivia..."

    When his lips brushed mine, something snapped inside me. I bit down hard on his lower lip, tasting blood.

    Ethan jerked back with a curse, his hand flying to his bleeding mouth. I scrambled away from him, nearly falling off the bed.

    "Get out," I whispered, my voice raw from crying. "GET OUT!"

    Ethan stood slowly, wiping blood from his lip. His amber eyes shed dangerously.

    Finally, he turned and walked out without another word. I listened to his footsteps receding, then the m of the front door.

    Through my window, I watched his car pull away into the darkness. I knew exactly where he was headed. To them. To the family he had chosen over us.

    I clutched Lily''s urn closer. "I''m so sorry, baby," I whispered. "I''m so sorry I couldn''t make him love you."

    (Ethan''s POV)

    The gates of Rosewood Haven opened as my car approached. Victoria''s elegant residence stood illuminated against the night sky.

    My lip still throbbed where Olivia had bitten me. The taste of blood lingered in my mouth.

    Before I could reach the front door, it burst open. Emma stood in the doorway, her small figure silhouetted against the light.

    "You''rete," she pouted, crossing her arms dramatically. "I waited for hours!"

    Despite my dark mood, I felt a smile tugging at my lips. I climbed out of the car and approached the sulking child.

    "I''m sorry, princess. I got dyed."

    Her frown melted away instantly as I scooped her into a hug, kissing her

    forehead. Emma giggled, all traces of annoyance vanishing.

    "I knew you''de," she whispered, wrapping her arms around my neck. "You alwayse when I need you."

    The simple statement sent an ufortable pang through my chest. I pushed the feeling aside as Victoria appeared in the doorway.

    "Emma, it''s past your bedtime," she scolded gently, though her eyes were fixed on me. "Ethan, what happened to your lip?"

    I set Emma down, careful to keep my expression neutral. "It''s nothing. Just a small ident."

    Victoria''s perfectly manicured fingers reached up to touch my injured lip. "Doesn''t look like nothing." Her voice lowered. "Did she try to keep you with her?"

    The implication was clear. I pulled away slightly, ufortable with her assumption.

    "I was dyed with pack business," I said firmly, stepping past her into the house.

    Victoria''svender scent surrounded me as she closed the door. "Of course. Emma''s been waiting for you to read her a bedtime story."

    Emma bounced excitedly, grabbing my hand. "I picked out three books! And

    Mommy said you might stay for breakfast tomorrow!"

    I nced at Victoria, who smiled innocently. "I told her not to get her hopes up. I''m sure the Alpha King has important duties."

    Emma''s face fell immediately. Her lower lip trembled in a way that always tugged at something protective inside me.

    "But I wanted to show you my new drawing in the morning," she whispered, eyes growing wet with tears.

    I sighed, knowing I was being manipted but powerless against those tearful eyes. "We''ll see, princess. Let''s get you to bed first."

    Emma''s bedroom was a fantasy of pink and purple. She climbed into bed, patting the space beside her.

    "Read this one first," she instructed, handing me a colorful storybook.

    I settled beside her, opening the book. Emma snuggled against my side, her small body warm and trusting.

    Halfway through the second book, her eyelids began to droop. By the third, she was fighting to stay awake.

    "Daddy," she murmured sleepily, using the title she knew I couldn''t resist. "Will you stay tonight? Please?"

    Victoria, who had been watching from the doorway, stepped forward. "Emma, don''t be selfish. Ethan needs to get back to his territory."

    "But I''m scared of the dark," Emma whimpered, her eyes filling with fresh tears. "What if I get sick again? The doctor said stress is bad for my new kidney."

    I found myself nodding before I could think better of it.

    "I''ll stay," I promised, brushing hair from her forehead. "Just for tonight."

    Emma''s smile was triumphant as she drifted off to sleep.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    Morning arrived with cruel brightness. My eyes felt swollen and gritty from crying myself to sleep.

    The ringing of my phone jolted me fully awake. I reached for it blindly, half- expecting to see Ethan''s name.

    Instead, Victoria Frost''s number shed on the screen. My finger hovered over the reject button, but curiosity won out.

    "Hello?" My voice sounded hoarse even to my own ears.

    "Olivia, darling." Victoria''s voice was syrupy sweet. "I hope I didn''t wake you."

    I sat up, instantly alert. "What do you want, Victoria?"

    "I was hoping we could meet for coffee. There''s something I need to give you."

    Every instinct screamed at me to refuse, but something in her tone-a hint of smug satisfaction¡ªmade me agree.

    "Moonlight Caf¨¦. Thirty minutes," I said curtly before hanging up.

    The caf¨¦ was nearly empty when I arrived. Victoria sat at a corner table, two cups already waiting.

    She wore a pale blue dress that highlighted her perfect figure, her blonde hair falling in elegant waves around her shoulders.

    "Olivia," she greeted with a smile that didn''t reach her eyes. "I took the liberty of ordering for you. Cappino, no sugar-bitter, just like your life these days."

    I slid into the chair across from her, ignoring the coffee. "Get to the point, Victoria. What do you want?"

    Her smile widened as she reached for a shopping bag beside her chair. "I just wanted to return something that belongs to your mate."

    With deliberate slowness, she pulled out Ethan''s ck Leather Jacket. The premium leather gleamed under the caf¨¦ lights, the Silvercrest Pack emblem subtly embossed on the back.

    I recognized it immediately. Ethan wore it constantly, the leather carrying his distinctive scent-sandalwood and pine, mixed with his natural Alpha musk. Victoria ced it on the table between us, her perfectly manicured fingers lingering on the material.

    "These are the clothes that Ethan left at my cest night," she said, her voice dripping with false concern. "I brought them to you."

 Chapter 6

    (Olivia''s POV)

    Victoria smiled sweetly as she reached into the bag again. She pulled out more of Ethan''s clothes, deliberately cing his underwear on top of the pile.

    "He was in such a rush this morning," she said with a theatrical sigh. "Poor Emma didn''t want him to leave."

    I stared at the clothes, my face carefully nk despite the knife twisting in my heart. Victoria tilted her head, exposing her neck where fresh marks were clearly visible against her pale skin.

    "He can be quite... passionate, can''t he?" She touched the marks delicately. "Though I''m sure you remember."

    I thought of Lily, of her small face looking up at me as she asked why her daddy never came to see her. The memory hardened something inside me.

    "Take these back to Ethan yourself," I said, my voice cold and steady. "My ce isn''t a garbage dump for unwanted items."

    Victoria''s smile faltered slightly. "Don''t be difficult, Olivia. You''re still his mate, technically. At least until the divorce."

    "There won''t be a divorce," I replied, pushing the clothes back toward her. "Because we were never properly married in the first ce."

    Her eyes widened with genuine surprise. "What are you talking about?"

    "Ethan and I had a mating ceremony, not a legal wedding. The pack recognized our bond, but legally? We have no ties."

    Victoria''s perfectly manicured nails drummed against the table. "That can''t be true. You''re the Luna."

    "I was never officially recognized as Luna. Check the pack records if you don''t believe me."

    Before Victoria could respond, a familiar scent filled the caf¨¦ - sandalwood and pine. My heart stuttered traitorously in my chest.

    Ethan approached our table, his powerful presencemanding attention from everyone in the caf¨¦. His amber eyes were fixed on me, radiating anger.

    Victoria''s demeanor changed instantly. Her shoulders hunched slightly, making her appear smaller and more vulnerable.

    "Ethan," she said, her voice soft and trembling. "Please don''t be angry. Olivia hasn''t threatened me."

    I nearlyughed at the absurdity. How many times had I watched this exact scenario y out? Victoria provoking me, then ying victim when Ethan appeared.

    "I''m leaving," I announced, standing up. "Since they belong to Mr. Stone, Miss Frost, you should keep them yourself. After all, the best ce for trash is with those who collect it."

    I turned to go, but Ethan''s hand shot out. His fingers wrapped around my wrist with unmistakable strength.

    "We need to talk," he growled, his voice low enough that only I could hear. "Let go of me," I said, trying to pull free.

    His grip only tightened. "Not until you exin what you''re doing here with Victoria."

    "She invited me," I replied through gritted teeth. "Ask her yourself."

    Ethan''s eyes flickered to Victoria, who dabbed at imaginary tears with a napkin.

    "I just wanted to return your things," she whispered. "I thought it was the right thing to do."

    I pulled against his grip again. "Let. Go. Of. Me."

    Instead of releasing me, Ethan began pulling me toward the exit. His fingers pressed into my flesh with bruising force.

    "Stop it!" I hissed, struggling against his hold. "You''re hurting me!"

    He ignored my protests, continuing to drag me across the caf¨¦. The pressure on

    my wrist increased, threatening to damage the delicate bones.

    I was about to use my free hand to defend myself when Victoria suddenly gasped loudly. She clutched her chest and copsed into a nearby chair, her face contorting in apparent distress.

    "Victoria?" Ethan''s attention immediately shifted. He released my wrist and rushed to her side.

    "I''m fine," she whispered weakly, leaning into his touch. "Just... a little dizzy."

    Ethan crouched beside her, his face twisted with concern. "Should I call Dr. Bet?"

    I looked down at my wrist, where angry red marks were already blooming. The

    physical evidence of his priorities was etched into my skin.

    Without another word, I turned and walked out of the caf¨¦.

    The bright sunlight outside felt like a mockery of my dark mood. I climbed into my

    car, my hands shaking as I gripped the steering wheel.

    I drove to Crescent Moon Mall, desperate to focus on something other than the

    scene I''d just left. The Crystal Design Sketchbook & Moonwood Pencils I needed

    for the uing Healer''s Crystal Competition would be avable there.

    Thispetition was my only hope now. I needed the prize money to buy a proper burial ground for Lily''s ashes.

    I''d visited over thirty suitable sites in the past week. Each one had left me more discouraged than thest. A proper resting ce - one worthy of my daughter''s spirit - cost at least one million dors.

    I had no such funds at my disposal.

    Walking through the mall, I reflected bitterly on my financial situation. Ethan had provided a monthly allowance of $100,000, which had seemed generous at first.

    I''d even managed to save some of it. But when Lily fell ill, those savings vanished quickly.

    Ethan had refused to acknowledge how serious her condition was. "She''s just a little sick," he''d say dismissively. "Stop exaggerating."

    To secure funds for her treatments, I''d been forced to lie. I invented consultations

    with specialists, experimental treatments, and therapies.

    Each lie had torn at me, adding to both my guilt and Lily''s suffering.

    "I''m sorry, baby," I''d whisper to her as shey in her hospital bed. "Daddy''s very busy. He''lle see you soon."

    Now, I was determined to provide Lily with a proper final resting ce without involving Ethan. I would earn the money through my own talents.

    "Olivia? Is that you, dear?"

    I turned at the familiar voice. Elder Willow stood near a crystal shop, her wise eyes lighting up at the sight of me.

    Elder Willow had been my mentor during my healer training. She had recognized my talent with healing crystals when no one else had.

    "Elder Willow," I greeted, feeling a genuine smile form for the first time in weeks.

    She embraced me warmly, her scent of sage and moonflowersforting. "I''ve been thinking about you, child. How are you holding up?"

    The simple question, asked with genuine concern, nearly broke me. I blinked back tears.

    "I''m... managing," I replied carefully.

    Elder Willow studied my face. "Are you entering the Healer''s Crystal Competition this year?"

    I nodded. "I was just about to buy supplies."

    "Wonderful!" Her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "Your understanding of crystal properties was always exceptional, Liv."

    The familiar nickname, used by so few, warmed something inside me.

    "Do you remember that healing pendant you created in your final year? The one that could reduce fever in wolf pups?" Elder Willow squeezed my hand. "You have a gift, my dear. You should use it."

    She leaned closer, her voice dropping conspiratorially. "The first-ce prize this year is one million dors."

    For the first time in weeks, I felt a surge of hope.

    After purchasing my supplies, I headed to the Underground Parking Garage. My mind was already buzzing with design ideas for thepetition.

    As I walked past a sleek ck SUV, a hand suddenly reached out from the back seat. Strong fingers grabbed my wrist, pulling me inside with surprising strength.

    Before I could scream, the door mmed shut. I found myself pinned to the leather seat, a man''s body pressing against mine.

    I fought back instinctively, striking him repeatedly with my shopping bag containing the pencils.

 Chapter 7

    (Olivia''s POV)

    The moment his lips crashed against mine, I knew exactly who had grabbed me. Ethan Stone. My mate. My tormentor.

    My initial fear dissolved into icy determination. I shoved against his chest with all my strength.

    "Ethan Stone, let me go... You have no right!" I hissed, struggling against his powerful grip.

    His amber eyes shed dangerously in the dim light of the SUV. The dominant Alpha aura poured from him in waves, suffocating the small space between us.

    "No right?" he growled, his face inches from mine. "You''re still my mate, Olivia. Or have you forgotten?"

    I twisted away from him, pressing myself against the door. "We''re done, Ethan. I made that clear."

    Hisugh was cruel, devoid of humor. "Is that why you''re meeting Victoria? To discuss our rtionship status?"

    "She invited me," I spat. "To unt your clothes and the marks you left on her neck."

    Ethan''s jaw tightened. His hand shot out, gripping my chin and forcing me to look at him.

    "You have some nerve," he said, voice dangerously soft. "After what you did five years ago."

    The usation hit like a physical blow. "I didn''t drug you! How many times do I have to say it?"

    His eyes narrowed, disbelief etched across his handsome features. "Then exin how I ended up in your bed that night."

    "I''ve exined it a thousand times," I said, exhaustion creeping into my voice. "You were already drugged when I found you."

    Ethan''s grip tightened painfully on my jaw. "And yet you took advantage."

    I jerked my face away from his hand. "Victoria knows we''re over. Why can''t you ept it too? Or does my pain mean so little to you?"

    Something flickered in his eyes - uncertainty, perhaps. But it vanished as quickly as it appeared.

    "You''re ying the same game you yed five years ago," he said coldly. "Acting innocent, pretending to be the victim."

    My breath hitched, a familiar pain stabbing at my heart. The memory of that night rose unbidden - Ethan stumbling into my apartment, his eyes unfocused, his movements uncoordinated.

    "I didn''t drug you," I whispered, the words feeling hollow after years of repetition.

    I remembered finding him outside my door, barely conscious. I could have left him there should have, perhaps.

    But I couldn''t. My heart wouldn''t let me.

    I''d helped him inside, given him water, tried to sober him up. When he copsed on my bed, I''d slept on the couch.

    But morning brought usations instead of gratitude. Victoria had somehow convinced him I''d drugged him, seduced him.

    The truth didn''t matter. It never had.

    "What do you want, Ethan?" I asked, suddenly too tired to fight. "Why are you doing this?"

    He scoffed, his expression hardening. "You''re the one ying games, Olivia. Meeting Victoria, challenging my authority."

    "I''m not ying-"

    His phone rang, cutting me off. Victoria''s name shed on the screen.

    Ethan hesitated, his eyes still locked with mine. The momentary distraction was all I needed.

    I brought my knee up hard, connecting solidly with his groin. Ethan doubled over with a pained grunt, his grip loosening.

    I scrambled for the door handle, pushing it open and tumbling out into the parking garage. My heart hammered against my ribs as I ran to my car, fumbling with the keys.

    Once inside, I locked the doors, my hands shaking so badly I could barely start the engine. Tears blurred my vision as I reversed out of the parking spot, nearly hitting a concrete pir.

    I caught a glimpse of Ethan emerging from his SUV, his face contorted with rage and pain. Our eyes met briefly before I elerated toward the exit.

    The tires screeched against the concrete as I sped away. My breathing came in short, painful gasps.

    Why couldn''t he believe me? After all these years, the same usation still haunted me.

    I checked my rearview mirror, half expecting to see his ck SUV in pursuit. Nothing. Just empty road behind me.

    Relief washed over me, followed immediately by crushing sadness. How had wee to this?

    Once, Ethan had looked at me with love. Now there was only suspicion and contempt.

    I wiped away tears with a trembling hand. I needed to focus on driving, not on the shattered remains of our rtionship.

    The road blurred before me. I pulled over, unable to continue.

    My phone buzzed with a text. I half expected it to be from Ethan, but it was Elder Willow checking if I''d made it home safely.

    I sent a quick reply, not wanting her to worry. How could I exin what had just happened?

    Taking several deep breaths, Iposed myself. I couldn''t fall apart now. Lily needed me to be strong.

    The thought of my daughter steadied me. I would win thatpetition for her. Nothing else mattered.

    With renewed determination, I pulled back onto the road. Ethan Stone would not break me again.

    (Ethan''s POV)

    I watched Olivia''s car speed away, the pain between my legs gradually subsiding. With deliberate calm, I walked to the Moonlight Caf¨¦ and took a seat by the window.

    I pulled out a cigarette, lighting it with practiced ease. The smoke curled upward

    as I took a long drag, obscuring my expression from curious onlookers.

    My phone continued to ring. Victoria''s name shed persistently on the screen. "What?" I answered finally, my voice deceptively casual.

    "Ethan?" Victoria''s concerned voice filled my ear. "Are you alright? You sound strange."

    I took another drag, watching the street where Olivia had disappeared. "I''m fine."

    "You don''t sound fine," she pressed. "Where are you?"

    "Moonlight Caf¨¦," I replied, flicking ash into a nearby tray.

    There was a pause on the other end. "Were you with her?" Victoria asked, her

    voice suddenly tight.

    I didn''t need to ask who she meant. "Why does it matter?"

    Victoria''s breath caught audibly. "You were, weren''t you? With Olivia."

    An hour ago, I''d sent Victoria home to Rosewood Haven. She''d been clingy, demanding, insisting I stay another night.

    I''d refused coldly, needing space to think. My mind had been filled with conflicting thoughts about Olivia.

    Now Victoria''s voice trembled with barely concealed jealousy. "I''m sorry about the caf¨¦, Ethan. I didn''t mean to cause trouble."

    "Didn''t you?" I asked, my voice hardening.

    "No! I swear," she insisted. "I was just worried about Emmy. You know how sensitive she is about... changes."

    I remained silent, taking another long drag from my cigarette. The bitter taste matched my mood.

    Victoria always mentioned Emma when she wanted to manipte me. The child had me wrapped around her little finger, and Victoria knew it.

    "Ethan, please," Victoria continued, her voice softening to that vulnerable tone she knew I couldn''t resist. "I just want what''s best for Emma. For all of us."

    I closed my eyes, the image of Olivia''s defiant face still burning in my mind. The hurt in her emerald eyes haunted me.

    "I know," I said finally, my voice softening despite myself. "We''ll talkter."

    I ended the call, staring at the empty street through the window. Something about Olivia''s denial had seemed genuine.

    The pain in her eyes when I mentioned that night five years ago felt too raw, too real to be faked.

    I shook my head, dismissing the thought. Victoria had exined everything back

    then.

    How Olivia had schemed to separate us, to trap me into a rtionship. How she''d drugged my drink at that party.

    Yet doubt crept in like an unwee guest. Could Victoria have lied?

    No. She wouldn''t do that to me.

    "Sir? Would you like to order?" A waitress hovered nervously at my table.

    I waved her away, crushing out my cigarette. The memory of Olivia''s scent - wildflowers and rain - lingered in my nostrils, stirring something primal in my wolf. Noah growled within me, confused by the conflicting emotions. He recognized our mate''s scent, wanted to chase after her, im her.

    But Victoria''svender perfume clung to my clothes, reminding me of my promises to her and Emma. The little girl who called me "Daddy" even though we shared no blood.

    I lit another cigarette, letting the smoke fill my lungs. The burning sensation distracted me from the turmoil inside.

    Olivia''s face shed in my mind again. The way she''d looked in the hospital, begging me to believe Lily was dead.

    I''d refused to ept it. Our daughter couldn''t be dead. Olivia was hiding her, punishing me for my closeness with Victoria.

    But what if...?

    No. I crushed the thought before it could fully form.

    The caf¨¦ had grown quieter as afternoon stretched into evening. I sat alone, the

    empty cup before me a silent witness to my internal struggle.

    After I finished the cigarette, I went back into my car again, heading for Victoria''s

    ce.

 Chapter 8

    (Ethan''s POV)

    "Emma cried the whole night because you left after she fell asleep," Victoria said, her voice trembling with emotion. Her perfectly manicured nails tapped nervously against the marble countertop.

    I sat across from her in the kitchen of Rosewood Haven, watching as she prepared breakfast. The morning light streamed through therge windows, highlighting the elegant space.

    "She kept asking where you went," Victoria continued, her blue eyes filling with tears. "I didn''t know what to tell her."

    I remained silent, taking a sip of my coffee. Victoria''s distress seemed genuine, but I''d learned to be wary of her emotional disys.

    "We suffered for five years in the Moonstone Pack territory, Ethan," she whispered, setting down a te of venison and eggs. "Five years without you. Emma doesn''t understand why you keep leaving us."

    The mention of those five years stirred something ufortable in my chest. Victoria had left the territory pregnant with Emma, iming she needed space. I''dter discovered it was because of Olivia''s pregnancy with Lily.

    "I''m sorry about yesterday morning," Victoria said, reaching across the table to touch my hand. "I shouldn''t have confronted Olivia like that. It was impulsive."

    Her fingers were cool against my skin. I looked at her delicate hand, remembering how different it felt from Olivia''s smaller, warmer touch.

    "It won''t happen again," she promised, her voice soft and pleading. "I''ve been patient for so long, Ethan. I just want us to be a family."

    She squeezed my hand gently. "I''m going to win the Pack Healer''s Crystal Competition this year. The former Alpha King will finally approve of me, and we can be together properly."

    I met her gaze, my expression neutral. "Hmm," was all I offered in response.

    My amber eyes drifted toward the window, my thoughts elsewhere. Victoria''s smile faltered at myck of enthusiasm, but she quickly recovered, continuing to serve breakfast with practiced grace.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    The door to Lily''s room creaked open as I stepped inside. The familiar scent of moonflowers and vani ¨C Lily''s favorite - still lingered in the air.

    I approached the small altar I''d created in the corner. The Moonwood Ceremonial Urn sat there, its carved surface gleaming softly in the afternoon light.

    "Hello, baby," I whispered, gently touching the sacred vessel.

    Lily''s memorial portrait hung above the urn. Her emerald eyes ¨C so like mine - stared back at me, her smile frozen in time. She looked so happy in that picture, taken just months before her illness worsened.

    "I miss you so much," I said, my voice breaking slightly.

    Memories flooded back - Lily''sughter, her small hand in mine, her brave smile even as shey in the hospital bed. My beautiful, well-behaved, lovely daughter who had been taken from me far too soon.

    "I''m going to win thatpetition," I promised, tears welling in my eyes. "I''ll buy you the most beautiful burial ground, where your spirit can find peace."

    I traced the outline of her face in the photograph. "You''ll be reborn into a happy family next time, baby. A family where your daddy loves you as much as I do."

    The thought of Lily being reborn into a loving family brought bothfort and pain. She deserved so much better than what she had received in this life.

    "I won''t let you down," I vowed, wiping away my tears. "Not this time."

    With renewed determination, I turned to my Crystal Design Sketchbook. Thepetition deadline was approaching quickly, and I needed to perfect my design.

    Three dayster, I submitted my Moonstone Crystal Design just before the deadline. The intricate sketches showed a revolutionary healing crystal configuration that incorporated rare moonstone arrangements capable of elerating werewolf healing.

    I''d poured everything I knew about healing crystals into this design. Years of study under Elder Willow''s guidance,bined with my natural talent, had resulted in something truly special.

    The following day, my phone rang. The caller ID showed "Lunar Tower."

    "Hello?" I answered, my heart racing.

    "Ms. Winters? This is Sophia from the Pack Healer''s Crystal Competitionmittee," a professional female voice replied. "We''re impressed with your preliminary design submission."

    I held my breath, hardly daring to hope.

    "We''d like you to attend a live design demonstration at Lunar Tower tomorrow afternoon," Sophia continued. "You''ll bepeting for the final spot in ourpetition."

    "Thank you," I managed to say, my voice steadier than I felt. "What time should I arrive?"

    "Three o''clock sharp," she replied. "Bring your design drafts and any materials you might need for a demonstration."

    After ending the call, I set the phone down with trembling hands. This was my chance - my opportunity to secure Lily''s final resting ce.

    My emerald eyes reflected my determination in the mirror. I would win this. For

    Lily.

    The next day, I drove to Lunar Tower with my design drafts carefully secured in a portfolio. As I pulled into the parking area, my heart sank at the sight of Ethan''s distinctive ck SUV.

    I watched from a distance as Ethan emerged from the driver''s side. He walked around to the passenger door and gently lifted Emma from her car seat.

    "Daddy!" Emma squealed, wrapping her arms around his neck. "I love you soooo much!"

    Ethan smiled warmly, hugging the child close. "I love you too, princess." Victoria appeared beside them, pouting yfully. "What about me? Doesn''t anyone love me?"

    Emma giggled, reaching one arm toward her mother. "I love you too, Mommy!"

    Victoria seized the opportunity to step closer to Ethan, creating an intimate family tableau. Her hand rested possessively on his arm as she leaned against him.

    Passersby nced at them with envy - the picture-perfect family. The Alpha King with his beautifulpanion and her adorable daughter.

    Victoria''s eyes scanned the parking lot until they found me. Her smile widened deliberately as she pressed herself closer to Ethan, making sure I witnessed their intimacy.

    I clutched my portfolio tighter, forcing myself to look away. Their rtionship wasn''t my concern anymore. I was here for Lily, not to dwell on Ethan''s choices.

    As I walked toward the entrance, Victoria''s smile suddenly faltered. Her eyes fixed

    on the portfolio in my hands, recognition dawning on her face.

    I could see the realization hit her - I was here for thepetition too. Her

    confidence visibly wavered as she remembered our university days, when Elder

    Willow had praised my natural talent with healing crystals.

    "Liv, why are you here alone?" Ethan''s deep voice called out.

    I froze, not turning around. I hadn''t expected him to address me directly,

    especially not with the nickname only my closest friends used.

    His footsteps approached, and I steeled myself before facing him. His amber eyes

    narrowed as he noticed the design drafts in my hands.

    "Olivia Winters, what are you doing here?" he demanded, his expression hardening. "Where''s Lily?"

    I ignored his question and continued walking toward the entrance. Ethan''s hand shot out, grabbing my arm.

    "Where is Lily?" he repeated, his voice dropping dangerously low. "You left a five- year-old child home alone?"

    Emma watched our interaction with wide eyes, clinging to Victoria''s hand. Victoria''s expression shifted between concern and satisfaction at Ethan''s protective disy.

    "You''re an irresponsible mother," Ethan used, his grip tightening on my arm. "How could you leave Lily by herself?"

 The Alpha King is unavailable 9

    Chapter 9: Confrontation at Lunar Tower

    Chapter 9: Confrontation at Lunar Tower

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I stopped walking and turned around slowly. My emerald eyes met Ethan''s amber ones as I

    faced him directly.

    "Ethan Stone, since Lily was born, you haven''t taken care of her for a single day. How dare you use me here?" My voice remained steady despite the pain that red in my chest at the mention of my deceased daughter.

    Ethan''s jaw tightened visibly. His eyes narrowed as he stepped closer, towering over me with

    his imposing presence.

    "I provided everything for both of you," he growled, his voice sharp enough to cut ss. "A

    home, money, security-"

    "Everything except your time and love," I cut in, refusing to be intimidated. "The only things Lily

    ever wanted from you."

    My words hung in the air between us like a challenge. I could see the muscle in his jaw twitch

    with anger.

    Emma tugged at Victoria''s hand, her small face scrunched up in indignation. Her voice was

    shrill and demanding.

    "Daddy is very busy! He''s the Alpha King!" she dered with the self-importance only a child.

    could muster.

    Victoria nodded, cing a protective hand on Emma''s shoulder. Her perfectly manicured nails

    gleamed under the light.

    "Emma''s right, Olivia. You should be more understanding of Ethan''s position," she said, her

    voice dripping with false kindness.

    She stepped forward, her voice softening with practiced sympathy. "It''s not entirely Ethan''s fault that Lily didn''t have a close rtionship with her father. Perhaps if you had tried harder

    to bring them together instead of keeping her to yourself..."

    My blood boiled at her audacity. The nerve of this woman to lecture me about my own daughter!

    Chapter 9 Confrontation at L

    "This doesn''t concern you. Stay out of it," I snapped, my patience finally breaking.

    Victoria immediately adopted a hurt expression. Her blue eyes filled with tears as she turned to Ethan, pressing herself against his side like a wounded animal seeking protection.

    "I was only trying to help," she whispered, loud enough for me to hear.

    It was a performance worthy of an award. I had seen this act countless times before.

    Ethan''s expression darkened further. His arm wrapped protectively around Victoria''s shoulders, pulling her closer.

    "You need to calm down," he warned me, his voice cold.

    I looked at their performance with disgust. The way Victoria manipted him was

    so obvious to everyone except Ethan himself.

    "Victoria Frost, why are you so good at pretending?" The words escaped my lips before I could

    stop them.

    The word "pretending" seemed to trigger something in Ethan. His amber eyes glowed with fury, the wolf within him rising to the surface.

    "Watch your mouth," he warned, his voice dropping to a dangerous growl. "You don''t get to

    speak to her that way."

    Victoria quickly ced a gentle hand on his chest, eyes were

    wide with apparent concern.

    the peacemaker. Her

    "Please don''t be angry with her for my sake, Ethan. I''m fine, really," she said softly.

    What a perfect little act they had rehearsed. I couldn''t stomach their charade any longer.

    Without another word, I turned and walked toward the entrance of Lunar Tower. My hand clutched my portfolio tighter, focusing on why I was really here.

    Thispetition was for Lily. Not for my wounded pride or Ethan''s misced anger.

    The ss doors slid open silently as I approached. Inside, the modern lobby bustled with activity aspetition participants and judges moved purposefully through the space.

    I checked my watch. Fifteen minutes before thepetition began.

    My eyes felt heavy fromck of sleep. I''d spent countless nights perfecting my Moonstone Crystal Design, pouring all my knowledge and grief into it.

    The Moonlight Refreshment Room was located on the same floor as thepetition hall. I

    +8 Points>

    Chapter 9 Confrontation at L

    headed there, hoping a cup of herbal tea would help sharpen my focus.

    The room was empty when I entered. Sleek countertops lined one wall with an array of teas specially selected to enhance creativity.

    I selected a blend of moonlight herb andvender, known for improving mental rity. As the water heated, I heard the door open behind me.

    Victoria entered alone, her blue eyes immediately finding mine. She smiled sweetly as she approached, her heels clicking on the polished floor.

    "Preparing for thepetition?" she asked, her voice light and conversational.

    I ignored her, focusing on preparing my tea. The water began to boil in the dispenser.

    Victoria moved to stand beside me at the counter. Her perfume was overpowering in the small

    space.

    "I didn''t know you were entering thepetition too. It''ll be just like our university

    days, won''t it? Though I always did better in the practical demonstrations."

    I remained silent, reaching for my cup. From the corner of my eye, I saw Victoria''s hand move

    toward the hot water dispenser.

    In that split second, I realized her intention. She was going to scald my hand - to

    ruin my ability topete.

    My reflexes saved me. I jerked my hand back just as Victoria activated the dispenser.

    Hot water gushed out, narrowly missing my fingers. Only a few drops sshed onto my skin,

    causing a minor sting.

    Victoria, caught off bnce by my sudden movement, stumbled forward. Her own

    hand

    slipped directly under the stream of boiling water.

    Her scream echoed through the small room, piercing and genuine. Victoria

    clutched her

    scalded hand to her chest, her face contorted in real pain this time.

    "Help! Someone help me!" she cried, tears streaming down her face.

    The door burst open as Emma ran in, proving she had been waiting outside all along. Her eyes widened with theatrical horror.

    "Mommy!" she screamed, running to Victoria''s side with her arms outstretched.

    Victoria stumbled to the sink, thrusting her reddening hand under cold water. Her sobs filled

    the room as Emma turned and ran back out.

    Chapter 9 Confrontation at L

    "Daddy! Daddy!" I heard her cry in the hallway, her voice carrying perfectly. "Olivia

    hurt

    Mommy! She burned Mommy''s hand with hot water!"

    The girl was just as maniptive as her mother. The apple truly didn''t fall far from

    the tree.

    Momentster, Ethan rushed in like an avenging angel. His eyes immediately found Victoria at the sink, her face pale with pain.

    "Victoria," he said, his voice gentle as he moved to her side. "Let me see."

    The tenderness in his voice was like a knife to my heart. I had never heard him speak to me that way, even during my pregnancy or after Lily''s birth.

    Victoria winced dramatically as she showed him her hand. The skin was already turning an angry red.

    "It hurts," she whimpered, leaning against him. "It hurts so much, Ethan."

    Ethan held her carefully, keeping her injured hand under the cold water. His protective stance.

    was unmistakable ¨C an Alpha shielding his chosen mate.

    I moved toward the door, my face expressionless. This wasn''t my problem, and I

    had a

    "Olivia," Ethan''s voice stopped me. "Where do you think you''re going?"

    I turned slowly to face him. His amber eyes were cold with fury, the warmth he''d

    shown

    Victoriapletely absent.

    "You deliberately scalded Victoria," he used, his voice low and threatening.

    "And now you''re

    walking away without even apologizing?"

    I raised an eyebrow, refusing to be intimidated. "I didn''t scald her."

    Ethan''s jaw tightened. His hands clenched into fists at his sides.

    "Her hands are crucial for thepetition, Olivia. How could you be so cruel?" he

    demanded.

    His amber eyes bore into mine, searching for any sign of guilt. I met his gaze

    steadily,

    unwavering.

    "Where''s your evidence that I scalded her?" I asked calmly.

    Emma stepped forward, clinging to Ethan''s leg. Her small face was twisted with

    righteous indignation that looked rehearsed.

    "I saw you!" she dered, pointing an using finger at me. "You pushed Mommy''s hand

    * Chapter 9. Confrontation at L...

    under the hot water! I saw everything!"

    Ethan looked down at Emma, then back at me. His expression hardened with

    absolute

    certainty.

    +8 Points?

    "Emma''s words are the evidence! She is only five years old, still a child, how

    could she lie?!"

    I stared at the child, noting the calcted gleam in her eyes that belied her

    innocent appearance. Like mother, like daughter.

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    75

    Vote

 The Alpha King is unavailable 10

    Chapter 10: A Cruel Comparison

    Chapter 10: A Cruel Comparison

    (Olivia''s POV)

    "How could a good child lie? Who never listened to Lily, and used Lily of lying again and again? Scolding Lily for being dishonest, using her of lying at such a young age, being a bed child. How hypocritical! The bitter thoughts swirled through my mind like poison.

    My Lily, my sweet baby. The only time she had ever lied was when she waited for her father who broke his promise-and she paid for that lie with her life. Yet in Ethan''s eyes, Lily had

    been unbearable.

    I felt my eyes burning with rage as I stared at Ethan Stone.

    ¡°Ethan Stone.¡± I asked coldly, "Emma is a child, wasn''t my Lily a child too?"

    His amber eyes widened slightly, caught off guard by my question.

    "How can Lily bepared with Emma!" he blurted out.

    His words hit me like a physical blow. My emerald eyes turned cold as ice. This was what he really thought. In his heart, the daughter born to Victoria, his childhood love, was thousands of times better, as perfect as Victoria herself. And my Lily, like her mother, was unbearable.

    My heart ached as if it was being torn apart. Iughed, the sound hollow and broken, but the smile didn''t reach my eyes.

    "Indeed, they can''t bepared," I said, enunciating each word carefully, "because Emma

    Frost is not worthy at all!"

    Such a child who lied and framed others at a young age-how could she possibly bepared with my sweet and well-behaved Lily? I truly felt sorry for my daughter. My baby had loved her father so much. But in her father''s heart, there was only Emma, never her.

    As a mother, my eyes burned with heartache. It wasn''t worth it for my daughter to have suffered so much for a father who cared so little.

    "Ethan Stone, Lily has a father like you, she is in the afterlife-"

    Before I could finish, Victoria suddenly grabbed Ethan''s arm tightly. She looked at her red and swollen right hand and cried in fear.

    "Ethan, is my hand useless? Can I never create healing crystal designs again?" Her voice

    Chapter 10 A Cruel Compars

    trembled with calcted vulnerability.

    +8 Points >

    Ethan''s attention was immediately drawn to Victoria. He didn''t even hear what I''d said about

    Lily. Looking at Victoria''s hand, heforted her softly, his amber eyes gentle.

    "I won''t let anything happen to you," he promised. "I''ll take you to the Medical Den now, don''t

    worry."

    Ethan picked up Victoria in his arms without a second nce at me. Emma grabbed Ethan''s leather jacket obediently and followed him, her small face twisted

    in a pained expression that didn''t quite reach her eyes.

    As they passed by me, Ethan said in an extremely cold voice: "You''d better pray that Victoria''s

    hand is fine."

    I remained standing, unaffected by his threat. What more could he possibly take from me?

    An hourter, I found myself sitting before thepetition judges, drawing crystal healing designs alongside six otherpetitors. We were vying for thest position in the Pack

    Healer''s Crystal Competition.

    I worked with calm determination despite the earlier confrontation. My hand moved steadily

    across the paper, creating intricate patterns that channeled healing energy through carefully

    arranged moonstones.

    "Time''s up," announced the head judge. "Please ce your designs on the disy table."

    One by one, the judges examined our work. Elder Willow lingered over my design, her wise

    eyes gleaming with approval.

    "The results are in," the head judge dered after their deliberation. "Olivia Winters will

    advance to the finalpetition."

    Relief washed over me. I had secured thest ce in the Pack Healer''s Crystal Competition-

    one step closer to buying Lily''s burial ground.

    After leaving Lunar Tower, I walked toward the underground parking garage. The afternoon

    sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the pavement. Suddenly, I heard the roar of a motorcycle engine. A sleek ck bike sped toward me, but I

    didn''t move. I stood still, watching as the rider executed a perfect tail flick in front of me,

    stopping the bike steadily.

    The man riding the motorcycle, with his long, straight legs firmly nted on the ground, took

    off his helmet with one hand. His handsome face broke into a familiar grin as his hazel eyes

    Chapter 10 A Craf Comparis

    met mine.

    "Beautifuldy, get in the car, I''ll take you for a ride," he said, raising his eyebrows slightly in

    that cocky way I knew so well,

    It was James Knight, my only friend from the abusive orphanage where we''d both been as

    children.

    When I was eight years old, I was sold to a perverted pedophile by the orphanage dean. When 1 was being attacked, it was James who rushed in desperately, knocked the man unconscious,

    and took me out of the orphanage.

    In order to protect me, he had hidden me and gone to lure away those who were chasing us.

    When I went to the orphanage with Ethan''s grandmother to see him again, he was beaten ck and blue, barely clinging to life. Even so, he hadn''t revealed my hiding ce.

    "James Knight, do you think you are particrly handsome now?" I rolled my eyes at him, fighting a smile.

    "Olivia, please pay attention to your wording," he protested with mock offense. "What do you mean by ''I think''? I''m already devastatingly handsome!"

    I didn''t speak, but hooked my finger at him. James lowered his head curiously.

    I raised my hand and pressed James''s head, turning it clockwise towards the rearview mirror

    on his bike.

    "Indeed, it''s quite devastating!" I said seriously.

    "Damn it!" James swore when he saw his messy hair in the mirror. Just... handsome for three seconds. He quickly put his helmet back on. "It affects my image too much."

    I couldn''t help but smile, my emerald eyes brightening for the first time that day.

    "Get in the car, James said with mock anger, leaning over to help me get my Rose-Quartz

    Helmet.

    Suddenly, his movement paused. He saw a child''s helmet under my adult helmet-

    the

    Moonstone Pup Helmet he had custom-made for Lily.

    James''s nose reddened, and his eyes turned glossy. This was the birthday present he had prepared for my daughter. He had been away on a training mission during Lily''s birthday and couldn''t ask for leave, so he had asked someone to customize this helmet in advance. He had nned to take Lily for a ride after her surgery and recovery.

    But there would never be that chance now.

    314

    Chapter 10 A Cruel Compans

    "Lily must be very happy to see this gift," I patted James on the shoulder,

    Lily''s death was heartbreaking. But I couldn''t keep dwelling on the sadness, My

    Lily wouldn''t

    want to see her mother like this. I remembered when she was two years old, making a wish

    like a little adult: hoping that her mother would be happy,

    James quickly adjusted his mood and handed the helmet to me. I took it and was about to put it on when I heard him suddenly curse.

    "Traitorous man and his mistress."

    I paused and subconsciously looked up, following James''s gaze, I saw Ethan''s

    car parked at

    the entrance of the Medical Den opposite Lunar Tower, Inside the car, Ethan was

    leaning over

    to kiss Victoria.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 11

    Chapter 11: Confrontation and Revtion

    Chapter 11: Confrontation and Revtion

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I froze at the sight before me. Ethan was leaning over to kiss Victoria inside his car, their silhouettes clearly visible through the windshield. Hisrge hand cupped her face tenderly, a gesture he''d never shown me.

    *Traitorous man and his mistress," James spat, his hazel eyes shing with anger.

    I felt a familiar ache in my chest but quickly suppressed it. This pain was an old friend by now.

    "Let''s go," I said quietly, adjusting the Rose-Quartz Helmet on my head.

    James wasn''t ready to leave. "I should go over there and-"

    ¡°No,¡± I ced a restraining hand on his arm. ¡°It''s not worth it."

    Toote. Ethan had spotted us. His amber eyes narrowed as he recognized

    James Knight sitting on his motorcycle with me behind him.

    The possessive fury that crossed his face was unmistakable. His jaw clenched tight as he

    stared directly at us.

    James defiantly raised his visor and red directly at Ethan. A silent challenge passed

    between the two men.

    "Hold on tight, Liv," James said, revving his Midnight Rider''s engine loudly.

    The powerful motorcycle roared to life beneath us. The sound echoed across the parking lot, drawing attention from passersby.

    Before I could protest, James deliberately drove close to Ethan''s car. The

    motorcycle''s wheels. nearly grazed the expensive paint job.

    Ethan''s face contorted with rage. His hands gripped the steering wheel so tightly his knuckles

    turned white.

    We sped away, the wind whipping around us. James weaved through traffic with expert precision, putting distance between us and Ethan.

    I clung to James''s back, aware of what he was doing. Always my protector,

    always trying to

    defend my honor.

    < Chapter 11: Confrontation an

    But my heart remained unmoved by the disy. I was beyond caring about Ethan''s betrayals.

    "Was that necessary?" I asked when we stopped at a traffic light.

    James turned his head slightly. "Absolutely. That bastard deserves worse."

    His voice was filled with righteous anger. James had always been protective of me, but his

    hatred of Ethan had intensified since Lily''s death.

    The light turned green, and we continued toward the Moonlight Market. James parked his motorcycle and helped me remove my helmet.

    "Let''s get some food," he suggested, his expression softening. "I''ll cook dinner for you tonight."

    We walked through the market together. James''s tall figure stayed protective beside me,

    ring at anyone who came too close.

    He selected fresh venison, moonlight herbs, and other ingredients with care. His eyes lit up

    when he found perfectly ripe berries.

    "Remember when we were kids?" he asked, examining a bunch of herbs. "How we''d dream

    about having enough food?"

    I nodded, memories of our orphanage days shing through my mind. "And now you''re a

    gourmet chef."

    James grinned, the boyish smile transforming his handsome face. "Only for you, Liv. Only for

    you."

    At Maple Grove, James insisted on cooking while I rested. I sat at the kitchen table, watching

    him work with practiced ease.

    The familiar scent of herbs and venison filled the kitchen. James hummed softly

    as he prepared the meal, asionally ncing at me with concern.

    "I''ll just check on something," he said quietly, wiping his hands on a towel.

    I watched as he headed toward Lily''s room. James had loved my daughter like his own.

    He often spoke to her memorial portrait, telling her about his day, keeping her memory alive. It

    was his way of honoring her

    The doorbell rang while James was still in Lily''s room. I hesitated before approaching the

    door, peering through the peephole.

    Ethan Stone stood on my doorstep. His powerful frame radiated tension, his amber eyes

    burning with fury.

    < Chapter 11: Confrontation an

    I backed away from the door, but it was toote. He had sensed my presence.

    "Open the door, Olivia," his deep voicemanded through the wood. "I know you''re there."

    My heart raced despite myself. Why couldn''t he just leave me alone?

    "Go away, Ethan," I called back. "I have nothing to say to you."

    There was a moment of silence before he spoke again. "I saw you with Knight. Open this door

    now."

    His Alpha voice reverberated through the wood. Themand was powerful, making it

    impossible for most wolves to resist.

    But I wasn''t most wolves. I''d built immunity to hismands through years of neglect.

    "Leave or I''ll call pack security," I threatened, though we both knew they wouldn''te against

    their Alpha.

    The door suddenly shuddered as Ethan mmed his fist against it. "Open this door or I''ll

    break it down!"

    I knew he would. The fury in his voice was unmistakable.

    Reluctantly, I unlocked the door, opening it just enough to re at him. "What do you want?"

    Ethan''s amber eyes were zing with fury. He pushed the door open with such force that I

    stumbled backward.

    "What is Knight doing here?" he growled, stepping inside and closing the door behind him.

    His scent filled my home - pine and winter air, mixed with Victoria''svender perfume. The

    "That''s none of your business," I replied coldly. "You lost the right to question me years ago."

    Ethan moved closer, towering over me. His amber eyes searched my face with an intensity that made my heart race despite myself.

    "You''re still my mate," he said, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper.

    Iughed bitterly. The sound was hollow and pained. "Am I? You seemed quite content with

    Victoria earlier."

    His jaw tightened at the mention of Victoria. A muscle twitched in his cheek.

    Without warning, he pushed me against the door. His powerful body trapped mine, leaving no room for escape.

    Sispier 11 Enfrontation an

    "You belong to me," he growled, his face inches from mine. "Ho one else" Before I could respond, his lips crashed against mine in a forceful kiss. His hands gripped my waist possessively as he pressed closer

    I whimpered in distress, pushing against his chest with all my strength. But Ethan was too strong, too determined.

    The taste of him brought back painful memories. Memories of happier times, of love long lost.

    "Get your hands off her!" James''s voice thundered through the room.

    Ethan broke the kiss, turning to face James with a snart. "This doesn''t concern

    you, Knight."

    James stood in the hallway, his hazel eyes dark with rage. His hands were clenched into tight

    fists at his sides.

    "The hell it doesn''t!" James lunged forward with the speed of a trained fighter.

    The two men collided with brutal force. The impact shook the entire room. James''s fist connected with Ethan''s jaw, snapping his head back. The sound of the blow echoed through the house.

    Ethan recovered quickly, retaliating with a powerful blow to James''s stomach. James doubled

    over but came back swinging.

    "Stop it!" I shouted, but neither man listened. They were lost in their primal need to

    fight.

    They fought viciously, knocking over furniture and shattering amp. The ss shards

    scattered across the floor like diamonds.

    James was skilled, but Ethan was an Alpha wolf with superior strength. His blowsnded with devastating force.

    "You think you can touch what''s mine?" Ethan growled,nding another punch

    that split

    James''s lip.

    Blood trickled down James''s chin as he wiped it away. "She''s not yours. She never was"

    His words only inmed Ethan further. The Alpha''s eyes glowed with supernatural

    fury.

    "She''s my mate!" Ethan roared, his voice shaking the walls.

    "A mate you abandoned for another woman!" James spat back, dodging a blow

    andnding. one of his own,

    Ethan roared with fury, his patience snappingpletely. He kicked James with tremendous.

    Chapter 11 Confrontation an

    strength, channeling all his Alpha power.

    The impact sent James flying backward like a ragdoll. He crashed directly into the

    door of

    Lily''s room.

    The sacred door burst open from the force. The sound of wood splintering filled

    the air.

    Lily''s Memorial Portrait fell from its ce on the wall. The frame hit the floor with a c***k that

    seemed to echo through my soul.

    The Moonwood Ceremonial Urn teetered precariously on its stand. My daughter''s ashes, thest physical remnant of my baby, were in danger.

    "Ethan Stone, stop!" I cried out, my emerald eyes wide with panic. My voice broke

    with the

    force of my scream.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 12

    Chapter 12: ws and Consequences

    Chapter 12: ws and Consequences

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I stumbled backward as Ethan released me, my heart pounding against my ribs. James was still on the floor, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. I rushed forward, cing myself

    between the two men.

    "Move," Ethan ordered, his voice dropping to that dangerous Alpha tone.

    I stood my ground, emerald eyes shing with determination. ¡°No. This ends now."

    Ethan''s amber eyes turned icy cold. The muscle in his jaw twitched as he clenched his teeth.

    "I said move, Olivia." His voice was barely above a whisper, but the threat was clear.

    "And I said no." I nted my feet firmly, refusing to budge.

    My protectiveness toward James seemed to enrage Ethan further. His nostrils red as he

    inhaled sharply, his powerful hands clenching into fists.

    Without warning, he yanked me aside with his Alpha strength. I gasped as his fingers dug into

    my arm, certain they would leave bruises.

    As Ethan turned toward James, a sudden gust of wind mmed the door to Lily''s sanctuary

    shut. The sound echoed through the room like a gunshot, but Ethan didn''t seem to notice.

    He advanced on James, who rose to his feet, hazel eyes defiant despite his injuries. I lost my

    bnce from Ethan''s forceful shove and fell hard to the ground.

    "Liv!" James called out, moving to help me.

    Ethan intercepted him with frightening speed, delivering a sharp kick to his shin. James

    dropped to one knee, wincing in pain.

    "You think you can touch what''s mine?" Ethan growled, twisting James''s arm behind his back

    at an unnatural angle.

    James''s face contorted in agony, but he refused to cry out.

    "I should remind you of your ce," Ethan continued, applying more pressure. "One more twist

    and your arm breaks."

    "Stop it!" I scrambled to my feet, panic rising in my chest. "Ethan, please!"

    12 Cows sig

    Ethan''s grip tightened, causing James to finally let out a pained gasp.

    "He needs his hands for work," I pleaded desperately. "His motorcycle repair business is all he

    has!

    Ethan''s lip curled into a sneer. "What about Victoria''s hands? Her healing crystal designs?"

    The usation hung in the air between us. He truly believed I had intentionally scalded

    Victoria.

    "Fine," I said, my voice hollow with resignation. "I''ll apologize to her. Just let him

    go."

    James''s head snapped up, his hazel eyes wide with disbelief. "Liv, no! You didn''t do anything

    wrong!"

    "Shut up, James," I said quietly, my eyes conveying what I couldn''t say aloud.

    We''d survived the orphanage together. We knew when to fight and when to yield. This was a

    moment to yield.

    "Listen to her, Knight," Ethan said, slowly releasing James''s arm. "She knows I''m right."

    James rubbed his shoulder, his eyes never leaving mine. The unspokenmunication between us-forged through years of shared trauma and survival- was something Ethan could

    never understand.

    "This isn''t over," James muttered, but he stayed down.

    An hourter, I sat silently in Ethan''s luxury SUV, staring out the window. The tension between

    us was suffocating.

    "You''re to stay away from Knight," Ethan said, breaking the silence. "That man is dangerous."

    I almostughed at the irony. James had never hurt me. Not once in all the years I''d known.

    him.

    ¡°We''re just friends,¡± I said quietly. "We survived the orphanage together."

    Ethan''s hands tightened on the steering wheel. "I saw how close you were on that motorcycle."

    I turned to look at him, suddenly realizing we weren''t heading toward the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den. The familiar trees of Imperial Gardens shed by outside.

    "Where are we going?" I demanded.

    "Just answer me," Ethan growled, ignoring my question. "What exactly is your rtionship with

    Knight?"

    Chapter 12 ws and Conse

    + Points y

    His jealousy was as transparent as ss. It had nothing to do with concern for my safety and everything to do with his possessive nature.

    "I told you. We''re friends," I repeated, my patience wearing thin. "Nothing more."

    Ethan scoffed, his amber eyes shing as he nced at me. ¡°Friends don''t hold each other

    that way."

    Something inside me snapped. "Don''t project your own filth onto others. I''ve seen how you

    touch Victoria."

    The SUV screeched to a halt, tires protesting against the pavement. Ethan turned in his seat,

    his powerful body looming over mine as he pressed me against the car door.

    "You''re my mate," he growled, his face inches from mine. "Not his."

    He leaned in, clearly intending to kiss me-to mark me as his. I turned my head away.

    "Take me to apologize," I insisted, my voice firm despite my racing heart. "That''s what you want, isn''t it?"

    Ethan stared at me for a long moment, his amber eyes searching mine. Finally, he released me and put the car back into drive, changing direction toward the Silvercrest Pack Medical

    Den.

    The Medical Den was the most advanced facility in the Northern Territories. As we walked through its pristine corridors, I couldn''t help but notice the luxury surrounding us.

    Victoria had been given a private room-the best the den had to offer. Outside her door stood Dr. Nathaniel ckwood, the renowned neurological specialist whose services cost more than

    most wolves made in a year.

    "How is she?" Ethan asked, his voice softening in a way it never did for me.

    Dr. ckwood smiled reassuringly. "The burn is superficial. No real damage has been done."

    I bit back a bitterugh. Of course there wasn''t. Victoria had barely touched the

    hot water.

    When we entered the room, Isabelle Stone-Ethan''s cousin and Victoria''s loyal friend- immediately turned her attention to me. Her perfectly styled hair swung as she tossed her

    head.

    "Well, look who''s here," she said, her voice dripping with disdain. "The jealous mate."

    I ignored her, focusing instead on Victoria, whoy in the bed looking far toofortable for

    someone supposedly in pain.

    ete 12-Gewend Conse

    "Ethan has secured Victoria''s spot in the Pack Healer''s Crystal Competition through sponsorship," Isabelle continued, clearly delighting in delivering this news. "She''ll be

    Victoria''s eyes widened dramatically as she caught sight of me. She clutched her bandages hand protectively against her chest.

    "Why is she here?" she whimpered, looking at Ethan with those big, pleading eyes

    that seemet

    to always work on him.

    "She''s here to apologize, Ethan stated firmly, his hand pressing against my lower

    back

    I stepped forward, my face expressionless. "I''m sorry for what happened in the Moonlight

    Refreshment Room.".

    The words were cold, mechanical. My emerald eyes remained hard as I stared directly at

    Victoria.

    "But we both know, I continued, my voice dropping to a whisper, "that your hand was perfectly fine when you were clinging to my husband outside Lunar Tower

    Victoria''s face paled slightly before she recovered, tears filling her eyes on cue. "Ethan, she''s threatening me!"

    I turned to leave, having said what I needed to say. But Isabelle grabbed my arm,

    her fingers

    digging into my skin.

    "You think you still have a chance with him?" she taunted, her voice low. "Everyone knows Victoria is his true love. And as for that weak child of yours-"

    Something in me shattered at the mention of Lily. Before Isabelle could finish her sentence, my hand connected with her face in a resounding p.

    The force sent her stumbling backward, a perfect red handprint blooming on her pale cheek The room fell silent, everyone-even Ethan-momentarily stunned by the fierce protective instinct of a mother defending her deceased child''s memory.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 13

    Chapter 13 Predator and Prey

    (Olivas POV)

    babelle Stone stared at me in shock, her hand slowly rising to touch the red mark blooming on her cheek Her eyes widened with disbelief before narrowing into furious slits.

    Olivia Winters you dare to hit me!'' she shrieked, raising her hand to strike back.

    caught her wrist mid-air with surprising strength, my fingers digging into her skin. The room

    felt silent as everyone watched our confrontation.

    sabelle Stone" I hissed my voice dropping to a dangerous whisper, "let me hear you insult

    Lity again and Il tear your mouth apart!

    My emerald eyes zed with maternal fury. The chilling rage emanating from me

    was

    palpable, making tsabelle instinctively step back.

    "You''re crazy," she whispered, but I could see the fear in her eyes.

    I released her wrist with a shove, unable to bear staying a moment longer. The pain of hearing Isabelle''s casual disrespect toward my deceased daughter cut deeper than any physical

    wound

    What hurt even more was Ethan''s indifference. He stood there, silent and unmoved, as his

    cousin insulted our daughter''s memory.

    Without another word, I turned and walked out, my heart shattering all over again.

    Behind me, I heard Isabelle''s voice rise in a dramatic wail. "Cousin..."

    I didn''t stay to hear more. The hospital corridor stretched before me like an escape route, and I

    took it.

    As soon as I left, I heard a sharp p followed by a thud. The sound made me pause briefly, but I forced myself to keep walking. Whatever was happening behind those doors no longer

    concerned me.

    Outside, the cool night air hit my face, stinging my skin. I took a deep breath, trying to steady my shaking hands.

    I checked my phone and saw six missed calls from James. There were also several worried

    messages.

    Chapter 13 Predator and Prey

    "Are you okay? Call me when you can."

    "Liv, I''m worried. Please respond."

    "If I don''t hear from you in an hour, I''ming to find you."

    I dialed his number immediately, guilt washing over me for making him worry.

    * Points >

    "Liv!" James answered on the first ring, his voice tight with concern. "Are you alright? What

    happened?"

    "I''m fipe," I assured him, though the words felt hollow even to my own ears. "Just heading

    home now."

    "I cane get you-"

    "No," I cut him off gently. "I need some time alone. I''ll text you when I get home."

    I hung up before he could protest. Thest thing I needed was for James to get into another

    confrontation with Ethan.

    The walk to Maple Grove felt longer than usual. Every shadow made me jump, every sound put

    me on edge.

    It was almost 10 pm when I finally reached the familiar territory. The streets were quiet, most

    residents already retired for the night.

    True to my word, I sent James a quick text: "Made it home safe. Talk tomorrow."

    I put my phone away and walked toward my residence, my steps heavy with exhaustion. The emotional weight of the day''s confrontations hung around my shoulders like a lead cloak.

    The area between buildings was poorly lit. Shadows stretched across the pathway like

    grasping fingers.

    As I passed a dark alley, a hand suddenly shot out from the darkness. Before I could scream, it

    mped over my mouth.

    Strong arms dragged me backward into the shadows. I struggled violently, kicking and

    wing at my attacker.

    "Stop fighting," a gruff voice ordered in my ear, his breath hot against my skin.

    Panic surged through me, but I forced myself to think. My hand found the pepper spray in my

    pocket.

    Without hesitation, I aimed it over my shoulder and pressed the button. The spray hit him

    215

    Chapter 13 Predator and Prey

    directly in the eyes.

    "Ah!" The man screamed in agony, releasing me as he wed at his burning

    eyes.

    I broke free and ran, my heart pounding against my ribs. "Help!" I screamed, "Somebody help

    me!"

    My cries echoed uselessly off the buildings. The streets were deserted, windows dark and

    silent.

    I ran faster, desperate to reach the safety of my home. My lungs burned with each breath.

    As I rounded a corner, my ankle twisted painfully on an uneven patch of

    pavement. I stumbled

    and fell hard, the impact knocking the breath from my lungs.

    Pain shot through my ankle as I tried to stand. Before I could rise, a hand grabbed

    my hair,

    yanking me backward.

    The man from the alley loomed over me, his eyes red and watering from the pepper spray. His

    face was contorted with rage.

    ¡°b***h, you asked for it!" he snarled, raising his hand.

    His palm connected with my face in a vicious p that left me seeing stars. The

    force of the

    blow knocked me back to the ground.

    Iy dazed, my cheek throbbing with pain. The metallic taste of blood filled my

    mouth.

    The man''s lips curled into a predatory smile as he looked down at me. "Be good, and you''ll

    suffer less," he promised.

    His words sent ice through my veins. I tried to crawl away, but he caught me

    easily.

    He lunged at me, his weight pinning me to the ground. I couldn''t move, couldn''t breathe under

    his crushing weight.

    "Let me go," I pleaded, trying to sound calm despite my terror. "I can give you

    money."

    The man sneered, his yellowed teeth gleaming in the dim light. "Money? Money isn''t as good

    as a beautiful woman."

    He leaned down, pressing his lips against my cheek. The smell of him-stale cigarettes and cheap moonlight wine-made my stomach turn.

    I struggled beneath him, trying to buck him off. But he was too strong, his body effectively trapping mine.

    The 18 Predator and Phy

    His rough hands tore et my clothes, ripping the fabric of my blouse 1 fele the cool night aro my exposed skin.

    "Get off Don''t touch me I screamed, fighting with renewed desperation

    His hands were everywhere, invasive and viting. I felt him fumbling with his

    belt, and sey consumed mepletely

    "No!!" i oned in despair, knowing what woulde next

    Suddenly, the weight on top of me disappeared. I heard a sickening thud followed

    by a groan of paid

    i blinked, trying to focus my vision through tears. A tall figure stood over my attacker, radiating

    cold fury

    Ethan

    He had kicked the man with such force that my attacker had crashed into the wall several feet sway. The man slumped to the ground, spitting blood,

    Before he could recover, Ethan was on him like a predator on prey. He lifted him

    by the throat, his powerful hand squeezing as he delivered punch after punch to the man''s face

    "You dare touch my mate?" Ethan growled, his voice barely human.

    Blood sprayed with each impact. The sound of bone breaking echoed in the quiet

    street

    Ethan didn''t stop. He continued his assault until the man hung limp in his grasp,

    his face

    unrecognizable.

    I stared at Ethan''s tall, imposing figure silhouetted against the night sky. His broad

    shoulders

    heaved with each breath.

    The scene triggered a vivid memory from when I was fourteen years old.

    I had been walking homete from school when three rogue wolvesered me

    in an alley. They pinned me down, their intentions clear in their hungry eyes.

    Then Ethan appeared, seemingly out of nowhere. He moved with lethal grace, beating them unconscious with precise, brutal strikes.

    When it was over, he had pulled me to my feet with surprising gentleness.

    "Go" he''d said simply, his amber eyes unreadable.

    I had stared at him in confusion, not understanding what he meant.

    < Chapter 13 Predator and Prey

    ¡°Hit,¡± he rified, nodding toward one of the unconscious attackers.

    48 Points >

    had shrunk back, afraid of the violence he was suggesting. Violence had been

    used against me my whole life in the orphanage.

    Ethan frowned, pulling me forward. "What are you afraid of? Olivia Winters, in the

    future, if anyone dares to bully you, hit them to death. If you beat them to death or cripple them, I''ll be

    there for you."

    That moment had connected us long before we became a couple. It was the first time anyone had encouraged me to fight back, to stand up for myself.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 14

    Chapter 14: Primal Memories

    Chapter 14: Primal Memories

    (Olivia''s POV)''

    At that time, I looked at his amber eyes that reflected my own emerald ones. I mustered up

    the courage, walked over, and kicked those men a few times. Because my legs were still weak,

    the kicks were light and ineffective.

    Ethan Stone sneered, "Useless."

    The memory faded as I watched Ethan standing over my attacker, his knuckles bloodied from

    the brutal punishment he''d inflicted. The scene before me-Ethan defending me with savage

    violence-mirrored that night seven years ago when he''d first saved me.

    Back then, he''d encouraged me to fight back, to stand up for myself. Now, as I struggled to my feet, something primal awakened inside me.

    I stumbled forward, pepper spray still clutched in my trembling hand. The man who''d attacked mey groaning on the ground, his face a bloody mess from Ethan''s assault.

    Without hesitation, I sprayed directly into his eyes again.

    "That''s for touching me," I hissed, watching him writhe in agony.

    My legs gave out beneath me, the adrenaline that had kept me going suddenly evaporating. I would have hit the ground if Ethan hadn''t caught me, his strong arms wrapping around my

    waist.

    "I''ve got you," he murmured, his voice uncharacteristically gentle.

    He lifted me effortlessly, cradling me against his chest. The familiar scent of pine and winter air enveloped me, bringing back memories I''d tried so hard to forget.

    "My car is this way," he said, carrying me toward his luxury SUV parked at the curb.

    After reporting the incident to the security patrol, I sat silently in the station, answering

    questions and providing a statement. It was well past midnight when we finally finished.

    "I''ll call James to pick me up," I said, reaching for my phone.

    Ethan''s hand closed over mine, stopping me. "Get in the car, Olivia."

    His tone was calm but left no room for argument. The unspoken threat hung in the

    air between us-if I called James, there would be consequences.

    Too exhausted to fight, I followed him outside to his waiting vehicle.

    During the drive back to Maple Grove, I stared out the window, watching the shadows of trees

    blur past My body ached from the attack, but the emotional wounds cut deeper.

    "You should have someone stay with you tonight," Ethan said, breaking the silence.

    I kept my gaze fixed on the window. "I''ll be fine"

    "That wasn''t a suggestion"

    I turned to look at him, noticing the tight set of his jaw, the way his hands gripped

    the steering wheel with unnecessary force.

    "I don''t need a babysitter, Ethan,"

    His amber eyes shed with irritation. "You were just attacked,"

    "It''s not the first time," I reminded him bitterly,

    Wepsed into silence again, the tension between us thick enough to cut with a knife.

    When we reached Maple Grove, Ethan insisted on walking me to my door. I fumbled with my keys, my hands still shaking slightly from the ordeal,

    "I''ll be back," he said as I stepped inside. "I need to get some healing herbs for your injuries."

    Before I could protest, he was gone, the door closing behind him.

    Alone in my apartment, the full weight of what had happened crashed down on me. I

    stumbled to the bathroom, desperate to wash away the feeling of that man''s hands on my

    body.

    Under the hot spray of the shower, I scrubbed my skin until it was red and raw, but

    I couldn''t

    erase the memory of his touch, his breath on my face, the terror of those moments when I

    thought no one would save me.

    After drying off, I slipped into a loose nightgown and wrapped myself in a robe. The physical pain from my injuries was nothingpared to the emotional trauma churning inside me.

    My gaze fell on the bottle of moonlight wine James had left during hisst visit. Without thinking, I grabbed it and poured myself a generous ss.

    The first sip burned going down, but the warmth that spread through my body afterward was worth it. I took another drink, then another, desperate to numb the pain and fear still coursing through me.

    More

    By the time I''d finished half the bottle, my movements had be unsteady, my mind pleasantly foggy. The trauma of the attack seemed distant now, a nightmare happening to

    someone else.

    I stood up from the sofa, swaying slightly as the room tilted around me. I needed

    to get to bed before I passed out.

    As I stumbled toward my bedroom, I heard the front door open. Ethan stood in the doorway, a

    small bag of healing herbs in his hand.

    Our eyes met across the room. I tried to focus on his face, but my vision kept blurring.

    "You''re drunk," he stated, his voice a mixture of surprise and disapproval.

    I attempted to walk past him but lost my bnce. Ethan caught me before I could fall, his

    strong arms enfolding me once again.

    "Let me go," I mumbled, pushing weakly against his chest.

    But my body betrayed me, melting into his embrace as if it remembered a time when his touch

    meant safety and love.

    Ethan held me tightly, his amber eyes darkening as he looked down at my flushed face. The

    scent of moonlight wine on my breath mingled with my naturalvender scent, creating an

    intoxicatingbination.

    "You never could hold your alcohol," he murmured, his voice deeper than before.

    I felt his hand slide up my back, tangling in my damp hair. My nightgown had slipped off one

    shoulder, exposing more skin than I intended.

    The bag of herbs dropped to the floor as Ethan''s other hand cupped my face,

    tilting it upward.

    His thumb traced my lower lip, sending shivers down my spine.

    "Ethan," I whispered, uncertain if I was protesting or encouraging.

    His mouth descended on mine in a hungry kiss that stole my breath. Unlike the forceful kiss

    at Maple Grove earlier, this one held a desperate passion that ignited something long dormant

    within me.

    In my alcohol-induced haze, my body responded instinctively. My arms wound around his

    neck, pulling him closer as our lips moved together in a familiar dance.

    His hand slid down to my waist, then lower, tracing the curve of my hip through

    the thin fabric of my nightgown. The touch was possessive, iming-reminding

    me that despite everything,

    he still considered me his.

    Chapter 14 Primal Memories

    I moaned softly against his mouth, lost in the sensation of being desired again

    after so long. My fingers tangled in his ck hair, holding him to me as the kiss

    deepened.

    Ethan growled low in his throat, the sound vibrating through his chest against mine. His hand moved to my thigh, fingers digging into the soft flesh.

    Pain shot through me as he inadvertently pressed against the wound left by my attacker''s knife. I cried out, breaking the kiss.

    "Don''t-it hurts," I gasped, the words slipping out before I could stop them.

    Ethan froze, his amber eyes widening. For a moment, he looked stricken, as if my pain had physically wounded him.

    "Olivia," he whispered; his voice thick with emotion.

    The way he said my name-tender, almost reverent-transported me back five

    years to our first night together. I had been nervous, inexperienced, afraid of the pain that woulde.

    "Ethan, please be gentle," I''d pleaded then, my emerald eyes wide with apprehension.

    He had kissed me softly, promised to take care with my body, to make it good for

    me. And he had kept that promise, treating me with a tenderness I hadn''t known he possessed.

    Now, as he looked at me with that same intensity, memories of our past intimacy flooded back, mingling with the present until I couldn''t separate them anymore. Without a word, Ethan lifted me from the sofa and carried me toward the bedroom.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 15

    Chapter 15: Sacred Grounds

    Chapter 15: Sacred Grounds

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I felt my stomach lurch violently as Ethan carried me into my bedroom. The moonlight wine I''d consumed rushed back up my throat without warning.

    "Ethan-I''m going to-" I couldn''t finish my sentence before the contents of my stomach

    erupted.

    The vomit sttered across his expensive shirt, dripping down onto his pants. Ethan froze, his amber eyes widening with shock before narrowing with disgust.

    He set me down on the edge of the bed immediately, stepping back as if I were contagious. The revulsion on his face was unmistakable.

    "I''m sorry," I mumbled, mortified and still dizzy.

    Without a word, Ethan stalked to my bathroom. I heard water running as he attempted to clean himself up.

    When he emerged, his shirt was wet where he''d tried to wash away the mess. His jaw was

    clenched tight, his earlier tendernesspletely evaporated.

    "I''ll see myself out," he said coldly, not meeting my eyes.

    The door mmed behind him, leaving me alone in the silence of my apartment. I curled up

    on my bed, my body still aching from the assault and now from the aftermath of too much

    wine.

    I fell into a restless sleep, haunted by memories of hands grabbing me in dark alleys and

    amber eyes filled with disgust.

    The following month passed in a blur of focused determination. I poured every ounce of

    energy into my crystal design for the Pack Healer''s Crystal Competition.

    My fingers ached as I sketchedte into the night, the special moonwood pencils moving across the pages of my moonstone-infused sketchbook. Every line was drawn with purpose,

    every configuration calcted for maximum healing potential.

    "This has to work," I whispered to Lily''s portrait as I worked. "This is for you, baby."

    The $50,000 prize money would secure the sacred burial ground I''d found for Lily''s ashes.

    Chapter

    Sacred Grounds

    Located in a peaceful clearing at the edge of pack territory, the ground was said to help

    departed wolf spirits find peace in the afterlife.

    I barely ate or slept, driven by the desperate need to give my daughter a proper resting ce. My design incorporated innovative uses of healing crystals that could revolutionize pack

    medicine.

    James visited asionally, bringing food and forcing me to take breaks.

    "Liv, you need to rest," he insisted one evening, his hazel eyes concerned as he took in my exhausted appearance.

    I shook my head stubbornly. "I can''t. This is my only chance to get the money for Lily''s burial ground."

    James sighed but didn''t argue further. He understood what this meant to me.

    The night before thepetition, I sat beside the Moonwood Ceremonial Urn containing Lily''s

    ashes.

    "Tomorrow, sweetheart," I promised, my fingers tracing the intricate carvings on the urn.

    "Tomorrow I''ll win this for you."

    On the day of the award ceremony, I arrived at Lunar Tower with mypleted design. The

    crystal configurations I''d created were unlike anything seen before in pack healing techniques.

    Backstage, I encountered Elder Willow. Her wise eyes crinkled at the corners as she smiled at

    1. me.

    "Olivia, my dear," she greeted, taking my hands in hers. "Your design has impressed everyone."

    My heart leaped with hope. "Really?"

    Elder Willow leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "The judges were astounded by

    your innovation. I shouldn''t say more, but..." She squeezed my hands meaningfully, her eyes

    twinkling with barely contained excitement.

    The implication was clear - I had won.

    Relief flooded through me, so powerful that I had to excuse myself. I hurried to

    the refreshment room, tears of joy streaming down my face.

    "Lily," I whispered, leaning against the wall. "We did it, baby. You''ll have your resting ce."

    I allowed myself to imagine it - the peaceful clearing, the sacred ground, the small memorial marker I would ce there. Lily''s spirit would finally have a proper home.

    215

    After campesing myself, I dalbed at my eyes and left the refreshment room, nning to gor something to eat before the ceremony

    As I walked through the confider, a familiar scent caught my attention pine and interi Ethan''s distinctive cologne

    I paused, peering around the corner. There he stood with Victoria Frost, their bodies close, heads bent together in intimate conversation.

    My stomach lightened, but it wasn''t their closeness that troubled me most they wSIG speaking with two of thepetition officials, their expressions serious

    Victoria''s hand rested on one officials arm, her smile sweet and persuasive, Ethan stood tall beside her, his Alpha presence impossible to ignore

    Unease crept into my heart. Something felt wrong.

    I backed away before they could spot me, hurrying toward one of the private preparation

    While fixing my makeup before the ceremony, my phone rang Elder Willow''s name shed on

    the screen

    "Hello?" I answered, my voice cheerful despite my earlier unease

    "Olivia" Elder Willow''s tone had changedpletely from our earlier encounter.

    She sounded troubled. "I wanted to speak with you before the ceremony"

    My hand froze, mascara wand hovering near my eye. "What''s wrong?"

    "I just... I don''t want you to get your hopes up about the results"

    The mascara wand ttered onto the vanity. "What do you mean? You said my design

    impressed everyone."

    "It did, my dear. It truly did." Elder Willow sighed heavily. "But sometimes in these

    "What factors?" I demanded, my voice shaking.

    After a long pause, Elder Willow spoke reluctantly. "Politics, Influence. I''ve just learned the win has been given to Victoria Frost"

    The room seemed to spin around me. "But my design was better. You said so

    yourself

    "It was. Everyone knows it was" Another heavy sigh. "I''m sorry, Olivia. There''s nothing I can

    do."

    Chapter 15 Sacred Grounds

    As the call ended, I remembered seeing Ethan and Victoria with thepetition officials. The

    realization hit me like a physical blow.

    Ethan had used his influence to steal my victory and give it to Victoria.

    I stormed through Lunar Tower, my body trembling with rage and grief. Pack

    members

    scattered out of my way, sensing the fury radiating from me.

    I found Ethan''s private lounge and burst through the door without knocking. He

    looked up from

    his desk, amber eyes narrowing at my intrusion.

    "Why did you give my rightful victory to Victoria?" I demanded, my voice breaking

    with

    emotion.

    Ethan leaned back in his chair, his expression cold and dismissive. "I don''t know what you''re

    talking about."

    "Don''t lie to me!" I mmed my hands on his desk. "Elder Willow told me my design was the

    best. Everyone knew it. But somehow Victoria wins? After I saw you speaking with

    the

    officials?"

    Ethan''s jaw tightened. "Is that what this is about? Competing with Victoria?"

    His words stoked my anger further. "This isn''t about Victoria!"

    "Then what is it about?" he asked, his tone bored, as if my distress was merely an

    inconvenience.

    "It''s about Lily!" I cried, tears streaming down my face. "The prize money was for Lily''s burial

    ground!"

    Something flickered in Ethan''s eyes at the mention of our daughter. Surprise,

    perhaps, or

    confusion.

    "Burial ground?" he repeated.

    "For her ashes," I exined, my voice dropping to a pained whisper. "The ceremonial urn isn''t

    enough. She needs a proper resting ce. A sacred ground where her spirit can find peace."

    Ethan''s expression hardened once more. "You''re being dramatic. There''s no need

    for such

    expense."

    I stared at him in disbelief. "Dramatic? This is your daughter we''re talking about!"

    "If

    you needed money, you could have asked," he said coldly.

    "I don''t want your charity!" I spat. "I wanted to earn this for her. That $50,000 prize money was

    Chapter 15 Sacred Grounds

    Lily''s only chance for a proper burial," I whispered, tears streaming down my face.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 16

    Chapter 16: Shattered Truth

    Chapter 16: Shattered Truth

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I stared at Ethan across his desk. His face was a mask of cold indifference. How could he be

    so heartless?

    "This is your daughter we''re talking about," I whispered, my voice breaking with every word.

    Ethan''s amber eyes remained distant. Unmoved by my tears.

    "I''ve told you, stop lying about Lily''s life. If you needed money, just ask," he said tly.

    Something inside me shattered. The dam holding back my grief finally broke.

    "You don''t understand," I said, my body trembling uncontrobly. "You never understood."

    Ethan sighed impatiently. "What don''t I understand, Olivia?"

    I looked up at him. My emerald eyes overflowed with tears.

    "Lily... she''s dead! My Lily... she''s really dead!"

    My voice broke on thest word. The admission tore through me like a knife.

    Ethan''s expression shifted from impatience to disbelief. His amber eyes narrowed

    dangerously.

    "What did you say?" he asked, his voice deceptively soft.

    "Our daughter is dead," I repeated. Each word dripped with pain. "She died three months ago.

    On her birthday."

    Ethan rose from his chair. His powerful frame towered over me.

    "Stop lying," he growled, mming his fist on the desk.

    "Lying?" Iughed bitterly through my tears. "Why would I lie about this?"

    "To manipte me. To gain my sympathy. To turn me against Victoria."

    His usation was like another knife to my already bleeding heart. Even now, facing the truth

    about our daughter, Victoria was his first concern.

    "You think I''d use our daughter''s death to manipte you?" My voice rose with incredulous

    anger. ¡°What kind of monster do you think I am?"

    par

    Chapter 16 Shattered Truth

    Ethan''s jaw clenched tight. "Where is she then? Where is Lily if she''s dead?"

    My heart pounded painfully in my chest. This was the moment of truth.

    "I''ll show you," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

    I grabbed his arm. My fingers dug into the expensive fabric of his sleeve.

    "I''ll show you," I repeated, pulling him toward the door.

    His amber eyes shed with usation. "If this is some trick-"

    "It''s not a trick!" I shouted, beyond caring who might hear. "Come with me. Now!"

    I was surprised when he allowed me to lead him. My grief had transformed into desperate

    determination.

    He needed to see the truth. He needed to face what we had lost.

    As we left the private lounge, we nearly collided with Victoria in the hallway. Her eyes widened

    at the sight of us together.

    "Ethan?" she questioned, her voice soft and concerned. "What''s happening?"

    I couldn''t bear to look at her. This woman who had everything while I had lost everything.

    My daughter was gone, and Victoria still had her Emma. She still had Ethan''s love.

    Without thinking, I pushed past her. I shoved her aside harder than necessary.

    Victoria stumbled. She fell against the wall with a cry of pain.

    "Ethan!" she called out, her voice echoing down the hallway.

    To my surprise, Ethan didn''t stop. He followed me without a backward nce at Victoria.

    His face was set in grim determination. For once, he was focused solely on me.

    The drive to Maple Grove passed in tense silence. Ethan''s knuckles were white on the steering

    wheel.

    His jaw was clenched so tight I could see the muscle twitching.

    With each passing minute, my heart beat faster. I was about to open my most private wound

    to the man who had caused me so much pain.

    When we arrived, I led him toward my residence. My steps grew heavier as we approached.

    The sanctuary I''d created for Lily''s memory had been my private refuge of grief. Allowing

    Ethan inside felt like the final surrender.

    1 Chart Shaped hi

    At the door to Lily''s room, I paused. My hand trembled as I reached for the doorknob.

    "Go in I said softly Lily''s ashes and death certificate are all inside."

    I wanted to see his face when he realized the truth. I wanted to watch him understand what

    his neglect had cost us

    Just as my fingers touched the cool metal, Ethan''s phone rang. The harsh electronic sound shattered the heavy silence between us.

    He nced at the screen, then back at me. Hesitation was clear in his eyes.

    breath. Would he choose this moment¨Cthis crucial moment to prioritize someone

    I held my else again?

    Ethan finally epted the call. He put it on speaker

    Victoria''s voice filled the hallway. "Ethan!" she cried, sounding breathless and panicked. I just

    saw her! I saw Lily!"

    My heart stopped. For one wild, impossible moment, hope red in my chest.

    It was so bright and fierce it hurt. Could it be true?

    "What?" Ethan demanded, his eyes fixed on my face. "Where?¡±

    "Near Howling Woods Park" Victoria replied quickly. "She was running, and I tried

    to catch her, but she disappeared into the trees."

    The hope died as quickly as it hade. I remembered holding the Moonwood Ceremonial

    Urn that morning.

    Feeling its weight in my hands. Seeing Lily''s face in the Memorial Portrait.

    This was a cruel lie. Another of Victoria''s maniptions.

    "She''s lying," I whispered, fresh tears spilling down my cheeks. "Lily is dead."

    Ethan''s expression hardened. The brief uncertainty vanished from his face.

    He believed Victoria over me. Of course he did.

    "I''ming," he told Victoria, ending the call.

    He turned to me. His amber eyes were cold and using.

    "You''ve been hiding her from me all this time, he said.

    I shook my head. Desperation wed at my throat.

    35

    Chapter 16, Shattered Truth

    "No, Ethan. She''s gone. Please, just look inside-"

    48 Points

    Olivia Winters," he cut me off, his voice like ice, "it was Lily''s greatest misfortune

    in this life to

    be reborn as your daughter."

    The cruelty of his words stole my breath. I stood frozen, unable to speak.

    He turned and walked away, leaving me alone with my grief once more.

    (Ethan''s POV)

    I raced toward Howling Woods Park. My mind was reeling with possibilities.

    Victoria had seen Lily. My daughter was alive.

    Olivia had been lying to me all this time. Hiding my own child from me.

    The thought made my blood boil with rage.

    "It was for the best," my wolf, Noah, whispered in my mind. "The child is better off

    without her."

    I pushed aside the nagging doubt. The strange weight in my chest when I''d seen Olivia''s tears.

    Victoria wouldn''t lie to me. Not about this.

    I found a parking spot and jumped out of my car. My eyes scanned the area

    frantically.

    I spotted Victoria immediately upon reaching the park. She was standing near the

    treeline.

    Her perfect hair was disheveled. Her clothes were wrinkled.

    This was so unlike the always-immacte Victoria. I felt a surge of concern.

    "Victoria," I called, approaching quickly.

    She turned. Her face was streaked with tears. Her expression distraught.

    "Ethan!" she cried out.

    She fell into my arms. Her body trembled against mine.

    "Lily... I didn''t catch her..." she sobbed.

    I held her tightly. My eyes scanned the trees behind her.

    "Where did you see her? Which direction did she go?"

    Victoria pointed toward a dense patch of trees. "There. She was wearing a blue

    dress."

    Her voice broke with emotion. "I''m sorry, I...I didn''t catch her...."

 The Alpha King is unavailable 17

    Chapter 17: False Sightings

    Chapter 17: False Sightings

    (Victoria''s POV)

    I leaned against a tree, watching Ethan''s frantic expression with secret

    satisfaction. My n

    was working perfectly.

    "There!" I pointed toward a dense cluster of trees. "I saw a middle-aged woman holding Lily''s hand! She was pulling her that way!"

    Ethan''s eyes widened with rm. "A woman? You didn''t mention that before."

    I forced my eyes to well with tears. "I was so shocked... I just remembered. Ethan, I think

    someone has kidnapped her!"

    Without hesitation, Ethan started running in the direction I''d indicated. His protective instincts

    were so predictable. Now for the second part of my n.

    I waited until he was several yards away before letting out a pained cry. I fell to the ground,

    clutching my knee dramatically.

    "Victoria!" Ethan turned back immediately, rushing to my side.

    I had scraped my knee against a rock, drawing just enough blood to make it convincing. The pain was worth it for the concerned look on Ethan''s face.

    "I''m fine," I whimpered, trying to stand. "Go find Lily!*

    Ethan''s gaze darted between me and the forest path, torn between his duty to his supposed daughter and his concern for me. Just as I''d nned.

    "You''re bleeding," he said, his voice tight with frustration.

    I pushed at his chest weakly. "Please, Ethan! Find her before that woman takes her away!"

    Instead of continuing his search, Ethan scooped me into his arms. The feeling of being held against his powerful chest sent a thrill through me.

    "Ethan, no! What about Lily?" I protested, secretly delighting in his choice.

    His amber eyes darkened with anger. "Let her hide. I want to see how long Olivia Winters can

    hide her!"

    I buried my face against his shoulder to hide my triumphant smile. Once again, he''d chosen

    115

    < Chapter 17 False Sightings

    me over his mate and child.

    As he carried me back to the car, I continued my performance. ¡°But Ethan, what if that woman

    really has kidnapped Lily? Shouldn''t we look for her?"

    "Olivia is behind this," he growled. "She''s ying games, and I won''t be manipted."

    Perfect. He was exactly where I wanted him-angry at Olivia andpletely blind to my deception.

    In the car, I winced theatrically as I settled into the passenger seat. Ethan''s eyes softened with

    concern.

    "We should get you to the Medical Den," he said, starting the engine.

    This wouldn''t do. I needed him at the ceremony to see me win thepetition he''d helped

    secure for me.

    "No," I ced my hand on his arm. "Please, let''s go back to Lunar Tower. The award ceremony

    will start soon."

    Ethan frowned. "Your knee-"

    "It''s just a scratch," I insisted, allowing my voice to tremble slightly. "Ethan, winning this

    beside you as someone worthy."

    I watched his resolve weaken. "Victoria-"

    "Please," I whispered, letting a tear slide down my cheek. "I''ve worked so hard for this. And

    after seeing Lily... I need something good to happen today."

    His jaw tightened, but he nodded and turned the car toward Lunar Tower. I''d won again.

    Ethan remained silent as we drove, his knuckles white on the steering wheel. I needed to keep

    him angry at Olivia, not questioning my story.

    "I still can''t believe Olivia would lie about Lily being dead," I said softly. "What kind of mother

    does that?"

    Ethan''s expression darkened further. "She knew keeping Lily from me would hurt me the

    most."

    I nodded sympathetically. "She probably couldn''t bear seeing us together and used Lily as an

    excuse."

    "That''s not a reason for her to curse our daughter''s death," he snapped, his voice cold with

    rage.

    I ced my hand on his thigh, squeezing gently. ¡°But besides Lily, she has no other way to hurt you."

    Ethan''s amber eyes shed dangerously. "I won''t listen to her nonsense again. Don''t mention her again

    I fell silent, satisfied with the anger I''d stoked. By the time we reached Lunar Tower, Ethan was seething, and I was exactly where I wanted to be-by his side, with Olivia''s credibility

    destroyed.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I sat on the floor outside Lily''s room, clutching my phone as it rang. Elder Willow''s

    name.

    shed on the screen.

    "Olivia?" her concerned voice came through when I answered. "Where are you? The ceremony is about to begin."

    I couldn''t find words to exin what had just happened. How could I tell her that Ethan had

    abandoned me again, rushing off to chase a ghost based on Victoria''s lies?

    "I don''t think I cane back," I whispered, my voice hoarse from crying.

    "My dear, I understand this is difficult," Elder Willow said gently. "But you must return. Your

    absence will only fuel gossip."

    She was right. Hiding away would only make me appear guilty of whatever Victoria was

    using me of.

    "I''ll be there," I said finally, forcing myself to stand.

    I sshed cold water on my face, reapplied my makeup, and straightened my dress. The woman in the mirror lookedposed, but her eyes held a grief so profound it seemed

    bottomless.

    Thirty minutester, I pulled into the underground parking garage at Lunar Tower.

    As I stepped

    out of my car, I froze.

    Ethan and Victoria were walking toward the elevator. Victoria was limping slightly, leaning.

    against Ethan for support.

    Something snapped inside me. I couldn''t let her lies stand unchallenged.

    "Victoria," I called out, my voice echoing in the concrete structure.

    Chapter 17 Fotse Blightings

    They both turned. Victoria''s eyes widened with surprise before narrowing calctingly. Ethan''s expression hardened into a mask of cold fury.

    I ignored himpletely, focusing solely on Victoria. "Victoria Frost, did you really

    see Lily?"

    Victoria hesitated for a fraction of a second-so brief anyone else might have missed it. But I

    caught it, that moment of calction before sheposed her features into righteous

    indignation.

    "Of course it''s true," she insisted, her voice quavering perfectly.

    She turned to Ethan with wounded eyes. "Olivia, what do you mean? Are you

    saying I''m lying

    to Ethan?"

    The performance was wless. If I hadn''t been watching so carefully, I might have believed her

    myself.

    "Isn''t it?" I challenged, taking a step closer.

    Victoria''s eyes immediately filled with tears. She clutched at Ethan''s arm, looking up at him

    imploringly.

    "Ethan, believe me, I didn''t lie to you," she whimpered. "I really saw Lily." Ethan''s arm tightened around her waist protectively. "I believe you."

    Those three words cut deeper than any knife. After five years of marriage, after giving him a

    child, after all we''d been through together, he still trusted this woman over me.

    My eyes turned cold as ice. The pain in my chest hardened into something stronger-a resolve

    born of grief and betrayal.

    Victoria must have sensed the change in me because she pressed her advantage. "I saw her,

    Olivia. Your daughter is alive."

    Iughed then, a hollow sound that echoed eerily in the parking garage. "Victoria

    Frost, I didn''t

    expect you to have the ability to... see ghosts in broad daylight."

    Before I could finish, Ethan stepped forward, his tall frame vibrating with barely contained

    rage.

    "Olivia Winters, haven''t you had enough?!" he roared, his Alpha voice reverberating through the

    concrete structure. "I''m warning you, this is thest time. If I hear you curse Lily again, don''t

    me me for being rude to you."

    Hismanding voice made nearby pack members lower their heads instinctively, their

    < Chapter 17: False Sightings

    bodies responding automatically to their Alpha''s anger.

    But I stood my ground, my grief giving me strength no Alphamand could

    break. I had

    nothing left to lose.

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    79

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 The Alpha King is unavailable 18

    Chapter 18: Unexpected Opportunity

    Chapter 18: Unexpected Opportunity

    (Olivia''s POV)

    Ether carried Victoria in his arms, her head nestled against his chest as they walked away. I watched them disappear into the elevator feeling something inside me copse.

    My legs gave out. I slid down against my cat burying my head in my knees.

    The concrete floor was cold beneath me. Cold like the emptiness spreading through my chest.

    I had lost everything. My daughter. My mate. And now the money that would have secured Lily''s sacred burial ground.

    "Uity'' I whispered, my voice breaking. Tim so sorry, baby."

    Time lost all meaning as I sat there alone in the parking garage. The echo of my sobs

    bounced off the concrete walls, mocking my pain.

    Eventually, I forced myself to stand. The award ceremony would start soon.

    I had clung to a sliver of hope that Ethan might believe me. That he woulde back and at least look at Lily''s death certificate.

    His cold demeanor had shattered that hopepletely.

    The $50,000 prize money had been my only chance. My only way to purchase the sacred burial ground for Lily''s ashes.

    Now Victoria would collect it, while my daughter''s spirit remained without peace.

    I straightened my dress with trembling hands. I would not give them the satisfaction of seeing me broken.

    Not now. Not ever

    Backstage at Lunar Tower, the atmosphere buzzed with nervous energy. Contestants fussed with their appearances, makingst-minute adjustments. Victoria stood in the center of it all, a smug smile ying on her lips. Her Full Moon Haute Couture Gown shimmered under the lights.

    The midnight blue fabric entuated her pale skin perfectly. I recognized the dress

    immediately.

    1.5

    Chanter 18 Unexpected Oppo

    * Points

    It wasn''t scheduled for public release until next season. Only Ethan, with his connections and

    wealth, could have procured it for her so early.

    Victoria basked in the envious nces from the other contestants. Her eyes

    found mine across the room, and her smile widened.

    "Yes, he loves me very much," she announced loudly to the small group surrounding her. "He is very good to me."

    Her words stabbed through me like knives. They were meant for me. A deliberate twist of the

    de in my already bleeding heart.

    I turned away, focusing on adjusting my simple but elegant dress. I refused to give her the

    reaction she craved.

    The ceremony began promptly at eight. Gabriel Morrison, the master of ceremonies,

    weed everyone with practiced charm.

    "Ladies and gentlemen, wee to the annual Pack Healer''s Crystal Competition," he announced. "Tonight, we celebrate innovation and excellence in healing crystal design."

    My hands clenched into fists as he continued. My knuckles turned white from the pressure.

    "And now, the moment you''ve all been waiting for," Gabriel said, his voice rising dramatically.

    "The winners of this year''spetition!"

    I caught Ethan''s cold gaze across the room. He stood tall and imposing in his tailored suit.

    His amber eyes were hard as they met mine. Not a trace of warmth remained in them.

    "In first ce, Gabriel announced, "with her revolutionary crystal arrangement for elerated healing... Victoria Frost!"

    Apuse erupted around the room. The sound was deafening.

    Victoria''s face lit up with practiced surprise and delight. The confirmation of her victory felt

    like another blow to my chest.

    I had known it wasing, but hearing it announced made it real. Made it final.

    "In second ce," Gabriel continued, "Olivia Winters, with her innovative moonstone configuration!"

    A ripple of surprise went through the crowd. Despite everything, I had ced second.

    "And in third ce, Sophia Hughes, with her remarkable design for pain management!"

    Sophia''s face registered genuine shock and pleasure the yoghed by

    expected to ce

    As we walked onto the stage/set the weight every geth HA,

    followed my every move

    Despite Victoria''s borate gown and perfectly styled her many y de fam

    instead

    Even Ethan''s etention momentenly shifted in my direction die wyn w unreadable,

    but for a split second, something flickered in this okay mg

    Victoria notices. He smile tightened at theers as she was a

    appearance was being overshadowed.

    All her efforts the exclusive grown, the sedes make the veget

    match whatever quality possessed that drew people''s armon

    The realization clearly stung her code. He eyes narrowed singly as she opene congrattions of those around he

    Ethan stepped forward to present Victode with the award the banning the $50,000 prize money looked gatish under the bright ingre

    1 watched with a bitter sole as the man who had dosegarded or daughter and te money meant for Lily''s sacred butal ground

    They stood together, am in am. The perfect couple

    Hatred surged through me, hot and fierce remembered the day of Lily''s cremation

    How I had stood alone, ciuscting the Moonwood Ceremonial to while EFTET WERD TOSINTEST

    Whispers rippled through the crowd. Somepared Victors and Ethan to the Trgines in the leaked photos from Disney

    HETTISATION

    The ones showing them together while Lilly had been dying in the Medical Den The TTESATY intensified my pain.

    I forced myself to breathe steadily, to maintain myposure would not break from Fence Not in front of them.

    "And now, Gabriel announced, to present the second ce award, we have Lanas ckwrsss) Alpha of ckwood Pack

    Chapter TS thexpected Oppo

    + Points>

    The tall, imposing figure of Lucas ckwood approached the stage. His dark gray

    suit emphasized his broad shoulders.

    His prating gaze swept over the crowd with cool detachment. Until he

    reached me.

    The aloofness he had maintained with everyone else melted away. A gentle smile

    curved his lips as he extended the award toward me.

    "Congrattions," he said, his deep voice warm and sincere.

    For the first time that evening, a genuine smile touched my lips. My eyes

    brightened as I epted the award from his hands.

    "Thank you," I replied softly.

    We stood together on the stage. Something about ourbined presence sparked excited

    murmurs amongst the attendees.

    I could hear the whispers. Spection about a possible connection between us spread like

    wildfire through the crowd.

    From the corner of my eye, I saw Ethan watching our interaction. His expression darkened as

    he observed the warmth in my smile.

    The same smile he had rejected earlier. His jaw clenched tight, a muscle twitching

    visibly.

    Gregory Hayes, the chief designer of Canis Enterprises, stepped forward next to present the third-ce award to Sophia Hughes.

    "Congrattions, Miss Hughes," he said, handing her the award. "Your design

    shows

    remarkable promise."

    Turning to address the audience, he continued, "As is tradition, Canis Enterprises wees the first-ce winner as an intern. Victoria Frost, we look forward to having you join our team."

    Victoria beamed triumphantly. This internship, with its connections to the

    renowned designer

    Alexander Thornton, was a significant step.

    A significant step toward winning the former CEO''s approval. She nced in my

    direction, her

    eyes gleaming with victory.

    In her mind, she had wonpletely. Even if I were to win futurepetitions, it

    wouldn''t

    matter.

    She had secured this crucial opportunity. This connection to Alexander Thornton

    that could

    make her career.

    Checter 11/2 expected Opps

    Just as Victoria''s silent gloating reached its peak, Gregory Hayes cleared his

    throat.

    "However, this year, we have an unprecedented announcement," he said, his

    voice carrying

    across the hushed room.

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 The Alpha King is unavailable 19

    Chapter 19: Unexpected Opportunities

    Chapter 19: Unexpected Opportunities

    (Olivia''s POV)

    Gregory Hayes''s perfectly styled brown hair caught the light as he took his position at center

    stage.

    "Congrattions to our winners," he began, his voice carrying throughout the room. "I''ve had the pleasure of reviewing all the designs personally."

    His hazel eyes found mine across the stage. A warm smile spread across his face.

    "While the judges have made their decision, I''d like to share that Olivia Winters'' moonstone crystal design was particrly innovative." His eyes shone with genuine appreciation. "In fact, it was my personal favorite."

    Murmurs rippled through the audience. I stood frozen, unable to believe what I was hearing.

    Victoria''s smile twitched at the edges. Her fingers tightened around her award.

    "Which is why," Gregory continued, his voice growing more enthusiastic, "Canis Enterprises has decided to extend our traditional internship opportunity not just to the first-ce winner, but to our second and third-ce finalists as well."

    The crowd gasped collectively. Several people turned to stare at me.

    "This is unprecedented," Gabriel Morrison exined, his voice tinged with excitement. "Typically, only the first-ce winner receives the coveted Canis internship."

    I watched Victoria''s face transform. Her carefully maintainedposure cracked wide open.

    Her eyes widened with shock and disbelief. Her perfectly painted lips parted as though she''d

    been pped.

    "Ms. Winters, Ms. Hughes," Gregory addressed us directly. "We would be honored to have you

    join our design team alongside Ms. Frost."

    Sophia Hughes let out a tiny squeak of happiness. Her hands trembled as she clutched her

    third-ce certificate.

    Joy surged through my heart, unexpected and powerful. The internship at Canis Enterprises was a dream opportunity.

    With Alexander Thornton''s mentorship, I could take my healing crystal career to heights I''d

    < Chapter 19 Unexpected Oppo..

    never imagined possible. This could change everything.

    +8 Points>

    "Thank you," I said, surprised by the steadiness in my voice despite the emotions churning

    inside me.

    As the ceremony concluded, people began to exit the stage. Victoria and Ethan deliberately

    walked past me.

    Her midnight blue gown swished dramatically with each step. Her eyes met mine briefly, burning with barely contained fury.

    She had expected to triumphpletely. To leave me with nothing but the bitter taste of

    defeat.

    Instead, I''d received something potentially more valuable than her first-ce prize money. The

    recognition of my talent by Gregory Hayes himself.

    I turned to follow them off stage when a deep voice spoke beside me.

    "After you, Mrs. Winters."

    Lucas ckwood gestured politely toward the stairs. His tall frame towered over most of the

    people around us.

    His dark gray suit emphasized the breadth of his shoulders. Unlike Ethan''s cold demeanor, Lucas radiated respectful courtesy.

    "Thank you," I murmured, surprised by his gentlemanly behavior.

    As I descended the stairs, disaster struck. My long dress caught beneath my heel.

    I stumbled forward with a small gasp. My heart leaped into my throat as I anticipated the

    humiliation of falling.

    Strong hands caught me instantly. Lucas had moved with preternatural speed, preventing my

    fall.

    "Careful,¡± he said, his voice low and gentle. "These stairs are treacherous."

    His touch was firm but respectful. He steadied me without lingering inappropriately.

    Once I was bnced, he offered his arm with a slight bow. "Allow me to escort you safely

    backstage."

    I epted gratefully, cing my hand on his forearm. His presence felt reassuringly solid

    after the emotional rollercoaster of the evening.

    215

    Face the room, I felt Ethan''s gaze burning into us. Hils amber eyes had darkened

    Has ja olehed tight enough that I could see the muscle jumping beneath his skin. The sight of another Alpha touching his mate even in such an innocent context clearly infuriated

    Backstage buzzed with activity: Contestants gathered their belongings while staff members damantled equipment.

    otona stood surrounded by admirers, basking in their praise. Her smile was back in ce, though noticeably more strained than before.

    Isabelle Stone Ethan''s cousin, was among Victoria''s admirers. Her sharp features animated

    as she gushed over Victoria''s victory.

    "You absolutely deserved first ce," Isabelle proimed, loud enough for me to hear as

    passed by "Everyone knows your design was superior."

    I tried to ignore them, keeping my head high. But Isabelle noticed me and smirked maliciously.

    "Oh, Olivia! Congrattions on second ce," she called out. "At least you got something,

    right?"

    Her deliberately patronizing tone made my blood boil. My hands clenched into fists at my

    sides.

    "Thank you, Isabelle," I replied coolly. "Though I wonder if the results truly reflected the quality

    of our designs."

    Victoria''s eyes narrowed dangerously. "What are you implying?"

    "Only that merit doesn''t always determine winners inpetitions like these," I said, my emerald eyes shing with challenge.

    Victoria feigned innocent outrage. "The judges made their decision fairly."

    "Did they?" I stepped closer, refusing to back down. "Are you certain about that?"

    Isabelle, eager to provoke me further,ughed dismissively. "Oh please, everyone knows Ethan

    made sure Victoria won!"

    Victoria''s face paled dramatically. She grabbed Isabelle''s arm, her fingers digging in hard

    enough to leave marks.

    "Isabelle, stop-" Victoria hissed urgently.

    But babe was too caught up in her malicious enjoyment to notice Victoria''s panic. She cooned guilty oblivious to the damage she was doing

    Nepractically ordered the judges to give her first ce! He told them specifically that Vetova''s design was to be awarded first ce, regardless of what anyone else submitted."

    botas expression transformed into pure horror. Her eyes darted around frantically. packing anyone important had overheard

    Tabele Botria whispered fercely. Her fingernails dug deeper into her friend''s arm.

    What Isabelle continued, blind to Victoria''s distress. "It''s not like it''s a secret that

    Ethan

    tovers you ove''

    Favers who over whom?"

    Bhan''s deep voice cut through their conversation like a knife. All three of us froze instantly.

    Victoria and isabelle turned slowly Panic shed across their faces - especially Victoria''s, who clearly feared Ethan''s disapproval of such underhanded tactics.

    "Ethan Victoria recovered first, greeting him with a nervous smile. "We were just discussing thepetition results"

    Ethan''s expression remained neutral, giving no indication whether he''d heard their earlier conversation. The silence stretched ufortably.

    I took the opportunity to slip away, having heard exactly what I needed to confirm

    my

    suspicions

    After changing into morefortable clothes and removing my makeup, I headed

    toward the underground parking garage. My forced smile faded immediately once I was alone.

    Reality crashed back. Despite the unexpected opportunity with Canis Enterprises, the second-ce prize money wouldn''t be enough.

    Not enough for the special burial ground I''d hoped to secure for Lily''s ashes. Grief closed around my throat like a fist.

    A sleek ck vehicle pulled up beside me as I approached my car. The window lowered smoothly, revealing Lucas ckwood''s handsome face.

    "Mrs. Winters," he greeted me with a respectful nod. "I was hoping to speak with you left."

    I paused, surprised by his interest. "Alpha ckwood."

    you

    before

    00

    What pe

    "Your crystal design was exceptional," he said, his eyes reflecting genuine

    appreciation. "The application of moonstone in that configuration could

    revolutionize healing techniques."

    "Thank you." I replied, touched by his recognition of the work I''d poured my heart

    into.

    Td like to discuss a potential coboration," Lucas continued, his deep voice warm with

    interest. "My pack has been researching simr healing applications for some time. Perhaps

    we couldbine our knowledge."

    Hope rekindled in my heart, bright and sudden. A coboration with the Moonstone Pack

    could provide the resources I needed for Lily''s burial.

    "I''d be interested in hearing more," I said, unable to hide the eagerness in my

    voice.

    Lucas smiled, gesturing to his car. "Would you join me for dinner to discuss the details? My driver can return you to your vehicle afterward."

    His driver emerged and opened the passenger door for me. Without hesitation, I epted the

    invitation.

    From a distance, Ethan watched this exchange. His face darkened with anger as I stepped into

    Lucas ckwood''s car.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 20

    Chapter 20: A Dinner with Lucas ckwood

    Chapter 20: A Dinner with Lucas ckwood

    (Olivia''s POV)

    The Moonstone Dining Hall glittered with soft lighting that reflected the pe Lucas ckwood pulled out my chair with a graceful meeterd.

    "Thank you," I murmured, settling into the plush seat.

    His manners were impable-exactly as his reputation suggested the stark CLARYNAR between his courteous behavior and Ethan''s recent coldness was it lost on the

    "The venison here is excellent, Lucas suggested as he took his seat across from metho

    their moonlight wine selection is even better"

    After we ced our orders, a slightly awkward silence fell between us. I expected him to BAGA discussing my crystal design immediately. That was, after all, why w6 77616 here

    Instead, his gaze lingered on me with an intensity that made me shaft

    ufortably Thoogh his stare wasn''t threatening or unpleasant, something about it unsettled me

    I frowned, meeting his eyes with a cool, questioning expression. Perhaps his reputation for politeness was merely a facade.

    "Do you really not remember me?" Lucas finally broke the silence.

    I blinked, genuinely confused. "I''m sorry?"

    "When are you going to return my pen?" he added, his expression unreadable.

    My bewilderment deepened. I had never borrowed a pen from him-had never even met him before today''s ceremony. My emerald eyes must have reflected my confusion because his expression softened.

    "I apologize," he said after studying my face. "It seems I''ve mistaken you for someone else?

    Relief washed over me as he dropped the subject. A touch of embarrassment colored my

    cheeks as I took a sip of water.

    "It happens," I replied, grateful when our appetizers arrived to break the tension.

    Lucas shifted smoothly to business matters. "I''ve been following your work for some time, Mrs. Winters. Your crystal designs show remarkable innovation."

    Tract surprise wiege of my previous work.

    Tiket maleyuan offer he continuet his voice staty and confident. One million

    dies for your cystal design."

    Shorey

    mware Tim sury witat?

    tad misheard one million dors was a stranical sum for a healing crystal

    dever de ative as mine

    ces sensing my strack smier signty if that''s too low, we can certainly negotiate."

    Nouter our frenposer myself. I mean, that''s more than generous. I''m just

    Sused wormerest in my Warn

    Perodder puling out a crek from his immer jacket pocket. His movements were reiterate and grease as he wrote out the check

    TE

    Your application of moonstone in that particr configuration is revolutionary he exined. siding the crest across the table. The healing potential alone justifies the investment"

    With rembling inges epted the check. The amount written in elegant script made my

    heart race. One milion crs. Erough to purchase the sacred burial ground for Lily''s ashes

    and dren soUTTE

    Scarefully ced it in my bag causing to nce at the substantial sum once more before

    zooing it closer

    Teans threatened to welll up as the realization hit me. I could finally fulfill my promise to Lily.

    sint would have a proper resting ce

    "Excuse me I said nsing from my seat. Treed to visit the washroom.

    I needed a moment topose myself before Lucas noticed my emotional reaction.

    The private washroom was mercifully empty. I gripped the marble countertop, staring at my

    nefection in the miner

    My enterald eyes glistened with unshed tears. "We did it, Lily" I whispered. "Mommy can finally give you the resting ce you deserve."

    After sshing cool water on my face and taking several deep breaths, I felt steady enough to return to dinner. I dried my hands on a plush towel

    Suddenly, a strong arm wrapped around my waist, yanking me backward. I gasped in shock as I was pulled into the men''s washroom.

    Motiffet and stated state diset my eyes as my carius dupret ne iz a stail. The

    dior dicked shut behind is

    My back at the dino with enough force to lock the earth from my lungs when opened my eyes. Ethan Stone''s furcus face filet my wson

    "What are you dong having dinner with Lucas ckwood he demanded his amber eyes

    zing with fury

    His voice, though deep and maic as always camed a chiling edge that sent shivers down my some. His body pressed mine against the door, his aggressive demeanor revealing a

    possessive fury I hadn''t seen in years.

    That''s none of your business" I retorted, anger recing my intel stock. You made it clear

    we''re overt

    Ethan scoffed, his face inches from mine. "I never agreed to our separation.

    "You didn''t have to" I snapped. "I decided for both of us."

    His eyes narrowed dangerously. "So you''ve found a recement already? Lucas ckwood?"

    The usation was so absurd I almostughed. "My business with Lucas is professional

    "Is that why he was staring at you like you''re his next meal?'' Ethan growled, his hands tightening on my waist.

    I recognized the truth then. His refusal to ept our separation stemmed not from love but from his need for control. His disapproval was fueled by his alpha pride- he wanted to be the

    one who ended our rtionship, not me.

    "What do you care?" I challenged. "You''ve had Victoria warming your bed for years."

    His jaw tightened. "That''s different."

    "How convenient," I spat. "You''re dead to me, Ethan. You died the day our daughter-"

    My biting remark was cut short as Ethan seized my chin and crashed his lips against mine. The kiss was forceful, punishing.

    I struggled against him, my emerald eyes wide with defiance. My jaw clenched

    tight, refusing

    to yield to him.

    Ethan bit my lower lip, drawing a gasp of pain from me. He used the opportunity

    to deepen the kiss, his tongue invading my mouth.

    My eyes reddened with anger and frustration. How dare he? After everything he''d done, after

    Chapter 70 A Dinnes with Lue

    all the pain he''d caused me, he thought he could just im me whenever he

    wanted?

    When he paused briefly for breath, I retaliated by biting his lip hard. The metallic taste of blood filled my mouth.

    The taste of blood only seemed to intensify Ethan''s fervor. His eyes darkened to a molten

    amber, almost ck with desire.

    The kiss became even more passionate, leaving me breathless and dizzy. His hands roamed

    possessively over my body, reiming territory he considered his.

    When Ethan finally released me, I was lightheaded fromck of air. My legs weakened beneath

    me, threatening to give way.

    Before I could copse, Ethan''s arm caught me, pulling me back against his hard

    chest. He

    gazed down at me, his eyes taking in my flushed cheeks and tear-filled emerald

    eyes.

    I must have looked vulnerable in that moment, my lips swollen from his brutal kiss,

    my

    breathing ragged. Unaware of the effect my gaze had on him, I could only stare

    back.

    Ethan leaned down, kissing my eyelids with unexpected gentleness. His thumb traced the

    damp skin of my waist where my blouse had ridden up.

    "Be good," he murmured in my ear, his breath hot against my skin.

    I lowered my eyes, my gaze icy despite the heat coursing through my body.

    Leaning against

    the door, I caught my breath. As my strength returned, I...

 The Alpha King is unavailable 21

    Chapter 21: A Challenge to the Alpha''s im

    Chapter 21: A Challenge to the Alpha''s im

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I gathered my remaining strength and kicked Ethan hard in the shin. He grunted in pain, mentarily losing his bnce

    Taking advantage of his surprise, I shoved him with all my might. He fell backward onto the toilet seat, his amber eyes widening with shock.

    Before he could recover, I wrenched the stall door open and fled. My heart hammered against

    my ribs as I rushed out of the restroom.

    Behind me, I heard Ethan''s growl of frustration. I didn''t dare look back, knowing he would

    follow soon enough

    My fingers trembled as I smoothed down my disheveled clothing. My lips fell swollen from his

    brutal kiss, a physical reminder of his possessiveness.

    As I hurried through the corridor, I didn''t notice Victoria lurking in a shadowed corner. Her eyes narrowed as she watched me pass, taking in my flushed face and rumpled appearance,

    I returned to our table where Lucas waited patiently. His gray eyes flickered to my swollen lips,

    then politely away

    "I apologize for the dy" I said, sliding back into my seat. My voice sounded strained even to

    my own ears

    Lucas nodded graciously. "No problem at all. I took the liberty of ordering our main course,"

    The waiter arrived with our venison, perfectly timed. I picked up my fork, grateful for the

    distraction.

    "About the crystal design," Lucas continued smoothly, allowing me to regain myposure, "I''m particrly interested in how you achieved stability with the moonstone configuration."

    I exined the technical aspects of my design, speaking quickly between bites. The normalcy of business discussion helped calm my racing pulse.

    *Fascinating approach," Lucasmented. "Few healers would think to arrange the crystals

    in that pattern."

    As we finished our meal, I noticed Lucas checking his watch. "Shall we go? I have an early

    Chapter 21 A Challenge to th

    meeting tomorrow."

    Relief washed over me. I wanted nothing more than to escape this restaurant before Ethan

    reappeared.

    We stood to leave, Lucas signaling for the check. That''s when I felt it¡ªa shift in the atmosphere, a prickling sensation across my skin.

    Ethan materialized beside our table, hismanding presence filling the entire restaurant. His amber eyes burned with cold fury.

    Without warning, his hand mped around my upper arm. "She''s my wife," he growled at

    Lucas, his territorial im unmistakable.

    Lucas''s eyebrows rose slightly, but he made no immediate move to interfere. Ethan didn''t wait

    for a response.

    He pulled me away from the table, his grip painfully tight. I stumbled alongside him, too shocked to resist initially.

    "Ethan, stop!" I hissed, aware of the curious stares from other diners. "You''re making a scene!"

    He ignored mepletely, dragging me toward the exit. His fingers dug into my flesh, certain

    to leave bruises.

    Finally, I dug in my heels. "Let me go, Ethan!" I demanded, my emerald eyes shing with

    defiance.

    Instead of loosening his grip, he tightened it until I winced in pain. His face remained

    impassive, as though my difort meant nothing to him.

    "How pathetic," I spat, fury recing my fear. "Disying such possessiveness towards a wife

    you''ve all but abandoned. What would your precious Victoria think?"

    His jaw tightened at my taunt, but he continued pulling me through the restaurant. I fought

    against his iron grip, my petite frame giving me little advantage.

    Behind us, Victoria''s voice called out, deliberately soft and vulnerable. ¡°Ethan, please!"

    He paid her no attention, his focus entirely on restraining me. I could see the frustration.

    building in Victoria''s eyes as she realized she was being ignored.

    Desperation shed across her perfect features. Suddenly, she clutched her chest

    dramatically, her legs buckling beneath her.

    The performance was masterful. Victoria swayed, her eyes rolling back as she began to

    215

    in the

    madstantly Find my saling in sabah Varia batire he be the

    As he got hotelbumblest hardward, being my bnce. Ly are failed atte

    Pam exphated though my hand as itnded on abant orystal from a decorative vase/

    katitidy pulling my kasaling polo to my chest

    A ham

    yapat ataing in hund at the bbout exuding batman my fingers con

    Igapest blood

    thk about was the systal designs tall meated tote

    Tues wat my and in an instant, his sopression consamad. "You''re beating bayer observed examining my injury without touching it

    thest to stand but awapant tisstly, the shock and pain overwhelming me. TROR SHARON, teas slipped ons an under my buses and the other around my back The lifted me effortlessly cradling me against the chest. "Y''m taking her to the Swvercres Medical Center he announced, his tone leaving no room for argument. Through tear blumed vision, I saw Ethan standing frozen, Victoria still clinging to hum diamatically. The face darkened with rage ne tuene camed me // Lucas''s diver opened the car door before we even reached it. "Tastest route to the mAACH center'' Lucas instructed as he settled me carefully in the backseat The journey passed in a blur of pain and anxiety Lucas maintained a respectul stance, Becasionally offering reassurance when he noticed my distress

    At the medical center, Dr. Marcus Fletcher was walling His familiar face broug measure offort as he examined my injured hand

    "The cuts are deep" he observed, cleaning the wounds carefully "But that''s no permanent damage to tendons of nerves. You were lucky, Mrs. Winters?

    I nodded numbly, watching as he meticulously removed tiny crystal fragmenes from my patho Each piece extracted sent fresh waves of pain through my summ

    Daniel Reed appeared in the doorway, his face expressionless as always, Ethan''s Beta handen the admission paperwork with cool efficiency, never once meeting my ga78.

    "Thank you for your assistance; Lucas said to the doctor then he turned to me, his gray syss unreadable. "I wish you a swift recovery, Mrs. Winters

    < Chapter 21 A Challenge to th

    With a final nod, he departed, leaving me alone with the sterile smell of antiseptic and the

    throbbing pain in my hand.

    The night passed slowly in the hospital room. Despite the medication Dr. Fletcher had administered, I slept fitfully.

    Nightmares gued me-shattered crystal turning to broken promises, blood seeping into moonstone designs. I tossed and turned, tangling the thin hospital sheets around my legs.

    Through the haze of medication, I sensed a presence beside my bed. A familiar cologne-

    sandalwood and something uniquely Ethan-teased my senses.

    I struggled to open my eyes, but the sedatives held me under. Was he really

    there, or was my

    mind ying cruel tricks?

    By morning, the room was empty. If Ethan had visited, he''d left no trace of his

    presence.

    I discharged myself against Dr. Fletcher''s advice. Thest thing I needed was to

    be trapped in a ce where Ethan could easily find me.

    ¡°Mrs. Winters, I strongly rmend you stay for observation," Dr. Fletcher protested, frowning at my bandaged hand.

    "I''ll be fine," I insisted, signing the release forms with my uninjured hand. "I need

    to get back to

    work."

    As I gathered my belongings and headed for the corridor, a slender figure stepped into my path. Victoria stood blocking my way, her perfect makeup unable to hide the shadows under

    her eyes.

    Her manicured nails tapped rhythmically against the wall. "You''re still ying

    these games,"

    she hissed, her voice low and venomous.

    I tried to step around her, but she shifted to block me. "Don''t you understand? Ethan will always choose me. I''m the one he truly loves-you were nothing but a convenient ything."

    Her words struck at my deepest insecurities, reopening wounds I thought had scarred over. For a moment, I almost believed her.

    Then I remembered Ethan''s possessive kiss in the restroom. The way his eyes had darkened with desire-for me, not Victoria. The realization gave me strength.

    Without warning, my uninjured hand cracked across Victoria''s face. The p echoed through the corridor, leaving a perfect red imprint on her wless skin.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 22

    Chapter 22: A Cruel Revtion

    Chapter 22: A Cruel Revtion

    (Olivia''s POV)

    Her eyes widened in shock. She clearly hadn''t expected me to retaliate

    "Victoria, instead of wasting time causing trouble for me, you should focus on controlling Ethan and prevent him from harassing me!" I warned coldly, my emerald eyes shing despite

    my status.

    Her mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water

    Without waiting for a response, I turned and walked away, my bandaged hand held carefully st

    my side as I left the stunned woman behind.

    The satisfaction of finally standing up to her gave me strength as I made my way down the

    corridor. My injured hand throbbed beneath its bandages, but the pain was worth

    it.

    As I approached the supply room, voices drifted through the partially open door I slowed my pace, recognizing Megan Porter''s distinctive tone.

    "Did you see that confrontation between Olivia Winters and Victoria Frost?" Megan asked

    someone.

    I froze mid-step, instinctively moving closer to the door.

    "No, what happened?" Another voice responded - Rachel Bet, if I wasn''t mistaken,

    "Victoria was blocking Olivia''s path," Megan continued, "That woman is such a cold-blooded

    love rival."

    I pressed myself against the wall, careful to remain out of sight while straining to hear their

    conversation.

    "Love rival?" Rachel''s voice held genuine confusion. "I don''t understand why Victoria treats

    Olivia that way."

    There was a rustling sound as Megan moved around the supply room. "It''s about the Alpha King, obviously," she replied. "Victoria wants him all to herself."

    ¡°But what about Lily?" Rachel asked quietly. "That sweet little girl..."

    My heart clenched painfully at the mention of my daughter''s name.

    "That''s the worst part, Megan''s voice dropped lower. "Victoria knew exactly what she was

    doing."

    Rachel sighed heavily. "The day that little girl died, her mother was crying her heart out...that Frostdy, she was standing around the corner, smiling so happily."

    The blood in my veins turned to ice. Victoria had known about Lily''s death? All this time?

    "I still remember that smile, Megan added. "It gives me chills just thinking about it. Truly a venomous heart... She has a daughter too, and her daughter is also sick. Isn''t she afraid of

    karma?"

    My entire body began to tremble with rage. Victoria had known Lily was dead when she called to invite her to Emma''s celebration. It hadn''t been a mistake - it was deliberate cruelty.

    I clenched my fists unconsciously, sending a sharp stab of pain through my injured hand.

    "Careful, Liv, a familiar voice murmured near my ear.

    Strong fingers gently uncurled my fist before I could reopen my wounds. James Knight stood

    beside me, his hazel eyes filled with concern.

    "You''ll tear your stitches," he warned, his voice low enough not to alert the gossiping medical

    assistants.

    I hadn''t heard him approach ¨C a testament to how distracted I''d been by the revtion about

    Victoria.

    "What are you doing here?" I whispered, allowing him to guide me away from the supply room.

    James''s lips quirked into a small smile. "I''m here to take you to Sacred Moonlight Cemetery,"

    he reminded me gently. "To purchase the burial plot for Lily''s ashes."

    The million-dor check from Lucas ckwood felt heavy in my pocket. At least something

    had gone right.

    "Your hand needs to be checked before we leave," James insisted, his tone brooking no

    argument.

    I didn''t have the energy to protest as he led me back to Dr. Fletcher''s office.

    The doctor examined my hand with clinical precision. "The wound is healing well,"

    he confirmed. "Just be careful not to put too much strain on it."

    James watched the examination with hawk-like intensity. Once Dr. Fletcher finished, he turned his attention to me.

    27

    "What had you so upset earlier?" he asked, his hazel eyes searching my face. I could feel your distress from the parking lot."

    I hesitated, unwilling to burden him with Victoria''s cruelty. James already had enough reasons

    to hate Ethan and his circle.

    *Just Victoria being Victoria," I said dismissively, "Nothing I can''t handle,"

    James didn''t look convinced, but he didn''t press the issue. "Let''s get going then, he said

    instead. "The cemetery administrator is expecting us at noon,"

    As we walked toward the exit, our conversation shifted to logistics,

    "The burial ceremony is set for Sunday," I confirmed, my voice catching slightly. "Will you be

    there?"

    James squeezed my uninjured hand. "I wouldn''t miss it, Liv, I''ll be right beside you,"

    Neither of us noticed Victoria emerging from behind arge flower arrangement, her eyes

    narrowed as she watched us leave.

    (Victoria''s POV)

    I arranged a tray of venison treats carefully, making sure each piece looked perfect, Emma''s excited voice carried from the living room of our Rosewood Haven home.

    "Daddy! Daddy! Guess what?" she squealed as Ethan walked through the door.

    I smiled to myself, enjoying the sound of Ethan''s deep chuckle. He was always so different with Emma - warm, affectionate, nothing like the cold Alpha he presented to others.

    "What is it, Emmy?¡± he asked, his voice softening as it always did for my daughter.

    I peeked around the corner, watching as Emma bounced on her toes in front of

    him. Her small face was alight with excitement.

    "I won third ce in the running race at school!" she announced proudly.

    Ethan''s amber eyes, usually so hard and unforgiving, melted as he looked down at her. He

    ruffled her hair affectionately.

    "That''s wonderful, Emmy," he said, his pride evident. "I knew you could do it."

    I stepped into the room, carrying the tray of treats. "I think this calls for a celebration, don''t

    you?"

    Ethan looked up, his smile remaining in ce as his eyes met mine. It was moments like

    Chapter 22 A Cruel Revtion

    these that reminded me why I''d fought so hard to keep him.

    * Fonts7

    Emma pped her hands together. "Can I invite my friends from ss?" she

    asked eagerly.

    "Of course you can, sweetheart," Ethan agreed immediately. His authority

    softenedpletely

    in Emma''s presence.

    I set the tray down on the coffee table. "We could hold it at Silver Crown Hotel,¡± I

    suggested.

    "They have that beautiful ballroom."

    Emma''s eyes widened with delight. "With a cake? A big one?"

    "The biggest cake they can make," Ethan promised, pulling her into a hug.

    I watched them together, satisfaction warming my chest. This was how it should

    be Ethan,

    Emma, and me. A family.

    "When should we have it?" Ethan asked, looking to me for guidance.

    I pretended to consider for a moment, though I already knew exactly when I

    wanted it to be.

    "How about Sunday?" I suggested innocently. "That would give us time to n everything properly."

    Ethan nodded,pletely oblivious to the significance of the date. "Sunday works for me."

    Emma squealed with delight, throwing her arms around Ethan''s neck. "Thank you,

    Daddy!"

    I smiled, carefully hiding my triumph. Olivia would be burying her daughter''s ashes on Sunday

    and Ethan would be celebrating with us instead.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    Sunday arrived with a gentle breeze that rustled the ancient trees of Sacred

    Moonlight

    Cemetery. The moonstone-iid path glowed softly beneath my feet as I carried

    Lily''s urn to

    its final resting ce.

    James walked beside me, a silent pir of strength. His presence had been my anchor

    throughout the ceremony.

    The burial plot was everything I''d hoped for ¨C a peaceful corner beneath a

    flowering tree,

    where moonlight would always reach Lily''s resting ce.

    "I''d like some time alone with her," I whispered to James as the ceremony

    concluded.

    He squeezed my shoulder gently. "She''s at peace now, Liv," he said softly. "I need

    to get back to the repair shop, but call me if you need anything."

    *Chapter 22 A Cruel Revtion

    GLATORY

    I nodded, grateful for his understanding. As he walked away, I knelt beside the

    small memorial stone we''d ced.

    "It''s just you and me now, baby, I whispered, tracing the etched letters of her

    name.

    Grief washed over me in waves, somehow both familiar and newly painful. I had

    done everything I could to give her a proper resting ce, but the emptiness in my heart remained.

    My phone vibrated in my pocket, breaking the solemn silence. Assuming it was James

    checking on me, I pulled it out without looking at the screen.

    My thumb identally pressed the answer button before I realized whose name

    was

    disyed.

    "Olivia?" Victoria''s sharine voice filled my ear. "Can you hear me?"

    I was too shocked to respond, my finger hovering over the end call button.

    "Olivia, Emma won third ce in her school''s runningpetition, and Ethan and

    I are celebrating for her at Silver Crown Hotel today," Victoria continued, her voice dripping with

    false sweetness. ¡°Emma wants to invite Lily to join us. I''ll have Ethan pick you and

    Lily up

    now, okay?"

 The Alpha King is unavailable 23

    Chapter 23: A p in the Face

    Chapter 23: A p in the Face

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I stood frozen, Victoria''s mocking voice still echoing in my ear. My fingers

    tightened around the phone until my knuckles turned white.

    ¡°Emma wants to invite Lily to join us. I''ll have Ethan pick you and Lily up now, okay?

    The calcted cruelty of her words struck me like a physical blow. Victoria knew Lily was dead. She knew today was my daughter''s burial ceremony.

    This wasn''t a mistake or oversight. This was deliberate.

    My gaze fell to the freshly ced urn, Lily''s final resting ce. The memory of my sweet daughter''s face shed before my eyes - her hopeful smile when she''d asked Ethan to take her to Moonlight Fair, the disappointment in her eyes when he''d broken yet another promise.

    Victoria was using my daughter''s death as a weapon against me. Even now, she

    was

    celebrating Emma''s third-ce win at the Crescent Moon Training Den''s runningpetition - unting Ethan''s affection for her daughter while highlighting his neglect of mine.

    My emerald eyes stung with tears of rage. How many times had Victoria used Ethan''s

    favoritism to hurt Lily? How many times had my daughter cried because Emma had received

    the Crystal-Embroidered Ice Princess Gown she''d begged for, or the trip to Disney she''d

    dreamed about?

    Even in death, they wouldn''t leave her memory in peace.

    "Fine," I responded coldly into the phone. "I''ll be there."

    I ended the call before Victoria could respond. My decision was made in an instant I would

    go to that party. I would no longer allow them to disrespect my daughter''s memory.

    "Lily," I whispered to the urn, my fingers gently tracing the moonwood carvings. "Mommy won''t let you suffer any more."

    With onest nce at the peaceful resting ce, I turned and walked toward my car, purpose filling every step. Victoria Frost had pushed me too far this time.

    The drive to Silver Crown Hotel passed in a blur of determination. I parked in the underground

    garage, my hands steady despite the rage burning inside me.

    Chapter 23 A Stap in the Face

    + Points >

    The hotel''s opulent entrance gleamed with crystal chandeliers and polished marble. I could hear children''sughter echoing from the ballroom as I approached.

    Victoria stood at the entrance, greeting guests with her perfect smile. When she spotted me,

    her expression froze in genuine surprise.

    She clearly hadn''t expected me to actuallye.

    ¡°Olivia,¡± she stammered, herposure momentarily slipping. ¡°What are you doing here?"

    Before I could respond, amotion behind her drew our attention. Ethan had emerged from the ballroom, likely alerted to my presence by some watchful pack member.

    His amber eyes narrowed as he approached, scanning the space behind me. I knew what he

    was looking for - or rather, who.

    Victoria, seeing Ethan approach, seized the opportunity. Her face transformed into a mask of

    innocent concern.

    "Olivia, why are you alone?" she asked, her voice carrying just enough to ensure Ethan heard

    every word. "Where''s Lily?"

    Something inside me snapped. Five years of restraint, of maintaining dignity despite their cruelty, evaporated in an instant.

    My hand moved before I could think, cracking across Victoria''s perfect face with

    all the force I could muster. The sound echoed through the entrance hall, silencing nearby conversations.

    Victoria''s head snapped to the side, a perfect red handprint blooming on her pale cheek. Before she could recover, I pped her again.

    "Victoria Frost, you know perfectly well that Lily is dead," I spat, my voice shaking with fury.

    Victoria''s eyes widened in shock - not at my words, but at my audacity. No one had ever dared to strike her, the Alpha''s favorite.

    "How dare you?" she gasped, one hand cradling her reddened cheek.

    I moved to p her a third time, but my wrist was suddenly caught in an iron grip. Ethan had reached us, his face contorted with rage.

    "Olivia Winters, don''t push me any further!" he growled, his amber eyes glowing with warning.

    Victoria immediately seized the advantage, throwing herself into Ethan''s free arm. Tears streamed down her face as she buried her head against his chest.

    "She''s gone mad, Victoria sobbed dramatically. "She''s cursing Lily''s death! She''s jealous of

    hapter & ban the Face

    Emma''s achievemental"

    I stared at her in disbelief. The audacity of her lies knew no bounds.

    "Let go of me," I demanded, trying to wrench my wrist from Ethan''s grasp.

    His fingers only tightened, bruising my skin. "Exin yourself," he ordered, his Alpha voice sending shivers down my spine despite my fury.

    I red at him, my emerald eyes cold and hard. "Ask your precious Victoria what she said to me on the phone today," I challenged. "Ask her why she invited Lily to this celebration when she knows our daughter is dead."

    Victoria''s sobbing intensified. "I was just being kind," she wailed. "I thought

    including Lily might cheer you up!"

    I lunged toward her, stopped only by Ethan''s restraining grip. "If you mention my daughter again, I threatened, ¡°I''ll make you regret it.¡±

    A small figure darted out from behind a nearby table. Emma, dressed in her

    Crystal Embroidered Ice Princess Gown, ran toward us with a determined expression.

    Before anyone could react, she sank her teeth into my free hand.

    I gasped in pain and instinctively pulled back. The sudden movement caused Emma to lose.

    her bnce and stumble backward.

    She fell directly against the Multi-Tiered Moonstone Celebration Cake that had been disyed near the entrance. The borate creation toppled, covering Emma in silver-blue frosting and

    decorative sugar crystals.

    For a moment, everyone froze in shock. Then Emma''s face crumpled, and she burst into tears.

    "Daddy, Emmy hurts!" she wailed, reaching out to Ethan with small hands covered in cake.

    Victoria immediately turned on me. "You hurt a child!" she used, her voice rising hysterically, "You pushed Emma into the cake!"

    Ethan released my wrist, moving tofort Emma. He lifted her effortlessly, seemingly

    unconcerned about the frosting staining his expensive suit.

    "What are you doing here, Olivia?" he asked coldly, one hand stroking Emma''s

    hair as she

    buried her face against his shoulder.

    Iughed bitterly. "Didn''t Victoria invite me?" I asked, my voice dripping with sarcasm. "Or was that just another of her little games?"

    Victoria stepped forward, her perfect fa?ade back in ce despite her reddened cheek

    invited you out of concern for Ethan,'' she imed. "He''s been worried about you. But now i ass

    that was a mistake."

    She turned to Ethan, her expression pleading. ''She''s ruining Emma''s special day. Please ask

    her to leave."

    I nced around the ballroom, taking in the shocked faces of the quests. Some were pack members I recognized, others likely parents of Emma''s ssmates.

    All of them were watching the drama unfold with undisguised interest. This was exactly what Victoria wanted - to humiliate me publicly, to paint me as

    the unstable, jealous woman while she yed the perfect mother andpanion to Ethan.

    But I was done ying by her rules.

    My hand closed around the edge of the tablecloth covering a nearby refreshment table. If Victoria wanted a scene, I would give her one she wouldn''t forget. "Victoria Frost," I said firmly, my fingers tightening on the fabric. "Have you ever heard the saying. It''s easier to invite someone than to chase them away''?"

 The Alpha King is unavailable 24

    Chapter 24: Fury Unleashed

    Chapter 24: Fury Unleashed

    (Olivia''s POV)

    Victoria''s startled cry echoed through the ballroom as I yanked the tablecloth with

    all my strength. The expensive china tes crashed to the floor, followed by crystal sses that shattered on impact. Desserts, moonlight wine, and carefully arranged appetizers cascaded in

    a chaotic avnche.

    "Olivia Winters, stop!" Ethan roared, his Alpha voice reverberating through the room.

    Stop? I scoffed internally. I came here today to shatter Victoria and Emma''s smug celebration,

    not to bow to hismands.

    I moved to the next table, ignoring the gasps of horror from the gathered guests. With one swift motion, I upended another disy, sending a chocte fountain toppling over. Dark liquid sshed across the pristine floor, staining the expensive carpet.

    "She''s gonepletely mad!" Victoria shrieked, clutching Emma closer to her side.

    I turned my attention to the gift table, where neatly wrapped presents were stacked in Emma''s honor. Without hesitation, I swept my arm across it, transforming the carefully arranged gifts

    into a heap of crumpled paper and ribbons.

    Emma''s wails intensified as she watched her carefully nned achievement celebration being

    systematically destroyed.

    "My presents!" she screamed, her face contorting with rage and disbelief.

    Good, I thought savagely. Let her feel a fraction of what Lily felt every time Ethan chose Emma

    over her.

    Victoria''s face had transformed into a mask of pure hatred. Her eyes narrowed as she lunged

    toward me, her hands outstretched like ws.

    "You jealous b***h!¡± she hissed, attempting to shove me toward the Multi-Tiered Champagne Fountain that stood nearby.

    1 reacted on instinct, grabbing her wrists and pivoting my body. Using her own momentum

    against her, I pulled her forward, causing her to stumble directly into the crystal structure.

    The fountain shattered with a deafening crash, Crystal shards exploded outward, showering

    whapter for upg

    Victoria with razor sharp fragments. Several cut into her skin, drawing blood that blossomed against her pateplexion.

    Her screams echoed through the room as she clutched of her face, blood seeping between her fingers

    "Victorial'' Ethan shouted, rushing to her side. His eyes were wide with concern as he gerely pulled her hands away to assess the damage.

    Emma tried to follow, but Ethan held her back with one arm. "Stay there, Emmy hemanded, his voice tight with worry. "There''s broken ss everywhere?

    I turned away from them, continuing my path of destruction. The Multi-Tiered Moonston Celebration Cake had already been destroyed by Emma''s earlier fall, but several smaller dessert disys remained intact.

    Not for long.

    I upended trays of pastries, kicked over ice sculptures, and tore down decorative banners Each act of destruction felt like a small justice for Lily, for every slight and cruelty she had

    endured.

    By the time I paused to catch my breath, the banquet hally in ruins. Frosting smeared

    across marble floors, broken crystal glittering under the chandeliers, and food splettered

    across expensive wallpaper

    I stood in the center of it all, my chest heaving with exertion. A strange calm had settled over

    me, recing the burning rage that had driven my actions.

    "Who called the authorities?" a stern voice cut through the chaos,

    I turned to see two uniformed officers approaching through the debris strewn entrance, Behind them, Ethan cradled Victoria in his arms, his phone still clutched in one hand,

    It was immediately clear who had summonedw enforcement.

    Victoria, seeing the officers, let out a pitiful moan. "Officer," she cried, her bloodied appearance adding weight to her words, "she caused trouble and deliberately hurt people!"

    The officers surveyed the destruction around us, their expressions hardening as they took in

    the scene.

    "Ma''am, we''re going to need you toe with us," one of them said, approaching me with

    handcuffs.

    I didn''t resist as cold metal closed around my wrists. What was the point? The damage was

    70

    Chapter 24 Finy tinteashed

    done I had made my statement.

    My gaze locked with Ethan''s across the room. His amber eyes were unreadable, containing

    depths of emotion I couldn''t begin to decipher. Was there anger? Certainly Disappointment?

    Probably. But something else lingered beneath the surface something that looked almost

    like regret.

    I stared back defiantly, chin raised. I knew he expected me to plead for his protection, to beg

    for his intervention as Alpha. But he was thest person I would ever turn to again.

    Victoria leaned heavily against Ethan''s chest, her moans growing more dramatic as she

    noticed the officers watching. "It hurts so much, she whimpered, pressing her face against his

    shirt, leaving smears of blood on the expensive fabric..

    Ethan''s attention immediately shifted back to her. "I''ll take you to the Medical Den," he said,

    his voice gentle as he lifted her into his arms. He was careful not to aggravate her cuts,

    treating her like precious cargo.

    The officers guided me toward the exit, their grip firm but not painful. Outside, two vehicles

    waited a police car with its lights shing and Ethan''s sleek ck SUV.

    I was unceremoniously guided into the back of the police car while Ethan tenderly ced Victoria in the passenger seat of his vehicle. Emma climbed into the back, her Crystal-Embroidered Ice Princess Gown still stained with cake and frosting. Our eyes met one final time through the windows as the vehicles prepared to depart in opposite directions - one toward Shadowfall Detention Center, the other toward the

    Silvercrest Pack Medical Den.

    I saw no remorse in his gaze, no hint that he recognized the injustice of what had transpired.

    Only cold determination and concern for Victoria, never for me.

    The police car pulled away from the curb, carrying me toward whatever punishment awaited.

    Hourster, I sat alone in a stark detention room. The metal chair was ufortable, the

    fluorescent lights harsh overhead. My initial adrenaline had long since faded, leaving

    exhaustion in its wake.

    The door opened, and Officer Benjamin Trent appeared. "Time to move you to a cell," he

    announced, his expression professionally nk.

    I stood without protest, allowing him to guide me through sterile corridors. The detention. center smelled of disinfectant and despair - a ce designed to break spirits.

    Chapter 24 Fury Unleashed

    +8 Foints >

    We stopped before a heavy metal door. Officer Trent unlocked it and gestured for

    me to enter.

    "Someone will be by with dinner in an hour," he said mechanically.

    The door nged shut behind me with finality. I took a step forward, surveying my

    new

    amodations

    a small cell with three other women.

    A chilling premonition washed over me as I noticed their predatory gazes. Before I

    could react,

    rough hands grabbed my hair from behind, yanking my head backward,

    Pain shot through my scalp as one of the Crescent Sisters, notorious women known for

    breaking new inmates, pulled me off bnce.

    "Look what we have here," she hissed into my ear. "The Alpha''s mate ying

    prisoner."

    I cried out in pain, twisting to break her grip. My foot connected with her shin in a

    desperate

    kick, momentarily loosening her hold.

    I stumbled forward, but the brief freedomsted only seconds. The other two women moved

    with practiced efficiency, grabbing my arms and dragging me toward a corner where a Rusted

    Iron Detention Bucket filled with ice water sat waiting.

    "No!" I struggled against their grip, but I was outnumbered and overpowered.

    The leader grabbed my hair again, forcing my head downward. "Time for your wee bath,

    Luna," she sneered.

    They plunged my head into the frigid water, the shock stealing my breath. The cold was immediate and devastating, like a thousand needles piercing my skin.

    My lungs burned as I fought against their hold, desperate for air. In a surge of

    panicked strength, I managed to twist sideways, pulling one of my attackers off bnce.

    She toppled forward, her face sshing into the bucket. Sputtering and cursing, she pulled back, water streaming down her enraged face.

    "You''ll pay for that!" The leader''s eyes shed with fury as she signaled to the

    others.

    They wrestled me to the ground, pinning me against the cold concrete floor. The leader straddled my chest, her weight crushing the air from my lungs. Without warning, she delivered a series of stinging ps to my face, each one harder than

    thest.

    My head spun from the blows. I tasted blood where my teeth had cut into my inner

    cheek. Still, I bit my lip, refusing to give them the satisfaction of hearing me cry

    out.

    The cold from my soaked hair seeped into my bones, but the icy grip around my heart was far more chilling. This wasn''t random prison violence - this was too coordinated, too targeted.

    < Chapter 24 Fury Unleashed

    I knew with absolute certainty that Ethan had orchestrated this brutal retaliation

    for Victoria.

    He had used his influence to arrange this "lesson" through the detention system,

    proving once

    again where his loyalties trulyy.

    The leader, her eyes glinting with malice, nodded to herpanions. "Hold her

    down properly,"

    shemanded, her voice low and threatening.

    The other women pinned my hands to the floor, spreading my fingers against the

    concrete. My

    heart raced as I realized their intent.

    The leader reached into her waistband and produced a Sharpened Metal Shiv, its

    crude edge glinting under the harsh cell lights.

    "Let''s see you design those fancy healing crystals without your fingers, Luna," she whispered,

    her face twisted with cruel anticipation.

    My eyes widened in terror as she positioned the shiv above my right hand - my

    dominant hand that I used for all my crystal designs. The hand that represented my only chance at independence from Ethan.

    She raised the makeshift weapon, aiming directly at the center of my palm. In that

    moment, I saw my future crumbling before me my career, my freedom, my ability

    to honor Lily''s

    memory.

    1

    "No!" My scream pierced the cold night air.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 25

    Chapter 25: Unexpected Rescue

    Chapter 25: Unexpected Rescue

    (Olivia''s POV)

    The shiv glinted under the harsh cell lights as it descended toward my hand, I struggled desperately against the three women, their iron grip pinning me to the cold concrete floor.

    The metal edge inched closer to my palm. I twisted frantically, but couldn''t break free.

    Suddenly, the cell door swung open with a metallic ng. The unexpected noise startled my

    attackers, their heads snapping toward the interruption.

    I seized that split-second hesitation, yanking my hand back with all my strength.

    The leader, enraged by my resistance, lunged forward with the shiv.

    The makeshift weapon struck the concrete floor with a harsh ng, missing my flesh by

    inches.

    "What are you doing?" Chief Walter Garrison''s voice roared from the doorway, his face ashen

    with shock.

    Before he could step forward, another figure moved with lightning speed, striding into the cell. Lucas ckwood, the imposing Alpha of the Moonstone Pack, swept past the chief.

    His face, usually the epitome ofposure, had transformed. Cold fury radiated from him as

    he delivered a swift, brutal kick to the leader of the trio.

    "Ah!" she shrieked, crumpling to the ground, the shiv skittering across the floor.

    The other two women recoiled in terror, scrambling backward against the wall. Their eyes

    widened as they recognized the powerful Alpha in their midst.

    Lucas knelt beside me, his movements surprisingly gentle as he removed his gray coat. He

    draped it carefully over my trembling form, his eyes narrowing as they cataloged the injuries

    on my face.

    "Are you hurt anywhere else?" he asked, his voice strained with barely controlled emotion.

    I tried to speak, but my throat felt raw from screaming. Finally, I managed a single word: "No."

    His tense posture eased slightly. "Can you walk?" he asked, offering his hand.

    I nodded, epting his assistance as he helped me to my feet. My legs wobbled beneath me, but his steady grip kept me upright.

    Chapter 25 Unexpected Rese

    48 Points 2

    Lucas guided me toward the cell door, his body positioned protectively between me and the

    three women. Chief Garrison hurried after us, casting a chilling look at his officers.

    "Bail procedures," Lucas stated curtly. "Now."

    The detention center bustled with activity as officers rushed to process my release. Lucas''s

    presencemanded immediate action, his reputation preceding him.

    By eight o''clock, I was free, stepping out of Shadowfall Detention Center into the cool night air.

    Lucas guided me toward a sleek ck luxury car idling at the curb.

    "Turn the heat up to maximum," he instructed his driver as we settled into the plush leather

    interior.

    The contrast between the car''sfort and the cold concrete cell I''d just escaped wasn''t lost on me. As warmth filled the vehicle, sensation returned to my numb hands and feet, bringing with it painful tingles.

    We drove in silence through the darkened streets of Shadow Creek. Lucas didn''t press me for details about what had happened, and I was grateful for his discretion.

    When we reached Maple Grove, he escorted me to the door of my residence. From his pocket, he produced a small paper bag.

    "Herb ointments," he exined, handing it to me. "Get some rest."

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. ckwood," I said, my emerald eyes meeting his. The gratitude in my voice was genuine.

    He nodded once, then turned to leave, his tall figure disappearing into the night. I watched him go, wondering why this powerful Alpha hade to my rescue.

    Inside my home, I headed straight for the bathroom, peeling off my detention- center clothes with shaking hands. I stepped into the shower, turning the water as hot as I could bear.

    The warmth cascaded over my battered body, washing away the physical remnants of my ordeal. But the emotional scars remained, raw and throbbing beneath the surface.

    After drying off, I stood before the bathroom mirror, examining my reflection. My face was bruised and swollen, evidence of the Crescent Sisters'' brutality.

    Ethan had orchestrated this. He had arranged for those women to be in my cell, to teach me a lesson for daring to stand up to Victoria.

    My grip tightened on the herb ointment Lucas had given me. I exhaled slowly, forcing my fingers to rx before applying the soothing balm to my injuries. Chapter 25 Unexpected Rest

    Point?

    Each touch brought a stinging pain, followed by blessed numbness. When I finished, I crawled

    into bed, my body craving rest to heal.

    Sleep imed me quickly, but it didn''tst. A ringing phone jolted me awake. The

    screen showed an unknown number.

    I almost ignored it, too exhausted to deal with another confrontation. Then a knock sounded

    at my door.

    "Delivery, called a voice from outside.

    Confused and wary, I answered the phone. "You have the wrong address," I said,

    my voice still rough from screaming in the detention center. "I didn''t order

    anything."

    "A Mr. ckwood ordered it for you," replied the delivery person.

    Mr. ckwood? Lucas ckwood had sent me food?

    I approached the door cautiously, opening it just enough to see the delivery person holding arge paper bag. The appetizing aroma of venison steak and herb-roasted vegetables wafted

    toward me.

    I epted the bag with murmured thanks, closing the door quickly. The food was exactly to

    my taste-how had he known?

    A flicker of warmth touched my heart, surprising me after the coldness I''d endured. I picked up

    my phone, intending to thank Lucas, then realized we hadn''t exchanged numbers.

    As I set the phone down, I noticed an order slip attached to the bag. At the bottom

    was a

    handwritten phone number with a note: ¡°Call me anytime if you need anything.¡± Instead of calling, I texted: [Mr. ckwood, I received the food. Thank you.]

    A momentter, a simple reply came: [Yes].

    I decided not to disturb him further and began to eat, my body grateful, for the nourishment.

    The venison was perfectly cooked, tender and vorful.

    Downstairs, unbeknownst to me, Lucas sat in his car. He saved my number in his

    phone, his eyes asionally ncing up at my window.

    (Victoria''s POV)

    The medical staff had spent hours removing ss fragments from my legs.

    Though the cuts

    weren''t deep, each shard had to be painstakingly extracted from my flesh.

    Iy in the hospital bed at the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den, bundled in nkets,

    my face pale

    Chapter 25 Laveerpectant Stre

    from the ordeal. My hands clenched beneath the covers as 1 recalled Ether''s

    phone call

    He''d only detained Olivia for a few hours, and he was already calling his assistant, Mezzed Chen, to go to the detention center. The weakness of his resolve infuriated me.

    The door opened, and I instantly rearranged my features into an expression of fragile vulnerability. Ethan entered, looking tired after putting Emma to sleep in the adpcent room.

    "Ethan," I said, my voice trembling with practiced distress, "It''s just a small injury,

    be tie Olivia has been locked up for hours now. Maybe... maybe we should just let

    it go. I was ups acted impulsively when I called the authorities"

    His expression softened as he approached my bedside. "I''ll handle it he assured

    me, "Yos

    just rest."

    His phone rang, interrupting our moment. He nced at the screen-Maxwell Chen,

    Ethan stepped onto the balcony to answer, but I could still hear his authoritative tone. "Hes she calmed down? Put her on the phone, he demanded.

    I strained to hear Maxwell''s response, but his voice was too faint. Whatever he

    said mede Ethan''s shoulders stiffen.

    (Maxwell''s POV)

    I stood outside the Shadowfall Detention Center, my breath forming clouds in the

    cool night air. Minutes ago, I''d informed Chief Garrison that Mr. Stone was

    dropping the charges against his wife.

    I was toote.

    "Mr. Stone, Mrs. Winters has already been bailed out by Mr. ckwood, I reported carefully, knowing how my boss would react to this news,

    The silence on the other end was deafening, I could almost feel the temperature

    drop through the connection.

    "ckwood?" Ethan finally responded, his voice dangerously quiet.

    "Yes, sir. Lucas ckwood personally handled the bail procedure about an hour

    ago

    Another pause, longer this time. I waited, knowing better than to fill the silence with unnecessary words.

    "Where is she now? Ethan asked eventually,

    "They left together in his car, I believe he took her back to Maple Grove

    Chapter 28 doespected Rest

    I heard Ethan''s sharp intake of breath at the mention of Lucas taking Olivia home.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    The ice water from the detention center had seeped deep into my bones. Despite

    Lucas''s

    thoughtfulness in providing a hairdryer, my weakened immune system couldn''t fight off the

    chill.

    A burning fever consumed me shortly after I fell asleep. Sweat stered my hair

    to my temples, my face flushed crimson with heat.

    I tossed restlessly beneath the covers, small whimpers escaping my lips as fever

    dreams took

    hold. In my delirium, I called for Lily, reaching out for a daughter who was no

    longer there.

    A cool hand touched my forehead, bringing momentary relief from the burning

    heat.

    Instinctively, I leaned into theforting coolness.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 26

    Chapter 70 Wound and

    Chapter 26: Wounds and Memories

    Chapter 26 Wounds and Memories

    (Olivia''s POV)

    Pain shot through my face as I shifted in bed. I identally brushed against my bruised cheek.

    "Ow-"I recoiled. The sharp sting cleared the fog of fever from my mind.

    The bedsidemp clicked on, bathing the room in soft golden light. I squinted against the brightness. My vision slowly focused on Ethan''s face hovering above me.

    His amber eyes narrowed as they traced the stark bruises marring my skin, His jaw tightened with tension. A muscle twitched beneath the surface of his skin.

    Without a word, he turned and left the room. His footsteps echoed down the hallway, heavy and purposeful.

    Through my fever haze, I heard him on the phone. His voice was a dangerous, controlled whisper that sent chills through me despite my feverish state.

    "Maxwell, I need you to find out whoid a hand on Olivia Winters in Shadowfall Detention Center."

    A pause followed as he listened to his special assistant''s response. My heart raced despite my exhaustion, wondering what he nned to do.

    "Take care of them inside, a hundredfold," hemanded coldly. The deadly promise in his voice made me shudder. This was the merciless Alpha King that other packs feared.

    The floorboards creaked as he returned to the room. He held a small bottle of Moonberry Fever Reducer in one hand and a ss of water in the other. He set both on the nightstand before carefully sitting on the edge

    of the bed.

    "Open your mouth," he instructed, uncapping the fever reducer. "Take the medicine."

    Those simple words triggered something dark inside me. Suddenly, I wasn''t in my bedroom anymore.

    I was eight years old again, huddled in that dank orphanage basement corner. The head caretaker loomed over me with that sickening smile.

    "Take your medicine, little wolf," he''d cooed, eyes glinting with malice. "It will make you feel better."

    I''d been naive enough to believe him then. I opened my mouth obediently. The bitter liquid burned going down, leaving me disoriented and weak.

    Too weak to fight back when the whip came down across my back. Too weak to escape the predatory gaze

    that followed.

    "No," I whispered now, clenching my jaw shut. My entire body trembled as I pressed against the headboard,

    I putting distance between Ethan and myself.

    Understanding flickered in his eyes. Without warning, he ced the medicine in his own mouth.

    Before I could process what was happening, his lips descended on mine. I whimpered in protest, struggling

    weakly against his chest, pushing at him with what little strength I had.

    He deepened the kiss, ignoring my resistance. One hand cradled the back of my head to hold me still while

    <

    Chapter 26 Wounds

    the other pressed firmly against my lower back.

    "Swallow," he murmured against my lips. His thumb stroked my throat to encourage the reflexive action, leaving me no choice.

    The medicine slid down my throat with his breath. When he finally pulled away, something unexpected flickered in his eyes - desire that hadn''t been there in years.

    His gaze lingered on my flushed skin, traveling down to where my sweat-soaked nightgown clung to my body. The intensity of his stare made me feel exposed and vulnerable.

    "You need dry clothes," he said, his voice husky with an emotion I couldn''t name. "You''ll get sicker otherwise

    I was too weak to protest as he helped me into a fresh nightgown. His fingers brushed against my skin with surprising gentleness, leaving trails of heat that had nothing to do with my fever.

    Each touch sent conflicting signals through my fevered body. Comfort and danger intertwined in a confusing

    dance that left me breathless.

    Hours passed in a blur of half-consciousness. The medicine gradually took effect, cooling the fire raging

    through my veins,

    I drifted in and out of awareness, barely registering the world around me. I

    vaguely noticed Ethan''s presence

    beside the bed, his watchful gaze never leaving my face.

    The cool sensation of something being applied to my face roused me from fitful sleep. I blinked slowly, trying

    to focus my thoughts.

    The distinctive scent of Dr. Harold Bet''s Rare Healing Salve filled my nostrils. This wasn''t just any

    medicine - this was the exclusive remedy avable only to the Stone family and their closest associates.

    The familiar herbal aroma transported me back to the Silvercrest Medical Den, I''d received the same treatment after injuring my hand during healer training with Elder Willow.

    Ethan''s fingers moved with surprising gentleness across my bruised cheek. He applied the salve in careful, circr motions, his touch lighter than I would have expected.

    When our eyes met, he broke the charged silence between us. His question cut through the quiet room like a

    de.

    "Was it so hard to ask me for help?" he asked, his voice deceptively soft. The implication was clear-my

    detention center ordeal could have been avoided if I''d sought his protection.

    His words ignited something fierce within me. It burned through thest remnants

    of fever-induced weakness, recing it with white-hot rage.

    "Ethan Stone, I would ask anyone but you," I spat, venomcing every syble. My emerald eyes zed with fury as I knocked his hand away from my face. "Don''t pretend to care. I don''t need it."

    His expression hardened instantly. The brief tenderness vanished as if it had never existed.

    "You''re being ungrateful," he said, his tone clipped and cold.

    "Ungrateful?" I scoffed, a bitterugh escaping my lips. My eyes burned with a cold fire as I red at him. "You throw me to those women and then offer healing salve, and I should be grateful?¡±

    "I didn''t arrange that," he insisted, his amber eyes narrowing dangerously. "I had nothing to do with what

    0000

    RV

    Chapte

    Wonde

    happened to you in that cell"

    His denial caught me off guard. For a moment, doubt flickered through my mind, making me wonder if Id

    misjudged him.

    Could he be telling the truth? The thought quickly extinguished itself under the weight of years experiencing

    his deception and neglect.

    ¡°Does it make a difference?" I challenged, pushing myself to a sitting position despite my body''s protest. "If it wasn''t you, then who else could it be besides Victoria?"

    The mention of Victoria''s name was like lighting a match near gasoline. Ethan''s expression darkened dangerously, his eyes shing with barely contained rage. "Where''s Lily?" he demanded abruptly, changing the subject with jarring suddenness. His voice dropped to a dangerous whisper.

    The question knocked the breath from my lungs. After everything that had happened, he was still clinging to

    this delusion about our daughter

    "I told you," I whispered, my voice breaking on each word. "She''s gone."

    His control snapped. In one fluid motion, he yanked me from the bed. His grip bruised my wrist as he dragged

    me into the hallway.

    My weakened legs could barely keep up as he pulled me toward Lily''s room. Each step was a struggle, but his relentless pace gave me no choice but to follow.

    The door crashed open under his forceful push. He shoved me inside with enough force that I stumbled,

    nearly falling.

    His hand moved to grip the back of my neck as he forced me to look around the empty space that had once been our daughter''s bedroom. His fingers tightened painfully.

    "You brought me here, told me Lily''s ashes were in this room," he hissed. His voice dripped with icy contempt as his grip tightened further. "Where are they,

    Olivia?"

    Tears welled in my eyes. They blurred my vision as I stared at the room where my daughter had once slept,

    had onceughed, had once lived.

    The room now stood empty. A shrine to a life cut tragically short.

    "Lily..." My voice cracked as I choked out the words. Each one was a dagger to

    my heart, reopening wounds that had barely begun to heal. "She was buried

    today...

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    190

    Vote

 The Alpha King is unavailable 27

    Chapter 27: Denied Truth and Hidden Secrets

    Chapter 27: Denied Truth and Hidden Secrets

    (Olivia''s POV)

    His body went rigid. The muscles in his jaw tightened as he turned to face me.

    "Don''t you dare curse our daughter," he growled, his amber eyes shing with fury.

    My heart shattered into a thousand pieces. Even now, faced with the emptiness of Lily''s room, he refused to

    ept the truth.

    "Look," I said, gesturing weakly toward Lily''s Memorial Portrait on the nightstand. "Look at her eyes, Ethan

    The portrait captured our daughter''s sweet face, her innocent smile forever frozen in time. But it was her eyes that spoke volumes gazing directly at where her father should have been.

    "Herst wish was for you to be there," I continued, tears streaming down my face. "She wanted her daddy at

    her side for her final journey."

    Ethan''s gaze flickered to the portrait, then quickly away. Something passed across his face ¨C pain, perhaps, or the briefest moment of recognition - before hardening into cold denial.

    "Stop manipting me," he snarled. "This is just another one of your pathetic attempts to get my attention."

    I stared at him in disbelief. How could he twist my grief into something so selfish?

    "Our daughter is dead, Ethan," I said, my voice breaking. "She died alone in that hospital bed while you were

    with Victoria and Emma. The least you could do is acknowledge her now."

    His nostrils red. "You''re lying."

    "The funeral home has her body," I pressed on, desperate to break through his denial. "They''re waiting for your signature to proceed with the burial arrangements."

    "Enough!" he roared, his Alpha voice reverberating through the small room.

    I flinched but stood my ground. "She was your daughter too," I whispered. "Don''t let her memory fade without

    honoring her properly"

    Something dangerous shed in his eyes. His control snapped.

    "I said ENOUGH!" Ethan bellowed, shoving me away with such force that I stumbled backward.

    In his rage, he yanked at his Ancestral Moonstone Amulet, the jade pendant he always wore. The chain broke, sending the precious heirloom flying through the air,

    Time seemed to slow as the pendant arced toward me. It struck my temple with surprising force, the sh. edge cutting into my skin..

    The moment the amulet touched me, a strange sensation washed over me. A fleeting, iplete memory flickered through my mind a child''sughter, a sh of amber eyes, a promise whispered in the darkness.

    Blood trickled down my face as I stared at the pendant now lying on the floor between us. The memory faded as quickly as it had appeared, leaving me disoriented and confused.

    0000 #R

    Cluster 27 Deind

    Ethan lunged forward, snatching the amulet from the ground. His movements were frantic as he examined it for damage before slipping it back around his neck.

    Without another word, he turned and stormed out of the room. The door mmed behind him with such force that Lily''s portrait trembled on the nightstand.

    I copsed onto my daughter''s bed, my body shaking with sobs. The sheets still held the faintest trace of her scent - the gentlevender soap she had loved so much.

    I curled into myself, clutching her pillow to my chest. The physical pain from my injuries was nothingpared to the agony of Ethan''s continued denial,

    How could he refuse to acknowledge what was right in front of him? How could he dishonor Lily''s memory

    this way?

    My tears soaked into the pillow as exhaustion imed me. The emotional toll of the confrontation,bined

    with my still-healing injuries, pulled me into a restless sleep.

    In my dreams, I saw a young girl with emerald green eyes ¨C a child who looked remarkably like I had at that age. She wore the same jade pendant that Ethan treasured so fiercely.

    A boy approached her, his face blurred and indistinct. He ced an identical pendant in her small hand. closing her fingers around it.

    "Wait for me," he whispered, his voice achingly familiar yet impossible to ce.

    The girl nodded solemnly, clutching the pendant to her chest. "I promise," she replied.

    I woke with a gasp, my nightgown drenched in sweat. The dream clung to me, its details already fading but leaving behind a sense of profound importance.

    Why had the child looked so much like me? And why had she worn Ethan''s family heirloom?

    I pressed my palms against my eyes, trying to make sense of the strange vision. It felt like a memory, yet I had no recollection of such an encounter from my childhood at the orphanage.

    take effe

    My head throbbed painfully, the cut from the pendant adding to my difort. I reached for the bottle of sleeping pills on Lily''s nightstand left there from the many nights I''d spent at her bedside during her illness.

    I swallowed one dry, desperate for dreamless sleep. As the medication began to take effect, my mind continued to circle around the mysterious connection between the pendant, the dream, and my own past.

    (Victoria''s POV)

    The morning sun felt glorious on my skin as I sat in the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den''s garden. My discharge papers had been processed, and I was simply waiting for Ethan to pick me up.

    The cuts from the champagne fountain incident were healing nicely, though I''d made sure the medical staff documented every scratch. Evidence of Olivia''s violence would serve me well.

    "Enjoying the sunshine, Mrs. Frost?"

    I froze at the sound of that sleazy voice. Rnd Warner stood before me, his cheap suit hanging loosely from

    his frame. His bloodshot eyes and the sour smell of alcohol told me he''d been drinking.

    "What are you doing here?" I hissed, ncing around nervously. "This is a private medical facility."

    Rnd''s lips curved into an unpleasant smile. "I need another hundred thousand," he said bluntly. "By

    24

    <

    Chapter 27 Bened Truths

    tomorrow."

    Iughed, the sound sharp and dismissive. "We had an agreement. You''ve been paid in full."

    "The price has gone up," he replied, running a hand through his greasy hair. Intion, you know!!

    My eyes narrowed. "Our business is concluded. I suggest you leave before security escorts you out

    Rnd leaned closer, his breath hot against my ear. "What would the Alpha King say if he knew the truth about his precious daughter''s kidney not being a match for your little Emma?"

    Ice flooded my veins. "My daughter needed that kidney," I whispered fiercely. "What mother wouldn''t do. everything possible to save her child?"

    "A noble sentiment," Rnd sneered. "But we both know there''s more to it than maternal instinct.*

    I straightened my spine, meeting his gaze directly. "You have no idea what it''s like," I said, my voice trembling with genuine emotion. "To watch your child suffer while that woman parades around as Luna."

    "That woman?" Rnd raised an eyebrow.

    "Olivia Winters," I spat the name like poison. "She stole everything from me. Five years ago, she drugged Ethan''s wine and seduced him. Their so-called marriage was built on deception"

    Rnd''s eyes widened with interest. "And the child?"

    "A trap," I said bitterly. "A calcted move to secure her position. Ethan would never have chosen her

    otherwise."

    "Yet he married her," Rnd pointed out.

    I clenched my fists. "He had no choice. The packws demanded it once she was

    pregnant."

    Rnd studied me for a moment. That''s quite a story,¡± he said finally. ¡°But it doesn''t change the fact that I know what really happened with the kidney transnt."

    My heart stuttered in my chest. ¡°What are you talking about?"

    He smiled, revealing yellowed teeth. "My wife Patricia was a perfect match for Lily Winters. The tests

    confirmed it. Yet somehow, those results were altered, and the kidney went to your daughter instead."

    Panic wed at my throat. "You can''t prove anything."

    "Can''t 17" Rnd pulled out his phone, disying a medical document. "Copies

    of the original test results

    make forpelling evidence. I wonder what Dr. Fletcher would say if questioned

    under oath?"

    My hands shook as I reached for my purse. "How much do you want?" I whispered, defeat coloring my voice

    "I told you. Another hundred thousand," he replied, pocketing his phone.

    The sound of tires on gravel made my blood run cold. Ethan''s ck SUV pulled into the parking lot visible from the garden.

    "Leave. Now, I hissed at Rnd, my heart racing with fear. "I will give you the money this afternoon."

    Rnd merely smirked, taking his time as he strolled toward the garden exit. I watched in horror as Ethan

    emerged from his vehicle, his tall figure cutting an imposing silhouette against the morning light.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 28

    Chapter 28: Desperate Measures

    Chapter 28: Desperate Measures

    (Victoria''s POV)

    "Remember," he hissed over his shoulder, "no tricks. I need that money by afternoon"

    One hundred thousand dors was nothingpared to what Ethan provided monthly.

    Ever since Emma''s knife attack by that deranged Derek Savage, Ethan had covered all her medical expenses

    without question. His generosity toward us had only Increased after the incident. "You''ll get it," I replied coolly, watching him hurry toward the exit.

    His timing couldn''t have been worse. Ethon was already striding across the garden, his powerful frame

    casting a long shadow over the medicinal nts. His amber eyes scanned the area with predatory alertness

    "Who was that?" he asked,ing to stand beside me. His protective presence immediately surrounded me

    like a shield.

    I ced my hand on his arm, my touch deliberately gentle. "Just someone asking for directions to the emergency section," I lied smoothly. "He seemed confused about the Medical Den''syout."

    Ethan''s gaze lingered on Rnd''s retreating figure. For a moment, I feared he might follow the man, but then

    The turned his attention back to me.

    "Are you feeling better?" he asked, his voice softening as he examined my healing

    cuts.

    "Much better," I assured him, leaning into his touch. The doctors say I can go home today."

    He nodded, offering me his arm. "I''ve brought the car around. Emma is waiting at home with her nanny"

    As we walked toward the exit, I couldn''t help but smile. Ethan Stone, the most powerful Alpha in the Northern

    Territories, was escorting me like a precious treasure while his actual mate was nowhere to be seen.

    The thought of Olivia alone at Maple Grove filled me with satisfaction. Soon, with Rnd Warner''s evidence silenced, nothing would stand between me and what I deserved.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I woke with a pounding headache, my mouth dry as sand. The sleeping remedy had knocked me out for nearly a full day, judging by the evening light filtering through my curtains.

    My stomach growled painfully, reminding me that I hadn''t eaten since before my confrontation with Ethan. The memory of his denial about Lily''s death sent a fresh wave of grief through me.

    I forced myself out of bed, wincing as my bruises protested the movement. After a quick shower, I headed out

    to find food, too exhausted to cook.

    The small restaurant near Maple Grove offered excellent venison stew. I sat in a corner booth,

    spoonful as warmth spread through my body.

    ng each

    "More bread, Mrs. Winters?" the waitress asked, her eyes widening slightly at the sight of my bruised face.

    I nodded, grateful for her discretion. Thank you."

    0000

    Chapter 20 Besperate Me

    By the time I finished eating, darkness had fallenpletely. I paid my bill and stepped outside, pulling my jacket tighter against the cool evening air.

    The walk back to my apartment wasn''t long, but the poorly lit path between buildings made me uneasy. I had barely taken twenty steps when I heard it footsteps behind me

    My heart rate elerated instantly. The memory of Darius Reed''s attack in Shadow Alley shed through my

    mind

    I slipped my hand into my bag, fingers closing around the small dagger I now carried everywhere. The metal felt reassuringly solid against my palm.

    The footsteps continued, matching my pace exactly, I stopped abruptly and spun around, dagger hidden but

    ready.

    There was no one there.

    The path behind me stretched empty and silent. A chill ran down my spine that had nothing to do with the

    night air.

    ¡°Hello?¡± I called, my voice steady despite my racing pulse. Is anyone there?"

    Only silence answered me.

    I turned and continued walking, more quickly now. Within seconds, the footsteps resumed - slightly faster, matching my increased pace.

    My in

    My instincts screamed danger. I broke into a run, not caring how it might look to anyone watching.

    The footsteps behind me elerated too.

    Relief flooded through me when my apartment building came into view. I fumbled with my key card at the entrance, swiping it frantically against the reader.

    The door unlocked with a click. I rushed inside, turning immediately to look through the ss door.

    The path outside remained empty. No shadowy figure, no obvious threat. Yet my senses told me someone was watching, waiting.

    I hurried to the elevator, pressing the button repeatedly as if that would make it arrive faster. When the doors finally opened, I practically fell Inside, jabbing my floor number.

    As the elevator rose, I leaned against the wall, trying to calm my racing heart. Perhaps I was being paranoid after everything that had happened

    The elevator dinged as it reached my floor. I stepped out cautiously, scanning the hallway before proceeding

    to my apartment door.

    My hands shook slightly as I inserted my key into the lock. The door swung open, revealing the dark interior

    of my home.

    I stepped inside quickly, prepared to m the door shut behind me. Before I

    could, a man''s hand hot out, palm mming against the wood.

    "Not so fast, Mrs. Winters," a rough voice said.

    I tried to force the door closed, but he was stronger. He pushed his way inside, his

    bulky frame blocking my

    escape route

    "Get out! I shouted, pulling the dagger from my bag and holding it before me "Leave now or call security

    The man raised his hands slightly, though his posture remained threatening "I think you''ll want to hear what!

    have to say first."

    Under the apartment lights, I recognized him - Rnd Warner, the gambling addict whose wife had been a potential kidney donor for Lily

    "What do you want? I demanded, keeping the dagger pointed at him.

    Rnd''s bloodshot eyes fixed on me. I have information about your daughter''s death. Information you''d pay

    to hear"

    My heart stuttered in my chest. "What information?"

    "The truth about who deliberately redirected your daughter''s kidney donor," he said, his voice dropping lower "The truth about who caused Lily''s death."

    My grip on the dagger faltered. "Tell me," I whispered.

    Rnd''s lips curved into an unpleasant smile. "One hundred thousand dors. That''s my price"

    "I''ll pay it," I said immediately, not even hesitating. "Just tell me what you know."

    He shook his head. "Money first, information after."

    "How do I know you''re telling the truth?" I challenged.

    Rnd reached into his pocket, producing a folded document. "Medical records showing my wife was a perfect match for Lily. Yet somehow the kidney went to Emma Frost instead."

    I stared at the paper, my vision blurring with tears and rage. "Victoria," I whispered. "She did this." "Smart woman," Rnd nodded. "I need the money by Friday. Cash or bank transfer, I don''t care which." He handed me a small card with

    his bank details. Two days, Mrs. Winters. Don''t disappoint me."

    With that, he turned and left, closing the door behind him.

    I sank to the floor, clutching the card in my trembling hand. One hundred

    thousand dors - where would I get that kind of money in two days?

    The next forty-eight hours passed in a blur of desperate phone calls and rejected

    loan applications. My status as Luna meant nothing without Ethan''s backing.

    By Friday morning, I was no closer to raising the money. In desperation, I remembered Lucas ckwood''s

    offer of help.

    I dialed his number, my heart pounding as it rang. Once, twice, three times - no

    answer.

    "Please," I whispered to the empty room. "I need this."

    With no other options, I decided to go directly to ckwood Pack Enterprises. The receptionist informed me that Lucas was attending a g at the Howling Moon Grand Hotel that evening.

    I rushed home, pulling my Vintage Moonlight Gown from the back of my closet. The emerald fo slightly with age, but it would have to do.

    ad faded

    Rain poured from the sky as my taxi approached the hotel. I paid the driver and stepped out, immediately

    soaked by the downpour.

    The grand entrance of the Howling Moon was illuminated by elegant crystal chandeliers visible through the ss doors, Security guards nked the entrance, checking invitations.

    "Invitation, ma''am?" one asked as I approached.

    "I don''t have one," I admitted, water dripping from my hair onto my shoulders. "But

    I desperately need to speak

    with Lucas ckwood. It''s urgent."

    The guard''s expression hardened. "No invitation, no entry. Those are the rules."

    "Please," I begged, my voice breaking. "I only need five minutes of his time. It''s a

    matter of life and death."

    I''m sorry, ma''am, but-

    "Is there a problem here?" a new voice Interrupted.

    The security staff immediately straightened. "Alpha King Stone! Good evening,

    sir."

    My heart sank as I turned to see Ethan and Victoria arriving together. They made

    a striking pair ¨C Ethan in his tailored suit and Victoria resplendent in her Full Moon Haute Couture Gown,

    Maxwell Chen held an umbre over Victoria, shielding her from the rain that was soaking me to the bone.

    Ethan''s eyes narrowed when he saw me standing there. "What are you doing here?" he asked, his voice carrying the unmistakable authority of an Alpha.

    The security guard looked between us, clearly recognizing our connection despite

    our estrangement. "Sir, if

    she''s with you-" "She''s not," Ethan cut him off coldly. "And I don''t want to see her inside."

    Victoria''s lips curved into a triumphant smile as she took Ethan''s arm. Together,

    they walked past me into the prestigious event, leaving me standing in the rain.

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    00.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 29

    Chapter 29: Blood Trails

    Chapter 29: Blood Trails

    (Olivia''s POV)

    Victoria''s triumphant smirk burned into me as she glided past on Ethan''s arm. Their perfect silhouettes disappeared through the grand entrance of the Howling Moon Grand Hotel, leaving me standing alone in the downpour.

    Rain cascaded down my face, mingling with tears I refused to acknowledge. My Vintage Moonlight Gown, once a source of pride, now clung to my skin like a cold, heavy shroud.

    I remained rooted to the spot, water pooling around my feet. The security guards exchanged ufortable nces but maintained their positions

    "Ma''am, you should find shelter," one of them suggested, his voice barely audible over the drumming rain.

    I shook my head. Tm waiting for Alpha ckwood."

    Minutes stretched into what felt like hours. My teeth began to chatter as the cold seeped through my soaked gown into my bones. Still, I stood my ground.

    "Mrs. Winters."

    I turned to find Maxwell Chen approaching, his expression professionally neutral as he extended an umbre over my head. The sudden reprieve from the rain felt like a small mercy.

    "Alpha Stone has instructed me to offer you transportation back to Maple Grove," he said formally.

    I lifted my chin, summoning what dignity I could muster while dripping wet. "That won''t be necessary. I''m waiting for someone."

    Maxwell''s eyebrow twitched slightly. The Alpha insists."

    "And I refuse," I replied, my voice surprisingly steady. "Please thank your Alpha for his bted concern."

    Maxwell hesitated, clearly torn between his orders and my stubborn refusal. With a sigh, he pulled out his

    phone and stepped away.

    I could hear his murmured conversation despite the rain. "Sir, she''s refusing to leave... Yes, I exined... She

    says she''s waiting for someone... Understood."

    He returned, his expression unchanged. "Alpha Stone says you''re free to catch pneumonia if that''s your preference."

    With that, he retracted the umbre and walked away, leaving me once again exposed to the elements. The

    cold intensified, seeping deeper into my body until my limbs felt numb and heavy.

    Still, I waited.

    The grand hotel doors opened and closed as guests arrived and departed. Each time, I straightened, hoping to see Lucas ckwood''s imposing figure.

    My patience was finally rewarded when a tall man in an impable gray suit emerged from the hotel. Even from a distance, Lucas ckwood''smanding presence was unmistakable.

    OQ

    Cleats 24 Blood Trails

    I rushed forward, calling his name. My numbed legs betrayed me, and I stumbled on the slick pavement.

    Strong hands caught me before I could fall. The sudden contact sent a jolt through my system - his warmth radiating against my chilled skin.

    "Mrs. W

    Winters," Lucas said, his voice deep and concerned. ¡°You''re freezing."

    I pulled away quickly, embarrassed by our proximity. "I apologize for the intrusion, Alpha ckwood. I needed

    to speak with you urgently."

    His prating gaze took in my soaked appearance and trembling form. Without

    a word, he removed his suit jacket and draped it over my shoulders.

    "My car is waiting." he said, guiding me with gentle but firm pressure toward a sleek ck vehicle idling at

    the curb.

    The interior of the car enveloped me in blessed warmth. Lucas slid in beside me and instructed his driver to

    turn up the heat.

    "Here," he said, offering me a thermos from apartment in the door. "It''s tea."

    I epted gratefully, my hands shaking so badly I could barely unscrew the cap. The hot liquid burned my

    throat in the most wonderful way, gradually restoring feeling to my extremities. "Thank you," I whispered, clutching the thermos like a lifeline.

    Lucas waited patiently as I gathered my thoughts. The kindness in his eyes gave me courage.

    "I need to borrow eighty thousand dors, I blurted out, then winced at my directness. "I wouldn''t ask if it

    wasn''t absolutely necessary."

    To my surprise, he didn''t seem shocked by my request. "May I ask what it''s for?"

    I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "Information about my daughter''s death. Information that could prove

    someone deliberately prevented her from receiving a kidney transnt."

    Lucas''s expression darkened. "Victoria Frost."

    It wasn''t a question. I nodded slowly, wondering how he had made the connection so quickly.

    Without another word, Lucas pulled out his phone and tapped the screen several times. "What''s your ount

    number?"

    I stared at him, momentarily speechless. "You''re... you''re going to lend me the money? Just like that?"

    A small smile touched his lips. "Consider it an investment in justice."

    Relief washed over me as I recited my ount details. Within moments, my phone pinged with a transfer

    notification.

    "Thank you," I whispered, my voice thick with emotion. "I''ll pay you back, I promise."

    Lucas waved away my gratitude. "Now, tell me about this information."

    I quickly exined about Rnd Warner and his im regarding Lily''s redirected kidney do. As I spoke, I dialed Rnd''s number to arrange an immediate meeting.

    "I have the money" I told him when he answered. "Where can we meet?"

    "The alley behind Moonstone Dining Hall in thirty minutes," Rnd replied, his

    voice tense. "Come alone."

    I ended the call and looked at Lucas. "I need to go."

    "I''ll drive you," he said, his tone brooking no argument.

    Twenty-five minutester, we sat in Lucas''s car near the designated meeting spot. Rain continued to fall,

    though less heavily now.

    "He should be here by now" I said, checking the time nervously.

    As if on cue, a phone rang from somewhere nearby. The sound echoed in the empty street,ing from an

    alley to our right.

    Lucas and I exchanged concerned nces. When the ringing stopped, a sense

    of foreboding settled over me.

    "Stay here," Lucas instructed, reaching for the door handle.

    I ignored him, pushing my door open. Tming with you."

    The alley was poorly lit, shadows stretching across the wet pavement. We moved cautiously forward,

    following the faint glow of a phone screen.

    The sight that greeted us turned my blood to ice. Rnd Warnery sprawled on

    the ground, a pool of blood spreading beneath him. His phoney beside his outstretched hand, the screen still illuminated from my

    recent call.

    "Oh my God," I gasped, rushing to kneel beside him.

    Rnd''s eyes fluttered open at my approach, Blood bubbled from his lips as he

    tried to speak.

    "Who did this to you?" I asked, pressing my hands against the wound in his abdomen.

    Lucas was already on his phone, calling for an ambnce. Behind him, a man appeared - Lucas''s assistant.

    who must have been following at a discreet distance

    "Help me lift him," Lucasmanded, and together they raised Rnd slightly to apply pressure to the

    wound

    I fumbled with my phone, frantically essing my banking app. Tm transferring

    the money now, Rnd. Please, tell me who was responsible for redirecting Lily''s kidney donor."

    Rnd''s bloodshot eyes focused on me with effort. "V-Victoria..." he began, blood spilling from his mouth

    with eachbored breath.

    "Victoria Frost?" I pressed, desperate for confirmation. ¡°She arranged for the kidney to go to Emma instead?"

    He t

    tried to nod, his body convulsing with a wet cough. More blood spattered across

    his shirt.

    "Stay with me, Rnd, I begged, showing him my phone screen. "Look, the transfer isplete. Tell me exactly what happened. I need proof."

    His lips moved, forming words I couldn''t hear. I leaned closer, straining to catch

    his whispered confession.

    With a final, bloody cough, Rnd''s eyes rolled back. His body went limp in Lucas''s arms

    "No!" I cried, shaking his shoulder. "Rnd, please!"

    Sirens wailed in the distance, growing louder as the ambnce approached.

    Within minutes, paramedics

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    7

    0

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    Chapter 29. Blood trads

    swarmed the alley, pushing us aside to work on Rnd.

    "Is he going to make it?" I asked one of them as they loaded him into the

    ambnce

    "We''re doing everything we can," was all she would say.

    I turned to Lucas, panic rising in my chest. "I need to go with them. He''s the only

    one who knows the truth"

    Lucas nodded, already guiding me toward his car. "We''ll follow them to the

    hospital

    The next hours passed in an agonizing blur, I paced the hospital waiting room, ignoring the stares my

    blood stained, still damp gown attracted

    Lucas dealt with the police, his authoritative presence ensuring minimal questioning. When they finally left, he approached me with a shopping bag. "My assistant brought these," he said, offering the bag. "Dry clothes."

    I epted gratefully, disappearing into a bathroom to change. The simple jeans and sweater felt like heaven against my skin after hours in the wet gown.

    When I emerged, Lucas handed me a cup of steaming liquid. "Ginger tea from the

    cafeteria. It should help

    with the chill."

    I wrapped my hands around the warm cup, my gaze fixed on the operating room

    doors. "Thank you."

    Lucas settled into the chair beside me, his calm presence anchoring me as we waited. Neither of us spoke, the silence between us surprisinglyfortable Hourster, the operating room light finally switched off. I leapt to my feet as Dr. Marcus Fletcher emerged, his surgical mask hanging around his neck.

    I rushed toward him, desperation evident in every line of my body. "Dr. Fletcher, please - how is he?"

    Dr. Fletcher''s tired eyes met mine, and my heart plummeted before he even

    spoke.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 30

    Chante 10 Deadly Bevels.

    Chapter 30: Deadly Revtions

    Chapter 30: Deadly Revtions

    (Olivia''s POV)

    "I''m sorry, Mrs. Winters. We''ve done all we could"

    Dr. Fletcher''s words hit me like a physical blow. My legs weakened beneath me,

    and I swayed unsteadily on my feet. If not for Lucas ckwood''s steadying hand on my shoulder, I might have copsed right there in the hospital corridor.

    Am

    you Mrs.

    Mrs. Winters?" Dr. Fletcher asked, his voice softening as he took in my devastated expression.

    "Yes," I managed to whisper, my voice barely audible. I felt drained of all energy, hollow inside

    The truth about my daughter''s death had been within my grasp. Now the only witness was dying, taking his testimony with him to the grave.

    "He''s asking for you," Dr. Fletcher said unexpectedly

    My head snapped up. "What?"

    "Rnd Warner. He regained consciousness briefly and asked to speak with you. He was quite insistent."

    "He''s alive?" I could hardly believe it. "Can I see him?"

    Dr. Fletcher nodded grimly. ¡°Yes, but I must warn you-he doesn''t have much time. Minutes at most"

    I didn''t wait to hear more. I stumbled toward the room he indicated, my heart pounding with desperate hope.

    The medical staff had already left, giving Rnd his final moments of privacy. The room was eerily quiet

    except for the slowing beep of the heart monitor.

    I rushed to Rnd''s side, leaning close. "Rnd, I''ve transferred the one hundred thousand dors to your ount. Tell me, who was it?"

    Rnd''s gaze was already unfocused, his eyes ssy with approaching death. His lips barely moved as he whispered, "It... it was your rival... Victoria... Frost..."

    Hearing Victoria''s name sent a chill through my entire body. My pupils constricted sharply as rage and vindication coursed through me simultaneously.

    Rnd gasped for breath, clearly aware of his limited time. "Your daughter was rushed to the Medical Den for emergency treatment. The healers called my wife, asking her toe..."

    He paused, fighting for each breath. "At that time, Victoria stopped her... She said her daughter Emma was also a match with my wife, and asked my wife to donate the kidney to her daughter, saying Emma''s life depended on it..."

    My hands trembled as I gripped the edge of his bed. Victoria had intercepted Lily''s donor?

    "She offered one hundred thousand dors, and I agreed..." Rnd continued, his voice growing weaker. "1 only found out a few days ago that my wife''s kidney wasn''t a match for Emma at all..."

    His bloodshot eyes widened with the effort tomunicate his final revtion. "Victoria didn''t want to save her own daughter... She wanted Lily dead!"

    <

    dup at Duacily Hev

    A violent cough wracked his body. He grabbed my arm with surprising strength, his eyes wide with terror "This woman, she''s no vicious... Not only did she deliberately kill your daughter... she''s also silencing me

    Blood bubbled at the corner of his mouth. "I merely ckmailed her for a bit of money, and she took my life

    for it''

    His grip on my arm tightened. "You... Don''t let her off...

    With those final words, his hand slipped from my arm and fell limply to the bed. Rnd Warner died with hist eyes wide open, staring at nothing.

    I stood there, frozen, my eyes bloodshot and my body trembling like a leaf in the wind. Rnd''s words echoed in my mind, each revtion more horrifying than thest.

    Lily''s small face appeared before my eyes. My daughter had been so obedient and sensible throughout her illness. If Victoria hadn''t maliciously snatched the kidney donor, Lily could have lived. My daughter could have had a good life ahead of her.

    Victoria!

    My eyes burned with hatred. At that moment, I wanted nothing more than to tear Victoria Frost to pieces with my bare hands

    I rushed out of the room without a backward nce, ignoring Lucas''s voice calling after me. The rain had intensified, but I barely felt it as I burst through the hospital doors.

    The Silvercrest Pack Medical Den was less than two kilometers away from Rosewood Haven, where Victoria lived. Ethan had deliberately chosen that location for Emma''s convenience, never mind that it had made Lily''s treatment more difficult for me.

    I ran through the downpour, each raindrop mingling with my tears of rage. In less than ten minutes, I stood at the entrance of Rosewood Haven,pletely drenched.

    With my bloodshot eyes and wild appearance, I must have looked like a vengeful spirite to im Victoria''s life. And that was exactly what I intended.

    But just a step away from the gate, I stopped.

    Through the ornate iron bars, I could see them. Ethan and Victoria had just returned from the banquet. In the rain, Ethan protectively escorted Victoria to the door, his powerful presence shielding her from the elements.

    Victoria stepped out of Ethan''s embrace and stood on tiptoe to brush the rain off his shoulders. The gesture was intimate, caring. Ethan looked down at her with tenderness and affection that he''d never shown me, not even in our earliest days together.

    This scene was like a bucket of ice water poured over me, chilling me to the bone.

    Memories of the past flooded my mind: Ethan''s unconditional favoritism and trust towards Victoria. The way he always took her side in any dispute. His blind spot when it came to her maniptions.

    Even if I presented the evidence to Ethan now, he wouldn''t believe me. Moreover, the only witr

    I imed that Victoria killed Lily, Ethan would only think I was crazy with grief.

    was dead. If

    Iughed bitterly, my eyes filling with fresh sorrow. With Ethan''s love shielding Victoria, I couldn''t touch her at

    this moment

    §à

    The rain intensified, pounding against my already soaked body. I turned with difficulty, walking back in a

    daze.

    Each step felt like treading on sharp des, the pain piercing my heart. Lily... The thought of my daughter being deliberately killed by Victoria, yet my inability to do anything to her murderer, overwhelmed me with guilt and self-me.

    Tears blurred my vision. My steps grew heavier, and the world around me became increasingly hazy. Thebination of physical exhaustion, emotional trauma, and the cold rain sapped what little strength I had

    left.

    My body weakened, and I copsed in the rain, the cold pavement against my cheek barely registering in my

    consciousness.

    Across the road, a ck luxury SUV that had just arrived screeched to a halt. Through my fading vision, I saw

    the door open.

    Lucas ckwood, disregarding the need for an umbre, rushed across the road towards me. His assistant hurriedly followed with an umbre, but Lucas was already kneeling at my side.

    He declined his assistant''s offer to carry me and scooped me up himself. Thest thing I remembered was the surprising warmth of his arms as he carried me towards his car.

    I slowly opened my eyes in the Medical Den, blinking against the harsh fluorescent lights. My gaze settled on Lucas ckwood, who sat in a chair beside

    my bed. His expression showed concern, though he said nothing.

    I looked at him, a faint smile gracing my lips despite everything. In a hoarse voice,

    I offered my sincere gratitude. "Mr. ckwood, thank you"

    Lucas''s voice was gentler than rd ever heard it. "You don''t have to be so polite with me."

    I didn''t reply. Instead, I sat up in bed and picked up my phone from the bedside table. A notification showed that Rnd Warner''s case had been ssified as an extortion gone wrong. After the authorities closed the investigation, the money had been returned to my ount.

    I immediately transferred the eighty thousand dors back to Lucas, then got out

    of bed and bowed deeply to

    him

    "Mr. ckwood, thank you so much for helping me again and again." Lucas watched me, his raised hand falling back to his side as if he''d intended to

    stop me from bowing but thought better of it. His voice returned to its usual coolness.

    "Mm." Then he turned and left the room without another word.

    Only after the door closed did I slowly straighten up, looking in the direction Lucas had left. Him, I couldn''t afford. Not now, not with everything else I had to deal with.

    I changed my clothes and went toplete the discharge procedures, only to be informed that it had already been done. Another kindness from Lucas, no doubt.

    I left the Medical Den. After the heavy rain, the sky had cleared. The moonlight fell

    on me as I stood outside the building.

    I tilted my head back slightly, basking in the silver glow, yet feeling no warmth at

    all. I clenched my fists. determination hardening within me.

    O <

    Chapter 30 Deadly Heyeta

    Lily, Mommy won''t let the person who harmed you go.

    Watch Ads (0/20) >

 The Alpha King is unavailable 31

    (Olivia''s POV)

    After leaving the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den, I took a taxi

    My phone rang, disrupting my thoughts. Eleanor Stone''s name shed across the

    screen.

    I considered ignoring it but knew that would only make things worse. With a deep breath, I answered.

    "Olivia, you need toe to the Stone Estate immediately. We''re hosting a pack banquet tonight and we''re short-staffed," Eleanor said without preamble, her voice sharp withmand.

    I gritted my teeth. Despite being Ethan''s mate and technically the Luna of the pack, I was treated like a servant by his family.

    Im not feeling well," I began, but Eleanor cut me off.

    "That''s not my problem. Just be here in thirty minutes."

    In the background, I heard a familiar voice-Victoria''s honeyed tones asking Eleanor something about table settings. My blood ran cold.

    "T1l be there," I said, my voice hardening with resolve.

    If Victoria was at the pack house, then that''s exactly where I needed to be. Rnd Warner''s dying words echoed in my mind: "Victoria didn''t want to save her own daughter... She wanted Lily dead!"

    I gged down another taxi, my hands shaking with anger and determination. This was my chance to observe Victoria up close after learning what she''d done to Lily.

    The drive to the Stone Estate felt both too long and too short. I rehearsed what I might say, how I might act, trying to prepare myself for seeing the woman who had murdered my daughter.

    The mansion came into view, its imposing structure looming against the darkening sky. Pack members and

    servants hurried about, preparing for the evening''s banquet.

    I paid the driver and stepped out, smoothing my simple dress. The contrast between my in appearance and the grandeur around me was just another reminder of how I''d been pushed to the margins of pack life.

    Twenty-five minutes after Eleanor''s call, I stepped through the grand entrance of the Silvercrest Pack House. The manor was bustling with activity as servants prepared for the evening''s event.

    I paused in the doorway of the main sitting room, taking in the scene before me. Ethan sat in his favorite armchair, his powerful frame rxed yetmanding. Victoria perched on the sofa beside him,ughing at something he''d said.

    Emma sat on the floor ying with toys, while Eleanor and Isabelle Stone watched her with doting expressions. They looked like the perfect family.

    My family. My ce. My mate.

    The sight of them together sent a wave of nausea through me. How many times had I wished for such a scene with Lily? How many times had Ethan denied our daughter his presence?

    12 R

    - Clupter 37 Kachen Condi

    Victoria noticed me first, her smile faltering slightly before returning with calcted warmth

    "Olivia! There you are," she called, as if we were old friends: "We were just wondering where you''d been"

    I could see the triumph in her eyes. She thought she''d won everything - Ethan, the pack, her position as his

    chosenpanion.

    Eleanor turned, her expression souring at the sight of me "Finally. The kitchen staff needs help"

    Her dismissive tone made my wolf bristle. I was Luna, not a kitchen maid, yet here

    I stood being ordered

    about by Ethan''s aunt.

    Ethan''s amber eyes met mine briefly before sliding away. His indifference cut deeper than any knife

    Isabelle smirked, leaning down to stroke Emma''s hair. "Emma has been asking about her daddy all day. haven''t you, sweetheart?"

    The little girl nodded, looking up at Ethan with adoring eyes. "Daddy promised to take me to Disney next

    week!"

    I froze, memories of Lily begging for the same treat flooding my mind. Ethan had always been too busy for our daughter, yet he made time for Emma without hesitation.

    The pain of this realization nearly brought me to my knees. Lily had asked for so little-just her father''s presence, his attention, his love.

    Victoria, noticing my reaction, twisted the knife deeper. "Speaking of children, where is your little girl today, Olivia? Lily, isn''t it? I haven''t seen her aroundtely."

    The room fell silent. Eleanor and Isabelle exchanged knowing nces, while Ethan''s jaw tightened visibly.

    I could feel the weight of their stares, the cruel anticipation as they waited for me

    howled inside me, demanding justice, demanding blood.

    Instead, I straightened my spine and walked directly to Ethan.

    break down. My wolf

    Without hesitation, I sat down on the arm of his chair and ced my hand over his. "You''re right, Victoria. Lily

    isn''t here anymore."

    My voice remained steady even as rage boiled beneath the surface. Victoria had stolen my daughter''s chance at life, and here she sat, ying innocent.

    I felt Ethan stiffen beneath my touch but didn''t release his hand. Instead, I leaned closer, my thigh pressing against his shoulder in a deliberate disy of intimacy.

    Victoria''s eyes narrowed dangerously. Her perfectly manicured nails dug into the sofa cushion.

    "Olivia,¡± Eleanor snapped, "the kitchen. Now"

    I smiled sweetly, giving Ethan''s hand a final squeeze before standing. "Of course, Eleanor. I know my ce." The double meaning wasn''t lost on anyone in the room. I might be sent to the kitchen, but I was still Ethan''s mate, his Luna.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 32

    As I walked toward the door, I could feel Victoria''s cold gaze burning into my back.

    I kept my Rnd Warner''s dying words giving me strength.

    head high,

    "I''ll take Victoria and Emma to see the new roses in the garden," Isabelle offered, clearly trying to defuse the

    AA

    Chapter 31 Kitchen Cent

    tension.

    Ethan nodded, rising from his chair. "I have business to attend to anyway."

    In the kitchen, I found myself alone. All other servants had been dismissed- Eleanor''s way of ensuring i understood my position in the pack hierarchy.

    I sighed, tying an apron around my waist. The venison for tonight''s main course sat waiting on the cutting

    board.

    As I began chopping, my mind wandered back to Rnd Warner''s revtion. Victoria had deliberately

    Intercepted Lily''s kidney donor, ensuring my daughter''s death while pretending innocence.

    The truth burned inside me like acid. If I revealed what I knew now, who would believe me? The only witness

    was dead.

    My hands trembled slightly as I sliced through the meat, imagining it was Victoria beneath my knife. Each cut was precise, deliberate, satisfying..

    "nning to murder the venison, Olivia?"

    I froze at the sound of Ethan''s voice. I hadn''t heard him enter the kitchen, a testament to how lost Td been in

    my vengeful thoughts.

    He moved closer, his powerful presence filling the space. The heat from his body radiated against my back

    as he stepped behind me.

    "What game are you ying?" he asked, his breath warm against my ear.

    I continued chopping, refusing to acknowledge how his proximity affected me. ¡°I don''t know what you mean."

    My heart raced traitorously. Despite everything, my body still responded to his nearness.

    His hand closed over mine, stilling the knife. "That little disy in the sitting room. Touching me like that in

    front of everyone."

    I could feel the barely contained anger in his grip, the tension in his body. Good. Let him feel something.

    anything.

    I turned to face him, our bodies inches apart. His amber eyes gleamed with something dangerous-anger,

    confusion, desire.

    "Victoria!" The voice called from outside the kitchen. "Victoria was looking for you!

    Of course she was. Victoria always knew when to interrupt, when to pull Ethan back into her orbit.

    I couldn''t help the bitter smile that curved my lips. "You should go. Your real family needs you."

    Ethan''s jaw tightened. "Don''t start this again."

    ¡°Start what? The truth?¡± I challenged, setting down the knife. "You''ve made your choice clear to everyone,

    Ethan. Victoria, Emma-they''re who you want. Not me. Not Lily."

    The words tasted like poison on my tongue, but they needed to be said. For five years, I''d watched him

    prioritize Victoria and Emma over his own family.

    "Lily is gone," he said harshly, his eyes darkening. "And you need to ept that."

    The casual dismissal of our daughter ignited my rage. "Gone because you weren''t there when she needed

    000062

    Chapter 31 tchen Conh

    yout Gone because you were too busy ying father to another woman''s childr

    My voice rose with each word, the pain and anger I''d suppressed for months finally breaking free

    His hands gripped my upper arms, pulling me closer. "You think I don''t care that she''s gone? That I don''t feel

    that loss?"

    "I think you were never there to begin with," I spat. "Even when she was alive, you were Victoria''s shadow, not Lily''s father."

    The truth hung between us, sharp and undeniable. Ethan had been at every one of Emma''s achievements, every milestone, while missing most of Lily''s.

    His grip tightened, not enough to hurt but enough to remind me of the power in his hands. ''Is that what this is about? Are you trying to break up with me, Olivia?

    The question hung between us, charged with unspoken emotions. My eyes locked with his, searching for any sign that he actually cared about my answer. "Haven''t you already agreed to that?" I retorted, leaving him speechless.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 33

    Where had Ethan disappeared to? I had only turned away for a moment to discuss the seating arrangement with Eleanor, and he''d vanished.

    I smoothed my designer dress, irritation flickering across my features. This was supposed to be my night- the celebration of my triumph over Olivia at the Howling Moon Grand Hotel. Yet Ethan had wandered off

    again.

    "Have you seen Alpha Stone?" I asked a passing servant, my voice sweet butmanding.

    The young wolf lowered her eyes respectfully. "I believe he went toward the kitchen, Mrs. Frost"

    The kitchen? Understanding dawned on me. That''s where Eleanor had sent Olivia

    A malicious smile curved my lips as I gestured for Isabelle to follow me. "Let''s go find our Alpha, shall we?"

    Isabelle matched my stride, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. "I can''t believe that woman had the audacity

    to touch Ethan like that in front of everyone."

    "Desperation," I replied with a dismissive wave. "She knows she''s losing him."

    As we approached the kitchen, I slowed my steps, hearing the low rumble of Ethan''s voice from within. Perfect. I wanted to catch them together-to see Olivia put in her ce.

    Inside the kitchen, Ethan''s enhanced werewolf hearing picked up our approaching footsteps. His body tensed

    against Olivia''s as he recognized my scent.

    Victoria''sing," he growled, his amber eyes shing with warning.

    Olivia''s emerald gaze locked with his, defiance radiating from her slender frame. "Let her

    Ethan released his grip on her arms, stepping back just enough to create distance between them. Olivia swayed slightly from the sudden loss of his support, her hand reaching for the counter to steady herself.

    My heels clicked against the marble floor as I drew closer to the kitchen door. Just before I reached it, Olivia

    made her move.

    With deliberate slowness, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Ethan''s muscr torso, pressing her body against his. His jaw tightened, eyes darkening with anger and something else-something that made my blood boil,

    "Olivia Winters, don''t mess around," he growled, the warning in his voice unmistakable.

    But she didn''t release him. Instead, her arms tightened around him as the swung open, reveang

    kitchen door

    their embrace to my shocked gaze.

    I froze in the doorway, Isabelle gasping behind me.

    Ethan''s hands moved to Olivia''s shoulders, pushing her away with barely

    contained frustration. His expression was thunderous as he turned to face me.

    "Victoria," he said, his voice carefully controlled. "I was just leaving"

    + RD

    - Chunter 12 & Taste of He

    Olivia quickly turned back to the cutting board, resuming her work as if nothing had happened. But I wasn''t fooled. I noticed how Ethan''s shirt was partially unbuttoned, revealing a small red mark on his corbone

    My eyes narrowed to dangerous slits. That mark hadn''t been there earlier.

    Isabelle noticed it too, her face contorting with rage. "You shameless woman!" she exploded, storming past me toward Olivia. "How dare you try to seduce the Alpha King right under our noses!"

    Olivia continued chopping venison, her movements precise and controlled. "I don''t know what you''re talking

    about, Isabelle."

    "You worthless woman" Isabelle snarled, stepping closer. "Everyone knows he doesn''t want you anymore.

    You''re just embarrassing yourself!"

    Without warning, Olivia turned and shoved a heaping spoonful of salt directly into Isabelle''s open mouth. Isabelle''s eyes widened in shock as she gagged on the overwhelming taste.

    "Oops," Olivia said calmly. "I thought you needed something to go with all that bitterness."

    Isabelle sputtered and coughed, spitting salt onto the pristine kitchen floor. With a final hateful re, she rushed from the room, still gagging and spitting.

    Ethan watched the scene unfold with an unreadable expression. Then, without a word, he straightened his

    shirt and walked out, brushing past me in the doorway.

    I remained, ring daggers at Olivia''s back. The tension between us crackled like electricity in the air.

    "You think you''ve won something." I hissed, my perfectposure slipping. ¡°But we both know the truth."

    Olivia didn''t respond, her focus seemingly absorbed by the meal preparation. The dismissal only fueled my

    anger.

    "This little game you''re ying-it won''t work," I continued, my voice dropping to a venomous whisper. "He''s already mine."

    With that, I turned and left, my heels striking the floor like punctuation marks to my threat.

    Behind me, alone in the kitchen, Olivia finally paused in her work. She raised trembling fingers to her lips, wiping away the lingering presence of Ethan with the back of her hand.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I arranged the final garnish on the tter of venison, my movements deliberate and precise. The tender meat was perfectly seared,plemented by a reduction of moonlight wine and forest herbs.

    Despite Eleanor''s instructions, I didn''t join the family at the dining table. I couldn''t bear to watch Victoria simper at Ethan while Emma yed the perfect daughter.

    Instead, I slipped out to Matriarch Evelyn Stone''s garden. The elderly former Luna had always shown me kindness, teaching me about the rare healing nts she cultivated here. Though she was away visiting rtives, tending her garden brought me a measure of peace.

    I knelt beside a patch of moonlight herbs, gently removing weeds that threatened

    to choke the delicate nts. The familiar scent of the herbs calmed my racing thoughts.

    "ying gardener now? How fitting"

    Victoria''s mocking voice shattered my brief moment of tranquility. I didn''t look up, continuing my careful work

    An

    2

    Chapter 12 A Taste of He

    among the nts.

    "These herbs need attention," I replied evenly "Unlike some people who receive more than their share"

    Victoria circled around me, her designer heels sinking slightly into the soft garden soil. That little disy in the kitchen was pathetic, you know"

    I remained silent, focusing on a stubborn weed with unusual intensity.

    "You think anyone was fooled?" she continued, her voice dripping with disdain. "Everyone knows you''re just Ethan''s unwanted wife."

    My fingers stilled among the herbs, but I kept my gaze downcast,

    "A pathetic woman who couldn''t even protect her own child."

    My head snapped up, emerald eyes meeting her cold blue ones. "What did you

    say?"

    Victoria''s perfect lips curved into a cruel smile. "You heard me. Poor little Lily, gone because her mother wasn''t good enough."

 The Alpha King is unavailable 34

    I rose slowly to my feet, my entire body trembling with barely contained rage. Rnd Warner''s dying words echoed in my mind: "Victoria didn''t want to save her own daughter... She wanted Lily dead!"

    "You have no right to speak her name," I said, my voice dangerously quiet.

    Victoria stepped closer, emboldened by my restraint. "It''s almost poetic, isn''t it? You lose your daughter, while

    Emma thrives under Ethan''s protection. The daughter he actually loves."

    The p echoed through the garden like a thunderp, the force of it snapping Victoria''s head to the side.

    Her perfectly manicured hand flew to her reddening cheek, shock written across her features.

    "You" she gasped, but I cut her off by stepping closer, my emerald eyes cold as ice.

    "This is just the beginning!" I warned, my voice barely above a whisper,

    I turned and walked away, leaving her stunned in the garden. My hand stung from the impact, but satisfaction coursed through my veins. It was a small victory, but it tasted sweet nheless.

    Behind me, I heard small footsteps running toward Victoria.

    "Mommy! What happened?" Emma''s childish voice called out.

    I didn''t turn back, but I could imagine Victoria gathering Emma into her arms, using the child as both shield

    and weapon.

    "It''s nothing, sweetheart, Victoria soothed, but her voice carried to me on the evening breeze. "That meandy hurt Mommy, but don''t worry. We''ll make her sorry"

    Emma''s response was too quiet for me to hear, but I felt a chill run down my spine nheless. Victoria was dangerous enough, but I''d learned that her daughter could be equally maniptive.

    (Emma''s POV)

    I watched the meandy walk away from my mommy. Her red handprint was still

    on Mommy''s cheek, and it made my tummy feel all twisted and hot.

    Nobody was allowed to hurt my mommy. Not ever.

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    III 0 <

    Chapter 32 A tanker

    Thate her," I whispered, hugging Mommy tight. Til make her cry like she made you cry."

    Mommy stroked my hair, her fingers gentle. "Emma, darling, you shouldn''t say such things"

    But I could tell she didn''t really mean it. Her eyes looked different-the same way they did when she told me to practice my sad face for Daddy.

    "I know what to do," I said, pulling away from her embrace. Til go now."

    Mommy grabbed my arm, her eyes suddenly worried. "Emma, what are you nning?"

    I gave her my sweetest smile, the one that always made Daddy give me anything

    I wanted. "Nothing bad, Mommy, I promise."

    She hesitated, then released my arm. "Be careful, sweetheart."

    I nodded and skipped away, following the path that the meandy had taken. I knew exactly where she was going to the Moonlit Reflection Pool where she often sat alone.

    Sure enough, I found her standing by the water''s edge, staring at her reflection. She looked sad, which made me happy. She deserved to be sad after hurting my mommy.

    I approached quietly, putting on my best nice-girl face. "Auntie Olivia," I called, my voice high and sweet.

    She turned, her body stiffening at the sight of me. I could see she didn''t like me calling her "Auntie," and that

    made me want to say it even more.

    "Emma," she replied, her voice careful. "You shouldn''t be out here alone."

    I stepped closer, my smile widening. "I wanted to see you, Auntie."

    Her eyes narrowed slightly as she took in my expression. She was smart-she could tell I was pretending. But it didn''t matter. Adults always believed children in the end.

    "Where''s your mother?" she asked, ncing behind me as if expecting Victoria to appear.

    "With Daddy," I answered, watching her face closely to see if that hurt her. It did. Her eyes got darker, like when Mommy mentioned her dead daughter.

    I moved to stand right at the edge of the reflection pool, my small shoes inches from the water. The pool was deep in the middle-deep enough that if I fell in, everyone woulde running,

    "You should step back from the edge," she warned, taking a step toward me.

    I widened my eyes, making them look scared. "Are you going to push me like you pushed my mommy?"

    She froze, confusion crossing her features. "I didn''t-"

    That was all I needed. With a perfectly timed movement, I threw myself backward

    into the reflection pool, my small body creating a dramatic ssh,

    The cold water enveloped me as I let out a piercing scream that would surely bring the entire household

    running.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 35

    A piercing scream shattered the evening quiet of the Stone Estate gardens. I whirled around to see Emma''s small body plunging into the Moonlit Reflection Pool, water sshing violently as she disappeared beneath

    the surface.

    For a split secChapter 32: A Taste of Revenge

    Chapter 32: A Taste of Revenge

    (Victoria''s POV)

    Where had Ethan disappeared to? I had only turned away for a moment to discuss the seating arrangement with Eleanor, and he''d vanished.

    I smoothed my designer dress, irritation flickering across my features. This was supposed to be my night- the celebration of my triumph over Olivia at the Howling Moon Grand Hotel. Yet Ethan had wandered off

    again.

    "Have you seen Alpha Stone?" I asked a passing servant, my voice sweet butmanding.

    The young wolf lowered her eyes respectfully. "I believe he went toward the kitchen, Mrs. Frost"

    The kitchen? Understanding dawned on me. That''s where Eleanor had sent Olivia

    A malicious smile curved my lips as I gestured for Isabelle to follow me. ¡°Let''s go find our Alpha, shall we?"

    Isabelle matched my stride, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. "I can''t believe that woman had the audacity

    to touch Ethan like that in front of everyone."

    "Desperation," I replied with a dismissive wave. "She knows she''s losing him."

    As we approached the kitchen, I slowed my steps, hearing the low rumble of Ethan''s voice from within. Perfect. I wanted to catch them together-to see Olivia put in her ce.

    Inside the kitchen, Ethan''s enhanced werewolf hearing picked up our approaching footsteps. His body tensed

    against Olivia''s as he recognized my scent.

    Victoria''sing," he growled, his amber eyes shing with warning.

    Olivia''s emerald gaze locked with his, defiance radiating from her slender frame. "Let her

    Ethan released his grip on her arms, stepping back just enough to create distance between them. Olivia swayed slightly from the sudden loss of his support, her hand reaching for the counter to steady herself.

    My heels clicked against the marble floor as I drew closer to the kitchen door. Just before I reached it, Olivia

    made her move.

    With deliberate slowness, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Ethan''s muscr torso, pressing her body against his. His jaw tightened, eyes darkening with anger and something else-something that made my blood boil,

    "Olivia Winters, don''t mess around," he growled, the warning in his voice unmistakable.

    But she didn''t release him. Instead, her arms tightened around him as the swung open, reveang

    kitchen door

    their embrace to my shocked gaze.

    I froze in the doorway, Isabelle gasping behind me.

    Ethan''s hands moved to Olivia''s shoulders, pushing her away with barely contained frustration. His expression was thunderous as he turned to face me.

    "Victoria," he said, his voice carefully controlled. "I was just leaving"

    +RD

    - Chunter 12 & Taste of He

    Olivia quickly turned back to the cutting board, resuming her work as if nothing had happened. But I wasn''t fooled. I noticed how Ethan''s shirt was partially unbuttoned, revealing a small red mark on his corbone

    My eyes narrowed to dangerous slits. That mark hadn''t been there earlier.

    Isabelle noticed it too, her face contorting with rage. "You shameless woman!" she exploded, storming past me toward Olivia. "How dare you try to seduce the Alpha King right under our noses!"

    Olivia continued chopping venison, her movements precise and controlled. "I don''t know what you''re talking

    about, Isabelle."

    "You worthless woman¡± Isabelle snarled, stepping closer. "Everyone knows he doesn''t want you anymore.

    You''re just embarrassing yourself!"

    Without warning, Olivia turned and shoved a heaping spoonful of salt directly into Isabelle''s open mouth. Isabelle''s eyes widened in shock as she gagged on the overwhelming taste.

    "Oops," Olivia said calmly. "I thought you needed something to go with all that bitterness."

    Isabelle sputtered and coughed, spitting salt onto the pristine kitchen floor. With a final hateful re, she rushed from the room, still gagging and spitting.

    Ethan watched the scene unfold with an unreadable expression. Then, without a word, he straightened his

    shirt and walked out, brushing past me in the doorway.

    I remained, ring daggers at Olivia''s back. The tension between us crackled like electricity in the air.

    "You think you''ve won something." I hissed, my perfectposure slipping. "But we both know the truth."

    Olivia didn''t respond, her focus seemingly absorbed by the meal preparation. The dismissal only fueled my

    anger.

    "This little game you''re ying-it won''t work," I continued, my voice dropping to a venomous whisper. "He''s already mine."

    With that, I turned and left, my heels striking the floor like punctuation marks to my threat.

    Behind me, alone in the kitchen, Olivia finally paused in her work. She raised trembling fingers to her lips, wiping away the lingering presence of Ethan with the back of her hand.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I arranged the final garnish on the tter of venison, my movements deliberate and precise. The tender meat was perfectly seared,plemented by a reduction of moonlight wine and forest herbs.

    Despite Eleanor''s instructions, I didn''t join the family at the dining table. I couldn''t bear to watch Victoria simper at Ethan while Emma yed the perfect daughter.

    Instead, I slipped out to Matriarch Evelyn Stone''s garden. The elderly former Luna had always shown me kindness, teaching me about the rare healing nts she cultivated here. Though she was away visiting rtives, tending her garden brought me a measure of peace.

    I knelt beside a patch of moonlight herbs, gently removing weeds that threatened

    to choke the delicate nts. The familiar scent of the herbs calmed my racing thoughts.

    "ying gardener now? How fitting"

    Victoria''s mocking voice shattered my brief moment of tranquility. I didn''t look up, continuing my careful work

    An

    2

    Chapter 12 A Taste of He

    among the nts.

    "These herbs need attention," I replied evenly "Unlike some people who receive more than their share"

    Victoria circled around me, her designer heels sinking slightly into the soft garden soil. That little disy in the kitchen was pathetic, you know"

    I remained silent, focusing on a stubborn weed with unusual intensity.

    "You think anyone was fooled?" she continued, her voice dripping with disdain. "Everyone knows you''re just Ethan''s unwanted wife."

    My fingers stilled among the herbs, but I kept my gaze downcast,

    "A pathetic woman who couldn''t even protect her own child."

    My head snapped up, emerald eyes meeting her cold blue ones. "What did you

    say?"

    Victoria''s perfect lips curved into a cruel smile. "You heard me. Poor little Lily, gone because her mother wasn''t good enough."

    I rose slowly to my feet, my entire body trembling with barely contained rage. Rnd Warner''s dying words echoed in my mind: "Victoria didn''t want to save her own daughter... She wanted Lily dead!"

    "You have no right to speak her name," I said, my voice dangerously quiet. Victoria stepped closer, emboldened by my restraint. "It''s almost poetic, isn''t it?

    You lose your daughter, while

    Emma thrives under Ethan''s protection. The daughter he actually loves."

    The p echoed through the garden like a thunderp, the force of it snapping Victoria''s head to the side.

    Her perfectly manicured hand flew to her reddening cheek, shock written across her features.

    "You" she gasped, but I cut her off by stepping closer, my emerald eyes cold as

    ice.

    "This is just the beginning!" I warned, my voice barely above a whisper,

    I turned and walked away, leaving her stunned in the garden. My hand stung from

    the impact, but satisfaction coursed through my veins. It was a small victory, but it tasted sweet nheless.

    Behind me, I heard small footsteps running toward Victoria.

    "Mommy! What happened?" Emma''s childish voice called out.

    I didn''t turn back, but I could imagine Victoria gathering Emma into her arms,

    using the child as both shield

    and weapon.

    "It''s nothing, sweetheart, Victoria soothed, but her voice carried to me on the

    evening breeze. "That meandy hurt Mommy, but don''t worry. We''ll make her sorry"

    Emma''s response was too quiet for me to hear, but I felt a chill run down my spine nheless. Victoria was dangerous enough, but I''d learned that her daughter could be equally maniptive.

    (Emma''s POV)

    I watched the meandy walk away from my mommy. Her red handprint was still

    on Mommy''s cheek, and it made my tummy feel all twisted and hot.

    Nobody was allowed to hurt my mommy. Not ever.

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    Chapter 32 A tanker

    Thate her," I whispered, hugging Mommy tight. Til make her cry like she made you

    cry."

    Mommy stroked my hair, her fingers gentle. "Emma, darling, you shouldn''t say

    such things"

    But I could tell she didn''t really mean it. Her eyes looked different-the same way

    they did when she told me to practice my sad face for Daddy.

    "I know what to do," I said, pulling away from her embrace. Til go now."

    Mommy grabbed my arm, her eyes suddenly worried. "Emma, what are you

    nning?"

    I gave her my sweetest smile, the one that always made Daddy give me anything

    I wanted. "Nothing bad, Mommy, I promise."

    She hesitated, then released my arm. "Be careful, sweetheart."

    I nodded and skipped away, following the path that the meandy had taken. I

    knew exactly where she was going to the Moonlit Reflection Pool where she often sat alone.

    Sure enough, I found her standing by the water''s edge, staring at her reflection.

    She looked sad, which made me happy. She deserved to be sad after hurting my mommy.

    I approached quietly, putting on my best nice-girl face. "Auntie Olivia," I called, my voice high and sweet.

    She turned, her body stiffening at the sight of me. I could see she didn''t like me calling her "Auntie," and that

    made me want to say it even more.

    ¡°Emma,¡± she replied, her voice careful. "You shouldn''t be out here alone."

    I stepped closer, my smile widening. "I wanted to see you, Auntie."

    Her eyes narrowed slightly as she took in my expression. She was smart-she

    could tell I was pretending. But it didn''t matter. Adults always believed children in the end.

    "Where''s your mother?" she asked, ncing behind me as if expecting Victoria to appear.

    "With Daddy," I answered, watching her face closely to see if that hurt her. It did. Her eyes got darker, like when Mommy mentioned her dead daughter.

    I moved to stand right at the edge of the reflection pool, my small shoes inches

    from the water. The pool was deep in the middle-deep enough that if I fell in, everyone woulde running,

    "You should step back from the edge," she warned, taking a step toward me.

    I widened my eyes, making them look scared. "Are you going to push me like you pushed my mommy?"

    She froze, confusion crossing her features. "I didn''t-"

    That was all I needed. With a perfectly timed movement, I threw myself backward

    into the reflection pool, my small body creating a dramatic ssh,

    The cold water enveloped me as I let out a piercing scream that would surely

    bring the entire household

    running.

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    Vote

    III 0 <

    ond, I stood frozen in shock. Then instinct took over, and I rushed toward the

    water''s edge.

    Before I could reach her, Victoria''s voice rang out across the garden. "Help! Someone help! My daughter is drowning!"

    Servants appeared from every direction, rushing toward themotion. Two of

    them immediately jumped into the reflection pool, while others gathered around the edge.

    "Save her! Save Emma!" Victoria wailed, her perfect makeup streaking down her cheeks as she sobbed dramatically.

    I watched as the servants pulled Emma from the water, their faces etched with

    genuine concern. They wrapped her in jackets and nkets, fussing over her like she was precious pack royalty

    The stark contrast to how they had treated Lily during her illness wasn''t lost on

    me. When my daughter had

    needed help, these same servants had been distant and formal, following

    Eleanor''s lead in treating her as

    less important.

    "What happened

    here?" Eleanor Stone''s sharp voice cut through the chaos as

    she hurried toward the scene,

    Isabelle trailing behind her.

    Victoria pointed a trembling finger at me. "She pushed Emma! She pushed my

    baby into the water!" Eleanor''s eyes narrowed dangerously. "Seize her!" shemanded without hesitation, pointing at me.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 36

    Two burly male servants immediately grabbed my arms, their grip firm enough to bruise. I struggled against

    their hold.

    "I didn''t push her! She fell in on her own!" I protested, but Eleanor silenced me with a withering re.

    "Take her to the main house," she ordered. "Alpha Stone will deal with this."

    As the servants dragged me away, I caught Emma''s eye. The little girl was shivering dramatically, but there was something else in her expression-a hint of satisfaction that chilled me more than the evening air.

    The sound of running footsteps announced Ethan''s arrival. His powerful frame cut through the gathered

    crowd, his amber eyes immediately finding Emma.

    "What happened?" he demanded, his voice carrying the unmistakable authority of an Alpha.

    Emma, seeing him approach, began to tremble more violently. Her small lips quivered as she looked him with wide, tear-filled eyes.

    "Daddy..." she whimpered, reaching for him with small, shaking hands.

    00

    Without hesitation, Ethan rushed to her side. He quickly assessed her condition, his movements efficient and

    0000

    2

    7

    concerned. With gentle hands, he removed her wet clothes and wrapped his leather jacket around her tiny

    frame.

    "I''ve got you, princess," he murmured, scooping her into his arms.

    Emma clung to him, burying her face against his chest. Then, slowly, she turned her head to look at me. Our eyes met across the garden, and I saw something in her gaze that no five-year-old should possess-

    calction.

    "Luna Olivia, she..." Emma began, her voice breaking as fresh tears spilled down her cheeks. She trailed off, seemingly too ovee with emotion to continue.

    Ethan''s gaze snapped to me, his amber eyes hardening to cold stone. The usation in his look was unmistakable-the same look he''d given me when Emma had fallen into the cake tower at the Silver Crown

    Hotel.

    I met his gaze unflinchingly, anger bubbling up inside me. Once again, he was ready to believe the worst of me without question, without even hearing my side.

    "Take her inside, Ethan ordered the servants holding me. "Now."

    The main house was warmpared to the evening chill of the gardens. The servants pushed me into the sitting room, forcing me to stand in the center like a criminal awaiting judgment.

    Ethan entered momentster, still cradling Emma in his arms. The child refused to leave his embrace, clinging to him like a lifeline while asionally shooting me fearful nces.

    Dr. Harold Bet arrived shortly after, summoned by Eleanor to examine Emma. The elderly pack healer approached with his medical bag, his movements deliberate and precise.

    "Let me see her, Alpha Stone," he requested, his voice carrying the weight of decades of experience.

    Ethan reluctantly set Emma down on the sofa but remained close, his hand resting protectively on her shoulder. Dr. Bet examined her thoroughly, checking her temperature and listening to her breathing.

    ''She''s caught a chill, but nothing serious," he finally announced. "Some warm moonberry tea should help her

    recover quickly."

    Then he added something that made my blood run cold. "However, we must monitor her closely. With her recent kidney transnt, even a minor illness could lead toplications. Her immune system is still

    vulnerable."

    Ethan''s face darkened at these words, his amber eyes fixing on me with a sharp, usatory glint. The implication was clear-I had not only pushed Emma into the water but had potentially endangered her life

    due to her medical condition.

    Victoria, who had been weeping softly beside Ethan, suddenly straightened. Her tear-streaked face hardened

    as she turned toward me.

    "How could you?" she demanded, her voice rising with each word. "This isn''t the first time you''ve targe

    is it? First me, now my daughter?"

    ''us,

    She took a step closer, her perfectly manicured finger pointing usingly at my face. "You''re jealous. You''ve always been jealous of what Ethan and I share, of how he loves Emma."

    Victoria''s voice broke with practiced emotion. "She''s just a child, Olivia. A frail child who has already suffered.

    0000

    <

    so much. Do you have any idea what could have happened? After her surgery, even a simple cold could be

    dangerous!

    Her words struck like physical blows. ¡°What kind of woman targets a five year- old? What kind of heartlessness does that require?"

    Each usation was carefully crafted to mirror my own suspicions about Lily''s death. Victoria was painting me as exactly what she was-someone who would harm a child out of jealousy and spite

    I watched Ethan''s expression grow grimmer with each of Victoria''s words. His jaw tightened, the muscle there twitching with barely contained anger.

    I stood tall, refusing to be cowed by their usations. "I did not push Emma into the reflection pool. She fell

    in on her own."

    Before I could exin further, Isabelle stepped forward, her eyes gleaming with malice. ¡°That''s a lie. I saw everything from the garden path. You pushed her with both hands when you thought no one was watching" Isabelle''s voice dripped with contempt as she continued. "You''re so transparent, Olivia. You can''t stand that Ethan loves Victoria and Emma instead of you. Your jealousy has driven you to this."

    I opened my mouth to defend myself, to point out that Isabelle couldn''t possibly have seen anything from the garden path, which was obscured by tall hedges.

    But Eleanor cut me off before I could speak. "This isn''t the first time you''ve used such underhanded tactics, is it? Five years ago, you drugged Ethan to trap him into marriage. Now you''re trying to eliminate anyone who threatens your position." Eleanor turned to the servants standing nearby. "Take her to the Stone Ancestral Hall. It''s time she learned her ce in this pack."

    The servants moved forward, grabbing my arms once more. I struggled against their grip, trying to catch

    Ethan''s eye.

    ''Ethan, please! You know I wouldn''t do this!" I pleaded.

    But Ethan remained seated on the sofa, his face impassive as he watched the servants drag me away. Not a flicker of doubt crossed his features, not a moment of hesitation in believing the worst of me.

    As I was pulled from the room, I caught a final glimpse of Victoriaforting Emma, who had miraculously recovered enough to whisper something in her mother''s ear. Victoria''s lips curved into a small, satisfied

    smile.

    The Stone Ancestral Hall was cold and imposing, its stone walls lined with carvings of previous Alpha leaders. The servants pushed me roughly into the center of the circr room, the sound of our footsteps echoing ominously. "Kneel!" one of them ordered sharply.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 37

    (Eleanor''s POV)

    I sat rigidly in my chair, ring at Olivia Winters with undisguised contempt. The Stone Ancestral Hall''s cold atmosphere matched the ice in my veins as I watched her stand before me, her shoulders squared despite

    her precarious position.

    How I loathed this woman. This nobody who had somehow ensnared my nephew and gained a position she didn''t deserve.

    "You have nothing to say for yourself?" I demanded, my voice echoing against the stone walls

    Olivia pressed her lips together, swallowing whatever justification she might have offered Smart girl. Nothing she could say would matter anyway

    Ethan had made his choice clear. Victoria Frost and her daughter Emma were his priority now, not this pathetic excuse for a Luna who couldn''t even protect her own child.

    "Your silence speaks volumes," I said, rising from my seat. "You know you''re guilty."

    Victoria stood beside me, her perfect features arranged in an expression of righteous indignation. She had yed her part wlessly, as always.

    "To think you would target an innocent child," I continued, circling Olivia like a predator. "A child who has just undergone a kidney transnt, no less."

    Olivia''s emerald eyes shed with something dangerous-anger, perhaps, or the bitter recognition that she stood alone against us. Without Ethan''s support, she was powerless in the pack hierarchy.

    "Pathetic," I spat, enjoying how she flinched at my words.

    (Isabelle''s POV)

    I stepped forward, unable to contain my excitement. Finally, after years of watching this nobody steal my brother''s attention and my grandmother''s affection, justice would be served.

    "Kneel," Imanded, savoring the word on my tongue.

    Olivia remained standing, her stubborn defiance igniting my rage. Who did she think she was?

    "I said kneel!" I repeated, emphasizing each syble.

    When she still refused, I delivered a swift kick to the back of her knees. The satisfying sound of her body

    hitting the stone floor sent a thrill through me.

    Two servants grabbed her shoulders, forcing her to stay down. Her emerald eyes red up at me, filled with a

    hatred that matched my own.

    "Mother," I said, turning to Eleanor with barely contained glee, "shall we proceed with the family punishment?"

    Mother nodded, her cold eyes fixed on Olivia''s kneeling form. "Begin."

    One of the servants handed me the Alpha''s Discipline Rod, its polished surface gleaming in the dim light of the ancestral hall. The ancient runes carved into the wood seemed to pulse with anticipation.

    00

    0 <

    I raised it high, then brought it down across Olivia''s back with all my strength. The

    sound of wood striking

    flesh echoed through the hall

    To my disappointment, Olivia didn''t cry out. Her jaw clenched, but no sound escaped her lips.

    I struck again, and again. Each blow harder than thest, driven by years of simmering resentment.

    Still, she remained silent, her stoicism only fueling my anger. The servants held her firmly in ce as the

    punishment continued, their faces impassive

    "You think you''re strong?" I hissed, leaning close to her ear. "You''re nothing. You''ve always been nothing

    When the rod failed to break her spirit, I tossed it aside in frustration. My eyes fell on the Ancestral Pack Whip hanging on the wall-a brutal instrument reserved for the most severe transgressions against packw.

    No one had used it in decades. Its nine leather tails, each embedded with moonstone fragments, were

    designed to cause maximum pain without leaving permanent scars.

    I grabbed it, feeling its weight in my hand. The servants'' eyes widened, but they dared not question me

    "Perhaps this will loosen your tongue," I said, unfurling the whip with a dramatic flourish.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 38

    I raised my arm, preparing to bring the whip down across Olivia''s already bruised back. The anticipation of her screams made my heart race with dark excitement.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I braced myself for the bite of the whip, my back already throbbing from the Discipline Rod. Through the haze of pain, I heard the door burst open with a thunderous bang.

    "I''d like to see who dares touch my Olivial"

    The voice that echoed through the Stone Ancestral Hall sent a wave of relief washing over me. Matriarch Evelyn Stone stood in the doorway, her diminutive frame somehow filling the entire space with her presence.

    Fear rippled through the room like a tangible force.

    Isabelle flinched violently, losing her grip on the whip. The leather tails recoiled, striking her own leg. She let out a piercing scream, dropping to the floor as blood seeped through her expensive pants.

    Eleanor''s face drained of color. "Mother," she stammered, ''you''re back."

    Isabelle whimpered from the floor, clutching her injured leg. "Grandmother!"

    The servants trembled, bowing deeply. "Matriarch!"

    But I only felt joy flooding through my veins. With a surge of strength, I scrambled to my feet and rushed toward Matriarch Evelyn,

    "Grandmother!" I cried, tears of relief streaming down my face.

    She opened her arms, enfolding me in a protective embrace. Her familiar scent- moonlight herbs. wisdom-surrounded me like a shield.

    "My dear Olivia, are you alright?" she asked, her aged hands gently examining my face.

    "I''m fine," I assured her, though my back screamed in protest. Tears welled in my eyes as a torrent of questions poured out. "Grandmother, when did you wake up? Why did youe back alone? Are you well?"

    2

    1HA

    Her eyes, sharp despite her years, softened as she patted my hand reassuringly I''m fine, Grandmother is

    strongl?

    Her touch was aforting balm, soothing the ache of betrayal and istion Id carried for so long

    (Victoria''s POV)

    I sat beside Emma''s bed, watching her sleep peacefully. Her tears had dried on her cheeks, leaving

    tracks that tugged at my heart.

    g faint

    My own tears of frustration were still wet as I wiped thern away. Everything had been going perfectly Olivia was finally getting what she deserved-punishment for daring to stand between me and what I wanted.

    A soft knock at the door interrupted my thoughts. A servant entered, his expression anxious.

    "Mrs. Frost, Alpha Stone requests your presence downstairs immediately," he said, his voice trembling slightly. "Matriarch Evelyn has returned."

    My blood ran cold. Matriarch Evelyn? The old woman who had been stuck in the past for five years?

    I rose shakily, smoothing my dress with trembling hands. "Is she... Is she lucid?"

    The servant nodded, his eyes darting nervously. "Very much so, ma''am. And she''s asking for you, Alpha Stone, and Miss Emma."

    I nced at my sleeping daughter, dread spreading through me like poison. If Matriarch Evelyn had truly returned to her senses, everything I had built coulde crashing down.

    The truth about what happened five years ago-a truth I had meticulously buried- was now in jeopardy.

    I gently woke Emma, whispering reassurances as I helped her dress. Her small face scrunched with

    confusion.

    "Mommy, who''s Matriarch Evelyn?" she asked innocently.

    "Alpha Stone''s grandmother," I replied, forcing a smile. "A very importantdy who wants to meet you."

    As we descended the stairs, I saw Ethan''s face light up with joy at the sight of his grandmother. My heart.

    sank further

    While Ethan embraced the old woman, I hung back, an unfamiliar sensation of fear crawling up my spine.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I stood beside Matriarch Evelyn, drawing strength from her presence as Ethan approached. His face transformed with genuine joy as he embraced his grandmother.

    "Grandmother, I''ve missed you," he said, his voice warm with affection.

    Matriarch Evelyn patted his cheek lovingly, though her eyes held questions she wasn''t yet asking. "My boy, you''ve grown even more handsome."

    Her gaze hardened when it fell on Victoria, who clung to Ethan''s side like a shadow. Without acknowledging her, Matriarch Evelyn turned pointedly away, tightening her grip on my hand.

    The silent gesture spoke volumes. She knew I was suffering and was letting me know I wasn''t alone

    anymore.

    Her sharp eyes scanned the room, taking in Eleanor''s stiff posture, Isabelle''s bandaged leg, and the servants''

    EM

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    Chapter The Matrarch

    fearful expressions. Finally, her gaze settled on me, noting my disheveled appearance and the way I winced

    when moving.

    "Olivia, what happened?" she asked directly.

    Before I could answer, Isabelle jumped forward eagerly.

    "Grandmother, Olivia is vicious!" she eximed, her voice high with excitement. "Emma is only five years old, and in such cold weather, she actually pushed Emma into the pool. That''s why Mother and brother punished

    her."

    Matriarch Evelyn''s expression remained neutral as she turned to me. "Olivia, you tell me!"

    "Grandmother, I didn''t," I said simply, meeting her eyes.

    Isabelle couldn''t contain herself. "Olivia, you still dare to say you didn''t do it? I saw it with my own eyes..."

    "Did you?" I interrupted, my voice cutting like ice. "Are you sure you saw it with your own eyes?"

    Isabelle faltered under my steady gaze. She knew as well as I did that the garden path was obscured by tall. hedges. There was no way she could have witnessed anything from there.

    "Grandmother," I said, turning to Matriarch Evelyn with newfound confidence, "I have proof."

    Without waiting for a response, I led one of the security guards back to the Moonlit Reflection Pool. My phoney hidden in the grass where I''d ced it before Emma''s arrival.

    I checked the recording-almost an hour long, capturing everything from the moment I''d left that kiss mark

    on Ethan''s neck in the kitchen. I''d started recording as a precaution, anticipating Victoria''s fury.

    What I hadn''t expected was Emma deliberately jumping into the pool to frame me.

    Back in the living room, all eyes were on me as I handed the phone to Matriarch Evelyn.

    "The proof is here."

 The Alpha King is unavailable 39

    I watched the video on Olivia''s phone with growing anger. Each second of footage confirmed what I had suspected - my family had betrayed my trust in the worst way possible.

    The recording clearly showed Emma deliberately throwing herself into the Moonlit Reflection Pool while

    Olivia stood several feet away. There was no pushing, no malice from Olivia - only a calcted performance from a child too young to have learned such maniption on her own.

    My anger rose like a tide as the video continued, showing Victoria''s false usations and Eleanor''s immediate condemnation without investigation. The final straw was watching my own granddaughter, Isabelle, iming to have "witnessed" something she couldn''t possibly have seen.

    I lowered the phone, my hand trembling with rage. The room had fallen deathly silent as everyone awaited my judgment.

    "Kneel down-"Imanded, my voice cutting through the tension.

    Isabelle''s face brightened immediately. She clearly thought mymand was directed at Olivia. The smug satisfaction in her eyes made my blood boil even hotter.

    She straightened her posture, ready to witness Olivia''s humiliation. When Olivia remained standing, confusion flickered across Isabelle''s features.

    "Olivia Winters, didn''t you hear Grandmother tell you to kneel?" she snapped, grabbing Olivia''s arm roughly. "Kneel down now!"

    "I told you to kneel down!" I roared, my voice echoing off the walls.

    Isabelle froze, her hand still gripping Olivia''s arm. Shock registered on her face as she slowly turned to meet

    my gaze.

    "Grandmother?" she questioned, disbelief coloring her voice.

    "Did I stutter?" I asked coldly. "Kneel. Now."

    Isabelle''s legs seemed to give way beneath her as she crumpled to the floor. Her

    eyes, wide with confusion, stared up at me imploringly.

    "Grandmother, what did I do wrong?" she asked, her voice small,

    I held up the phone, my grip tightening around it. "This is what you call ''seeing with your own eyes''?"

    I gestured to Bernard Sheppard, our elderly butler who had served the Stone family for decades. Without a word, he took Olivia''s phone and connected it to the projection system

    The video yed against the living room wall,rge enough for everyone to see. Emma''s deliberate fall into the water was unmistakable, as was Olivia''s genuine shock and concern.

    Isabelle''s face drained of color as the truth was revealed for all to see. She hadn''t anticipated actual evidence. Her lies stood exposed in vivid detail.

    Chapter 16 You Dare You

    "Olivia Winters, you''re so vicious! Isabelle suddenly used, desperation in her voice. "You set this up beforehand just to get me punished, didn''t you?"

    The p echoed through the room before anyone realized I had moved. Isabelle''s head snapped to the side from the force of my blow

    "Grandmother, why did you hit me?" she wailed, clutching her reddened cheek. "Where did I go wrong? Olivia is clearly framing mel"

    "You dare talk back!" I thundered, my patiencepletely exhausted. "What''s wrong with Olivia being cautious? Did she hold a knife to your throat and force you to lie and frame her?"

    I raised my hand again, ready to deliver another blow. Isabelle cowered, covering her face with her arms.

    "Mother!" Eleanor rushed forward, cing herself between me and Isabelle. "Mother, Isabelle is still young

    and doesn''t understand things. Don''t take it to heart."

    I stared at my daughter-inw in disbelief. ''Still young? Twenty-four years old and still young and doesn''t understand things? When does she n to grow up? Eleanor, you''ve spoiled her!"

    Eleanor flinched at my words but remained protectively in front of her daughter. I red at her, disappointed beyond words.

    "Go to the Stone Ancestral Hall and kneel to reflect on your actions, I ordered Isabelle, pointing a finger at her trembling form. "Without my permission, no one is allowed to let her out!"

    Two servants immediately stepped forward, grasping Isabelle by the arms and dragging her away. Her protests faded as they pulled her from the room.

    Eleanor shot a venomous look at Olivia, who calmly returned the gaze. Then Olivia''s attention shifted to Victoria Frost, who was shrinking against Ethan''s side.

    "Grandmother," Olivia said softly, her emerald eyes reddening with unshed tears. "Victoria also wronged me."

    I was taken aback for a moment. In all the years I had known her, Olivia had neverined about her

    treatment. She had endured everything silently, protecting others even at her own expense.

    A surge

    ge of warmth filled my heart. My girl had finally learned to speak up for herself.

    That warmth quickly transformed into icy fury as I turned my gaze to Victoria Frost.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I watched Victoria pale under Matriarch Evelyn''s stern gaze. For once, the

    perfectlyposed Victoria looked genuinely frightened.

    She tugged at Ethan''s sleeve, her voice barely a whisper. "Ethan.¡±

    Ethan nced down at her, his amber eyes unreadable. Victoria''s face fell as she realized he wasn''t immediately jumping to her defense.

    Tears welled in her eyes- practiced, calcted tears that I had seen too many times before. She tur me with a perfectly crafted expression of remorse.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 40

    "Olivia, I''m so sorry," she said, her voice trembling. "I was just so worried about Emma that I spoke without thinking. I didn''t mean it.¡±

    Though her words were directed at me, her performance was clearly for Ethan''s benefit. I watched his

    O <

    expression soften slightly, epting her flimsy exnation without question.

    He nced at me, his eyes sending a clear message: Drop it. Let it go. Don''t make a scene.

    A cold fury swept through me. After everything that had happened ¨C the false usations, the humiliation in the Stone Ancestral Hall, the physical punishment - Victoria thought a simple "sorry" would erase it all?

    Lignored Ethan''s warning look and stepped forward. Victoria''s eyes widened as I approached, uncertainty flickering across her perfect features.

    The sound of my palm connecting with her cheek was sharp and satisfying. Before she could recover, I struck her again on the other side.

    "Victoria, I''m so sorry," I said, perfectly mimicking her insincere tone. "I didn''t mean it."

    "Olivia V

    Winters!" Ethan roared, grabbing my wrist before I could strike again.

    His grip was tight, almost painful, but I didn''t flinch, I met his gaze steadily, challenging him to defend her

    again.

    Victoria, perhaps emboldened by Ethan''s intervention, forgot herselfpletely. Her mask of contrition vanished, reced by raw fury.

    "Olivia Winters, you dare hit me!" she shrieked, raising her hand to retaliate.

    Before her palm could connect with my face, a cane struck her arm with surprising force. Victoria recoiled with a cry of pain, clutching her forearm.

    "You dare touch Olivia!" Matriarch Evelyn bellowed, her small frame

    on with an

    Victoria''s eyes widened in shock "Grandmother, Olivia hit me first!" she protested, gesturing to her reddened

    cheeks.

    "Even so, you wronged her first," Matriarch Evelyn stated firmly. "Olivia is not one to cause trouble."

    Tears pricked at my eyes, unexpected and unwee. After years of standing alone against Victoria''s maniptions, someone was finally taking my side without question.

    "And don''t call me Grandmother," Matriarch Evelyn added, her voice sharp as a de. "Who are you to call me

    Grandmother?"

    Victoria flinched as if physically struck again. Her carefully constructed ce in the Stone family was crumbling before her eyes.

    "But I''ve always called you-" she began.

    "That was my mistake," Matriarch Evelyn cut her off. "1 allowed too much familiarity from someone who

    hasn''t earned it."

    Victoria''s face crumpled. She looked to Ethan, clearly expecting him to defend her against his grandmother''s

    harsh words

    Ethan''s jaw tightened, caught between his grandmother''s authority and Victoria''s expectations yed out across his features as he struggled with his response.

    conflict

    I watched him with a strange detachment. Once, his indecision would have hurt me deeply. Now, I found I didn''t care which way he leaned

    III 0<

    "Grandmother," Ethan finally said, his voice carefully measured. "Victoria has been a close friend of our family

    for many years."

    "Friend," Matriarch Evelyn repeated, emphasizing the word. "Not family. Not your mate. A friend"

    Victoria''s eyes filled with genuine tears now. The distinction was clear and cutting.

    "As for you," Matriarch Evelyn turned to me, her expression softening. "My dear Luna, what other injustices have you suffered in my absence?"

    Luna. The title rang through the room like a bell. Matriarch Evelyn had deliberately used it to remind everyone of my position not just as Ethan''s wife, but as the female Alpha of the Silvercrest Pack.

    1-1 began, uncertain how to summarize five years of istion and mistreatment.

    "She''s been through quite enough today," Matriarch Evelyn dered, cing a protective arm around my shoulders. "Bernard, prepare the cast wing for Olivia. She will stay there tonight, away from those who have

    harmed her."

    Bernard bowed deeply. "Yes, Matriarch."

    "But Grandmother, Ethan protested, "Olivia''s ce is-"

    "Her ce," Matriarch Evelyn interrupted firmly, "is wherever she feels safe. And clearly, that is not by your

    side at present."

    The rebuke silenced Ethan immediately. His grandmother rarely criticized him directly, making her words all the more powerful.

    Victoria, sensing an opportunity, stepped closer to Ethan. ¡°Emma needsfort after her ordeal," she murmured. "Perhaps I should-"

    "You should leave," Matriarch Evelyn stated tly. "Take your daughter and go home. You''ve caused enough trouble in this house for one day."

    Victoria''s face flushed with anger. "You can''t just-

    "I can and I have," Matriarch Evelyn replied. "This is still my home, and you are not wee in it tonight."

    Victoria turned to Ethan again, her eyes pleading. "Ethan, please. Emma is frightened."

    Ethan hesitated, clearly torn. "Grandmother, Emma is just a child. She shouldn''t be punished for-

    "For deliberately jumping into the reflection pool to frame Olivia? Matriarch Evelyn finished for him. "That child needs discipline, not coddling."

    Victoria''s face darkened with hatred as she red at me. "This isn''t over," she whispered, too quietly for anyone but me to hear.

    "You dare touch the Luna!" Matriarch Evelyn bellowed. "And don''t call me Grandmother, Who are you to call me Grandmother?"

 The Alpha King is unavailable 41

    I leaned heavily on my cane, my old bones aching with fury rather than age. The room had fallen into a tense silence after my outburst at Victoria. Good. Let them all remember who still holds the power in this house.

    ¡°Olivia,¡± I said, reaching for her hand, "with Grandmother here, no one can bully you anymore."

    The relief in her eyes nearly broke my heart. How long had my poor girl suffered while I was lost in my

    confused memories?

    Victoria''s face had turned an interesting shade of red at my words. I watched with disgust as she quicklyposed herself, transforming her rage into a pitiful expression. Tears welled in her eyes as she looked up

    at Ethan.

    "Ethan," she whispered, her voice trembling perfectly

    I nearly gagged at the performance. Did my grandson truly fall for such obvious maniption?

    With a dismissive snort, I returned to my seat, my cane thumping against the hardwood floor with each step. The sound seemed to echo my authority through the room.

    "Who allowed Victoria Frost toe in?!" I demanded, my voice sharp enough to make Eleanor flinch. "Didn''t I

    that as long as I''m alive, she''s not allowed to step foot in the Stone family''s house?"

    I fixed my gaze on Ethan, who had the decency to look ufortable.

    "So, am I too old now, and my words no longer carry weight in this house?" I continued, letting the usation

    hang in the air.

    (Victoria''s POV)

    I bit the inside of my cheek until I tasted blood, fighting to maintain myposed expression. The old witch hadn''t directly ordered me to leave, but her message couldn''t have been clearer,

    This was a public humiliation, designed to remind everyone of my ce - orck thereof in the Stone family hierarchy.

    My eyes sought Ethan''s, silently pleading for him to defend me. He met my gaze briefly before looking away. his jaw tight with tension.

    Eleanor was no better, her eyes fixed firmly on the floor. Not a single word of support from either of them.

    The realization hit me like a physical blow. I was alone in this battle.

    1 should go,¡± I murmured, making onest attempt to salvage my dignity. ¡°Emma needs rest after her ordeal."

    I reached for my daughter''s hand, pulling her close to my side. She blinked up at

    me with confusion, still ying the part of the traumatized child.

    As we walked out of the Stone mansion, I felt Olivia''s eyes on my back. The smugness radiating from her made my skin crawl.

    Once outside, safely hidden from view by the massive oak trees lining the driveway, I let my mask of

    O III<pposure slip.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 42

    "This is all your fault!" I hissed, roughly dropping Emma''s hand

    The sudden movement startled her awake from her feigned drowsiness. She stumbled, falling to her knees

    on the gravel path.

    "Mommy?" Emma called out, her voice small and confused.

    I ignored her, striding toward the waiting car. My heels crunched against the

    gravel, matching the grinding of my teeth.

    "Mommy, wait for me!" Emma cried, scrambling to her feet and running after me.

    I didn''t slow down. Let her chase me for once.

    (Matriarch Evelyn''s POV)

    As soon as Victoria disappeared through the front door, I straightened my posture. The frail, elderly woman act had served its purpose.

    "Ethan," I said, my voice leaving no room for argument, "meet me in the Stone Ancestral Hall. Now."

    Without waiting for his response, I turned to Bernard Sheppard, who stood quietly by the door. "Bernard, bring Isabelle from the hall. I want her to witness this."

    Bernard bowed deeply. "Yes, Matriarch."

    I made my way to the Stone Ancestral Hall, my steps purposeful and strong. The ancient stone walls seemed to whisper their approval as I entered the sacred

    space.

    Isabelle was still kneeling in the center of the room, her expression brightening with relief when she saw me.

    "Grandmother!" she eximed, attempting to rise.

    "Who allowed you to get up?" I snapped, my voice echoing off the stone walls.

    Isabelle froze mid-motion, her legs trembling from the extended kneeling. The pain in her knees finally overwhelmed her, causing her to pitch forward onto the cold floor.

    Eleanor rushed to her daughter''s side, helping her back into a kneeling position. "Mother, please," she pleaded, Isabelle knows she was wrong. She''s learned her lesson."

    I raised an eyebrow, waiting expectantly.

    Eleanor nudged her daughter. "Isabelle, apologize to your grandmother."

    Isabelle''s eyes shed with resentment before she quickly masked it.

    "Grandmother, I''m sorry, I know I was wrong," she mumbled, her voicecking any genuine remorse.

    "You shouldn''t be apologizing to me!" I corrected sharply.

    Isabelle''s head snapped up, confusion written across her features. Then understanding dawned, followed by

    horror.

    "Apologize to Olivia," Eleanor whispered urgently, giving her daughter another nudge.

    Isabelle''s jaw clenched, but she turned to face Olivia, who stood quietly beside me. "Olivia Winters, I''m sorry, I shouldn''t have wronged you," she forced out through gritted teeth.

    7

    O III

    I studied her face for a moment, finding no true repentance there. But the public apology would have to

    suffice for now,

    "Eleanor, take your daughter and go," I ordered, waving my hand dismissively. "I need to speak with my grandson."

    Eleanor didn''t need to be told twice. She helped Isabelle to her feet and quickly ushered her from the hall, not daring to look back.

    As they left, Ethan entered, his powerful frame seeming diminished by the weight of my disapproval.

    "Ethan, kneel down!" Imanded, pointing to the center of the hall.

    Without hesitation, he dropped to his knees before me, his head bowed in submission. The Alpha King of the Silvercrest Pack, reduced to a chastised pup before his grandmother,

    "You promised me you would take good care of Olivia," I said, circling him slowly. "Is this how you take care of

    her?"

    Each word was ash against his conscience. I could see the muscles in his shoulders tense with each

    usation.

    "Bernard," I called, "bring me the Alpha''s Discipline Rod."

    Olivia stepped forward, her emerald eyes wide with concern. "Grandmother-"

    "No one is allowed to speak for him," I interrupted firmly.

    She fell silent immediately, understanding my message. This was between Ethan and me.

    Bernard returned with the polished wooden rod, its ancient runes gleaming in the dim light of the hall. I took it from him, feeling its weight in my aged hands.

    Without warning, I brought it down across Ethan''s back. The sound of wood striking flesh echoed through the

    hall.

    One. Two. Three.

    I continued methodically, each strike precise and powerful despite my age. By the tenth blow, Ethan''s shirt was torn, revealing the raw, reddened skin beneath.

    To his credit, he never made a sound, epting his punishment with the dignity befitting an Alpha.

    When I finished, I handed the rod back to Bernard, suddenly feeling every one of my many years. The exertion had taken more out of me than I cared to admit.

    "Olivia," I said, my voice softening, "Grandmother is tired and going to rest. You take care of this boy''s

    wounds."

    She nodded, her expression aplex mixture of gratitude and concern.

    I patted her hand gently before leaving the hall, satisfied that I had done what I could to restore bnce to my family.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I followed Ethan to his bedroom, maintaining a careful distance between us. The silence stretched ufortably as he opened the door and stepped aside to let

    me enter

    000

    His private quarters were exactly as I remembered immactely organized, with dark, masculine furnishings that reflected his powerful personality.

    Ethan moved to the sofa, wincing slightly as he lowered himself onto the edge. With deliberate movements, he removed his tom shirt, revealing the extent of his injuries.

    Angry red welts crisscrossed his broad back, some already darkening to bruises.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 43

    Ethan Stone''s back was lean and muscr, marred by ten crisscrossingsh marks from the whip. The angry red welts stood out starkly against his tanned skin, some already beginning to bruise. Despite everything. I couldn''t help but feel a twinge of sympathy.

    A knock on the door interrupted my examination of his wounds. I hesitated before answering it, suddenly aware of how intimate this situation might appear to an outsider.

    A servant stood at the door, holding a wooden box carved with intricate

    moonstone iys. "Mrs. Winters, this is Dr. Harold Bet''s special healing salve for Mr. Stone."

    I recognized the familiar, expensive salve immediately. Dr. Bet had been the Stone family''s healer for decades, and his special remedies were legendary among werewolves. The distinctive herbal scent wafted from the box - earthy and medicinal.

    "Thank you," I said, taking the box and closing the door.

    As I opened it, the full aroma filled the air. It was the same scent I had...

    "Why

    are you j

    just standing there? Come and apply the salve," Ethan called, interrupting my thoughts.

    I approached the sofa where he sat waiting, his broad shoulders tense with pain and impatience.

    "Lie down," I instructed, keeping my voice clinical and detached. "It will be easier to reach all the wounds."

    Ethanplied without argument, stretching out on his stomach across the sofa. The position made him look oddly vulnerable ¨C not at all like the powerful Alpha King whomanded the entire Silvercrest Pack.

    I sat beside him on the edge of the sofa and began applying the salve, pressing down hard on his wounds

    with deliberate force.

    "Ouch!" Ethan winced, turning his head to nce at my serious face.

    A slight smirk yed on his lips as he lightly pinched my waist. "Be gentle."

    I ignored him, continuing to apply the salve with unnecessary pressure. Each time

    he flinched, a small, petty part of me felt satisfied. After everything he''d put me through, a little difort seemed like minimal

    retribution,

    Ethan''s brow twitched, but he remained silent, enduring the pain. When I finally finished, I rose to leave, eager to put distance between us.

    As I did, Ethan reached out and caught my waist, pulling me into his arms with surprising strength for someone who''d just been whipped.

    "Tormenting me on purpose?" he asked, looking down at me with those amber eyes that once m

    race.

    my heart

    "No," I replied, feigning innocence. I tried to pull his hand away and free myself, but he pulled me back down.

    "No?" he questioned, his tone yful.

    O Q

    0

    He swiftly maneuvered us so that he was above me on the sofa, his weight pressing me down into the

    cushions.

    I cried out in pain as my back made contact with the sofa. The welts from the discipline rod Isabelle had used on me earlier red with fresh agony

    Ethan paused, his yful expression immediately reced with concern. He gently turned me onto my side, lifting the back of my shirt to reveal the stark red welts crossing my pale skin.

    His gaze turned icy, jaw clenching with barely controlled rage. Without a word, he picked up the salve and began applying it to my injuries, his touch surprisingly gentle.

    The cool balm soothed the burning pain, bringing immediate relief. I closed my eyes, momentarily allowing myself to remember a time when his touch was familiar, when his care for me was unquestioned.

    "Ethan," I began, my voice tight with suppressed emotion. "Remember when Emma first met Lily and fell into the reflection pool? Wasn''t it simr to today?"

    Ethan froze, his gentle touch turning to stone. "What are you trying to say?" he asked, his voice dangerously

    low.

    I pressed on, undeterred by his anger. This might be my only chance to make him see the truth.

    "I''m saying, if there had been surveince cameras by Victoria''s pool that day, wouldn''t the truth have been revealed just like today?"

    ''Olivia Winters!" Ethan roared, his grip tightening on my back.

    I gasped in pain. The brief moment of shared warmth vanished like morning dew

    in summer heat.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 44

    Ethan immediately loosened his grip, but his anger was palpable. He stood up, towering over me, his amber eyes shing with fury.

    "Olivia, just because you didn''t push Emma today doesn''t mean Lily didn''t push her that day," he said coldly before turning and leaving the room.

    I slowly sat up, my eyes cold and distant. I had hoped that today''s incident, mirroring the past, would at least make him question the narrative he believed. I had underestimated the hold Victoria and her daughter had on

    him.

    The door mmed behind him, leaving me alone with my thoughts and the lingering scent of Dr. Bet''s healing salve.

    (Isabelle''s POV)

    I sat on my bed, tears streaming down my face as I looked at my bruised knees and bloodied legs. The pain was excruciating, but my rage burned even hotter.

    "That b**h, Olivia, I won''t let her get away with this!" I seethed, pressing a coldpress against my throbbing knee.

    Mother stood nearby, her expression a mixture of concern and anger. She''d always protected me ways ensured I got whatever I wanted. This humiliation was unprecedented in my twenty-four years.

    Just then, a servant from Ethan''s quarters entered without knocking. His face was impassive as he delivered

    his message.

    Chapter 17 Words and

    "Miss Stone, Mr. Stone has ordered you to the ancestral hall to receive punishment."

    My eyes widened in fear. "I won''t go!" I cried, the pain from the earlier whipping still fresh,

    I looked pleadingly at Mother, expecting her to intervene as she always did. But the servants, following. Ethan''s direct orders, grabbed my arms and began dragging me from the bed,

    "Let go of me! I''m injured!" I screamed, fighting against their grip.

    Mother stepped forward, her voice sharp with authority. "How dare you! Release my daughter immediately!"

    The servants hesitated, caught between conflicting orders from two powerful members of the Stone family. But Ethan''s authority as Alpha King outweighed my mother''s.

    "We apologize, Mrs. Stone, but these are direct orders from the Alpha," one servant said apologetically before continuing to pull me toward the door.

    My screams echoed through the hallways as

    scolding.

    (Eleanor''s POV)

    they dragged me away, ignoring my protests and Mother''s

    I arrived at the ancestral hall just as the punishment concluded. My daughtery

    on the ground, sobbing uncontrobly, having endured tenshes of the discipline rod. Her shirt was torn, revealing angry red welts across her delicate skin.

    "Mom!" Isabelle wailed, her face streaked with tears and mascara.

    My heart broke at the sight of my daughter''s suffering. How could Ethan do this to his own cousin? I rushed to her side, gathering her trembling form in my arms.

    ''Shh, I''m here now," I soothed, stroking her hair.

    I ordered the servants to take Isabelle back to her quarters and immediately stormed off to confront Ethan. I found him in his study, calmly reviewing documents as if he hadn''t just ordered my daughter''s brutal punishment.

    "Ethan, what is the meaning of this? What did Isabelle do to deserve such punishment?" I demanded, trying to maintain an authoritative tone, but faltering under his cold gaze.

    He looked up from his papers, his amber eyes devoid of emotion. "She lied about witnessing Olivia push Emma. She attempted to frame my mate for a serious transgression."

    "She''s just a young woman, afraid of pain," I argued, gesturing wildly with my hands. "How could she endure tenshes?"

    "Aunt, Olivia is the same age." Ethan replied calmly, his eyes sharp as he set down his pen.

    The message was clear. He was retaliating for Olivia, Isabelle, for trying to harm Olivia, had received the exact same punishment that had been inflicted on his mate.

    I clenched my fists, realizing I was at a disadvantage. For years, Ethan had ignored Olivia, allowin her however we wished. This sudden defense of her made no sense.

    to treat

    "Isn''t Victoria the one you care about?" I blurted out, confused by his sudden defense of Olivia. Ethan''s expression darkened. "Victoria is not my mate. Olivia is the Luna of this pack, and any attack against her is an attack against me."

    O<

    (0 Chapter 17r. Wounds and

    His words were practiced, formal the expected response from an Alpha regarding his Luna. But there was something else in his eyes, something I couldn''t quite identify.

    "You''ve never cared before," I pressed, searching his face for answers.

    "I''ve always cared," he replied, his voice low and dangerous. "Don''t mistake my patience for indifference, Aunt

    Eleanor."

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I stood on the second floornding, having followed the sounds of Eleanor''s confrontation with Ethan. His words reached me clearly: "Victoria is not my mate. Olivia is the Luna of this pack..."

    A flicker of hope had sparked within me, only to die just as quickly. His defense was about position, not love. About pack hierarchy, not personal feeling.

    I descended the stairs, ignoring Eleanor as she emerged from Ethan''s study. Her venomous re meant nothing to me now, I made my way toward the kitchen, intending to prepare a meal for Matriarch Evelyn.

    As I passed Ethan, who had followed Eleanor out of his study, he stopped me. "Olivia," he called out.

    I continued walking, refusing to acknowledge him. After our confrontation in his room, I had nothing more to

    say.

    "Where''s Lily?" he asked. "I''ll go pick her up so she can have dinner with Grandmother."

 The Alpha King is unavailable 45

    I froze mid-step, my heart seizing in my chest. Had I heard him correctly?

    "Where''s Lily?" Ethan repeated, his tone casual as if asking about the weather. ¡°I''ll go pick her up so she can

    have dinner with Grandmother."

    My lungs refused to work. The hallway seemed to tilt beneath my feet. How could he mention our daughter so casually? As if she were still alive? As if he hadn''t missed her funeral?

    "Olivia Winters, stop acting crazy," Ethan warned, his amber eyes narrowing at my silence.

    I could read the message in his gaze. He didn''t want me to bring up Lily''s death again. He still refused to

    believe she was gone.

    My eyes darkened with fury. I hadn''t nned to say anything about her death. My concern was for Matriarch Evelyn. She had loved Lily fiercely, had been the only one besides me to visit her regrly during her illness. Could the elderly woman bear the news of her death? Would it break her already fragile health?

    I opened my mouth to respond when Matriarch Evelyn''s voice came from the staircase

    "What are you talking about? Picking someone up for dinner with me?"

    Panic seized me. I turned to face her, forcing a smile as I approached.

    "Grandmother, there''s no..." I tried to change the subject, but Ethan cut me off. "Lily," he said, looking at me pointedly.

    I red at him before turning back to Matriarch Evelyn, my mind racing for what

    to say.

    "Grandmother, Lily, she''s..." I began hesitantly.

    "Who''s Lily?" Matriarch Evelyn frowned, her brow furrowing in confusion,

    I stopped, stunned into silence. The question hit me like a physical blow. How could she not remember Lily? Her own great-granddaughter?

    Ethan''s expression shifted from annoyance to concern. He pulled out his phone and quickly typed a message.

    "I''ve texted Dr. Bet toe over," he murmured, his voice suddenly serious

    "Liv why aren''t you.

    Matriarch Evelyn patted my hand gently, concern in her aged eyes.

    I squeezed her hand back, fighting to keep my tears at bay.

    "Lily is someone very important to me," I said softly, unable to bring myself to exin further.

    "Important? Then Grandmother must meet her," she said decisively. "Ethan, go pick her up."

    My throat tightened. I couldn''t do this. I couldn''t exin that Lily was gone, that

    she''d never again run through these halls or sit at the dinner table

    "Grandmother, Lily isn''t avable today," I managed. "I''ll take you to see herter"

    Èý¿Ú

    The lie tasted bitter on my tongue, but I couldn''t bear to see the pain that would fill

    her eyes when she

    learned the truth.

    "Alright," she conceded, "but when she''s free, you must bring her home. Grandmother likes anyone who''s good

    to our Liv."

    Only her. Only my grandmother-inw had truly cared for Lily in this family. I blinked rapidly, fighting back

 The Alpha King is unavailable 46

    tears.

    "Okay," I whispered.

    Dr. Harold Bet arrived quickly at the Stone Estate, his medical bag in hand. Despite his age, he moved with the efficiency of someone half his years.

    "She seems confused about certain people," I exined quietly as I led him toward Matriarch Evelyn''s room. "She doesn''t remember... important family members."

    The doctor nodded gravely, his experienced eyes showing he understood my

    concern.

    With some gentle persuasion, I convinced Matriarch Evelyn to have a check-up. She agreed primarily to ease my worry, patting my cheek affectionately before disappearing into the examination room with Dr. Bet. Thirty long minutester, the door opened. Dr. Bet emerged, his expression troubled.

    "How is Grandmother? Ethan and I asked simultaneously, our mutual concern temporarily bridging the gulf

    between us.

    "She''ll be fine if she avoids any shocks and takes care of herself. Dr. Bet began, his voice measured.

    "But what?" I pressed, anxiety wing at my chest

    "She has memory loss," he exined. "Her memories stop after that night five years ago. Thest five years

    are nk"

    Five years ago. Before Lily fell ill. Before everything fell apart

    Relief washed over me, followed immediately by guilt. How could I be relieved that Matriarch Evelyn couldn''t remember her own great-granddaughter?

    I felt Ethan''s gaze on me and looked up to find him watching me intently. His brow furrowed as he seemed to read my thoughts

    "How long do you intend to hide Lily''s death?" his eyes seemed to ask

    if you re at Liv again, I''ll gouge your eyes out," Matriarch Evelyn scolded, emerging from her room.

    She approached Ethan and delivered a sharp p to his back, right where his wounds from the whipping were still healing

    "Ouch!" Ethan winced, his face contorting in pain.

    "Serves you right!" Matriarch Evelyn dered, but I noticed the concern that shed in her eyes

    She had forgotten her own punishment of him earlier. The doctor''s diagnosis was confirmed in that small

    moment

    Later that evening, I prepared a special meal for Matriarch Evelyn. Herb-roasted venison with berry sauce -

    her favorite. I carefully measured the healing herbs that would strengthen her without interfering with her

    medication

    "This is delicious, Liv, she praised, happily epting a second half bowl. "No one cooks like you."

    Her words warmed my heart. After dinner, she insisted on a stroll through the garden, iming the evening air would help her digestion.

    We had barely made it halfway across thewn when the sky opened up. Rain poured down without warning.

    drenching us instantly.

    Without hesitation, I removed my coat and held it over Matriarch Evelyn''s head, shielding her from the

    downpour.

    "Liv, you''ll catch cold!" she protested, trying to share the makeshift shelter.

    "I''m fine," I assured her, though the rain had already soaked through my clothes.

    By the time servants arrived with umbres, I was drenched to the skin, my hair stered to my face and

    neck.

    "Liv, go take a hot shower so you don''t catch a cold," Matriarch Evelyn urged as we entered the house "With your weak constitution, you can''t afford to get sick."

    She was right. I had my first day at Canis Enterprises on Monday, and my immune system was already weakened from stress and grief.

    "Okay," I agreed, heading toward Ethan''s wing of the Stone Estate.

    I felt Matriarch Evelyn''s eyes on my back as I walked away, but I didn''t turn

    around to see the knowing smile that yed on her lips.

    Ethan had gone to his study for a video conference with business partners. ording to Bernard, it wouldst at least two hours. He wouldn''t be back anytime soon.

    Still, I locked the bedroom door behind me, cautious in what felt like enemy territory.

    I quickly undressed, cing my wet clothes in the dryer. Though I had lived with Ethan for five years at Imperial Gardens, I had never stayed overnight in his room since Lily fell ill

    The bathroom filled with steam as I turned the shower to its hottest setting. I stepped under the spray, letting the warm water wash away the chill and soothe the welts on my back from the recent punishment.

    The sound of the water masked the noise from outside, and I didn''t hear the doorknob turning.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 47

    I slid the key Bernard had given me into the lock and pushed the door open. The room was filled with steam from the bathroom, and the sound of running water

    echoed through my bedroom.

    She was here. In my territory.

    I closed the door behind me and turned the lock with a decisive click. No interruptions tonight.

    I shrugged off my Formal Alpha Jacket, draping it over a nearby chair. The weight of my phone in the pocket reminded me of pack duties, but they could wait. This couldn''t.

    The bathroom door stood partially open. Light spilled out in a golden rectangle across the dark floor. I moved toward it silently, my wolf instincts taking over.

    I pushed the door wider, steam rolling out to envelop me. There she stood, her back to me, water cascading over her slender form like liquid silver.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 48

    The welts from the discipline rod were still visible across her pale skin. Angry red lines marring what should be perfect. Something twisted painfully in my chest at

    the sight.

    Olivia suddenly tensed, sensing my presence. She whirled around, emerald eyes widening in shock and rm. Water droplets clung to hershes, making her eyes seem even more vibrant

    "Ethan!" she gasped, immediately reaching for a towel to cover herself. "Matriarch Evelyn is waiting for me!" I blocked the doorway with my body. "Grandmother is already asleep, she doesn''t want to be disturbed." Her eyes narrowed dangerously. She clearly didn''t believe me.

    She tried to push past me, but I remained solid as stone. Her frustration was evident in the flush rising to her

    cheeks.

    "Let me go," she demanded, her voice low and threatening.

    When I didn''t respond, she raised her foot, clearly intending to stomp on mine. I reacted instantly, lifting herpletely off the ground with ease.

    Her wet skin slid against my clothes as she struggled. "Put me down!" she hissed, twisting in my grasp.

    The sudden sharp tone of Victoria''s ringtone cut through our struggle like a knife. I froze, immediately recognizing the sound.

    I released Olivia, letting her feet touch the floor as I reached for my phone. I kept one arm loosely around her waist to prevent her escape.

    "Victoria," I answered with sharp impatience. "What is it?"

    Olivia continued to struggle against my hold. I pressed my hand over her mouth to silence her protests.

    Victoria''s voice came through the line, but her words barely registered. Something about Emma acting up again. Nothing urgent.

    10

    "I''m busy. I''ll call you back," I snapped, ending the call abruptly.

    I tossed my phone onto the counter and turned my attention back to Olivia, who was ring at me with undisguised hatred. Before I could speak, the phone rang again.

    Victoria''s name shed brightly on the screen. I ignored it, focusing on the woman in front of me.

    But the ringing continued, persistent and demanding as Victoria herself. On the third ring, Olivia reached for the phone, likely to silence it permanently.

    I caught her wrist mid-air, snatching the phone myself. "What?" I growled, not bothering to hide my irritation.

    Victoria''s voice came through, high-pitched and frantic. "Ethan... what should I do? Emma has been having nightmares since she fell in the Moonlit Reflection Pool today."

    My body tensed immediately, all thoughts of Olivia vanishing.

    *She keeps crying for you, and I can''t soothe her," Victoria continued, her voice breaking with emotion. "I''m so worried. I want to take her to the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den, but the rain is too heavy... what should I do?"

    In the background, I could hear Emma''s voice, small and frightened. "Daddy... I want Daddy..."

    The sound of her distress twisted something deep inside me. Emma needed me. Nothing else mattered.

    "Don''t panic," I told Victoria, already moving toward my closet. "I''m on my way." Olivia tried to pull me back, her fingers catching on my sleeve. ¡°Ethan, wait-

    I shook her off without a second thought and quickly changed into clean clothes. Emma''s cries echoed in my mind, drowning out everything else.

    I left the bedroom without a backward nce, my face set with determination and worry. The door closed firmly behind me.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I watched Ethan rush out, a bitter smile ying on my lips. Not even ten minutes alone with me before Victoria''s call pulled him away like a puppet on strings

    His devotion to her was almost impressive in its predictability. The moment Victoria called, nothing else mattered not even his supposed desire for me.

    One day, he would discover their true nature. And I would be there to witness his world crumble.

    I returned to the bathroom to finish my shower, letting the scalding water wash away the lingering sensation of his touch on my skin. Every ce he''d touched me felt contaminated.

    After drying off, I dressed in the spare clothes I''d brought. Despite my exhaustion, sleep refused toe. My mind raced with thoughts of Ethan, Victoria, and the twisted game we were all trapped in.

    I decided to go downstairs for a ss of water. The Stone Estate was eerily quiet at this hour, most of its upants already lost to dreams.

    The cool water soothed my throat but did nothing for the restlessness spreading through my lin to move, to channel this nervous energy before it consumed me.

    I needed

    The Private Training Room would be empty now. I could work through some of my frustration there, maybe find some peace in physical exertion.

    219

    I made my way down the plushly carpeted corridor, my footsteps soundless in the

    darkness. As I approached Eleanor''s wing, voices reached my ears.

    I slowed my pace, not wanting a confrontation with Eleanor or Isabelle after today''s events.

    "You''d better not disappoint met Eleanor''s sharp voice cut through the silence like a knife.

    I froze instantly, pressing myself against the wall to avoid detection.

    "Victoria Frost, I spent fifty thousand dors to get you the first ce in the Canis Enterprisespetition, and I''ve paved the way for you!"

    My breath caught painfully in my throat. Eleanor had paid for Victoria''s win? Thepetition I had worked so hard for had been rigged from the start?

    The call ended abruptly, and Eleanor''s footsteps approached my hiding spot. I quickly ducked into a nearby alcove, heart pounding as she passed by, heading toward the Private Training Room.

    Once she was gone, I leaned against the wall, mind racing with this new information. It wasn''t Ethan who had stolen my first ce for Victoria - it was Eleanor''s maniption all along.

    Suddenly, Isabelle''s taunts at the awards ceremony made perfect sense. "Do you really think you could win first ce?" she had sneered with such confidence.

    I remembered the panic that shed across Victoria and Isabelle''s faces when Ethan appeared unexpectedly. They weren''t afraid he would overhear their cruelty toward me they feared he would discover their bribery scheme.

    A slow smile spread across my face. Eleanor had made a critical mistake, and now I had leverage I could use. For once in this twisted game of power, I might have the upper hand.

    A n began to form in my

    mind.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 49

    Monday morning arrived with a gentle drizzle, washing away the weekend''s tension. My first day at Canis Enterprises loomed ahead, both exciting and daunting.

    I''d chosen to take public transportation to avoid morning traffic. The bus stopped near the imposing ss tower that housed the prestigious healing crystalpany.

    As I stepped off the bus, a familiar voice called out.

    "Mrs. Winters? Is that you?"

    I turned to see Sophia Hughes, the third-ce winner from the Pack Healer''s

    Crystal Competition. Her friendly smile was a wee sight.

    "Good morning, Sophia. Please, call me Olivia."

    She fell into step beside me. "First day jitters? I barely sleptst night."

    I nodded, appreciating her candor. "Same here. But we earned our ces."

    We chatted easily as we entered the building''s marble lobby. The elevator bank stood ahead, already crowded with morningmuters.

    "I can''t believe we''ll be working with Alexander Thornton, Sophia whispered, her eyes wide with admiration. "His crystal designs revolutionized werewolf healing practices."

    Before I could respond, the distinctive clip of high heels against marble caught my attention. Victoria Frost approached, looking immacte in a designer suit that probably cost more than most wolves earned in a

    month.

    Her eyes narrowed slightly when she spotted me, but her face quickly rearranged into a pleasant mask. She pulled out her phone and began speaking loudly.

    "Ethan, I''m already at the elevator..." Her voice carried deliberately across the lobby. "Don''t worry.... around, I won''t be wronged... Drive safely."

    She hung up, her face beaming with feigned affection. Her eyes met mine, a provocative nce that spoke

    volumes.

    With wo

    you

    Message received. Ethan had driven her to work. They were close. I was not.

    The elevator arrived with a soft chime, and we stepped inside.

    Sophia seemed starstruck, edging closer to Victoria. "Did Alpha King Stone drive you to work today?" she asked, her voice tinged with awe.

    Victoria gave a coy smile. "He insisted. He''s always so protective."

 The Alpha King is unavailable 50

    Her demeanor radiated happiness, and I fought the urge to roll my eyes. Victoria was ying her role perfectly - the adored mistress of the Alpha King.

    Sophiapped it up, clearly impressed by Victoria''s connection to Ethan. I

    remained silent, unwilling to give

    ¥Ä

    Victoria the satisfaction of a response

    The elevator doors opened onto the fortieth floor, revealing the sleek headquarters of Canis Enterprises. A woman with sharp features and a tablet in hand awaited us.

    "Wee to Canis Enterprises," she said crisply "I''m Amanda Fletcher, Alexander Thornton''s assistant Her gaze swept over us, lingering dismissively on me before brightening as itnded on Victoria. "Mrs. Frost, we''ve been expecting you. Mr. Thornton is particrly excited about your crystal designs"

    Victoria preened under the attention. "How kind of him."

    Amanda turned to me, her tone noticeably cooler. "And you must be Mrs. Winters. Alexander mentioned your... unique approach."

    The hesitation in her voice spoke volumes. She clearly doubted my

    abilities

    "I''m honored to be here," I replied evenly.

    OW

    Amanda''s smile didn''t reach her eyes. "You can say that again after you pass the probation period" Victoria stepped forward, producing an elegantly wrapped box. "Miss Fletcher, a small token of appreciation, It''s exclusive moonlight coffee from the Stone family''s private reserve."

    Amanda''s demeanor transformed instantly. "How thoughtful! Thank you, Mrs. Frost."

    I bit back a retort. Of course Victoria would use Ethan''s resources to curry favor on her first day.

    Amanda led us through the office, introducing us to our new colleagues. This is Victoria Frost, our first-ce winner in the Pack Healer''s Crystal Competition," she announced proudly.

    When my turn came, her introduction was perfunctory. "Olivia Winters, second ce."

    Despite Amanda''s obvious favoritism, I greeted everyone warmly. Tm looking forward to working with all of you. Your crystal designs are legendary in the healingmunity."

    Several designers approached me,plimenting mypetition entry. "Your moonstone configuration was innovative," one said. I''ve never seen that arrangement before."

    I felt Victoria''s gaze burning into me as attention shifted my way. From the corner of my eye, I saw her discreetly typing on her phone..

    Minutester, the office doors opened, and several delivery people entered carrying trays of high-end coffee and pastries.

    "Delivery for Mrs. Victoria Frost, courtesy of Alpha King Ethan Stone, announced the lead delivery person. Victoria feigned surprise, her hand fluttering to her chest. "Oh my! Ethan shouldn''t have!"

    She immediately began distributing the treats. "Please, everyone, enjoy. Ethan wanted to make sure my first day started well,"

    The office staff gathered around, clearly impressed by the extravagant gesture. Victoria stood at the center, graciously epting their thanks as if she were already their leader.

    I watched silently, resentment building in my chest. Not because of the treats themselves, but because of what they represented: Ethan''s determination to ensure Victoria faced no difort, no challenge. He''d always protected her, even at Lily''s expense.

    O <

    After the impromptu celebration, Amanda assigned us our initial tasks. "Victoria, you''ll be working directly with Gregory Hayes on the new healing crystal line. Sophia, you''ll assist in the testing department. Olivia, please organize the reference materials in room 403,"

    Filing duty. The least prestigious assignment possible.

    "I''ll be away on a business trip this afternoon, Amanda continued. "Gregory will oversee your progress."

    As everyone dispersed to their assigned tasks, I made my way to room 403. The materials room was filled with crystal samples and design references, a treasure trove of knowledge despite the menial nature of the

    task.

    I had just begun sorting through the files when the door opened behind me. Victoria slipped in, closing the

    door quietly.

    The moment we were alone, her pleasant mask fell away. Her eyes hardened, lips curling into a sneer. "Enjoying your first day, Olivia?" she asked, voice dripping with disdain.

    I continued organizing files, refusing to engage. "Is there something you need, Victoria?"

    She leaned against the door, blocking the exit. "You know what''s funny? Last night, after Emma finally fell asleep, I went to Ethan''s room wearing his favorite lingerie."

    My hands stilled momentarily before I forced myself to continue working.

    "He barely looked at me," Victoria continued, her voice tight with frustration. "He was so worried about Emma, checking on her every hour. When I tried to seduce him, he just patted my head like a child and told me to get

    some rest."

    I turned to face her, curious where this was going.

    "It wasn''t always like this,¡± she hissed. "Before you came along with your pathetic orphan story and caught his grandmother''s attention, Ethan and I were inseparable. We were meant to be mates."

    Her jealousy was palpable, filling the small room with bitter energy.

    "And now, even after five years of you proving yourself worthless, even after your daughter died, he still won''t fullymit to me," she spat.

    The mention of Lily sent a wave of rage through me, but I kept my expression neutral. Victoria wanted a reaction. I wouldn''t give her the satisfaction.

    Her frustration grew at my silence. "I saw how he looked at you yesterday in his bedroom. I''m not blind,

    Olivia.

    So that''s what this was about. Victoria had somehow learned about my encounter with Ethan. "Olivia Winters, you know Ethan loves me, yet you repeatedly try to seduce him. How can you be so shameless?"

 The Alpha King is unavailable 51

    I calmly ced the crystal design magazine back on the shelf after Victoria''s emotional outburst. Her jealousy was almost amusing.

    "What''s wrong. Victoria?" I asked, deliberately keeping my voice light. "Are you worried?"

    Victoria''s perfectly sculpted eyebrows drew together in confusion before her face contorted with anger.

    "I have nothing to be anxious about..." she started defensively, then stopped abruptly as realization dawned

    on her face.

    I couldn''t help the small smile that tugged at my lips. She''d fallen right into my trap, effectively admitting to be worried - a derogatory term implying she was desperate and territorial.

    Fury shed in Victoria''s eyes. She lunged at me with a snarl, her manicured nails aimed at my face.

    I moved quickly, catching her wrists and pinning her against the bookshelf. Several crystal samples rattled precariously on their shelves.

    "Let me go!" she hissed, struggling against my grip.

    My emerald eyes locked with hers. Despite my status as a Luna without favor, I was still physically stronger

    than her.

    "Victoria Frost," I said, my voice dropping to an icy whisper, "Seduce him? He doesn''t deserve it."

    Victoria''s face paled with rage. She twisted violently in my grip.

    I released her and stepped back, returning to my work organizing the crystal samples as if nothing had

    happened,

    "You''ll regret this," Victoria spat, straightening her designer blouse. "You think you''re so clever, don''t you?"

    I continued sorting through the samples, not bothering to look at her.

    "You know what your problem is, Olivia?" Victoria continued, her voice gaining confidence. "You rely too much on that old woman''s protection."

    My hands stilled on a moonstone crystal.

    "When Grandmother passes, who will protect you then?" she sneered, her perfectly manicured nails digging

    into her palms.

    Something snapped inside me. I grabbed the magazine from the shelf and hurled it at Victoria. It hit her squarely in the mouth.

    "Don''t you dare speak about Matriarch Stone that way," I growled, advancing on her. "She''s healthy and will live for many more years."

    Victoria touched her lip where the magazine had struck, her eyes widening in shock.

    ¡°Unlike you, Victoria,¡± I continued, ¡°I don''t need to rely on my looks to secure my position. Your beauty won''t

    *000

    I R

    7

    O Chaster 11 & War of Win

    I walked past her, my shoulders squared with dignity, and left the materials room without a backward nce.

    (Victoria''s POV)

    That insufferable woman! I dabbed at my lip, checking for blood on my fingertip.

    How dare she attack me? I was Victoria Frost, beloved of Alpha King Ethan Stone. I wouldn''t let this

    humiliation stand,

    I took several deep breaths,posing myself before returning to the main office.

    A n was already forming in my mind.

    Gregory Hayes approached as I emerged from the materials room. "Mrs. Frost, are you alright? You look

    flushed."

    I gave him my most dazzling smile. ¡°I''m perfectly fine, just excited about my first day"

    The afternoon passed quickly as I charmed my way through the office, making connections and establishing myself as someone of importance.

    By the end of the day, I had the perfect opportunity to demonstrate my superiority over Olivia.

    "Everyone, I announced with practiced casualness as we were preparing to leave, "I''d like to invite you all to

    dinner at Amber Crest Restaurant tonight."

    Excited murmurs spread through the office.

    "Ethan has reserved the private dining room for us, I continued, watching their eyes widen. "He wanted to celebrate my-our-first day at Canis Enterprises."

    Amanda Fletcher was the first to ept. "How generous of Alpha King Stone! I''d be delighted to join."

    One by one, our colleagues eagerly agreed. Even Sophia Hughes couldn''t hide her excitement at the prospect of dining at such an exclusive establishment.

    Only Olivia remained silent, her face carefully nk.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 52

    "You''ll join us too, won''t you, Olivia?" I asked sweetly, making sure everyone could hear. "After all, we''re colleagues now.

    She met my gaze steadily. "Of course, Victoria. I wouldn''t miss it."

    Amber Crest Restaurant was the crown jewel of Shadow Creek. As we entered the elegant establishment, I watched with satisfaction as my colleagues gasped at the iid walls and crystal chandeliers.

    The ma?tre d'' recognized me immediately. "Mrs. Frost, wee back. Alpha King Stone''s private dining room is prepared as requested."

    I led our group through the restaurant, enjoying the envious nces from other diners. The private dining room, known as the "Moonlight Chamber," was exclusive to Ethan and had never been opened to the public.

    "Please, make yourselvesfortable," I said, gesturing to the plush chairs around therge table. "Order whatever you''d like. After all," I purred, ncing at Olivia, "Ethan is paying."

    I instructed the waiter to bring wine from Ethan''s private cer and several menus.

    "The venison with moonberry sauce is excellent," I suggested, watching Olivia from the corner of my eye.

    0.

    Chapter 41 A War of Wor

    To my annoyance, Olivia calmly ordered several venison dishes. She seemedpletely unaffected by my attempt to intimidate her.

    As we ate, I noticed Olivia checking her phone repeatedly. When it vibrated with an iing message, a slight change came over her face.

    "Excuse me," she said, rising from her sent. I need to use the restroom."

    I watched as she walked not toward the restrooms, but toward the exit.

    Suspicious, I excused myself and followed her. She was heading through the garden outside the restaurant, moving quickly as if to meet someone.

    I caught up to her near a moonlit fountain. "Running off to meet my man? I

    hissed, grabbing her arm. Olivia turned, her emerald eyes shing with irritation. "Your man? Strange, I don''t recall seeing your wedding

    ceremony."

    Her sarcasm infuriated me. "Don''t y dumb, Olivia. I know you''re trying to intercept Ethan."

    She pulled her arm free from my grip. "And what right do you have to interfere if I am?"

    "He loves me," I insisted, my voice rising despite my efforts to stay calm. "He always has."

    Olivia''sugh was short and bitter. "Is that why he rushes to your side at every call? Or is it because you''ve manipted him for years, using Emma as bait?"

    "He may be bound to you by some ancient tradition," I spat, "but his heart belongs to me. It always has, and it always will."

    (Olivia''s POV)

    Victoria''s deration hung in the air between us. Her desperation was almost palpable. "Is that what you tell yourself at night?" I asked quietly. "That his heart belongs to you?"

    Victoria''s face flushed with anger. "I don''t need to tell myself anything. I know it''s true."

    I shook my head, almost pitying her. "If you were so confident, you wouldn''t be following me around like a suspicious mate."

    My phone vibrated again. James was waiting for me at the corner, as we''d arranged.

    ''Enjoy your dinner, Victoria," I said, turning to leave. "I''ve lost my appetite." til you admit you

    Victoria grabbed my wrist, her nails digging into my skin. "You''re not going anywhere. Not until you were nning to meet Ethan."

    I twisted free from her grasp. "I don''t owe you any exnations."

    matter what you do, he''ll always he

    "He''ll never love you," Victoria hissed, herposure cracking. "No matter what you do, he''ll always

    back to me."

    I met her gaze steadily. "Is that why you''re so afraid whenever we''re alone together? Because deep down, you know your hold on him isn''t as strong as you pretend?"

    Victoria''s face paled. "You''re delusional."

    "Am I?" I challenged. "Then why did you call himst night when he was with me? Why do you constantly need

    00

    to remind everyone of your connection to him?"

    Victoria stepped closer, her voice dropping to a venomous whisper. "Your daughter is dead, Olivia She''s gone and nothing will bring her back. Not Ethan''s attention, not his love, nothing"

    The mention of Lily sent a wave of cold fury through me. I fought to keep my expression neutral.

    "Your man? Strange, I don''t recall seeing your wedding ceremony¡± I replied coolly, deliberately changing the subject away from my daughter.

    Victoria''s eyes narrowed. "He may be bound to you by some ancient tradition," she spat, "but his heart belongs to me. It always has, and it always will."

 The Alpha King is unavailable 53

    (Olivin''s POV)

    "Is that so? Are you so sure?" I asked Victoria with a sneer, watching her face closel

    Victoria''s perfectly painted lips twitched slightly. "Of course!" she retorted, but I could see the uncertainty in

    her eyes.

    I took a step closer, lowering my voice. "Victoria, I overheard Eleanor calling youst night."

    Her expression remained neutral, but I noticed her fingers tense at her sides.

    "If Ethan knew that your first ce win in the Pack Healer''s Crystal Competition was bought by Eleanor for fifty million dors...

    The effect was immediate. Victoria''s pupils constricted with shock, herposure momentarily shattered.

    She hadn''t expected this.

    But Victoria Frost wasn''t one to stay rattled for long. Within seconds, she had regained her poise, her lips curving into a calcted smile.

    "So what?" she challenged, tossing her hair back. "Olivia, don''t tell me you n to tell Ethan.

    Sheughed derisively, the sound grating on my nerves. "Do you think Ethan would believe you just based on

    your words?"

    The truth in her statement hit harder than any physical blow. I lowered my eyes, unable to maintain my

    defiant stance.

    "Of course he won''t, I murmured.

    A wave of bitterness washed over me as I acknowledged the reality of my situation. If only Ethan had a shred

    of trust in me, I wouldn''t have to endure this humiliation.

    Victoria''s smile widened, triumph gleaming in her eyes. She thought she''d won.

    ¡°But.......¡± I interrupted her before she could gloat further, a faint smile ying on my lips.

    I slowly raised my eyes, letting my gaze drift past Victoria to the moonlit pavilion just a few steps away.

    Victoria''s self-satisfied expression faltered.

    Her heart must have sunk as she instinctively turned around. From the shadows emerged Ethan Stone, his

    amber eyes cold and intimidating.

    Victoria froze, stunned. The realization dawned on her face she had been set up!

    Standing there, meeting Ethan''s cold gaze, Victoria panicked. It was clearly the first time Ethan had i

    her with such coldness.

    She rushed forward and grabbed his wrist, her eyes reddening as she choked out, "Ethan, listen to my exnation."

    ed at

    The Alpha King radiated an icy aura, his face grim with anger. Yet, he didn''t shake off Victoria''s hand. He was waiting for her exnation.

    O Q

    *+

    0

    My lips curled into a sarcastic smile. This was the difference between love and indifference

    Even though Victoria had practically admitted to using underhanded methods, something Ethan detested, he was still willing to give her a chance to exin. But for me, any baseless usation from Victoria was enough for Ethan to condemn

    me.

    Past memories shed through my mind like a slideshow.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 54

    If I didn''t exin, it was an admission of guilt. If did exin, it was mere sophistry.

    If I lost control, I was simply a "wild Omega"

    My nose stung with the surge of injustice and heartache, which eventually morphed into a coldugh.

    Ethan, hearing meugh, looked up, his eyes narrowed with a dangerous glint, as if warning me. I could see he was conflicted-angry at Victoria''s deception yet still protective of her

    My smile turned even colder, my emerald eyes reflecting a painful realization. The answer was crystal clear. I

    had lost.

    Without lingering any longer, I turned and walked back toward the private dining room of Amber Crest

    Restaurant.

    Although I hadn''t expected this incident to make Ethan see through Victoria or be disillusioned with her, I had hoped for at least a flicker of doubt. But I hadn''t anticipated this oue.

    I reached the door of the private room and opened it, walking back to my seat with

    aposed expression. Picking up my ss of wine, I took several gulps to suppress the bitterness in my throat.

    "Olivia, Victoria just went to the restroom too. Didn''t you run into each other?" Sophia Hughes, sitting beside

    me, asked.

    "No," I replied with a forced smile.

    Picking up my silverware, I lowered my head to eat, masking my emotions from my colleagues. The venison with moonberry sauce tasted like ash in my mouth.

    "Victoria hasn''te back for so long. Could something have happened?" Sophia worried, ncing toward

    the door.

    "What are you saying? This is Alpha Stone''s ce. How could anything happen to Victoria, the future Luna?" another colleague responded with augh.

    At that moment, the door opened again, revealing not only Victoria but also Ethan Stone, Victoria held Ethan''s arm, their intimacy a clear indication that there was no rift between them.

    Ethan''s presence itself was a testament to his stance. Victoria, with a smile ying on her lips, cast a meaningful nce at me, her eyes shing with triumph.

    Her slightly raised chin seemed to convey a message: "Olivia, even if you set me up and let Ethan know the truth, do you think he would be angry with me? Principles are nothingpared to true love."

    "Alpha Stone," everyone in the room stood up as Ethan entered, their expressions a mix of nervousness and respect as they greeted him.

    Only I remained seated, my eyes downcast, concealing my coldness and mockery as I calmly sipped my soup. I refused to participate in this charade of respect.

    Ethan responded with a faint "Hmm," his gaze sweeping over everyone before finally settling on me. His gaze

    Cluptei

    was intense and impossible to ignore..

    I felt it, but I chose to ignore him, continuing to eat as if his presence meant nothing to me.

    Victoria clung to Ethan''s arm, smiling sweetly as she announced, "Sorry, Ethan came to pick me up early."

    She looked around the table, her voice dripping with false generosity. "Please continue. Ethan has already. made arrangements. Order whatever you want, it''s on his tab. Don''t be polite."

    Ethan remained silent, tacitly agreeing to Victoria''s arrangements, giving her full face in front of everyone.

    The others looked at Victoria with increasing envy.

    "Thank you, Alpha Stone," several voices echoed. Ethan nodded again without saying much.

    Victoria nced at me, aware of my low alcohol tolerance. A new scheme was forming behind her eyes.

    "Excuse me, everyone, I''d like to propose a toast," she announced, releasing Ethan''s arm.

    Victoria walked to her seat, picked up her ss, and filled it to the brim with wine. I initially didn''t move, but Victoria fixed her gaze on me, prompting the others to follow suit.

    I had no choice but to pick up my ss and take a perfunctory sip. My alcohol tolerance wasn''t high, and the previous ss had already started to affect me, making the room spin slightly.

    Victoria downed her drink in one gulp, then stumbled slightly as she set down her ss, falling into Ethan''s arms with practiced precision.

    Leaning against him, she pressed her temple and looked up, her eyes misty as she spoke in a coquettish tone, "Ethan, I feel a little dizzy. Let''s go home."

 The Alpha King is unavailable 55

    "Let''s go home.

    Three simple words from Ethan''s lips to Victoria, yet they pierced my heart like silver. I kept my eyes fixed on my te, refusing to watch as he wrapped his arm around Victoria''s waist, supporting her "drunken" form.

    I could feel his amber eyes on me as they passed, but I wouldn''t give him the satisfaction of seeing my pain The venison on my te suddenly looked unappetizing, the moonberry sauce congealing into a dark pool.

    The click of Victoria''s designer heels faded as they exited the private dining room of Amber Crest Restaurant. Only when I was certain they were gone did I allow myself to take a breath.

    "Well, that was unexpected," Sophia Hughes whispered beside me, her eyes wide with excitement. "Alpha Stone himself! Can you believe it?"

    I managed a nomittal hum, taking another sip of wine despite my better judgment. The alcohol burned down my throat, dulling the sharper edges of my humiliation.

    With Ethan and Victoria''s departure, the atmosphere in the room shifted. The oppressive tension dissipated, reced by animated chatter as my colleagues resumed their conversations with renewed vigor.

    "I think this calls for another toast," Sophia announced, standing up with her wine ss held high. Her cheeks were flushed from the alcohol, her eyes bright.

    The others quickly followed suit, raising their sses in anticipation.

    "To new beginnings and sessful designs!" Sophia dered.

    "To new beginnings!" everyone echoed.

    I forced a smile and raised my ss, taking a careful sip. The room had already started to spin slightly, and I knew I needed to be cautious. My wolf form might have enhanced healing abilities, but my human form had embarrassingly low alcohol tolerance.

    "Are you

    alright, Olivia?" Sophia asked, noticing my careful sipping. ¡°You''ve barely touched your food."

    "I''m fine," I lied. Just savoring the experience."

    The dinner continued for another hour, with conversations flowing more freely now that the Alpha King was gone. Design concepts were discussed, office politics analyzed, and personal stories shared. I participated minimally, my mind still reying the moment Ethan had chosen Victoria over me yet again.

    As the evening drew to a close, the bill was settled-on Ethan''s tab, as Victoria had so generously announced

    -and people began making arrangements to get home.

    "We can share a ride," offered one of the male designers from the crystal testing department. Two others nodded in agreement.

    I nced at the three men, all slightly intoxicated and watching me with varying degrees of interest. The thought of being confined in a car with them made me ufortable.

    An

    O <

    Flutes At the high i

    "Thank you, but my friend is picking me up, I lied smoothly, avoiding direct eye contact. "He should be here any minute."

    They seemed disappointed but didn''t press the issue. As they gathered their belongings and headed out, I remained seated, pretending to check my phone.

    When thest of them had left, I exhaled deeply, relieved to be alone. The alcohol in my system was making it difficult to think clearly, and I needed fresh air.

    I made my way outside to the garden adjacent to Amber Crest Restaurant. The night air was cool against my flushed skin, and I weed the sensation

    The garden was beautifully maintained, with moonflowers blooming under the night sky. Their subtle fragrance helped clear my head slightly as I walked toward a decorative fountain at the center.

    I reached the fountain and leaned over, cupping my hands to collect some water. The cold liquid felt refreshing as I sshed it on my face, though it did little to dispel the alcohol''s effects.

    Moonlight illuminated my reflection in the rippling water. I looked tired, my emerald eyes shadowed with

    exhaustion and hurt.

    "Pull yourself together, Olivia," I whispered to my reflection. "You''re stronger than this."

    I spotted a stone bench nearby and decided to sit down until I felt steady enough

    to call for a ride. The simple

    task of walking straight suddenly seemed monumental.

    .....on

    "One... two.... three..." I counted my steps carefully, focusing intently on cing one foot in front of the other

    By the time I reached "seven," the garden had begun to spin more violently. I blinked hard, trying to regain my

    focus.

    "Eight..." I whispered, taking another wobbly step forward.

    Instead of finding empty space, I collided with something solid-a broad chest d

    in expensive fabric. My hands instinctively clutched at the formal jacket for

    support, and a familiar scent enveloped me.

    (Victoria''s POV)

    I leaned against Ethan in the underground parking garage, ying the role of the intoxicated damsel to perfection. Maxwell Chen, Ethan''s ever-efficient assistant, held the car door open with his usual stolc

    expression.

    "Thank you, Max," I purred, making sure to stumble slightly as Ethan guided me into the backseat of his sleek

    ck SUV.

    I felt a surge of triumph as Ethan slid in beside me. Once again, I had seeded

    in pulling him away from

    Olivia, away from his responsibilities to her. It was bing almost too easy

    As Maxwell closed the door and moved to the driver''s seat, I shed my designer jacket with a dramatic sigh.

    "It''s so warm in here," I murmured, deliberately exposing more skin as I leaned closer to Ethan. I c

    hand on his thigh, my touch light but suggestive.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 56

    Ethan remained still, his amber eyes unreadable as they stared straight ahead. I had expected him to be at least slightly affected by my proximity, but he seemedpletely unmoved.

    "Chen," Ethan''s voice cut through the silence, startling me. "Take Ms. Frost home."

    10 <

    Clogies 41 The Sting of B

    I froze, my hand still on his thigh. "But Ethan," I protested, dropping the pretense

    of intoxication. I thought we

    were going back to your ce."

    "I have business to attend to," he replied, his voice devoid of emotion

    Before I could respond, he had opened the door and stepped out of the vehicle. I watched in disbelief as he

    shut the door firmly behind him.

    "Wait!" I called out, but he was already walking away, his powerful figure

    disappearing into the shadows of

    the parking garage.

    I sat back against the leather seat, my carefully constructed facade crumbling. Had he seen through my act?

    Was he still angry about the Pack Healer''s Crystal Competition?

    "Would you like me to take you home now, Ms. Frost?" Maxwell asked from the front seat, his voice professional and detached.

    I swallowed my frustration and nodded. "Yes, please."

    As the car pulled away, I stared out the window, my reflection staring back at me with worried eyes. For the first time, I felt a flicker of doubt about my hold on Ethan Stone.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    The solid chest I had collided with belonged to none other than Ethan Stone. His amber eyes looked down at

    me with a mixture of coldness and amusement as I clutched his formal jacket for support.

    "Counting steps now, are we?" he asked, his deep voice vibrating through his chest.

    I immediately tried to push away, but my inebriated state made the movement too forceful, I stumbled

    backward, nearly falling before Ethan''s strong hands caught my elbows.

    "Let go," I demanded, my voice sounding slurred even to my own ears.

    "So you can fall t on your face? I think not," Ethan replied, his grip remaining firm.

    The moonlight illuminated his features, highlighting the sharp angles of his face. He looked unfairly handsome, his ck hair slightly tousled by the night breeze. "Where''s Victoria?" I asked bitterly. "Shouldn''t you be taking her home?"

    A shadow crossed Ethan''s face. "Victoria is on her way home."

    Iughed, the sound hollow and pained. "So you''vee to check on your other responsibility? How dutiful of you, Alpha King."

    I tried again to pull away, and this time Ethan released me. Without his support, I

    swayed dangerously, the garden spinning around me.

    "You''re drunk," he stated tly.

    "How observant," I shot back. "Did you figure that out all by yourself?"

    My foot cat on

    I took an unsteady step toward the stone bench, determined to reach it without his help. My foot ca

    an uneven paving stone, and I pitched forward.

    Once again, Ethan was there, catching me before I could hit the ground. This time, he didn''t just steady me- he swept me into his arms, cradling me against his

    chest.

    0000

    III

    "Put me down! i protested, pushing weakly against him,

    "Stop struggling," hemanded, his Alpha voice sending a shiver down my spine.

    I fell silent, too dizzy and too tired to fight anymore. The steady rhythm of his heartbeat against my ear was

    oddlyforting.

    "Why are you here?" I asked quietly after a moment. "Why aren''t you with her?" Ethan didn''t answer immediately. He carried me to the stone bench and set me down gently, then took a seat.

    beside me.

    "You shouldn''t drink if you can''t handle it," he said, ignoring my question.

    I turned my face away from him, staring at the moonflowers that lined the garden path. ¡°You didn''t answer

    my question."

    "I don''t owe you an exnation for my actions, he replied coldly.

    The familiar sting of rejection washed over me. Of course he wouldn''t exin. He never did.

    "Then leave," I whispered. "Go back to Victoria. She needs you more than I do." Ethan remained seated, his presence bothforting and torturous. The silence between us stretched, filled with unspoken words and buried emotions.

    "Can you walk?" he finally asked, his voice softer than before.

    I nodded, though I wasn''t entirely sure. "I just need a minute."

    "I''ll wait," he said simply.

    We sat there under the moonlight, the fragrance of moonflowers enveloping us in

    a sweet cocoon. For a brief moment, I could almost pretend we were just Ethan and Olivia again, not the Alpha King and his discarded

    mate.

    I closed my eyes, fighting back tears that threatened to fall. When I opened them again, I carefully counted

    my steps once more.

    "One... two... three..." I whispered, focusing intently on each cement of my feet.

    Ethan watched me with a mixture of coldness and amusement. As I reached "eight," I stumbled forward, directly into Ethan''s broad chest, my hands instinctively clutching his formal jacket for support.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 57

    I stumbled forward, my nose colliding with a hard chest. Pain shot through my face, tears instantly welling in my emerald eyes

    Looking up through my blurry vision, I saw Ethan Stone''s amber eyes watching me with that unreadable expression he''d mastered over years of being Alpha.

    "What are you doing here?" I asked, my words slurring from the wine Victoria had kept pushing on me. "1 thought you left with Victoria."

    Ethan''s jaw lightened visibly. "I sent her home."

    Confusion swept through me like wildfire. Why would he escort Victoria out only toe find me? Nothing

    about this made sense.

    "Well, good for you," I mumbled, taking an unsteady step backward. "Now you can leave me alone too."

    The memory of Victoria''s triumphant smirk burned in my mind. Her fingers clinging to Ethan''s arm. His hand on her waist. The casual way he''d agreed to take her home.

    "I''m leaving,¡± I announced, turning away and taking a wobbly step toward the garden exit.

    Before I could get three steps, Ethan''s strong hand wrapped around my wrist, yanking me back. The sudden movement made my head spin violently, nausea rising in my throat.

    "Let go!" I demanded, pushing against his broad chest with my free hand

    "You''re in no condition to go anywhere alone," he replied, his grip unyielding as iron.

    I looked around frantically, suddenly aware we were standing in in view. Anyone could walk by and see us

    together.

    "Aren''t you worried someone might see us?" I asked, bitterness dripping from every word. "You''ve never been keen on being seen with me in public before."

    His expression darkened instantly. "What are you talking about?"

    "Oh, please," I scoffed, my voice rising with each word. "You parade Victoria around like a trophy, but with me, you''ve always kept your distance in public. Don''t pretend otherwise!"

    Ethan''s amber eyes shed dangerously. Was it anger? Guilt? I couldn''t tell before the emotion disappeared.

    behind his mask again.

    "How much have you had to drink?" he asked, deliberately changing the subject.

    Iughed, a hollow sound even to my own ears. "Didn''t you see? Victoria kept insisting on toast after toast.

    She made sure my ss was never empty."

    "I wasn''t there for most of the dinner," he replied coldly.

    "Right," I snapped, feeling my temper re. "You only showed up for the grand finale to escort your precious Victoria home like a knight in shining armor!"

 The Alpha King is unavailable 58

    O<

    1. Chapter 14 Hitter Waters

    I tried wrenching my arm away again, suddenly disgusted by his touch. After watching him with Victoria, his fingers on my skin felt like betrayal.

    This time he released me, either sensing my revulsion or anticipating what came next a violent wave of nausea that had me doubling over.

    I stumbled to a nearby stone bench, copsing onto it while trying desperately to keep the contents of my stomach where they belonged. The cool night air helped slightly, but my head still spun like a carousel.

    I fumbled for my phone, determined to call James. He woulde for me, no questions asked.

    As I struggled with the screen, I noticed Ethan pull out his own device. He tapped at it for a few moments before sliding it back into his pocket

    Secondster, my phone buzzed with a notification. Opening it, I found a bank alert that made my eyes widen

    in shock.

    The string of zeros seemed to stretch forever. It was a transfer from Ethan Stone

    a sum so substantial it made my head spin worse than the wine.

    "What is this?" I asked, looking up at him in confusion.

    "Double the prize money for first ce in the Pack Healer''s Crystal Competition," he replied matter-of-factly. as if discussing the weather.

    Understanding hit me like a p. He was paying me off. Buying my silence about Victoria''s behavior and her purchased victory.

    A bitterugh escaped my lips before I could stop it. "So that''s why you''re here. Not to check if I''m okay, but

    to make sure I keep quiet."

    His expression remained impressively impassive. Take it however you want."

    I stared at the number on my screen again, the irony cutting deep into my heart. This single transfer was more than he had provided for Lily and me during our entire five years together.

    "Do you know what this tells me, Ethan?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, it tells me exactly how fa you''ll go for Victoria. You never spared a fraction of this for your own daughter''s medical bills, but for Victoria''s reputation? No expense spared."

    A muscle in his jaw twitched violently, but he remained silent as stone.

    Despite my disgust, I didn''t reject the transfer. I needed that money for Lily''s burial site at Sacred Moonlight Cemetery. My pride wasn''t worth denying my daughter her final rest.

    "I''ll take you home." Ethan said after a moment, his tone making it clear this wasn''t a request but an Alpha

    "No," I refused, standing up shakily. "Im not getting in a car with you."

    The thought of being trapped in an enclosed space with him after everything made my skin crawl. I''d rather

    crawl home on my hands and knees.

    I took a determined step forward, still dizzy from Victoria''s wine attack. My foot caught on an u

    stone, and I began to fall.

    paving

    Ethan moved with inhuman speed, his hand catching my elbow before I could hit the ground. His touch was

    gentle but firm, instinctively protective despite everything between ut

    Irecoiled violently, pushing him away with all my strength. "Don''t touch me

    The sudden movement threw mepletely off bnce. I stumbled backward, falling widy as tred

    to find something to grabi

    Instead of solid ground, my feet suddenly met nothing but air fell backward with a started ory plunging directly into the Moonlit Reflection Pool adjacent to Amber Crest Restaurant

    The shock of icy water hit me like a physical blow I gasped involuntarly, the cold prating my dothes instantly. The freezing temperature seemed to cut straight to my bones as I struggled to pull myself so

    Strong hands gripped my arms before I could manage it, hauling me from the water with effortless trenge Ethan''s face showed a mix of concern and frustration as he quickly pulled my soaked coat away from my

    body.

    I shivered uncontrobly, my teeth chattering loudly as the night air hit my wet clothes. Without hesitatio

    Ethan removed his ck Alpha Overcoat and wrapped it around my shoulders

    me-pine,

    His scent immediately surrounded me - pine, amber and something uniquely Ethan. I tried to struggle

    against it, to push the coat away despite my freezing state.

    He stopped me with a single stern look, his eyes shing with unmistakable Alphamand

    *Still causing trouble?" he asked, his voice cutting through my protests like a knife.

    The authority in his voice temporarily silenced me as I stood there, pathetically dripping and shivering. wrapped in his coat like a child.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 59

    1 held Olivia close against my chest, her small frame shivering from her

    unexpected dip in the Moonlit Reflection Pool. The moonlight caught the droplets of water in her chestnut hair, making them shimmer like

    tiny crystals.

    "Why did you pretend to be sick on your second day at Canis Enterprises?" I asked, my voice stern despite the concern churning inside me.

    She remained silent, her emerald eyes deliberately avoiding mine. The stubborn set of her jaw told me she

    wouldn''t answer easily.

    "Olivia," I pressed, my tone hardening with Alpha authority. "Answer me."

    Still nothing. Just the sound of her chattering teeth and the faint scent of venison and moonberry sauce from

    the dinner she''d barely touched.

    With a frustrated sigh, I adjusted my grip and began walking toward the exit of the Moonlit Garden. My driver would be waiting with the car, and Olivia needed to get warm before she caught a chill.

    "Put me down," she finally spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. "People will see."

    "Let them," I replied, tightening my hold.

    Her small hands pushed against my chest. "Please, Ethan. I don''t want more gossip."

    I nced down at her face, noting the genuine distress in her eyes. Pack politics were brutal, especially for an Omega without a wolf. The rumors about us were already vicious enough.

    Olivia pulled my ck Alpha Overcoat over her face as we passed a group of pack members near the entrance. Their curious eyes followed us, and I heard their whispers even after we''d passed.

    "Did you see that? The Alpha King carrying his Luna?"

    "I thought he was with Victoria Frost now..."

    "Shh! He''ll hear you!"

    I pretended not to notice, focusing instead on getting Olivia to the waiting vehicle where Maxwell Chen stood

    at attention, holding the door open.

    "Alpha,¡± he greeted with a respectful nod, his face betraying no surprise at seeing me carrying my soaking

    wet mate

    "Take us to Maple Grove," Olivia said as I ced her in the backseat.

    I shot her a sharp look. "No."

    "Maple Grove is my home," she insisted, her emerald eyes shing with defiance despite her shivering.

    "Turn the heat up." I instructed Maxwell, ignoring her protest. "Full st.¡±

    Maxwell nodded and closed the door, moving swiftly to the driver''s seat. Within moments, warm air

    §±

    flowing through the vents of the luxury SUV

    Olivia huddled in the corner of the seat, as far from me as possible. Her wet clothes clung to her skin, and despite the heat, she continued to shiver.

    "Take off your shoes," I ordered, reaching for her feet before she could protest.

    She flinched away. "What are you doing?"

    "Your shoes are soaked. Take them off."

    When she made no move toply, I took matters into my own hands, Grasping her ankle firmly but gently, I removed first one shoe, then the other, followed by her soaking wet socks.

    Her feet were ice-cold and pale. I rubbed them between my palms, trying to restore cirction.

    "Stop!" she gasped, trying to pull away. "What do you think you''re doing?"

    I raised an eyebrow. "Preventing frostbite. What did you think I was doing?"

    A blush spread across her cheeks. "... nothing."

    "Your clothes are soaked through," I pointed out. You need to take them off."

    Her eyes widened in rm. "I will not strip in front of you!"

    "Would you prefer to catch pneumonia?" I countered. "Take them off. Now"

    She red at me, that familiar fire in her eyes that always managed to both irritate and intrigue me.

    "Turn around," she demanded.

    I almost smiled at her audacity. Even soaking wet and at my mercy, she still

    issuedmands like she was

    the Alpha.

    "Fine," I conceded, turning to face the window. "But hurry up."

    I heard the rustle of wet fabric as she struggled out of her clothes. In the reflection

    of the window, I caught

 The Alpha King is unavailable 60

    glimpses of pale skin and delicate curves as she peeled off her blouse "You''re watching!" she used, catching my gaze in the reflection

    I didn''t deny it. Tm making sure you don''t pass out from hypothermia."

    "You shameless-" she sputtered, yanking off her wet pants and throwing them at my head.

    I caught them easily and tossed them aside. Reaching under the seat, I pulled out a Moonlight Thermal

    nket specially designed for werewolf physiology

    "Here," I said, draping it around her shoulders without looking. This will help"

    The nket''s special moonstone fibers would help regte her body temperature and providefort. I''d had it installed in all my vehicles after Lily''s illness, a precaution that now served her mother.

    Olivia wrapped the nket tightly around herself, still ring but visibly relieved by its warmth. The

    Within minutes, her eyelids began to droop. She fought against sleep, her head nodding forward before

    jerking back up

    Eventually, she lost the battle. Her head fell against the window as she drifted off, her breathing evening out

    into the rhythm of sleep.

    The vehicle hit a bump in the road, and Olivia''s head jerked toward the ss. Without thinking, I thrust my hand between her temple and the window, catching her head before it could impact.

    Her soft hair brushed against my palm, and for a moment, I was transported back to simpler times-before Victoria''s return, before Lily''s illness, before everything fell apart.

    Gently, I guided her head to rest on my shoulder instead of the hard window. She mumbled something

    incoherent but didn''t wake

    "Slow down," I instructed Maxwell quietly. "Take the scenic route."

    "Yes, Alpha," he replied, smoothly reducing our speed.

    Olivia slept soundly against my shoulder, her face peaceful for the first time in years. Without the constant mask of defiance and pain, she looked younger, vulnerable in a way she never allowed herself to be while

    awake.

    I''d long suppressed.

    The scent of her hair-moonflowers and rain-filled my senses, bringing with it memories I''d long

    Memories of a different time, a different us.

    When she finally stirred, we were pulling up to Imperial Gardens, the house where she, Lily, and I had lived together for five years. The house I still considered hers, despite her insistence on staying at Maple Grove.

    "Where are we?" she mumbled, disoriented from sleep.

    Without answering. I scooped her up in my arms again, nket and all, and carried her toward the entrance.

    "Put me down," she protested weakly. "I can walk

    "You''re barefoot," I pointed out, continuing up the path to the front door.

    Once inside, I set her down with unexpected gentleness in the foyer. The familiar surroundings seemed to bring her fully awake, her eyes darting around as if searching for ghosts.

    "You should take a hot bath, I suggested. To ward off any chill"

    She nodded absently, already moving toward the master bedroom. Instead of heading for the bathroom, however, she went straight to the closet, emerging minutester in dry clothes.

    I watched in silence as she walked purposefully past me, heading not to the bathroom as I''d suggested, but

    directly to Lily''s bedroom.

    The door creaked slightly as she pushed it open, hesitating on the threshold as if gathering courage.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I stood frozen in the doorway of Lily''s bedroom, my heart constricting painfully in

    my chest. Everything was exactly as she''d left it-the small bed with its moonflower-patternedforter, the shelves lined with stuffed

    animals, the drawings taped to the walls

    Memories flooded back with such force that I had to grip the doorframe for support. Lilyughing as I braided her hair. Lily curled up with a book, her small face serious in concentration. Lily asking when Daddy

    woulde home.

    My eyes were drawn to her study desk, where a familiar item caught my attention. It was Lily''s Amu Park Family Drawing-the one Ethan had given her, showing the three of us holding hands at Moonlight Fair

    She had treasured that drawing, keeping it in a special frame on her desk. But something was different now.

    The frame was open, as if someone had recently handled it.

    I moved closer, my fingers trembling as I touched the edge of the frame. When had Lily opened this? I couldn''t remember her ever taking it out of the frame before she died.

    This small mystery-this tiny unknown detail about my daughter''s final days-hit me harder than I expected. What else had I missed? What other moments had slipped by while I was focused on her medical care?

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    I sat at Lily''s small study desk, my fingers tracing the worn edges of her notebook. The room felt frozen in time, preserved exactly as she''d left it. Her scent-a delicate mix of baby powder and moonflowers-still lingered faintly in the air, a ghost of her presence that bothforted and tortured me.

    With trembling hands, I opened the notebook, revealing Lily''s Amusement Park Family Drawing. Three stick figures stood hand in hand-Lily in the middle, Ethan and me on either side. Above us, she''d drawn the colorful rides of Moonlight Fair with careful attention to detail, right down to the cotton candy stand she''d

    been so excited to visit.

    My heart constricted painfully in my chest. I knew the truth behind this innocent drawing. Ethan had broken his promise to Lily, leaving our daughter waiting for him in vain on her birthday.

    Each crayon stroke represented not reality but Lily''s imagination-scenes of happiness with her father that had never materialized. The bright colors and smiling faces were dreams on paper, dreams that died with her.

    Tears blurred my vision as I pictured Lily standing at the entrance of Moonlight Fair, her small face lighting up each time someone approached, only to fall when

    it wasn''t her father. Hours passing, her hope fading with the daylight.

    I remembered how she''d insisted on waiting "just a little longer" despite the freezing cold, despite her weakening condition. Her unwavering faith in her father had been heartbreaking.

    "He promised, Mommy," she''d said, her voice small but certain. "Daddy never breaks his promises."

    But he had. And worse than breaking his promise to Lily, he''d been at Disney that same day-with Victoria and Emma. I''d seen the pictures on Victoria''s social media. Ethan carrying Emma on his shoulders, buying her the Crystal- Embroidered Ice Princess Gown that Lily had begged for but been denied

    My tears fell onto the drawing, smudging the bright crayon colors. I wiped them away quickly, desperate not to damage this precious remnant of my daughter''s hope.

    "I''m so sorry, baby," I whispered to the empty room. "I''m so sorry he didn''te."

    The sound of footsteps in the hallway pulled me from my grief. I recognized Ethan''s heavy tread immediately but didn''t turn around. I couldn''t bear to look at him while holding physical evidence of his betrayal.

    I heard him pause in the doorway, felt his presence behind me. The scent of the herbal tea he carried wafted through the room-

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    moonberry and mint, designed to help clear my head from Victoria''s wine attack.

    His breath caught audibly as he noticed what I was looking at. I felt rather than saw him move closer, until he stood just behind my chair, looking over my shoulder at Lily''s notebook.

    I turned the page, revealing Lily''s childish handwriting. The words were carefully formed, each letter a testament to her concentration.

    "Mommy said it''s true. Daddy will celebrate my birthday with me alone."

    The next entry, dated the night before her birthday: "My wish hase true. I am super happy."

    III 0 <

    - Chapter 46. Broken Promi

    And finally, thest entry she''d ever make: "Tomorrow, I will be the happiest child in the world."

    She''d drawn several smiley faces around this deration, emphasizing her joy and anticipation.

    I felt Ethan stiffen behind me. His breathing changed, bing shallow and uneven. I refused to look at him, keeping my eyes fixed on Lily''s hopeful words.

    "She called to confirm," he said quietly, his voice rough with emotion. The night before her birthday."

    I remained silent, letting his guilt build with each passing second,

    "I remember being annoyed when she emphasized the word ''alone," he continued. "But her voice was so

    sweet, so excited. I couldn''t say no."

    His words hung in the air between us, heavy with the weight of what had happened next.

    "But you did say no," I finally responded, my voice barely above a whisper. "Not with words, but with actions. You never showed up."

    I turned another page in the notebook, revealing more drawings. Stick figure Ethan holding Lily''s hand as they walked through the entrance of Moonlight Fair. Ethan carrying Lily on his shoulders to see over the crowds. Ethan giving Lily a piggyback ride when her legs got tired.

    In each scene, Lily had drawn herself with an enormous smile, radiating the pure happiness and anticipation she''d felt about spending her birthday with her father.

    I heard a choked sound from behind me. When Ethan spoke again, his voice was thick with emotion.

    "I''m sorry."

    Those two simple words snapped something inside me. I whirled around to face him, my emerald eyes burning with five years of umted rage and grief.

    "Sorry?" II spat the word back at him like poison. "Ethan Stone, your apology is worthless!"

    His amber eyes widened at my vehemence. For once, the mighty Alpha King looked genuinely shaken.

    "Do you remember how I begged you?" I continued, rising from the chair to stand before him. "I knelt on the floor of your office and begged you to keep your promise to Lily."

    I saw the memory sh across his face-me on my knees, tears streaming down my cheeks, pleading for just one day of his time for our dying daughter,

    "You said you couldn''t because Emma needed treatment for silver poisoning." I reminded him bitterly. "But that was a lie, wasn''t it? Because you took Emma to Disney instead."

    Guilt shadowed his features. He set the bowl of tea down on Lily''s desk with unsteady hands.

    "I was wrong," he admitted, his voice carrying an unprecedented humility, "I will make it up to Lily."

    A harshugh escaped my throat. "Make it up? How? Do you know how long Lily waited for you at the Moonlight Fair?"

    I stepped closer to him, my grief transforming into righteous fury.

    "She waited from morning till night, Ethan. More than ten hours in the freezing cold. It was below freezing.

    day! Even adults couldn''t bear it, let alone a five-year-old child with a failing kidney."

    that

    Tears flowed freely down my cheeks now, but I made no move to wipe them a

    away.

    §±

    Chapter 46 Broken Prom

    "And where were you?" I demanded, my voice breaking. "You were at Disney, buying Emma the same princess dress that Lily had begged for. You were carrying Emma on your shoulders while our daughter stood alone in

    the cold, watching other fathers with their children, making excuses for why you weren''t there yet."

    Ethan''s face contorted with pain as my words painted the vivid picture of Lily''s lonely vigil. I could see him envisioning it-Lily''s small figure at the entrance, her hopeful eyes scanning each approaching adult, her condition gradually deteriorating in the cold.

    "She refused to leave," I continued, my voice dropping to a whisper. ¡°She kept saying you promised, so you woulde. She believed in you until the very end."

    Ethan''sposure finally cracked. A single tear escaped his amber eye, tracking down his cheek before he could wipe it away.

    "Tell Lily toe back,'' he choked out, his voice raw with emotion. "I promise her, from now on, whenever she wants to go to the Moonlight Fair, I will take her."

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    My fingers trembled as I held up Lily''s Amusement Park Family Drawing. The childish strokes depicted the three of us-Lily in the middle, holding both our hands at the Moonlight Fair. Her stick-figure smile stretched across half her face, radiating the pure joy she''d imagined experiencing with her father.

    "This was her dream," I whispered, my voice breaking. To spend just one day with both her parents. To feel like a normal family*

    Ethan''s amber eyes fixed on the drawing. Something shifted in his expression-the hard lines of the Alpha King softening into something I hadn''t seen in years

    "She drew this the night before her birthday," I continued, watching his reaction carefully. "She was so certain you''d keep your promise this time."

    Ethan reached for the drawing with uncharacteristic gentleness. His fingers brushed against mine as he took it, sending an unwee shiver up my arm.

    "I didn''t know," he murmured, staring at the crayon figures. "I didn''t realize how much it meant to her."

    "How could you?" I replied bitterly. "You were never there to see."

    Instead of the anger I expected, Ethan''s shoulders slumped slightly. He traced the outline of Lily''s figure with his thumb, his expression unguarded for once.

    "Not just the Moonlight Fair," he said suddenly, his voice carrying an unusual gentleness. "Anything she wants, anything I can do, I will do it for her."

    My breath caught in my throat. Was this genuine remorse? After five years of neglect and months of denial since her death?

    "Liv, tell me," he continued, using the nickname only James had ever used, "where is Lily?"

    The question hung between us, loaded with meaning. For months, he''d refused to believe Lily was gone, using me of hiding her. Now, his eyes held a flicker of eptance-and with it, pain.

    Hope bloomed dangerously in my chest. Could this be the breakthrough I''d been waiting for? The moment Ethan finally epted our daughter''s death and helped me honor her memory?

    Tll take you to her," I said quietly.

    Ethan nodded, his expression solemn as he carefully folded the drawing and ced it in his pocket. He extended his hand toward me, not demanding but offering.

    "Let''s go," he said.

    I hesitated before epting his hand, allowing him to help me up from Lily''s small chair. His touch was gentle as he guided me with a hand at the small of my back, leading me toward the door.

    The gesture felt foreign after so many months of coldness between us. Yet something in his demeanor had changed-a c***k in the imprable armor of the Alpha King.

    0 <

    Chapter 17 The Last Cha

    We walked in silence to his car, the night air cool against my skin. Ethan opened the passenger door for me,

    another small courtesy I''d forgotten he was capable of showing.

    As he slid into the driver''s seat, I gave him directions to Sacred Moonlight Cemetery. He nodded, starting the

    engine without question.

    The silence between us felt different now-heavy with unspoken grief rather than anger. I stared out the

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    window at the passing streetlights, afraid to break this fragile moment of

    understanding.

    Ethan''s phone rang suddenly, shattering the quiet. Victoria''s name shed on the

    screen, illuminating the dashboard with an usatory glow.

    My heart sank as quickly as it had risen. Of course. Victoria always had impable timing.

    "Don''t answer it," I said, my voice tight. "Please, Ethan. This is yourst chance."

    His hand hovered over the phone, hesitation clear in his expression.

    "Yourst chance to choose," I continued, my words deliberate and measured. "Between Victoria and finally seeing Lily."

    Ethan''s jaw tightened as he declined the call, cing the phone back in the center console. Relief washed over me, but it was short-lived.

    His phone buzzed again with a text message notification. Despite myself, I nced down and caught the

    ha I

    words on the screen.

    "Ethan, please, answer the phone. If you don''t, Emma and I will die."

    The desperation in Victoria''s message was clear even through text. My stomach clenched with dread as Ethan snatched up the phone, all traces of our moment of connection evaporating instantly.

    "I have to call her back," he said, his tone brooking no argument.

    "Don''t," I pleaded, grabbing his wrist. "She''s manipting you, can''t you see that?"

    But his eyes had already hardened, concern for Victoria and Emma eclipsing any lingering guilt he felt toward Lily. He shook off my hand and dialed Victoria''s number, putting the call on speaker.

    Victoria''s frantic voice filled the car immediately. "Ethan! Thank God you called back! He''s here-he''s threatening us!"

    "Who''s there?" Ethan demanded, his knuckles whitening on the steering wheel. "Victoria, calm down and tell me what''s happening."

    "A man-he broke into the house," she sobbed dramatically. "He says I stole his first ce in the Pack Healer''s Crystal Competition. He knows about the judges being bribed!"

    My blood ran cold. I had just revealed that information to Ethan minutes ago in Lily''s room.

    "He says som

    someone told him everything." Victoria continued, her voice trembling. That I didn''t deserve to win. That I cheated. Emma is terrified, Ethan! We''re hiding in the bathroom, but he''s trying to break down the door!"

    Ethan''s gaze snapped to me, usation zing in his amber eyes.

    "Olivia, is this your purpose?" he demanded, his voice low and dangerous. "Is this why you were showing me Lily''s drawings? To distract me while you set this up?"

    III 0 <

    * Chapter 47-The Last Cha

    "What? No!" I gasped, genuinely shocked by the usation, "I would never-

    "You better pray that nothing happens to Victoria and Emma," he cut me off, making a sharp U-turn in the

    middle of the road.

    The sudden movement threw me against the car door. My head hit the window, sending a burst of pain through my temple.

    "Ethan, stop!" I cried, clutching the dashboard for support. Think about what you''re doing! Victoria is lying!"

    But he wasn''t listening. His focus had narrowed entirely to Victoria''s continued sobs through the speaker.

    "I''ming," he assured her, his voice taking on that gentle tone he reserved exclusively for her and Emma.

    Just stay hidden. I''ll be there in five minutes."

    "Hurry, Ethan," Victoria whimpered. "I don''t know how much longer we can-" Her voice cut off with a theatrical scream.

    "Victoria!" Ethan shouted, pressing harder on the elerator

    I grabbed his arm. "Ethan, please! This is obviously a setup. She found out I told you about thepetition and she''s trying to turn you against me!"

    "Enough!" he roared, the Alphamand in his voice making me flinch. "I should have known better than to trust you. All that talk about Lily-it was just a distraction!"

    My heart shattered at his words. After that brief moment of connection, of hope that he might finally acknowledge our daughter''s death and help me honor her memory, we were back to suspicion and usations.

    "Stop the car," I demanded, my voice shaking with fury. "Let me out now!"

    Ethan ignored me, focused entirely on reaching Rosewood Haven. The elegant gates of Victoria''s residence came into view, and he screeched to a halt in the circr driveway.

    Before I could react, he was out of the driver''s seat and yanking open my door. His grip was bruising as he dragged me from the car, his eyes scanning the property for any sign of danger.

    I struggled against his hold, dizzy and disoriented from hitting my head. "Let me

    go!"

    But Ethan''s focus remained solely on Victoria and Emma as he pulled me toward the front door, his grip bruising on my arm.

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    The force of Ethan''s grip sent pain shooting through my arm as he dragged me

    into his private residence. My feet barely touched the ground as we burst through the door, his movements fueled by a desperation I rarely

    saw in the Alpha King.

    "Please, I beg you! Let my daughter go!" Victoria''s frantic voice reached us before I could even take in the

    scene.

    My eyes adjusted to find Victoria on her knees in the center of the living room, her perfect hair disheveled, mascara streaking down her pale cheeks. A few feet away stood a man I''d never seen before, his face

    contorted with rage as he held a silver-edged hunting knife to Emma''s throat.

    "Don''t hurt her, I beg you," Victoria sobbed, her hands sped in front of her as if in prayer.

    Emma''s small body trembled, her eyes wide with terror as the knife pressed against her skin. The scent of fear permeated the room, so thick I could almost taste it.

    "Now you know to beg?" the man snarled, his grip tightening on Emma''s shoulder. "A woman like you who

    likes to cheat deserves to die!!"

    His words struck me as oddly specific. I studied his face unfamiliar, yet somehow his timing was too perfect. He''d appeared just after I had told Ethan about Victoria''s cheating in thepetition.

    Victoria pressed her forehead to the floor, kowtowing repeatedly in desperation. "Take me instead! Please, she''s just a child!"

    Each time her head hit the floor, a small smear of blood appeared on the polished wood. The disy was pitiful enough to soften even the hardest heart.

    But something wasn''t right.

    In the brief moments when Victoria looked up, I caught a strange expression in her eyes as they met the attacker''s. Something passed between them-a silentmunication that didn''t match the desperate scene ying out before us. My suspicion grew, a cold certainty settling in my stomach. Was this entire situation orchestrated? Another of Victoria''s performances designed to cement Ethan''s devotion?

    "You b***h''s daughter will also be a scourge in the future," the man yelled, his voice carrying an artificial quality that only I seemed to notice. "You all deserve to die!"

    Ethan released my arm suddenly, shoving me aside as he lunged forward. His powerful presence filled the room, the Alpha''s protective fury radiating from him in waves.

    "Let her go!" he roared, his voice carrying the full weight of his Alphamand. The attackers eyes widened in fear, but instead of surrendering, he made a sudden move. The knife shed in the light as he lunged toward Emma

    Victoria screamed, pushing her daughter aside with surprising speed. The knife caught Emma''s arm as she

    III O

    - Chapter 49 Silver Threats

    fell, drawing a bright line of blood across her pale skin.

    "Don''t!" Victoria cried, rushing to her daughter''s side.

    Emma''s wail pierced the air, her small body curling in on itself as she clutched her bleeding arm. "Ah...it hurts, Mommy, Emmy hurts so much..."

    I watched from where I''d fallen, my back against the wall. The cut didn''t look deep-a graze rather than a stab -yet Emma''s cries suggested a mortal wound.

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    Ethan moved with blinding speed, subduing the attacker with a single powerful blow. The man crumpled to the floor, the knife ttering from his hand. In seconds, Ethan had him pinned, his knee pressing into the man''s back as he secured his wrists.

    "Maxwell!" Ethan barked into his phone. "Get in here now. And bring Dr. Bet."

    With the attacker secured, Ethan rushed to Emma''s side, his movements transforming from violent to gentle in an instant. He knelt beside her, hisrge hand carefully examining the wound.

    "Daddy..." Emma whimpered, looking up at him with tear-filled eyes. "Emmy hurts so much. Is Emmy going to die?"

    The word "Daddy" from Emma''s lips sent a sharp pain through my chest. Ethan had no biological im to this child, yet he responded to the title with more tenderness than he''d ever shown our own daughter.

    "Be good, don''t be afraid," Ethan soothed, brushing Emma''s hair from her forehead. The doctor will be here soon. Daddy is here, Emmy will be fine."

    His voice carried a warmth I''d forgotten he possessed. A gentleness reserved exclusively for Victoria and her daughter.

    The front door burst open as Maxwell Chen entered, followed closely by Dr. Harold Bet. The Stone family''s personal physician for twenty years, Dr. Bet had attended Ethan since he was a pup.

    Dr. Bet''s eyes swept the room, taking in the scene with professional detachment. His gazended on me briefly, noting my position on the floor where Ethan had roughly discarded me.

    "Dr. Bet, Ethan called sharply. "Come here, Emmy is injured."

    His voice was cold, not sparing me a second nce as his focus remained entirely on Victoria and her daughter. The doctor hesitated, his eyes moving between me and Emma, before hurrying to the child''s side.

    I pushed myself up from the floor, my head still spinning slightly from when Ethan had shoved me. No one offered to help. No one even acknowledged my presence.

    Dr. Bet knelt beside Emma, opening his medical bag with practiced efficiency. "Let me see, youngdy." he said gently, examining the wound.

    "It burns, Emma sobbed, clinging to Victoria with one hand and Ethan with the other. ¡°It hurts so much!" "The knife appears to have been silver-edged," Dr. Bet said gravely. "I''ll need to counteract the effects immediately."

    He removed a vial of Moonberry Fever Reducer from his bag, measuring a small dose into a syringe. "This will help with the pain," he exined to Emma, his manner calm and reassuring.

    I watched as he administered the medicine, then carefully cleaned and stitched the wound. The cut was

    (Chatte til Silver Threats

    superficial-barely deep enough to require stitches-yet everyone treated it like a life-threatening injury.

    Ethan never left Emma''s side, murmuringforting words and gently stroking her hair. "You''re so brave," he praised as Dr. Bet finished thest stitch. "My

    stro

    little girl."

    My heart twisted painfully in my chest. I couldn''t help but remember Lily''s final days-how she had suffered through far worse pain with no father tofort her, How she had endured countless needles and procedures without Ethan''s reassuring presence.

    Emma''s whimpers gradually subsided as the medicine took effect. She leaned heavily against Ethan, her small hand clutching his shirt.

    "Will there be a scar?" Victoria asked anxiously, her perfect features marred with concern,

    "Minimal," Dr. Bet assured her. "I''ve used my finest technique, and with proper aftercare, it should heal beautifully."

    Victoria exhaled in relief, her hand covering her heart. "Thank goodness. My poor baby has been through enough."

    Throughout it all, I remained invisible. A ghost in my own husband''s home, witnessing the care and attentionvished on another woman''s child while memories of my own daughter''s neglect burned fresh in my mind.

    From my position against the wall, I observed the scene with growing numbness. Ethanforting Emma with tender words and gentle touches. Dr. Bet attending to her with a level of care that Lily had rarely received during her long illness, Victoria''s theatrical disys of maternal concern, rewarded with Ethan''s unwavering support.

    The parallel to how Lily had been neglected during her illness was painfully clear, reopening wounds in my heart that had never truly healed. As Emma nestled against Ethan''s chest, secure in the knowledge that she was protected and loved, I couldn''t help but remember Lily''s final request-to see her father just once before she died.

    A request that had gone unfulfilled, leaving my daughter to depart this world believing her father simply didn''t care enough to say goodbye.

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    (Chapter 49. Painful Mema

    Chapter 49: Painful Memories and False usations

    Chapter 49: Painful Memories and False usations

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I watched in silent agony as Ethan cradled Emma in his arms. Hisrge hands, so capable of violence, now moved with impossible gentleness as he examined the shallow cut on her forearm.

    "Does it still hurt, Emmy?" he asked, his voice soft with concern.

    Emma sniffled dramatically, her eyes wide and tearful as she looked up at him, "A little, Daddy. But I''m being brave."

    "You''re the bravest girl I know, Ethan praised, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

    The tenderness in his expression was like a knife to my heart. A memory surfaced, sharp and painful, refusing to be ignored any longer.

    Lily had been lying in her hospital bed, tubes snaking from her frail body. Her kidney failure had progressed rapidly, leaving her weak and in constant pain. Despite everything, her eyes had lit up when I entered the room that day. "Mommy," she''d whispered, her voice barely audible. "Can I ask you something?" I''d sat beside her, smoothing her thin hair away from her forehead. "Anything, ba She''d hesitated, her fingers ying nervously with her nket. "Can I call Daddy? Just for a minute?"

    The request had broken my heart. After months of Ethan''s neglect, Lily still yearned for her father''s attention.

    I''d handed her my phone, helping her dial his number when her fingers trembled too much to manage it.

    I could still hear her small voice, so hopeful as Ethan answered.

    "Daddy? It''s Lily."

    There was a pause, and then her face had fallen, eyes filling with tears.

    "No, Daddy, I''m not lying. I really am sick. The doctor said my kidneys aren''t working right."

    Another pause. Longer this time.

    "But Daddy, could you pleasee see me? Just for a little while? I miss you."

    The tears had spilled over then, tracking down her hollow cheeks

    "I understand. You''re busy with Emma. It''s okay."

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    She''d handed the phone back to me, her expression carefullyposed despite the tears. I''d stepped into the

    tepped into th hallway, my rage barely contained

    "How dare you?" I''d hissed into the phone. "Your daughter is dying, and you can''t spare even ten minutes?" Ethan''s voice had been cold, dismissive. "Stop with these games, Olivia. I know Lily isn''t really sick. You''re just trying to manipte me away from Victoria and Emma."

    "She''s hooked up to dialysis machines! She needs a kidney transnt! How can you possibly think I''m making this up?"

    she were truly ill Dr. Fletcher would have informed me he''d replied with infuriating confidence. I''m done with your lies"

    He''d hung up, leaving me shaking with fury and grief.

    When I''d returned to Lily''s room, I''d found her curled on her side, quietly sobbing into her pillow She''d quickly wiped her eyes when she saw me

    "It''s okay, Mommy, she''d said, trying to smile. "Daddy''s just busy. He''lle next time.

    But there had been no next time. Lily had died three weekster, still waiting for her father to visit

    The memory faded, leaving me cold with renewed grief and rage as I watched Ethan fuss over Emma''s minor wound with more concern than he''d ever shown our dying daughter.

    Dr. Bet finished bandaging Emma''s arm and packed away his supplies. The silver in the de caused the initial burning sensation, but the Moonberry Fever Reducer should take care of that Change the dressing twice daily and apply this salve. He handed Victoria a small jar "Call me if there''s any increased pain or redness"

    "Thank you, Doctor," Victoria said, her voice trembling with perfectly calibrated maternal concern.

    Ethan helped Emma to her feet, his arm protectively around her shoulders. "Let''s get you settled on the couch, princess. You can watch your favorite show while you rest."

    I turned away, unable to bear another moment of this farce. I needed to leave before I said something I couldn''t take back. As I moved toward the door, Victoria''s voice stopped me.

    "You"

    I turned slowly to find her advancing on me, her face flushed with rage. Her perfectly manicured finger pointed usingly at my chest.

    "You leaked the information about my healing crystal design being giarized and instigated this attack!" Victoria''s voice shook with barely contained fury. "You''ve always been jealous of me and Emma, and now you''ve tried to harm us!"

    I met her gaze calmly, too emotionally exhausted for another dramatic confrontation. "And what evidence do you have to support that usation?"

    Victoria''s eyes narrowed. "You were the only other person present when the giarism was mentioned at Amber Crest Restaurant. Only you could have told that man about it!"

    My lips curved into a sardonic smile. ¡°Or perhaps you arranged this little performance yourself? It''s quite convenient how this ''attacker appeared just when I was finally getting through to Ethan about Lily" Victoria''s face contorted with indignation. "How dare you! My daughter was injured! She could have been killed!"

    She turned to Ethan, her voice dropping to a wounded whimper. "Do you see how she treats me? She''s always using Lily topete for your attention, and now she''s using me of staging an attack on my own child!" At the mention of my deceased daughter, something inside me snapped. Before I could stop myself, my hand connected with Victoria''s cheek in a resounding p. The force of it sent her stumbling backward.

    "Don''t you dare mention Lily," I said, my voice low and dangerous. "Don''t even speak her name."

    Victoria pressed her hand to her reddened cheek, tears filling her eyes. "You see? This is exactly what I mean! She''s violent and unstable! She can''t ept that Emma needs you too, Ethan. She''s projecting her own maniptive behavior onto mel

    Ethan stepped between us, his cold gaze fixed on me. His frame radiated anger, his judgment already made. " should have known, he said, his voice hard with contempt. "You orchestrated this entire incident. You used Lily''s drawings to manipte my emotions and keep me from answering Victoria''s call."

    I stared at him, incredulous. "You can''t possibly believe that."

    But I could see in his eyes that he did. He had already judged me, already decided I was guilty. There was no point in defending myself to a man who had never once taken my side over Victoria''s.

    I leaned against the door for support, my body weak from the confrontation but my spirit defiant. "And what authority do you have to use me of attempted murder without evidence?" I challenged, my voice steady despite my exhaustion.

    Victoria gaped at me, her hand still pressed dramatically to her cheek. ¡°You still refuse to admit what you''ve done? I was prepared to forgive you if you acknowledged your mistake!"

    Her voice rose with righteous indignation. Tm a mother who has to watch her child suffer because of your jealousy! That wound could have been fatal to a young wolf! And yet I was willing to drop the matter if you simply admitted your wrongdoing!"

    Victoria''s voice trembled with emotion as she reiterated her willingness to forgive me if I confessed. "All I wanted was for you to take responsibility for once, Olivia. Is that really too much to ask?"

 The Alpha King is unavailable 69

    "Victoria Frost, the Academy Awards owe you a statuette." I couldn''t keep the sarcasm from my voice as I

    watched her performance unfold before my eyes.

    Victoria clutched her chest dramatically, tears streaming perfectly down her cheeks without disturbing her

    makeup. The woman was truly gifted at maniption.

    "How can she be so good at acting?" I asked no one in particr, my patience finally snapping. I held up my hand to interrupt her theatrical sobbing. "Are you done with your performance? I''ll ask again, where''s the

    evidence?"

    I knew she had nothing. This was just another of her borate schemes to turn Ethan against me as if he needed any help with that. She was simply relying on his blind favoritism toward her and Emma.

    Victoria''s face transformed at my challenge. Her wounded expression hardened, eyes narrowing dangerously.

    "Fine! You want evidence, don''t you?" she spat, suddenly lunging toward the man still lying on the floor.

    She grabbed his cor with surprising strength, shaking him violently. "Tell me, who told you my address? Who instructed you to hurt us?"

    The man - Derek Savage, I''d heard Maxwell call him-red at Victoria with undisguised hatred. But he remained stubbornly silent, his jaw clenched tight.

    I stood perfectly still, letting my innocent expression speak for itself. I had nothing to hide.

    Ethan''s gaze moved from myposed face to Victoria''s desperate one. Something flickered in his amber eyes -

 The Alpha King is unavailable 70

    doubt? Confusion? It vanished too quickly to identify.

    He nodded slightly to Maxwell Chen, who stepped forward immediately.

    Maxwell took over from Victoria, roughly pinning Derek to the ground. His foot pressed deliberately into the man''s ribs - the same ribs Ethan had broken moments earlier.

    "Talk!" Maxwellmanded, applying more pressure.

    "Ah! Ugh!" Derek''s scream was cut short as Maxwell stuffed a nearby towel into his mouth, muffling his cries of agony.

    I watched the man''s body tremble, the madness that had animated his features earlier fading rapidly. He''d clearly been putting on an act, and now the mask was slipping.

    The pain was evidently too intense. His eyes bulged as he struggled to breathe around the gag.

    ¡°Ugh... I talk... I talk..." he stammered when Maxwell finally removed the towel,

    Maxwell eased the pressure from his foot slightly, allowing Derek to catch his breath. The man convulsed in pain, his hand shaking as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a phone.

    "...I don''t know who it was," he gasped, his voice ragged. "They contacted me through an old social media

    ount."

    chapter ho

    My heart began to pound ufortably in my chest. Something about this felt wrong deeply, terribly

    Wrong

    "They used voice calls, voice changer, Derek continued, wincing as he shifted position. "I couldn''t even tell if they were male or female. They told me they were also a victim."

    His eyes darted nervously around the room, avoiding direct contact with anyone. "They knew I didn''t have much time left. They offered me a million dors to kill the mother and daughter, so I could leave something for my wife and kids"

    A million dors? For a moment, I was stunned by the amount. Who would pay that much to harm Victoria

    and Emma?

    "I didn''t want to kill anyone, Derek insisted, his voice breaking. "But I really wanted my family to have an easier life after I''m gone...

    His trembling fingers unlocked the phone and opened a social media application. Maxwell snatched the device from his hands and passed it to Ethan,

    I watched Ethan''s expression as he looked at the screen. His face darkened instantly, amber eyes shing with recognition- and rage.

    Before Ethan could take a closer look, Victoria lunged forward and grabbed the phone from his hands. She spun toward me, her face contorted with vindictive triumph.

    "Olivia Winters, you wanted evidence, didn''t you?" she demanded, thrusting the screen in my face. "Now the evidence is conclusive. What else do you have to say?"

    I froze when i saw what was disyed on the screen-my own social media ount. My profile picture, my name, my posts... all there,municating with this stranger about harming Victoria and Emma.

    Shock rendered me momentarily speechless. This wasn''t possible. I hadn''t used that ount in months, not since...

    "Olivia, I never thought you not only wanted to vent your anger, you actually wanted to kill Emma and me!" Victoria''s voice rose hysterically. "How could you be so vicious..."

    My mind raced to make sense of what I was seeing. Someone had hacked my ount. It had to be that. But arguing that point now, with Ethan''s fury practically radiating heat in the room, would be futile.

    I took a deep breath, forcing myself to regainposure. "Conclusive? Victoria, if you want to convict me, let a judge decide. Call the police!"

    My calm response clearly wasn''t what Victoria had expected. She nced nervously at Ethan, perhaps worried that myck of hysteria might make him question the evidence.

    "Olivia, you''re terrifying, she pressed on, each word carefully chosen to provoke Ethan. "How can you be so brazen? is it because Matriarch Evelyn is back, you have someone to back you up, so you think you can act with impunity?"

    Victoria''s eyes filled with fresh tears as she turned to Ethan, her expression a perfect blend of fear and disbelief.

    I was still processing her words about Matriarch Evelyn. The elderly woman had been kind to me once, before. her memory became fixed in the past. Could Victoria be right? Was I unconsciously counting on her

    Chimes 50 Evidence and

    protection?

    My thoughts were interrupted by Ethan''s voice, cold and final.

    7 won''t let her off lightly for hurting Emma."

    The words hit me like a physical blow. He believed it. Without question, without investigation, he had already

    convicted me.

    Ethan looked down at me, his amber eyes cial. That single sentence had sealed my guilt in his mind.

    Victoria seemed momentarily confused, but understanding dawned on her face when Ethan grabbed my arm and began dragging me toward the door that led to the basement.

    I saw the sh of satisfaction in her eyes as she realized what was happening. Isabelle must have told her about my first days in the Stone household - how she had locked me in the basement as "punishment" for some imagined slight. How she had instructed the servants to release rats and insects inside, knowing my

    terror of them.

    That basement had be my personal hell, a nightmare I''d fought to forget. "Ethan Stone, let me go!" I struggled against his iron grip as he pulled me down the hallway.

    My heart hammered against my ribs, panic rising in my throat. I couldn''t believe I had been foolish enough to think, even for a moment, that Ethan might trust me.

    "Let me go!" I repeated, digging my heels into the floor, but his strength was overwhelming.

    He didn''t even look at me as he dragged me toward my nightmare.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 71

    Ethan''s grip was like iron around my wrist, his fingers digging painfully into my

    skin as he dragged me across the living room of Rosewood Haven. My struggles were futile against his superior strength. I felt like a broken doll helpless and small in the face of his rage.

    "Let me gol" I demanded, my voice stronger than I felt. "You have no right to handle me this way!

    His pace never slowed, his amber eyes fixed straight ahead, refusing to even look

    at me

    f you truly believe I''m guilty, send me to the police I shouted, hoping to appeal to whatever sense of justice might remain in him. "Let them investigate properly!"

    That finally got a reaction. Ethan stopped abruptly, turning to face me with eyes that had darkened to the color of burnt honey

    "Shut up!" he snarled, his voice vibrating with barely contained fury. "You want the police involved? So you can manipte the system again? So you can escape proper justice?"

    His usation struck me like a physical blow. What system had I ever manipted? When had I ever escaped justice?

    "You''re so fearless because you think my grandmother will protect you," he continued, his grip tightening further. "Just like before."

    Understanding dawned, cold and bitter. He thought I was confident because his grandmother would shield me from consequences, just as he blindly sided with Victoria. The realization stung, despite my attempts to harden my heart against his betrayal.

    1 bit my lip, fighting back tears of frustration. With my free hand, I reached into my pocket and pulled out my phone. James would help me. He always did.

    Before I could even unlock the screen, Ethan snatched the device from my hand. He powered it off with a decisive click and tossed it carelessly onto the sofa.

    ¡°Ethan, what do you want?" I demanded, struggling to keep my voice steady despite my trembling body. My eyes burned with unshed tears of anger and fear.

    He didn''t answer, Instead, he pulled me toward a door I hadn''t noticed before, tucked away in a corner of the room. With a swift motion, he flung it open, revealing a yawning darkness beyond.

    My heart stopped. A basement. Dark and forbidding, with stone steps disappearing into ckness.

    My entire body went cold with recognition and terror. Not again. Not this.

    "Ethan, no!" I pleaded, digging my heels into the floor, fighting his pull with every ounce of strength I possessed. "Don''t lock me in there, I...

 The Alpha King is unavailable 72

    My voice broke as memories flooded back-Eleanor''s cruel smile as she''d shoved me into this very basement years ago, the scratching of tiny ws in the darkness, my own screams echoing off stone walls.

    Chante 51 Stacka

    "I didn''t do anything wrong" I cried, myposure shatteringpletely "Please, I''m innocent!"

    Ethan''s face remained impassive, unmoved by my terror. "You need time to reflect on your mistakes," he said coldly. "To understand what you''ve done wrong"

    With a powerful shove, he pushed me through the doorway I stumbled on the top step, barely catching myself against the wall to avoid tumbling down the stairs.

    Before I could turn around, the heavy door mmed shut behind me. The sound of the bolt sliding into ce was like a death knell.

    "Ethan!" I screamed, pounding my fists against the unyielding wood. Please! Don''t leave me here!"

    Silence was my only answer

    i pressed my ear against the door, straining to hear any sound from the other side. Nothing. He had walked away, leaving me trapped in my worst nightmare.

    My breathing quickened, shallow gasps that did little to fill my lungs. The darkness pressed in around me, absolute and suffocating. I fumbled along the wall, desperately searching for a light switch.

    My fingers found it, and I flipped it up and down frantically. Nothing happened. The power had been cut. Hope drained from me like blood from a wound. I slid down the wall until I was sitting on the top step, my knees drawn up to my chest, arms wrapped tightly around them.

    "Help!" I screamed, knowing it was futile. "Please, someone help me!"

    The thick walls absorbed my cries, swallowing them into nothingness. No one would hear me. No one would

    Panic rose in my throat, threatening to choke me. I forced myself to take deeper breaths, trying to slow my racing heart. It was just darkness, I told myself. Just a power outage. Nothing to be afraid of.

    But the darkness wasn''t empty. It was alive with memories-Eleanor''sughter as she''d locked me in here the first time, the taunts of the servants as they''d released rats into the basement, knowing my terror of them, "It''s not real," I whispered, rocking back and forth. "There''s nothing here. Just darkness."

    But my body wouldn''t believe the reassurances my mind offered. Every nerve ending screamed danger, every muscle tensed for flight. Sweat beaded on my forehead despite the chill of the basement air.

    I strained my ears, listening for any sound that might indicate I wasn''t alone. The silence was almostplete, broken only by my own ragged breathing and the distant hum of the house above.

    Then-a faint rustling. Soft, almost imperceptible. But unmistakable to my heightened senses.

    I wasn''t alone.

    A whimper escaped my lips as I pressed myself harder against the wall, as if I could somehow melt into the stone. The rustling came again, closer this time, followed by a light scratching sound.

    Rats. Just like before.

    Eleanor had known about my childhood trauma-how the orphanage had locked disobedient children in a rat-infested cer as punishment. She''d used that knowledge against me, and now Ethan was doing the

    same.

    Chapter: 51. Sludde

    Tears streamed down my face, hot against my cold skin. I hugged myself tighter, trying to make myself smaller, less noticeable to whatever lurked in the darkness.

    "Please," I whispered, though I didn''t know who I was begging. There was no one to hear, no one to help.

    The rustling grew louder, more persistent. I imagined tiny ws scrabbling against stone, beady eyes gleaming in the darkness, sharp teeth ready to bite

    A sob tore from my throat, raw and primal. The weight of my fear was crushing, pressing down on me until I

    could barely breathe

    I was trapped in my own personal hell, with no escape and no rescue in sight. The darkness seemed to thicken around me, a tangible presence pressing against my skin.

    The scratching sounds continued, sometimes fading only to return louder than before. My imagination filled in the gaps that my eyes couldn''t see-small furry bodies moving through the darkness, drawn to the scent of

    my fear.

    I buried my face against my knees, trying to block out the sounds, the memories, the terror. But there was no escape from the shadows that had haunted me since childhood, now made real again by Ethan''s cruelty.

    Time lost all meaning in the darkness. Minutes stretched into what felt like hours, each moment an eternity of fear. My body ached from tension, muscles cramping from being held rigid for so long.

    The rustling sounds had grown more distant, but I couldn''t trust that they wouldn''t return. I remained frozen in ce, afraid that any movement would attract attention.

    Fresh tears welled up, spilling over to join the ones that had already dried on my cheeks. I missed my daughter with an ache that never dulled, a wound that would never heal.

    In the oppressive silence and darkness, memories of her were bothfort and torment. Her smile, herughter, the way she''d looked at Ethan with such hope in her eyes, even after years of his neglect.

    "I''m sorry, Lily," I whispered into the darkness. Tm sorry I couldn''t protect you."

    The rustling sounds returned, closer now. I tensed, pressing my back harder against the wall.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 73

    Memories shed back to when I was eight years old. I followed my adoptive mother-a pack healer-back to the Stone Estate with Matriarch Evelyn Stone.

    The elderly Matriarch had treated me like her own granddaughter. Her kind amber eyes-the same eyes her grandson would inherit, thoughcking the warmth hers contained-made me feel safe.

    "She looks like a little lost pup," Matriarch Evelyn had chuckled. "We''ll have to fatten you up, won''t we, dear?" But Eleanor Stone, Ethan''s aunt, had watched from the shadows. Her cold eyes followed my every move.

    "Another stray?" she''d muttered. "This house isn''t a charity ward.¡±

    Matriarch Evelyn had silenced her with a single look. "The child stays, Eleanor. That''s final"

    For weeks, I''d been safe under the Matriarch''s protection. Then came the night of the full moon ceremony. Both my adoptive mother and Matriarch Evelyn were required to attend, leaving me alone in the vast estate.

    Eleanor seized her opportunity.

    "Come here, girl, she''d called, her voice falsely sweet. "I have something to show you."

    Naive and trusting. I''d followed her to a heavy wooden door. Before I could react, she''d pushed me through it. I tumbled down stone steps into darkness.

    "Perhaps some time alone will teach you your ce," she''d sneered, mming the door.

    The bolt had slid home with a sound that still haunted my nightmares.

    I''d screamed until my throat was raw. The darkness pressed in, suffocating in itspleteness.

    Then came the sounds-tiny ws scratching against stone. The soft squeaking that signaled I wasn''t alone.

    "Please, I''d sobbed, pressing myself against the wall. "Please let me out!"

    Hourster, Matriarch Evelyn finally found me. I''d been huddled in a corner, trembling uncontrobly, my arms

    covered in rat bites.

    Her fury had been terrible to behold. "How dare you?" she''d thundered at Eleanor. "This child is under my

    protection!"

    But the damage had been done. My fear of dark, enclosed spaces-and especially of rats-had been cemented forever.

    Now, yearster, I found myself trapped again in that same nightmare. Betrayed by the very person who should have protected me most.

    I pounded my fists against the heavy door. "Ethan! Please! You know I''m terrified of this ce!"

    The silence that answered felt like a physical blow.

    "Please," I begged, my voice dropping to a whisper. "I didn''t do anything wrong. I would never hurt a child-not Emma, not anyone."

    The shades t

    The rustling sounds grew louder, more insistent. My entire body trembled with terror as I pressed myself against the door.

    "Ethan," I called again, weaker now. Remember when you found me in the alley? When those roques attacked me? You promised you''d never let anyone hurt me again."

    Tears streamed down my face as I slid to the floor. The cold stone seemed to leach the warmth from my body, leaving me shivering and vulnerable

    Outside the door, I heard footsteps. My heart leaped with desperate hope. "Ethan? Is that you? Please let me out!

    No response came, but I could sense a presence on the other side of the door. Someone was listening to my suffering

    "Please," I whispered, pressing my palm against the wood. "I''m begging you." The footsteps retreated, growing fainter until they disappeared entirely. Whoever had been there-Ethan or someone else had abandoned me to my fate.

    I copsed to the cold stone floor, despair washing over me in a crushing wave. My body curled instinctively into a tight ball, knees drawn to chest, arms wrapped around them.

    It was the same position I''d adopted countless times in the orphanage. When trying to protect myself from the cruelty of the world

    (Ethan''s POV)

    My phone vibrated against my hip as I paced the corridor outside Emma''s room.

    Dr. Bet had assured me her condition was stable, but worry still gnawed at my insides.

    "Stone," I answered curtly, recognizing Maxwell''s number.

    "Sir, I''vepleted the interrogation of Derek Savage," Maxwell reported.

    I straightened, tension coiling in my muscles. "And?"

    "He''s confessed, sir. He acted independently-Mrs. Winters wasn''t involved."

    Relief washed over me like a cool wave. Olivia was innocent. The tightness in my chest eased slightly.

    "Are you certain?" I pressed, needing absolute confirmation.

    "Yes, sir. The social media ount was hacked. We''ve traced the intrusion to an inte caf¨¦ in Twin Bridges Territory. Mrs. Winters hasn''t been anywhere near there in months."

    I closed my eyes briefly, guilt beginning to creep through my veins. I''d been so quick to condemn her, so ready to believe the worst.

    "Thank you, Maxwell. Continue the investigation. I want to know who''s behind this."

    As I ended the call, my phone immediately lit up with Victoria''s name. My thumb hesitated over the screen before I answered

    "How is she?" I asked, concern for Emma overriding all other thoughts.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 74

    Victoria''s voice came through, tight with worry. "The doctor says she''s stable, but I''m worried, Ethan. She doesn''t look right."

    *I''ll be 1

    there in a minute," I promised, already moving toward Emma''s room.

    The thought of Olivia flickered briefly in my mind, but Victoria''s next words pushed

    it aside.

    "Please hurry. She keeps asking for you.

    (Victoria''s POV)

    I ended the call with Ethan, a small smile ying at the corners of my lips. Everything was proceeding perfectly

    Pacing the length of my bedroom at Rosewood Haven, I tapped my fingers rhythmically against my thigh. Olivia Winters would remain in that dungeon for as long as I needed her to.

    The memory of her terrified pleas from behind the door brought me intense satisfaction. After years of

    ying second fiddle to her, it was finally my turn to win.

    I paused before the mirror, arranging my features into a mask of maternal

    concern. The transformation was wless-eyes widened with worry, lips trembling slightly.

    "Perfect," I whispered to my reflection

    Emmay sleeping in her bed, her small face peaceful despite the bandages on her arm. I approached her silently, my mind calcting.

    The doctor had warned that her wounds needed to be kept dry and warm. A cold bath would be the worst possible thing for her recovery.

    Tm sorry, sweetheart," I murmured, gently lifting her sleeping form. "Mommy needs you to be sick for a little

    while.

    She stirred slightly as I carried her to the adjoining bathroom, but didn''t wake. I filled the tub with cold water, then carefully lowered her into it, nightgown and all.

    The shock of the cold water jolted her awake. Her eyes flew open, a cry of distress escaping her lips.

    "Shh, Emmy." I soothed, holding her firmly in the water despite her struggles. "It''s just a bath to help with the fever."

    "It''s c-cold," she whimpered, her small body shivering violently.

    When her lips began to turn blue, I finally lifted her from the water. Her skin was like ice, her body trembling uncontrobly.

    "M-mommy," she sobbed as I wrapped her in a towel. "I d-don''t feel g-good."

    I pressed my lips to her forehead, feeling the chill of her skin. Soon enough, that chill would turn to burning fever as her body fought the infection I''d just ensured would take hold.

    "I know, baby," I whispered, cradling her close. "Mommy''s going to get help."

    I dressed her in dry clothes quickly, thenid her back in bed. Within minutes, her shivering had intensified, and I could feel heat beginning to radiate from her small body.

    It was time.

    I hurried from the room, making sure to m the door loud enough for the sound

    to carry. My footsteps echoed in the hallway as I ran toward Ethan''s guest room.

    Shade

    "Ethan I cried, pounding on his door with frantic urgency. "Ethan, please!"

    The door swung open immediately, revealing his concerned face. Victoria? What''s wrong?"

    I clutched at his arm, letting tears fill my eyes. "Ethan. Ethan... My voice broke with practiced desperation. "Emmy has a high fever... I think her wounds are getting infected!

    His expression hardened with determination, all thoughts of Olivia clearly forgotten as he pushed past me

    toward Emma''s room.

    Ethan burst into Emma''s room, crossing to her bed in two swift strides. His hand touched her forehead, and I

    saw rm sh across his face at the unnatural heat.

    "We need to get her to the hospital," he said, already gathering her small form into his arms.

    Emma whimpered, her eyes fluttering open. "Daddy?" she murmured weakly.

    "I''m here, Emmy," he soothed, his voice gentle in a way it never was with Lily. "You''re going to be okay."

    As he carried her from the room, I followed close behind, my hand clutching Emma''s as if I couldn''t bear to be

    separated from her.

    Behind us, Rosewood Haven stood silent, its shadows concealing the dungeon where Olivia Wintersy

    forgotten.

    (Matriarch Evelyn''s POV)

    The afternoon sunlight streamed through the tall windows of the Grand Reception Hall. I sat in my favorite chair, my weathered hands resting lightly on the ornately carved armrests.

    "Is everything prepared for Olivia''s visit, Bernard?" I asked.

    Bernard Sheppard, our head butler for over thirty years, nodded respectfully. "Yes, Matriarch. The venison pastries have been prepared to Mrs. Winters'' preference, and the moonlight tea is steeping."

    I smiled, satisfaction evident in my eyes. "Excellent. She should be arriving shortly."

    As the minutes ticked by, my brow furrowed slightly. Olivia had never beente for

    our w****y tea-not once in all the years we had maintained this tradition.

    "Bernard, what time is it?" I asked, concern creeping into my voice. "Nearly four o''clock, Matriarch.

    I frowned, reaching for the phone on the table beside me. This isn''t like her at all."

    My fingers, slightly gnarled with arthritis but still surprisingly nimble, dialed Olivia''s number from memory. The call went straight to voicemail.

    "How strange," I murmured, setting the phone down. "Olivia always answers my calls."

    Bernard stepped forward, his own concern evident in the slight furrow of his brow. "Shall I try to reach Alpha Stone, Matriarch?"

    I nodded, my expression growing more troubled by the moment. "Yes, Bernard. Contact my grandson immediately. It''s not like Olivia to miss our afternoon together without word."

 The Alpha King is unavailable 75

    The afternoon sun cast long shadows across my sitting room as I paced back and forth. Olivia was three

    hourste for our w****y tea-something that had never happened before.

    ¡°Bernard,¡± I called sharply. Any word?"

    My faithful butler appeared, his face showing concern. "No, Matriarch. Alpha Ethan''s phone remains

    unanswered"

    A knot of dread tightened in my chest. Olivia was always punctual, especially for our meetings.

    "Get Maxwell Chen on the phone," I ordered. "Immediately."

    When Maxwell answered, I didn''t waste time with pleasantries. "Where is my grandson?"

    "Alpha Stone is in a pack meeting, Matriarch. Shall I have him call you when he''s finished?"

    I''d lived too many years to be fooled by such an obvious lie. "Don''t insult my intelligence. Where is Ethan?"

    After a pause, Maxwell finally admitted, "Alpha Stone is at the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den with Victoria Frost and her daughter."

    My grip tightened on the receiver. "And where is Olivia?"

    His silence spoke volumes.

    "I will ask you once more. Where is my grandson''s mate?"

    His response was barely audible. The basement of Rosewood Haven, Matriarch."

    The word ''basement'' hit me like a physical blow. I remembered finding eight-year- old Olivia huddled in that same basement, covered in rat bites, her eyes wide with terror.

    "Get my grandson on the phone," I demanded, my voice trembling with fury.

    "I can''t. He''s with the doctors and has given orders not to be disturbed."

    "How long has Olivia been in that basement?"

    "Since early this afternoon," Maxwell admitted.

    ¡°Bernard! Have my car brought around immediately. And summon my bodyguards."

    The drive to Rosewood Haven seemed endless. When we finally arrived, I marched toward the house, my bodyguards nking me.

    "The basement," Imanded, and they moved ahead, forcing open the heavy door.

    The darkness was absolute. One guard found a light switch, illuminating the stone staircase.

    "Olivial" I called. "Olivia, dear, are you there?"

    A faint whimper answered me, so weak I might have missed it.

    I descended the stairs as quickly as my aging body allowed. At the bottom, I found

    a small form huddled

    Chapter 51 The Matiarch

    against the far wall, curled into a tight ball.

    "Get her out of here," I ordered, my voice breaking "Now!"

    My guards moved swiftly, one gathering Olivia''s limp form into his arms. Her face was deathly pale, her breathing shallow.

    "Take her to the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den, I instructed. "And inform Dr. Fletcher that if she doesn''t receive excellent care, he''ll answer to me personally."

    At the medical den, Dr. Fletcher rushed to meet us. "Get her into treatment room one," he ordered his staff. "And prepare the cardiac equipment."

    "What''s happening to her? I demanded as he attached monitors to her still form. "She''s experiencing cardiac arrhythmia," he replied gravely. "Her heart rhythm is dangerously irregr"

    "Will she recover?"

    "We''re doing everything we can. But her condition was already weakened. This confinement may have pushed her body beyond its limits."

    Fury surged through me. My grandson had knowingly ced his mate in a situation that could kill her.

    Hourster, Olivia''s eyes finally opened. "I''m hungry," she whispered.

    The simple statement nearly broke myposure. After everything she''d endured, her first thought was of hunger.

    "I''ll have food brought immediately." I promised.

    "Not hospital food," Olivia added, "Real food. Venison, if possible."

    I couldn''t help but smile. "Of course. Nothing but the best for you."

    Her expression grew serious. "I need to ask you for a favor, Grandmother."

    "Anything, child."

    Her eyes held a determination I hadn''t seen since before Lily''s death. "I need your help with Victoria Frost." (Ethan''s POV)

    ching her

    The beeping of Emma''s heart monitor had be a constantpanion. I sat beside her bed, watching chest rise and fall, relief washing over me as her fever began to subside.

    Victoria dozed in the chair opposite me. She''d refused to leave Emma''s side, even to eat or rest.

    My phone vibrated in my pocket. I slipped into the hallway before answering

    "Alpha Stone." My grandmother''s voice, colder than I''d ever heard it, sent a chill down my spine. "You will return to Rosewood Haven immediately."

    "Grandmother, I can''t leave right now. Emma-

    "Is stable and well-attended, she cut me off. "Olivia, however, nearly died today. Because of you."

    Her words hit me like a physical blow. "What are you talking about?"

    "The basement, Ethan. You locked her in that basement knowing her history, knowing her fear."

    Charter 54 The Matrime

    "She''s fine." I said, though doubt had begun to gnaw at me. It was just a few hours in the dark."

    "She''s in the medical den with cardiac arrhythmia, my grandmother replied, her voice shaking with fury. "Dr. Fletcher says if we''d found her even an hourter, she might not have survived"

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    The ground seemed to shift beneath my feet. Olivia, dead? Because of my actions?

    Tlle immediately," I said, already moving toward the exit.

    I returned to Emma''s room, finding Victoria now awake

    "Is everything alright?" she asked softly.

    "I need to go. My grandmother has summoned me."

    Victoria''s eyes widened. "Now? But Emma needs you here."

    "The doctors say she''s stable. Her fever is breaking."

    "But what if it returns? What if she wakes and asks for you?"

    I hesitated, torn between my responsibilities. "I have to go. Olivia... she''s in the medical den."

    Something shed in Victoria''s eyes before quickly disappearing.

    "Of course," she said, suddenly understanding. "You should check on her. I''ll stay with Emma."

    "Thank you," I said, already heading for the door. "I''ll return as soon as I can."

    (Victoria''s POV)

    I watched Ethan leave, my mind racing. Olivia in the medical den? That wasn''t part of my n.

    Emma slept peacefully, her fever having broken hours ago despite my efforts to prolong it.

    *TII be back soon, sweetheart, I whispered, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

    I needed to see the damage for myself. How badly was Olivia hurt?

    As I exited the medical den, tworge figures approached from either side.

    "Mrs. Frost," one said emotionlessly. "You''ll need toe with us."

    I recognized them immediately-Matriarch Evelyn''s personal bodyguards.

    "I have an appointment," I lied. "Perhaps another time."

    The guard''s expression didn''t change. "This isn''t a request, Mrs. Frost."

    Before I could protest, they nked me, guiding me firmly toward a waiting vehicle with tinted windows.

    ¡°What is the meaning of this?¡± I demanded, struggling against their grip. ¡°Do you know who I am?"

    They made no response as they pushed me into the backseat. The door closed with a definitive click, and I found myself face to face with Olivia Winters. (Olivia''s POV)

    Victoria''s shock at seeing me sitting upright was almost worth all my suffering. Her perfectly made-up face went ck with surprise.

    "Olivia," she managed, quicklyposing herself. "How... unexpected. I thought you were in the medical den."

    Cluster 53 The Matoimely

    I smiled coldly. "Disappointed to see me alive, Victoria?"

    She arranged her features into concern. "Of course not. I was worried when Ethan told me you were ill."

    "Spare me your act," I said. "We both know you''re the reason I was locked in that basement."

    The car pulled away, heading toward Matriarch Evelyn''s Vi. Victoria nced nervously out the window.

    "I have no idea what you''re talking about," she insisted. "Ethan made that decision himself."

    "After you manipted him," I countered. "Just like you manipted that poor man into attacking you and

    Emma."

    Fear shed in her eyes before she could hide it.

    "That''s absurd," she said unconvincingly. "Why would I arrange an attack on my own daughter?"

    "Because you knew Ethan would me me," I replied simply. "You''ve been trying to destroy me for years. First by stealing my husband''s attention, then by ensuring your daughter received preferential treatment over mine. And when Lily died, you saw your opportunity to rece mepletely."

    Victoria''s lips curved into a cruel smile. "And I seeded, didn''t I? Ethan chose to stay with Emma today

    rather than check on you. He loves us, not you."

    Her words were designed to wound, but I felt nothing. The basement had burned away myst hopes

    regarding Ethan.

    "Did you know I nearly died today?" I asked conversationally. "Dr. Fletcher says my heart almost gave out from

    the stress.

    Victoria shrugged indifferently. "A pity it didn''t."

    "And yet here I am," I said, my voice hardening. "While you''re the one being taken against your will."

    Real rm showed on her face. "Where are you taking me?"

    "Somewhere you can reflect on your actions," I said, echoing Ethan''s words to me. "Somewhere no one will

    hear you scream."

    Victoria''sposure shattered. "You can''t do this! Ethan will-''

    "Ethan will what?" I interrupted. "Search for you? Like he searched for me?"

    She tried to protest further, but I''d had enough of her voice. I nodded to one of the guards, who produced a dirty rag.

    "Gag her," I ordered.

    Victoria''s eyes widened in panic as the guard forced the rag between her lips.

    I watched her struggle, feeling nothing but cold satisfaction. The woman who had caused me so much suffering was finally experiencing a fraction of what I''d endured.

    The car eventually pulled up to Matriarch Evelyn''s Vi. I stepped out, standing tall despite my weakness. Victoria was dragged from the vehicle, her eyes burning with hatred.

    I met her gaze unflinchingly. The time for mercy was long past. Now was the time for revenge

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    (Earlier today-memory)

    When I woke up earlier, I asked Matriarch Evelyn to help me investigate about the attack.

    She told me that she had already investigated that matter.

    Evidence showed that the contact number was indeed mine, but it was proven to have been hacked at the time of the incident. I had a solid alibi at that time. I was at Canis Enterprises that entire day, surrounded by

    witnesses.

    With this evidence, I could prove my innocence to Ethan.

    But Bernard didn''t find anything linking Victoria to the attacker. No transaction records, no prior connection, no secret meetings.

    So although I could clear my name, but couldn''t expose Victoria''s scheme.

    So I rejected Matriarch Evelyn''s suggestion to present this evidence to Ethan. His apology means nothing to

    me now.

    Ethan''s heart holds no ce for me. Even with proof, he would still doubt me. In his eyes, there were only

    three people present at that scene who else could it be but me?

    Matriarch Evelyn studied me, misunderstanding my refusal. "Liv, are you just going to let this go? Out of love

    and forgiveness?"

    I met her gaze, my voice hardening. "No!"

    (Back to now)

    The car pulled up to Matriarch Evelyn''s Vi, its tires crunching on the gravel driveway. Victoria sat across

    from me, her eyes burning with hatred above the dirty gag.

    I stepped out first, standing tall despite my weakened state. The bodyguards dragged Victoria from the vehicle and threw her roughly to the ground.

    Shended hard on her knees, her muffled curses escaping around the edges of the gag. Her perfectly styled

    hair was now disheveled, her designer clothes smeared with dirt.

    I gave her a cold nce, then signaled to the bodyguards. "Take her inside."

    As they hauled Victoria to her feet, I turned and walked toward the vi''s entrance. Behind me, I heard the

    sounds of struggle as Victoria fought against her captors.

    Her shoes came off as they dragged her, her stockinged feet scraping against the rough ground. Small bloody trails marked her path as the stones cut through the delicate fabric.

    When we reached the basement entrance, Victoria''s eyes widened with

    realization. She knew exactly what I had nned.

    bodyguards held her firmly between them as I approached,

    I nodded, and one of them removed her gag.

    "You b***h-Victoria began, but I cut her off with a sharp p across her face.

    The sound echoed in the empty space. A trickle of blood appeared at the corner of her mouth where my ring

    had caught her lip.

    Victoria''s eyes widened in shock, then narrowed with fury. But she swallowed whatever insult she''d been

    about to hurl.

    What

    gives you the right to imprison me?" she demanded, her voice trembling with rage.

    Iughed, the sound hollow and cold in the stone chamber. "You''re asking me about rights? How

    Victoria red at me. "You have no justification for this!"

    amusing."

    "Justification?" I echoed, circling her slowly. "Do I need one? Did you need justification to frame me for

    Emma''s attack?"

    I knew Icked.concrete evidence against Victoria. Clearing my name only implied she staged the attack

    herself. But Ethan''s love for her would blind him to any evidence; her tears would soften his heart.

    "Ethan will never believe you," Victoria spat, as if reading my thoughts. "He loves me, not you."

    ¡°I hold no expectations from him anymore,¡± I replied coldly. "But you, Victoria-you were emboldened by his

    favor. You dared to frame me, which led to my confinement and torment."

    Victoria''s lips curved into a smug smile. "And I''d do it again."

    I stepped closer, my voice dropping to a whisper. "I won''t forget what Ethan did.

    But you, Victoria-you will pay for what you did. Even if I can''t avenge Lily immediately, I won''t sufferst night''s humiliation in silence."

    Victoria''s eyes shed with defiance. "You''ll regret this, Olivia. When Ethan finds out-

    "When Ethan finds out what?" I interrupted. "That I treated you exactly as he treated me? Go ahead, call his

    name. See what good it does you."

    Victoria straightened, her chin lifting. "Ethan will destroy you for this."

    I scoffed, gesturing around the basement. "Let him try. For now, let''s see what he can do for you."

    I nodded to the bodyguards. "Throw her in."

    They released her arms and shoved her forward. Victoria stumbled, falling hard onto the stone floor.

    She winced in pain, her face contorting. When she looked up at me, her eyes zed with hatred.

    Victoria nced around the basement, a smirk f?rming on her lips. She clearly thought this confinement wasughablepared to what she''d expected.

    I could read her thoughts in her defiant gaze. She wasn''t afraid of the dark. If Emma couldn''t find her, she would call Ethan, who would rescue her. Then, she would make me pay dearly.

    "What are you thinking about?" I asked, my voice deceptively gentle. "That this basement isn''t so bad? That Ethan wille for you soon?"

    Victoria said nothing, but her smug expression confirmed my suspicions.

    "Tell me, Victoria," I continued, "are you still afraid of snakes?"

    The change in her expression was immediate. The smugness vanished, reced by a flicker of fear she

    couldn''t quite hide.

    "I don''t know what you''re talking about," she said, but her voice had lost its confident edge.

    I smiled and signaled to one of the bodyguards. He disappeared briefly, returning with a covered cage.

    Even from where I stood, I could hear the soft hissing sounds emanating from within.

    Victoria''s face drained of color. She retreated until her back hit the wall.

    "You wouldn''t dare," she whispered, staring at the cage with undisguised terror

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    "Wouldn''t I?" I asked softly. "After what you did to me? After what you did to my daughter?"

    Victoria''sposure shatteredpletely. "If you do this, Ethan will kill you!"

    I approached the cage, unfazed by her threats. "Let him try."

    With deliberate slowness, I removed the cover from the cage, revealing the snakes inside. Three vipers coiled

    within, their scales gleaming in the dim light.

    I stared at them impassively. Once, I would have been terrified of these creatures. But my time in the

    orphanage had cured me of that particr phobia.

    Victoria screamed, the sound bouncing off the stone walls. She pressed herself harder against the wall, as if

    trying to melt into it.

    "Not afraid, are you?" I taunted, reaching for a pair of thick gloves thaty beside

    the cage.

    "Please," Victoria begged, her voice breaking. "Please, Olivia. I''ll keep silent about this. I promise!"

    I ignored her pleas, pulling on the gloves with methodical precision. "You know, Victoria, I spent hours in that basementst night. Hours in the dark, surrounded by rats, my worst fear."

    Victoria''s eyes darted frantically between me and the cage. "I''ll give you money. Anything you want!"

    "I don''t want your money," I said coldly. "I want you to understand what it feels like to be trapped with the thing you fear most."

    I reached into the cage and calmly picked up one of the snakes. Its body writhed in my grasp, but I held it

    firmly.

    Without warning, I threw it at Victoria.

    Her scream was primal, ripping from her throat as the snakended on her shoulder. With her hands tied. behind her back, she could only writhe and thrash, trying to dislodge the creature.

    My eyes turned cold as I remembered the torment from the previous night, convinced Victoria was behind it.

    "You did this to me," I said, my voice hardening. "You put me in that basement. You knew my fears"

    I reached for another snake, its scales smooth against the leather of my gloves. "Please!" Victoria sobbed, tears streaming down her face. "I''m sorry! I''m sorry!"

    I threw the second snake. Itnded at her feet, causing her to kick wildly in panic. "No amount of apologies can undo what you''ve done," I said. "To me. To Lily." Chapter 54 Snakes

    Victoria''s screams grew louder as the snake began to slither up her leg. Her face was contorted in terror, her eyes wild with panic.

    I watched dispassionately as she thrashed against her bonds, desperate to escape the creatures that now surrounded her.

    The third snake joined itspanions,nding directly in Victoria''sp. Her screams reached a new pitch, raw and desperate.

    I stepped back, signaling to the bodyguards. "Close the door. Leave her with her new friends."

    The heavy door began to swing shut, Victoria''s pleas growing more frantic with each passing second.

    "Olivia!" she screamed. "Don''t leave me here! Please!"

    I watched her through the narrowing gap, feeling nothing but cold satisfaction. The woman who had tormented me for years was finally experiencing a fraction of the fear she had inflicted.

    Just as the door was about to closepletely, a powerful voice echoed down the corridor.

    "OLIVIA! OPEN THIS DOOR NOW!"

    Ethan stood at the end of the hallway, his face contorted with rage. His amber eyes zed with fury strode toward us.

    y as he

    Victoria, seeing her rescuer, momentarily forgot her fear. She red at me

    through the gap in the door, mouthing "You''re dead" before crying out to Ethan.

    "Ethan! Help me! There are snakes!"

    I met her gaze steadily, then signaled to the bodyguards. "Close it."

    The door mmed shut with finality, cutting off Victoria''s screams.

    I turned to face Ethan, unafraid of his anger. His eyes burned into mine as he

    closed the distance between us.

    "You dare?" he growled, his voice vibrating with fury.

    I lifted my chin, meeting his gaze unflinchingly. "I dare."

    Ethan''s control snapped. He grabbed my wrist, yanking me away from the door with such force that pain shot

    up my arm.

    He threw me against the wall, his face twisted with rage. Still weakened from my ordeal, I stumbled, nearly

    falling.

    The bodyguards moved quickly, catching me before I hit the ground. They positioned themselves between Ethan and me, their massive forms creating a protective barrier.

    Ethan ignored them, moving toward the basement door. His intent was clear-he would kick it down if necessary to free Victoria.

    Watching him, seeing his desperate concern for Victoria when he had shown me none, I felt something inside

    me grow colder.

    "If you release her," I warned, my voice steady despite my racing heart, "I''ll do twice as much to her next time." Ethan turned to me, his eyes narrowed to dangerous slits. "No one will dare touch Victoria again. I''ll make

    sure of it."

    dare Matriarch Evelyn''s voice boomed from the elevator entrance.

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    Chapter 55: The Matriarch''s Justice

    (Matriarch Evelyn''s POV)

    Ethan looked up, surprise flickering across his features before heposed himself.

    "Grandmother," he greeted, rising. "I wasn''t expecting you."

    "Clearly." I replied coldly. "If you were, perhaps you would have prepared a better exnation for your actions."

    Confusion crossed his face. "My actions?"

    "Don''t y innocent with me, boy,¡± I snapped, advancing into the room. ¡°I found Olivia in that basement. I saw what you did to her."

    His jaw tightened. "That was pack discipline. She endangered Emma-

    "She did nothing of the sort!" My voice cracked like thunder in the confined space. Tve investigated the matter thoroughly. Olivia was at Canis Enterprises that entire day, surrounded by witnesses."

    Ethan stared at me, momentarily speechless. "That''s impossible. The contact number-"

    "Was hacked," I finished for him. "A fact that could have been discovered with even the most basic investigation. But you were too eager to believe the worst of your mate, weren''t you?"

    His amber eyes-so like my own-narrowed defensively. "Victoria wouldn''t lie about something like this."

    "Wouldn''t she?" I challenged, stepping closer. "Victoria Frost orchestrated that entire incident herself. She manipted you, just as she''s been manipting you for years."

    Ethan''s face hardened into stone. "You have no proof of that."

    "I don''t need proof to know what''s in front of my eyes," I retorted. That woman has been systematically destroying your family while you stood by and allowed it."

    (Ethan''s POV)

    My grandmother''s usations felt like physical blows. I struggled to maintain myposure as she

    continued her tirade against Victoria.

    "Victoria would never harm Emma," I insisted, clinging to this certainty. "She''s her mother."

    "A mother who uses her child as a pawn, Grandmother countered, her eyes shing with righteous anger. *Just as she used your feelings for her to turn you against your true mate."

    Through the stone walls of the basement in Matriarch Evelyn''s Vi, Victoria''s enhanced hearing captured every word of our argument. I could almost feel her panic rising as she realized I wasn''t immediatelying to her rescue.

    "Let me out!" Victoria screamed, her voice muffled by the thick walls and heavy door. "Ethan! Help me!"

    The knowledge that Olivia had deliberately chosen this location, knowing Victoria''s paralyzing fear of snakes, sent a chill through me. This wasn''t the Olivia I knew-the gentle healer who couldn''t bear to see anyone suffer.

    14

    "Grandmother," I said, my voice tight with restraint, "I understand you''re upset about what happened to Olivia. But imprisoning Victoria isn''t the answer"

    sn''t it?" she challenged "Why should Victoria be spared the very punishment you inflicted on Olivia? Or does your sense of justice only apply to some?"

    Her words struck a nerve. I had locked Olivia in that basement without a second thought, convinced of her

    quilt. What if I had been wrong?

    Victoria''s screams grew more desperate. The snakes! Please! Get them away from me!"

    The raw terror in her voice tore at me. I needed to get to her, to rescue her from this nightmare.

    "Release her," I demanded, moving toward the door. "Now"

    (Matriarch Evelyn''s POV)

    I blocked Ethan''s path with surprising agility for my age, my cane raised like a barrier between him and the

    door.

    "You will do no such thing," I dered firmly. "As the elder of this family and guardian of our traditions, I

    invoke my right to ensure justice is served."

    Ethan''s eyes shed with frustration, "Grandmother-

    "Victoria will remain there for exactly as long as Olivia was imprisoned," I

    continued, unmoved by his protest.

    "Not a minute less."

    I could see the conflict raging behind his eyes-respect for pack tradition warring with his desire to protect Victoria. Finally, his shoulders slumped slightly in reluctant eptance.

    "Fine," he conceded, though his clenched fists betrayed his true feelings. "But if she''s harmed="

    "She will experience exactly what Olivia experienced," I assured him coldly. "Nothing more, nothing less."

    We moved away from the basement door, Ethan''s gaze lingering on it as if he could see through to Victoria inside. As we walked, his eyes fell on Olivia, who stood silently nearby, supported by one of my bodyguards.

    I watched as he noticed, perhaps for the first time, her pale face and the blood on her fingers where she had wed at the stone walls during her imprisonment.

    "You''ve forgotten, haven''t you?" I said, my voice heavy with disappointment. "You''ve forgotten how you her as a child, locked in that same basement by your cousin Isabelle."

    Ethan''s expression changed, shock recing anger as the memory surfaced. found

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    "A terrified eight-year-old girl," I continued relentlessly, "huddled in the corner, covered in rat bites, screaming for help that didn''te. You promised to protect her then. What happened to that promise, Ethan?"

    Olivia''s eyes met his, filled with hurt and resentment. The stark contrast between her vivid memories and his apparent indifference was written clearly on her face.

    "I... I didn''t think... he began, his voice faltering.

    "No," I cut him off harshly. "You didn''t think. You didn''t remember. You were too busy pleasing Victoria to recall your mate''s deepest trauma."

    (Victoria''s POV)

    Chate 55. The Matraco

    The basement plunged into darkness as thest light was extinguished. My scream tore through the silence,

    raw and desperate.

    "Please!" I begged, though I knew no one was listening. "I''ll do anything! Just get these snakes away

    from

    mel

    Something slithered across my foot, and I kicked wildly, my heart threatening to burst from my chest. The cold, smooth scales against my skin sent waves of paralyzing terror through my body.

    Just as ckness began to creep into the edges of my vision-a blessed unconsciousness that would free me from this nightmare-the door opened. Light flooded in, momentarily blinding me.

    "No sleeping," a deep voicemanded.

    Cold water hit me like a physical blow, shocking me back to full awareness. I gasped, sputtering and choking as the icy liquid soaked through my clothes

    The massive form of one of Matriarch Evelyn''s bodyguards loomed over me, an empty bucket in his hands. His face remained impassive as he observed my terror.

    "The mistress says you are to experience every moment," he informed me coldly. "Just as she did."

    Fresh horror washed over me as I realized the full extent of Olivia''s revenge. She wouldn''t even allow me the

    mercy of unconsciousness.

    The door closed again, leaving me in darkness with my slithering tormentors. I tried to control my breathing. to find some reserve of strength, but another snake brushed against my arm and panic consumed me once

    more

    "Ethan!" I screamed, knowing he couldn''t hear me. "Save me!"

    (Olivia''s POV)

    The Stone Ancestral Hall was silent as we entered, its ancient stones bearing witness to centuries of pack discipline. Matriarch Evelyn led the way, her cane tapping rhythmically against the floor.

    Ethan followed, his face a mask of controlled emotion. I walked behind them both, supported by Bernard, my body still weak from my ordeal.

    "Stand there," Matriarch Evelyn instructed Ethan, pointing to the center of the room.

    Heplied without argument, his eyes fixed on a point in the distance. The perfect Alpha, epting the consequences of his actions with dignity.

    Matriarch Evelyn turned to me, her eyes softening slightly. "Olivia, as the wronged party, you have the right to discipline even the head of the family when he has failed in his duties"

    She gestured to Bernard, who stepped forward with a long, leather whip. The Ancestral Pack Whip-used only in the most serious cases of pack discipline.

    "This is unnecessary," Ethan said quietly. "I ept that I was wrong about Olivia''s involvement in the attack."

    "This isn''t just about the attack," Matriarch Evelyn replied firmly. "This is about years of neglect. About forgetting your vows to your mate. About betraying the very foundations of what it means to be an Alpha." She turned back to me, holding out the whip. "The choice is yours, Olivia. Our traditions allow you this right." I stared at the whip, feeling the weight of the moment. Part of me wanted to refuse, to be better than the

    Chupte 55 Thu Kada su li

    cruelty that had been shown to me.

    But then I remembered Lily-my beautiful daughter who had died while Ethan was with Victoria and Emma. I remembered the basement, the rats, the terror. I remembered every slight, every dismissal, every moment

    Ethan had chosen Victoria over me

    I took the whip

    Ethan''s eyes widened slightly, perhaps surprised that I would actually go through with it. He removed his

    jacket and shirt without being asked, revealing his muscr back

    For a moment, I hesitated. Despite everything, this was still the man I had loved for years. The father of my

    child

    Then I thought of Lily''s final moments, calling for a father who never came.

    The whip cracked through the air,nding with precision across Ethan''s back. He didn''t flinch, didn''t make a

    sound.

    I struck again, harder this time. A thin line of blood appeared, marring his perfect skin.

    With eachsh, I poured out my pain, my anger, my resentment. For Lily. For myself. For every moment he had chosen Victoria over his family.

    Ethan''s white shirt, discarded on the floor, became stained with droplets of blood-

    a stark visual testament to my fury. Yet he remained silent, epting the punishment with stoic dignity.

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    Blood trickled down my back as Olivia''s whip cracked against my skin again. Eachsh burned like fire, but ! remained motionless. My face showed nothing while my back became a canvas of pain.

    Her emerald eyes zed with hatred as she delivered another strike. The hot blood ran down my skin in

    rivulets

    I deserved this punishment. The memory of locking her in that basement with rats her greatest fear -

    shed through my mind. Yet I couldn''t stop thinking about Victoria, trapped with the snakes she feared

    above all else.

    "Did you vent your anger? Can we put this matter to rest now?" I asked, my voice steady despite the searing

    pain.

    Her emerald eyes narrowed instantly. She knew exactly what I meant. I wanted Victoria released.

    "No," she whispered, her voice hoarse. "Never."

    She tried to raise the whip again, but her strength failed her. Her body swayed dangerously

    Without thinking, I lunged forward. I caught her limp body before it hit the cold stone floor.

    She felt impossibly light in my arms. Like a fragile bird with broken wings. Her chestnut hair fell across her pale face as her head dropped against my chest.

    Grandmother watched from near the entrance, her eyes sharp with judgment. "Take her to your bedroom," she

    I carried Olivia through the long corridors of our ancestral home. With each step. I felt my blood seeping into

    her clothes.

    Her face, rxed in unconsciousness, looked younger and vulnerable. She reminded me of the girl I''d rescued

    from that same basement years ago. The same basement I''dter thrown her into without a second thought.

    Dr. Harold Bet arrived quickly. His weathered face grew grave as he examined Olivia with practiced

    movements.

    "Her heart condition has been exacerbated by extreme emotional distress," he announced. The basement

    incident nearly killed her, Alpha. Her heart simply couldn''t handle the terror"

    Grandmother''s eyes shed with rage. "As I told you, Ethan. You nearly killed your mate with your

    foolishness."

    "I didn''t know," I said. The words sounded hollow even to my own ears.

    "You didn''t want to know," she fired back. "Too busy believing Victoria''s lies to remember your own mate''s

    trauma"

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    I felt a flicker of defensiveness rise inside me. ''Grandmother, it has nothing to do with Victoria."

    Her eyes widened in disbelief. "Nothing to do with Victoria? Who poisoned you against Olivia? Who convinced

    you she was quilty without evidence?"

    Dr. Bet cleared his throat ufortably Perhaps this discussion could wait until the patient is stable?"

    Grandmother''s lips pressed into a thin line. "You''re right, Harold. My grandson''s blindness can be addressed

    She turned to leave, but her legs wobbled slightly. Bernard Sheppard appeared at her side, offering his arm

    for support

    "You should rest, Grandmother," I said, truly concerned. "This stress isn''t good for you either"

    She paused, her amber eyes-so like my own-studying me. "You''re worried about me now? What about your

    wife?

    "Olivia will worry if she wakes and finds you''ve copsed,¡± I replied softly

    Something in my voice must have reached her. She nodded slowly. Take care of her, Ethan. For once in your life, put her first"

    After they left, I removed my blood-soaked shirt. I winced as the fabric pulled away from my raw wounds.

    The mirror reflected freshsh marks crisscrossing my back. They oveid older, unhealed ones from previous incidents when I''d let Olivia vent her anger at me.

    Dr. Bet returned with his medical bag. His eyes widened slightly at the sight of my back. These need treatment, Alpha."

    I nodded silently and submitted to his care. The special healing salve burned at first contact with my torn

    flesh.

    Then it cooled, bringing blessed relief to my wounds. The pain dulled to a manageable throb.

    When he finished, he packed his supplies and headed for the door. "Take care of her," he said, echoing Grandmother''s words. "Her heart can''t take much more strain,"

    After he left, I turned my attention to Olivia. Her bandaged fingers caught my eye- white gauze wrapped

    around each digit.

    Carefully, I unwrapped them. The raw torn skin beneath made my stomach clench with guilt.

    She had wed desperately at the stone walls of her prison until her fingers bled. Until her nails broke and tore away from the beds. I had done this to her.

    A soft knock announced Grandmother''s return. Without waiting for permission, she entered with her phone in

    hand.

    "You should see this," she said, her voice unusually gentle.

    She held out her phone showing photos of the basement where Olivia had been confined. The images were stark and damning.

    Bloody scratches marked the walls where she had tried to escape. Chunks of fingernails were embedded in

    the stone. Dark stains showed where she had bled onto the floor.

    "She begged you," Grandmother said quietly. "She reminded you of her fear. And still, you locked her in."

    I couldn''t speak. My throat felt tight with an emotion I refused to name.

    "Take good care of your wife, Ethan," Grandmother said, her voice softening. She deserves that much, at

    least

    After she left, I sat beside Olivia with Dr. Bet''s healing salve in my hand. I began applying it to her damaged fingers with gentle movements.

    As I worked, a memory surfaced unexpectedly. Lily, our daughter, watching wide- eyed as Olivia burned her hand making special tea during one of the child''s fevers.

    Without hesitation, Lily had taken her mother''s injured hand and blown on it gently. Her small face was

    serious with concentration.

    "Mommy, does it still hurt?" she had asked, her innocent eyes filled with concern.

    "No, baby" Olivia had replied, her smile radiant despite her pain. "Your magic breath made it all better."

    Without thinking. I found myself copying my daughter''s gesture. I blew softly on Olivia''s fingers while

    applying the healing salve.

    The memory of Lily was so vivid it made my chest ache. Our daughter had been gone for months, yet the pain

    felt fresh

    Why hadn''t I been there more for them? Why had I let Victoriae between me and my family?

    A slight movement caught my attention. Olivia''s eyshes fluttered as consciousness returned.

    Confusion clouded her features as she saw me tending to her wounds. "Grandmother?" she murmured,

    disoriented.

    "No," I replied softly. "It''s me, Ethan."

    Recognition dawned in her eyes, followed immediately by wariness. She pulled

    her hand away from my touch

    as if burned.

    Her expression hardened into a mask of distrust. The brief vulnerability I''d glimpsed vanishedpletely.

    "Ethan Stone, don''t be hypocritical in front of me, I don''t need it," she said coldly. "Give up, I won''t agree to let Victoria Frost out of that basement."

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    No matter whether he let me whip him in the Stone Ancestral Hall, or was now gently caring for my wounds, I knew the truth. The purpose was simply to soften my heart, to make me voluntarily agree to release Victoria

    Frost

    Five years ago, I would have fallen for it. I would have interceded for him whenever Matriarch Evelyn wanted to punish Victoria. I had loved my mate so pathetically back then, my wolfpletely devoted to him despite his neglect

    Not anymore. Lily''s death had changed everything.

    "Victoria is suffering." Ethan said, interrupting my thoughts. "She''s a concerned mother, worried about Emma."

    My face darkenedpletely, emerald eyes shing with suppressed rage. "I''ll say it again, if you want me to release Victoria early from that basement, keep dreaming."

    I threw off the moonlight thermal nket and got up despite my weakness. My bandaged fingers throbbed

    with pain as I stood.

    Ethan moved quickly, trying to stop me. "You''re still weak. The doctor said="

    "Don''t touch me," I hissed, pushing him away. My voice was cold as ice.

    I headed for the door, determined to put distance between us. Before I could reach it, a distinctive ringtone filled the room.

    Ethan''s Alpha phone was ringing. He answered immediately, his face softening as Emma''s voice came through.

    "Daddy, where''s mommy?" The child was crying hysterically. "I want mommy, where is she?"

    "Don''t worry, princess," Ethan soothed. "Your mother will be at the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den soon. I

    promise.

    He hung up and grabbed his jacket, heading for the door without another nce in my direction.

    I moved quickly, my bandaged hand gripping his arm. "Victoria''s punishment time isn''t up yet."

    Ethan pulled away from my grasp, his amber eyes cold as winter. "Enough, stop making trouble!" he growled,

    and left.

    I stood frozen, watching him choose Victoria yet again. Some things never change.

    From thending, I watched as Matriarch Evelyn intercepted him downstairs. Her elderly frame still

    "The punishment isn''tplete, she stated firmly.

    Ethan''s face hardened. "Victoria has been punished enough."

    ¡°Has she?¡± Matriarch Evelyn''s voice was sharp. "After everything she''s done?"

    Ethan sighed impatiently. "I won''t do it again in the future."

    With that single sentence, he dismissed all the suffering I had endured in the Shadowcrypt Dungeon, Matriarch Evelyn''s expression darkenedpletely, her wolf''s disapproval obvious in her eyes.

    (Matriarch Evelyn''s POV)

    I stared at my grandson, barely recognizing the man he had be. The boy I raised would never have been so callous

    "Let me ask you onest time about your feelings toward Olivia," I said, keeping my voice steady despite my disappointment. "If you have no interest in your true mate, I will arrange meetings with eligible Alphas from allied packs for her."

    Ethan paused briefly, his wolf bristling at my words. His eyes flickered up to where Olivia stood on the second-floornding.

    "Grandmother, don''t waste your effort," he sneered. "She won''t ept another Alpha."

    The certainty in his voice was absolute. He truly believed Olivia''s wolf was too deeply bonded to his to consider another mate, despite their troubled rtionship.

    I followed his gaze to Olivia, noting the hurt that shed across her face before she masked it. I had been

    testing my grandson by mentioning potential meetings with other Alphas, hoping to provoke some protective

    instinct.

    Instead, he chose Victoria without hesitation.

    My decision was made.

    I approached Olivia slowly, climbing the stairs with deliberate steps. "My dear, I

    will find you a worthy Alpha who will appreciate your strength."

    Olivia shook her head, her wolf instinctively recoiling. "No, Grandmother. I don''t want another mate."

    ¡°I understand,¡± I said gently. "But I want someone to protect you, especially since I won''t be around forever."

    I took her bandaged hands in mine, careful not to cause pain. "Promise me you''ll at least meet with the Alpha

    I''ve chosen. For my peace of mind."

    Her emerald eyes searched mine, finding only genuine concern. Finally, she nodded. "For you, Grandmother."

    Her wolf whined in distress at the mere thought, but her rational mind had made its choice.

    (Ethan''s POV)

    I returned to the Shadowcrypt Dungeon where Victoria was being held. The Shadow Guard, following

    Grandmother''s instructions, didn''t stop me this time.

    When I opened the door, the sight before me stopped my heart.

    Victoria, who feared snakes above all else, was lying on the ground with several vipers crawling on and around her. Her pupils were dted with terror, her wolfpletely subdued by primal fear.

    Upon seeing me, she whispered my name with herst breath, reaching for me weakly.

    "Ethan... help me..."

    I rushed to her, kicking snakes away as I lifted her into my arms. Her body was cold, trembling violently

    against mine.

    I carried her out, kicking two of The Shadow Guard on my way. "If she dies, none

    of you will live to see

    tomorrow" I snarled.

    Their faces remained impassive, but I didn''t care. My only focus was getting Victoria to safety

    I rushed her to the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den, her fragile form cradled against my chest.

    (Victoria''s POV)

    After examination, the doctor confirmed I was physically fine but mentally distressed. My wolf was still

    cowering within me, traumatized by the snakes.

    "Emma," I whispered weakly. "I need to see my daughter. She''ll cry without me

    Ethan nodded, his face tight with concern. He arranged for Emma to be brought to my hospital room immediately

    When she arrived, my daughter flung herself at me, her small face wet with tears. "Mommy! I was so scared!"

    "I''m here now, baby," I soothed, stroking her hair. "Mommy''s here." Emma curled against my side, her small form pressed protectively against me. Soon, her breathing evened out as she fell asleep.

    Once she was sleeping soundly, I copsed into Ethan''s arms, allowing my trembling to intensify. "Why would she do this to me?" I sobbed. "She knows I''m terrified of snakes!"

    Ethan''s arms tightened around me. "I don''t know"

    "She wanted to kill me," I continued, tears streaming down my face. Those snakes

    could have been

    venomous!"

    I felt his temperature dropping-a sign of his wolf''s rage. Perfect.

    "She''ll pay for this, he growled softly.

    I buried my face against his chest, hiding my smile. My n was working perfectly.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    That night, I stayed in my own room in Matriarch Evelyn''s Vi rather than in Ethan''s private residence. Despite the moonberry sleeping tea Grandmother had arranged for me, I couldn''t sleep.

    Every time I closed my eyes, I saw visions of the Shadowcrypt Dungeon when I had been imprisoned there. The rats scurrying across my skin, their sharp teeth nipping at my flesh..

    I finally took two herbal pills from my bag that I''d created from my healing crystal knowledge. The calming effect spread through my body slowly.

    2

 The Alpha King is unavailable 84

    Eventually, I drifted into an uneasy sleep, my wolf restless and whimpering within

    me.

    Suddenly, I was dragged from my bed by strong hands. Through the fog of

    medication, I heard Ethan''s voice.

    "Olivia Winters, how can you sleep so peacefully?"

    Still groggy, I struggled to clear my mind. My wolf was disoriented and defensive, sensing danger but unable to respond properly.

    Clentes ST Contentation.

    When Ethan turned on the light and grabbed my chin painfully, I finally regained rity. I tried to pull his hand

    nway.

    "Let gol Ethan Stone, why are you acting crazy in the middle of the night?" Ethan tightened his grip, his amber eyes glowing with anger. "You deliberately tortured Victoria with snakes despite knowing her fear!"

    Iughed coldly, my emerald eyes shing. "She could torture me with rats that I fear most, why can''t I torture

    her with snakes she fears most?"

    At the mention of rats, Ethan''s expression changed noticeably. His grip loosened

    "Victoria put rats in there?" he asked, his wolf suddenly uncertain.

    I pushed his hand away and stood up straight despite my exhaustion. ¡°I don''t want to wake Matriarch Evelyn.

    Get out."

    (Ethan''s POV)

    Outside Olivia''s room, my phone vibrated. Victoria''s name shed on the screen.

    "Ethan? Are you there?" Her voice was deliberately soft and vulnerable. "I''m scared, I can''t sleep. Can you

    Something about her timing felt off. "Did you know I went to confront Olivia?"

    A brief pause. "What? No, I just woke up from a nightmare about the snakes."

    I decided to be direct. "Why did you put rats in the dungeon where Olivia was held?"

    Another pause, longer this time. She must have realized there would be surveince footage.

    1... I did it impulsively," she admitted. "Emma was hurt. I wasn''t thinking clearly."

    She yed her trump card-her love for Emma. She knew how much I adored the child.

    When I remained silent, my wolf conflicted, she softened her voice. "Please, Ethan. I need you. Come to the

    medical den."

    My wolf paced restlessly within me. Something felt wrong about all of this.

    "It''ste," I replied curtly. "Go to sleep." I hung up before she could respond.

    I stood outside Olivia''s door, torn between anger and confusion. Using my master key, I quietly re-entered her

    room.

    Olivia was in the grip of a nightmare, crying out: "Don''te near... go away..."

    Her hands were iling as if trying to drive something away. Her wolf was trying to protect her even in sleep.

    "Ethan... Ethan... let me out... please..."

    That single word-please-pierced my heart. My wolf whined in distress at my mate''s suffering.

    I sat on the bed, gently wiping away her tears. Then I removed my outer clothing, got into bed, and pulled Olivia into my arms.

    I stroked her back soothingly, my wolf instinctively curling around her protectively. Whether from the medication or myfort, Olivia gradually calmed in my embrace.

    (hopes t

    She slept peacefully through the night, our wolves finding a momentary truce. (Olivia''s POV)

    The next morning, I was woken by a pack servant. I was surprised to have slept so well-something rare since

    Lily''s death.

    At breakfast, Matriarch Evelyn smiled at me over her tea. Tve selected a potential Alpha from the Moonstone

    Pack for you to meet."

    Though uninterested in who it might be, I trusted my grandmother-inw''s judgment, even as my wolf bristled

    at the thought.

    "Grandmother, I trust your taste," I said, finishing my venison breakfast. "Whoever you choose won''t be bad. It''s gettingte, I need to go to Canis Enterprises."

    I quickly gathered my things and left for work. I''d already taken one day off from my new position and couldn''t afford another absence.

    (Ethan''s POV)

    Around the corner from the dining room, I stood with a dark expression, my amber eyes glowing with suppressed rage as I reyed Olivia''s words in my mind.

    She was actually agreeing to meet with another Alpha? My wolf snarled possessively.

    How dare she agree to meet someone! Had I given her permission?

    My wolf paced restlessly within me, territorial instincts ring at the thought of another Alpha near my mate.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 85

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I stepped out of Matriarch Evelyn''s vi, inhaling the crisp morning air. The weight of the conversation about potential suitors still hung heavily on my mind. I had promised to consider them, but my heart wasn''t in it.

    A sleek ck Maybach waited at the bottom of the steps, its engine purring softly. The driver-one of the pack''s most trusted-stood beside it, opening the door as I approached

    "Matriarch Evelyn arranged for your transportation to Canis Enterprises, Luna," he exined with a respectful

    bow.

    I nodded my thanks and slid into the luxurious interior. As my eyes adjusted to the dimmer light inside, my heart stuttered. Ethan sat on the opposite seat, an unlit cigarette dangling between his fingers, his amber eyes fixed on me with an intensity that made my skin prickle.

    "What are you doing here?" I demanded, immediately reaching for the door handle.

    Before I could escape, Ethan''s hand shot out, his fingers encircling my wrist in an iron grip. He pulled me back inside with surprising strength.

    "Drive," hemanded the pack driver, his voice leaving no room for argument.

    The driver hesitated, clearly ufortable with my obvious reluctance, but Ethan''s Alpha authority won out. The door closed with a soft thud, sealing me in with my estranged mate.

    As the Maybach pulled away from the curb, I tumbled forward from the sudden movement. Ethan caught me against his chest, his arms wrapping around me in a familiar embrace that felt both foreign and dangerous.

    "Let go of me," I hissed, struggling against his hold.

    His grip tightened, his face inches from mine. "Why did you agree to meet with the Alpha from Twin Bridges

    Territory?"

    The jealousy in his voice was unmistakable. I pushed against his chest, creating a small space between us. "What right do you have to question who I meet?" I challenged, my voice trembling with indignation.

    His eyes shed dangerously. "You are my mate, Olivia. My Luna. I forbid you from seeing other men."

    A bitterugh escaped me. "Forbid me? That''s riching from you. Where were youst night, Ethan? With Victoria, I presume?"

    His jaw tightened. "That''s different."

    "How is it different?" I demanded, my voice rising. "You spend every night with her, parade her around at pack functions, treat her daughter like your own, and I''m supposed to just ept it?"

    "You are my Luna,¡± he repeated, as if that exined everything. "Not her."

 The Alpha King is unavailable 86

    The hypocrisy of his words ignited a fire within me. "You find time for Victoria, for Emma, for everyone except me and our daughter. And now you have the audacity to dictate who I can see?"

    His fingers dug into my arms. "I won''t allow you to dishonor our bond."

    Chapter 58. A p and

    "Dishonor?" I repeated incredulously "You''ve been dishonoring our bond for years! You locked me in a basement with rats, Ethan. Rats! You knew my fear, and you did it anyway

    His face darkened at the reminder. "That was a mistake.

    "A mistake?" Lechoed, my voice dripping with sarcasm. "Is that what you call it when you believe Victoria''s lies without question and punish me without proof?"

    His grip on my arms loosened slightly. "I''m trying to protect you

    "Protect me?" I scoffed. "From what? The possibility of finding someone who might actually care about me?"

    His amber eyes narrowed dangerously. "You are mine, Olivia. And you will not meet with that Alpha or any

    other."

    The possessiveness in his voice made my blood boll. After years of neglect, after choosing Victoria over me time and again, he had the nerve to im ownership over me?

    "I find you disgusting!" I spat, unable to contain my rage any longer.

    His expression hardened, his eyes shing with fury. "Watch your words, Olivia. Don''t forget who I am."

    "How could I forget?" I retorted. "You remind me every day with your arrogance and cruelty."

    His hand moved to my throat, not squeezing but resting there as a warning. "You will obey me in this, or face

    the consequences."

    I met his gaze unflinchingly. "More basement time with rats? Or perhaps snakes this time?"

    A flicker of shame crossed his features before his expression hardened again. "You will not meet with him.

    Say it."

    The intensity in his eyes told me he wouldn''t back down. Despite my defiance, I knew pushing him further would only make things worse.

    "Fine," I conceded, my voice tight. "I won''t meet with him."

    Satisfaction gleamed in his amber eyes. "Good. Remember, Olivia, you belong to me. No other Alpha will ever touch what''s mine."

    His voice dropped to a possessive growl that once would have sent shivers of desire through me. Now it only made me feel trapped.

    Exhausted by the confrontation, I closed my eyes and leaned back against the seat, deliberately turning away. from him. The rest of the journey passed in tense silence, the space between us charged with unspoken

    usations.

    When the Maybach finally stopped a block from Canis Enterprises, I gathered my things, ready to escape his oppressive presence.

    Before I could reach for the door handle, a surge of anger rose within me-for Lily, for myself, for every Injustice I''d endured at his hands. Without thinking, I swung around and pped him hard across the face.

    The sound echoed in the confined space of the car. A red mark bloomed on his cheek, his expression transforming from shock to rage in an instant.

    "You dare-" he began, reaching for me.

    I mmed my Crystal Studded Designer Handbag onto his outstretched hand with all my strength. The unexpected weight of the bag made him recoil just long enough for me to fling open the door and jump out.

    ¡°Olivial¡± he roared behind me, but I was already hurrying away, my heart pounding in my chest.

    By the time I reached Canis Enterprises, my anger had cooled, leaving me feeling drained. I smoothed my clothes and fixed my hair before entering the building, determined not to let my personal drama affect my professional life

    The office was unusually quiet when I arrived. A small crowd had gathered near Victoria''s desk, their voices hushed and concerned. Sophia Hughes spotted me first, breaking away from the group to approach me.

    "Where were you yesterday?" she asked, genuine concern in her voice. "We were worried when you didn''t show

    up."

    I forced a smile. I wasn''t feeling well. Nothing serious."

    I deliberately avoided mentioning my ordeal in the Shadowcrypt Dungeon. The less people knew about pack politics, the better.

    From across the room, Victoria''s eyes met mine briefly before she looked away. Unlike her usual confident self, she seemed subdued, her movements hesitant. The trauma of her night with the snakes was evident in her pallor and the slight tremor in her hands.

    For once, she didn''t attempt to antagonize me or draw attention to herself. She worked quietly at her desk, flinching at sudden movements and keeping to herself throughout the day.

    As evening approached, most of my colleagues packed up and left. I remained at my desk, immersed in my crystal designs. The prospect of returning home to face Ethan after our confrontation this morning was

    unappealing.

    My phone rang, breaking my concentration. I answered without checking the caller ID.

    ¡°Olivia,¡± Matriarch Evelyn''s voice came through clearly. "Have you met with Alpha ckwood yet?"

 The Alpha King is unavailable 87

    My phone felt heavy in my hand as Matriarch Evelyn''s voice continued through the speaker.

    "Alpha ckwood is waiting for you downstairs, dear," she said, her tone warm but leaving no room for argument. "A fine young Alpha from a respected bloodline. Tve arranged everything"

    I closed my eyes, fighting the wave of frustration that threatened to overwhelm me "Grandmother, I appreciate your concern, but I''m not interested in dating right

    now"

    "Nonsense," she replied briskly. "You need protection, Olivia. Someone to stand against Ethan and that woman. Alpha ckwoodes from a powerful family with connections throughout the Northern

    Territories"

    Her voice softened. "Give him a chance. For me."

    I sighed, knowing resistance was futile. The Matriarch rarely took no for an answer, especially when she believed she was acting in someone''s best interest.

    "Fine," I conceded reluctantly. "One dinner."

    "Excellent!" Her satisfaction was palpable even through the phone. "He''s waiting in the ck Rolls-Royce Ghost at the main entrance. Don''t keep him waiting."

    After ending the call, I gathered my

    belongings and headed for the elevator. My reflection in the polished doors showed a woman I barely recognized-thinner, more haunted, but somehow stronger than before. The emerald eyes staring back at me held a wariness that hadn''t been there before Lily''s death.

    As the elevator descended, I straightened my posture. Whatever this dinner entailed, I would maintain my

    dignity.

    the ss The lobby was nearly empty as I crossed it, my heels clicking against the marble floor. Through doors, I could see several vehicles parked outside, including a sleek ck Rolls-Royce Ghost that must belong to Alpha ckwood.

    But my attention was immediately captured by another vehicle-Ethan''s distinctive ck Rolls-Royce parked prominently near the entrance. My steps faltered as I recognized it.

    Why was he here? Had hee to continue our argument from this morning? As I watched, Victoria Frost emerged from the building, her perfect makeup and designer clothes a stark contrast to my more modest appearance. Without hesitation, she walked directly to Ethan''s car and slipped

    inside.

    Even from this distance, I could see her lean across the seat and press her lips against Ethan''s in a lingering kiss. The sight sent a sharp pain through my chest despite everything that had happened between us

    Several of my colleagues who were leaving for the day noticed the scene, their whisperedments carrying clearly in the quiet lobby.

    "They don''t even try to hide it anymore."

    Chapter 59 Dangerous De

    "Poor Olivia. Everyone knows he''s with Victoria now."

    1 heard he locked her in a basement with rats. Can you imagine?"

    I forced myself to keep walking, my chin held high despite the humiliation burning

    through me. Let them talk. Let them see Victoria kissing my mate while I was being set up with someone else. The truth of our broken rtionship was bing impossible to hide.

    As I approached the entrance, a tall man stepped out of the ck Rolls-Royce Ghost. Alpha ckwood was undeniably handsome, with sharp features and an air of confidence that spoke of his status. His tailored suit probably cost more than my monthly sry, and his shoes gleamed in thete afternoon sunlight.

    "Olivia Winters," he greeted me with a respectful bow, his voice deep and cultured. "It''s an honor to meet you.

    I''m Miles ckwood."

    I nodded politely, acutely aware of Ethan''s gaze burning into my back from his car, Without turning. I knew he was watching my every

    move.

    "Alpha ckwood," I replied, keeping my voice neutral. "Thank you for the invitation."

    He opened the passenger door for me with a flourish. "Please, call me Miles."

    As I prepared to enter his car, my phone buzzed with a text message. I nced at it briefly.

    Ethan: Get out of the car.

    Themanding tone of the message made my blood boil. After everything he''d done-after id just witnessed him with Victoria-he had the audacity to order me around?

    I deliberately slipped my phone back into my purse without responding, my chin lifting slightly in defiance. Let him watch as I got into another man''s car. Let him feel a fraction of what I''d been feeling for years.

    Miles closed the door behind me and walked around to the driver''s side. Through the window, I caught a glimpse of Ethan''s face, dark with barely controlled rage. Victoria was speaking to him, her expression one of feigned innocence as she pretended not to understand what had upset him.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 88

    As Miles''s car pulled away from the curb, I kept my gaze fixed straight ahead, refusing to look back at my mate and the woman he clearly preferred over me.

    "I understand this arrangement came as a surprise," Miles said once we were on the main road, his eyes briefly meeting mine in the rearview mirror. "Matriarch Evelyn can be quite... determined when she sets her

    mind to something."

    I appreciated his directness. "Alpha ckwood-Miles-I should be clear from the start. I''m not interested in pursuing a rtionship right now."

    Instead of being offended, he nodded understandingly. "I suspected as much. The Matriarch mentioned your situation is...plicated."

    His tactful reference to my disastrous marriage made me rx slightly. At least he wasn''t delusional about

    our circumstances.

    "However," he continued smoothly, "I think we should still have dinner together. It would please the Matriarch, and appearances matter in our world."

    His logic was sound. Refusing the dinner now would only lead to more questions and potentially upset

    C Chupfer Mi Tangerinis the

    Matriarch Evelyn, who had been my strongest ally recently.

    "That seems reasonable," I conceded. "One dinner to maintain appearances."

    Miles smiled, revealing perfect teeth. "Excellent. I''ve made reservations at the Moonstone Dining Hall. I hope that''s eptable?"

    The Moonstone Dining Hall was one of the most prestigious restaurants in Silvercrest territory, frequented by the pack''s elite. The choice was strategic- visible enough to be noticed, but not so public that it would cause

    §£ §Ó§ã§Ö§Ý§Ö

    "That''s fine," I replied, settling back into the luxurious leather seat.

    At the restaurant, Miles behaved impably. He held doors open, pulled out my chair, and engaged in pleasant conversation about neutral topics. If I hadn''t been so preupied with myplicated life, I might have found him charming

    "Wine?" he offered, signaling the waiter.

    "No, thank you," I declined. "I don''t drink alcohol."

    Not since Lily''s death. The memory of my daughter made my chest tighten painfully.

    "Of course," Miles nodded, ordering venison for both of us. "Perhaps some moonberry tea instead? It''s their specialty."

    "That would be nice," I agreed, grateful for his understanding.

    The waiter returned promptly with Miles''s wine and a steaming cup of fragrant tea for me. The rich, berry aroma wasforting, and I took a grateful sip.

    As our meal progressed, I began feeling increasingly strange. My vision blurred slightly around the edges, and sounds seemed toe from farther away than they should. My limbs felt heavy, unresponsive.

    With growing horror, I realized what was happening. The tea had been drugged.

    I tried to focus on Miles''s face across the table, but his features seemed to shift

    and waver. The pleasant expression he''d maintained all evening was transforming before my eyes, revealing something predatory and calcting.

    "Not feeling well, Olivia?" he asked, his voice no longer cultured but cold and mocking. "The tea should be taking full effect soon,"

    He moved from his seat to the one beside me, sliding closer until his thigh pressed against mine. His hand reached for my arm, his fingers digging in painfully.

    "Matriarch Evelyn isn''t the only one who arranged our meeting, he whispered, his breath hot against my ear. "There are others who would pay handsomely to have the Luna of Silvercrest Pack in a...promising

    position."

    My mind raced despite the fog of sedatives. Who would want to harm me this way? Victoria? Ethan himself? Or was this part of somerger pack politics I didn''t understand?

    Miles''s hand moved to my thigh, squeezing painfully. "Don''t fight it, Olivia. Just let the sedative work. It will be easier for both of us."

    Panic surged through me, temporarily cutting through the drug''s effects. I wasn''t going to be a victim

    +15 Points >

    Chmer 50 Dangerous Ite

    again. Not after everything I''d survived.

    With every ounce of strength I could muster, I grabbed the silver-ted steak knife from the table and shed wildly at his reaching arm. The de connected, drawing a line of red across his skin.

    Miles howled in pain, the silver causing his werewolf healing to slow. The momentary distraction was all I

    needed

    I lurched to my feet, knocking over my chair in the process. The room spun rmingly, but I forced myself to move toward the door, my legs threatening to buckle with each step.

    mel

    "Help" I called out, my voice rising in desperate panic that echoed through the dining hall. "Someone help

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    (Olivia''s POV)

    "You can scream all you want, but no one will hear you." Miles Lawrence''s voice sent chills down my spine as he examined the cut on his arm.

    "The private rooms here arepletely soundproofed." He stepped toward me with hungry eyes.

    I lunged for the door, barely pulling it open before Miles grabbed my hair. He yanked me backward with brutal force

    The door swung shut with a soft click.

    "Get away from me!" I swung the knife wildly, fighting against the drug spreading through my system.

    Miles seized my wrist, squeezing until the knife ttered to the floor. He pulled me against his chest, pinning my arms.

    "Let go of me!" I thrashed against him, but my strength was fading fast.

    A strange heat was building inside me. My body was betraying me even as my mind screamed in revulsion.

    "I like when they fight," Miles whispered against my ear. "Makes the victory so much sweeter."

    He dragged me toward the private elevator at the back of the room. My struggles only seemed to excite him

    more.

    Miles threw me onto the bed the moment we entered the suite. The impact knocked the breath from my lungs.

    He pulled out a small vial, pouring its contents into a wine ss. "A little something to match your energy," he said before downing the liquid.

    I bit down hard on my bleeding lip, using the pain to clear my head. With myst strength, I pushed myself off the bed and staggered toward the door.

    My hand found the handle, and I yanked it open. Somehow, I stumbled into the hallway as Miles cursed behind me.

    Then I saw him- Ethan Stone, standing in the corridor. His imposing figure was unmistakable even through my drug-hazed vision.

    I heard Miles''s footsteps approaching. Panic gave me onest burst of energy.

    I lurched forward, reaching Ethan and clutching his arm. "Ethan..." His name escaped my lips as a desperate plea.

    His amber eyes swept over me, taking in my flushed cheeks and disheveled appearance. Something dark shed across his face

    He gripped my waist, pushing me against the wall. His hand moved to my jaw, fingers tightening.

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    "Having fun on your blind date?" he sneered. "Will you dare do it again?"

    His words hit me like ice water. Understanding dawned with horrifying rity.

    He had seen me at Canis Enterprises. He had followed me here. He had watched as Miles drugged me

    "Ethan, just because I disobeyed you and went on this blind date, you just stood by and watched him drug me?" My voice broke. "You wanted to teach me a lesson this way?"

    His silence was confirmation enough. No denial, no exnation.

    A chill ran through me that had nothing to do with the drug. I shoved him away, bracing myself against the

    wall.

    As Ethan reached for me again, the elevator doors opened. Lucas ckwood stepped out, striding toward us with purpose.

    "Miss Winters, are you alright?" His voice was gentle, concerned

    "Matriarch Stone arranged for me to be your date," he continued. "I apologize for not arriving on time."

    The pieces clicked together in my drug-addled mind. Lucas was my intended date - not Miles.

    I clutched Lucas''s arm. "Take me away."

    Without hesitation, he scooped me into his arms. My head fell against his shoulder as strength left my body "Mr. ckwood, where are you taking my woman?" Ethan''s voice cut through the hallway, sharp

    pand dangerous.

    Lucas met his stare unflinchingly. He looked down at me with respect. "Miss Winters, who do you want to go with?"

    "You! Take me away..." I said without hesitation, refusing to even nce at Ethan.

    Ethan''s face darkened dangerously. The fact that I would choose Lucas over him seemed to infuriate him beyond measure.

    "Ethan, I''m not feeling well, Victoria''s voice suddenly cut through the tension.

    She emerged from a nearby room, clinging to Ethan''s arm and swaying dramatically. So that was why Ethan was here - he had been with Victoria.

    Lucas carried me into the elevator. As the doors began to close, I caught a final glimpse of the scene.

    "Go back to the room and rest," Ethan said dismissively to Victoria.

    As the elevator doors closed, I saw Victoria copse dramatically. Thest thing I saw was Ethan turning away from her, his eyes fixed on the closing elevator. (Isabelle''s POV)

    I arrived at the Moonstone Dining Hall just in time to see Lucas carrying a drugged Olivia to his car. The sight made my blood boil.

    My grandmother had arranged for Olivia to meet Lucas - the man I''d admired for years. I''d wanted to expose Olivia''s past to my grandmother, but Mother had stopped me.

    "Don''t upset your grandmother," she''d warned. "Her heart can''t take it."

    Furious, I''d called Victoria. She suggested I arrange a "more suitable" date for Olivia.

    I''d chosen Miles Lawrence-handsome, wealthy, and known for getting what he wanted. Td told him to drug Olivia and force himself on her

    But my n had failed. Lucas had rushed to find Olivia, and now he was rescuing her like a princess.

    My jealousy turned to rage. This was Miles''s fault.

    I stormed into the hotel and took the elevator to Miles''s room. The drug hadpletely overtaken him by

    now

    He''d called for a woman to be sent to his room. When I knocked, his drugged mind assumed I was his orderedpanion.

    He ripped the door open, his eyes bloodshot. Before I could speak, he grabbed my arm and yanked me inside. "Ahl Miles Lawrence, it''s me, Isabelle Stone! Let go of me!" I screamed, my anger instantly turning to terror. Miles was beyond reason. He tore at my clothes, pushing me toward the bed.

    "You''ll do," he growled, his voice unrecognizable.

    My screams filled the room as I fought against him. Through my terror, I saw Victoria watching from the doorway.

    Our eyes met briefly. Then, without a word, she turned and walked toward the elevator.

    She was leaving me here. Leaving me to be ruined.

    In that moment, I understood Victoria cared for no one but herself. Now I would pay the price for helping her destroy Olivia.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    Lucas''s car had barely made it two blocks when Ethan''s vehicle appeared behind us, gaining rapidly.

    "Cut him off, Ethanmanded from inside the pursuing car.

    His fury was palpable. He had allowed me to defy him before, but choosing another Alpha over him was something he couldn''t tolerate.

    Maxwell Chen elerated with expert precision, forcing Lucas to brake suddenly.

    As Lucas swerved to avoid collision, my head hit the car window with a sickening thud. Fresh waves of dizziness washed over me.

    Lucas''s expression tightened with concern. He eased off the elerator, allowing Maxwell to bring us to a halt.

    Before the car fully stopped, Ethan was out, striding toward us. He yanked open the back door and pulled me into his arms.

    "Get out," Ethanmanded Lucas, his voice frigid.

    Lucas exited his car, moving to intervene, but Maxwell blocked his path. With a controlled movement, Lucas pushed Maxwell aside.

    "Mr. Stone, please behave yourself. Miss Winters just said she''sing with me."

    "Mr. ckwood, surely you don''t take a woman''s words seriously when she''s upset," Ethan retorted, shielding

    Cluster 60 Pjedatory Ba

    me from Lucas''s view.

    "Mr. Stone, are you sure it''s just being upset, and not her true feelings?"

    Lucas''s question struck a nerve. Ethan''s jaw clenched in anger.

    The familiar scent of Ethan brought me back to awareness. I recognized him fully now, and panic surged

    through me.

    "Ethan, let me go...!" I struggled against his hold, pushing against his chest.

    I would not go with him. Lucas had proven trustworthy, while Ethan had allowed Miles to drug me.

    Seeing my revulsion, Ethan''s eyes turned colder. Without warning, he bent down, his lips capturing mine as I

    gasped for breath in the drug-induced heat.

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    Lucas ckwood visibly startled, his pupils suddenly constricting as Ethan moved toward me. Maxwell Chen seized this momentary distraction, prying Lucas''s hand off Ethan''s wrist with practiced efficiency.

    I felt my pupils dte sharply as the drug continued its assault on my system. It took almost all of my self-control to keep my eyes open as Ethan''s lips descended toward mine.

    Turning my head at thest second, I avoided his kiss, forcing out two words through gritted teeth, "Get...

    off!"

    Half of my body was still in Lucas''s car, the other half trapped in Ethan''s grip. Filled with resentment, I pressed my hands weakly against Ethan''s solid chest, pulling back to create distance between us.

    Ethan leaned in closer, his breath hot against my ear as he murmured, low enough for only me to hear, "Olivia Winters, do you want me to do more to you in front of Lucas ckwood?"

    His words sounded like a lover''s whisper to anyone watching, but I felt a chilling coldness seep into my bones. I understood the threat perfectly.

    Biting my lip hard enough to draw blood, I turned my head and red at Ethan, meeting his aggressive and dangerous gaze. He was serious - deadly serious.

    This man had no bottom line when he went crazy. I didn''t dare to gamble with what he might do.

    I stopped resisting, letting my body go limp as Ethan pulled me back into his arms. The triumph in his eyes made my stomach turn.

    Lucas hadn''t heard Ethan''s whispered threat, but seeing my sudden surrender, he loosened his grip on Maxwell''s arm. His gaze, however, remained fixed on me, watchful and concerned.

    I could read the question in his eyes - he was waiting for a signal from me. As long as I showed any unwillingness, he wouldn''t let Ethan take me.

    Sensing this silentmunication, Ethan scooped me up into his arms, deliberately shielding me from Lucas''s view with his body. He strode toward his car with purposeful steps.

    Maxwell had already opened the back door. I was ced inside like a package being delivered.

    The car door closed with a definitive thud,pletely cutting off Lucas''s line of sight. Thest thing I saw was his concerned face, watching helplessly as was taken away.

    As soon as we were in the car, Ethan instructed Maxwell, To the hospital."

    The drive passed in a blur of lights

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    and motion. My body burned with the effects of the drug, making every

    touch of fabric against my skin unbearable.

    At the hospital, Ethan visibly rxed. A doctor was already waiting for us at the entrance-clearly pre-arranged.

    The doctor quickly assessed my condition, his expression grim as he recognized the symptoms. "Savage

    Moon Elixir," he muttered, shaking his head in disgust.

    as nothing He injected the prepared antidote into my arm with practiced efficiency. The needle''s sting waspared to the fire raging through my veins.

    The antidote didn''t take effect immediately. Back in the private ward, I continued to struggle against the drug''s influence for almost half an hour.

    Though I was the one thrashing and fighting, I was also utterly exhausted. As the antidote finally began to take effect, my limbs grew heavy, and I fell into a deep sleep in Ethan''s arms.

    (Ethan''s POV)

    "How can she be so troublesome!" I growled, watching Olivia''s face rx in

    sleep

    My eyes darkened like spilled ink as rage consumed me. I raised my hand and pinched her cheek hard, not bothering to control my strength.

    A deep red mark bloomed on her fair skin. Olivia cried out in pain even in her sleep, the sound making me even more frustrated.

    I released my grip, gritting my teeth as I stared down at her. "Next time, I''ll see how I deal with you!"

    The sight of her vulnerable in sleep did nothing to soften my anger. She had defied me publicly, chosen another Alpha over me - her mate.

    I carried her to the bathroom, cleaning us both up with efficient movements.

    Maxwell had sent fresh clothes from a nearby store, and I dressed Olivia in them before cing her on the hospital bed.

    Exhausted from her ordeal, she curled up instinctively and fell into a deeper sleep.

    I tucked the nket around her, my movements mechanical,

    With onest look at her sleeping form, I left the ward. Maxwell was waiting outside, his posture straightening as I approached.

    "Mr. Stone," he acknowledged respectfully

    "Bring Miles ckwood here," Imanded, my voice cold and hard.

    My eyes burned with suppressed rage as I thought of the man who had dared to drug my wife. How dare he touch what was mine!

    Maxwell nodded once, understanding the unspoken order beneath my words. Miles ckwood would pay dearly for his actions tonight.

    (Isabelle''s POV)

    At the hotel, Miles ckwood couldn''t wait to get me to the bed. Under the influence of the drugs, he pressed me down on the floor, his strength overwhelming.

    He ripped my designer dress, the sound of tearing fabric mixing with my screams. Pampered since childhood, I was proud and arrogant - only Lucas ckwood was worthy of me in my eyes.

    I couldn''t bear to be touched by Miles. "Let me go!" I struggled violently, pping him across his face with all my strength.

    Caught off guard by the blow, Miles was momentarily stunned. I seized the opportunity, my perfectly manicured nails scratching at his face in desperation.

    O Chote M. Potor and

    This time, Miles caught my wrist in a bruising grip. His eyes were bloodshot, all reason gone from them.

    The more I struggled, the more frenzied he became. He pped me repeatedly, his blows merciless and

    brutal.

    Blood filled my mouth as Iy dazed on the floor, my strength failing. I had never been hit before ¨C had never imagined such pain could exist.

    My vision blurred with tears and blood. How had this happened? I had arranged for Miles to drug Olivia, not

    me!

    Miles grabbed my legs, his fingers digging into my flesh. I kicked wildly, but my strength was no match for his drug-enhanced frenzy.

    I was groggy and in pain, but I hadn''t given up. My hands groped around blindly, searching for anything I

    could use as a weapon.

    Suddenly, my fingers touched something cold and hard. My swollen eyes snapped open, focusing on the object - an obsidian crystal ashtray.

    At that moment, Miles grabbed my legs again, dragging me toward him with a growl. I tightened my grip on the ashtray, summoning my remaining strength.

    As Miles lunged at me, I swung the ashtray with all my might, connecting with the side of his head. The Impact sent shockwaves up my arm.

    Filled with hatred and fear, I had put all my strength into the blow. Despite the impact, the aroused Miles didn''t fall immediately.

    He stared at me, his bloodshot eyes gleaming with even greater excitement. The blow had only intensified his

    frenzy.

    Terrified beyond reason, I struck him again, this time aiming for his forehead. The ashtray connected with a sickening c****.

    Miles seemed to freeze for a few seconds, his expression shifting from lust to confusion. Then he copsed onto the bed, blood gushing from the wound on his forehead.

    I screamed at the sight of the blood, dropping the ashtray as if it were burning my hand. Had I killed him? Was he dead?

    Without a second nce at Miles, I scrambled away, my legs trembling so badly I could barely stand. I stumbled to the door, grabbing my torn clothes from the floor.

    I threw them on haphazardly, wrapped my coat tightly around me to hide the

    damage, and ran out of the room. The hallway was mercifully empty.

    After escaping the hotel and ensuring no one had followed me, I took out my

    phone with shaking hands and dialed Victoria''s number.

    As soon as the call connected, I burst into tears, unable to hold back my emotions any longer. "Vicky..."

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    (Ethan''s POV)

    The hospital''s emergency room doors slid open as Miles ckwood stumbled out, his head heavily bandaged. Blood had soaked through the white gauze, a testament to the severity of his wound.

    He cursed under his breath, touching the bandage gingerly. His eyes darted around the parking lot, searching for any sign of the woman who had attacked him.

    "That b***h," he muttered, wincing as pain shot through his skull. "I''ll find her and make her pay."

    As he walked toward the taxi stand, a shadow moved behind him. Before Miles could react, a hand mped over his mouth, muffling his startled cry.

    Strong arms dragged him into the darkness between two parked ambnces. His feet kicked uselessly against the pavement as he was thrown to the ground.

    I stood there, watching him with detached interest. The cigarette between my fingers glowed orange in darkness, illuminating my face just enough for Miles to recognize me.

    n the

    Maxwell Chen stepped back, his job done. Milesy at my feet, trembling like prey before a predator. "Stone... Mr. Stone..." Miles''s voice cracked with fear. His eyes widened as he recognized the danger he was

    1. in.

    I took a long drag from my cigarette, letting the smoke curl from my lips. The silence stretched between us, heavy with unspoken threats.

    Miles scrambled backward, trying to put distance between us. I stepped forward, cing my boot firmly on his right hand.

    "Don''t!" Miles cried out, panic evident in his voice.

    Maxwell moved quickly, covering Miles''s mouth with his hand. We couldn''t risk drawing attention with

    screams.

    I looked down at Miles, my expression unchanged. Then, with deliberate slowness, I ground my heel down. The sound of bones breaking was oddly satisfying. Miles''s muffled screams vibrated against Maxwell''s palm as tears streamed down his face.

    Without hesitation, I shifted my weight to his other hand. The process repeated pressure, resistance, then the distinct c***k of bones giving way.

    Miles''s eyes rolled back in his head, the pain nearly causing him to lose consciousness. But I wasn''t finished

    yel

    With precise aim, I delivered a brutal kick between his legs. His body convulsed once before goingpletely limp.

    "Take him to the police station," I instructed Maxwell, my voice devoid of emotion. "I don''t want to see him in my territory again."

    §ã

    AOA

    <

    ¡è Chapter 12 Hetubational

    Maxwell nodded, understanding the unspokenmand. Miles ckwood would never return to Silvercrest territory if he valued his life.

    I turned and walked away, flicking my cigarette to the ground. Behind me, I heard

    Maxwell dragging Miles''s unconscious body toward the car.

    The trunk mmed shut, and Maxwell''s car pulled away, heading toward the police station where Chief Garrison would ensure Miles faced appropriate charges.

    No one touched what was mine without consequences. Especially not my mate. (Victoria''s POV)

    My phone vibrated with an iing call. Isabelle''s name shed on the screen, her sobs audible the

    moment I answered.

    "Vicky..." Her voice was barely recognizable through her tears.

    I smiled to myself, satisfaction coursing through my veins. Though my n for

    Olivia hadn''t fully seeded,

    this unexpected oue was almost as satisfying.

    "Where are you?" I asked, injecting concern into my voice. "I''lle get you right away."

    Isabelle gave me her location between hupping sobs. I drove there immediately, parking across the street.

    I watched with calcted patience as she stumbled toward my car. Even from a distance, I could see her

    swollen face and torn clothing.

    The sight sent a thrill of pleasure through me. Isabelle Stone, the proud daughter

    of the Stone family, reduced

    to this pitiful state.

    When she was close enough, I rushed out of my car, the perfect picture of distress. "Yihuan, what happened

    to you?" I cried, reaching for her.

    Isabelle copsed into my arms, clinging to me like I was her only lifeline. Her entire body shook with sobs.

    "Vicky.... I''m not worthy of Lucas anymore," she wailed. "What should I do?"

    I stroked her hair, murmuring soothing words as I guided her into my car. Once inside, she broke downpletely.

    Between sobs, she recounted the night''s events how Miles had attacked her, how she''d fought back with the ashtray, how she''d fled in terror.

    I mirrored her emotions perfectly, gasping in horror and shedding tears at appropriate moments. By the time she finished, we were both crying.

    "Isabelle, don''t be silly," I said, wiping away my tears. "How could this be your fault?"

    Her swollen eyes looked at me with desperate hope. I pressed my advantage, knowing exactly what she

    needed to hear.

    "You love Lucas and you''re the perfect match for him," I continued, my voice gentle but firm. "This doesn''t change anything."

    I could see my words taking root in her fragile state. She wanted so badly to believe me.

    "You''re the Stone family''s eldest daughter," I reminded her. "You and Mr. ckwood are the perfect match,

    III

    <

    Cluster 62 Retribution of

    right?

    Isabelle nodded slowly, her expression changing. The self-pity in her eyes gradually transformed into something darker

    It''s all Olivia Winters'' fault," she hissed, her hands clenching into fists. "If she hadn''t escaped, none of this

    would have happened!".

    I hid my smile, pleased with how easily she''d redirected her anger. "Come to Rosewood Haven," I suggested "Take a shower and change your clothes," Isabelle looked at me with uncertainty. "But what about Miles? What if he tells someone?"

    "Miles was drugged by his own potion," I assured her. "He doesn''t know it was you. As long as we don''t say. anything, no one will know."

    I squeezed her hand reassuringly. "You''re still the perfect match for Mr. ckwood."

    "Can I really still be Lucas''s wife?" she asked, her voice small and hopeful.

    "Of course," I replied without hesitation. "Who else is worthy of him?"

    The relief on her face was almostical. She believed mepletely, never suspecting that I had

    orchestrated her downfall just as I had nned Olivia''s.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I woke to the sterile smell of hospital disinfectant. My head pounded mercilessly,

    but my mind was finally

    clear.

    The effects of the Savage Moon Elixir had worn off, leaving behind only a dull ache in my muscles and a

    bitter taste in my mouth.

    I sat up slowly, surveying the empty hospital room. Ethan was gone, of course. He had brought me here for treatment, then left without a word.

    A bitter smile yed on my lips. I shouldn''t have expected anything else from him.

    The clock on the wall showed it was past midnight. I swung my legs over the side of the bed, noticing I was wearing unfamiliar clothes.

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    My handbag and phone were missing left behind at the restaurant in my desperate escape from Miles.

    After signing the discharge papers at the nurses'' station, I stood outside the hospital entrance, wondering

    how to get back to Maple Grove.

    The night air was cool against my skin. I wrapped my arms around myself, contemting whether to call a

    taxi or walk to the nearest bus stop.

    A sleek ck car pulled up beside me, its engine purring softly. The window rolled down, revealing Lucas ckwood''s concerned face.

    "Miss Winters," he said, his voice carrying a warmth that contrasted with the cool night. "I''m d to see you''re

    awake."

    He stepped out of the car, his tall figuremanding yet non-threatening. ¡°I''ll take you home, he offered gently.

    Relief washed over me. I epted his offer with a grateful nod and slid into the passenger seat.

    "Mr. ckwood, could you take me to the Stone family''s old house?" I asked, thinking of Matriarch Evelyn. I needed herforting presence tonight.

    Lucas nodded, directing his driver without question. As we drove through the quiet streets, he turned to me

    with regret in his eyes.

    "I must apologize for tonight''s incident," he said. "I was supposed to be your dinnerpanion, not Miles. I promise he will be held ountable.

    "It wasn''t your fault, I assured him. "You came when I needed help. That''s what matters."

    Lucas''s expression softened. We fell intofortable silence for the remainder of the journey, the city lights. blurring past the windows.

    When we arrived at the Stone family''s old house, Bernard Sheppard opened the door before we could knock. His dignified manner was unchanged despite thete hour.

    "Miss Winters, Mr. ckwood," he greeted us with a slight bow. "Pleasee in. Madam Stone is still awake."

    He ushered us inside, adding, "She specifically mentioned hoping to see you, Mr. ckwood."

    The old butler led us through the familiar hallways to the living room where Matriarch Evelyn sat in her

    favorite armchair.

    Her face lit up at the sight of us together. "Wanwan! Lucas!" she eximed, using my childhood nickname.

    "What a pleasant surprise!"

    "Grandma Stone," I greeted, bending to kiss her cheek.

    "Madam Stone," Lucas said respectfully, bowing his head.

    Matriarch Evelyn beamed at us, her eyes twinkling with satisfaction. She took my hand and patted it

    affectionately.

    "Wanwan, why don''t you prepare some tea for our guest?" she suggested, her tone making it clear this was more than a simple request.

    I nodded and headed toward the kitchen. To my surprise, Matriarch Evelyn followed me, leaving Lucas with

    Bernard.

    "Wanwan," she asked once we were alone, "what do you think of Lucas?".

    The question caught me off guard. "He''s very kind," I replied carefully. "And honorable."

    Before I could say more, Matriarch Evelyn''s face lit up with delight. She summoned a servant to bring the teal

    to the living room.

    "Come," she said, taking my arm. "Let''s not keep him waiting."

    Back in the living room, Matriarch Evelyn positioned herself between Lucas and me on the sofa. Despite

    age, her presencemanded attention.

    "Lucas, try Olivia''s tea," she said, her tone meaningful. "See if it suits your taste."

    her

    Lucas took a sip, his expression thoughtful. "It''s excellent," he said, turning to Matriarch Evelyn. "Very much to

    my liking."

    His gaze lingered on me with undisguised appreciation. I felt my cheeks warm under his attention

    "And what about our Olivia?" Matriarch Evelyn pressed, her intentions clear.

    "Even better," Lucas responded without hesitation, looking directly at me.

    The atmosphere in the room shifted suddenly. I felt it before I heard the footsteps - a cold, familiar presence.

    Ethan stood in the doorway, his eyes fixed on me with cial Intensity. His jaw was tight, his posture rigid with barely contained anger.

    Matriarch Evelyn noticed his territorial gaze and addressed him pointedly. "Ethan, you''re just in time."

    She gestured between Lucas and me with a satisfied smile. "I know you and Lucas are business rivals, but

    from now on, the Stone and ckwood families will be one."

    Her meaning couldn''t have been clearer. "Be mindful," she added, "and don''t make things difficult for Olivia."

    Ethan''s expression darkened dangerously as he understood his grandmother''s implication of a potential marriage between Lucas and me.

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    Chapter 63: A Silent Challenge

    (Ethan''s POV)

    I entered the Grand Reception Hall with measured steps, my eyes immediately finding Olivia sitting beside. Lucas ckwood on the sofa. My grandmother sat between them, her face alight with satisfaction.

    The sight of them together sent a surge of possessive rage through my veins. Lucas ckwood had no right to be here, in my territory, near my mate.

    With deliberate slowness, I unbuttoned the top of my shirt, revealing the fresh bite marks on my neck-

    evidence of my recent encounter with Victoria. The message was clear to any Alpha male: I was sexually

    active and iming my territory.

    Lucas''s eyes narrowed slightly as he caught sight of the marks. Message received.

    "Ethan, you''re just in time," Grandmother said, oblivious to our silent exchange. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she gestured between Olivia and Lucas, "I know you and Lucas are business rivals, but from now on, the Stone and ckwood families will be one."

    I kept my expression neutral, though my wolf snarled beneath the surface. Grandmother had always been fond of Olivia, but this was taking things too far.

    "Be mindful," she added, wagging a finger at me, "and don''t make things difficult for Olivia."

    Her meaning couldn''t have been clearer. She was suggesting a marriage between Olivia and Lucas.

    "Is that so?" I replied, my voice deceptively calm. My amber eyes fixed on Olivia, silentlymanding her to deny it.

    Olivia shifted ufortably under my gaze. I could see the conflict in her eyes- the desire to defy me warring with her instinct for self-preservation.

    "Grandmother," I continued, not taking my eyes off Olivia, "I wasn''t aware you were arranging meetings. between my wife and other men."

    Grandmother waved her hand dismissively. "It was a happy coincidence. Lucas came to visit me, and Olivia happened to be here."

    "A coincidence,¡± I repeated, my tone making it clear I didn''t believe that for a second.

    Lucas set down his teacup with deliberate precision, "It was indeed unexpected, but I''m grateful for it."

    His confident directness grated on my nerves. He turned to face me fully, his posture rxed yet

    ¡°I find Miss Winters fascinating,¡± he dered, his gaze shifting briefly to Olivia. "With Madam Stone''s blessing, I intend to court her properly."

    The room temperature seemed to drop several degrees, Bernard Sheppard, standing quietly by the door, tensed visibly.

    "Court her?" I echoed, a dangerous edge to my voice. "You seem to have forgotten that Olivia is my wife. The

    ther Chal

    mother of my child"

    I emphasized thest part, reminding everyone present of Lily-our connection that could never be severed

    "A wife you''ve neglected Grandmother cut in sharply. Her frail hands gripped her walking stick with surprising strength "A mother who lost her child while you were nowhere to be found."

    Her words struck like physical blows. I maintained myposure, though my jaw tightened perceptibly

    Tve made my decision," Grandmother continued, her elderly voice carrying unmistakable authority m formally adopting Olivia as my granddaughter and the fifth daughter of the Stone family"

    My eyes widened slightly. This was no small deration. By making Olivia a daughter of the Stone family. Grandmother was effectively severing any possibility of a continued rtionship between us

    "Her status will be equal to yours," she added pointedly. "And she will be free to choose her own path forward."

    Lucas''s expression remained carefully neutral, but I caught the sh of triumph in his eyes. He had won this

    round without lifting a finger

    Grandmother turned to Olivia with a gentle smile. Wanwan, please escort Lucas out. It''s gettingte."

    Olivia nodded, rising gracefully from the sofa. Lucas followed suit, bowing respectfully to Grandmother before offering his arm to Olivia.

    I watched them leave, my expression darkening with each step they took together. My wolf howled in territorial rage, demanding I stop them, im what was mine.

    But Grandmother''s watchful gaze held me in ce. This battle would have to be fought another way.

    Outside, I knew Lucas was walking Olivia to his car. I could picture them standing close, speaking in low voices. The thought made my blood boil.

    "Lucas," Olivia was saying, her voice carrying a note of apology. "I need to rify something. This arranged meeting wasn''t my intention."

    Lucas nodded, his expression understanding. ¡°I suspected as much. Your grandmother-inw is quite the

    matchmaker."

    "She means well," Olivia replied with a small smile. "But I should be honest with you. I have no romantic feelings for Ethan anymore. Our rtionship died years ago from neglect."

    "I understand," Lucas said softly. "And I should be equally honest. There is a woman I love, one I''ve been

    waiting for."

    Olivia''s eyes widened in surprise. "Then why did you agree to court me?"

    Lucas leaned against his car, his posture rxed. "Because it serves both our purposes. You need protection from Ethan''s increasingly possessive behavior, and I need to satisfy my family''s expectations while I wait for

    the right moment with the woman I love."

 The Alpha King is unavailable 96

    "A pretend courtship," Olivia mused, considering the idea.

    "Exactly," Lucas confirmed. "We can be friends and allies, nothing more. But to the outside world, we''ll appear to be a developing couple."

    Olivia extended her hand with a genuine smile. "I ept your proposal, Mr. ckwood."

    =

    Lucas took her hand, bringing it briefly to his lips in a gentlemanly gesture. "Until next time, Miss Winters."

    As his car pulled away. Olivia turned back toward Grandmother''s wing of the Stone Estate, unaware that was watching from the shadows

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I walked back toward Matriarch Evelyn''s wing, my mind racing with thoughts of the arrangement Id just made with Lucas. A pretend courtship could give me the breathing room I desperately needed from Ethan''s

    suffocating presence.

    Lost in thought, I didn''t notice the figure emerging from the shadows until it was toote. A strong hand gripped my wrist, pulling me into the darkness of the garden path.

    "What did he say to you?¡± Ethan demanded, his amber eyes glowing with barely contained fury.

    110

    I tried to pull away, but his grip was like iron. "Let go of me."

    "Answer me," he growled, his voice dropping to that dangerous register that made my skin prickle with

    warning.

    "It''s none of your business," I replied, lifting my chin defiantly.

    His nostrils red as he inhaled deeply, scenting me for any trace of Lucas. "You''re my wife. Everything about you is my business."

    Tm not your anything," I shot back. "You made that clear years ago when you chose Victoria over me and

    Lily."

    At the mention of our daughter''s name, pain shed across his face before his expression hardened again. "You will reject Lucas''s courtship."

    It wasn''t a request; it was amand. The Alpha in him expected immediatepliance.

    "No," I said simply, my emerald eyes meeting his amber ones without flinching. His grip tightened painfully. "No?"

    "I have the right to choose who I want to be with, I stated firmly. "And I don''t choose you."

    Something dangerous flickered in his eyes. Before I could react, he pulled me against him, one hand tangling

    in my hair to hold me in ce.

    "You''re mine," he growled, his lips crashing down on mine in a dominating kiss.

    I struggled against him, pushing at his chest with all my strength. My resistance only seemed to infuriate

    him further.

    He broke the kiss, his breathing ragged. "Do you really think Lucas ckwood wants you? A woman with your past? My wife?"

    His words were designed to hurt, to remind me of my ce. But I was done being hurt by Ethan Stone.

    "At least he treats me with respect," I retorted. "Which is more than I can say for you."

    Ethan''s eyes darkened dangerously. "Respect? Is that what you call it when a man pursues another man''s

    wife?"

    "Ex-wife," I corrected sharply. "As soon as the papers are filed."

    Chater 63 A Silent Chall

    His grip on my wrist tightened to the point of pain. "There will be no divorce."

    "You can''t stop me,¡± I challenged, though we both knew he could. As Alpha King, his influence extended throughout the Northern Territories.

    "What about Lily?" he asked suddenly, his voice dropping to a harsh whisper. "Would you betray her memory so easily?"

    The mention of our daughter sent a wave of grief through me. How dare he use her against me?

    "Don''t you dare bring her into this,¡± I hissed, tears pricking at my eyes. ¡°You weren''t there when she needed you. You have no right to speak her name now"

    His face contorted with a mixture of rage and something else¡ªsomething that looked almost like genuine pain.

    "Miss Winters?" Bernard Sheppard''s voice called from the path ahead. "Are you there? Madam Stone is asking for you."

    Ethan''s grip loosened slightly at the interruption. I seized the opportunity, wrenching my wrist free.

    "I''ming, Mr. Sheppard," I called back, my voice remarkably steady despite the turmoil inside me.

    I turned to leave, but not before delivering one final blow. My foot connected

    solidly with Ethan''s shin, making him grunt in surprise more than pain.

    "Stay away from me," I warned, before walking quickly toward Bernard''s voice. (Ethan''s POV)

    I watched Olivia walk away, rubbing my shin where she''d kicked me. The physical pain was nothingpared to the rage and jealousy consuming me.

    Lucas ckwood. Of all the men she could have chosen, it had to be him-my business rival, an Alpha whose power nearly matched my own.

    But beneath the angery something else, a persistent thought that had haunted me for years: Lily wasn''t dead. I couldn''t exin how I knew, but the certainty lived in my bones. My daughter was alive, and Olivia had hidden her from me.

    I pulled out my phone and dialed Maxwell Chen''s number. He answered on the first ring, as always.

    "Sir?"

    "Intensify the search," I ordered without preamble. "I want to know everywhere Olivia goes, everyone she speaks to. If Lily is out there, I will find her."

 The Alpha King is unavailable 97

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I hurried back to Matriarch Evelyn''s vi, my mind racing with thoughts of Ethan. The memory of his possessive grip on my wrist still burned on my skin. I knew him well enough to anticipate his next move.

    Last time, he had simply bypassed my locked door. I needed a different strategy tonight.

    The vi was quiet as I made my way to Matriarch Evelyn''s sitting room. She was in her favorite armchair,

    reading a book under the warm glow of a tablemp

    "Grandmother," I said softly, using the term of endearment she preferred.

    She looked up, her wise eyes crinkling with affection. "Wanwan,e sit with me."

    I settled beside her chair, resting my head against her knee like I used to do years ago. Her frail hand stroked

    my hair gently.

    "Is something troubling you, child?" she asked, her voice carrying the weight of years but still strong with

    authority.

    I hesitated, not wanting to worry her with the truth about Ethan''s behavior. I don''t want to be alone tonight," I admitted finally.

    Her hand paused in my hair. "Did something happen with Ethan?"

    I shook my head, forcing a smile. ¡°No, I just... I miss Lily tonight." It wasn''t entirely

    a lie. I missed my daughter

    every moment of every day.

    Matriarch Evelyn''s eyes softened with understanding. "Of course you do, my dear."

    I gathered my courage and looked up at her, "Grandmother, can I sleep with you tonight?"

    Her face lit up with such genuine pleasure that I felt a pang of guilt for my ulterior motive. "Nothing would

    make me happier, Wanwan."

    Later that night, Iy beside Matriarch Evelyn in herrge bed. Her breathing had settled into the rhythmic pattern of sleep, but I remained awake, staring at the ceiling.

    The room was filled with her familiar scent ¨Cvender and moonlight herb tea. It reminded me of happier

    times, when I was first weed into the Stone family.

    I turned my head slightly, studying her profile in the dim light filtering through the curtains. Even in sleep, she

    maintained a certain dignity, a remnant of her years as Luna of the Silvercrest Pack

    Her eyes fluttered open suddenly, catching me watching her. "Can''t sleep, dear?" she whispered.

    "I''m sorry if I woke you," I replied softly.

    She shook her head slightly. "Old wolves don''t need much sleep." Her hand found

    mine under the covers. "I''ve missed having you close, Wanwan."

    My throat tightened with emotion. "I''ve missed you too, Grandmother."

    Chapter 6 Midnight Eas

    dat

    She squeezed my hand gently. "You were always more of a granddaughter to me than Isabelle ever was."

    The confession surprised me. Isabelle was her blood rtive, while I was merely the mate her grandson had

    chosen.

    "Isabelle loves you," I said, feeling obligated to defend the absent woman despite our mutual dislike.

    Matriarch Evelyn made a dismissive sound. "She loves what I represent - power, status, wealth. You, my dear,

    have always loved me for myself."

    I couldn''t argue with that. From the moment she had weed me into the Stone family, I had adored her for

    her kindness and wisdom.

    "Sleep now," she murmured, her eyes drifting closed again. "You''re safe here."

    I closed

    d my eyes,forted by her presence. For the first time in years, I felt truly protected.

    Unbeknownst to me, Matriarch Evelyn remained partially awake throughout the night. Her light sleep.

    She watched as I finally rxed into genuine sleep, my face peaceful in a way it rarely was these days. Her thoughts drifted to the past, to the day Ethan had first brought me home a shy, frightened girl who had

    nheless shown her genuine respect and affection.

    Unlike Isabelle, who performed the role of dutiful granddaughter with calcted precision, I had loved Matriarch Evelyn with an open heart. She had not forgotten that.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 98

    Meanwhile, Ethan arrived at my empty room, his hand pausing on the doorknob. Finding it unlocked, he pushed the door open, his amber eyes scanning the darkness.

    The bed was untouched, the room empty of my scent. His expression darkened as realization dawned - I was deliberately avoiding him.

    His jaw clenched as he closed the door quietly. This game of cat and mouse was far from over.

    The next morning, I apanied Matriarch Evelyn to the kitchen for breakfast. Bernard Sheppard had

    prepared a spread of fresh venison sausages, eggs, and warm bread.

    To my dismay, Ethan was already seated at the table, a cup of coffee in hand. His eyes tracked my movement as I helped Matriarch Evelyn to her seat.

    "Good morning, Grandmother," he greeted, his voice warm with affection. When his gaze shifted to me, that warmth vanished. "Olivia."

    I nodded stiffly in acknowledgment, taking the seat furthest from him. Bernard ced a cup of moonlight herb tea before me, and I thanked him with a genuine smile.

    The television mounted on the kitchen wall was tuned to the morning news. I was about to ask Bernard to turn it off when a familiar face appeared on the screen.

    "Breaking news this morning," the reporter announced. "Miles ckwood, son of prominent businessman Harold ckwood, has been arrested on multiple charges of assault."

    sist

    My teacup froze halfway to my

    lips as I stared at the screen. It was indeed the same man who had attacked me at the restaurant.

    "Several women havee forward with allegations against Mr. ckwood," the reporter continued. "Police

    me n? Malight Esme

    say they found substantial evidence in his possession linking him to the crimes."

    Relief washed through me. Whatever had happened after Lucas rescued me, Miles ckwood would no

    longer be a threat..

    I felt Ethan''s intense gaze on me as I watched the news. His eyes missed nothing

    ¨C not the slight rxation of my shoulders, nor the small sigh of relief that

    escaped my lips.

    "You seem pleased," he observed, his voice deceptively casual.

    I set down my teacup carefully, "Justice being served is always satisfying."

    His eyes narrowed slightly. "Indeed."

    After breakfast, I rose quickly, eager to escape Ethan''s scrutiny. "I should be going, I announced, gathering my things.

    "I''ll drive you," Ethan offered immediately, already standing.

    I shook my head firmly. "That won''t be necessary."

    Matriarch Evelyn, sensing my reluctance, intervened smoothly. "Bernard, please arrange a car for Olivia."

    "Actually," I said, seizing the opportunity, "Luke ising to pick me up."

    Ethan''s face darkened at my use of the familiar nickname. "Luke?"

    "Mr. ckwood," I rified, unable to resist the small act of defiance. "He offered to drive me home."

    Matriarch Evelyn beamed with approval. "How thoughtful of him! You must invite him for dinner sometime,

    Wanwan."

    I nodded, deliberately avoiding Ethan''s thunderous expression. "I''ll ask him.¡± Bernard appeared at the doorway. "Miss Winters, Mr. ckwood has arrived." "Thank you, Bernard," I said, relief evident in my voice. I bent to kiss Matriarch Evelyn''s cheek. "Til visit again

    soon, Grandmother."

    She patted my hand affectionately. "See that you do, dear."

    I left without a backward nce, though I could feel Ethan''s eyes burning into my back as I walked away.

    Outside, Lucas ckwood stood beside his sleek ck car. He opened the passenger door with a gentlemanly flourish as I approached.

    "Good morning, Miss Winters," he greeted, his voice carrying just enough warmth to be convincing to any

    observers.

    "Thank you foring, Mr. ckwood," I replied, sliding into the passenger seat. "Though it wasn''t

    necessary."

    He closed my door and walked around to the driver''s side. Once inside, his formal demeanor rxed slightly.

    "If we''re going to maintain this pretense," he said, starting the engine, "we need to

    be consistent. Especially around your mate

    I winced at the term. "Ex-mate," I corrected firmly.

    Lucas nodded, pulling away from the vi. "Where would you like to go?"

    Chapter 64 Midnight Eva

    "The Moonstone Dining Hall, please,¡± I said, "I left my bag therest night."

    A small smile yed at the corner of his mouth. "No need." He reached into the back seat and retrieved my handbag. "I took the liberty of collecting it for you."

    II epted it gratefully. "Thank you. That''s very thoughtful."

    "Your phone battery was dead," he added, gesturing to the charging cable

    plugged into the dashboard. "I thought you might need it."

    I connected my phone, watching as the screen lit up with the charging symbol. "I appreciate everything you''ve

    done, Mr. ckwood."

    "Lucas, please," he insisted. "If we''re to be friends, formality seems unnecessary."

    I nodded, rxing slightly. "Lucas. I should thank you properly for handling Miles ckwood. I saw on the

    news he''s been arrested."

    Lucas''s expression turned serious. "Actually, I can''t take credit for that. It was

    His phone rang, interrupting whatever he had been about to say. He nced at the screen and sighed. "I

    should take this. It''s Harold ckwood, Miles''s father."

    He answered the call, his voice shifting to a more authoritative tone. ¡°Harold, I was expecting your call."

    Even without enhanced werewolf hearing, I could hear the angry voice on the other end of the line. "What have you done to my son? He''s in jail with broken hands!"

    Lucas remained calm. "Your son attempted to assault multiple women, Harold. He''s exactly where he

    deserves to be."

    More angry shouting followed, but Lucas cut it short. "This conversation is over. Miles will face the consequences of his actions, and so will anyone who enabled him."

    He ended the call with a sigh. "I apologize for the interruption. As I was saying-" My phone suddenly came to life, buzzing repeatedly with umted notifications. Text messages, missed calls, and voicemails filled the screen.

    Among them, I noticed several missed calls from "Jay" - my nickname for James Knight, my childhood friend and the only person who had stood by me through everything.

    I quickly silenced the phone, not wanting to deal with the barrage of messages just yet. Looking out the window, I spotted a subway station approaching.

    "Could you stop here, please?" I asked suddenly.

    Lucas looked surprised butplied, pulling over to the curb. "Is everything

    alright?"

    I nodded, gathering my bag. "Yes, I just need to make a private call. Thank you for

    the ride."

 The Alpha King is unavailable 99

    "Sorry, the number you dialed is powered off."

    I exhaled with relief at the automated message. At this hour, Jay was probably still asleep. I quickly typed a text: "Call me when you wake up, then tucked my phone back into my handbag.

    As I turned toward the subway entrance, a car horn sounded behind me. Lucas ckwood''s ck Maybach idled at the curb, its engine purring softly. The powerful Alpha of the Moonstone Pack had waited for me.

    I hesitated, then walked back to the car. Lucas leaned across and opened the passenger door.

    "I thought you might need a ride after all," he said, his expression unreadable.

    I slid into the leather seat, closing the door behind me. "Thank you, but-"

    Remembering his earlier words about our arrangement, I stopped myself. We needed to maintain appearances, especially if Ethan had someone following me.

    Lucas''s lips curved into a gentle smile. "Not bad."

    I gave him a helpless look, and we exchanged smiles. The unspoken distance between us seemed to lessen slightly.

    "I''ve been meaning to ask," I said as he pulled away from the curb. "What happened with the switched identities at that blind date? I was expecting you, but Miles ckwood showed up instead."

    Lucas''s expression darkened, "Isabelle Stone rushed out in front of my car that evening. I identally hit her."

    My eyes widened. "Is she alright?"

    "Nothing serious. I took her to the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den, which is why Miles went in my ce." His hands tightened on the steering wheel. I never imagined he would try to harm you."

    The pieces suddenly clicked together. "So it was Isabelle who conspired with Miles to drug me.

    Lucas nodded grimly, "I believe so. I''m sorry for inadvertently causing you trouble."

    I studied his profile, noticing his obvious difort. ¡°Isabelle is infatuated with you, isn''t she?"

    "What?" His head snapped toward me, genuine surprise in his eyes. "No. Absolutely not. I don''t like her. I have nothing to do with her."

    His earnest denial made me smile. "You don''t need to exin yourself to me, Lucas. Our arrangement is purely for mutual benefit, remember?"

    He seemed to rx, sensing my indifference. "Speaking of Isabelle, what do you n to do about her? I could help if you''d like."

    I shook my head. "I appreciate the offer, but I''ll handle it myself."

    As we approached Canis Enterprises, Lucas pulled over a few blocks away.

    "Better if we''re not seen arriving together at your workce."

    clopter of Uniqpected R

    I nodded in agreement. "Thank you for the ride."

    "Until next time, Miss Winters," he said formally, in case anyone was watching.

    I waved goodbye and walked toward thepany building. Through the rearview mirror, I could see Lucas watching until I disappeared from night before driving away

    The workday passed in a blur of meetings and design consultations. My mind kept drifting to Hunter Morgan and what information he might

 The Alpha King is unavailable 100

    have uncovered about Victoria.

    In the afternoon, my phone finally rang with his number.

    "I have what you asked for," he said without preamble, "Can you meet tonight?"

    We arranged to meet at the Shadowfall Club in Shadow Creek that evening. After work, I took a taxi directly there, my heart pounding with anticipation.

    The club was dimly lit, with private rooms lining a plush corridor. I found the room Hunter had specified and slipped inside.

    He was already waiting, a man folder on the table between us. "Mrs. Winters." "What did you find?" I asked, getting straight to the point.

    Hunter slid the folder toward me. "Everything I could gather on Victoria Frost is in here. Bank records, medical history, personal connections."

    I handed him an envelope containing his p*****. ¡°Thank you."

    He counted the money efficiently, then stood. "Our business is concluded. Good luck, Mrs. Winters."

    After he left, I opened the folder with trembling hands. If Victoria had been involved in redirecting Patricia Warner''s kidney away from Lily, surely there would be evidence here.

    Page after page of documents revealed Victoria''s extravagant spending habits, her medical appointments, her social connections. But nothing about Patricia Warner or the kidney transnt that never happened.

    Disappointment crashed over me. I had been so certain Hunter would find something incriminating.

    I remembered my own fruitless visit to Patricia Warner weeks ago. The woman had imedplete ignorance about the details of the kidney transnt, insisting that her husband had handled all the arrangements.

    ¡°I just did what Rnd told me,¡± she had said, avoiding my eyes. "I''m sorry about your daughter, but I don''t know anything else."

    Tears of frustration pricked at my eyes. Would I ever find justice for Lily?

    My phone vibrated with a new message. Hunter Morgan''s name appeared on the

    screen.

    "Check the basement storage unit at Crescent Moon Medical Center. Code: 7392. What you''re looking for is in Box 17.

    My heart nearly stopped. This was it-the missing piece.

    (Ethan''s POV)

    The private room was filled withughter and music as James Knight''s birthday celebration reached its peak. Moonlight Suite 888 at the Shadowfall Club was James''s favorite venue-exclusive, luxurious, and discreet.

    Chapter 65 Unexpected R

    I sat in a corner, nursing a ss of moonlight wine, watching the revelry with little interest. My thoughts were consumed by Olivia and Lucas ckwood.

    James dropped into the seat beside me, his amber-flecked eyes gleaming with mischief. "Why so glum, Alpha? This is supposed to be a party."

    He pushed a fresh ss toward me. "Drink up. Forget your troubles for one night."

    I took the ss but didn''t drink. Tm fine."

    Jamesughed, not believing me for a second. "Is this about Olivia and Lucas? Everyone''s talking about it."

    My jaw tightened. James noticed and grinned wider.

    "Come on, Ethan. You should be celebrating! You''re finally free to be with Victoria without Olivia standing in

    the way."

    My expression darkened further. James looked puzzled by my reaction.

    "Isn''t this what you wanted?" he pressed. "You''ve loved Victoria since we were pups. Olivia was just the mate

    your grandmother chose for you."

    I remained silent, staring into my untouched drink.

    ¡°Think about it,¡± James continued, oblivious to my growing irritation. ¡°If Olivia hadn''te along, you and

    Victoria could have had several children by now."

    Something in my expression must have changed, because James suddenly leaned closer, studying my face

    with newfound Interest.

    "Wait a minute," he said slowly. "You wouldn''t have fallen in love with Olivia, would you?"

    I gave him a look that clearly dismissed the idea. The very suggestion was absurd.

    Before James could pursue the topic further, a slender woman in a tight red dress appeared, clinging to his arm. "Jay, everyone''s waiting for you to cut the cake."

    James''s attention immediately shifted. "Duty calls," he said to me with a wink before allowing himself to be

    led away.

    I watched as he joined a group gathered around a table. The woman in red was practically draped over him, feeding him a napkin in some ridiculous party game. Only a small piece remained as she leaned in, clearly

    intending to kiss him.

    "Sophia''s here,¡± someone warned, but James merely shrugged.

    ¡°So what?¡± he replied, pulling the woman closer.

    I nced toward the doorway where Sophia ckwood stood frozen, her face a mask of hurt as she watched

    her boyfriend with another woman. The cake she held trembled slightly in her hands.

    The scene was ufortably familiar-the betrayal, the public humiliation. I had subjected Olivia to simr

    pain countless times.

    Through the ss walls of the suite, I suddenly spotted Olivia herself, standing in the corridor. She was speaking to Sophia, a look of understanding passing between them.

    Inside the suite, James finally noticed Sophia. He pulled away from the other woman slightly, but kept his

    Chapter 66: Unexpected li

    arm around her waist.

    "Sophie!" he called out. "Come join us!"

    Sophia''s expression hardened. She turned to a nearby waiter and handed him the borate birthday cake

    she''d been holding.

    "Feed it to the dogs," she said loudly enough for everyone to hear.

    James''s face darkened with fury at the public rejection. As Sophia turned to

    leave, I saw her exchange a

    small smile with Olivia.

    Without a word to James or anyone else, I left the suite and followed Olivia down the corridor. I caught up to her just as she was about to exit, grabbing her arm and pulling her into an empty room.

    "Olivia Winters, where did you hide Lily?" I demanded, my eyes intense as I revealed that Maxwell Chen had been unable to find any trace of their daughter, leading me to suspect Lucas ckwood''s involvement in

    what I believed was Olivia hiding our child.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 101

    I scoffed at Ethan''s question about Lily''s whereabouts. The audacity of this man never ceased to amaze me. ¡°You''re asking me where Lily is?" My voice trembled with barely contained rage. "Now you care?

    Ethan''s amber eyes narrowed dangerously. "Answer the question, Olivia."

    A bitterugh escaped my lips as memories flooded back. I remembered how Ethan had frantically searched the entire city when Emma got lost for a few minutesst year. He''d mobilized the entire pack, called in favors from neighboring territories, and hadn''t slept until she was found.

    "When Emma went missing for thirty minutes, you turned the city upside down," I said, my voice low and cutting. "But when Lily was dying in the hospital for months, you couldn''t even spare an hour to visit her." His jaw tightened. "That''s different."

    "Different how?" I challenged, stepping closer. "Because Emma is Victoria''s daughter? Because Victoria and not me?"

    Ethan''s expression hardened. "This isn''t about Victoria."

    you love

    "No, it''s about possession," I spat. "You don''t care about Lily. You never did. This sudden interest is because you can''t stand the thought of me moving on with Lucas."

    His eyes shed at the mention of Lucas''s name. "So you admit he''s helping you hide her."

    I shook my head in disbelief. "Our daughter is dead, Ethan. DEAD. And you weren''t there when it happened because you were too busy ying family with Victoria and Emma."

    "If you''d told me she was that sick-"

    "I CALLED YOU!" I shouted, no longer caring who might hear. "I called you every

    day for weeks! I begged you toe see her before it was toote!"

    Ethan''s expression flickered with something that might have been guilt, but it vanished quickly.

    "Ethan Stone, you listen carefully," I continued, my eyes reddening with anger and grief. "I am not your possession, and Lily is not your bargaining chip!"

    Despite knowing it was futile, I couldn''t help but confront his indifference toward our daughter. Five years of bottled rage and heartbreak poured out of me.

    "What kind of father doesn''t attend his own daughter''s funeral?" I demanded. "What kind of father throws away her ashes? What kind of father uses her mother of hiding her instead of facing the truth that she''s gone forever?"

    Ethan''s face darkened. "You''re the one who kept her from me."

    "I kept her from you?" I was incredulous. "You chose to stay away! You chose Victoria and Emma over us every single time!"

    "Because of what you did," he growled.

    I stared at him, momentarily confused. "What I did? What could I possibly have done to deserve you abandoning our sick child?"

    Ethan didn''t answer, his expression shuttered and cold,

    Overwhelmed with anger and disappointment, I pushed past him. "I''m done with this conversation,"

    His hand shot out, gripping my arm. "I''ll see how long you can hide her," he threatened.

    I yanked my arm free and stormed out of the private room, ignoring his words. Let him discover the truth about Lily''s death on his own. I was tired of trying to make him care about a daughter he had never truly

    loved.

    (Victoria''s POV)

 The Alpha King is unavailable 102

    I adjusted my designer dress as Isabelle and I entered the Shadowfall Club, James Knight''s birthday celebration was in full swing, the exclusive venue filled with the elite of werewolf society,

    "Do you think Ethan''s here yet?" Isabelle asked, scanning the crowd,

    I smiled confidently. "Of course. He wouldn''t miss his best friend''s birthday,"

    We made our way to Moonlight Suite 888, where a security guard checked our names against the guest list before allowing us entry.

    James greeted us warmly, epting our gifts with his trademark charming smile. "Ladies, you look ravishing tonight."

    "Happy birthday, Jay," I said, kissing his cheek. "Where''s Ethan?"

    James gestured vaguely. "Taking a call. Business never stops for our Alpha King."

    I nodded, hiding my disappointment. I''d hoped to spend the evening by Ethan''s

    side, especially after our intimate phone conversationst night.

    "Let''s get drinks," Isabelle suggested, leading me toward the bar.

    As we settled into plush seats with our moonlight wine, I spotted a familiar figure leaving a room across the corridor.

    ¡°Isabelle,¡± I hissed, nudging her. "Look who''s here."

    Isabelle''s eyes narrowed as she recognized Olivia Winters. "What is she doing here? She wasn''t invited."

    I watched as Olivia hurried toward the exit, her expression troubled. "Probably spying on Ethan for Lucas ckwood."

    Isabelle''s face contorted with anger. "That b***h. After what she did to mest night..."

    Before I could stop her, Isabelle was on her feet, ss in hand, marching toward Olivia. I followed quickly, both concerned and curious about what would unfold.

    "Olivia Winters!" Isabelle called out, her voice sharp with hatred.

    Olivia turned, her expression shifting from surprise to wariness as she recognized Isabelle.

    "What do you want?" Olivia asked coldly.

    Isabelle''s lips curled into a sneer. "I want you to pay for what you did to me."

    < Chapter 66: You Think I C...

    Without warning, Isabelle threw her ss of wine directly at Olivia''s face. Olivia reacted quickly, dodging sideways, but some of the red liquid still sshed onto her white blouse and hair.

    I suppressed a smile of satisfaction as Olivia stood there, wine dripping from her hair. This was the perfect opportunity to further damage her reputation in front of the club''s elite clientele.

    What I didn''t expect was Olivia''s reaction. Instead of retreating in humiliation, her eyes zed with fury. She grabbed Isabelle''s arm and dragged her toward James''s private room.

    "What are you doing?" Isabelle shrieked, struggling against Olivia''s grip. "Let go of me!"

    I followed them, torn between concern for Isabelle and excitement at the drama unfolding. This would certainly give everyone something to talk about.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I pulled Isabelle into James''s private room, my patiencepletely shattered. First Ethan with his absurd usations, and now this spoiled brat attacking me in public.

    Without hesitation, I grabbed a full bottle of expensive moonlight wine from an ice bucket and uncorked it. "You want to y with wine?" I asked, my voice dangerously calm. "Let''s y."

    Isabelle''s eyes widened in horror as she realized my intention. "Don''t you dare-"

    I upended the bottle over her head, drenching her perfectly styled hair and designer dress with the cold liquid. She screamed, the sound high-pitched and satisfying.

    James Knight rushed over, his expression a mix of shock and amusement. "Ladies, please-"

    "Stay out of this, James," I warned, setting the empty bottle down. "I''llpensate you for the wine."

    "You think I care?" I retorted, my voice carrying through the suddenly silent room.

    I turned to find Ethan standing in the doorway, his expression hardening at my

    words. The entire room seemed to freeze, guests sensing the tension crackling between us.

    James cleared his throat awkwardly. "Perhaps we should give them some privacy."

    He gestured for the other guests to leave, which they did with obvious reluctance, their eyes darting between Ethan and me as they filed out.

    Victoria remained, her arm around a sobbing Isabelle. "Look what she''s done!" Victoria eximed, her voice dripping with false concern. "She''spletely ruined Isabelle''s dress!"

    I turned to Ethan, ignoring Victoria''s theatrics. "Did you know your cousin arranged for Miles ckwood to drug me at the restaurant?"

    Ethan''s gaze shifted to Isabelle, who paled visibly beneath the wine staining her face.

    ¡°It''s not true!¡± Isabelle protested, clinging to Victoria for support. ¡°She''s lying!"

    "Miles ckwood was arrested for multiple assaults," I continued coldly. "I was one of his intended victims. He drugged my drink on Isabelle''s instructions."

    Ethan''s expression darkened further, his amber eyes fixed on his trembling cousin.

    Victoria stepped forward, her face a perfect mask of concern despite her obvious disgust at Isabelle''s wine-soaked state. "Ethan, you can''t possibly believe these usations. Olivia is clearly trying to deflect

    +15 Points

    attention from her own behavior."

    "My behavior?" I challenged.

    Victoria nodded, her eyes gleaming with malice. "Everyone knows you''ve been throwing yourself at Lucas ckwood. Just like you stole Ethan from me five years ago, now you''re trying to steal Lucas."

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    (Victoria''s POV)

    I watched with satisfaction as tension filled the room. This was my chance to redirect everyone''s attention away from Isabelle''s foolish scheme with Miles ckwood.

    "You''re all forgetting something important," I said, my voice dripping with false concern. "This isn''t the first time Olivia has been involved with drugging incidents."

    Ethan''s head snapped toward me, his amber eyes darkening. Perfect.

    "What are you talking about?" James asked, clearly intrigued by the drama unfolding at his birthday celebration.

    I smiled sweetly, cing aforting hand on Isabelle''s wine-soaked shoulder. "Five years ago, when Ethan and I were supposed to announce our engagement, Olivia drugged him."

    The room fell silent. I could feel Olivia''s re burning into me.

    "She slipped something into his drink at the Moonstone G," I continued, my voice trembling with manufactured emotion. "By the time I found them, she had already taken advantage of him."

    Isabelle nodded eagerly beside me, grateful for the diversion. "It''s true! Everyone knows the story."

    I turned to Ethan, whose jaw had tightened dangerously. "That''s why you''ve never trusted her, isn''t it? She trapped you with that pregnancy."

    Olivia''s bitterugh cut through the tension. "Is that the story you''ve been telling everyone, Victoria?" Her emerald eyes met mine with such contempt that I almost flinched. Almost.

    "How convenient," Olivia continued, her voice steady despite her wine-stained appearance. "You''ve been spinning that tale for five years, and now you''re using it to distract from the fact that your friend tried to have me drugged and assaulted."

    I maintained my innocent expression. "I''m simply pointing out a pattern of behavior."

    Olivia''s lips curved into a knowing smirk. "The only pattern here is your desperation, Victoria."

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I turned away from Victoria''s pathetic attempt to rewrite history and focused on Isabelle. The spoiled brat was hiding behind Victoria, still dripping with the wine I''d poured over her.

    "Let''s talk about what really matters," I said, stepping closer to Isabelle. "What exactly was supposed to happen after Miles drugged me at the Moonstone Dining Hall?"

    Isabelle''s eyes widened with fear. She hadn''t expected me to confront her so directly.

    "I don''t know what you''re talking about," she stammered, looking to Victoria for support.

    "What if I hadn''t gotten away?" I demanded, my voice trembling with suppressed fury. "What if he hadn''tpleted what you arranged for him to do?"

    +15 Points >

    The room grew ufortably quiet. Even James Knight, known for his love of drama, seemed disturbed by the implications of my questions.

    Isabelle''s face flushed with anger beneath the wine stains. "You''re making things up! I had nothing to do with Miles!"

    "Really?" I pulled out my phone, scrolling through it deliberately. "That''s not what the security footage from the restaurant shows."

    It was a bluff, but Isabelle didn''t know that. Her eyes darted nervously around the

    room.

    "You think you''re so special," she suddenly spat, losing control. "Just because you''re Ethan''s mate doesn''t mean you deserve respect!"

    Victoria grabbed Isabelle''s arm, trying to silence her, but it was toote.

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    "You deserved what Miles was going to do to you!" Isabelle shouted, her voice shrill with hatred. "You''ve been nothing but trouble since you came into this pack!"

    The room fell silent at her confession. Without hesitation, I stepped forward and pped Isabelle hard across the face, the sound echoing through the private

    room.

    "How dare you!" Isabelle shrieked, raising her hand to retaliate.

    (Ethan''s POV)

    I moved quickly, grabbing Isabelle''s wrist before she could strike Olivia. The fury in my cousin''s eyes was matched only by the cold determination in Olivia''s.

    "Enough," I growled, using my Alpha voice. Themand reverberated through the room, making everyone flinch except Olivia.

    I turned to Isabelle, tightening my grip on her wrist. "You will apologize to Olivia. Now." Isabelle stared at me in disbelief. "You''re taking her side? After everything she''s done?"

    "Apologize," I repeated, my voice dropping dangerously low.

    Olivia scoffed, pulling out her phone again. "Don''t bother. I''m calling Chief Garrison to report this incident." Victoria stepped forward, panic shing across her face. "Olivia, please. There''s no need to involve the authorities."

    "No need?" Olivia''s voice was ice cold. "Your friend just admitted to arranging my assault."

    "Isabelle has been through enough," Victoria pleaded, her voice softening with practiced sympathy. "Miles attacked her too, you know. After his n with you failed, he went after her instead."

    I watched Olivia''s expression shift as she processed this information. Something calcting entered her

    eyes.

    "Is that so?" Olivia asked, her finger hovering over her phone screen.

    Victoria nodded eagerly. "It was terrible. She''s still traumatized."

    Isabelle sniffled on cue, ying the victim perfectly. I released her wrist, disgusted by the entire situation. (Olivia''s POV)

    +15 Points >

    I studied Victoria''s pleading expression and Isabelle''s tearful performance. They thought they had me cornered, that I would back down out of pity or fear of causing more drama.

    They were wrong.

    "That''s interesting," I said, tapping my phone screen. "Because I have something you both should see."

    I turned the phone toward them, ying a video I''d obtained from the Crescent Moon Hotel''s security system. The footage clearly showed Isabelle being dragged away by Miles ckwood, struggling against his grip.

    But what made the video truly damning was Victoria standing nearby, watching the entire scene unfold before calmly walking in the opposite direction.

    "You saw her being taken," I said coldly, turning the phone screen toward Isabelle. "Your precious Victoria watched Miles drag you away and simply walked in the opposite direction."

    Isabelle''s face drained of color as she stared at the footage. Her hands trembled as she reached for the phone, needing to see it more clearly.

    "Vicky?" Isabelle''s voice was small, childlike in its confusion. "You saw? You knew?"

    Victoria''s perfectposure cracked. "Isabelle, I can exin-"

    "You let him take me!" Isabelle screamed, her voice breaking. "You saw what was happening and you did nothing!"

    Victoria backed away, her hands raised defensively. "I didn''t know what he was going to do! I thought you were just leaving together!"

    "Liar!" Isabelle lunged at Victoria, her manicured nails wing at Victoria''s face. "You knew exactly what he was going to do!"

    Victoria screamed as Isabelle''s nails drew blood from her cheek. They tumbled to the floor in a tangle of designer dresses and fury.

    (Ethan''s POV)

    I moved quickly, pulling Isabelle off Victoria. My cousin thrashed in my grip, tears streaming down her face as she tried to break free.

    "Let me go!" she screamed, her eyes wild with rage and betrayal. "She left me with him! She knew what he would do!"

    Victoria scrambled to her feet, touching the scratches on her face with trembling fingers. "Isabelle, please, you''re not thinking clearly-"

    "Shut up!" Isabelle spat, still struggling against my hold. "I''ve done everything for you! I''ve kept all your secrets!"

    A chill ran down my spine at her words. Victoria''s face paled further.

    "Isabelle," Victoria warned, her voice low and threatening. "Don''t say something you''ll regret."

    Isabelleughed bitterly, tears still streaming down her face. "Regret? Like how I regret protecting you all these years?"

    She turned to me, her eyes zing with a mixture of anger and vindication. "She''s been lying to you! Olivia never drugged you that night! It was Victoria who set the whole thing up!"

    *15 Forts>

    The room fell silent. I released Isabelle and turned to face her fully, my voice dropping to a dangerous tone.

    "Isabelle, what do you mean, Olivia didn''t drug me?"

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    (Isabelle''s POV)

    I felt the blood drain from my face as Ethan''s cold amber eyes locked onto mine. What had I done? In my ra

    at Victoria, I''d blurted out the truth I''d kept hidden for five years.

    "Isabelle," Ethan''s voice was dangerously quiet, "what do you mean Olivia didn''t drug me?"

    My hands trembled as I took a step back. The Alphamand in his voice was impossible to resist.

    "I... I didn''t mean..." I stammered, looking desperately around the room.

    Victoria''s eyes were wide with panic, silently pleading with me to stop talking. But it was toote. The truth was wing its way out of me after years of festering inside.

    "Tell me everything," Ethan demanded, his voice echoing with Alpha authority. "Now."

    Tears spilled down my cheeks, mixing with the wine still dripping from my hair. "It was five years ago, at the Healer''s Crystal Competition."

    I nced at Victoria, whose face had gone deathly pale. She knew what I was about to reveal.

    "I wanted Victoria to win," I confessed, my voice breaking. "I thought if she impressed you with her crystal design, you might finally choose her as your mate."

    Ethan''s jaw tightened. "Continue."

    "Olivia was favored by Elder Willow for the single rmendation spot from the university," I said, the words tumbling out faster now. "I knew she''d win if I didn''t do something."

    I wiped at my tears, smearing wine across my face. "So I switched her drink with something stronger. Much stronger."

    "You drugged her?" Ethan''s voice was ice cold.

    I nodded miserably. "It was just supposed to make her look bad, make her seem unprofessional. When she passed out, I was supposed to take her to a room we''d arranged beforehand."

    The memory of that night flooded back, sharp and painful. "But I made a mistake. I took her to the wrong room."

    "The room where I was," Ethan stated tly.

    I nodded again, unable to meet his gaze. "You were already there, unconscious. I didn''t know why. I just left her there and ran."

    James Knight let out a low whistle from across the room. "Holy shit."

    "The photos that went viral throughout the territories," I continued, my voice barely above a whisper. "They reached Grandmother despite your PR team''s efforts to contain them."

    I finally looked up at Ethan, seeing the shock and anger warring on his face. "I''m sorry. I never meant for it to go so far. I just wanted to help Victoria."

    < Chapter 68: Revtions of...

    +15 Points

    I turned to re at Victoria, hatred burning through my tears. "I''ve regretted helping her every day since. She''s nothing but lies."

    (Ethan''s POV)

    The room seemed to tilt around me as Isabelle''s confession sank in. For five years, I''d believed Olivia had drugged and manipted me. For five years, I''d been cold and distant to my mate because of it.

    I''d neglected my own daughter because of this lie.

    The realization hit me like a physical blow. All those times Olivia had denied drugging me, all those times she''d looked at me with hurt and confusion when I pulled away from her... she had been telling the truth.

    And I hadn''t believed her. Not once.

    I turned to look at Olivia, expecting to see usation in her eyes, expecting her to finally throw this revtion in my face with all the righteous anger she deserved to feel.

    But Olivia''s face was calm, almost detached. Her emerald eyes weren''t even looking at me. She was staring at her phone, as if this life-changing revtion meant nothing to her.

    That hurt more than any usation could have.

    "Olivia," I said, my voice softer than I''d intended.

    She nced up briefly, her expression unreadable. "What?"

    Before I could respond, Victoria stepped forward, her face a perfect mask of distress.

    (Victoria''s POV)

    I maintained myposure despite the panic coursing through me. Isabelle''s confession was dangerous, but thankfully iplete. She didn''t know I was the one who had drugged Ethan that night.

    I had orchestrated the entire incident, desperate to force Ethan''s hand. Despite our ongoing romance, he had refrained from fullymitting to me. The n was simple: drug him, getpromising photos, and use them to pressure him into making our rtionship official.

    Everything had gone wrong when Olivia unexpectedly appeared in the same room. Now I knew it was Isabelle''s blunder that had ruined my carefullyid n.

    I needed to salvage this situation quickly.

    "Olivia," I said, injecting remorse into my voice as I stepped toward her. ¡°I had no idea Isabelle did this to you. I''m so sorry."

    I reached out as if to touch her arm, making sure my expression conveyed appropriate guilt and shock. "If I had known what she was nning, I would have stopped her immediately."

    Olivia''s emerald eyes shed as she looked up from her phone. "Save your apologies, Victoria. They''re as fake as everything else about you."

    I flinched, ying the part of the wounded party perfectly. "I understand you''re upset, but I truly had nothing

    to do with this."

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I scoffed at Victoria''s performance. Even now, with her schemes unraveling, she maintained her innocent

    +15 Points >

    < Chapter 68: Revtions of....

    facade.

    "Nothing to do with it?" Iughed bitterly. "Victoria, you''ve been using this lie against me for five years."

    I turned to face her fully, my anger finally breaking through my carefully maintainedposure. "You''ve whispered in Ethan''s ear, poisoning him against me. You''ve spread rumors throughout the pack that I trapped the Alpha with a pregnancy."

    Victoria''s eyes widened with practiced innocence. "Olivia, please. I never meant to hurt you."

    "I want a real apology," I demanded, my voice rising. "Get on your knees and beg for forgiveness for what you''ve done to me and my daughter!"

    Ethan stepped forward, his face darkening. "Olivia, that''s enough. Victoria didn''t know-"

    "Of course you''d defend her," I spat, turning my fury on him. "You always do."

    I shook my head in disgust. "I don''t need her hypocritical apology anyway. The truth doesn''t matter anymore." "How can you say that?" Ethan demanded. "This changes everything!"

    "Does it?" I challenged. "Five years ago, when I still loved you, the truth mattered. Now? After Lily died alone while you yed family with Victoria and Emma? It means nothing."

    I turned to Isabelle, who was still trembling from her confession. Without hesitation, I stepped forward and pped her hard across the face.

    "That''s for drugging me five years ago," I said coldly.

    I pped her again, harder. "That''s for helping Victoria destroy my reputation."

    And again. "And that''s for arranging Miles ckwood to assault me."

    Isabelle didn''t fight back, tears streaming down her face as she epted each blow.

    Victoria rushed forward, cing herself between us. "Stop it! Haven''t you done enough?"

 The Alpha King is unavailable 106

    She wrapped a protective arm around Isabelle''s shoulders. "If you want someone to me, me me. I''ll take responsibility."

    Her voice trembled with emotion, her performance wless. Not a hair out of ce, not a c***k in her perfect mask of concern.

    Isabelle shoved Victoria away, disgust evident on her tear-streaked face. "Get away from me! I don''t want your fake protection!"

    Victoria stumbled backward, losing her bnce. She fell near my phone, which was still ying the video of Isabelle being dragged into the hotel room by Miles ckwood.

    "I didn''t see anything!" Victoria protested, scrambling to her feet. "That video doesn''t show what you think it does. I would never stand by while Isabelle was being assaulted!"

    Isabelle lunged at Victoria, her face contorted with rage. "Liar! You''ve been using me for years!"

    Ethan caught Isabelle before she could reach Victoria, restraining her easily despite her struggles.

    "That''s enough," hemanded, his Alpha voice making everyone in the room flinch. He pulled out his phone and dialed a number. "Maxwell,e to Suite 888 immediately. Escort Isabelle to the Detention Center."

    +15 Points

    < Chapter 68 Revtions of...

    Isabelle''s eyes widened in horror. "Ethan, no! You can''t do this to me! I told you the truth!"

    I gathered my belongings, satisfied that I''d aplished what I came for. The truth was out, and Victoria''s

    perfect image was beginning to c***k.

    As I walked out of Suite 888, I could hear Isabelle''s desperate protests echoing behind me. "She drugged you, Ethan! Victoria drugged you that night! Not me! I just moved Olivia!"

    (Olivia''s POV)

    The cool night air was a relief after the stifling tension of the club. I walked quickly toward the parking lot, eager to put distance between myself and the drama unfolding behind me.

    I was halfway to my car when I sensed movement in the shadows. Three men stepped out, blocking my path. "Well, well," one of them sneered, his eyes gleaming with malice. "Look what we found."

    I reached into my purse for my pepper spray, my heart racing. Before I could grab it, a blur of movement caught my eye.

    Ethan appeared beside me, his face a mask of cold fury. Without hesitation, he grabbed the nearest man''s wrist and twisted. The sickening c***k of breaking bone echoed through the parking lot, followed by the man''s agonized scream.

    "Touch her," Ethan growled, his voice barely human, "and I''ll break more than your hand."

    The men scrambled backward, dragging their injuredpanion with them. They disappeared into the darkness, leaving Ethan and me alone in the dimly lit parking

    lot.

    Ethan turned to me, his amber eyes softer than I''d seen them in years. "Are you alright, Liv?"

    The nickname hit me like a physical blow. He hadn''t called me that since before the incident five years ago.

    "Don''t call me that," I said, my voice cold. "You lost that right a long time ago."

    I tried to step around him, but he caught my arm. "We need to talk, Olivia."

    "We have nothing to discuss," I replied, trying to pull free. "Let go of me."

    His grip tightened. "Five years of misunderstandings. Five years of pain. We need

    to talk about this.¡± ¡°Misunderstandings?¡± Iughed bitterly. ¡°Is that what you call abandoning your dying daughter?"

    Pain shed across his face. "I didn''t know she was that sick."

    "Because you didn''t want to know!" I shouted, no longer caring who might hear. "You chose not to know!"

    In one swift movement, Ethan pulled me against his chest, his arms wrapping

    around me like steel bands. "I''m not letting you walk away this time."

    I struggled against his hold, but it was useless. He was too strong, too determined.

    "We''re going to talk," he insisted, his breath warm against my ear. "Whether you want to or not."

    Before I could protest further, he was guiding me toward his luxury car, his hand firm on the small of my back. The door opened, and he gently but firmly pushed me inside.

    The door closed with a final click, sealing us together in the confined space.

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    "I have nothing to say to you." My face was frosty, my emerald eyes shing with

    cold

    fury.

    I pushed open the door of Ethan''s Shadow Ghost and was about to step out. But

    as soon as my feet touched the ground, Ethan, who had entered from the other side, grabbed my wrist.

    With a forceful pull that showcased his strength, he dragged me back into the luxury vehicle. The car door closed with a definitive click.

    "Let me go!" I hissed, trying to wrench my arm from his grip.

    Ethan''s amber eyes were hard as he activated the central locking system with a flick of his finger. "We need to talk, Olivia."

    "We have nothing to discuss," I spat, reaching for the door handle again.

    Through the tinted windows, I spotted Lucas ckwood approaching the car. A momentary hope of rescue red within me.

    Ethan noticed my gaze and followed it. His amber eyes narrowed dangerously as he started the engine. "Don''t you dare-" I began, but my words were cut off as he elerated away, tires screeching against the asphalt.

    Lucas''s figure grew smaller in the side mirror as Ethan sped through the parking lot and onto the main road. "This is k********g!¡± I shouted, struggling against my seatbelt. The speed of the vehicle had forced me to secure it despite my anger.

    "It''s a conversation between mates," Ethan replied coldly, his eyes fixed on the road ahead.

    I watched as familiar buildings gave way to less popted areas. We were heading toward the outskirts of Silvercrest territory.

    "Where are you taking me?" I demanded, my heart beginning to race with unease.

    Ethan''s jaw tightened. "Somewhere we can talk without interruptions."

    The luxury car ate up the miles, carrying us farther from Shadow Creek and deeper into the remote areas of our territory. Trees grew denser on either side of the road.

    Finally, Ethan pulled off onto a dirt track, driving for another few minutes before stopping in a small clearing. He cut the engine, plunging us into silence.

    "Why did you bring me here?" I asked, my voice tight with anger and a hint of fear. Ethan turned to face me, his expression unreadable. "Because I want to fix this."

    Iughed bitterly. "Fix what, exactly? Our marriage? Our family? Our daughter''s death that you still refuse to acknowledge?"

    Pain shed across his face at the mention of Lily. "I know I''ve made mistakes."

    +15 Points >

    "Mistakes?" I echoed incredulously. "Is that what you call abandoning your dying daughter?"

    Ethan''s hands tightened on the steering wheel. "I can make it right, Olivia. I can give you anything you want- money, property, status-but I will not abandon Victoria and Emma."

    His words hit me like a physical blow. Even now, after learning the truth about that night five years ago, he was still choosing them over me. Over Lily.

    "So that''s your solution?" I whispered, my voice trembling with rage. "Throw money at the problem and hope it goes away?"

    Ethan''s expression hardened. "What do you want from me, Olivia? Tell me what you want, and I''ll give it to you."

    "I want Victoria''s life," I said coldly, my emerald eyes burning with grief and rage. ¡°I want her to suffer like I''ve suffered. Like Lily suffered while you yed happy family with Victoria and Emma."

    Ethan''s face darkened with anger. "You''re being unreasonable. Victoria has done nothing to deserve your hatred."

    "Nothing?" Iughed, the sound harsh and broken. "She''s been poisoning you against me for years! She watched as her friend arranged for me to be drugged and assaulted!"

    "You''re twisting things," Ethan used, his voice rising. "You''ve never given Victoria or Emma a chance. You''ve been intolerant from the beginning."

    I stared at him in disbelief. ¡°Intolerant? I watched my daughter die alone while youforted Emma over a scraped knee!"

    "That''s not fair," Ethan growled. "I didn''t know how serious Lily''s condition was.¡±

    "Because you didn''t want to know!" I shouted, tears burning in my eyes. "You chose not to know!"

    Ethan mmed his hand against the dashboard, making me flinch. "I''m trying to make this right, Olivia! Why can''t you see that?"

    "Because it''s toote," I whispered, reaching for the door handle. "Lily is gone, and nothing you do can bring her back."

    I pushed open the door and stepped out into the cool evening air. The clearing was surrounded by dense forest, with no sign of civilization in any direction.

    "Where do you think you''re going?¡± Ethan demanded, following me out of the car. "Away from you," I replied, walking toward what looked like a path through the trees.

    I pulled out my phone, relieved to see I had a signal, albeit weak. I scrolled

    through my contacts until I found Lucas ckwood''s number.

    Before I could press call, Ethan snatched the phone from my hand. "Who are you calling?"

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    "None of your business," I snapped, trying to grab my phone back.

    Ethan held it out of reach, his eyes narrowing as he saw Lucas''s name on the screen. "Why are you calling him?"

    "Because unlike you, he actually cares about my wellbeing," I retorted.

    +16 Points >

    I lunged for the phone, but Ethan was quicker. He answered the call himself.

    "Olivia?" Lucas''s deep voice came through the speaker. "Is everything alright?" "She''s fine," Ethan growled. "She''s with her mate, where she belongs."

    I grabbed for the phone again. "Lucas, I need-"

    Ethan ended the call abruptly. We struggled for the device, and in the process, it slipped from his grasp and fell into a muddy puddle.

    The screen flickered once before going dark. Myst connection to help, shattered.

    Fury coursed through me. I snatched up the broken phone and hurled it at Ethan''s chest. It hit him with a dull thud before falling to the ground.

    "You bastard!" I shouted, turning away from him.

    I began walking, not caring which direction I went as long as it was away from him. The uneven ground made progress difficult, especially in my heels.

    Suddenly, my ankle twisted painfully. I stumbled, barely catching myself before I fell.

    Behind me, Ethan''s phone rang with a familiar ringtone-Victoria''s special tone. The sound I hade to despise over the years.

    Ethan answered immediately. "Victoria? What''s wrong?"

    Even from several feet away, I could hear her distressed voice through the speaker.

    "Ethan, please help! I''m at Amber Crest Restaurant, and these men-they''re threatening me! I''m so scared!" Ethan''s expression shifted instantly from anger to concern. "Stay where you are. I''ming."

    Without a backward nce at me, he jumped into his car and started the engine. The tires kicked up dirt and gravel as he sped away, leaving me stranded in the growing darkness.

    I stood there, my ankle throbbing, watching as the taillights of his car disappeared down the dirt track. He hadn''t hesitated for a second. Victoria called, and he ran.

    Just like always.

    (Ethan''s POV)

    I arrived at Amber Crest Restaurant in record time, my mind racing with concern for Victoria. The parking lot

    had been cleared by my security team, with two men lying injured at the feet of my bodyguards.

    Daniel Reed, my Beta, approached as I exited the car. "Alpha, we have the situation under control."

    "Where is she?" I demanded, scanning the area.

    "Inside, in the private dining room," Daniel replied. "She''s shaken but unharmed."

    I nodded curtly and strode toward the restaurant entrance. The staff parted before me, bowing their heads respectfully as I passed.

    Victoria was sitting in our usual private dining room, a ss of untouched

    moonlight wine before her. Her face brightened with relief when she saw me.

    "Ethan!" She rose gracefully, rushing into my arms. "Thank the Moon you''re here!"

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    +15 Points >

    I held her briefly before pulling back to examine her. "Are you hurt?"

    She shook her head, her eyes wide and vulnerable. "No, but I was so frightened. Those men-they were saying such terrible things."

    I guided her back to her seat, taking the chair opposite. "Tell me what happened."

    Victoria''s hands trembled as she reached for her wine ss. "I was having dinner alone, and these men approached my table. They started making... inappropriatements."

    My jaw tightened. "What kind ofments?"

    "Suggesting that I... that we..." She looked down, a blush spreading across her cheeks. ¡°It was vulgar, Ethan. When I asked them to leave, they became threatening."

    I signaled to Daniel, who was standing by the door. "Bring them in."

    Momentster, my security team dragged the two men into the private dining room. Both were sporting fresh bruises, evidence of my team''s efficiency.

    I studied them coldly. One was tall andnky, with a scraggly beard. The other was shorter but muscr, with a shaved head. Both reeked of cheap alcohol.

    The taller one spat blood onto the expensive carpet. "She was asking for it, flirting with everyone in sight."

    My amber eyes began to glow as rage coursed through me. "Is that so?"

    Victoria gasped. "That''s a lie! I was sitting alone, minding my own business!"

    The shorter man sneered. "Yeah, right. Wearing that dress, batting those eyshes at every man who walked

    by."

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    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)

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    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,

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    Chapter 71: Shattered Bonds

    (Olivia''s POV)

    "b***h! You''re looking for a beating, aren''t you?!" The man''s voice cut through the darkness like a knife.

    Hisrge hands mped down on my arm like iron pincers. The pressure was excruciating, but I refused to let go.

    ¡°You stupid b***h,¡± he growled, frustration evident in his voice. "It''s just a ne!"

    But it wasn''t just a ne. It was Lily. My beautiful, sweet Lily who had died too young, whose ashes I carried close to my heart because I couldn''t bear to be separated from her.

    The man''s grip tightened, his fingers digging painfully into my flesh. I bit my lip to keep from crying out, tasting blood.

    When I still wouldn''t release the pendant, he resorted to kicking me. His boot connected with my ribs, sending waves of agony through my body.

    "Stop," I gasped, curling tighter around the pendant. "Please..."

    He ignored my pleas, delivering another brutal kick to my side. I felt something c***k inside me, but still, I held on.

    Each impact forced a cry from my lips, the sound echoing in the empty wilderness. There was no one to hear me. No one to help.

    Ethan had abandoned me here, rushing to Victoria''s side without a second thought.

    As the pain intensified, my thoughts drifted back to the day Lily died. Her small, pale face. The way her hand had felt in mine, so fragile, so cold. The beeping of the machines slowing, then stopping altogether.

    "Lily, don''t be afraid," I murmured through bloodied lips. "Mommy will protect you this time."

    I had failed to protect her in life. I couldn''t save her from the kidney failure that took her from me. But I would protect her now, even if it cost me my life.

    Another kicknded on my back, sending shockwaves of pain down my spine. My vision blurred, darkness creeping in at the edges.

    "Just... give... me... the... damn... ne!" Each word was punctuated by another blow.

    My strength was fading. My fingers, slick with blood, were losing their grip on the pendant. I tried to hold on, but my body was betraying me.

    With a final, triumphant yank, the man tore Lily''s pendant from my grasp.

    "No!" I screamed, the sound tearing from my throat. "Please! That''s my daughter!"

    His response was swift and cruel. He kicked my hand away, his boot connecting

    with my fingers. I heard the c***k of bone before I felt the pain.

    "Crazy b***h," he muttered, pocketing the pendant. "It''s just a ne."

    < Chapter 71 Shattered Bon

    +15 Points >

    I watched helplessly as he mounted his motorcycle, the engine roaring to life. The sound faded as he sped away into the darkness, taking Lily with him.

    Tears streamed down my face, mixing with the blood and dirt. "Lily..." I whispered, reaching out with a broken hand toward the empty darkness.

    Then, mercifully, consciousness slipped away.

    (Maxwell''s POV)

    I arrived at the coordinates Alpha Ethan had given me, scanning the clearing in Deste Hollow with growing concern. There was no sign of Luna Olivia.

    "Luna Winters?" I called out, my voice echoing in the empty space. Only silence answered me.

    I pulled out my phone and dialed Alpha Ethan''s number. The call went straight to voicemail-unusual for the Alpha, who always answered calls from his personal assistant, especially regarding his mate.

    I tried again with the same result. Something was wrong.

    Alpha Ethan must be with Victoria Frost at Rosewood Haven, I reasoned. The situation with Luna Olivia was clearly more urgent than I had been led to believe.

    I was about to call for backup when the sound of an approaching vehicle caught my attention. A sleek ck car pulled up beside mine, and Lucas ckwood stepped out.

    Even in the dim light, his imposing figuremanded attention. His gray eyes were cold as they fixed on me. "Where is she?" he demanded, his voice carrying the authority of an Alpha, though he had no right to use that tone with me.

    I straightened my posture. "I don''t know, sir. Alpha Ethan sent me to collect Luna Olivia, but she''s not here." Lucas ckwood''s expression darkened. "When did youst hear from Ethan?"

    "About an hour ago," I replied. "He said he had to attend to an emergency with Miss Frost and asked me to ensure Luna Ol¨ªvia returned safely."

    A muscle twitched in ckwood''s jaw. "An emergency with Victoria Frost," he repeated, his tone making it clear what he thought of that.

    He surveyed the clearing, his eyes narrowing as he took in the disturbed earth and broken branches. "Something happened here," he said, more to himself than to me.

    Without another word, he pulled out his phone and made a call. "I need the helicopter at these coordinates immediately," he ordered. "And bring a medical team."

    My stomach dropped. "Medical team?"

    Lucas ckwood''s gray eyes met mine, cold and using. "Your Alpha left his mate alone in werewolf territory known for rogue activity. If she''s hurt, the blood is on his hands."

    I wanted to defend Alpha Ethan, but the words died in my throat. Because deep down, I feared ckwood was right.

    (Lucas''s POV)

    +15 Points >

    The helicopter arrived within minutes, its powerful searchlight cutting through the darkness. From the air, we scanned the surrounding area, looking for any sign of Olivia.

    "There!" I pointed to a small figure lying motionless on the ground about half a mile from the clearing.

    My heart raced as the helicopter descended. Before it had fullynded, I was already jumping out, running toward the still form.

    Oliviay crumpled on the ground, her chestnut hair syed across the dirt. Even in the harsh light of the helicopter, I could see the blood staining her clothes.

    "Olivia," I called, kneeling beside her. She didn''t respond.

    Gently, I turned her over, my breath catching at the sight of her battered face. Bruises were already forming, her lip was split, and dried blood caked her nose and mouth.

    A surge of protective rage swept through me. Who had done this to her? And where the hell was her mate when she needed him?

    I removed my ck overcoat and carefully wrapped it around her small frame.

    She seemed even more fragile now, broken and vulnerable in that made my chest ache.

    way

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    With utmost care, I lifted her into my arms. She weighed almost nothing, her body limp against my chest. "Get us to Silvercrest Medical Center," I ordered my assistant as I carried Olivia to the waiting vehicle. "And call ahead. I want their best healers ready when we arrive."

    As we sped toward the medical center, I held Olivia securely, one hand checking her pulse. It was weak but steady.

    "Hold on, Olivia," I murmured, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "You''re safe now."

    I had never felt such a fierce desire to protect someone before. This woman, the mate of my business rival, had somehow broken through my carefully constructed walls.

    And I would make whoever hurt her pay dearly.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I woke to the steady beep of a heart monitor and the antiseptic smell of the Silvercrest Medical Center. Every inch of my body ached, but the pain in my heart overshadowed all physical difort.

    Lily''s pendant was gone.

    A warm hand covered mine, and I turned my head to see Lucas ckwood sitting beside my bed. His usually impassive gray eyes held a warmth I hadn''t seen before.

    "You''re awake," he said softly, relief evident in his voice.

    I tried to speak, but my throat was dry. Lucas reached for a ss of water on the bedside table and helped me take a small sip.

    "Thank you," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

    Lucas''s expression was gentle as he set the ss down. "I''m sorry I didn''t get to you sooner."

    I shook my head slightly, wincing at the pain the movement caused. "You saved my life," I managed. "I''m grateful.¡±

    +15 Points >

    Hisrge hand remained on mine, his thumb tracing small circles on my skin. The gesture wasforting, grounding me in the present when all I wanted was to slip back into unconsciousness and escape the reality of what had happened.

    "The doctors say you have three broken ribs, a fractured wrist, and numerous contusions," Lucas informed me, his voice tight with controlled anger. "Who did this to you, Olivia?"

    Before I could answer, the door to my hospital room burst open. Ethan stood in the doorway, his amber eyes zing with fury as they fixed on Lucas''s hand covering mine.

    "ckwood!" he growled, striding into the room and grabbing Lucas''s wrist. "Get your hands off my wife!"

    Lucas rose to his full height, towering over Ethan. His gray eyes were cold as ice. "Where were you when she needed you, Stone?"

    Ethan''s face contorted with rage. "That''s none of your business!"

    "It became my business when I found her beaten half to death in the wilderness where you abandoned her," Lucas replied, his voice dangerously calm.

    Without warning, Lucas''s fist connected with Ethan''s jaw, sending him staggering backward. Ethan recovered quickly, his amber eyes glowing with rage as he prepared to retaliate.

    I couldn''t let this happen. Despite the pain shooting through my body, I forced myself out of the hospital bed, stumbling between the two men.

    "Stop!" I cried, cing myself in front of Lucas, shielding him with my battered body.

    Ethan froze, his fist raised mid-air. His amber eyes widened as they took in my appearance-the bandages, the bruises, the way I swayed on my feet.

    "Olivia," he whispered, his anger giving way to shock. "What happened to you?"

    I flinched away as he reached for me, hatred and betrayal burning in my emerald eyes. "Don''t touch me," I hissed. "Don''t you dare touch me."

    Ethan''s hand dropped to his side. "Olivia, please-"

    "Get out," I interrupted, my voice stronger than my weakened body suggested. "I don''t want you here." Lucas stepped forward, supporting me as my legs threatened to give way. "You heard her, Stone. Leave." Ethan''s gaze darted between us, a mixture of confusion and jealousy crossing his features. "She''s my mate," he insisted. "I have every right to be here."

    "You lost that right when you abandoned her," Lucas replied coldly. "Now leave before I call security."

    For a moment, I thought Ethan would refuse. Then, with a final re at Lucas, he turned and stormed out of the room.

    As the door closed behind him, my strength finally gave out. Lucas caught me before I hit the floor, gently lifting me back onto the hospital bed.

    "Rest now," he murmured, his gray eyes filled with concern. "You''re safe."

    But I wasn''t safe. Not really. Because the one thing that mattered most to me- Lily''s ashes-was gone. (Ethan''s POV)

    Chapter 71 Shattered Bon

    +15 Points >

    I paced the corridor outside Olivia''s hospital room, my mind racing. The sight of her battered body had shaken me to my core. Who had done this to her? And why was Lucas ckwood by her side instead of me?

    My phone rang, and I answered it immediately when I saw it was Maxwell.

    ¡°Alpha, we found him," Maxwell reported. "The man who attacked Luna Olivia. He''s being held at the abandoned warehouse on the edge of town."

    "I''m on my way," I replied, ending the call.

    Twenty minutester, I strode into the dimly lit warehouse. My security team had the attacker cornered, his face already bloodied from their interrogation.

    "This is him?" I asked, studying the man with cold detachment.

    Maxwell nodded. "Darius Reed. Known rogue wolf with a history of violent robberies."

    I approached Darius slowly, my amber eyes glowing in the dim light. He cowered against the wall, fear evident in his bloodshot eyes.

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    I descended the stairs of the abandoned warehouse, my footsteps echoing against the concrete. The dim lighting cast long shadows across the floor, illuminating the scene before me.

    My security team had done their job well. Too well, perhaps.

    Darius Reed knelt in the center of the room, his face a bloody mess. One eye was swollen shut, his lip split in multiple ces. Blood dripped from his nose onto the concrete floor.

    "Alpha King," Maxwell said, stepping forward with a respectful nod. "We found him trying to pawn the pendant at a shop in Shadow Creek."

    I approached Darius slowly, my amber eyes never leaving his pathetic form. He cowered as I drew near, his body trembling with fear.

    "Please," he whimpered, blood bubbling between his lips. "I didn''t know she was your mate. I swear!"

    I circled him like a predator stalking wounded prey. "Tell me what happened."

    Darius swallowed hard, wincing at the pain the simple action caused. "It was just a robbery, I swear. I only wanted money."

    "So you beat a defenseless woman half to death?" My voice was dangerously soft.

    "She wouldn''t give up the ne!" Darius protested, his bloodshot eyes darting around the room as if seeking an escape. "The woman was crazy about it-"

    The word "crazy" ignited something primal within me. Before I could stop myself, my foot connected with his jaw. The sound of teeth shattering filled the warehouse as Darius toppled sideways, blood spraying from his mouth.

    "Don''t you dare call her crazy," I growled, standing over his crumpled form.

    To my surprise, Maxwell stepped forward and delivered another kick to Darius''s ribs. My usuallyposed assistant''s face was contorted with rage.

    "That''s for insulting Luna Winters," Maxwell said, his voice cold.

    Darius curled into a ball, whimpering pathetically. "I''m sorry! Please... I have the pendant. Take it!"

    With shaking hands, he reached into his pocket and produced the crystal pendant-Lily''s pendant. The crystal caught the dim light, revealing the gray ashes inside.

    "It''s not even worth much," Dariusined, still not understanding what he had stolen. "I don''t know why she fought so hard for it."

    "I didn''t mean to hurt her so bad," Darius insisted. "She just wouldn''t let go!"

    I pocketed the pendant, my decision made. "Take him to the pack detention

    center," I ordered my security team. "I''ll deal with himter."

    As they dragged Darius away, his pleas for mercy echoing through the warehouse, I turned to Maxwell. "How

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    <

    < Chapter 72: The Memory...

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    is she?"

    Maxwell''s expression was grim. "Stable, but badly injured. Three broken ribs, a fractured wrist, severe bruising."

    I nodded, my jaw tight. "And ckwood?"

    "Still at the hospital," Maxwell replied, his tone careful. "He hasn''t left her side."

    +15 Points >

    The thought of Lucas ckwoodforting my mate sent a surge of jealousy through me. I had no right to feel possessive-not after abandoning Olivia for Victoria-but the emotion came unbidden nheless.

    "Let''s go," I said, heading for the door. "I need to see her."

    The drive to Silvercrest Pack Medical Den was silent, my thoughts consumed by what awaited me there. How would Olivia react to seeing me? Would she forgive me for leaving her alone in Deste Hollow?

    Deep down, I knew the answer. Some betrayals cut too deep for forgiveness.

    When we arrived at the medical center, I made my way directly to Olivia''s room. Through the partially open door, I could hear her voice-soft, broken, desperate.

    "It contains Lily''s ashes," she was saying, her voice catching on our daughter''s name. "It''s all I have left of her."

    I peered through the gap to see Olivia lying in the hospital bed, her small form dwarfed by the white sheets. Her face was bruised, one eye swollen, her lip split. Lucas ckwood sat beside her, hisrge hand covering hers.

    "I''ll find it," Lucas promised, his gray eyes unusually warm as they gazed at my mate. "Whatever it takes."

    The intimacy of the scene made my blood boil. I pushed the door open fully, standing in the doorway with my hands clenched at my sides.

    Olivia''s emerald eyes found mine, and the warmth in them instantly vanished, reced by a cold fury that chilled me to the bone.

    "Leave,¡± shemanded, her voice t with barely controlled anger.

    Lucas rose to his full height, his imposing frame blocking my path to Olivia''s bed. "You heard her, Stone."

    I ignored him, my eyes fixed on Olivia''s battered face. Without a word, I reached into my pocket and pulled out Lily''s Ashes Crystal Pendant.

    Olivia''s eyes widened, her gaze locked on the pendant dangling from my fingers. For a moment, the hatred in her eyes gave way to desperate hope.

    "Lily," she whispered, reaching for the pendant with trembling hands.

    In her eagerness to reim our daughter''s ashes, Olivia lunged forward too quickly. Her weakened body betrayed her, and she began to fall from the bed.

    I moved instinctively, catching her before she hit the floor. Her small form felt fragile in my arms, her body warm against my chest despite the coldness in her eyes.

    Olivia struggled against my hold, her hands pushing ineffectively against my chest. "Let me go," she hissed, her emerald eyes shing with defiance.

    I tightened my grip, refusing to release her. Instead, I turned slightly, positioning myself so that my back was

    111

    < Chapter 72 The Memory..

    to Lucas ckwood.

    "Don''t want the pendant anymore?" I whispered, my breath warm against her ear.

    Olivia stopped struggling, her emerald eyes meeting mine with undisguised anger. I held her gaze, challenging her to continue fighting me when I held what she wanted most.

    +15 Points >

    Over her head, I looked at Lucas, my expression deliberately provocative. This was my mate, regardless of my failings as her partner.

    "Tell him to leave," I whispered in Olivia''s ear, low enough that only she could hear. "Or you''ll never see this pendant again."

    Olivia''s body stiffened in my arms. "You''re despicable," she whispered back, her voice trembling with rage.

    But sheplied.

    "Lucas," she called, her voice suddenly polite despite the fury in her eyes. "Would you mind giving us a moment alone?"

    Lucas hesitated, his gray eyes seeking confirmation from Olivia. "Are you sure?"

    Olivia nodded, though the movement clearly caused her pain. "Yes. Thank you for everything, but I need to speak with Ethan privately."

    Lucas''s jaw tightened, but he respected her wishes. With a final warning nce at me, he left the room, closing the door behind him.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    The moment Lucas left, I tore myself from Ethan''s grasp. My body screamed in protest at the sudden movement, but my fury overrode the pain.

    "Give me my pendant," I demanded, my hand outstretched.

    Ethan''s amber eyes were unreadable as he studied my face. "Lie down first," he ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument.

    I wanted to refuse, to stand my ground, but my legs were already trembling from the effort of standing. Reluctantly, I returned to the hospital bed, my emerald eyes never leaving the crystal pendant in Ethan''s hand. To my surprise, Ethan walked to the door and locked it. The sound of the lock clicking into ce sent a chill down my spine.

    "What are you doing?" I asked, watching warily as he approached the bed.

    Without answering, Ethan reached for the buttons of my hospital gown. His fingers worked methodically, undoing the first three buttons before I realized his intent.

    I grabbed his wrist, stopping him. "What do you think you''re doing?"

    Ethan''s amber eyes shed with annoyance. "I want to see your injuries."

    "No," I refused, tightening my grip on his wrist. "Give me my pendant and leave."

    Ethan ignored my protests. With a simple twist, he freed his wrist from my grasp and continued unbuttoning my gown. His strength easily overpowered my weakened state as he forced my hand away.

    The hospital gown fell open, revealing the full extent of my injuries. Dark bruises covered my ribs and

    Chapter 72. The Memory...

    +15 Points >

    abdomen where Darius Reed had kicked me repeatedly. The skin was mottled purple and ck, with patches

    of sickly yellow at the edges.

    Ethan''s sharp intake of breath was the only indication of his shock. His face remained impassive as his eyes traveled over my battered body.

    "This is what you endured for a worthless trinket?" he asked, his voice tight with barely controlled anger.

    His dismissal of Lily''s remains felt like a physical blow. Without thinking, I pped him with all the strength I could muster. The sound echoed in the quiet hospital room.

    "Shut up!" I yelled, my voice breaking with emotion. "You have no right to talk about this pendant! It''s priceless to me. Give it back!"

    I lunged for the crystal pendant in his hand, desperate to reim my daughter''s remains. Ethan''s face darkened with rage, his with fury at my defiance.

    r eyes glowing

    In one swift motion, he turned and flung the pendant out the open window.

    "No!" I screamed, watching in horror as the crystal caught the sunlight before disappearing from view.

    I scrambled to the window, ignoring the pain shooting through my body.

    I stared in horror at the rippling water where my daughter''s remains had disappeared.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 115

    (Olivia''s POV)

    "No!"

    The scream tore from my throat as I watched Lily''s remains disappear into the water below. My eyes, bloodshot and wild with desperation, tracked the crystal pendant''s arc through the air before it vanished beneath the rippling surface of the Moonlit Reflection Pool.

    "Lily..." I murmured, my voice breaking on my daughter''s name.

    Without thinking, I tumbled out of the hospital bed, ignoring the searing pain that shot through

    my battered body. I rushed to the window, my heart pounding frantically in my chest. The

    rational part of my mind knew the drop was dangerous, but I didn''t care. All that mattered was

    saving what remained of my daughter.

    I leaned dangerously far out, my body already halfway through the opening. The cool night air

    hit my face as I stared down at the shimmering water below. I was toote. The pendant

    containing Lily''s ashes had already disappeared beneath the surface.

    Strong hands suddenly gripped my waist, pulling me back from the edge. Ethan''s fingers dug into my skin as he yanked me away from the window.

    "What the hell are you doing?" he demanded, his amber eyes zing with anger and

    confusion.

    He couldn''t understand. How could he? He''d never cared about Lily when she was alive. Why

    would he care about her remains now?

    I pushed against his chest with all my strength, surprising both of us with the force of my fury. "Get away from me!"

    My eyes burned with unshed tears as I shoved past him. I had to get to the pool. I had to find Lily''s pendant before it was lost forever.

    I didn''t spare Ethan a second nce as I rushed out of the room, my mind

    consumed with only one thought: saving what remained of my daughter. The hospital corridor blurred around me as I ran toward the elevator.

    "Olivia Winters!" Ethan''s voice boomed behind me, but I ignored him.

    < Chapter 73 Shattered Memor

    +8 Points>

    I mmed my palm against the elevator button repeatedly, willing the doors to open faster.

    When they finally did, I stumbled inside and jabbed at the ground floor button. Just as the

    doors began to close, I caught a glimpse of Ethan running toward me, his face contorted with

    rage.

    The doors shut in his face, and I sagged against the elevator wall, my breathing in short,

    painful gasps. My ribs screamed in protest with each inhale, but I pushed the pain aside.

    Nothing mattered except getting to Lily.

    When the elevator reached the ground floor, I burst out and headed straight for

    the back exit of the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den. The cool night air hit me like a physical blow as I stumbled

    outside, my thin hospital gown offering little protection against the chill.

    I spotted the Moonlit Reflection Pool immediately, its surface shimmering under the pale light of the moon. Without hesitation, I ran toward it, my bare feet pping against the cold ground.

    My mind was clouded by grief, all reason abandoned. All I knew was that Lily had fallen into the water, and I had to get her back. Nothing else mattered.

    I reached the edge of the pool and climbed over the decorative railing, preparing to jump in.

    The water looked ck and bottomless in the moonlight, but I didn''t care about the danger. I

    had to find Lily.

    "Olivia Winters!"

    Ethan''s voice cut through the night just as I was about to leap. Before I could jump, his hand mped around my wrist, yanking me backward with such force that I fell against his chest.

    His arms wrapped around me like steel bands, trapping me against him. I could feel his heart

    hammering against my back as he held me tightly.

    ¡°Let me go!¡± I screamed, struggling against his grip. ¡°I need to find her!"

    Ethan''s hand pressed against my back, his fingers feeling the protruding bones through my thin hospital gown. I felt his body stiffen as he realized how much weight I''d lost.

    I trembled violently, my lips turning blue with cold in the moonlight. Without warning, Ethan opened his ck Alpha Overcoat and wrapped it around me, ignoring my struggles.

    "Are you crazy?" he growled, his face darkening with anger. "Do you know what you''re doing? In this weather? Jumping into the water?" His voice dripped with sarcasm as he added, "Do

    you think you''re too healthy?"

    I didn''t care about his concern or his anger. All I cared about was retrieving Lily''s ashes.

    < Chapter 73 Shattered Memor

    +8 Points>

    "Ethan Stone, my business is none of your business, let me go!" I twisted in his arms, trying to

    break free. The warmth I once craved from him now felt suffocating. "Ethan Stone, I told you to

    let me go, do you hear me?!"

    My voice rose to a shout, my eyes shing with desperation and fury. I needed him to

    understand that nothing mattered more than finding that pendant.

    Ethan''s anger seemed to intensify with each passing second. His fingers dug painfully into my

    wrist as he began dragging me back toward the medical den.

    "Back to the ward," hemanded, his voice leaving no room for argument. "Stop this

    madness."

    I resisted with every ounce of strength I had left, biting and kicking like a wild animal. But my

    weakened state was no match for his werewolf strength.

    The Silvercrest Pack Medical Den was quiet at this hour, but ourmotion attracted attention. Patients and their families peeked out from their rooms, whispering among themselves as they watched the Alpha King dragging his struggling mate through the

    corridors.

    Ethan''s face darkened further as he sensed the attention we were drawing. "Olivia Winters, are you done?" he hissed through clenched teeth. "For that piece of

    junk-"

    "Ethan Stone, shut up!" I couldn''t bear to hear him call Lily''s pendant junk one more time. My chest heaved with anger as I cut him off. "I won''t let you insult that pendant again. It''s not

    junk, it''s..."

    The words ¡°made of Lily''s ashes" caught in my throat. I couldn''t bring myself to say them, to make myself that vulnerable to him again.

    Suddenly, the world tilted around me. Thebination of emotional distress and physical injuries overwhelmed my system. My vision blurred, then darkened at the edges. I stumbled, my knees buckling beneath me.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 116

    Ethan''s expression changed instantly from anger to concern. Before I could fall,

    he scooped me up into his arms, cradling me against his chest.

    I tried to struggle, but my strength had abandoned me. "Put me down," I

    whispered, my

    weak and trembling.

    voice

    "Olivia Winters," Ethan said in a low voice, "I don''t care what that pendant is, it doesn''t matter to me. But you, do you have to make me call Dr. Reba Winters

    to give you a sedative before you calm down and stop making a fuss?"

    < Chapter 73. Shattered Memor

    +8 Points >

    I met his impatient gaze, a sharp pain stabbing at my heart. How could he say it didn''t matter?

    Of course, Lily had never mattered to Ethan when she was alive, let alone her ashes now.

    Seeing that I had finally quieted down, Ethan carried me back to the Recovery Chamber. I didn''t struggle anymore; I was too exhausted, too weak to fight. The warmth of his body

    against mine felt like a cruel reminder of what we once had, of what might have been if he had

    loved our daughter as I did.

    Back in the chamber, Ethan ced me gently on the bed. His phone rang with Victoria''s

    distinctive ringtone, but to my surprise, he didn''t answer it. Instead, he turned and left the

    room, presumably to retrieve the healing supplies Maxwell Chen had brought. (Ethan''s POV)

    I took Dr. Harold Bet''s Rare Healing Salve from Maxwell at the door and returned to the

    Recovery Chamber. Olivia was restless in her sleep, her brow furrowed with distress. I

    assumed she was still shaken from the robbery, unaware of the true source of her turmoil.

    I walked quickly to the bedside and took her hand in mine. Her skin felt cold and fragile, like

    thin paper that might tear at the slightest pressure.

    "Don''t be afraid, I''m here," I murmured, my voice softening instinctively. "Sleep well."

    These words had alwaysforted her in the past. Whenever she was afraid, my touch would instantly calm her. But now, they had no effect. She remained agitated, her breathing shallow

    and uneven.

    I frowned, growing increasingly concerned. After a moment of hesitation, I got up and called

    Dr. Reba Winters.

    The doctor arrived promptly, her face professionally neutral as she administered a sedative to Olivia. Within minutes, Olivia''s breathing evened out, and she fell into a peaceful sleep.

    I watched as the lines of pain and distress smoothed from her face. Gently, I wiped away the tear stains from the corners of her eyes, my expression unreadable even to myself.

    After a moment, I looked away, turning up the heat in the room before returning to her bedside. With careful movements, I began unbuttoning her hospital gown. Under the influence of the sedative, Olivia remained unconscious, unaware of my actions.

    I gently removed her clothes, revealing her injuries once again. The sight made my eyes burn with rage. Her pale skin was mottled with bruises, dark purple and ck against her basterplexion. My heart clenched painfully, a strange feeling I''d been experiencing more and moretely.

    < Chapter 73 Shattered Memor

    +8 Points >

    The fury within me was almost uncontroble. I wanted to tear Darius Reed apart with my bare hands for daring to harm her.

    "Olivia Winters, what are you trying to do? Why have you be so stubborn?" I muttered, my tone harsh despite the gentleness of my touch.

    If she hadn''t resisted, if she had just gotten into the car with me, she wouldn''t

    have been in danger. She wouldn''t be lying here now, broken and bruised.

    I opened the jar of Dr. Harold Bet''s Rare Healing Salve, the pungent herbal scent filling the

    room. With careful movements, I began applying the medicinal ointment to her bruises, my fingers working methodically to disperse the blood clots beneath her skin.

    For the first time, my hands explored almost every inch of her skin, devoid of any lust. As I

    applied the salve, my gaze lingered on her bruised and battered body, my eyes filled with an

    unspoken tenderness that contradicted my recent coldness toward her.

    I didn''t understand why she had be so fixated on that pendant, why she would risk her

    life for it. But seeing her like this, so vulnerable and broken, awakened something protective

    within me that I thought had died long ago.

    (Victoria''s POV)

    I stood frozen in the doorway, watching the scene unfold before me with a mixture

    of jealousy

    and disbelief.

    Ethan''s hands moved across Olivia''s skin with a tenderness he rarely showed me, despite all

    my efforts to win his affection. His face, usually so guarded around me, was open and

    vulnerable as he tended to his true mate''s injuries.

    The sight made my stomach twist with envy. No matter what I did, no matter how hard I tried, I could neverpete with the bond between Ethan and Olivia.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 117

    Something was wrong. I could feel it in my bones as I watched Ethan hastily gather his things

    from our bedroom at Rosewood Haven.

    "Where are you going?" I asked, trying to keep my voice light despite the unease

    crawling up

    my spine.

    Ethan barely nced at me. "Pack business."

    Before I could question him further, he was already heading for the door. I followed him

    outside just in time to see him slide into his Shadow Ghost and drive away, tires squealing

    against the pavement.

    I immediately called his phone. He answered on the fourth ring.

    "What is it?" His voice was curt, impatient.

    "When will you be back?" I asked, hating how needy I sounded.

    "I have pack business to attend to. Rest early." He hung up before I could respond.

    I called back. No answer. I tried again. Still nothing.

    This was unprecedented. Ever since I''d presented him with his Ancestral Moonstone Amulet

    and transformed into the she-wolf he cherished, Ethan had prioritized me above all else.

    Despite his naturally cold Alpha demeanor, our childhood promise had bound us together. He

    always answered my calls immediately, no matter the time or ce.

    But recently, he hadn''t been answering right away. Today, he hadn''t answered at all.

    I tried to make excuses for him. Perhaps the pack business was truly urgent.

    Perhaps he was in a meeting. Perhaps his phone had died.

    But deep down, I knew better.

    I drove to the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den, my suspicions growing with each passing mile.

    When I arrived, I followed my instincts to Olivia''s room.

    What I saw through the partially open door made my blood run cold.

    Ethan was there, his hands moving across Olivia''s skin with a tenderness he rarely showed

    +8 Points

    1. me. His face, usually so guarded around me, was open and vulnerable as he tended to his true mate''s injuries.

    "Olivia Winters!¡± I hissed under my breath, clenching my fists as jealousy coursed through me.

    I hadn''t realized how skilled she had be at feigning innocence. At ying the victim. At manipting Ethan''s emotions.

    Ethan was mine. I would never let Olivia steal him away.

    A pack healer approached the room, and I quickly retreated. I couldn''t risk being discovered

    here, couldn''t risk ruining my carefully cultivated image in Ethan''s eyes.

    As I drove back to Rosewood Haven, my mind raced with ns. This wasn''t over. Not by a long shot.

    (Ethan''s POV)

    I finished applying Dr. Harold Bet''s Rare Healing Salve to thest of Olivia''s bruises and

    helped her redress in a clean hospital gown. Her skin felt warm beneath my fingers, her pulse

    steady and strong despite her injuries.

    I went to the bathroom to wash the medicinal residue from my hands, only to realize I''d

    forgotten to close the curtains. The moonlight streamed in, illuminating Olivia''s sleeping form

    on the bed.

    After locking the door and drawing the curtains, I stood beside the bed, watching the gentle

    rise and fall of her chest. I should leave, or at least go to the separate resting room prepared

    for me.

    Instead, I slipped into bed beside her, drawing her into my arms.

    Under the influence of the sedative, Olivia rested peacefully against me, her head tucked

    beneath my chin. I gazed at her for a long moment before dimming the lights, adjusting her

    position forfort, and closing my eyes.

    As dawn broke, I awoke ording to my internal clock. Olivia still slept soundly, the sedative

    still in effect.

    I found myself recalling the past five years of our rtionship. The misunderstanding about

    her supposed involvement in our daughter''s disappearance had forced an emotional

    separation between us. I''d resented her perceived deception but couldn''t deny the lingering

 The Alpha King is unavailable 118

    bond that drew me to her.

    Every time she''d called me back to the Imperial Gardens, I''d known it was intentional, yet I

    275

    < Chapter 74 Suspicions and C...

    couldn''t resist. Despite my resentment, my body craved her closeness.

    Now, knowing she hadn''t been responsible for hiding Lily, I held her, reluctant to

    let go. hadn''t been this docile in a long time, her usual defenses lowered by medication and

    exhaustion.

    +8 Points>

    She

    I traced the outline of her face with my fingertips, memorizing every curve and contour. The soft arch of her eyebrows, the delicate slope of her nose, the fullness of her lips.

    Her lips.

    Morning sunlight streamed through a gap in the curtains, illuminating her face. Her lips had regained their color after a night''s rest, no longer the pale, bloodless things they''d been when I''d found her in the hospital.

    My thumb unconsciously traced their outline, the gentle rise and fall of her breath against my palm a tantalizing sensation. I swallowed hard, my control slipping.

    I tilted her chin up slightly, my lips descending in a fervent kiss. Initially, I tried to be gentle, not

    wanting to wake her.

    But Olivia''s eyes suddenly fluttered open. A momentary confusion cleared quickly as she realized what was happening. Her expression turned icy.

    "Ethan Stone, get off me!" she demanded, her voice hoarse but firm.

    I pulled back slightly, surprised by her vehemence. Her emerald eyes zed with fury as memories of the previous night flooded back.

    "How dare you touch me after what you did?" she spat, her voice trembling with rage.

    Before I could respond, her hand connected with my cheek in a stinging p. The sound

    echoed in the quiet room.

    My face darkened. "Olivia Winters!" I growled, my amber eyes narrowing.

    "Get off!" she repeated, her voice even colder.

    She struggled against me, but I wouldn''t budge, my strength easily overpowering her. My expression grew dangerous, and I could see fear flicker in her eyes.

    She stopped struggling and pressed the call button for assistance. The revulsion in her eyes

    was palpable.

    The realization made my expression harden. I gave her onest look before getting out of bed, grabbing my ck Alpha Overcoat, and storming out of the room without a backward nce.

    < Chapter 74: Suspicions and C...

    (Olivia''s POV)

    A pack healer rushed in immediately after Ethan left, her eyes wide with concern.

    +8 Points >

    "Luna Winters, are you alright?" she asked anxiously, scanning me for any signs of distress.

    I forced a smile. "I''m fine. I identally pressed the button."

    The healer''s shoulders rxed. "It''s no trouble at all, Luna. Dr. Marcus Fletcher will be by

    shortly for a check-up before you can be discharged."

    I nodded, feeling much better physically, though my heart still ached for my lost pendant containing Lily''s ashes. After the healer left, I changed into the clothes Lucas ckwood had

    sent over.

    The soft fabric felt like a shield against the world as I prepared to leave the Silvercrest Pack

    Medical Den. I couldn''t stay here, not with Ethan so close. Not after what he''d done.

    My fingers instinctively reached for the spot where my pendant should have been. The

    emptiness there mirrored the hollowness in my chest.

    I would find a way to retrieve Lily''s ashes from the Moonlit Reflection Pool. I had to. But first, I

    needed to regain my strength.

    With a deep breath, I stepped out of the Recovery Chamber and made my way toward the exit,

    determined to put as much distance between myself and Ethan Stone as possible.

    (Victoria''s POV)

    I paced the length of my bedroom at Rosewood Haven, sleep eluding me as images of Ethan

    tending to Olivia yed on repeat in my mind.

    The tenderness in his touch. The vulnerability in his expression. The intimacy of the moment.

    It should have been me. It should always be me.

    As dawn broke, I emerged from my room, exhausted but resolute. Emma had already dressed

    herself and gone downstairs for breakfast.

    Martha Wilson, our housekeeper, greeted me in the hallway. "Good morning, Ms. Frost. Emma

    is ready for the Crescent Moon Training Den. Shall I call the driver?"

    I nodded absently. "Yes, please do."

    Knowing I wouldn''t be taking her to the training den today, Emma hadn''t disturbed

    me. She

    was a good girl that way, understanding when to give me space.

    +8 Points

    As soon as Emma left with Martha, I got in my car and drove straight to the training den. I needed to see Ethan, to force him to publicly acknowledge our rtionship and Emma as his

    daughter.

    No more shadows. No more secrets. It was time for Ethan to choose, once and for

    all.

    As I drove, I rehearsed what I would say to him. How I would remind him of our

    history, our bond, our love. How I would make him see that Olivia was manipting him, using her injuries

    to gain his sympathy.

    It was time for Olivia Winters to learn her ce once and for all.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 119

    (Victoria''s POV)

    I adjusted my dark sunsses and pulled my hood lower over my face as I

    watched from my

    hidden position near the yground. The disguise was simple but effective-no one at the

    Crescent Moon Training Den would recognize me.

    My eyes narrowed as I spotted Emma ying alone near the swings. She looked so small, so

    vulnerable. Perfect.

    I''d already done my part, whispering poisonous words to the Timber Triplets earlier. Those three young wolves were known troublemakers, and it hadn''t taken much to set them against

    Emma.

    "I heard her mother''s just the Alpha''s mistress," I''d told them, my voice dripping with false

    sympathy. "Poor Emma doesn''t even have a real father. Just a half-breed with no ce in the

    pack."

    Now I watched as they approached my daughter, their young faces twisted with cruel intent. My wolf purred with satisfaction inside me. Everything was going ording to n.

    "Hey, half-breed!" the tallest triplet called out to Emma. "Where''s your Alpha daddy today? Oh

    wait, you don''t have one!"

    Emma''s head snapped up, her small face hardening. "I do have a father!"

    The triplets circled her like predators, pushing her until she fell to the ground. Emma''s palms scraped against the rough pavement, but she didn''t cry. She remembered my lessons well-l

    hated tears.

    "Liar!" one of the triplets sneered. "Everyone knows your mom''s just the Alpha''s W***e!"

    I saw Emma''s face flush with anger. My daughter might be young, but she had inherited my temper. Her small wolf stirred beneath her skin, responding to her emotions.

    "My father loves me and my mother!" Emma shouted, lunging at the nearest triplet.

    I smiled behind my disguise. She was ying her part perfectly, even though she had no idea

    she was in a y of my making.

    The fight escted quickly. Emma was brave, but she was outnumbered. The triplets pushed

    her down again, harder this time. One of them kicked her in the side, and I heard Emma''s

    pained gasp.

    "Your mother''s a home-wrecker!" they taunted. "And you''re nothing but a mistake!"

    +8 Paints >

    I watched dispassionately as my daughter was beaten. The kick to her spleen was particrly

    vicious-exactly what I needed. My wolf''s eyes gleamed with satisfaction.

    Miss Abigail Parker finally noticed themotion and rushed over, her face flushed with

    rm.

    "Stop this immediately!" she shouted, pulling the triplets away from Emma.

    Emmay curled on the ground, clutching her side. There was dirt on her face and tears in her

    eyes, but she still refused to cry openly. I''d trained her well.

    ¡°Emma, are you alright?" Miss Parker knelt beside her, her voice gentle.

    Emma shook her head, her face contorted with pain.

    "I''m calling your mother right away," Miss Parker said, helping Emma to her feet.

    That was my cue. I slipped away quickly, discarding my disguise in a nearby trash can before hurrying back to my car. By the time my phone rang, I was already driving back toward the

    training den, a concerned expression carefully arranged on my face.

    "Ms. Frost? This is Miss Parker from Crescent Moon Training Den. There''s been an incident involving Emma."

    I gasped dramatically. "What happened? Is she okay?"

    "She was attacked by some other pups. She''s in the infirmary now."

    "I''ll be right there!" I eximed, injecting just the right amount of panic into my voice.

    I ended the call and allowed myself a small, satisfied smile. My wolf purred with contentment. Everything was going exactly as nned.

    When I arrived at the Crescent Moon Training Den, I rushed through the doors, my face a perfect mask of maternal concern. My wolf projected protective energy as I hurried to the infirmary.

    "Emma!" I cried, rushing to embrace my daughter who sat on an examination table.

    Emma winced at my touch but didn''t pull away. Her eyes were still dry, but her face was pale with pain.

    +8 Points >

    "Ms. Frost," Miss Parker approached me, her expression grave. "I''m so sorry this happened. We''ve already disciplined the pups responsible."

    Healer Grace Thompson stood nearby, her hands sped in front of her. "I''ve examined Emma, but I''m concerned about the blow to her side. I rmend taking her to the Silvercrest Pack

    Medical Den for a more thorough examination."

    I nodded, my eyes filling with perfectly timed tears. "Of course. Her father and I won''t let this

    matter rest, I assure you."

    I saw the surprise flicker across Miss Parker''s face at my mention of Emma''s father. Good. Word would spread quickly.

    "I''ll take care of my daughter now," I dered, lifting Emma carefully into my arms.

    Emma buried her face against my neck as I carried her out to the car. Once we were alone, she finally let out a small whimper of pain.

    "Mommy, it hurts," she whispered, her small wolf whimpering beneath her skin.

    I pulled over to the side of the road, not tofort her, but to make sure she understood her

    role.

    "Listen to me, Emma," I said, my voice firm. "Save your tears for your father. When we see Alpha King Ethan Stone, I want you to cry and tell him everything that happened."

    Emma looked at me with confusion. "But you always say crying is for the weak." "Not today," I replied, brushing her hair back from her face. "Today, I need you to cry. I need you to make your father feel sorry for you. Can you do that for Mommy?"

    Emma nodded slowly, wincing as another wave of pain hit her.

    "Good girl," I said, starting the car again. "Remember, our future depends on your performance

    today."

    My wolf''s eyes gleamed with determination as I pulled out my phone and called Ethan.

    "Ethan!" I cried, my voice breaking with practiced emotion. "Something terrible has happened

    to Emma! She was attacked at the training den!"

    "What?" Ethan''s voice was sharp with concern. "Is she alright?"

    "I don''t know," I sobbed. "She''s in pain. I''m taking her to the medical den now."

    "I''ll meet you there," he said immediately. "I''m already at the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den. I''ll have Dr. Jonathan Rivers waiting."

    < Chapter 75 A Mother''s Sche....

    +8 Points>

    I ended the call, satisfaction coursing through me. Ethan had dropped everything

    for Emma.

    For us.

    As we drove to the medical den, I nced in the rearview mirror and caught sight

    of Olivia

    Winters standing near the entrance. Perfect timing. She would witness Ethan''s concern for

    Emma firsthand.

    I watched as Olivia''s face paled at the sight of Ethan rushing to meet our car, his expression

    frantic with worry. Her wolf seemed to retreat deeper within her as she turned and

    walked

 The Alpha King is unavailable 120

    away, heading toward the Moonlit Reflection Pool.

    My n was working beautifully.

    (Ethan''s POV)

    I paced anxiously outside the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den, my wolf restless beneath my skin.

    Dr. Jonathan Rivers and his team were already prepared, waiting for Emma''s arrival.

    When Victoria''s car pulled up, I rushed forward, my heart pounding with fear. Emma''s small

    face was contorted with pain, her usual vibrant energy dimmed by her injury. "Daddy," she whimpered, reaching for me with trembling hands.

    I lifted her carefully from the car, cradling her against my chest. "I''m here, Emmy. You''re going

    to be fine."

    Victoria followed close behind, her face streaked with tears. "They attacked her, Ethan. Those

    pups called her terrible things."

    I carried Emma inside, my wolf growling protectively. Dr. Rivers immediately took charge,

    directing us to an examination room.

    "What happened?" he asked, his hands already gently probing Emma''s side.

    ¡°She was kicked in the spleen,¡± Victoria exined, her voice breaking. ¡°By other pups at the

    training den."

    Dr. Rivers''s expression grew serious as hepleted his examination. "Her spleen is nearly

    ruptured. She needs a blood transfusion immediately."

    I felt my blood run cold. "Do whatever is necessary."

    As the medical team prepared Emma for the procedure, I sat beside her, holding her small

    hand in mine. Victoria took the chair on the other side of the bed, her eyes never leaving

    Emma''s face.

    < Chapter 75: A Mother''s Sche.

    "It hurts, Daddy," Emma whispered, tears finally spilling down her cheeks.

    +8 Points >

    "I know, sweetheart," I murmured, brushing her hair back from her forehead. "But Dr. Rivers is

    going to make it better."

    Emma''s face crumpled suddenly, her emotions bursting forth like a dam breaking. "They said

    I''m a half-breed! They said Mommy''s a home-wrecker!"

    Her outburst agitated her injury, causing her to gasp with pain. Dr. Reba Winters stepped

    forward quickly, administering a sedative.

    "She needs to remain calm," Dr. Winters exined. "The sedative will help her rest while we

    prepare the transfusion."

    I nodded, my jaw tight with anger. Who would dare say such things about my Emma?

    As Emma drifted into sedated sleep, Victoria moved closer to me, her voice low and urgent.

    "Ethan, this can''t continue," she said, her eyes pleading. "For five years, I''ve endured being

    called your mistress. Emma has suffered being called a half-breed."

    I stared at Emma''s pale face, my heart heavy with guilt.

    "I''ve waited patiently," Victoria continued. "I''ve stood in the shadows while you maintained

    your marriage to Olivia. But look what it''s doing to our daughter.¡±

    She took my hand, her fingers trembling. "Complete our mate bond, Ethan. Acknowledge us

    publicly. Give Emma the legitimate status she deserves in this pack."

    My wolf stirred restlessly, protective instincts ring toward both Victoria and Emma. I''d loved

    Victoria since childhood, had promised myself to her long before I met Olivia.

    "You''re right," I said finally, my decision made. "This ends now. I''ll announce our rtionship to

    the pack."

    Victoria''s eyes filled with fresh tears, but these were tears of joy. "Thank you, Ethan. Emma

    and I have waited so long for this."

    I squeezed her hand, my resolve strengthening. It was time to follow my heart, to honor the promise I''d made to Victoria all those years ago.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I sat by the edge of the Moonlit Reflection Pool, my eyes scanning the water''s surface for any sign of Lily''s Ashes Crystal Pendant. The pendant was somewhere beneath those dark waters, containing all I had left of my daughter.

    < Chapter 75 A Mother''s Sche

    My fingers traced the empty spot at my neck where the pendant should have been. The

    hollowness there matched the emptiness in my chest.

    +8 Points

    The sound of hurried footsteps made me look up. Healer Lily Crawford rushed past, carrying a

    blood bag. She was heading toward the medical den, presumably for Emma''s transfusion.

    As she passed, I caught sight of thebel on the blood bag. Type B.

    Something clicked in my mind, a distant memory from my training as a pack healer. Blood

    types followed specific inheritance patterns.

    I stood quickly, my wolf suddenly alert despite her usual retreat. ¡°Excuse me, Healer

    Crawford?"

    The young healer paused, looking surprised. "Luna Winters? Can I help you?"

    "That blood," I said, pointing to the bag. "It''s type B?"

    "Yes," she replied, looking confused by my interest. "It''s for Emma Frost''s transfusion."

    "I see," I murmured, my mind racing. "Thank you."

    Healer Crawford hurried on her way, leaving me standing there with a startling realization forming in my mind.

    I knew Ethan''s blood type was A. Victoria''s was O. ording to basic gics, they couldn''t

    possibly produce a child with type B blood.

    Which meant Emma couldn''t be Ethan''s biological daughter.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 121

    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.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 122

    "The ceremony for Ethan and Victoria will be arranged for next month," I announced. "And Olivia''s adoption ceremony will take ce tomorrow at dawn."

    Ethan''s cold gaze fixed on Olivia, as if ming her for this turn of events. But my granddaughter-to-be stood tall, her dignity intact despite everything she had

    endured.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    Matriarch Evelyn''s private quarters were warm and inviting, a stark contrast to the cold

    formality of the Stone Ancestral Hall. The elderly she-wolf moved with surprising grace as she

    served me moonberry tea and venison, my favorites.

    "You must eat, child," she urged, her eyes kind but concerned. "You''ve grown too thin."

    I took a small bite of the venison, savoring the rich vor. "Thank you for dinner, Matriarch.

    And for... everything else."

    She waved away my thanks. "I should have done it years ago. That Victoria has had too much

    influence over my grandson."

    I sipped my tea, unsure how to respond. Matriarch Evelyn''s memory issues meant she

    sometimes forgot that Lily had died, that Ethan and I had been estranged for years.

    "How is my great-granddaughter?" she asked suddenly, confirming my thoughts. "Lily must be

    getting so big now."

    Painnced through my heart. "She''s... she''s at peace, Matriarch."

    Understanding flickered in the old woman''s eyes. "Ah, yes. Forgive me, child. Some days are

    < Chapter 76: Blood Secrets

    clearer than others."

    We finished our meal infortable silence. As I prepared to leave, Matriarch Evelyn squeezed my hand.

    "Remember who you are, Olivia. A true Luna''s strengthes from within, not from her

    Alpha."

    +8 Points >

    I nodded, touched by her wisdom and support. As I walked through the hallway toward the exit, voices from Ethan''s study caught my attention.

    "I''ll add Emma to the Stone family registry tomorrow," Ethan was saying. "She deserves her

    rightful ce in our lineage."

    My steps faltered. My enhanced werewolf hearing had picked up every word clearly. Emma would receive a privilege that had been denied to Lily, my sweet daughter who had actually

    carried Stone blood.

    My wolf howled in silent anguish at this final betrayal. Lily had died without ever being

    officially recognized as part of the Stone family, while Emma-who I now suspected wasn''t

    even Ethan''s biological child-would receive full recognition.

    The injustice of it burned like fire in my veins, deepening my resentment toward Emma and

    strengthening my resolve to uncover the truth about her parentage.

    I straightened my shoulders and continued walking. Soon, very soon, the truth woulde to

    light.

    (Victoria''s POV)

    Ethan drove me back to Rosewood Haven in silence, his wolf unusually distant. When we

    reached the entrance to the property, he stopped the car but didn''t turn off the engine.

    "You''re noting in?" I asked, trying to keep the disappointment from my voice.

    "Pack business," he replied curtly. "I need to handle some urgent matters."

    I ced my hand on his arm, feeling the tension in his muscles. "Is everything alright? You

    seem distracted."

    His amber eyes met mine briefly. "Just tired. It''s been a long day."

    "Of course," I said, forcing a smile. "Will youe by tomorrow to see Emma?¡±

    He nodded. "I''ll try. Give her a kiss for me."

    As I exited the car, I couldn''t shake the feeling that something had changed. His wolf, usually

    so responsive to my presence, seemed withdrawn, preupied.

    +8 Points >

    I watched his Shadow Ghost disappear down the driveway, a sense of unease settling in my stomach. After all these years, after finally getting Ethan to agree toplete our mate bond, why did it feel like he was slipping away?

    (Olivia''s POV)

    The pack driver dropped me off at Maple Grove, his expression carefully neutral. Being

    officially adopted by the Matriarch had already changed how pack members treated me-with

    cautious respect rather than open disdain.

    As I walked toward my building, a familiar scent caught my attention-Ethan''s distinctive

    Alpha musk, powerful and unmistakable. My wolf tensed immediately.

    I spotted his Shadow Ghost parked in the shadows, its sleek ck surface reflecting the

    moonlight. I quickened my pace, hoping to reach my door before he approached. "Olivia."

    His voice carried from the darkness, the unmistakablemand of an Alpha in every syble.

    I kept walking, pretending not to hear.

    In an instant, he was beside me, moving with supernatural werewolf speed. His hand closed

    around my wrist with frightening strength.

    "We need to talk," he growled, his amber eyes glowing in the darkness.

    I tried to pull away. "I have nothing to say to you."

    His grip tightened. "This isn''t a request."

    Before I could protest further, he was pulling me toward his vehicle, his wolf''s dominance

    overwhelming my feeble resistance. With one fluid motion, he opened the

    passenger door and

    forced me inside.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 123

    I felt my body m against the leather seat as Ethan shoved me into his Midnight Maybach. The familiar scent of his car-leather and his Alpha musk-filled my nostrils, bringing back

    unwanted memories.

    "Let me go!" I shouted, struggling against his iron grip.

    My wolf surged forward, lending me strength. I managed to twist my body and kick him

    squarely in the chest. He grunted but didn''t release me.

    My enhanced senses detected someone walking nearby. "Help!" I screamed, hoping they

    would hear me.

    Ethan''s reaction was lightning-fast. He mmed the car door shut and locked it with a click,

    then activated the special tinting that turned the windowspletely opaque from the

    outside.

    "Scream again,¡± he threatened, his amber eyes glowing with dominance, "and you''ll regret it."

    I was trapped. His werewolf strength far exceeded mine, and we both knew it. Anger surged

    through my body, my wolf bristling beneath my skin.

    This soundproofed luxury vehicle had once been a ce of passion between us. I remembered

    our first time here, when I had desperately needed money for Lily''s treatments. I had gone to

    Stone Pack Enterprises, and he had taken me in the underground parking garage. Now, despite his proximity, my wolf felt nothing but cold detachment. The mate bond that had

    once burned so brightly between us had withered to almost nothing.

    "What is your problem?" I asked coldly, my emerald eyes shing with defiance.

    "You need to convince my grandmother to abandon this ridiculous adoption idea," he

    demanded, his voice hard with authority.

    I didn''t hesitate. "No."

    His jaw tightened, a muscle twitching beneath his skin. "Do you understand what this means?

    If she adopts you into the Stone family, you''ll legally be my sister."

    "And?" I challenged.

    315

    < Chapter 77: Shattered ss

    +8 Points>

    "It will permanently sever any possibility of renewing our mate bond," he growled, his wolf''s

    frustration evident in his tone.

    A bitterugh escaped my lips. "Ethan Stone, don''t tell me you still think I love you and want to

    be with you?"

    His eyes widened slightly, surprise flickering across his face.

    "I wee the adoption," I continued, my voice gaining strength. "It will sever any possibility of a rtionship between us. I couldn''t ask for anything more!"

    My wolf howled in agreement within me, standing firm against his dominance for perhaps the

    first time since we''d met.

    (Ethan''s POV)

    Her words hit me like a physical blow. My wolf snarled beneath the surface, refusing to believe

    what we were hearing.

    "I''m adding both Emma and Lily to the Stone family registry tomorrow," I said, trying to regain control of the situation. "Consider itpensation for my past neglect."

    I watched her face, expecting gratitude or at least acknowledgment of my gesture. Instead, her expression hardened further.

    "Lily doesn''t want it!" she cried, her voice breaking. "She never wanted anything from you except your time and love, which you never gave her!"

    Her wolf''s grief was palpable, filling the confined space of the vehicle.

    "All those gifts you gave her over the years," she continued, her voice trembling with emotion, "were they just Emma''s hand-me-downs?"

    The usation stung, partly because there was truth in it. I had often bought matching gifts for both girls, giving Emma''s to her first.

    My anger escted, my wolf''s dominance surging forward. "You haven''t moved on, Olivia. This is just jealousy speaking."

    Her emerald eyes shed dangerously. "Jealousy? Of what? Your neglect? Your betrayal?"

    "Whose pack would Lily prefer to belong to?" I challenged. "Mine or Lucas ckwood''s?"

    The mention of the rival Alpha was deliberate, meant to provoke her. It worked. "Any pack would be better than yours," she spat. "You were never fit to be Lily''s father."

    215

    < Chapter 77: Shattered ss

    Her next words cut deeper than any knife could have. "My greatest regret is that night five years ago. I wish I had never fallen in love with you. I wish I had never conceived Lily."

    +8 Points

    Her wolf howled in anguish at the admission, the painful truth of her words filling the confined

    space between us.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    My words ignited a firestorm of rage within Ethan. His wolf surged forward as he grabbed my jaw with bruising force and kissed me forcefully, attempting to assert his dominance as my

    Alpha mate.

    I struggled against him, turning my head, but he held me tight with his superior strength. I fought with everything I had, keeping my lips pressed firmly shut, my body and wolf radiating

    repulsion.

    I could sense his confusion as he felt my genuine disgust. In the past, no matter

    how angry I

    had been, my wolf had always submitted to his. But not anymore.

    A flicker of panic crossed his amber eyes as he realized my rejection was real-my

    wolf was

    no longer responding to his.

    "Get away from me!" I hissed when he finally released my mouth. "Don''t touch me, I''m

    disgusted!"

    My wolf recoiled from his scent, the thought of himpleting the mate bond with Victoria-

    the woman I believed responsible for Lily''s death-making my stomach churn.

    Ethan''s expression darkened further, a desperate need to disprove my words driving him to

    be even more aggressive. His Alpha pheromones filled the confined space, attempting to

    force my submission.

    His hands gripped my shoulders painfully as he pushed me against the seat, his

    wolf

 The Alpha King is unavailable 124

    determined to reim what he still considered his.

    Suddenly, a loud bang echoed on the car window. Through the tinted ss, I could make out a tall figure standing outside.

    ¡°Ethan Stone, let Olivia Winters go!" Themanding Alpha voice belonged to Lucas

    ckwood.

    A glimmer of hope sparked in my despairing eyes. Despite knowing the soundproofing would likely muffle my cries, I called out. "Lucas, save me!"

    My plea only fueled Ethan''s rage, his wolf howling with jealous fury. He intensified his assault,

    < Chapter 77: Shattered ss

    his grip tightening painfully.

    "He can''t save you!" Ethan growled. "Olivia Winters, you are mine!"

    +8 Points

    He kissed me again, determined to silence me and erase Lucas ckwood''s name from my lips, his wolf desperately trying to reestablish dominance over his mate.

    (Lucas''s POV)

    I had received an anonymous text message about Ethan''s presence at Maple Grove.

    Something about the message had set my wolf on edge, urging me to investigate

    immediately.

    When I arrived, my enhanced senses detected Olivia''s distress pheromones even through the

    vehicle''s specialized instion. The car was rocking slightly, and I could hear muffled protests

    from inside.

    My wolf surged forward with protective rage. I pounded on the window with Alpha strength,

    calling out Ethan''s name.

    "Ethan Stone, let Olivia Winters go!"

    There was no response, but my wolf''s hearing caught Olivia''s faint cry for help. The sound of her voice calling my name triggered something primal within me.

    The tinted windows prevented me from seeing clearly inside, but I knew I needed to act quickly. I rushed to my own vehicle and retrieved a fire extinguisher from the trunk.

    Without hesitation, I swung the heavy metal canister at the window with all my werewolf strength. The specialized ss was designed to withstand significant force, but it was no

    match for an enraged Alpha.

    The window shattered with a satisfying crash, ss shards flying inward.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    The sound of shattering ss filled the car. In an instant, Ethan''s demeanor changed. Despite

    his rage, his wolf''s protective instincts took over, and he shielded my body with his

    own.

    I felt him flinch as ss shards embedded themselves in his back. The scent of his blood filled the confined space, metallic and sharp.

    Before I could process what was happening, Lucas had reached through the broken window and unlocked the door. With impressive werewolf strength, he pulled Ethan out of the car.

    Ethan stumbled, momentarily disoriented by the sudden attack. Before he could regain his

    footing, Lucas''s fist connected with his face in a powerful punch.

    The two Alphas stood facing each other, their eyes glowing with challenge, their wolves bristling beneath their skin.

    * Points 2

    I realized I was wrapped in Ethan''s ck Alpha Overcoat. He must have ced it around me

    unconsciously during the chaos, his wolf''s protective instincts overriding his anger.

    I stepped out of the car, my emerald eyes zing with fury, my wolf howling for retribution.

    Without hesitation, I approached Ethan and pped him hard across the face, putting all my

    strength behind the blow.

    The sound echoed in the night air, and when I pulled my hand away, the imprint of my palm

    was clearly visible on his cheek.

    "Never touch me again,¡± I hissed, my voice trembling with rage.

    Ethan stood frozen, shock evident in his amber eyes. Not from the physical pain- a p from

    a she-wolf would hardly hurt an Alpha of his strength-but from the finality of my rejection.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 125

    I felt my fist connect with Ethan Stone''s jaw, the impact sending a satisfying jolt up my arm. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, but the Silvercrest Alpha barely flinched.

    His amber eyes shed with fury as he lunged at me, his wolf surging forward with territorial rage. I braced myself, absorbing the impact of his attack before shoving him back.

    "What the hell do you think you''re doing?" I growled, grabbing his cor. ¡°Forcing yourself on Olivia Winters?"

    My gray eyes shed with protective fury. I could still smell her distress pheromones lingering in the night air.

    Ethan''s lip curled into a snarl. "She''s my mate. This is none of your business, ckwood."

    "Your mate?" Iughed coldly. "Is that how you treat your mate? By assaulting her in your car?"

    I tightened my grip on his cor, my wolf bristling beneath my skin. "Olivia is my girlfriend now. My scent is on her. Stay away from her."

    The lie came easily, my wolf instinctively wanting to protect her from this man who had caused her so much pain.

    Ethan''s eyes widened, his wolf howling with rage at my im. "You''re lying."

    "Am I?" I challenged, deliberately letting my scent mingle with the air around us. "Why don''t you ask her yourself?"

    (Ethan''s POV)

    My wolf howled with jealous rage at Lucas''s im. The thought of another Alpha- especially Lucas ckwood-touching my mate sent primal fury coursing through my veins.

    I attacked him again, my fists connecting with his chest. "She''s mine!" I roared, my amber eyes glowing with dominance.

    The sound of a car door opening caught my attention. Olivia had finally exited my damaged Midnight Maybach, her emerald eyes wide as she witnessed our confrontation.

    She looked exhausted, her slender frame swaying slightly. Despite this, determination shed across her face as she reached for her Crystal-Studded Designer Handbag.

    < Chapter 78 Blood Rivals

    Before I could react, she hurled it at me with surprising force. It struck me squarely in the

    back.

    "Leave!" she shouted, her voice hoarse but firm. "Just leave, Ethan!"

    +8 Points

    Her emerald eyes shed with determination, though I could sense her wolf was weakened from our earlier struggle.

    Both Lucas and I rushed toward her, but she deliberately stepped away from me. Instead, she leaned into Lucas''s arms, her wolf seeking his protection.

    The sight of her choosing another Alpha over me sent a wave of cold fury through my body. My wolf howled in anguish, refusing to ept what was happening.

    "Take me home," she whispered to Lucas, her voice barely audible but carrying the weight of

    her decision.

    I stood frozen, watching as my mate chose another wolf over me. The imprint of her hand still

    burned on my cheek, a physical reminder of her rejection.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    Lucas guided me into my apartment at Maple Grove, his strong arm supporting my waist. My

    legs felt weak, my wolf still agitated from the confrontation with Ethan.

    "Sit," Lucasmanded gently, leading me to the couch. "I''ll make you some tea.¡±

    I watched as he moved efficiently around my small kitchen, finding the moonberry tea and

    honey without needing direction. His powerful Alpha presence filled my apartment, but unlike

    Ethan''s suffocating dominance, Lucas''s energy felt protective, respectful.

    "Thank you," I said as he handed me the steaming mug. "For everything."

    My hands trembled slightly as I reached into my pocket and pulled out several dark strands of

    hair. ¡°I managed to pull these from Ethan''s head during our struggle in the car." Lucas raised an eyebrow, his gray eyes curious but not judgmental.

    "I need you to arrange a blood test between Ethan Stone and Emma Frost," I exined, my

    voice steady despite my exhaustion.

    I didn''t borate further, and to his credit, Lucas didn''t ask for exnations. He simply

    nodded, his wolf responding to my need with protective loyalty.

    "Consider it done," he said, his deep voice reassuring.

    He studied my face, noting my evident exhaustion. My wolf''s energy was clearly depleted, my

    215

    < Chapter 78: Blood Rivals

    body running on thest reserves of adrenaline.

    +8 Points

 The Alpha King is unavailable 126

    "You need to rest," he said, rising from the couch. "I''ll handle everything. We''ll talk tomorrow."

    I nodded gratefully, too tired to argue. "Thank you, Lucas."

    As he moved toward the door, I called after him. "Be careful. Ethan won''t give up easily."

    Lucas''s lips curved into a confident smile. "Neither will I."

    (Lucas''s POV)

    Downstairs, Ethan Stone was waiting by his Shadow Ghost, smoking one of his Midnight Cigarettes. The blue-tinged smoke curled around him, his wolf''s agitation evident in his rigid

    posture.

    I walked past him, deliberately keeping my distance to avoid another confrontation. My wolf was still on high alert, ready to defend if necessary.

    "She''ll always be my mate," Ethan''s voice cut through the night air, his wolf''s possessive im

    unmistakable.

    I stopped but didn''t turn around. "She''s not your possession, Stone. She''s a person who deserves respect and kindness-things you''ve failed to give her."

    I turned to face him, my gray eyes cold in the moonlight. "You''ve already lost her."

    Ethan took another drag of his cigarette, his amber eyes reflecting the glowing tip. "You don''t

    understand the bond between us."

    "I understand enough," I replied. "I understand that you''ve hurt her repeatedly. I understand

    that she called for my help, not yours."

    I got into my vehicle but didn''t immediately drive away. Through the window, I observed Ethan,

    who continued to stare up at Olivia''s apartment.

    His Alpha Phone vibrated repeatedly with Victoria Frost''s distinctive ringtone, but he ignored it,

    his attention fixed on the window where Olivia''s silhouette was visible.

    I contemted his words, my wolf''s intuition questioning how the Silvercrest Alpha could

    have lost his true mate sopletely. Something didn''t add up in their story.

    Both of us remained outside Olivia''s building until dawn broke over the horizon, our wolves

    keeping silent vigil before finally departing in opposite directions.

    I had a blood test to arrange.

    < Chapter 78. Blood Rivals

    (Lucas''s POV)

    +8 Points >

    I went directly to the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den, using my status as an Alpha to gain immediate ess. Dr. Jonathan Rivers was already on duty, his experienced eyes widening slightly at my unexpected appearance.

    "Alpha ckwood," he greeted me with a respectful nod. "What brings you to our territory?"

    I pulled out the strands of Ethan''s hair that Olivia had given me. "I need an expedited blood

    Dr. Rivers raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by the unusual request. ¡°Emma Frost? The

    Alpha''s-"

    "The child he ims as his daughter," I interrupted, my gray eyes serious. "I need this handled with absolute discretion and priority."

    The doctor hesitated, his professional ethics clearly at war with the gravity of my request.

    "You owe me a favor," I reminded him quietly. "For your son''s treatment at Moonstone Medical Centerst year."

    His expression softened with recognition. ¡°Yes, of course. I''ll handle it personally."

    "How soon can I have the results?" I asked.

    "This afternoon," he promised. "I''ll call you myself."

    True to his word, Dr. Rivers contacted me just after lunch. His voice was carefully neutral as

    he confirmed the test wasplete.

    I drove immediately to Maple Grove, the sealed envelope burning a hole in my pocket. Olivia

    answered her door quickly, her emerald eyes alert despite the dark circles beneath them.

    "You have it?" she asked without preamble.

    I handed her the envelope. "See for yourself."

    Her fingers trembled slightly as she tore it open, her wolf''s anticipation palpable in the air

    between us.

    I watched her eyes scan the document, widening as they confirmed what she had suspected:

    Emma Frost was not Ethan Stone''s biological daughter. Their blood types werepletely

    ipatible, making it gically impossible for him to be her father.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 127

    I clutched the paternity test results in my hands, my emerald eyes shing with determination. The clinical words on the page burned into my mind: "Blood type ipatibility confirmed. Subject A cannot be the biological father of Subject B.¡±

    My wolf paced restlessly beneath my skin, hungry for justice.

    "After all these years," I whispered, carefully folding the document.

    I ced it alongside Lily''s death certificate in my Crystal-Studded Designer Handbag. These

    papers were my weapons now.

    Lucas watched me from across my living room, his gray eyes filled with concern.

    "What will you do with this information?" he asked.

    I met his gaze without hesitation. "I''m going to expose them both at the ceremony.

    The entire pack will know that Victoria has been lying for years."

    "They''ll try to stop you," Lucas warned, leaning forward. "Ethan won''t let you humiliate him

    publicly."

    "Let them try," I replied, my voice cold as ice. "I''ve lost everything that mattered to me. What

    more can they take?"

    My wolf growled in agreement, no longer afraid. We had been broken and rebuilt stronger.

    "I''ll be nearby if you need me," Lucas offered, his protective instinct evident.

    I smiled, genuinely touched by his concern. "Thank you, but this is my battle to fight."

    My wolf howled within me, sensing that the time for justice was approaching. For Lily. For everything we had endured.

    (Matriarch Evelyn''s POV)

    The dining room at Stone Estate was bathed in golden light as I shared dinner with Olivia. Despite my failing memory, I could still recognize the pain behind her brave face.

    "The venison is particrly good tonight," Imented, cutting my meat. "You should eat

    more, dear. You''re much too thin."

    *Chapter 79: A Looming Confr...

    Olivia smiled gratefully. "I''ll try, Grandmother."

    +3 Points

    The doors swung open suddenly. Ethan strode in with his father, Richard. I noticed how Olivia''s

    body tensed immediately, her eyes fixed firmly on her te.

    "Grandmother," Ethan greeted, bending to kiss my cheek. "You look well today."

    I didn''t return his smile. "What brings you here, Ethan? You rarely join us for dinner these days."

    Richard cleared his throat loudly. "We''vee to discuss the formal marking ceremony with

    Victoria Frost."

    My hand tightened around my fork. "I will not attend a false mating ceremony," I dered

    firmly. "Olivia is your true Luna."

    Ethan''s jaw tightened visibly. ¡°Grandmother, we''ve discussed this. Victoria and I-

    "Have disrespected packw and tradition," I cut him off sharply. "My answer remains no."

    Ethan''s amber eyes shed with frustration, his wolf bristling beneath the surface. "The ceremony will proceed regardless," Richard stated coldly. "The date is set for the 26th.

    Emma will be formally acknowledged as part of the Stone bloodline."

    I straightened in my chair, feeling my wolf''s ancient power stir within me. "The moon phase is

    spiritually inauspicious. I will not attend."

    My wolf knew something was wrong. Even with my failing memory, I could sense the

    wrongness of this union.

    After they left, I turned to Olivia, suddenly feeling clearer than I had in months. "You should stay with me that day, Olivia. I sense conflict approaching."

    She squeezed my hand gently. "I have responsibilities at Canis Enterprises. But thank you for

    your concern."

    I could see the determination in her eyes. Whatever she nned, I prayed the Moon Goddess

    would protect her.

    (Victoria''s POV)

    My elegant living room at Rosewood Haven was filled withughter as I celebrated with Ethan and Emma. After years of patience and careful nning, everything was falling into ce.

    "Do

    you

    like it, Daddy?" Emma twirled in her new dress, her eyes shining with adoration. Ethan smiled, though I noticed it didn''t quite reach his eyes. "You look beautiful, Emmy."

    < Chapter 79 A Looming Confr

    I sipped my champagne, savoring the moment. Soon, I would be officially

    recognized as the Alpha''s chosen mate. The Luna position that should have been mine years ago.

    "Will youe to my training den when other pups have their fathers visit?"

    Emma asked innocently, climbing onto Ethan''sp.

    I saw how he stiffened, a sh of something crossing his features. Guilt, perhaps? His wolf whined softly.

    "Of course he will," I answered quickly, shooting Ethan a warning nce. "Won''t you, darling?"

    Ethan nodded mechanically. "Yes, of course."

    He checked his Alpha Phone, frowning slightly. "I need to make a call. Excuse me."

    I watched him step onto the terrace, my wolf''s instincts on high alert. Something was bothering him.

    "Mommy, when will I officially be a Stone?¡± Emma asked, breaking my concentration.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 128

    I pulled her close, kissing her forehead. "Very soon, sweetheart. Just a few more days."

    On the terrace, I could see Ethan pacing as he spoke on his phone. His shoulders were tense,

    his free hand clenched into a fist.

    "What''s wrong with Daddy?" Emma whispered, following my gaze.

    I forced a smile. "Nothing, darling. He''s just busy with pack business."

    But my wolf knew better. Ethan was still haunted by doubts about Lily. I needed to distract

    him, keep him focused on our future.

    When he returned, his expression was troubled. "I need to go," he said abruptly.

    "But we were supposed to discuss the ceremony details," I protested, reaching for his arm.

    He pulled away. "Tomorrow. I''ll call you tomorrow."

    I watched him leave, my triumph suddenly tasting bitter. He was going to her again. I could

    sense it.

    (Ethan''s POV)

    I drove to Maple Grove, my wolf restless beneath my skin. Maxwell''s report had disturbed me

    more than I wanted to admit.

    Using my Alpha authority, I entered Olivia''s apartment. Her scent hit me

    immediately -

    moonflowers and grief, abination that made my wolf whine.

    < Chapter 79 A Looming Confr..

    +8 Pomts2

    I followed the scent to her bedroom, where I found Lily''s Memorial Portrait on the nightstand. The photograph showed a small, frail girl with my eyes and Olivia''s smile.

    The moonflowers surrounding the frame remained fresh despite the passing of time werewolf tradition for honoring the deceased.

    My wolf whined in confusion as I stared at the image. If Lily was truly gone, why couldn''t I remember her funeral? And if she wasn''t, why would Olivia create such an borate deception?

    I picked up the frame, my fingers tracing the child''s face. Something about her eyes - my eyes

    stirred a memory just beyond my reach.

    "Where are you, Lily?" I whispered, my wolf howling with a grief I didn''t understand.

    I set the portrait down carefully and searched the apartment for more evidence. In

    a drawer, I found a small stuffed wolf, worn with age and love.

    The tag read: "To Lily, Happy Birthday, Love Daddy."

    I didn''t remember buying it. I didn''t remember giving it to her. But it was in my handwriting.

    My phone rang - Victoria calling again. I silenced it, suddenly unable to bear her voice.

    What had I done? What had I forgotten?

    (Olivia''s POV)

    On the morning of the ceremony, I stood before my mirror, assessing my appearance with

    critical eyes.

    The pristine white dress and coat I''d chosen symbolized both mourning and purity in werewolf

    culture. The elders would understand the message immediately.

    My chestnut hair fell in soft waves around my shoulders. My emerald eyes were clear and

    determined, no longer clouded by tears.

    I carefully ced Lily''s death certificate and Emma''s paternity test results into my Crystal-Studded Designer Handbag. These papers would change everything.

    My wolf was unusually calm, having moved beyond grief to cold determination. We had

    suffered enough - watched as Victoria took everything that should have been ours, as Ethan

    neglected our daughter in favor of another man''s child.

    "Today, Lily," I whispered to my daughter''s portrait. "Today we get justice."

    I touched the Memorial Portrait gently before turning away. My phone buzzed with

    a message

    425

    < Chapter 79: A Looming Confr....

    +8 Points>

    from Lucas: "Are you sure about this?"

    I typed back quickly: "More sure than I''ve ever been."

    With a deep breath, I grabbed my keys and walked out the door. My wolf moved

    with purpose, no longer afraid of the confrontation ahead.

    The time for hiding in the shadows was over. Today, I would step into the light and speak the truth, no matter the consequences.

    With my head held high and my wolf''s strength flowing through me, I drove towards the

    Silvercrest Pack House, ready to confront the Alpha King with the truth that would shatter his

    carefully constructed world.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 129

    The grand ceremony at the Silvercrest Pack House was scheduled for 11 PM, but I arrived at 9:30 PM. The entrance was already crowded with luxury vehicles and prominent Alpha wolves from across the Northern Territories.

    My hands tightened around the steering wheel as I observed the scene from my car. Members of neighboring packs mingled outside, their wolves bristling with curiosity beneath their human skins. Journalists from werewolf media outlets positioned themselves strategically, cameras ready to capture the momentous asion.

    Tonight was the night Victoria had been waiting for - her official introduction as Ethan''s chosen mate. And more importantly, Emma would be formally acknowledged as part of the Stone bloodline.

    I watched as Ethan and his father greeted guests with formal dignity. Their matching ck suits and stern expressions reflected the solemnity of the asion. After a few minutes, Ethan excused himself, likely to prepare for the ceremony.

    My wolf remained unnaturally calm within me. We had moved beyond fear and grief to cold

    determination.

    I stepped out of my car once I saw Ethan and his father leave the entrance. My white dress

    and coat - symbols of both mourning and purity in werewolf culture - stood out among the

    colorful formal attire of the other guests.

    My Crystal-Studded Designer Handbag felt heavy against my side, weighted with the evidence

    that would shatter their carefully constructed fa?ade.

    "Olivia Winters?" A young beta wolf approached me, recognition dawning in his eyes. "I didn''t

    expect to see you here tonight."

    I offered him a cold smile. "I wouldn''t miss it for the world."

    (Victoria''s POV)

    I stood on the second-floor staircase, admiring my reflection in the ornate mirror. My Full

    Moon Haute Couture Gown - specially acquired by Ethan before its public release - hugged

    my curves perfectly.

    < Chapter 80: An Unexpected C...

    "Mommy, do I look pretty?" Emma twirled beside me in her matching smaller gown.

    +8 Points

    "You look perfect, darling," I assured her, adjusting the crystal pin in her hair. "Tonight, everyone will see that you''re the true daughter of the Alpha King."

    My wolf preened beneath my skin. After seven long years, I would finally be acknowledged as

    Ethan''s chosen mate the future Luna of the Silvercrest Pack.

    I scanned the growing crowd below, searching for one face in particr. Part of me hoped

    Olivia would be here to witness my triumph. What satisfaction it would bring to see the defeat

    in her eyes!

    Through the mirror, I caught sight of her entering the main hall. Her white attire stood out

    among the guests like a ghost at a celebration.

    My lips curved into a smile. "Perfect," I whispered.

    Emma tugged at my dress. "Is it time yet, Mommy?"

    I nodded, taking her small hand in mine. "Yes, sweetheart. It''s time to im what''s

    rightfully

    ours."

    We began our descent down the grand staircase, every eye in the room turning toward us. My

    wolf howled with triumph beneath my skin.

    Seven years of patience was about to pay off.

    I spotted Ethan and his father approaching the bottom of the stairs. Ethan''s amber eyes

    locked with mine, his expression unreadable but his posture rigid with Alpha authority.

    "Daddy!" Emma called out sweetly, her voice carrying clearly through the hall. "Grandpa!"

    Ethan''s father nodded curtly. I knew he wasn''t particrly fond of Emma - he had always preferred male heirs to continue the Alpha bloodline. But I had promised to bear him several strong male pups once Ethan and I were officially mated.

    "You look beautiful, Emmy," Ethan said, embracing her with a tenderness he had never shown

    his biological daughter.

    My wolf purred with satisfaction as Ethan took my arm. Together, we proceeded toward the Stone Ancestral Hall, the sacred space where pack bloodlines were officially recorded and

    recognized.

    From the corner of my eye, I saw Olivia watching us, her emerald eyes cold and calcting. Let her watch, I thought. Let her see what she has lost.

    215

    Chapter 80. An Unexpected C...

    (Olivia''s POV)

    +8 Points 2

    I followed at a distance as the procession moved toward the Stone Ancestral Hall. The sacred space was filled with senior pack members, their wolves subdued in respect for the hallowed ground.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 130

    The walls were adorned with ancestral carvings generations of Stone Alphas watching over the proceedings with stone eyes. Only Matriarch Evelyn was absent, having refused to attend what she called a "false ceremony."

    Emma, clearly coached by Victoria, bowed deeply to each ancestral carving. Her forehead nearly touched the ground in exaggerated reverence that seemed unnatural for a child her age.

    Bernard Sheppard, the Stone family''s loyal head butler, stood ready with the ancestral pack records. His weathered hands opened the ancient tome with practiced reverence.

    Victoria''s excitement was palpable, her scent thick with triumph. She pulled out her phone and snapped a photo as Bernard dipped his pen in ink.

    My phone buzzed in my pocket. I didn''t need to look to know Victoria had sent me the image, a final taunt before her victory wasplete.

    Bernard began to write. "Stone..." The first character of Emma''s new surname appeared on the sacred page.

    My wolf surged forward, lending strength to my voice as I called out: "Stop!"

    The double doors of the Stone Ancestral Hall flew open with a bang. Bernard''s hand trembled, and ink sttered across the ancient pack records.

    Elder Richard Stone''s face contorted with rage at the desecration. He grabbed the Ancestral

    Pack Whip from its ceremonial stand andshed out at me.

    "How dare you interrupt a sacred ceremony!" he roared.

    Before the whip could strike me, Ethan moved with Alpha speed, cing himself between us.

    The whipshed across his back, tearing through his formal jacket.

    His amber eyes met mine, confusion evident in their depths. His wolf had responded

    instinctively to protect me, even as his human mind struggled to understand why.

    "Olivia, leave now," he urged, his voice low and intense. "We can discuss thister."

    Victoria clutched Emma to her side, her expression a perfect mask of concern while her scent

    betrayed her anger.

    Chapter 80: An Unexpected C.

    *8 Ports)

    "Please, Olivia,¡± she pleaded sweetly. "Don''t disrupt this auspicious timing aligned with the moon''s phase. Think of the pack."

    Her words further inmed Elder Richard''s anger. "Remove her!" he ordered the Pack Servants who stood at attention along the walls.

    Ethan ced a hand on my arm. "I''ll add Lily to the records when she returns," he said, though his tonecked conviction. "There''s no need for this scene."

    A coldugh escaped my lips. My emerald eyes fixed on Victoria as contempt surged through our bond.

    I pushed Ethan aside and addressed the pack elders directly. "May I ask what the primary requirement is for entering the pack''s ancestral records?"

    Bernard Sheppard replied with formal dignity, "Naturally, it is to be of Stone pack bloodline."

    I nced pointedly at Victoria, whose face suddenly drained of color. Her wolf whined with apprehension as she realized my intentions.

    She grabbed Ethan''s arm, fear evident in her eyes and scent. "Ethan, don''t let her do this."

    Ethan''s face grew grim, his wolf bristling with territorial aggression. He moved to force me from the hall, but I had anticipated this reaction.

    I evaded his grasp with unexpected agility and presented Emma''s paternity test report to Bernard. The paper trembled slightly in my hand, but my voice rang clear through the sacred hall.

    "Emma Frost is not Ethan Stone''s daughter and therefore cannot be included in the pack''s bloodline records."

    (Ethan''s POV)

    The words hung in the air like a physical presence. Victoria paled visibly beside me, her carefully constructed deception exposed before the entire pack leadership.

    Her wolf cowered within her as the elders stared in shock. My father snatched the report from Bernard''s hands, his face hardening with anger as he read.

    A low growl reverberated through the hall ¨C my father''s wolf manifesting its rage. "This is a DNA analysis," he said, his voice dangerously quiet. "From our own pack medical facility."

    He threw the report at me, his eyes shing with fury. "You''ve made me a fool before the pack elders! Presenting another man''s child as your own!"

    < Chapter 80: An Unexpected C

    I stared at the report, unable to process what I was seeing. The clinicalnguage was unmistakable: blood type ipatibility confirmed between myself and Emma.

    It was gically impossible for me to be Emma''s father.

    +8 Power

    My wolf howled in confusion and betrayal. For seven years, I had treated Emma as my own, showing her the affection and attention that Victoria had convinced me she deserved.

    I looked up to find Olivia staring coldly at me the Alpha who had never trusted her. Her wolf remained unnaturally still as she watched me process the truth.

    How many times had she tried to tell me about Lily''s death? How many times had I dismissed her as delusional or maniptive?

    Now she had presented me with irrefutable scientific evidence, waiting for my realization, my shock, my anger, and eventually, my regret.

    I could see in her emerald eyes that this was only the beginning. She was waiting

    for the perfect moment toplete my understanding of how thoroughly I had failed my true family

    while championing imposters.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 131

    The Wolf Bloodline DNA Report flew through the air, grazing my cheek beforending at my feet. A thin line of blood trickled down my chin, but I remained motionless.

    My amber eyes stayed fixed on Olivia, her emerald gaze challenging me to deny the truthid bare before the entire pack. The sacred space of the Stone Ancestral Hall had fallenpletely silent.

    My wolf, usually so quick to react, remained eerily still within me. The clinical words on the report were unmistakable: "Blood type ipatibility confirmed. Subject A cannot be the biological father of Subject B."

    Emma was not my daughter.

    Olivia stood before me, her white dress making her look like an avenging spirit. I couldn''t tell if she was waiting for my anger at Victoria''s deception or my continued defense of the she-wolf who had manipted me for years.

    "Well?" Olivia''s voice cut through the silence. "Do you have nothing to say?"

    I remained silent, the weight of seven years of deception pressing down on me like a physical

    force.

    Victoria clutched Emma to her side, her scent shifting rapidly between fear and calction.

    Her eyes darted between me and my father, searching for an ally.

    My father''s growl broke the tense silence.

    "You!" Elder Richard Stone pointed a trembling finger at Victoria. "You dared to present another

    man''s offspring as a Stone?"

    His wolf''s rage manifested in the low, threatening sound that reverberated through the

    ancestral hall. The pack elders shifted ufortably, their own wolves responding to the

    dominant Alpha''s anger.

    "Elder Stone, please," Victoria''s voice took on the pleading tone I''d heard so many times

    before. "There must be some mistake with the test-"

    "Silence!" My father roared, his partial shift causing his ws to extend. "You and that... that

    < Chapter 81: Blood Truth

    imposter will leave this sacred space immediately!"

    +8 Points >

    He strode forward and grabbed Emma roughly by the arm, pulling her away from Victoria. His ws dug into her small arm, drawing tiny beads of blood.

    Emma cried out in pain, her young wolf whining pitifully. "You''re hurting me!" Victoria rushed forward. "Don''t touch my daughter!"

    She pulled Emma into her arms, cradling her protectively. Her scent shifted to distress ¨C a calcted move that didn''t escape my notice or that of the pack elders.

    "Ethan," she pleaded, her eyes wide with manufactured fear. "Don''t let them hurt our little girl."

    Despite knowing the truth now, my Alpha instincts responded to a pup in distress. I moved forward to protect Emma, regardless of bloodline.

    Before I could reach them, Olivia physically blocked my path. Her emerald eyes shed with the pain of her wolf as she shoved the DNA report in my face.

    "Are you serious?" she hissed, her voice trembling with rage. "You would still choose them? After everything?"

    Her scent was thick with grief and fury. "You denied our daughter - your true daughter - the

    attention she desperately needed during her illness. You refused to believe she was dead. And

    now you''ll protect another man''s child who was falsely presented as yours?"

    Bernard Sheppard cleared his throat ufortably. "Perhaps we should continue this discussion in private-"

    "No!" Olivia''s voice rang out. "Let everyone hear the truth. Let them all know how the great

    Alpha King Ethan Stone abandoned his dying daughter for another man''s child!"

    Emma began to sob, her small body shaking with the force of her tears. Victoria whispered

    something in her ear, and the child looked up at me with wide, tearful eyes.

    "Daddy," Emma whimpered, her young wolf whining pitifully. "Do you not love me anymore?"

    The practiced delivery didn''t escape Olivia''s notice. Her face contorted with pain as she recognized the maniption that mirrored what her own daughter had faced.

    "Don''t you dare," Olivia whispered, her voice breaking. "Don''t you dare use that child to manipte him the way you''ve always done."

    I looked down at the DNA report in my hands, the clinical evidence of Victoria''s deception.

    Then I looked at Emma''s tearful face the child I had raised as my own for seven years.

    < Chapter 81: Blood Truth

 The Alpha King is unavailable 132

    My wolf had epted her as pack, regardless of blood.

    With deliberate slowness, I tore the Wolf Bloodline DNA Report into pieces, letting the fragments flutter to the ground.

    +8 Points

    "Emma is my daughter," I stated firmly, my Alpha voice resonating through the hall. "Blood or

    not."

    Olivia''s face drained of color. Her wolf howled within her, the sound of her anguish almost

    audible to everyone present.

    "You..." she whispered, her voice thick with disbelief. "After everything... you still choose them."

    Before I could respond, her hand connected with my cheek in a resounding p. The force of it snapped my head to the side, surprising even the pack elders.

    "That''s for Lily," she hissed.

    A second p followed immediately. "And that''s for me."

    Her emerald eyes burned with a fury I had never witnessed before. "May the Moon Goddess curse you, Ethan Stone. May she make you feel every ounce of pain you''ve inflicted on us."

    With those words, she turned and stormed out of the Stone Ancestral Hall, leaving behind the

    scent of her anguish and rage.

    The sacred space fell silent once more, the pack elders exchanging

    ufortable nces. My father''s face was a mask of cold fury as he stared at Victoria and Emma.

    "Get out," he ordered them, his voice deadly quiet. "Both of you."

    Victoria hesitated, her eyes seeking mine. I nodded slightly, and she quickly ushered Emma from the hall, her relief palpable in her scent.

    (Victoria''s POV)

    Outside the Stone Ancestral Hall, I pulled Emma close, my heart racing with a mixture of fear and cautious hope. The exposure of my deception had been a devastating blow, but Ethan had

    still defended us.

    My wolf was cautiously optimistic beneath my skin. Perhaps all was not lost.

    "Ethan," I whispered when he joined us in the corridor. "We should proceed with the ceremony as nned. Show the pack that nothing has changed."

    I reached for his hand, but he pulled away, his amber eyes troubled.

    < Chapter 81: Blood Truth

    +8 Points >

    "Victoria, I need time to think," he said, his voice low. "This isn''t something we can just brush

    aside."

    My wolf whined anxiously. "But you said Emma is still your daughter. You tore up that report-"

    "I did," he acknowledged, his expression unreadable. "But that doesn''t erase the fact that you

    lied to me for seven years."

    I stepped closer, allowing my scent to envelop him. the same tactic that had always worked

    before.

    "I was afraid," I admitted, my voice breaking perfectly. "Afraid you wouldn''t want us if you knew

    the truth. Emma loves you so much, Ethan.. You''re the only father she''s ever known."

    Emma clutched his leg, her rehearsed tears still flowing. "Please don''t leave us, Daddy."

    I could see his resolve weakening, his wolf responding to the pup''s distress. Just a little more

    pressure, and he would give in as he always did.

    Before he could respond, the doors to the Stone Ancestral Hall burst open. Elder Richard Stone

    emerged, his face set in grim determination.

    "Members of the Silvercrest Pack," he announced to the gathered wolves, his voice carrying

    through the main hall. ¡°The ceremony tonight has been canceled."

    Murmurs of confusion rippled through the crowd. I felt my carefully constructed world

    beginning to crumble around me.

    "Instead," Elder Richard continued, his eyes briefly meeting mine with cold contempt, "I am

    pleased to announce that Alpha King Ethan Stone and his true mate, Luna Olivia Winters, will

    be renewing their mate bond at the next full moon."

 The Alpha King is unavailable 133

    Olivia was about to slip away through a side door when Elder Richard''s words reached her ears. She stopped abruptly, immediately understanding his

    intentions.

    He feared Ethan would ignore his objections and publicly acknowledge Victoria and Emma anyway. By pushing Olivia forward first, he had preempted his son''s defiance.

    A cold sneer curled Olivia''s lips. She had no intention of participating in this charade, but as

    she turned to leave, members of the Silvercrest Security Detail blocked her path. "Luna Winters, you can''t leave yet, please!" one of them said firmly.

    With Matriarch Evelyn absent and no allies among the Stone family, Olivia had no choice but to return, her emerald eyes shing with defiance.

    Victoria Frost watched Olivia walk back, Elder Richard''s words still ringing in her ears. She

    nearly ground her teeth to dust with rage.

    That damned old wolf! Her body trembled uncontrobly with emotional turmoil, her lowered

    eyelids barely concealing the malice in her eyes.

    If Ethan weren''t present, she would have rushed at Olivia and pped her hard across the

    face. This b***h! Victoria hadn''t expected Olivia to be so calcting, waiting until today to expose Emma''s true parentage in front of Ethan and Elder Richard.

    All her painstaking nning had ultimately benefited Olivia. How could she not hate her?

    "Ethan..." Victoria quickly suppressed the malice in her heart. She absolutely couldn''t let Ethan publicly acknowledge Olivia. Today''s ceremony belonged to her and Ethan.

    If Ethan appeared with Olivia in front of everyone, she would be aughingstock. She

    wouldn''t allow it.

    Victoria raised her head, tears welling up in her eyes. She stumbled toward Ethan and threw

    herself into his arms, looking up at him pitifully.

    "Ethan, five years ago, we were forced to separate because of that one night of idental mating between you and Olivia," she whimpered. "We missed each other for five years. I waited for you for five years, and finally, today has arrived."

    < Chapter 82: False Luna

    +8 Points

    Her voice broke perfectly as she continued, "If you publicly acknowledge Olivia today... what about me and Emma? You promised me that I would be your only Luna..."

    Ethan was her source of confidence. She possessed not only his love and the kindness she

    had shown him, but also his guilt toward her.

    And Olivia? What did she have? Even the only daughter she had that could tie her to Ethan

    was already buried underground. What could she use topete?

    Victoria leaned against Ethan, ncing at Olivia with a look of provocation. She was certain

    that Ethan would defy his father for her and wouldn''t fulfill Olivia''s wish.

    But Victoria never imagined that Ethan not only didn''tply with her wishes but also pulled

    her away from his embrace. He strode toward Olivia, who was a few steps away, and grabbed

    her wrist firmly.

    "Ethan..." Victoria''s pupils constricted sharply. She couldn''t believe her eyes.

    Ethan''s action clearly indicated his intention to appear in front of the media with his father

    and Olivia, publicly acknowledging her as his true Luna.

    Victoria immediately pinched Emma''s arm. The child responded instantly, hugging Ethan''s leg and crying pitifully, her young wolf whining audibly beneath her skin.

    "Daddy, are you going to abandon Emma and Mommy?" Emma sobbed. "Emma doesn''t want that! Emma wants you and Mommy to be together, so our pack of three can live together!

    Daddy... please, Daddy!"

    Every time Emma called Ethan "Daddy," Olivia felt like a silver dagger was piercing her heart. Each."Alpha" was a reminder that her Lily had held a ce in Ethan''s heart that was less than a millionth of that of a pup who wasn''t even his own blood.

    It was her fault. She had fallen in love with an Alpha who didn''t have her in his heart. She had conceived Lily and brought her into this world, but she couldn''t protect her.

    "Victoria, take Emma to my quarters and rest for a while, Ethan held Olivia''s hand and spoke to Victoria in a deep voice, his amber eyes conveying authority.

    Olivia, who was about to struggle, suddenly stopped, her wolf sensing something unexpected

    in his tone.

    "Alpha..." Emma still wanted to act coquettishly and cry, but Ethan''s face darkened, his wolf''s

    dominance ring.

    "Emma, don''t be willful," he said sternly.

    < Chapter 82 False Luna

    +8 Points >

    This was the first time Ethan had spoken to Emma in such a harsh tone. The child was so frightened that she immediately forgot to cry, her young wolf cowering submissively.

    Victoria''s heart sank. She understood. Ethan had made his decision, and there was no room for maneuver. Any further fuss would only annoy him.

    "Emma,e to Mommy. Let''s wait for Alpha together," she said softly, also reminding Ethan of her uining nature, increasing his guilt.

    Ethan nced at Victoria and her daughter, then without further dy, pulled Olivia''s hand and walked out.

    Looking at the cooperative Olivia, Ethan felt an inexplicable sense of relief. Going public with him was what she wanted after all. It meant that all her unusual behavior recently was just due to jealousy. She still loved him.

    And he... He had thought he would resist. After all, the person he wanted to mark, the person he wanted to make public, had always been Victoria. But at this moment, as he led Olivia toward the media outside, he felt no reluctance in his heart.

    Ethan''s heart stirred. He was about to interlock his fingers with Olivia''s, but she took the

    opportunity to pull away, her wolf''s scent radiating coldness.

    Elder Richard saw the two of them and nced at Vincent Reynolds, who quietly left. Ethan

    and Olivia appeared together in everyone''s view. Elder Richard gave way to the two of them.

    In the instant he passed by Olivia, Elder Richard gave her a look filled with endless meaning.

    The same disdain as always, as if she had gotten a good deal.

    Olivia ignored him, brushed past him, and walked toward the media.

    Everyone''s attention was focused on Ethan and Olivia. No one noticed that not far behind them, Victoria and her daughter were being dragged out by the Silvercrest Security Detail, their

    mouths covered to prevent them from howling for help.

    "How dare you do this to me! Ethan will not let you off!" Victoria threatened through gritted

    teeth.

    But they were all Elder Richard''s confidants and only listened to him. Victoria''s words only earned her rougher treatment. They dragged her and her daughter away, avoiding the crowd,

    and out of the Stone Estate.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 134

    At the Stone Estate Main Gate, Victoria and Emma''s haute couture dresses were already dirty, and they were shoved into a car, looking disheveled.

    < Chapter 82: False Luna

    The car drove out of the Stone Estate Private Road and dumped Victoria and her daughter directly from the car. Theynded right in Muddy Hollow, sttering them with filth.

    The car sped away, leaving the mother and daughter shivering in the cold wind, covered in mud. How miserable and pathetic they looked now,pared to their

    earlier smugness.

    +8 Points

    At the Stone Family Banquet Hall, Ethan had rarely appeared in front of the werewolf media before. This was the first time he had invited so many media outlets.

    They seized this opportunity and began asking questions as soon as Ethan and Olivia appeared.

    "Alpha Stone, is this your Luna? I heard you also have a five-year-old daughter, is that right?" one reporter called out.

    "Yes!" Ethan replied concisely. He acknowledged Olivia''s identity without any hesitation!

    As he spoke, his gaze fell on the highly conspicuous Lucas ckwood in the crowd. A silent deration of ownership, his wolf''s scent marking the territory around Olivia.

    Today, he was going public with Olivia, and from now on, everyone in Shadow Creek would know that Olivia was his mate.

    But another female voice rang out at the same time as his, "No!"

    It was Olivia. Her "no" was like a bomb dropped on the scene. Everyone looked at her in shock, including Ethan.

    He was both shocked and angry, his amber eyes shing with his wolf''s rage. He covered the microphone and lowered his voice to Olivia, "Do you know what you''re saying?"

    Olivia didn''t look at Ethan,pletely ignoring his words. She calmly faced the media and continued, "Ethan Stone and I do have a five-year-old daughter. Her name is Lily Winters, taken from the moonflowers that bloom under the full moon. Her nickname is Lily."

    When she mentioned her daughter''s name, Olivia''s voice became very gentle.

    "Ethan Stone and I only had Lily because of a one-night mating five years ago. Apart from that, I have no rtionship with him. It was true in the past, and it will be true in the future."

    Olivia was even unwilling to say "we" anymore. With one sentence, shepletely severed her

    ties with Ethan.

    She hadn''t let go of Ethan''s hand earlier and cooperated with Elder Richard in appearing before the media cameras, not because she really wanted to go public with him.

    +8 Points)

    She had once looked forward to this day immensely. She had looked forward to the day Ethan would acknowledge her and Lily to everyone. She had wanted to be bound to Ethan for life.

    But now, she didn''t want to be public with Ethan at all. What Victoria had painstakingly schemed for, she didn''t care about, even disdained.

    She stepped in front of the media only to give her daughter a legitimate identity, to

    let her be recognized. This was what Lily deserved. Emma didn''t deserve it!

    After saying what she wanted to say, Olivia nced at Ethan and Elder Richard''s faces. She turned and left without a second nce.

    She didn''t care how Ethan and his father would handle the aftermath. That was their business. The Stone father and son had ignored her and Lily for five years, and only thought of them when they needed to save face.

    They wanted her to cooperate? How delusional!

    In front of numerous media outlets, Ethan couldn''t stop Olivia and could only watch her leave without looking back, his wolf howling in frustration within him.

    It wasn''t until Olivia''s figure disappeared from sight that Ethan clearly realized that what Olivia had said recently might be true. She no longer loved him and wanted to give up on him.

    When he looked away from where Olivia had been, he found that Lucas ckwood was gone. Needless to say, he had gone after Olivia.

    The look in Ethan''s eyes deepened, his wolf bristling with territorial rage.

    Olivia was walking toward where she had parked her car. She wondered if she should go to Matriarch Evelyn''s Vi and ask someone to take her back.

    She was not in a good state, her wolf whimpering with exhaustion beneath her skin.

    Just as she was thinking this, Lucas ckwood''s voice came from behind her, "Olivia."

    Olivia stopped. "Lucas."

    She knew that at an asion like this, the ckwood pack must also be among the invited

    guests. But she didn''t have the energy to pay attention to Lucas.

    "I''ll take you back," Lucas said gently, looking at Olivia who was clearly forcing herself to hold

    it together.

    "Okay." Olivia didn''t refuse Lucas''s kindness. She really wasn''t in a fit state to drive, her wolf

    too agitated to focus.

    < Chapter 82 False Luna

    +8 Points>

    As they spoke, Thomas Griffin pulled Lucas ckwood''s Armored SUV over. Lucas escorted Olivia into the car.

    The car drove steadily out of the Stone Estate. Olivia remained silent, gazing out the window.

    Today at the Stone Estate, she was filled with unexpressed frustration. Her heart was filled with sorrow. The guilt and heartache for her daughter pressed down on her like a boulder.

    That deep sense of helplessness threatened to drown her.

    "Cry if you want to," Lucas raised the privacy partition, separating the back seat into a private space. He turned to Olivia, his voice gentle.

    Olivia bit her lower lip, her body tensing further, her wolf curling into a tight ball within her.

    Lucas looked at her, the distress in his eyes almost uncontainable. At this moment, his

    emotions overwhelmed his reason.

    He couldn''t help but reach out, about to pull Olivia into his arms tofort her, when her

    phone suddenly rang.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 135

    The sudden ring of her phone broke the silence. Olivia turned away from the window and reached into her purse, pulling out her phone. She nced at the screen before answering.

    "Hello?¡± Her voice was soft, controlled despite the emotional turmoil I knew was raging inside her.

    I watched as her expression shifted, a flicker of something-pain? hope?-crossing her features.

    "Yes, ra. I understand. I''lle right away," she said, her voice catching slightly. "Thank you for calling."

    She ended the call and stared at her phone for a moment, her knuckles white from gripping it too tightly.

    "Is everything alright?" I asked, keeping my voice gentle.

    "That was ra Wilkins from the Howling y Pottery Studio," Olivia exined, her emerald eyes meeting mine briefly. "She said Lily''s... Lily''s mug is ready for collection."

    I noticed how her voice trembled when she mentioned her daughter''s name. The raw grief was

    still so fresh.

    "Would you like me to take you there?" I offered, already signaling to Thomas Griffin to change

    our route.

    Olivia nodded, her wolf''s scent shifting with aplex mixture of emotions-grief, longing, and something like determination.

    "Yes, please," she whispered. "I''d like to go now."

    (Olivia''s POV)

    The bell above the door of Howling y Pottery Studio chimed softly as we entered. The

    familiar scent of y and zes filled my nostrils, bringing with it a flood of memories-Lily''s

    small hands covered in y, her tongue poking out in concentration as she worked.

    ra Wilkins looked up from behind the counter, her kind face lighting up with recognition.

    The elderly she-wolf had always had a special way with the pups who came to her studio.

    < Chapter 83 Lily''s Gift

    +8 Points

    "Olivia! I''m so d you coulde quickly," she said, wiping her hands on her apron as she approached. "Where''s our little artist today? Not with you?"

    My heart clenched painfully. ra didn''t know. Of course she didn''t¡ªI hadn''t been back here since Lily...

    "She''s... nearby. I haven''t picked her up yet," I lied, unable to bring myself to tell this kind woman the truth. Not here, not now.

    "Such a determined little pup," ra continued, oblivious to my pain as she reached beneath the counter. "Two whole months she worked on this mug. Most pups her age give up after one session, but not your Lily."

    She carefully unwrapped a package, removingyers of protective tissue paper. "She wanted it to be perfect for her father''s birthday. Wouldn''t let me help at all- said it had to be all her own work."

    ra ced the mug in my hands. It was small and slightly lopsided, clearly made by a child''s inexperienced hands. The bright colors were unevenly applied, and there were tiny fingerprints preserved in the y.

    But what broke my heart was the childlike drawing on the side-three stick figures holding hands. A family of three. And beneath it, in wobbly letters: "I DAD!"

    My vision blurred with tears. Lily had spent two months making this for Ethan, while he had

    been too busy with Victoria and Emma to even acknowledge her existence.

    "She was so excited to give it to him," ra said, smiling at the memory. "Said her daddy would use it every morning and think of her."

    [ I felt Lucas''s hand on my shoulder, steadying me as I swayed slightly.

    "Thank you for taking such good care of it," I managed to say, carefully rewrapping the

    precious mug.

    Lucas, sensing my distress, quickly thanked ra and guided me toward the door.

    "Bring Lily back soon!" ra called after us. ¡°I miss my favorite student!"

    Outside on Shadow Creek Artisan Street, the cool evening air hit my face, but it did nothing to

    ease the burning pain in my chest. I clutched the wrapped mug to my heart, my legs suddenly

    too weak to support me.

    "She spent two months making this for him," I whispered, my voice breaking. "Two months,

    Lucas. And he never even..."

    < Chapter 83: Lily''s Gift

    +8 Points >

    The tears I''d been holding back all evening finally broke free. I wept openly, my wolf howling in shared grief beneath my skin.

    ¡°He acknowledged Emma today¡ªa child who isn''t even his-while our daughter, his flesh and blood, died without ever knowing her father''s love."

    Lucas hesitated only briefly before drawing me into his arms. His embrace was warm, protective, offeringfort without demands.

    "I''m so sorry, Olivia," he murmured against my hair. "Your daughter deserved better."

    (Ethan''s POV)

    I mmed my fist against the steering wheel of my Shadow Ghost, my wolf raging beneath my skin. The media circus had finally been contained, the damage from Olivia''s public rejection somewhat mitigated.

    But she was gone. Her car was missing from the Stone Estate parking area, yet Lucas ckwood''s vehicle was also absent.

    They had left together.

    I grabbed my phone and called Maxwell Chen.

    "Find Olivia," I ordered without preamble. "And ckwood. Now."

    Maxwell didn''t question mymand. "Yes, Alpha. I''ll activate the tracking protocol immediately."

    Within minutes, my phone buzzed with a message. Maxwell had located them at the Howling y Pottery Studio on Shadow Creek Artisan Street.

    A pottery studio? What business did Olivia have there with ckwood?

    I pressed the elerator harder, weaving through traffic with dangerous speed.

    My wolf was restless, territorial instincts ring at the thought of another Alpha near my mate.

    When I reached Shadow Creek Artisan Street, I spotted them immediately. Olivia was in Lucas ckwood''s arms, her face buried against his chest as her shoulders shook with sobs.

    Something primal and possessive erupted within me. I mmed the car door and stormed toward them.

    ¡°Get your hands off my mate,¡± I growled, my Alpha voice resonating with power. Lucas looked up, his expression hardening but his arms remaining protectively around Olivia.

    "She doesn''t seem to want yourpany, Stone," he replied coolly.

    +8 Points >

    I grabbed Olivia''s arm and pulled her away from him. "She is my mate, ckwood. My Luna.

    This doesn''t concern you."

    Olivia stumbled as I yanked her toward me, and something fell from her hands. A

    small package hit the cobblestone street with a sickening c***k.

    "No!" Olivia cried out, lunging for the fallen object.

    Lucas moved faster, kneeling to gather what appeared to be pieces of broken pottery. I saw red, my wolf''s jealousy consuming all rational thought.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 136

    I snatched the broken pieces from his hands and threw them down with force, grinding them.

    under my heel.

    "Whatever gift he gave you, I''ll rece it tenfold," I snarled, my wolf marking its territory.

    Olivia stared at me with horror, her emerald eyes wide with disbelief and rage.

    "You... you..." She couldn''t even form words, her body trembling with fury.

    The door to the pottery studio burst open, and an elderly she-wolf rushed out, her face creased

    with concern.

    "Oh no! The mug!" she eximed, looking at the shattered pieces on the ground. "Poor Lily worked on that mug for two whole months. She wanted it to be perfect for her father."

    The world seemed to stop spinning. I stared at the broken pieces, suddenly understanding

    what I had destroyed.

    "Lily made this?" I whispered, my wolf whining in distress.

    "Yes," ra continued, oblivious to the tension. "She was so determined to make

    it all by herself. Said her daddy would love it because she made every part of it. I can help her make

    another one if you''d like?"

    Olivia''sugh was bitter, cutting through the night air like a de.

    "There won''t be another one, ra," she said, her voice hollow. "Lily is dead. She died on her

    fifth birthday, waiting for her father who never came."

    ra''s hand flew to her mouth, her eyes filling with tears. "Oh, Olivia, I didn''t know..."

    But Olivia''s attention was fixed on me, her emerald eyes burning with usation.

    "She spent two months making this for you," she said, her voice breaking. "While you were

    476

    buying Emma crystal-embroidered gowns, Lily was pouring her heart into this mug for you. And you just destroyed it, just like you destroyed her."

    Each word was a silver dagger to my heart. I looked down at the shattered pieces-tiny fragments of colored y, each one representing hours of my daughter''s effort and love.

    Love I had never acknowledged. Love I had never returned.

    "Olivia, I didn''t know-" I began, but she cut me off.

    "Of course you didn''t know! You never bothered to know anything about her! You were too busy ying daddy to another man''s child while your own daughter died alone!"

    (Olivia''s POV)

    The rage that had been building inside me for years finally erupted. I couldn''t stop the words pouring out, each one dripping with the pain and resentment I''d carried since Lily''s diagnosis.

    "She asked for you every day during her treatments. ''When is Daddying?'' And I made excuses for you. I lied to protect her from knowing how little you cared."

    Ethan''s face had gone pale, his amber eyes wide with shock and what looked like genuine

    remorse. But it was too little, toote.

    "I''m done,¡± I said, my voice suddenly calm. "I''m done making excuses for you. I''m done pretending that what you did to us was anything less than cruel."

    I turned to leave, unable to bear looking at him or the destroyed remains of Lily''sst gift.

    "Olivia, wait-" Ethan reached for me, but Lucas stepped between us.

    "I think you''ve done enough damage for one night, Stone," Lucas said, his voice low and

    dangerous.

    The two Alphas faced each other, their wolves bristling beneath their skin. The air crackled

    with tension as neither man backed down.

    I took advantage of their standoff to step away, suddenly feeling lightheaded. The emotional toll of the evening-the confrontation at the Stone Ancestral Hall, the public rejection, and now

    this final heartbreak-was too much.

    The world tilted sideways as my knees buckled beneath me. I heard someone call my name

    as darkness edged my vision.

    As I began to fall, strong arms caught me. Through blurring vision, I saw Ethan''s face above mine, his expression twisted with concern.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 137

    I caught Olivia as she copsed, my reflexes acting before my mind could process what was happening. Her slight weight fell against me, her body limp and fragile in my arms.

    "Olivia!" I called out, panic rising in my throat as I cradled her against my chest.

    Her face was pale, dark circles prominent beneath her closed eyes. The sight of her unconscious form triggered something primal within me, my wolf howling with distress beneath my skin.

    "What happened to her?" Lucas ckwood demanded, stepping forward with concern etched across his features.

    I growled low in my throat, my wolf bristling at his proximity. "Stay back, ckwood. She''s my mate. I''ll take care of her."

    "You''ve done enough damage,¡± he retorted, his gray eyes shing with anger. ¡°Let me help her."

    "She doesn''t need your help," I snarled, lifting Olivia''s unconscious form closer to my chest. "She needs rest and proper care, which I will provide."

    ra Wilkins approached cautiously, her elderly face creased with worry. "The poor dear has been through so much. Please take good care of her."

    I nodded curtly, turning away from ckwood''s prating gaze. As I carried Olivia to my Shadow Ghost, I could feel his eyes tracking our every movement. "This isn''t over, Stone," he called after me, his voice carrying a clear warning.

    I didn''t respond, focusing instead on securing Olivia in the passenger seat, making sure she wasfortable before closing the door. My wolf was restless, torn between territorial rage at ckwood and deep concern for my mate.

    As I drove away, I couldn''t help ncing at Olivia''s unconscious form. Her chestnut hair fell across her face, and I gently brushed it away with one hand, my chest tightening at how vulnerable she looked.

    What had I done to her? To us?

    The drive to Imperial Gardens passed in a blur of conflicting emotions. By the time I carried

    < Chapter 84 Shattered Pieces

    +8 Points

    her inside, my mind was racing with worry and regret.

    I gently ced Olivia on the sofa, my hands lingering longer than necessary. She looked so small, so broken. I immediately called Dr. Harold Bet, who arrived within minutes.

    "What happened?" he asked, his experienced eyes already assessing Olivia''s condition.

    "She copsed," I exined, pacing anxiously as he examined her. "We were... arguing."

    Dr. Bet''s hands moved efficiently, checking her pulse, her breathing, her temperature. His expression grew increasingly concerned.

    "Her condition has worsened," he finally said, looking up at me with grave eyes. "Theck of rest and emotional stress have taken their toll. She''spletely exhausted."

    The words hit me like a physical blow. I had done this to her. My actions, my neglect, my anger -they had all contributed to breaking down the strong, vibrant woman I had mated.

    "What can we do?" I asked, my voice uncharacteristically uncertain.

    "I''ll administer a sedative to help her sleep and allow her to recover," Dr. Bet replied, preparing an injection. "But what she really needs is peace, Alpha. Her body and wolf are both

    at their limits."

    I watched as he administered the medication, my wolf whining with distress beneath my skin. When Dr. Bet finally packed up his bag and left with instructions for her care, I sat beside her, studying her face.

    Tear tracks still marked her cheeks, evidence of the pain I had caused her. Without thinking, I leaned down and gently kissed them away, my lips brushing her skin with uncharacteristic

    tenderness.

    "What happened to you?" I whispered, my voice barely audible even to my own

    ears.

    My mind shed back to the broken mug on the cobblestones. Lily''s mug. My daughter''s gift that I had destroyed without a second thought.

    The realization of what I had done-not just today, but over the past five years- crashed over

    me like a tidal wave. I had failed them both sopletely.

    My phone buzzed in my pocket, interrupting my thoughts. Victoria''s name shed on the

    screen. I answered with reluctance.

    "What is it?" I asked, my voice low to avoid disturbing Olivia.

    "Ethan, Emma is asking for you," Victoria''s voice came through, sweet and pleading. "She''s

    < Chapter 84: Shattered Pieces

 The Alpha King is unavailable 138

    been crying since we got home. She needs her daddy."

    +8 Points >

    Something about her tone grated on my nerves. Or perhaps it was the word "daddy" that now carried such weight after what I had learned about Lily''s mug.

    "I can''te right now," I replied curtly. "Olivia is unwell."

    "But Emma-"

    "I said I can''te," I interrupted, my patience wearing thin. "Handle it, Victoria."

    I ended the call and turned off my phone, returning my attention to Olivia. Her breathing had evened out, the sedative taking effect. I brushed a strand of hair from her face, my touch gentle.

    "I''m sorry," I whispered, though I knew she couldn''t hear me. "For everything."

    (Victoria''s POV)

    I stared at my phone in disbelief as Ethan hung up on me. He had never spoken

    to me that way before, never dismissed me so coldly.

    "What did he say, Mommy?" Emma asked, her eyes still red from crying. "Is Daddying?"

    I forced a smile, though rage boiled inside me. "Daddy is busy right now, sweetheart. He''lle see us soon."

    I turned back to the surveince feed on my tablet, watching as Ethan tenderly

    cared for Olivia in their bedroom at Imperial Gardens. Aaron Mitchell''s

    sophisticated system provided a perfect view of their intimate moment.

    My perfectly manicured nails dug into my palms as I watched Ethan brush Olivia''s hair from

    her face, his expression softer than I had ever seen it.

    "This can''t be happening," I muttered, pacing the room anxiously.

    The illusion I had carefully maintained-that Ethan only truly cared for me and Emma-was

    crumbling before my eyes. The way he looked at her, touched her... it was destroying me.

    "Mommy, I''m hungry," Emma whined, tugging at my dress.

    I whirled around, my patience snapping. "Not now, Emma! Can''t you see I''m busy?"

    Emma''s lower lip trembled, her eyes filling with fresh tears. "But Mommy-"

    "I said not now!" I shouted, my hand connecting with her arm harder than I intended.

    Emma stumbled backward, shock and hurt written across her face. She ran from the room,

    sobbing loudly.

    +8 Points

    I turned back to the surveince feed, too consumed by jealousy to follow her. On the screen, Ethan was still sitting beside Olivia, watching over her as she slept.

    "This isn''t over," I hissed, my fingers already dialing another number. "Not by a long shot."

    (Ethan''s POV)

    After ensuring Olivia was sleeping peacefully, I left Imperial Gardens with a clear purpose in mind. The broken pieces of Lily''s mug haunted me, each shard representing a piece of my daughter''s heart that I had carelessly shattered.

    I drove back to Shadow Creek Artisan Street, parking outside the Howling y Pottery Studio. The lights were still on inside, and I found ra Wilkins cleaning up for the day.

    "Alpha Stone," she said, surprise evident in her voice. "I didn''t expect to see you again tonight."

    "The mug," I said without preamble. "I need to find all the pieces."

    Understanding dawned in her kind eyes. "Of course. The trash receptacle is

    across the street. Poor Lily worked so hard on that mug."

    The disappointment in her voice cut deeper than any usation could have. This elderly she-wolf had shown more care for my daughter than I ever had.

    "I need to fix it," I said, my voice rough with emotion I rarely disyed.

    ra nodded, disappearing into a back room. She returned with a pair of leather gloves.

    "You''ll need these," she said, handing them to me. "There''s broken ceramic in there."

    I took the gloves with a nod of thanks and headed across the street to the public trash receptacle. Without hesitation, I began digging through the garbage, searching for every fragment of Lily''s creation.

    My position as Alpha King was forgotten as I sorted through coffee cups, food wrappers, and other discarded items. My only focus was finding every piece of my daughter''s final gift to me.

    A few passersby recognized me, their shocked expressions registering as they saw the Alpha King of Silvercrest Pack digging through trash. I ignored them, my dignity secondary to my

    mission.

    After nearly an hour of searching, I believed I had recovered all the pieces. I carefully ced them in a box ra had provided, thanking her before returning to my car.

    Back at Imperial Gardens, I checked on Olivia, who was still sleeping soundly under the

    < Chapter 84 Shattered Pieces

    +8 Points

    influence of Dr. Bet''s sedative. Satisfied that she was restingfortably, I took the box

    to my study.

    I emptied the fragments onto my desk, carefully washing each piece to remove any dirt or

    residue.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 139

    My eyes darted to Olivia''s sleeping form on the bed. The sedative Dr. Bet had

    administered ensured she wouldn''t wake until morning, giving me time to repair what I had so

    carelessly destroyed.

    A soft whimper escaped her lips, drawing me to her side. Her forehead felt hot

    against my

    palm. Fever.

    "Maxwell," I called softly to my beta waiting in the hallway. "Bring me the moonberry fever reducer from my cab."

    While waiting, I dampened a cloth with cool water and gently pressed it to Olivia''s forehead.

    Her chestnut hair syed across the pillow, reminding me of how beautiful she''d always been.

    Maxwell returned with the medicine and a small jar. "Dr. Bet''s rare healing salve as well,

    Alpha."

    I nodded my thanks and dismissed him. The salve had a distinctive herbal scent, specially

    crafted for the Stone family. I carefully applied it to the cuts on Olivia''s hands- injuries I hadn''t.

    even noticed until now.

    "Ethan Stone..." she murmured, her voice barely audible.

    My heart leaped. "Liv, I''m here..." I whispered, using the nickname I hadn''t spoken in years.

    Her response cut through me like a silver de. "Go away!"

    Even in her fevered sleep, she rejected me. I deserved nothing less.

    I administered the fever reducer and continued to cool her forehead until her temperature

    normalized. Only then did I return to my task, determined to finish before she woke.

    The night deepened as I worked, my powerful hands surprisingly gentle as they held the

    delicate pieces. Each fragment told a story of my daughter''s love-a love I''d never

    acknowledged.

    As dawn approached, I ced the final piece. The mug would never be perfect again; hairline cracks ran through it like scars. But it was whole, the childish inscription once again readable:

    "IDAD!"

    Chapter 85 Malnarch''s Mem

    A surge of joy filled me at this small victory.

    Ports

    I traced the wobbly letters with my fingertip, my throat tight with emotion. "I''m sorry, Lily," I whispered to the empty room. "I''m so sorry I never knew you. I will spend more time with you

    in the future."

    (Olivia''s POV)

    Consciousness returned slowly, my mind emerging from the deepest sleep I''d had in months. My body felt heavy, rested in a way I''d forgotten was possible. Ten hours had passed

    ording to the clock on the nightstand.

    As awareness sharpened, I felt something warm against my hand. Turning my head, I found

    Ethan asleep in a chair beside the bed, hisrge hand holding mine.

    I withdrew my hand coldly, severing the brief connection. The movement woke him, his amber

    eyes opening to meet mine.

    "You''re awake," he said, relief evident in his voice. "How do you feel?"

    "Where am I?" I asked, ignoring his question as I took in the unfamiliar surroundings.

    "The recovery chamber in my private quarters," Ethan exined. "You copsedst night. Dr.

    Bet administered a sedative to help you rest."

    I pushed myself up, noticing I was wearing clothes that weren''t mine-a soft nightgown that

    smelled faintly of moonflowers. The thought of Ethan changing my clothes made my skin

    crawl.

    "Don''t worry," he said, reading my expression. "The female staff attended to you."

    He reached out to touch my forehead, but I recoiled. "Don''t touch me."

    Hurt shed across his face before his expression became carefully neutral. "Your fever broke

    during the night. That''s good."

    I swung my legs over the side of the bed, testing my strength. "Where are my clothes?"

    "They''ve been cleaned and pressed," Ethan replied, gesturing to a neatly folded stack on a

    nearby chair. "I had some fresh items brought for you as well."

    I ignored the new clothes, deliberately choosing my own. "Turn around," Imanded.

    Surprisingly, heplied without argument, giving me privacy to change. The simple act of putting on my own clothes restored some sense

 The Alpha King is unavailable 140

    of control.

    "You can look now," I said when I finished.

    215

    < Chapter 85 Matriarch''s Mem

    +8 Points2

    Ethan turned, something clutched carefully in his hands. My breath caught when I recognized

    Lily''s mug, painstakingly pieced back together.

    "I spent the night repairing it," he said, his voice uncharacteristically hesitant. "I know it doesn''t

    make up for what I did, but I wanted to try."

    He held it out to me, the cracks visible but the mug whole again. The childish drawing of our

    family-a family that never truly existed-made my heart ache.

    "Olivia, about Lily''s birthday..." Ethan began, his amber eyes earnest. ¡°I didn''t intentionally miss it. There was an emergency with Emma at the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den. Dr. Rivers diagnosed a spleen injury requiring immediate blood transfusion."

    My hands trembled as I took the mug from him.

    "I should have been there for Lily," he continued. "I know that now. It won''t happen again."

    His words, meant to appease, only deepened my pain. The authority in his voice- an Alpha

    making a solemn vow-meant nothing. It was toote for promises.

    "Won''t happen again?" I repeated, my voice dangerously quiet. "She''s dead, Ethan. Our daughter is dead."

    Something snapped inside me. With a sudden movement, I hurled the mug against the wall.

    The sound of breaking ceramic echoed my broken heart as it shattered once

    more.

    "Ethan Stone, you''re not worthy!" I dered, my voice steady despite the tears threatening to

    fall.

    I walked out, leaving him stunned amidst the shards of Lily''s final gift.

    (Matriarch Evelyn''s POV)

    The morning air carried the scent of moonflowers as my car approached the Sacred

    Moonlight Cemetery. After three months at the ancient temple retreat, I felt refreshed, my

    spirit renewed by the sacred rituals and meditation.

    "We''ve arrived, Matriarch," Bernard Sheppard announced, opening my door with the dignified

    efficiency that had characterized his decades of service to our family.

    "Thank you, Bernard," I replied, epting his arm as I stepped from the vehicle. "I won''t be

    long. Just a brief visit to pay my respects to old friend Matilda."

    The cemetery was peaceful, bathed in soft morning light. I made my way to Matilda''s grave, my old bones protesting slightly at the exertion. After cing fresh moonflowers on her

    resting ce and saying a brief prayer, I turned to leave.

    < Chapter 85 Matriarch''s Mem

    +8 Points

    That''s when I saw it-a new tombstone gleaming in the soft light. Something about it drew me

    closer.

    Lily''s Moonstone Tombstone was beautifully crafted, the polished granite embedded with small moonstone crystals that seemed to absorb and reflect the light. But it was the photograph that captured my attention-a young girl, perhaps four or five years old, with emerald green eyes so familiar they made my heart ache.

    "Lily Winters," I read aloud, my fingers tracing the engraved name. "Beloved daughter. Forever

    in our hearts."

    The dates indicated she had lived just five short years. Such a tragedy for one so young.

    I said a brief prayer for the child''s spirit before continuing toward the cemetery exit. But the name echoed in my mind, stirring something deep within my memory.

    Lily Winters. Why did it sound so familiar?

    A fragmented recollection surfaced-a video call with Olivia, my grandson''s mate. She was holding a newborn baby, her face radiant with new motherhood.

    "We''ve named her Lily," Olivia had said, her voice filled with pride. "Lily Winters Stone."

    Another memory shed-a family gathering at the Stone Estate. A little girl with emerald eyes, perhaps two or three years old, running to me with arms outstretched.

    "Great-Grandmother!" she had called, herughter like silver bells.

    I stopped walking, my heart pounding painfully in my chest. The face in my memory matched

    the one on the tombstone.

    ¡°Bernard,¡± I called, my voice shaking. ¡°Bernard,e quickly!"

    My faithful butler was at my side in an instant. "What is it, Matriarch? Are you unwell?"

    "That child," I said, pointing to the tombstone we had just passed. "That''s Lily. Ethan and

    Olivia''s daughter."

    Bernard''s face paled. "Matriarch, perhaps we should return to the car. You seem distressed."

    But I was already turning back, drawn by a terrible certainty. I stumbled toward the grave, my eyes fixed on the innocent face in the photograph.

    The missing pieces of my memory clicked into ce with devastating rity. My great-granddaughter, Ethan and Olivia''s child. Dead.

    "How?" I whispered, sinking to my knees before the tombstone. "How did this happen? And

    why wasn''t I told?"

    +8 Points

    Bernard knelt beside me, his weathered face grave. "Matriarch, your condition... The doctors advised against upsetting news."

    My condition. The memorypses that had gued me these past five years. The way my family carefully controlled what I was told, what I remembered.

    "How long?" I demanded. "How long has she been gone?"

    Bernard hesitated before answering. "Six months, Matriarch."

    Six months. My great-granddaughter had been dead for six months, and I hadn''t known. Hadn''t

    been allowed to mourn her.

    "Take me to Ethan," Imanded, my voice regaining its authority. "Now."

    As Bernard helped me to my feet, I took onest look at Lily''s innocent face. My

    great-granddaughter. Olivia and Ethan''s daughter. Dead.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 141

    The morning sun cast long shadows across Sacred Moonlight Cemetery as I knelt before

    Lily''s tombstone. My weathered fingers traced the engraved name, the cold stone a stark

    contrast to the warmth of my tears.

    "My great-granddaughter," I whispered, memories flooding back like a broken dam.

    Bernard stood respectfully behind me, his silence heavy with shared grief. I

    closed my eyes,

    remembering a conversation I''d overheard between Ethan and Olivia just before my spiritual

    retreat.

    "How is Lily?" Ethan had asked casually, as if inquiring about the weather. "I was thinking we

    could have dinner together this weekend."

    Olivia''s face had remained carefully neutral. "She''s fine. Just busy with school projects."

    The memory twisted like a knife in my chest. Lily had been dead for months, yet Ethan spoke

    as if she were alive. And Olivia had maintained the charade.

    "She protected me from the truth," I realized aloud, my voice breaking. "Because of my

    memory issues, she didn''t want to cause me pain by telling me repeatedly that Lily was gone."

    Bernard shifted ufortably. "Matriarch, perhaps we should return to the estate. This shock

    isn''t good for your health."

    I ignored his concern, another memory surfacing-Olivia''s haunted eyes whenever Lily was

    mentioned, the careful way she redirected conversations. She had carried this burden alone.

    "But Ethan," I said, rising shakily to my feet. "How could he not know his own daughter was

    dead? How could he ask about her so casually?"

    The implications were too terrible to contemte. Had my grandson truly been so neglectful

    of his family that he hadn''t even noticed his daughter''s passing?

    "Bernard, what kind of father doesn''t know his child is dead?" I demanded, anger recing

    grief. "What kind of Alpha abandons his mate to mourn alone?"

    My faithful butler remained silent, his eyes downcast. His loyalty to the Stone family

    prevented him from speaking ill of the Alpha, but his silence was answer enough.

    < Chapter 86 Lily''s Death Reve

    +8 Points>

    "Take me to him," Imanded, my voice regaining its authority. "I will confront him here, at Lily''s grave, where he cannot hide from the truth."

    (Matriarch Evelyn''s POV)

    As we walked toward the cemetery gates, a wave of dizziness washed over me. The world

    tilted rmingly, colors blurring together.

    "Matriarch!" Bernard''s rmed voice seemed toe from far away.

    My legs gave way beneath me, the emotional shock finally overwhelming my aged body.

    Strong arms caught me before I hit the ground.

    "Call the medical den immediately!" Bernard ordered someone I couldn''t see.

    The world faded to darkness as I was carefully lifted into a vehicle. Myst conscious thought

    was of Olivia''s face, so brave despite her pain, and my grandson''s betrayal of everything I had

    taught him about pack leadership and family.

    Meanwhile, at Imperial Gardens, Ethan knelt among the scattered fragments of Lily''s mug.

    Each broken piece seemed to mock his attempts at redemption.

    Hisrge hands, capable ofmanding an entire pack, trembled as he gathered the shards.

    The disappointment stinging his heart was nothingpared to what Lily must have felt

    each time he broke his promises to her.

    Amber eyes scanned the room, searching for a photograph, any image of the daughter he''d

    never truly known. But there was nothing-no pictures, no mementos, no trace of Lily''s

    existence in his private quarters.

    "What kind of father am I?" he whispered to the empty room.

    (Ethan''s POV)

    The broken pieces of Lily''s mugy scattered across my palm, jagged edges cutting into my skin. I barely felt the pain, too consumed by the hollow ache in my chest.

    I had spent hours meticulously repairing this mug, this precious artifact of my daughter''s love, only for Olivia to shatter it again. I couldn''t me her. The mug was just a symbol of all I had

    broken between us.

    "I DAD!" The childish inscription mocked me from one of therger fragments.

    Setting the pieces aside, I moved to myputer terminal. There had to be records, videos, something to show me the daughter I''d neglected. The home surveince system kept archives going back years.

    < Chapter 86 Lily''s Death Reve

    +8 Points)

    My fingers hovered over the keyboard. What right did I have to these memories now? I hadn''t earned them in life; did I deserve them in death?

    Before I could make a decision, my phone rang. Bernard Sheppard''s name shed on the

    screen.

    "Alpha Stone," he said, his normallyposed voice tight with urgency. "Your grandmother has copsed at Sacred Moonlight Cemetery. We''re en route to Silvercrest Pack Medical Den

    now."

    My blood ran cold. ¡°What happened?"

    A brief hesitation. "She discovered Miss Lily''s grave, sir."

    The simple statement hit me like a physical blow. Grandmother had found out

    about Lily''s

    death-a death I hadn''t even known about until recently.

    "I''ll meet you there," I said, already moving toward the door.

    Questions raced through my mind as I drove. Why had Grandmother been at the cemetery? How had she reacted to discovering Lily''s grave? And most importantly, would she recover

    from the shock?

    The Silvercrest Pack Medical Den was in chaos when I arrived. Medical staff rushed through corridors, their movements urgent but controlled.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 142

    As I strode toward the emergency area, raised voices caught my attention. Turning a corner, I found a scene that made my wolf surge with protective rage.

    (Ethan''s POV)

    Olivia stood with her back against the wall, her small frame dwarfed by my father''s imposing presence. Elder Richard Stone loomed over her, his face contorted with anger.

    "You have no right to be here!" he snarled. "After your disgraceful behavior at the banquet, you should be groveling for forgiveness, not parading around as if you still matter to this family!"

    Olivia''s emerald eyes shed defiance despite her obvious exhaustion. "I''m here for Matriarch Evelyn. Nothing else matters right now."

    My father''s face darkened dangerously. "You dare speak to me with such disrespect? I was Alpha of this pack before you were born, girl!"

    "And I am Matriarch Evelyn''s granddaughter by mating," Olivia replied steadily. "I won''t leave

    until I know she''s alright."

    < Chapter 86: Lily''s Death Reve

    +8 Points >

    Elder Richard turned to the two enforcers nking him-Marcus ckwell and Dominic Walsh, both known for their brutal efficiency.

    "Remove her," he ordered coldly. "Use whatever force necessary."

    Marcus stepped forward, his meaty hand reaching for Olivia''s arm. Dominic moved to her

    other side, effectively trapping her.

    Something primal and protective erupted within me. In three long strides, I crossed the space between us, inserting myself between Olivia and the enforcers.

    "Stand down," Imanded, my Alpha authority radiating through the room.

    Marcus froze, his hand still outstretched. Dominic took a cautious step back, recognizing the dangerous glint in my eyes.

    "Ethan," my father began, his tone shifting to one of forced patience. "This woman has repeatedly disrespected our family. She needs to be taught her ce."

    I turned to face him fully, my voice deadly quiet. "No one touches my mate. No one."

    The corridor fell silent, medical staff and pack members alike watching the confrontation with wide eyes. My father''s face flushed with anger, but even he wouldn''t challenge me directly- not when my Alpha power was pulsing so visibly around me.

    Without taking my eyes off the enforcers, I spoke to Olivia over my shoulder. "Are you alright?".

    "I''m fine," she replied, her voice cool and distant. "I don''t need your protection."

    Her rejection stung, but I understood it. I had failed to protect her when it mattered most.

    "Nevertheless, you have it," I said simply.

    My father''s eyes narrowed at our exchange. "This is absurd. She publicly humiliated Victoria, disrupted Emma''s ceremony, and now she''s interfering with family matters again."

    "Grandmother is her family too," I reminded him. "And she stays."

    Marcus and Dominic looked to my father for direction, clearly torn between his orders and my

    authority.

    "Leave us," Imanded them. "Now."

    They retreated reluctantly, disappearing down the corridor. My father remained,

    his jaw clenched with barely contained fury.

    "This isn''t over," he warned before stalking away.

    12

    I turned to Olivia, careful to maintain the distance she clearly wanted. "Any news about

    Grandmother?"

    48 Points >

    She shook her head, her expression guarded. "Dr. Bet and Dr. Fletcher are with her now."

    Wepsed into ufortable silence, standing side by side yet worlds apart as we waited for

    news.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    The minutes crawled by like hours as we waited outside the emergency room. Though Ethan

    stood barely an arm''s length away, the distance between us felt insurmountable.

    kept my eyes fixed on the emergency room doors, refusing to acknowledge his presence. My

    mind raced with worry for Matriarch Evelyn, the only member of the Stone family who had

    shown me genuine kindness.

    Bernard had briefly exined what happened-how she had discovered Lily''s grave and

    copsed from the shock. The thought of her learning about Lily''s death this way, alone in the

    cemetery, made my heart ache.

    "She loved Lily very much," I said softly, breaking the silence despite myself.

    Ethan''s amber eyes turned to me, surprise evident in his expression. "I remember her holding

    Lily when she was born. She wept with joy."

    The memory pierced my heart. Those early days had been so full of hope, before everything

    fell apart.

    "She used to tell Lily stories about the ancient wolf packs," I continued, the words spilling out

    unbidden. "Lily would sit on herp for hours,pletely entranced."

    A muscle twitched in Ethan''s jaw. "I didn''t know that."

    "There''s a lot you didn''t know," I replied, the brief moment of shared remembrance evaporating.

    Before he could respond, the emergency room doors swung open. Dr. Harold Bet emerged,

    followed closely by Dr. Marcus Fletcher. Both looked tired but not defeated.

    "How is she?" I asked immediately, stepping forward.

    Dr. Bet offered a reassuring smile. "Stable. The shock triggered a minor cardiac event, but

    we''ve managed to stabilize her condition."

    "Will she recover fully?" Ethan asked, his voice tight with concern.

    Dr. Fletcher nodded. "With proper rest and care, yes. But she''ll needplete

    rest to recover

    < Chapter 86 Lily''s Death Reve..

    +8 Points 2

    from the emotional shock. No visitors except immediate family, and absolutely no

    stress."

 The Alpha King is unavailable 143

    Relief washed over me when Dr. Bet confirmed that Grandmother wasn''t in serious

    danger. Her copse had terrified me more than I cared to admit. Beside me, I noticed Olivia''s

    shoulders slump as tension drained from her body.

    The sudden release of pressure made her sway slightly. Without thinking, I reached out to

    steady her, my hand hovering near her elbow.

    She flinched away as if burned, her emerald eyes shing with rejection. "Don''t touch me."

    Before I could respond, she rushed toward the gurney where the medical staff was wheeling

    Grandmother from the emergency room. The elderly woman looked frail against the white

    sheets, her usuallymanding presence diminished by illness.

    Olivia reached Grandmother''s side, her steps hurried but careful. She gently took the

    Matriarch''s hand, whispering words I couldn''t hear. The tenderness in her gesture made my

    chest tighten with an emotion I couldn''t name.

    Dr. Fletcher approached me, his expression professional. "We''re moving her to the private

    wing. You should prepare for a potentially lengthy recovery period."

    I nodded, watching as they wheeled my grandmother away, Olivia walking alongside, never

    letting go of the elderly woman''s hand.

    For the first time in years, I feltpletely powerless.

    Grandmother remained unconscious for a day and a night. I divided my time between her

    bedside and handling urgent pack matters, unable to focus fully on either.

    Dr. Bet conducted regr examinations, his experienced hands carefully checking her

    vital signs. His face revealed nothing as he listened to her heart and checked her reflexes.

    "What''s your assessment?" I asked, unable to bear the silence any longer.

    He straightened, tucking his stethoscope into his pocket. "Her condition is stable, but I cannot

    determine when she will awaken."

    "But she will recover?" The question came from Olivia, who sat on the opposite side of the bed. She hadn''t left Grandmother''s side except for brief necessities.

    +8 Points >

    "The shock to her system was significant," Dr. Bet exined. "Her body needs time to heal

    naturally."

    I clenched my jaw, frustration building. "There must be something more we can do."

    "Her constitution is strong," he assured us, "but at her age, we must be patient."

    Patience had never been my strong suit, especially when it came to matters beyond my

    control.

    After another hour of silent vigil, I couldn''t stand the stillness of the room any longer. "I need to check on some pack business. Call me immediately if there''s any change."

    Olivia didn''t even look up as I left.

    Alone at Imperial Gardens, I retreated to my study. The emptiness of the house pressed in around me, a physical reminder of all I had lost-or perhaps never truly had.

    I sat at my desk and essed the cloud backup of the residence''s surveince footage. With a few keystrokes, I extracted all clips rted to Lily. My fingers hovered over the keyboard,

    suddenly hesitant.

    Did I have the right to these memories now, when I had ignored them in life?

    Pushing aside my doubts, I clicked on the first file. The screen filled with an image of Olivia, her belly swollen with pregnancy. She was sitting in the garden, reading aloud to her unborn

    child.

    My amber eyes grew troubled as I watched. I remembered that time-the period of Olivia''s pregnancy with Lily. I had been physically present but emotionally absent, providing financial support but little else.

    There had been misunderstandings between us five years ago. Misunderstandings that had driven a wedge between us just as we should have been celebrating new life.

    I recalled arranging the best hospital, the finest doctors, the mostprehensive postnatal care for Olivia. I had been the first to hold Lily after her birth, cradling her tiny form with awe.

    But my involvement had ended there. Preupied with pack business and... other matters, I rarely returned to Imperial Gardens. I had beenrgely absent from Lily''s life from the

    beginning.

    A mix of emotions churned within me as I clicked on another video, this one from when Olivia returned to Imperial Gardens after her post-birth recovery period. The timestamp showed it

    was five years ago.

    < Chapter 87 Painful Revtio.

    +8 Ports >

    I watched as Olivia paced the nursery, dark circles under her eyes as she soothed

    a colicky two-month-old Lily. Night after night, she went without sleep, tending to

    our daughter''s needs with unwavering devotion.

    A memory surfaced-I had returned to Imperial Gardens once during that period after a business dinner. Olivia had greeted me with joy, her tired eyes lighting up at my arrival.

    But my focus had been elsewhere. I had swept her into my arms without even ncing at the baby, instructing Martha Wilson to take care of Lily. My message had been clear: Olivia was mine for the night.

    I had carried her into the master bedroom, locking the door and pulling her onto the bed with

    barely contained desire.

    The surveince footage didn''t show what happened behind closed doors, but my memory filled in the nks. I had been rough, demanding, releasing weeks of pent-up frustration on her willing body.

    Midway through, I vaguely recalled a knocking at the door. The details were hazy now, lost in the fog of time and selective memory.

    Olivia, initiallypliant despite my rough handling, had tried to pull away when Martha

    knocked. Caught in the moment, I had refused to let her go.

    "Ethan, please," she had begged. "It must be Lily crying. Martha can''t soothe her. Let me check

    on her-I''lle right back."

    But I had been deaf to her pleas, unable toprehend why Martha couldn''t handle a simple situation with a baby. I had silenced her protests with demanding kisses, lost in my own

    desires.

    Onlyte into the night had I finally released her, satisfied and exhausted. Now, watching the

    footage from the hallway camera, I saw what happened after I fell asleep.

    Lily stood at the master bedroom door, her tiny face red and swollen from crying, her voice

    hoarse from distress. Martha looked apologetic as she held the inconsble infant.

    After I left the next morning, the cameras captured Olivia-exhausted and moving gingerly- going tofort our daughter, singing softly until Lily finally calmed.

    I had always attributed Lily''s affection for me to our blood connection, assuming it was natural for a child to love her father. But the surveince footage revealed a different truth.

    I watched in growing disbelief as Olivia shaped Lily''s perception of me. From the time Lily was

    00

    +8 Points 2

    three months old and started recognizing faces, Olivia would hold her in my

    absence, showing

    her my picture.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 144

    "This is Daddy!" she would say repeatedly, pointing to my image. "Daddy loves

    you very

    much!"

    As Lily grew, Olivia continued to fill the void left by my absence. She never spoke

    ill of me,

    never let Lily see her disappointment or anger at my neglect.

    I watched Olivia''s tears of joy as Lily spoke her first word: "Mama." Any mother would have

    been content with that achievement, but Olivia was determined that Lily would know her

    father too.

    She continued showing Lily my picture, teaching her to say "Daddy!" with tireless patience

    until Lily finally learned the word.

    "Daddy loves Lily very much," Olivia would exin gently, "but Daddy is very busy, so he hasn''t

    Lily, a nk te eager to please, would echo her mother''s words: "Daddy loves Lily! Lily loves

    Daddy!"

    My throat tightened as I watched Olivia buying gifts, clothes, and toys for Lily in my name.

    She would present them to our daughter, telling her they were from me.

    Lily''s delighted responses, hugging the gifts and sweetly saying, "Love Daddy!" pierced my

    heart like a silver de.

    I hadn''t fulfilled even the most basic responsibilities as a father, yet Olivia had tirelessly

    maintained my image in Lily''s eyes. Because of her daily reinforcement, Lily held a positive

    image of me despite my absence.

    A particr memory surfaced-one I had almost forgotten. Lily, having just learned to walk,

    had waited for me at the Stone Residence Entrance one evening when I returned unexpectedly.

    Her face had beamed as I arrived, her tiny legs carrying her toward me as fast as they could.

    She had hugged my leg, looking up at me with bright eyes that mirrored her mother''s.

    "Daddy, hug," she had said softly, her arms raised in expectation.

    That moment had softened something in me. From then on, I had started noticing Lily,

    acknowledging her presence when I visited Imperial Gardens.

    I had always thought that moment was coincidental-that Lily happened to be there when I arrived. But the surveince revealed the truth: she had waited at the door every day, filled

    < Chapter 87. Painful Revtio

    with anticipation, hoping I would return.

    +8 Points)

    This realization brought a wave of tenderness over me. I remembered beginning to return to Imperial Gardens not just for Olivia, but to spend time with Lily as well.

    This continued until Victoria returned with Emma. Their hardships abroad had fueled my

    resentment toward Olivia, rekindling old feelings and grievances.

    However, no longer indifferent to Lily, I had wanted her to get along with Emma. I envisioned them as ymates, perhaps even friends, creating a harmonious blended family.

    But their first meeting had ended in disaster. I watched the footage of that day with growing

    dread, knowing what wasing.

    The camera captured Lily and Emma by the Moonlit Reflection Pool. One moment they were

    standing together; the next, Emma was in the water, screaming.

    In my anger, I had punished Lily without question, making her stand in a corner while I attended to the distressed Emma. Emma, shaken by the incident, would only sleep in my arms, clinging to me forfort.

    I didn''t even notice when Olivia took Lily home. Onlyter did Victoria inform me that they had

    left.

    What I hadn''t known-what the surveince now revealed-was that Lily had developed a high fever that night. For three days and nights, she burned with illness while Olivia cared for her

    tirelessly.

    I watched Olivia''s exhausted form bent over Lily''s bed, applying coolpresses, administering medicine, whispering reassurances. Not once did she call me for help.

    When Lily finally broke the fever, she cried in Olivia''s arms. "Mommy, I didn''t push Sister Emma. Sister Emma pushed me, and she fell into the pool herself."

    Lily insisted repeatedly that she wasn''t responsible. Olivia reassured her, stroking her hair. "I

    believe you, sweetheart. I know you wouldn''t do that."

    But Lily continued to cry, heartbroken. "Why doesn''t Daddy believe me?"

    This question-"Why doesn''t Daddy believe me?"-struck me deeply, echoing in my mind like

    an usation.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 145

    The video continued ying on my screen, showing Lily''s tear-streaked face as she leaned against Olivia. Her small body trembled with each sob, her voice breaking as she insisted on

    her innocence.

    "I didn''t push Sister Emma, Mommy," she cried, her emerald eyes-so like her mother''s-wide with distress. "She pushed me first, and then she fell in by herself."

    The raw emotion in her voice made my chest tighten. Children could lie, I knew that, but the genuine anguish in Lily''s expression was difficult to dismiss. She looked feverish, her cheeks flushed and her forehead damp with sweat as Olivia gently wiped it with a cool cloth.

    "I believe you, sweetheart," Olivia murmured, stroking our daughter''s hair. "I know you

    hurt anyone."

    wouldn''t

    Lily''s next words pierced through me like a silver de. "Then why doesn''t Daddy believe me? Why does he love Sister Emma more than me?"

    I paused the video, unable to watch more. The question echoed in my mind, an usation I couldn''t defend against. Had I truly been so blind? So quick to assume the worst of my own

    daughter?

    The thought of Emma deliberately pushing Lily seemed impossible. Emma, who had been so excited to meet her "sister," who had talked about Lily for days before their first meeting.

    Emma, who looked at me with such adoration in her eyes.

    Yet the surveince footage showed no clear culprit. One moment, both girls stood by the pool; the next, Emma was in the water, screaming. I had immediately med Lily without investigation, without even asking for her side of the story.

    My phone rang, interrupting my troubled thoughts. Victoria''s name shed on the

    screen.

    "Ethan?" Her voice came through, soft and slightly breathless. "Are youing to pick Emma

    up from the training den? You promised her yesterday."

    Guilt washed over me as I realized I''dpletely forgotten. ¡°I''ll be there in twenty minutes."

    "Is everything alright? How''s your grandmother?"

    < Chapter 88 Divided Loyalties

    "She''s stable," I replied, shutting down myputer. "I''ll tell you more when I see you."

    +15 Points>

    I ended the call, my mind still churning with conflicting emotions. The truth about Emma had

    been another source of guilt-keeping her existence a secret from my pack for so long, allowing rumors to spread about my rtionship with Victoria.

    The drive to Crescent Moon Training Den gave me time to collect my thoughts. Victoria stood waiting at the entrance, elegant as always in a simple cream dress that entuated her slender figure. Her face brightened when she saw me approach.

    "You''rete," she said, though her tone held no reproach.

    "Five minutes," I countered, checking my watch. "Pack business."

    Victoria''s expression softened with concern. "How is Matriarch Evelyn? I heard about her

    copse."

    "Dr. Bet says she''ll recover with rest," I replied, my amber eyes lingering on Victoria''s tired

    face. "You look exhausted."

    She smiled faintly. "Emma had nightmares against night. She keeps dreaming about that

    incident with the rogue wolf."

    Before I could respond, a high-pitched voice called out, "Alpha!"

    Emma burst through the training den doors, her face lighting up at the sight of me. She wore her training uniform, her blonde hair pulled back in a neat ponytail. Turning to her ssmates who had followed her outside, she announced proudly, "See? That''s my Alpha."

    The other pups stared at me with wide, impressed eyes. I was well aware of the effect my presence had-the Alpha King of Silvercrest Pack didn''t typically make personal appearances

    at training dens.

    Emma ran to me, arms outstretched. I lifted her easily, settling her against my hip as she

    wrapped her small arms around my neck.

    "Did you see me practicing my forms, Alpha? Teacher said I was the best in ss today!"

    "I''m sorry I missed it," I replied, carrying her toward my car. "Maybe next time."

    Victoria followed, a soft smile ying on her lips as she watched our interaction. The envious nces from other parents didn''t escape my notice-nor did the whispers that followed us to

    the parking lot.

    Once in the car, with Emma securely buckled in the back seat, I found myself thinking again about the incident at the Moonlit Reflection Pool. The question slipped out before I could

    < Chapter 88 Divided Loyalties

    reconsider.

    "Emma, do you remember when you first met Lily? At the reflection pool?"

    +15 Poeta

    Victoria tensed beside me, her hand reaching for mine in warning. Emma''s bright expression

    dimmed slightly.

    "Yes, Alpha. I remember."

    "Can you tell me what happened that day? How you fell into the water?"

    Victoria interjected smoothly, "Ethan, we''ve been through this. Emma was pushed-"

    "I want to hear it from Emma," I said firmly, meeting the child''s gaze in the rearview mirror.

    Emma''s lower lip trembled slightly. "Sister Lily pushed me, Alpha. I just wanted to be friends,

    but she was mean to me."

    The rehearsed quality of her words struck me. Had Victoria coached her? Or was

    this truly

    how Emma remembered the incident?

 The Alpha King is unavailable 146

    "Are you absolutely sure that''s what happened?" I pressed gently.

    Victoria''s fingers tightened around mine. ¡°Ethan, please. Why are you questioning her like this?

    She was traumatized by that incident."

    "I just want to understand-"

    "Why don''t you ask Lily then?" Victoria suggested, her tone innocent despite the cruelty of her words. She knew perfectly well that Lily was no longer alive to defend herself.

    Emma''s eyes filled with tears. "Alpha, don''t you believe Emma? Do you think Emma is a lying bad girl?"

    The sight of her distress made my resolve crumble. I reached back to pat her knee

    reassuringly.

    "No, of course not. I believe you, Emma."

    Victoria rxed beside me, her thumb stroking the back of my hand. "It was probably just a

    misunderstanding between children. These things happen."

    I nodded, though doubt lingered. Perhaps that was all it had been-a childish misunderstanding that I had blown out of proportion due to my own prejudices. I had been quick to believe the worst of Lily, assuming she had inherited Olivia''s supposed jealousy and

    vindictiveness.

    < Chapter 88 Divided Loyalties

    +15 Pomis

    But the surveince videos had shown me a different Olivia than the one I thought

    I knew. Patient, loving, protective-nothing like the maniptive woman Victoria had described to me

    over the years.

    Had I been wrong about both of them?

    We arrived at Rosewood Haven, Victoria''s elegant residence on the outskirts of Shadow Creek. Emma, still upset from our conversation, clung to me as I carried her inside.

    "Don''t go yet, Alpha," she pleaded, her small hands fisted in my shirt. "Stay for dinner. Please?"

    Victoria smiled apologetically. "You don''t have to if you''re busy. I know you have pack

    responsibilities-"

    "I''ll stay," I decided, unable to resist Emma''s pleading eyes. "For dinner."

    Dinner stretched into the evening as Emma insisted on showing me hertest drawings, her school projects, her new toys. By the time Victoria suggested it was bedtime, Emma was

    yawning but still reluctant to let me leave.

    "Will you read me a story, Alpha? Please?"

    Victoria intervened gently. "Emma, Alpha Ethan needs to get back to his duties. I can read to

    you tonight."

    "But I want Alpha to do it," Emma insisted, her lower lip jutting out stubbornly.

    I found myself agreeing, following Emma to her bedroom while Victoria watched with a mixture of amusement and something else I couldn''t quite identify.

    Emma''s room was a child''s paradise-filled with toys, books, and a canopy bed fit for a princess. She climbed into bed and patted the space beside her expectantly.

    "This one," she said, handing me a colorful storybook about a wolf pup who discovers his

    special powers.

    I read slowly, watching as Emma''s eyelids grew heavier with each page. By the time I reached

    the end, she was fast asleep, her small face peaceful in repose.

    Carefully, I extracted myself from the bed and tucked the nkets around her. For

    a moment, I simply stood there, watching her sleep. She looked so innocent, so vulnerable. It was hard to

    imagine her deliberately pushing another child into a pool.

    Yet Lily had seemed equally sincere in her denial.

    It was almost nine o''clock when I finally left Emma''s room, gently closing the door behind me.

    < Chapter 88: Divided Loyalties

    As I walked down the hallway toward the stairs, Victoria''s bedroom door opened.

    She stood in the doorway, her hair loose around her shoulders, wearing a midnight blue nightdress that left little to the imagination. The silky material clung to her curves, the neckline plunging dangerously low.

    +15 Points>

    I averted my gaze, ufortable with the intimacy of the moment. "Emma''s asleep. I should get back to the pack house."

    Victoria stepped forward, closing the distance between us. Her arms slid around

    my waist, her body pressing against mine as she looked up at me with undisguised longing.

    "Ethan..." Her voice was husky, inviting. "Stay tonight, okay?"

 The Alpha King is unavailable 147

    I stood in the doorway of my bedroom, watching Ethan''s reaction as his amber eyes took in my appearance. The midnight blue nightdress had been chosen specifically for this moment- the silky material clung to every curve of my body, the neckline plunging low enough to reveal

    the swell of my breasts.

    "Emma''s asleep," he said, averting his gaze: "I should get back to the pack house."

    I moved forward with practiced grace, closing the distance between us. My arms slid around his waist as I pressed my body against his, looking up with undisguised longing.

    "Ethan..." I made my voice husky, inviting. "Stay tonight, okay?"

    I was confident in my allure. After all, Ethan Stone had always desired me. We shared a history that predated his idental mating with Olivia Winters. He had loved me first, had chosen me first. That bond couldn''t be broken by a mere technicality.

    I leaned in, tilting my face toward his. My scent-deliberately enhanced with a subtle perfume that I knew he liked-surrounded us both. My lips parted slightly, invitingly.

    "Victoria."

    His voice was calm and clear. There was no trace of conflicted desire in his amber eyes, only rationalposure as he gently but firmly removed my arms from around his waist.

    I felt tears welling in my eyes, genuine confusion and hurt washing over me. "What''s wrong?"

    Ethan took a step back, creating distance between us. "I need to get back."

    "Ethan," I whispered, a tear sliding down my cheek. "Do you not want me because of what happened five years ago when you identally mated with Olivia? Do you find me repulsive

    now?"

    (Ethan''s POV)

    "Victoria." My voice deepened with displeasure at her words.

    I watched as panic shed across her face, her posture immediately shifting to one of

    submission. This was a side of Victoria I''d seen before-the calcted vulnerability that

    emerged whenever she sensed my disapproval.

    < Chapter 89 Rejected Advances

    +15 Points >

    "Ethan, I''m sorry," she pleaded, her voice trembling. ¡°I shouldn''t have said that. Don''t be angry."

    She lowered her stance submissively, her eyes wide and appealing. "You know I love you.

    We''ve loved each other since we were young. Why won''t you stay with me? You and Olivia are

    separated now. There''s nothing stopping us from being together."

    I remained silent, momentarily stunned by her question. Why couldn''t I bring myself to be

    intimate with Victoria? I had told myself for years that I loved her, that she was the one I truly

    wanted.

    I didn''t dislike Victoria. I never minded that night five years ago when I was drugged and

    identally mated with Olivia. If anything, I med myself for not being there for Victoria

    when she needed me most.

    So why did I keep pushing her away?

    Victoria pressed closer, sensing my hesitation. Her hand came up to rest against my chest,

    her touch light but insistent. "Ethan, please..."

    I instinctively stepped back again, creating distance between us. "Victoria, I haven''t found Lily

    yet. I don''t have the energy for this right now."

    Relief washed over me as the words left my mouth. Yes, that was it-I was preupied with

    finding my daughter. That exined my reluctance.

    Victoria''s expression softened with understanding. "Of course. Lily is important, Ethan. I''ll wait

    for you."

    I nodded, my mind already drifting to thoughts of my daughter. Where could she be? Why was

    Olivia hiding her from me?

    "Goodnight, Victoria," I said simply, turning to leave Rosewood Haven.

    (Victoria''s POV)

    I watched him walk away, his broad shoulders disappearing down the hallway. The moment

    the front door closed behind him, my sympathetic expression vanished.

    My fists clenched at my sides, nails digging into my palms until small crescents of blood

    appeared. Rage bubbled inside me, hot and poisonous.

    Once again, Olivia Winters hade between us. Even in her absence, she managed to keep

    Ethan from me. And now this obsession with finding Lily-a child who had never meant anything to him while she was alive.

    I had been so close. If I could just get Ethan to stay one night, to share my bed again, I might

    < Chapter 89. Rejected Advances

    +15 Points

    conceive his son. A male heir would secure my position in the Stone family and the Silvercrest Pack hierarchy forever.

    But no. He was too preupied with Olivia and Lily to see what was right in front

    of him.

    My perfectly manicured nails dug deeper into my palms as resentment filled every fiber of my being.

    (Olivia''s POV)

 The Alpha King is unavailable 148

    The Silvercrest Pack Medical Den was quiet at thiste hour. Most visitors had gone home, leaving only essential staff to monitor patients through the night.

    I sat beside Matriarch Evelyn''s bed, gently bathing her face with a warm cloth. Her skin felt papery beneath my touch, fragile with age yet still bearing the dignity that had defined her throughout her life.

    "There we go," I murmured, though I knew she couldn''t hear me. "Let''s get youfortable."

    With practiced care, I changed her into fresh clothes, moving her limbs gently to avoid causing

    any difort. I even took the time tob her silver hair, arranging it neatly around her

    face.

    "Excuse me, Mrs. Winters?"

    I looked up to see Sarah Jenkins, one of the medical assistants, standing in the doorway. Her

    expression was hesitant, uncertain.

    "I can help with that if you''d like to take a break," she offered.

    Before I could respond, Bernard Sheppard appeared behind her. The Stone family''s head butler

    assessed the situation with a single nce.

    "Sarah," he said quietly, "I believe Dr. Fletcher was looking for you regarding another patient."

    Sarah looked confused but nodded respectfully. "Of course, Mr. Sheppard."

    As she left, Bernard gave me a small nod of acknowledgment before withdrawing, closing the door softly behind him. I silently thanked him for his discretion. He understood my need to care for Matriarch Evelyn personally.

    Alone with the elderly woman once more, I took her hand in mine. Her fingers were cool, the

    skin thin enough that I could see the blue veins beneath.

    "Grandmother," I whispered, leaning close to her ear. "You have to wake up soon. Wanwan still needs you to protect me."

    < Chapter 89. Rejected Advances

    +15 Points >

    I used the nickname she had given me years ago when she first weed me into the Stone family. Back then, she had been my fiercest advocate, defending me against those who questioned my suitability as Ethan''s mate.

    Now, with her mind fixed five years in the past, she remained one of my few allies in a pack that hadrgely turned against me.

    (Ethan''s POV)

    I arrived at the medical den shortly after ten, nodding to the night staff as I made my way to Grandmother''s private room. Through the small window in the door, I could see Olivia sitting beside the bed, her head bowed as she held Grandmother''s hand.

    The sight stirred something in me-aplex emotion I couldn''t quite name. Olivia had every reason to abandon the Stone family after how she''d been treated, yet here she was, tending to Grandmother with genuine devotion.

    I pushed the door open quietly, but Olivia''s head snapped up immediately. Her emerald eyes met mine briefly before she rose from her chair.

    "Grandmother," she said softly, addressing the unconscious woman, "it''s gettingte. I''ll go back now. I''lle see you tomorrow."

    She gathered her things, clearly intending to leave rather than share the room with me. The avoidance irritated me, though I couldn''t exin why.

    As she turned to go, I caught her wrist, my grip gentle but firm. "Wait. I''ll take you back to Maple Grove. I have something to say to you."

    Olivia''s eyes flicked meaningfully toward Grandmother''s still form, reminding me that this wasn''t the ce for a confrontation. She pulled her wrist from my grasp.

    "No, thank you," she replied, her voice cold as she walked past me and out the door.

    I stayed with Grandmother for a while, watching the steady rise and fall of her chest. Dr. Bet had assured me that her condition was stable, but seeing her like this-frail and vulnerable-was unsettling.

    After ensuring that the night staff had clear instructions for her care, I left the medical den. My car automatically navigated toward Maple Grove, where I knew Olivia would have returned.

    I found her at her door, key in hand. She froze when she saw me approaching, her posture immediately defensive.

    "What do you want?" she demanded, quickly unlocking her door and attempting to slip inside.

    < Chapter 89: Rejected Advances

    I moved faster, catching the door before she could close it. "We need to talk."

    "I have nothing to say to you," Olivia hissed, trying to force the door shut.

    +15 PORTS

    I pushed back, my superior strength easily oveing her resistance. "This isn''t

    a request."

    Olivia stumbled backward as the door swung open. Her emerald eyes shed with indignation, her slender frame vibrating with anger.

    "How dare you force your way into my home! Get out before I-"

    "I came here tonight just to talk to you calmly about Lily," I interrupted, my voice firm. "I want to see Lily!"

 The Alpha King is unavailable 149

    (Ethan''s POV)

    "I want to see Lily!" I demanded, my amber eyes fixed intensely on Olivia.

    My voice carried the unmistakable authority of an Alpha King-I wasn''t asking, but stating my intent. Themand reverberated through the small confines of her cottage at Maple Grove,

    my Alpha aura filling the space.

    Olivia''s slender frame went rigid. Her emerald eyes, once soft with love, hardened

    into glittering stones as she stared back at me.

    "Ethan Stone, how dare you ask to see Lily?" Her voice was ice, each word precisely delivered

    like the strike of a de.

    I took a step forward, confused by her vehemence. "She''s my daughter too, Olivia."

    "Your daughter?" Oliviaughed, a hollow sound devoid of humor. "The same daughter you neglected for years? The same daughter whose birthday you missed to attend Emma''s school

    event?"

    Her words stung, but I pressed on. "I have the right-"

    "You have no rights!" she snapped, her voice rising. "You forfeited any rights to Lily when you

    chose Victoria and Emma over us time and again."

    I felt my patience wearing thin. "This isn''t about the past. I want to see my daughter now."

    Olivia''s face contorted with an emotion I couldn''t quite ce-rage mixed with something

    deeper, more painful.

    "You don''t deserve to see her," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Not after everything you''ve

    done."

    I ran a hand through my hair in frustration. Why was she being so difficult? Why couldn''t she understand that I needed to make things right with Lily?

    "Olivia, I''m trying to fix things. I''ve seen the security footage from the Moonlit Reflection Pool

    incident."

    Her eyes widened slightly, the first c***k in her icyposure.

    "I know now that Lily didn''t push Emma,¡± I continued, my voice softening. ¡°I was wrong to

    me her without investigating properly."

    +15 Points

    Olivia''s breathing quickened, her chest rising and falling rapidly as she processed my words.

    "I want to apologize to her," I exined, taking another cautious step forward. "I''ll make it up to her-whatever she wants. A trip to that amusement park she always talked about, new toys,

    anything."

    I expected relief, perhaps even gratitude that I was finally acknowledging my mistake. Instead,

    Olivia''s face drained of color, her expression morphing into one of absolute horror. "Make it up to her?" she repeated, her voice barely audible. "With toys and trips?" Her mind seemed to drift somewhere else, her eyes unfocused as if seeing a different time, a

    different ce.

    "Do you remember that day, Ethan?" she asked suddenly, her voice hollow. "The day after the

    pool incident?"

    I frowned, trying to recall. "What about it?"

    "Lily was standing alone by the Moonlit Reflection Pool," Olivia said, her voice distant. "She

    was burning with fever, tears streaming down her face after you punished her."

    The memory came back to me in fragments-Lily''s small form shivering despite the warm

    day, her face flushed with fever as she stood where I had ordered her to remain

    as

    punishment.

    "She kept saying she was innocent," Olivia continued, her voice growing stronger with each word. "She begged you to believe her, but you walked away tofort Emma instead."

    Shame washed over me as I recalled my coldness that day. I had been so convinced of Lily''s guilt, so determined to show her that actions had consequences.

    "I didn''t know she was sick," I said weakly.

    "You didn''t care enough to notice!" Olivia''s voice cracked with emotion. "And now you think you can make it all better with apologies and gifts? What good are your apologies now,

    Ethan?"

    Her words hung in the air between us, heavy with usation. I struggled to find a response

    that wouldn''t sound hollow or self-serving.

    "I''m trying to make things right,¡± I finally said. "Isn''t that what matters?"

    Olivia''sugh was bitter. "Make things right? You can''t make this right, Ethan. It''s toote for

    22-4

    < Chapter 90: You Don''t Deserv...

 The Alpha King is unavailable 150

    +15 Points>

    I felt my frustration mounting. Why couldn''t she see that I was trying? That I

    wanted to be a

    better father to Lily?

    "What do you want from me, Olivia?" I demanded. "I''ve admitted I was wrong. I want to

    apologize to Lily personally. What more can I do?"

    Her emerald eyes locked with mine, burning with an intensity that made me take a step back.

    "What about Emma?" she asked, her voice dangerously quiet. "What happens to her now that

    you know the truth?"

    I blinked, caught off guard by the question. "This is between me and Lily. Emma doesn''t need

    to be involved."

    "Doesn''t need to be involved?" Olivia''s voice rose incredulously. "She lied about being pushed!

    She let Lily take the me and punishment!"

    I shook my head, defensive instincts kicking in. "She''s just a child, Olivia. Children lie

    sometimes. They make mistakes."

    "And Lily? Wasn''t she just a child too?" Olivia''s eyes shed dangerously. "A child you

    punished without hearing her side. A child you left standing in the sun with a fever while you

    I felt my temper rising, my Alpha aura ring in response to her challenge. "What do you want

    me to do? Punish Emma now? Would that satisfy you?"

    "I want justice for Lily," Olivia insisted, standing her ground despite my intimidating presence.

    "I want Victoria and Emma to acknowledge what they did."

    My patience snapped. "This is ridiculous. Emma made a childish mistake years ago. Victoria

    had nothing to do with it."

    "Victoria has everything to do with it!" Olivia shouted, herposure finally breaking. "She''s been poisoning you against Lily and me from the beginning!"

    I felt my Alpha aura expanding, filling the small cottage with my anger and frustration. The windows rattled slightly, and I saw Olivia flinch despite her defiance.

    "Enough!" I growled, my voice deepening with the influence of my wolf. "I came here to make peace, not to listen to your usations against Victoria and Emma."

    Olivia didn''t back down, her own anger matching mine. "Of course you defend them. Even now,

    when you know the truth, you shield Emma while Lily suffered your harsh punishment."

    < Chapter 90 You Don''t Deserv

    "What do you want from me?" I demanded again, my voice echoing off the walls.

    +15 Points >

    "I told you-justice for Lily," Olivia repeated, her voice steady despite the tears gathering in her eyes. "Victoria and Emma should acknowledge what they did. They should face consequences just as Lily did."

    I felt my control slipping, my wolf pushing against the surface of my skin, demanding release. "So you won''t be satisfied until Emma suffers the same as Lily? Is that it?"

    (Olivia''s POV)

    "Shouldn''t she?" I retorted, my voice sharp with years of pent-up resentment.

    I could feel my body trembling with the force of my emotions, my emerald eyes burning with unshed tears. The injustice of it all-Lily''s suffering, Emma''s immunity from consequences,

    Victoria''s maniptions-threatened to overwhelm me.

    "Victoria Frost and Emma should beg for Lily''s forgiveness," I dered, my voice breaking slightly on my daughter''s name. "They should kneel before her and admit what they did."

    Ethan''s face contorted with rage, his amber eyes glowing with the intensity of his wolf. The air around us grew heavy with his Alpha power, pressing down on me like a physical weight.

    "You''re being unreasonable," he growled, his voice barely human. ¡°Emma is a child. She made

    a mistake. It doesn''t warrant this level of vengeance."

    "Vengeance?" I echoed incredulously. "Is that what you think this is? I''m not asking for

    vengeance, Ethan. I''m asking for ountability."

    He shook his head dismissively, already turning away from me. "This conversation

    is

    pointless. You''re too blinded by your hatred for Victoria and Emma to be rational."

    The usation stung, but I refused to back down. "And you''re too blinded by your infatuation

    with them to see how they''ve manipted you."

    Ethan''s jaw clenched, a muscle ticking visibly as he fought to control his temper. "I''m done

    with this discussion. I came here to see Lily, and I will see her-with or without your permission."

    He stormed toward the door of Maple Grove, his broad shoulders rigid with anger.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 151

    Ethan''s words echoed in my mind long after he''d mmed the door. "I want to see Lily!" The

    audacity of his demand made my blood boil all over again.

    My chest tightened painfully, and I gasped for breath. The familiar sensation of panic wed at my throat as grief overwhelmed me. I fumbled in my pocket for my medicine bottle, fingers

    trembling as I tried to open it.

    Empty.

    A sob escaped me as I slumped against the wall. Of course it was empty. Nothing in my life

    seemed to go right anymore.

    "I''m sorry, Lily," I whispered to the empty room. "I''m so sorry."

    Guilt crashed over me in waves. I had tried so hard to shield Lily from the truth of her father''s

    indifference. I''d made excuses for his absences, invented reasons for why he missed her

    birthday parties and school events.

    "Daddy''s just busy with pack business, sweetheart," I would tell her, watching her little face fall

    with disappointment. "He loves you very much."

    What a fool I''d been. My efforts to create a loving paternal image had only deepened Lily''s hurt, strengthened her attachment to a father who barely acknowledged her existence.

    Tears streamed down my face as I stared at Lily''s portrait on my small altar. Her emerald eyes

    -so like my own-gazed back at me, innocent and trusting.

    "I failed you," I choked out. "I couldn''t protect you from him. I couldn''t save you from your illness. And now, I can''t even bring Victoria to justice for what she did."

    The weight of my failures crushed me. I couldn''t breathe, couldn''t think past the overwhelming guilt and grief.

    I needed to see her. I needed to be close to my daughter.

    Without conscious thought, I grabbed my car keys and headed out into the night.

    The drive to Sacred Moonlight Cemetery was familiar-I''d made this journey countless times in the sleepless nights since Lily''s burial. The cemetery gates were never locked; the dead had

    < Chapter 91 A Mother''s Fury

    +15 Points

    nothing to fear from intruders, and the living who visited at night usually had good

    reason.

    I parked my car and gathered the small offerings I''d brought-a package of venison jerky (Lily''s favorite) and fresh white flowers. The night air was cool against my tear-stained face as I made my way along the darkened paths.

    I felt no fear walking among the graves. These were ces where the dead rested, where they were remembered and mourned. Like my Lily, they had been loved.

    As I approached Lily''s tombstone, my heart stopped. Someone was already there-a slender figure standing before my daughter''s grave.

    Even in the dim moonlight, I recognized her immediately. Victoria Frost.

    My blood ran cold. What was she doing here? What business did she have at my daughter''s

    resting ce?

    I slipped behind a nearby monument, watching with growing horror as Victoria spoke to Lily''s

    grave.

    "You little brat," she hissed, her voice carrying clearly in the still night air. "Even in death, you''re

    still causing me trouble."

    I couldn''t believe what I was hearing. Victoria was speaking to my dead child with such

 The Alpha King is unavailable 152

    venom, such hatred.

    "If it weren''t for you, Ethan wouldn''t have been forced to marry that omega b***h,¡± she

    continued, pacing before the tombstone. ¡°He would have been mine years ago.¡±

    My hands clenched into fists, nails digging painfully into my palms. How dare she? How dare

    shee to my daughter''s grave and spew such poison?

    "And now he''s obsessed with finding you," Victoria spat. "He rejected me tonight because of

    you!"

    She kicked at the ground in frustration, her foot connecting with the white flowers I''d left during myst visit. The delicate blooms scattered across the grass, petals crushed beneath

    her heel.

    "You little mongrel, born of that omega b***h!" Victoria''s voice rose, echoing through the quiet cemetery. "Even in death, you''re still causing me trouble! If you don''t give me peace, I won''t let your spirit rest either!"

    To my horror, Victoria pulled out a small bottle filled with dark liquid. My heart pounded with the premonition of something terrible.

    214

    +15 Points

    "You''re to me for being born to that b***h Olivia Winters," Victoria continued, unscrewing the cap. "Next life...oh, I forgot, you don''t have another life! Hahahahaha!"

    Herughter echoed through the cemetery, cruel and mocking. She tilted the bottle, preparing to pour its contents onto Lily''s grave.

    Something inside me snapped.

    "Victoria Frost, stop!" I screamed, lunging from my hiding ce.

    I didn''t think, didn''t n-I simply acted. My body mmed into hers with all the force of my

    maternal rage. The impact knocked Victoria to the ground, the bottle flying from her hand and

    spilling its dark contents over her expensive clothes.

    "What the "Victoria shrieked, scrambling to wipe the liquid from her blouse. "You crazy

    b***h! Do you know how much this outfit cost?"

    I didn''t care about her clothes. I didn''t care about anything except protecting my daughter''s

    final resting ce from this woman''s malice.

    "How dare you!" I snarled, kicking her hard in the side. "How dare youe to my daughter''s

    grave!"

    Victoria tried to rise, but I kicked her again, forcing her to her knees before Lily''s tombstone.

    "Apologize!" I demanded, my voice barely recognizable even to my own ears. "Apologize to my

    daughter!"

    Victoria''s face contorted with rage. "I''ll never apologize to that little-"

    I didn''t let her finish. My hand shot out, gripping her perfectly styled hair and yanking her head

    back painfully.

    "You will show respect," I hissed, "or I swear by the moon, I will end you right here."

    Victoria twisted in my grip, managing to break free. She scrambled to her feet, her face

    flushed with anger and humiliation.

    "You''ll regret this," she threatened, lunging toward me with her manicured nails aimed at my

    face.

    I caught her wrist easily, twisting it until she gasped in pain. Five years of grief had hardened

    me in ways Victoria couldn''t understand. I was no longer the meek,

    amodating Luna she

    had once manipted so easily.

    "No, Victoria," I said coldly. "You''ll regreting here tonight."

    < Chapter 91. A Mother''s Fury

    +15 Points 2

    My open palm connected with her cheek in a resounding p. The force of it snapped her head to the side, leaving a bright red mark on her pale skin.

    She staggered back, stunned by the blow. Before she could recover, I pped her again. And

    again. And again.

    Each p was for a moment my daughter had suffered. Each p was for a time Victoria had smiled smugly while Lily cried. Each p was for the kidney donor that had mysteriously been

    redirected from my dying child to Emma.

    Victoria''s legs gave out, and she copsed to her knees again, dazed and disoriented from the barrage of blows.

    My emerald eyes burned with a primal rage I had never experienced before. I saw red, consumed by the sheer malice of Victoria''s actions against my deceased daughter.

    This woman had contributed to Lily''s suffering in life. She had manipted Ethan, turned him against his own daughter. And now she dared to desecrate Lily''s grave, to curse her spirit?

    No. I would not allow it.

    I grabbed Victoria by the shoulders and pushed her backward, forcing her head

    against Lily''s

    tombstone.

    "Bang!"

    The sound resonated through the night, a stark expression of a mother''s fury and unwavering

 The Alpha King is unavailable 153

    (Olivia''s POV)''

    I gripped Victoria''s perfectly styled hair tighter, forcing her head down toward Lily''s tombstone. My entire body trembled with a rage I''d never experienced before- primal, fierce, and

    unstoppable.

    "Apologize to my daughter!" I demanded, my voice barely recognizable even to myself.

    Victoria struggled against my grip, her manicured nails wing at my wrists. "Let go of me,

    you crazy b***h!"

    Her resistance only fueled my determination. This woman had tormented my daughter in life, manipted my husband, and now dared to desecrate Lily''s final resting ce. No more.

    "Apologize!" I mmed her head forward, forcing her forehead against the cold stone of Lily''s

    grave marker.

    The impact echoed through the quiet cemetery-a hollow sound that somehow satisfied the

    burning rage inside me. Victoria''s perfectly applied makeup smeared against the moonstone,

    leaving a grotesque imprint.

    "You will show respect to my daughter," I hissed, yanking her head back only to force it down

    again.

    Victoria''s body went rigid with shock. No one had ever dared to treat her this way- certainly not the meek, amodating Luna she''d manipted for years.

    "Have you lost your mind?" she gasped, struggling to free herself from my iron grip. "I''m calling Ethan the moment I-"

    I cut her off with another forceful bow, her forehead connecting with the stone again. "Call him. Tell him how you came to curse my daughter''s grave in the middle of the night."

    My strength surprised even me. Where had this power been all these years? Perhaps it had always been there, dormant until maternal instinct and griefbined into something unstoppable.

    Victoria twisted violently in my grasp, her face contorted with hatred. "That little mongrel deserved to die! She was weak, just like you!"

    < Chapter 92 Sacred Ground

    Her words ignited something primal within me. My hand connected with her face

    in a

    resounding p, the sound sharp in the night air.

    "Don''t you dare speak of my daughter that way!" I pped her again, harder this time.

    +15 Points

    Victoria''s head snapped to the side, a red mark blooming on her pale cheek. Her eyes widened

    in shock and fear.

    ¡°You''re insane,¡± she whispered, a tremor in her voice. ¡°Completely insane.¡±

    I grabbed her hair again, forcing her to look at Lily''s tombstone. "Say her name. Say ''I''m sorry, Lily Winters."

 The Alpha King is unavailable 154

    Victoria''s eyes darted frantically around the cemetery, searching for escape or assistance.

    Finding none, her desperation grew.

    "I will destroy you for this," she threatened, her voice low and venomous. "When Ethan hears-"

    I pped her again, cutting off her words. "Say it!"

    Victoria''s gaze locked on something near the grave-a broken piece of ceramic from a

    shattered offering vase. Before I could react, her hand shot out, fingers closing around the jagged shard.

    In one swift motion, she shed at my hand, the sharp edge cutting deep into my flesh.

    Pain exploded through my palm, hot and immediate. I instinctively loosened my grip, giving

    Victoria the opening she needed.

    She twisted away from me, scrambling backward on her hands and knees. Blood dripped from

    my wounded hand onto Lily''s grave, dark droplets staining the white moonstone.

    "You cut me," I said, staring at my bleeding palm in disbelief.

    Victoria''s lips curved into a triumphant smile as she rose to her feet. "And I''ll do worse if you

    touch me again."

    I lunged toward her, but my injured hand threw me off bnce. I stumbled, giving Victoria

    precious seconds to reach into her designer bag.

    "Stay back," she warned, pulling out a small dark bottle-the same one she''d been about to

    empty on Lily''s grave when I arrived.

    My heart froze. "Victoria, don''t."

    Her eyes gleamed with malicious intent. "You should have let me leave."

    +15 Points >

    "Please," I begged, my anger giving way to desperation. "Whatever that is, don''t pour it on my

    daughter''s grave."

    Victoria''s smile widened, cruel and satisfied. "You want to know what this is? It''s a curse,

    Olivia. An ancient one that ensures restless spirits."

    Horror washed over me. "You can''t believe in such things."

    "Can''t I?" Victoria uncapped the bottle. "The old wolves have their ways. Ways to ensure a

    spirit never finds peace."

    I scrambled to my feet, ignoring the throbbing pain in my hand. "Don''t!"

    But I was toote. Victoria upended the bottle over Lily''s tombstone, the dark liquid spilling

    across the engraved name and dates.

    "Don''t..." I had just gotten up from the ground, but before I could stand steady, I witnessed this

    heartbreaking scene.

    The viscous substance oozed down the face of the stone, seeping into the engraved letters of my daughter''s name. The moonlight caught it, giving it an oily, iridescent sheen.

    "No!" I cried, rushing forward.

    Victoria stepped back, tossing the empty bottle aside. "Now she''ll never rest. Just like you''ll

    never know peace."

    I fell to my knees before Lily''s desecrated grave, frantically trying to wipe away the

    dark liquid with my sleeve. It clung stubbornly to the stone, thick and resistant.

    "What have you done?" I sobbed, my tears mixing with the substance as I desperately tried to

    clean it away. "What have you done to my baby?"

    Victoria''sughter echoed through the cemetery as she backed away. "Give Ethan my regards. Tell him I''ll be waiting when he''s ready to admit his mistake."

    I barely registered her departure, all my focus on removing the foul substance from Lily''s grave. My sleeve was quickly saturated, the dark liquid staining the fabric but still clinging to

    the stone.

    "I''m sorry, Lily," I wept, using my bare hands now. "I''m so sorry I couldn''t protect you."

    The substance felt warm against my skin, unnaturally so in the cool night air. It smelled of something ancient and wrong-herbs and blood and things that shouldn''t bebined.

    Was it truly a curse? Could Victoria really condemn my daughter''s spirit to eternal unrest?

    < Chapter 92 Sacred Ground

    +15 Points

    I didn''t know, but I couldn''t take the chance. I had to clean every trace of it from

    Lily''s grave.

    My injured hand throbbed painfully as I worked, blood mixing with the dark substance. I didn''t care. Physical pain was nothingpared to the thought of Lily''s spirit suffering.

    "Ms. Winters?" A gentle voice broke through my frantic efforts.

    I looked up to see Gregory Tanner, the night guardian of Sacred Moonlight

    Cemetery, standing

    a few feet away. His weathered face was creased with concern.

    "Are you alright? I heard shouting."

    I shook my head, unable to speak through my tears. I gestured helplessly at the desecrated

    grave.

    Gregory''s expression darkened as he took in the scene. "Wait here," he said, his voice gentle

    but firm. "I''ll be right back."

    He disappeared into the darkness, returning minutester with a bucket of hot water and

    clean cloths.

    ¡°Here,¡± he said, kneeling beside me. "This will work better."

    I epted the cloths gratefully, dipping one into the steaming water. "Thank you."

    Gregory watched as I resumed my cleaning efforts, the hot water helping to dissolve the

    stubborn substance.

    "Who did this?" he asked quietly.

    "Victoria Frost," I replied, my voice breaking. "She... she said it was a curse. To keep Lily''s spirit

    from resting."

    Gregory''s face hardened. "I''ll check the surveince footage. We have cameras at all the main

    entrances."

    I nodded absently, focused entirely on my task. The hot water was working, the dark substance gradually lifting from the stone.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 155

    I knelt before Lily''s tombstone, my heart shattered into a thousand pieces. Though

    I''d managed to clean away Victoria''s vile desecration, the weight of what had happened pressed

    down on me like a physical force.

    My fingers traced the engraved letters of my daughter''s name. The moonstone was clean now,

    but I couldn''t shake the feeling that something had been irreparably damaged.

    "Lily, it''s Mom''s fault," I whispered, tears streaming down my face. "Mom is sorry for you!"

    The cool night air carried my words away, offering nofort in return. Five years of grief had

    not dulled the pain of losing her. If anything, each new cruelty from Victoria only reopened the

    wound, making it bleed afresh.

    "I should have protected you better," I continued, my voice breaking. "I should have seen what

    Victoria was doing."

    The knowledge that Victoria had yed a role in Lily''s death burned inside me like acid. Even

    worse was Ethan''s continued blindness to her true nature, his willingness to believe her lies

    over the truth that stood right before him.

    I pressed my forehead against the cold stone, seeking some connection to my daughter. "Lily,"

    you haven''te to Mom''s dreams for so long. Are you ming Mom?" Only silence answered me.

    "Are you ming Mom for knowing who killed you, but not avenging you?"

    The thought struck me with terrible rity. I had known-or at least strongly suspected-

    Victoria''s involvement in redirecting the kidney donor that might have saved Lily''s life. Yet

    what had I done about it? Made usations without proof, thrown tantrums that only made

    me look unstable.

    I had failed my daughter in life. I would not fail her in death.

    "Lily, don''t be angry with Mom," I whispered, a new resolve hardening my voice. "Mom will

    avenge you, okay?"

    I kissed her image on the tombstone, the small photograph that captured her sweet smile but

    776

    could never convey the light that had shone from within her.

    +15 Points >

    Rising to my feet, I wiped away my tears with the back of my bloodied hand. The cut Victoria had inflicted throbbed painfully, but I barely noticed it now.

    My reflection in the polished stone showed a woman I barely recognized-hair wild, clothes stained with blood and dirt, eyes burning with a dangerous light.

    Good. Let that fire burn. I would need it for what came next.

    I turned away from Lily''s grave, my mind made up. Victoria Frost would pay for what she had done-not just with her reputation or her standing in the pack, but with her life.

    As I walked back toward the cemetery gates, Gregory Tanner approached, his weathered face

    creased with concern:

    "Ms. Winters, I checked the surveince footage," he said, falling into step beside me. "I''m

    sorry, but whoever did this knew how to avoid the cameras. There''s no usable evidence."

    I nodded, unsurprised. Victoria was too calcting to leave such an obvious trail.

    "Thank you for trying, Gregory," I said, my voice steadier than I expected. "And for your help

    tonight."

    He nced at my injured hand, frowning. "You should get that looked at. It could get infected."

    "I will," I lied, already walking toward my car.

    Gregory hesitated, clearly wanting to say more, but something in my expression must have warned him against it. He simply nodded and stepped back.

    I got into my car and started the engine, my destination clear in my mind. Rosewood Haven-

    Victoria''s luxurious home-was where I would find her.

    As I pulled away from Sacred Moonlight Cemetery, I caught a final glimpse of Lily''s grave in

    my rearview mirror. The white moonstone gleamed in the darkness, a beacon calling for

    justice.

    "I promise, Lily," I whispered. "Mom will make it right."

    (Victoria''s POV)

    I slipped away from the cemetery, carefully avoiding the surveince cameras I''d noted on my

    way in. My heart pounded against my ribs as I hurried to my waiting vehicle.

    That crazy b***h Olivia hadpletely lost her mind. The way she''d attacked me, mmed my head against the tombstone-I touched my forehead gingerly, wincing at the tender spot

    < Chapter 93. Blood and Venge.....

    where blood had begun to congeal.

    +15 Points 2

    I needed to get away quickly. If Olivia alerted the security guard, I could be caught

    on camera

    leaving the scene.

    Starting the engine, I pulled away from the cemetery, my mind racing faster than the car. Olivia''s words echoed in my ears: "You killed Lily."

    A chill ran down my spine despite the warmth of the car''s interior. Did she know something?

    Had she found evidence?

    No, that was impossible. I''d been too careful, covered my tracks too well. If Olivia had actual

    proof, she would have gone straight to Ethan with it.

    And despite his recent coldness toward me, I knew Ethan still harbored feelings for me. If

    Olivia had presented him with concrete evidence that I''d yed a role in his daughter''s death,

    he would have confronted me immediately.

    I rxed slightly as I drove, my logical mind taking control again. Olivia was

    simplyshing

    out, making wild usations based on suspicion rather than fact.

    Her outburst at the Stone Family Banquet Hall suddenly made more sense. Revealing Emma''s

    true parentage had been her attempt to seek justice for Lily, to hurt me the way she believed

    I''d hurt her.

    A smile curved my lips as I pulled into Crescent Moon Mall''s deserted parking lot.

    I''d arranged

    to switch vehicles here-a precaution I was now grateful for.

    As I transferred to my second car, I retrieved the first aid kit Ethan had provided

    for Emma''s

    emergencies. Inside was everything I needed to treat my wounds before returning home.

    I examined my reflection in the rearview mirror, grimacing at the sight. Blood had dried on my

 The Alpha King is unavailable 156

    forehead, and a bruise was forming where Olivia had mmed my head against the

    tombstone.

    As I cleaned the wound, a venomous look crossed my face. Olivia Winters had dared toy

    hands on me-me, who would soon be the true Luna of Silvercrest Pack.

    "You''ll pay for this," I whispered, applying antiseptic to the cut. "You''ll suffer the same fate as

    your precious Lily."

    I started the engine of my second car and headed toward Rosewood Haven, ns for revenge already forming in my mind.

    I arrived home to find Martha Wilson still awake, despite thete hour. The beta

    wolf gasped

    < Chapter 93: Blood and Venge....

    when she saw my appearance.

    "Ms. Frost! What happened to you?" she eximed, rushing forward.

    +15 Points >

    I waved her away, not wanting her fussing. "Nothing serious. Make me some of that calming

    tea, will you?".

    Martha hesitated, clearly wanting to ask more questions, but years of service had taught her when to hold her tongue. She nodded and hurried toward the kitchen.

    I sank onto the sofa in the living room, wincing as my head throbbed. The confrontation with

    Olivia had left me more shaken than I cared to admit.

    That woman had changed. The meek, amodating Luna who had once stepped aside whenever I entered a room was gone, reced by someone dangerous-someone willing to

    physically attack me.

    I needed to neutralize her before she became an even greater threat. But how?

    My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of small feet rushing down the stairs. Emma appeared in the doorway, her eyes widening in horror when she saw me. "Mommy!" she cried, rushing to my side. "What happened? You''re bleeding!"

    I hadn''t realized the wound had reopened. Blood trickled down my temple, more dramatic-looking than serious.

    Before I could reassure her, Emma had pulled out her phone-the one Ethan had given her for

    emergencies-and was dialing..

    "Emma, wait-" I began, but it was toote.

    "Ethan... Ethan..." Emma sobbed into the phone, her voice high with panic. "Mommy is hurt, her forehead is bleeding so much, she fainted on the sofa."

    I hadn''t fainted at all, but Emma''s ir for drama was working in my favor.

    "Ethan, is Mommy dying?" she continued, tears streaming down her face. "Ethan,e quickly, save Mommy!"

    I could hear Ethan''s deep voice responding, though not his exact words. Emma nodded,

    sniffling.

    "Okay, I''ll stay with her. Please hurry!"

    She ended the call and turned to me, her small face crumpled with worry. "Ethan''sing. Mommy. He''s bringing a doctor too."

    < Chapter 93 Blood and Venge

    I suppressed a smile. My daughter''s impulsive call had just handed me the perfect opportunity.

    Emma rushed to my side, tears streaming down her face. "Mommy, don''t die, I''ve already

    called Ethan, he''ll be here soon..."

    +15 Points >

    I frowned, genuinely annoyed by her impulsive action. ¡°Emma, you shouldn''t have called him without asking me first."

    Her lower lip trembled. "But you''re hurt!"

    I sighed, realizing I couldn''t undo what had been done. Instead, I would need to make the most

    of the situation.

    "Go upstairs and change into your nightgown," I instructed. "And wash your face. You don''t

    want Ethan to see you looking such a mess."

    As soon as Emma disappeared upstairs, I quickly pressed my fingers against my wound,

    reopening it further. Fresh blood flowed, making the injury appear more severe than it was.

    I leaned back against the sofa cushions, arranging myself in what I hoped was a vulnerable,

    pitiful position. By the time I heard Ethan''s car pulling into the driveway, I had perfected my

    act.

    The front door burst open, and Ethan rushed in with Emma in his arms. His amber eyes

    widened when he saw me.

    "Victoria!" He set Emma down and was at my side in an instant, his strong hands gentle as

    they cradled my face. "What happened to you?"

    I allowed my eyes to flutter weakly. "Ethan... you came..."

    Dr. Harold Bet entered behind him, medical bag in hand. The elderly pack healer moved

    with surprising speed for his age, kneeling beside me to examine my wound.

    "The bleeding looks worse than it is," he said after a moment, his experienced fingers probing

    the injury. "Head wounds always bleed profusely."

    Ethan''s face was tight with concern. "How did this happen?"

    Dr. Bet frowned as he cleaned the wound. "This wasn''t caused by a fall. These marks

    suggest repeated impact against a hard surface."

    Ethan''s expression darkened, his amber eyes shing with anger. "Someone did this to you?

    Who?"

    I turned my face away, as if reluctant to answer. "I don''t want to cause trouble..."

    "Victoria." Ethan''s voice was firm. "Tell me who hurt you."

    I shook my head weakly. "No one attacked me, Ethan. I... I slipped and fell."

    Dr. Bet made a skeptical noise but continued treating my wound in silence. "Victoria, Ethan said again, his tone gentler now. "You can tell me the truth."

    +15 Points >

    I reached for his hand, squeezing it weakly. "Please, Ethan. I just want to rest. Can you help me

    to my room?"

    Ethan''s jaw tightened, but he nodded, carefully lifting me into his arms. As he carried me

    toward the stairs, I caught a glimpse of his face-and the suspicion forming there. "Olivia threatened you at Maple Grove," he said quietly, so Emma couldn''t hear. "Did she do

    this?"

    I didn''t answer, letting my silence speak for me. Ethan''s face darkened as he carried me

    upstairs, his suspicion of Olivia growing with each step.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 157

    (Victoria''s POV)

    Relief washed over me as I heard Ethan''s suspicion about Olivia. His amber eyes narrowed,

    jaw clenched tight with anger. This was exactly what I needed.

    "Victoria, was it Olivia who did this to you?" Ethan asked again, his voice low and dangerous.

    I didn''t answer immediately, letting my silence speak volumes. My head throbbed where Olivia

    had mmed it against Lily''s tombstone, but the pain was worth it for what I was about to

    gain.

    Without concrete evidence, Ethan would always choose me over Olivia. He always had.

    I trembled slightly in his arms, ying the frightened victim to perfection. "I... I don''t want to

    cause trouble," I whispered, my voice breaking.

    Ethan''s arms tightened around me protectively. The gesture sent a thrill of satisfaction

    through me.

    "Emma, sweetheart," I called weakly, spotting my daughter hovering anxiously in the doorway.

    "Mommy''s going to be fine. Dorothy, please take her upstairs."

    Dorothy Lawson, our housekeeper, appeared behind Emma. "Come along, Miss Emma. Your

    mother needs to rest."

    "But Mommy-" Emma began, her eyes wide with fear.

    I summoned a brave smile. "Go with Dorothy, darling. Ethan will take care of Mommy."

    As Dorothy led Emma away, I made sure Ethan noticed my motherly concern. His expression softened further, exactly as I''d nned.

    Once Emma was safely upstairs, I let the tears flow freely. They weren''t entirely fake-my head did hurt-but I certainly embellished my distress.

    "I didn''t want to say anything in front of Emma,¡± I sobbed, clinging to Ethan''s shirt. "But it was Olivia. She... she attacked me at the cemetery."

    Dr. Bet raised an eyebrow but continued cleaning my wound in silence.

    "The cemetery?" Ethan''s voice was tight with controlled fury. "What were you doing there?"

    < Chapter 94 Victoria''s Schemi

    +15 Points >

    I lowered my eyes, the picture of remorse. "I wanted to pay my respects to Lily. I know how

    much she meant to you, and I thought... I thought it might help bring us closer." Ethan''s expression softened at the mention of his daughter.

    "Olivia was already there when I arrived," I continued, weaving my tale carefully. "I tried to leave

    quietly, but she saw me and just... snapped."

    I touched my forehead gingerly. "She grabbed me by the hair and mmed my head against

    Lily''s tombstone. Over and over. She kept screaming that I killed Lily."

    Ethan''s face darkened. "She''spletely lost her mind."

    I nodded weakly. "I was so frightened, Ethan. I thought she might kill me."

    Dr. Bet cleared his throat. "And what exactly triggered this attack? Olivia Winters has

    always struck me as remarkably controlled, even in grief."

    I shot him a resentful look. The old healer had always been too perceptive for my liking.

    "I don''t know," I lied. "I barely said hello before she attacked me."

    Dr. Bet''s expression remained skeptical, but he said nothing more.

    "I managed to get away," I continued, pressing closer to Ethan. "I was so afraid

    she might follow me home, might try to hurt Emma..."

    Ethan''s protective instincts red exactly as I''d hoped. "She won''t get anywhere near you or

    Emma. I''ll make sure of that."

    Just as Ethan was about to say more, a chilling voice cut through the room. "How convenient that you left out the part where you tried to curse my daughter''s grave."

    My blood froze. Standing in the doorway, her clothes and hands covered in blood, was Olivia Winters. Her emerald eyes burned with hatred as they fixed on me.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 158

    This wasn''t part of my n. She wasn''t supposed to follow me here.

    "Ethan," I whimpered, genuine fear in my voice now. I clutched at him desperately. "Don''t let her

    hurt me again."

    But Ethan''s attention had shifted entirely to Olivia. His eyes widened at the sight of all the

    blood covering her.

    "Olivia!" He pushed me aside, rushing toward her. "What happened? Are you hurt? Whose

    blood is this?"

    214

    < Chapter 94 Victoria''s Schemi

    +15 Points2

    The sudden shift in his focus ignited a sh of genuine anger in me. How dare he push me

    aside for her?

    Olivia''s gaze never left my face, even as Ethan reached for her. "Get away from me," she said coldly, pushing his hands away.

    Her focus remained entirely on me, her eyes promising retribution. I''d never seen such hatred

    in anyone''s gaze before.

    Ethan sensed her murderous intent and grabbed her arms. "Olivia, stop. You''re covered in

    blood. Are you injured?"

    He signaled to Dr. Bet, who approached cautiously.

    "Ms. Winters," Dr. Bet said gently, "please let me examine you. Your grandmother would be

    very distressed if you were hurt."

    The mention of Matriarch Evelyn seemed to reach Olivia where nothing else could. Her rigid

    posture rxed slightly.

    "The blood isn''t mine," she said, her voice eerily calm. "It''s Victoria''s."

    Before she could continue, I let out a cry of pain, clutching my head dramatically. The

    movement reopened my wound, sending fresh blood trickling down my temple. The room spun momentarily as I swayed on my feet. This wasn''t entirely an act- the wound was painful, and I had lost some blood.

    Ethan''s grip on Olivia loosened as he turned toward me, concern etched on his face.

    In that split second, Olivia moved with lightning speed. She lunged forward, grabbing a

    silver-edged hunting knife from the coffee table-a decorative piece Ethan had given Emma

    after her first sessful hunt.

    "Victoria!" she snarled, the knife glinting in the light.

    Pure terror shot through me. "Ethan!" I screamed. "She''s going to kill me! Save me!"

    Ethan reacted instantly, throwing himself between us. In the struggle, the knife sliced across

    his forearm, drawing blood.

    "Olivia, stop!" hemanded, his Alpha voice reverberating through the room.

    He managed to disarm her, the knife ttering to the floor. Only then did he notice the deep

    cut across her palm, still dripping blood.

    "You''re hurt," he said, reaching for her injured hand.

    Olivia yanked away from him. "Don''t touch me."

    +15 Points2

    "This has gone far enough," Ethan said, his voice stern but controlled. "Whatever disagreement you two have, it doesn''t justify violence."

    Olivia''sugh was hollow and bitter. "A disagreement? Is that what you call it when she

    desecrates our daughter''s grave?"

    Ethan frowned. "What are you talking about?"

    "Ask her what she was doing at Lily''s grave tonight," Olivia challenged. "Ask her

    what was in that bottle she poured over our daughter''s tombstone."

    I forced my expression to remain confused and innocent. "I told you, I was

    bringing flowers. I don''t know what she''s talking about."

    "Liar!" Olivia lunged forward again, but Ethan held her back.

    "Enough!" hemanded. "Olivia, you need to calm down. This is a small matter-"

    "A small matter?" Olivia''s voice rose in disbelief. "Victoria Frost, she killed..."

 The Alpha King is unavailable 159

    (Victoria''s POV)

    "Ethan..." I cried out, rushing toward him with my eyes wide and filled with worry.

    The silver edge of the knife had cut across his forearm, drawing blood that now stained his expensive shirt. My heart raced-not with concern for his injury, but with the opportunity it

    presented.

    In my haste to reach him, I deliberately stumbled, making sure to appear weak and frightened. Ethan''s protective instincts kicked in immediately, just as I knew they would. He reached out

    with his uninjured arm to steady me.

    I fell against his chest, savoring the contact and the way his body tensed

    protectively around mine. From the corner of my eye, I could see Olivia watching us, her emerald eyes burning

    with hatred.

    "Your arm," I whimpered, touching the wound gently. "The silver... it could get infected. Dr. Bet needs to treat it right away."

    I turned toward the elderly healer, who was watching the scene with barely concealed skepticism. "Please, help him. The cut looks deep."

    Dr. Bet approached cautiously, his experienced eyes assessing the situation. "It''s not as serious as it appears, but silver wounds do require prompt attention."

    I clung to Ethan''s shirt, making sure to position myself between him and Olivia. Despite her murderous re, I wasn''t truly afraid-not with Ethan here. He would never let her harm me, especially not after witnessing her violent outburst.

    "I was so frightened," I whispered, loud enough for Olivia to hear. "The way she came at me with that knife... if you hadn''t been here..."

    I let my voice trail off, allowing Ethan''s imagination to fill in the rest. His jaw tightened, and I knew my words had hit their mark.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    The sight of Victoria pressed against Ethan''s chest made my blood boil. Her performance was wless-the trembling voice, the wide, frightened eyes-but I could see the triumph lurking

    beneath her facade.

    +15 Points)

    Without thinking, I lunged forward and grabbed the silver-edged hunting knife from where it had fallen. Victoria''s eyes widened in genuine fear as I advanced toward her, the knife clutched tightly in my bleeding hand.

    "You killed my daughter," I snarled, my voice barely recognizable even to my own ears. "You desecrated her grave, and now you''re going to pay."

    A surge of protective maternal rage consumed me. This wasn''t just about Victoria''s maniption of Ethan or her constant scheming. This was about Lily- my sweet, innocent daughter who had died because Victoria redirected her kidney donor to Emma.

    Ethan reacted with lightning speed, pushing Victoria out of the way. She crashed into the coffee table with a satisfying thud, sending decorative items scattering across the floor.

    I turned on her fallen form, knife raised. For once, the fear in her eyes was real.

    "Olivia, stop!" Ethan pleaded, stepping between us. "This isn''t you. You need to calm down."

    "Calm down?" Iughed bitterly. "She killed our daughter, Ethan! She made sure Lily didn''t get

    that kidney transnt. She''s the reason our baby is dead!"

    Victoria scrambled backward, her eyes wide. "She''s insane! Ethan, don''t listen to her!"

    I lunged again, determined to reach her, but Ethan caught my wrist. His amber eyes locked with mine, filled with concern and something else-fear. Not for himself, but for me.

    "Olivia, please," he said softly. "This isn''t the way. Put down the knife."

    For a moment, I hesitated. Then Victoria''s voice cut through the tension.

    "She''spletely lost her mind," she whimpered. "Just like when she attacked me at the

    cemetery."

    The reminder of what she''d done to Lily''s grave reignited my fury. I wrenched my arm free from Ethan''s grip and lunged toward Victoria again.

    "I''ll kill you for what you did to my daughter!" I screamed.

    Ethan''s expression hardened. He caught my eye and gave a subtle nod to someone behind

    1. me. Before I could react, I felt a sharp prick in my arm.

    Dr. Bet had moved silently behind me, a syringe in his hand. The sedative worked quickly, spreading through my veins like ice water.

    "No," I gasped, my limbs growing heavy. "Ethan, don''t let her... don''t let her get away with this..."

    The knife ttered to the floor as my fingers lost their strength. I copsed, and Ethan caught

    < Chapter 95 Silver Edges and...

    me before I hit the ground.

    +15 Points >

    As consciousness slipped away, I locked eyes with him onest time. I poured

    every ounce of my hatred and sense of betrayal into that final gaze.

    How could he do this to me? How could he choose her over our daughter''s memory?

    Thest thing I saw before darkness imed me was Ethan''s face, his expression torn

    between concern and regret.

    (Victoria''s POV)

    I watched in satisfaction as Olivia copsed in Ethan''s arms, the sedative taking effect quickly. Dr. Bet had acted just in time-another moment and she might have reached me

    with that knife.

    "Ethan," I called out weakly, clutching my head where it had struck the coffee table. "I feel

    dizzy..."

    I swayed dramatically, making sure he noticed my distress. The cut on my forehead had reopened, blood trickling down my temple once more.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 160

    To my astonishment, Ethan didn''t even look in my direction. His attention

    remained fixed on Olivia''s unconscious form cradled in his arms.

    "Dr. Bet," he said, his voice tight with emotion, "check Victoria''s injuries. I''m taking Olivia

    to the medical den."

    I couldn''t believe what I was hearing. "Ethan! You can''t leave me like this! She tried to kill me!"

    His amber eyes finally turned to me, filled with aplex mix of emotions I couldn''t fully decipher. "Dr. Bet will take care of you. I need to make sure Olivia gets proper medical

    attention."

    Without another word, he lifted Olivia into his arms and carried her toward the door.

    Fury and jealousy surged through me. How dare he prioritize her over me? After everything I''d done to discredit her, after all my careful nning, he was still choosing her?

    I pushed myself to my feet, intending to follow them, but Dr. Bet ced a firm hand on my

    shoulder.

    "Ms. Frost," he said, his voice carrying a note of warning, "the Alpha has given his instructions. Please sit down so I can examine your injuries."

    I red at the elderly healer, tempted to push past him. But I knew that would only damage

    < Chapter 95 Silver Edges and

    the innocent image I''d worked so hard to cultivate.

    "Fine," I said through gritted teeth, sinking back onto the sofa.

    As Dr. Bet cleaned and dressed my wounds, I forced myself to appear calm and

    +15 Points

    This setback was temporary. Ethan might be concerned about Olivia now, but once he had

    time to reflect on her violent behavior, he would see the truth-that she was unstable and

    dangerous.

    I would make sure of it.

    (Ethan''s POV)

    I carried Olivia''s unconscious form into the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den, my heart pounding

    with a mixture of concern and confusion. The weight of her in my arms felt both familiar and

    strange-a reminder of what we once were to each other.

    "I need a private room," Imanded the startled staff. "And get Dr. Marcus Fletcher here

    immediately."

    A beta nurse hurried ahead of me, opening the door to one of the private suites reserved for

    pack leadership. Iid Olivia gently on the bed, my eyes drawn to the deep cut across her palm

    where the knife had sliced her during our struggle.

    Dr. Fletcher arrived momentster, his expression carefully neutral as he took in the scene.

    "Alpha King," he greeted me with a respectful nod. "What happened?"

    "She''s been sedated," I exined, not wanting to go into details. "I need you to check her

    thoroughly for any injuries. Particrly her hand."

    As the doctor examined Olivia, I paced the room, my thoughts in turmoil. The look in her eyes

    before she lost consciousness haunted me-pure hatred mixed with a profound sense of

    betrayal.

    Had I betrayed her? By protecting Victoria? By allowing Dr. Bet to sedate her?

    "The cut on her hand is deep but clean," Dr. Fletcher reported, interrupting my thoughts. "I''ve

    stitched and bandaged it. There are no other physical injuries that I can detect." Relief washed over me. "Thank you, Doctor. I''ll take her home now."

    "Are you sure that''s wise?" he asked cautiously. "Given her emotional state when

    she was sedated, perhaps she should remain here under observation."

    < Chapter 95 Silver Edges and

    I shook my head firmly. "No. She''ll be morefortable at home. With me."

    The doctor didn''t argue further, recognizing the finality in my tone.

    +15 Points >

    I carried Olivia back to our residence, the ce we had once shared as true mates before grief and misunderstanding had driven us apart. Once inside, I took her to the bathroom, carefully removing her blood-stained clothes.

    With gentle hands, I bathed her, taking care not to disturb the bandage on her palm. Her skin felt soft and warm beneath my touch, stirring memories and desires I had long suppressed.

    After drying her, I dressed her infortable clothing and carried her to our bedroom. I tucked

    her beneath the covers, my fingers lingering on her cheek.

    Even in unconsciousness, her beauty took my breath away. The sedative had smoothed the lines of anger and grief from her face, making her look younger, more like the Olivia I had

    fallen in love with.

    Reluctantly, I pulled away and headed to the shower. The hot water helped clear my head and

    cool the desire that had stirred within me.

    What was happening to me? For years, I had maintained my distance from Olivia, convinced

    that our rtionship was beyond repair. Yet tonight, holding her, caring for her, had awakened

    something I thought long dead.

    At the same time, I couldn''t ignore my protective instincts toward Victoria. The sight of Olivia

    advancing on her with that knife had triggered a primal response in me-the need to prevent

    violence, to maintain order in my pack.

    I stepped out of the shower and dressed quickly, my thoughts still in disarray. Picking up my

    phone, I called Dr. Bet.

    "How is Victoria?" I asked without preamble.

    "Stable," the elderly healer replied. "The cut on her forehead required a few

    stitches, but there''s

    no concussion or other serious injury."

    "Good. Stay with her until she falls asleep, then you can leave."

    I ended the call and returned to the bedroom. Olivia hadn''t moved, her breathing

    deep and

    even. I hesitated for only a moment before sliding into bed beside her.

    Carefully, I drew her into my arms, her back against my chest. She fit perfectly

    against me, as

    she always had.

    A sense of calm settled over me as I watched her sleep. Whatever had happened between us,

    < Chapter 95 Silver Edges and...

    whatever would happen tomorrow when she woke, this moment felt right.

    +15 Porns

    Remembering her childhood fear of the dark, I left the lights dimmed before

    closing my eyes.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 161

    My eyes fluttered open, a splitting headache pounding against my skull. The sedative hadn''t

    kept me under for long. I found myself lying on therge bed in the master bedroom of

    Imperial Gardens, the familiar ceilinging into focus above me.

    Memories of the previous night crashed through my mind like violent waves. Victoria at Lily''s

    grave. The ck dog blood sshing across my daughter''s tombstone. The ancient

    talismans meant to curse my baby''s spirit.

    White-hot hatred surged through my veins. I was about to sit up when Ethan''s voice drifted in from the balcony.

    "Don''t be afraid," he said softly into his phone. "Last night was an ident. It won''t happen

    again."

    My body froze. I knew exactly who he was talking to.

    "I''ve arranged for bodyguards to protect you," he continued, his voice gentle in a way it never was with me anymore. "She won''t have a chance to hurt you and Emma again."

    His voice dropped lower, and I couldn''t make out his next words. But I''d heard enough.

    Bodyguards. For Victoria. The woman who had killed my daughter and desecrated her grave.

    A crushing sense of powerlessness washed over me. The boulder pressing on my heart grew heavier, almost suffocating me. I couldn''t touch Victoria now. I couldn''t make her pay for what

    she''d done to Lily.

    Tears welled up in my eyes and silently slid down my cheeks. I was truly helpless against

    Victoria Frost.

    I heard Ethan end his call and step back into the bedroom. Just as his footsteps approached

    the bed, his phone rang again.

    "Maxwell," he answered. "What is it?"

    "Alpha King, it''s all arranged," Maxwell Chen''s voice came through clearly. "Luna

    Winters will be very touched when she sees it."

    "Good," Ethan replied, his tone softening slightly.

    +TS Points

    I kept my back to him, pretending to be asleep. Through barely-open eyes, I saw him nce at me before turning away.

    "After today, she should understand that mypensation to Lily isn''t just empty words," he murmured, more to himself than to Maxwell. "In the future, she won''t target Victoria and

    Emma for Lily''s sake anymore."

    He ended the call and left the room without another word.

    Compensation? For Lily? What was he nning? Whatever it was, it wouldn''t bring my

    daughter back. It wouldn''t punish the woman who had stolen her chance at life. My phone rang, startling me from my thoughts. I reached for it on the bedside table, my

    movements sluggish.

    "Ms. Winters?" A soft female voice came through the speaker. "Do you have time toe by

    today?"

    It was my psychiatrist, Dr. Reba Winters-no rtion, despite the shared surname. She

    specialized in emotional trauma among werewolves.

    "I noticed you should have finished your medication yesterday," she continued.

    "You missed your scheduled appointment, and I''m concerned."

    I closed my eyes, suddenly remembering. Without those pills, my emotions would

    be increasingly unstable. Grief was difficult enough to manage with

    medication; without it, patients prone to negative emotions could spiral dangerously out of control.

    "Yes," I replied, my voice hoarse. "I''lle in today."

    After hanging up, I forced myself out of bed. My body felt heavy, as if gravity had doubled overnight. I washed quickly, changed my clothes, and drove to the psychiatrist''s office.

    Dr. Winters examined me with concern in her eyes. "You''re not in good condition, Olivia."

    I stared at the prescription she handed me. More pills to numb the pain, to keep

    me

    functioning.

    "You should find an outlet for venting," she suggested gently. "Find friends or family you trust.

    Talk to them more. Don''t carry everything alone."

    Her words echoed in my mind. Friends? Family? Who did I have left?

    "You''ve been depressed for too long," she continued. "You''re like a tightly stretched string

    reaching its limit. If you don''t rx, you''ll copse.¡±

    "I understand," I murmured, taking the medicine. "Thank you."

    +15 Points >

    Instead of returning home, I drove to the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den. There was only one person I could think of who might listen without judgment-even if she couldn''t respond.

    Who could I tell about Victoria killing Lily? I had no rtives; my adoptive mother had passed away years ago. My only true friend, James Knight, was in closed training for an uing race. I couldn''t burden him with this.

    James had loved Lily like his own daughter. If he knew Victoria had deliberately killed her, he

    would certainly go after her. And if he harmed Victoria, Ethan would destroy him. James

    wouldn''t just lose his chance at next year''s championship; he might never race again.

    Racing was James''s dream. I couldn''t implicate him.

    As for Lucas ckwood, our rtionship was merely a pretense. We weren''t close enough for

    such confidences.

    So I carried the burden alone. The remorse for failing Lily, the burning need for justice, the

    resentment toward Ethan''s blindness and Victoria''s viciousness-it all pressed down on me

    like a physical weight.

    The psychiatrist had asked me to find someone to help relieve my nearly copsing emotions.

    The only person I could think of was Matriarch Evelyn Stone, whoy unconscious in the

    medical den.

    She was one of the few people who had protected and loved me. And because she was in a

    I parked my car at the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den and went directly to Matriarch Evelyn''s

    ward. The elderly woman remained motionless, her breathing steady but shallow. Margaret Shepherd looked up as I entered. Her kind face creased with concern when she saw

    1. me.

    "Ms. Winters, did you not sleep well because you were worried about the matriarch?" she

    asked. "I''m here to care for her, you needn''t worry."

    "I''m fine," I forced a smile. "I just miss her. I''ll sit with her for a while."

    I hesitated, then added, "Mrs. Shepherd, may I speak to Matriarch Stone alone for

    a moment?"

    Understanding flickered in her eyes. "Of course! I actually have something to

    attend to. I''ll leave the matriarch in your care."

    She patted my hand gently. "I''ll ask the security detail to keep watch and ensure

    no one

    216

    < Chapter 96 Matriarch Awake...

    disturbs you."

    "Thank you, Mrs. Shepherd."

    She smiled lovingly at me, then left the ward with the nursing assistant, instructing

    the

    security guards to maintain position outside.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 162

    Once alone, I sat beside Matriarch Evelyn''s bed and reached for her hand. Her skin felt

    paper-thin beneath my fingers, the blue veins visible through the translucent surface.

    +15 Points >

    I leaned over, pressing my face against her wrinkled hand. "Grandmother," I whispered, using

    the term of endearment I never dared speak when she was conscious, "my Lily is dead."

    The words broke something inside me. Tears burst forth, hot and unstoppable. Even now, I couldn''t truly ept that Lily was gone. Every time I mentioned her name, thought of her face, or saw anything that reminded me of her, my heart ached as if cut by a knife.

    Lily was a piece of my soul, my daughter whom I had raised and cherished like the most

    precious treasure. After finally finding apatible kidney donor and seeing hope that she

    would ovee her illness to grow up healthy and happy, she was killed by Victoria.

    How could I not be in pain? How could I not hate?

    "It was Victoria Frost who killed her," I continued, my voice breaking. "She deliberately stole

    Lily''s kidney donor on the day of her operation, causing Lily to die on the operating table."

    I clutched Matriarch Evelyn''s hand tighter. "And I clearly know the murderer is Victoria, but I

    have no evidence and can''t do anything about her."

    The words

    out of me now,

    that Lily is

    pable. "I''ve tried telling Ethan repeatedly

    dead, wanting him to avenge her, but he refused to believe me."

    My voice turned bitter. "He doesn''t care for Lily. He favors Emma, and he wholeheartedly protects Victoria and her daughter. I have no recourse. I can''t count on him."

    I wiped at my tears, but they kepting. "I want to confront Victoria directly and make her pay myself to avenge Lily, but Ethan... arranged bodyguards for her, and I can''t even get close

    to her."

    Hatred burned in my chest like acid. "Victoria is truly vicious. She killed Lily, and that wasn''t

    enough-she took ck dog blood with talismans and poured it on Lily''s grave."

    I broke downpletely then, my body shaking with sobs. "Grandmother, I hate Victoria with

    every fiber of my being. I want to make her pay dearly to avenge my Lily, but I''m helpless..."

    Once unleashed, my emotions were impossible to contain. I leaned over the bed''s edge,

    +15 Points>

    consumed by grief so profound I couldn''t control myself. Unable to avenge Lily, I- her mother-

    was the one most pained.

    As I cried, I didn''t notice Matriarch Evelyn''s fingers moving. I was so immersed in sorrow that I remained unaware until a gentle handnded on my head, stroking it with distress.

    My body froze. I quickly raised my head to meet Matriarch Evelyn''spassionate eyes.

    The matriarch had awakened.

    My mind went nk. I stared at her, tears still clinging to my face, until her distressed voice

    reached me.

    "Olivia... don''t cry..." She slowly raised her hand to gently wipe away my tears.

    In that moment, I realized she had truly awakened. Setting aside my own grief, I forgot to use

    the call button and instead rushed out with tears streaming down my face. "Matriarch Stone is awake!" I shouted to the security guards. "Call Dr. Bet immediately!"

    Dr. Bet arrived promptly. He gave Matriarch Evelyn a thorough examination and confirmed

    she had indeed awakened with all vital signs normal.

    "Remember, the patient must not be emotionally agitated," he warned me sternly. After all, she was elderly and couldn''t withstand excessive stimtion.

    I nodded, and Margaret escorted the doctor out. Throughout the examination, Matriarch Evelyn held my hand tightly. While the doctor checked her, her eyes remained fixed on me, the

    distress in them almost palpable.

    "Don''t inform anyone else. You may leave us," Matriarch Evelyn instructed Margaret.

    The caretaker, who had been about to call Ethan and other Stone family members, immediately put away her phone and left the ward.

    "Grandmother..." I stood beside the bed with reddened eyes, my expression helpless.

    Uneasiness filled my heart.

    After the initial joy of the matriarch''s awakening came fear. I had revealed too much about Lily while at her bedside. The doctor had repeatedly warned that she shouldn''t be upset.

    I wasn''t certain when Matriarch Evelyn had awakened or whether she had heard about Lily''s death and Victoria''s role in it. Although I desperately wanted her guidance, if it would endanger her health, I couldn''t bear the responsibility....

    Matriarch Evelyn studied my expression and seemed to understand my internal struggle. Her

    eyes softened with affection.

    +15 Points)

    "I heard everything... Lily, she..." The word "death" caught in her throat. Even though she had heard me say it, she still couldn''t immediately ept it.

    When Lily was mentioned, tears rolled uncontrobly from her eyes. It was profoundly tragic for an elder to outlive a child.

    "Olivia, don''t cry," she said, her voice gaining strength. ¡°I will make this right for you! I will never let Victoria, the murderer who killed Lily, escape justice. She will pay for Lily''s life!"

 The Alpha King is unavailable 163

    Chapter 97: Reunion and Revenge

    (Olivia''s POV)*

    Matriarch Evelyn''s words broke the dam I''d built around my emotions. Tears streamed down

    my face as I copsed against her frail shoulder.

    "I hate her so much," I sobbed, my body shaking uncontrobly. "Victoria took everything from me. She stole Lily''s chance at life, and now she''s trying to curse her spirit. How could anyone

    be so cruel?"

    Matriarch Evelyn''s weathered hand stroked my hair, her touch gentle yet firm. Her own tears fell silently as she held me.

    "My poor child," she whispered, her voice breaking. "My poor, sweet Olivia."

    I clung to her like a drowning woman to a lifeline. This was the woman who had protected me

    when I first came to the Silvercrest Pack as a frightened child. She had stood between me and

    those who would have cast me out for being an orphan with no pack connections.

    "I''ve tried everything," I choked out between sobs. "I''ve begged Ethan to listen, to understand

    that our daughter is gone. But he refuses to believe me. He thinks I''m hiding her."

    Matriarch Evelyn''s grip tightened around me. "My grandson has failed you both terribly."

    Her words only made me cry harder. The validation of my pain, after years of being dismissed and gaslighted, was overwhelming.

    "I want to kill her," I admitted, the dark confession spilling from my lips. "Every time

    I see Victoria smiling, knowing what she did to Lily, I want to tear her apart with my bare hands."

    "Shhh," Matriarch Evelyn soothed, though I could feel her body trembling with her own rage. "I understand your hatred, child. But I cannot lose you too."

    She pulled back slightly, her aged hands cupping my tear-stained face. Her eyes, though clouded with age, burned with fierce determination.

    "I cannot bring our Lily back," she said, her voice steadying. "But I will not let that woman escape justice for what she''s done."

    Hope flickered in my chest for the first time in months. "How? Ethan protects her. He''s assigned bodyguards to keep me away from her."

    +15 Points >

    Matriarch Evelyn''s expression hardened. "I may be old, but I am still the former Luna of this pack. My word still carries weight, especially with the elders who remember when I ruled alongside my mate."

    She wiped away my tears with her thumbs. "You must promise me something, Olivia. Promise you won''t take matters into your own hands. Let me handle Victoria."

    I hesitated, the thirst for revenge still burning in my veins.

    "Promise me," she insisted. "I cannot bear to lose you too."

    "I promise," I whispered finally.

    Matriarch Evelyn nodded, satisfied. "My grandson has proven himself unworthy of you. After years of neglect, after choosing that woman over his own mate and child, he has forfeited any right to your loyalty."

    Her words struck a chord within me. For so long, I had clung to the hope that Ethan would remember what we once meant to each other, that he would return to being the man I had fallen in love with.

    "I will speak with him," Matriarch Evelyn continued. "He will hear the truth about Lily''s death from me, and he will be forced to face what his blindness has cost."

    She reached for her mobile phone on the bedside table. "Hand me my phone, child. It''s time Ethan answered for his failures."

    I passed her the phone, watching as she dialed Ethan''s number with shaking fingers. The call

    went straight to voicemail.

    "He''s not answering," she frowned, trying again. Still nothing.

    After the fifth attempt, Matriarch Evelyn sighed heavily, the emotional toll of our conversation clearly weighing on her.

    "Perhaps it''s for the best," she murmured, her eyelids drooping with exhaustion. ¡°I need to gather my strength before confronting him."

    I gently took the phone from her hand. "Rest now, Grandmother. We''ll try again when you''ve had some sleep."

    She nodded, her eyes already closing. "Don''t leave me, Olivia. Stay until I wake."

    "I will," I promised, settling into the chair beside her bed.

    As Matriarch Evelyn drifted into sleep, I felt a strange calm settle over me. For the first time

    216

    Chapter 97: Reunion and Rev..

    +15 Points 2

    since Lily''s death, I wasn''t alone in my fight for justice. Someone believed me. Someone with power and influence was on my side.

    I watched the rise and fall of the matriarch''s chest, hope and determination recing the despair that had been my constantpanion for so long.

    (Ethan''s POV)

    The newly constructed Moonlight Fair stretched before me, a testament to my determination. to make things right with my daughter. Colorful rides towered against the clear blue sky, and the scent of venison skewers and cotton candy filled the air.

    "Is everything ready?" I asked Maxwell Chen, who stood beside me with a clipboard.

    "Yes, Alpha King," he confirmed. "The fair isplete down to thest detail, exactly as you specified."

    I nodded, satisfaction mingling with the guilt that had driven this project. Three months ago, I had found a stack of Lily''s drawings hidden in Olivia''s desk drawer. Simple childish sketches of the three of us at an amusement park-Lily on my shoulders, Olivia holding my hand, all of

    us smiling.

    The date on the drawings had struck me like a physical blow. They were from the day Lily had

    waited for me at the old Moonlight Fair, the day I had promised to meet her but never showed

    1. up.

    "She wanted this so badly," I murmured, more to myself than to Maxwell. "To ride

    on my

    shoulders like other children with their fathers."

 The Alpha King is unavailable 164

    Maxwell remained silent, knowing better than to interrupt my thoughts.

    I walked toward the carousel, running my hand along the painted wooden horses. "I''ll make it

    up to her. I''ll be the father she deserves."

    In my mind, I could see it clearly-Lily''s face lighting up as I lifted her onto my shoulders, her delightedughter as we rode the carousel together, her small hand clutching mine as we

    watched the spectacr light show I had arranged.

    "She''ll forgive me," I said with conviction. "Children are resilient. Once she sees how much effort I''ve put into this, she''ll understand that I truly care."

    Maxwell nodded, though something in his expression gave me pause. "I''m sure she will, Alpha King."

    I turned away, unwilling to acknowledge the doubt in his eyes. This grand gesture would work.

    < Chapter 97: Reunion and Rev..

    +15 Points

    It had to. I couldn''t bear the alternative-that I had lost my daughter''s love forever through my own neglect.

    "Make sure the light show is perfect," I instructed. "It''s the centerpiece of the entire fair."

    "Of course, Alpha King. The technicians have been rehearsing for weeks."

    I checked my watch, impatient for evening to fall. Soon, very soon, Lily would see what I had created for her. And then, perhaps, she would call me "Dad" again with love instead of disappointment.

    The weight of my failure as a father pressed down on me, but I squared my shoulders against it. I would make this right. I had to.

    "She''lle," I said firmly. "Once she sees this, she''lle."

    Maxwell''s silence spoke volumes, but I chose to ignore it. I had to believe that it wasn''t toote to be the father Lily needed me to be.

    To ensure Lily would see my message, I had rented every digital billboard and advertising space in Shadow Creek. A video montage yed continuously across the city-Lily''s drawings animated to life, interspersed with images of me at the fair, waiting for her.

    "Your father loves Lily too!" the message proimed in bold letters. "I''m sorry I wasn''t there

    before. Please give me another chance."

    Standing before one of the massive screens in the city center, I watched the message y, hoping it would reach my daughter''s eyes.

    "Do you think she''ll see it?" Maxwell asked quietly.

    "She has to," I replied, my voice tight with emotion. "I''ve made sure it''s impossible to miss."

    I pulled out my phone and blocked all iing calls except for Olivia''s number and any

    unknown numbers that might be Lily calling from a friend''s phone.

    "She''ll call," I said with forced confidence. "When she sees how much effort I''ve put into this,

    she''ll want to see me."

    Hours passed as I waited at the fair, my phone clutched in my hand. The sun began to set,

    casting long shadows across the empty rides and game booths. Still, my phone remained

    silent.

    Frustration built within me. Why hadn''t Lily called? The message was everywhere-she must have seen it by now.

    415

    < Chapter 97: Reunion and Rev

    +15 Points?

    "Perhaps Ms. Winters is preventing her from contacting you," Maxwell suggested hesitantly.

    My jaw clenched. Of course. Olivia was keeping Lily from me, just as she had been doing for

    months.

    "She has no right," I growled, anger recing disappointment. "I''ve shown I''m willing to make amends. I''ve built an entire amusement park for our daughter!"

    I paced the empty fairgrounds, my patience wearing thin. I had done everything possible to demonstrate mymitment to being a better father. What more could Olivia want from me?

    "Call Ms. Winters," I ordered Maxwell. "Tell her I demand to speak with Lily immediately."

    Maxwell nodded and stepped away to make the call. I continued pacing, my frustration

    mounting with each passing minute.

    When Maxwell returned, his expression was unreadable. "Ms. Winters didn''t answer, Alpha

    King. I left a message requesting she contact you urgently."

    I snatched my phone from my pocket and dialed Olivia''s number myself. To my surprise, she

    answered on the second ring.

    "Olivia," I began without preamble, "this has gone on long enough. I''ve built an entire amusement park for Lily. I''ve apologized publicly. What more do you want from me?"

    ¡°Nothing,¡± she replied, her voice eerily calm.

    "Then stop keeping her from me!" I demanded. "Let me speak to our daughter!"

    There was a pause, then Olivia''s voice came again, still unnervingly steady. "You want to see

    Lily? Fine. You can see her."

    Her immediate acquiescence caught me off guard. "What?"

    "I said you can see her," Olivia repeated. "I won''t stop you anymore."

    Before I could respond, she ended the call, leaving me staring at my phone in confusion.

    "She agreed?" Maxwell asked, clearly as surprised as I was.

    "Yes," I said slowly, trying to make sense of Olivia''s sudden change of heart. "She said I can

    see Lily,"

    A weight lifted from my shoulders. Finally, after months of separation, I would see my daughter again. I would hold her, apologize to her in person, show her how much I truly cared.

    "Let''s go," I told Maxwell, already striding toward the car. "I need to see my daughter."

    576

    Chapter 97 Reunion and Rev.....

    (Olivia''s POV)

    +15 Points >

    I ended the call before Ethan could question me further. Turning to Bernard Sheppard, who had

    just entered the room to check on Matriarch Evelyn, I spoke quietly to avoid waking the sleeping matriarch.

    "Mr. Sheppard, please watch over Grandmother. I need to meet Ethan."

    The elderly butler nodded, his eyes kind but concerned. "Of course, Ms. Winters. Will you be

    alright?"

    I managed a small, bitter smile. "It''s time Ethan learned the truth about our

    daughter."

    With onest nce at Matriarch Evelyn''s peaceful face, I left the medical den.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 165

    I stood at the entrance of Moonlight Fair, my eyes scanning every approaching vehicle. The pendant I''d purchased for Lily weighed in my pocket-a small tokenpared to the amusement park I''d built for her, but I hoped she would appreciate the personal touch.

    "Any sign of them yet?" I asked Maxwell, who stood dutifully beside me.

    "Not yet, Alpha King," he replied, checking his tablet. "But Ms. Winters confirmed they''re on their way."

    I nodded, trying to calm my racing heart. After months of separation, I would finally see my daughter again. The ceramic coffee mug she had made-with its childish drawings and "I DAD!" inscription-had shattered something inside me when I discovered it among Olivia''s

    things. How had I missed the depth of my daughter''s love?

    "She''ll forgive me," I murmured, more to reassure myself than anything. "Children are resilient."

    Maxwell remained silent, his expression carefully neutral. I checked my phone again, refreshing the screen though I knew it would ring if Olivia called.

    "Alpha King, I believe that''s Ms. Winters'' car approaching now," Maxwell said, pointing to a

    familiar vehicle turning into the parking area.

    My heart leaped. I straightened my jacket and ran a hand through my hair, suddenly

    concerned with my appearance. Would Lily recognize me? Would she be happy to see me?

    As Olivia''s car pulled up to the curb, I rushed forward, unable to contain my eagerness. I

    reached for the back door handle, calling out with uncharacteristic tenderness.

    "Lily..."

    The door swung open, revealing

    empty child seat.

    I froze, staring at the vacant space where my daughter should have been. Confusion gave way

    to fury in an instant. I mmed the door shut with enough force to dent the frame, the metal

    groaning under my strength.

    "Where is she?" I demanded, rounding on Olivia as she emerged from the driver''s side. "Where is our daughter?"

    +15 Points

    Olivia''s face remained impassive, her emerald eyes cold as winter frost. "Ethan Stone, you

    can''t even handle one instance of this? Have you ever considered how many times you''ve

    disappointed Lily in the past five years?"

    Her words struck me like a physical blow. I took a step back, momentarily stunned by the

    usation.

    "What are you talking about?" I growled, fighting to maintain control of my temper. "I built this

    entire amusement park for her! I''ve been trying to make amends!"

    ¡°Make amends?¡± Oliviaughed, the sound hollow and bitter. "Do you have any idea how many

    times Lily waited for you, just like you''re waiting now?"

    She stepped closer, her voice dropping to a whisper that somehow cut deeper than any shout.

    "Do you know how many times she sat by the window, watching for your car, only for you to

    never show up?"

    I swallowed hard, unwilling to acknowledge the truth in her words. "That''s

    different. I was busy with pack business-"

    "Pack business," Olivia interrupted. "That''s what I told her too. That her father was

    an

    important Alpha with responsibilities to the pack."

    Her eyes glistened with unshed tears. "And do you know what she said? She said she understood. At five years old, Ethan. She understood that her father was too busy for her."

    Something twisted painfully in my chest. I remained silent, unable to form a response.

    "She saved her allowance for you," Olivia continued, her voice breaking slightly. "She kept her little coins in a jarbeled ''For Daddy''s Work.'' She thought if she could help with your expenses, maybe you''d have more time for her."

    The image of a small jar filled with coins-a child''s meager savings offered up to an absent father-made my throat constrict.

    "She tried so hard to be good," Olivia said, each word driving deeper into my conscience. ¡°She thought if she was more obedient, less demanding, you might want to spend time with her."

    I turned away,

    unable to bear the weight of her gaze. "Enough, Olivia."

    "No, not enough," she insisted. "You wanted to see Lily? Then you need to understand what

    you did to her."

    She stepped in front of me, forcing me to look at her. "She would save her treats from the training den for you. Did you know that? The other pups would eat their venison jerky and

    < Chapter 98 Reunion at Moon

    +15 Points>

    moonberry cookies right away, but not Lily. She always saved half, wrapped it carefully in a napkin, and put it in her backpack."

    "For me?" I asked, my voice barely audible.

    "For you," Olivia confirmed. "She''d say, ''Daddy works so hard, he must get hungry. And she''d

    wait to give them to you, but you never came home in time to receive them."

    Each revtion was like another nail in my coffin of guilt. I had no defense, no justification for

    my neglect.

    "And her birthday," Olivia continued, her voice trembling with emotion. "Do you remember what

 The Alpha King is unavailable 166

    you promised her for her birthday?"

    I closed my eyes, the memory surfacing unwillingly. "I promised to take her to Moonlight Fair."

    "Yes," Olivia nodded. "She was so excited, Ethan. For weeks, it was all she talked about. ''Daddy and I are going to ride the carousel together. Daddy and I are going to eat cotton candy.'' She even practiced riding on my shoulders so she wouldn''t be scared on yours."

    Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes. I blinked them away, unwilling to show such

    weakness in public.

    "But you never showed up," Olivia said, her own tears now flowing freely. "Because Emma had

    a dance recital that day, and Victoria needed you there."

    The usation hung in the air between us, undeniable in its truth. I had chosen Emma over

    my own daughter, Victoria over my mate.

    "I made a mistake," I admitted, the words feeling inadequate even as I spoke them.

    "A mistake?" Olivia''s voice rose slightly. "You broke her heart, Ethan. And it wasn''t the first

    time."

    She reached into her purse and pulled out a USB drive. "Didn''t you want to see Lily? Watch

    this, and I''ll take you to her immediately!"

    I took the drive from her outstretched hand, my fingers trembling slightly. Whatever was on

    this drive, I knew it would change everything.

    "Maxwell," I called, my voice hoarse. "y this on the main screen."

    Maxwell nodded, taking the drive and connecting it to the control panel for the massive disy screen I''d installed at the fair''s entrance. Within moments, the screen flickered to life.

    The footage showed Moonlight Fair, the old one, not the grand new version I''d built. The

    < Chapter 98 Reunion at Moon

    415 Points

    timestamp in the corner confirmed what I already suspected-it was from Lily''s birthday, the day I had promised to meet her.

    And there she was. My daughter, dressed in her favorite blue dress, her chestnut hair secured with the moonstone clip I''d given her for Christmas. She stood at the entrance, her small face alight with excitement and anticipation.

    "Daddy will be here soon," she told the security guard who checked on her. "He promised."

    My chest tightened as I watched her check her small watch repeatedly, her smile never faltering.

    "He''s probably just stuck in traffic," she reasoned, speaking to herself. "Or maybe he had to help someone in the pack. Daddy''s very important, you know."

    As time passed, she pulled out a sketchbook and began flipping through pages of drawings- crude but heartfelt illustrations of our family. Me, tall and strong. Olivia, smiling and kind. And Lily, small between us, holding both our hands.

    "Look what I drew for Daddy," she told a passing family, proudly disying her artwork. "He''s going to love it!"

    Hours ticked by on the timestamp. Lily''s excitement gradually dimmed, though she fought to maintain her belief that I woulde.

    When hunger struck, she reluctantly opened her backpack and removed a carefully wrapped package. Inside was a venison sandwich and a moonberry cookie. She ate half the sandwich and just a small bite of the cookie.

    "I have to save the rest for Daddy," she exined to no one in particr. "He works so hard, he

    must be hungry too."

    As the afternoon wore on, Lily''s face grew increasingly pale. She sat on a bench near the entrance, her legs swinging, still watching the parking lot for any sign of my car.

    "He''lle,¡± she whispered, her voice growing fainter. "Daddy promised."

    I couldn''t tear my eyes away from the screen, even as my vision blurred with tears. The weight

    of my failure as a father crushed down on me with each passing moment of footage.

    By evening, Lily was visibly struggling. Her normally vibrant face had grown ashen, her movements sluggish. Still, she waited, her faith in me unshaken despite all evidence to the contrary.

    I turned to Olivia, unable to watch any more. "How long did she wait for me?"

    < Chapter 98 Reunion at Moon...

    +15 Points >

    Olivia''s face was streaked with tears, her pain a mirror of my own. The question hung between us, unanswered, as her earlier words echoed in my mind.

    "Lily is dead!"

    A wave of terror washed over me as the horrifying question formed in my mind: Was Lily truly

    gone?

 The Alpha King is unavailable 167

    "No! It can''t be!" I shook my head violently, rejecting the mere thought that Lily could be dead.

    How could a healthy child die just from waiting too long at the Moonlight Fair? It

    was

    impossible. Olivia was just angry about my broken promise and my favoritism towards

    Emma.

    "You''re just trying to punish me," I said, my voice steadier than I felt. "I understand you''re upset about how I''ve treated you both, but this is going too far."

    Deep down, I knew my reasoning was flimsy, but I desperately clung to it. The alternative was

    too horrifying to contemte.

    "Lily is fine," I insisted, more to myself than to Olivia. "She''s just staying with a friend, or at your mother''s ce. You''re keeping her from me to teach me a lesson."

    I was terrified of Olivia''s words being true. Terrified that it was toote to make amends for my

    neglect.

    "I''ve learned my lesson, Olivia," I said, my voice softening. "I understand now. I''ve been a terrible father. But I can change. The Moonlight Fair is just the beginning."

    In my mind, I could see the future clearly - Lily as my cherished daughter, showered with love and attention. We would ride the carousel together, eat cotton candy, and I would carry her on my shoulders just as she had practiced with Olivia.

    "I''ll be better," I promised. "Just let me see her. Please."

    Maxwell shifted ufortably beside me, his eyes fixed on the ground. His difort only fueled my determination to deny the truth.

    "Ethan," Olivia began, her voice gentle but firm.

    "No," I cut her off. "I don''t want to hear it. Just bring Lily to me. That''s all I''m asking."

    As I wrestled with my denial, the surveince footage continued to y on therge screen. The sight of my daughter waiting patiently for me was both beautiful and agonizing.

    "See? She''s fine," I said, pointing to the screen. "She''s just sitting there, waiting for me."

    Just as I reaffirmed my belief in Lily''s well-being, I saw her small figure sway precariously on

    < Chapter 99 The Truth Reveal...

    the bench.

    "Lily..." I cried out, my voice cracking as I reached instinctively toward the screen.

    +15 Points>

    What happened next would haunt me for the rest of my life. My daughter''s tiny body

    convulsed, and then she coughed - a violent, wrenching cough that sprayed blood across the

    pavement in front of her.

    "No!" I shouted, as if my voice could somehow reach through time and space to help her.

    I watched in helpless horror as Lily copsed, her small body crumpling to the ground like a

    discarded doll. Shey there, unmoving, in a growing pool of her own blood.

    Her face was so pale, stark against the crimson spreading beneath her. But what broke me

    Fair entrance until the very end.

    Still waiting for me.

    I could feel her gaze on me, using me: "Daddy, you promised you woulde. Why didn''t

    you?"

    I saw the unshed tears in her eyes, the hurt she tried so hard to suppress. Even in her final

    moments, she had clung to the hope that I hadn''t forgotten her, that I was just busy with

    duties, not unloving.

    The footage showed a crowd gathering, panicked voices calling for help. Someone performed

    CPR while another called emergency services. Through it all, Lily remained motionless, her

    eyes finally closing as tears escaped down her pale cheeks.

    My knees gave out, and I sank to the ground, a wounded sound escaping my throat.

    "Lily," I whispered, reaching toward the screen as if I could somehow pull her back from death.

    "My baby girl..."

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I had anticipated Ethan''s reaction. I knew he would deny the truth, just as he had denied his

    neglect of our daughter for years.

    Knowing the truth would eventuallye out, I chose this brutal method to deliver the news. I

    wanted to inflict pain on him as he had inflicted pain on me - on us.

    I had been crying since the video started ying, but my tears were for Lily, not for Ethan.

    Never for Ethan.

    15 Points >

    I watched his realization, his emotional breakdown, his remorse, with cold detachment. This was the man who had abandoned our daughter when she needed him most. The man who had chosen another woman''s child over his own.

    "Ethan Stone," I asked, my voice devoid of warmth, my emerald eyes hard as I stared at the man who had failed our daughter, "what happened to Lily? Didn''t I tell you?"

    His face contorted with grief and dawning horror. I could see the memories flooding back - all the times I had tried to tell him about Lily''s condition, all the times he had dismissed me as maniptive and attention-seeking.

    "I told you she was sick," I continued, my voice steady despite the tears streaming down my face. "I begged you toe see her. I pleaded with you to help us find a donor."

 The Alpha King is unavailable 168

    Ethan''s amber eyes were wide with shock and denial. "No," he whispered. "No, that can''t be

    right. The servants said-"

    "The servants said what you wanted to hear," I cut in. "That I was making it up. That I was

    using Lily to get your attention."

    Iughed bitterly. "As if I would ever use our daughter that way."

    (Ethan''s POV)

    Her words triggered a flood of memories I had dismissed as unimportant. Conversations I had

    ignored, pleas I had rejected.

    1

    I remembered the servants'' usations - that Olivia was deliberately making Lily sick to get my attention. usations I had readily believed, blinded by my

    prejudice and my concern for

    Emma.

    I remembered Lily''s timid phone call, her small voice filled with pain: "Daddy, can youe be

    with Lily? Lily is sick, and the treatment hurts..."

    I had dismissed her plea, believing it to be another maniptive tactic from my mate. "Don''t be like your mother, full of lies," I had told her coldly before hanging up.

    The memory of my cruelty made me physically ill. I bent forward, retching, though nothing

    came up but bitter bile.

    "I didn''t know," I gasped, knowing even as I said it how pathetic it sounded. "I thought-"

    "You thought what?" Olivia demanded. "That a five-year-old child would lie about being in pain? That she would pretend to cough up blood just to get your attention?"

    I had no answer. There was no justification for what I had done - or rather, what I had failed to

    315

    < Chapter 99: The Truth Reveal...

    1. do.

    +15 Points >

    "Lily... she really had kidney failure?" I stammered, the enormity of my mistake crushing me.

    Olivia''s cold stare confirmed my worst fear. "Yes," she said simply. "Terminal kidney failure.

    The doctors gave her six months without a transnt."

    "But why didn''t you-"

    "Tell you?" Olivia finished for me. "I did. Countless times. I called, I texted, I even came to your

    office. But you were always too busy with Victoria and Emma to listen."

    Each word was a knife to my heart, cutting deeper because I knew they were true.

    "There was a donor," Olivia continued, her voice breaking slightly. "A perfect match. The

    surgery was scheduled. But at thest minute, the kidney was redirected to another patient."

    "Who?" I asked, though I already suspected the answer.

    "Emma," Olivia whispered. "Victoria''s daughter needed an emergency transnt,

    and somehow, her need was deemed more urgent than Lily''s."

    The implications of what she was saying hit me like a physical blow. Had Victoria deliberately

    sabotaged Lily''s treatment to benefit Emma? Had I unknowingly contributed to my

    own

    daughter''s death by prioritizing Victoria''s child?

    ¡°No,¡± I said, shaking my head. "Victoria wouldn''t do that. She couldn''t be that cruel."

    Olivia''sugh was hollow, devoid of humor. "You still defend her, even now? After everything?".

    I had no response. My mind was reeling, trying to process the unthinkable - that my daughter was gone, and I had yed a part in her death through my neglect and blind trust in Victoria.

    "I need to see her," I said suddenly, grasping Olivia''s hand. "Which hospital is Lily in?"

    Olivia didn''t move. I felt her wrist tremble beneath my grip, my own fear mirroring hers.

    "I''ll get her the best hospital, the best doctors," I promised desperately. "I''ll cure her... I..."

    My voice broke as I clung to thest shreds of denial. Lily couldn''t be dead. She couldn''t be. I had just built an entire amusement park for her. I had ns, so many ns to make up for lost time.

    Oliviaughed, a hollow, chilling sound that sent shivers down my spine.

    "Ethan Stone, it''s toote..." she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Lily, she''s..."

    "No!" I interrupted, my voice hoarse with emotion. "It''s not toote... There''s still time! There

    must be!"

    +15 Points>

    I refused to ept the truth, even as it stared me in the face. The surveince footage had ended, the screen now ck, but the image of Lily copsing in a pool of blood was seared into my mind.

    Olivia shattered my illusions, her emerald eyes swimming with tears. "Lily died a long time ago!" she cried, each word cutting me deeply.

    Each mention of Lily''s death was a fresh wound to both of us. I could see Olivia''s pain, raw and unhealed, mirroring my own newfound grief.

    "She died that day..." Olivia continued, her voice breaking. "At the Moonlight Fair, waiting for you. She died believing her father woulde for her."

    "Olivia, shut up!" I roared, my eyes bloodshot with unshed tears. "Lily can''t be dead, how could

    she be dead?"

    I was on the verge of copse, my powerful frame trembling with the force of my emotions. I

    couldn''t reconcile my guilt and desire to make amends with the devastating reality Olivia was

    presenting.

    "You''re lying to me, aren''t you?" I demanded, grasping at straws. "Olivia, tell me, tell me you''re

    lying!"

    Olivia''s face hardened. Without a word, she reached into her purse and pulled out

    a document,

    thrusting it in front of me.

    The words "Death Certificate" and the name "Lily Winters" jumped out at me, a final, brutal

    confirmation that silenced even my denial.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 169

    I handed Ethan the death certificate, watching as his eyes scanned the document. His face drained of color when he read the cause of death: kidney failure.

    "No..." he whispered, his powerful frame seeming to shrink before my eyes.

    The Alpha King of the Silvercrest Pack, the man whomanded respect with a single nce, now looked utterly broken. His amber eyes, usually somanding, now pleaded with

    1. me.

    "Where is she buried?" His voice cracked. "Please, Olivia. I need to see her grave."

    I felt nothing as I watched him crumble. The satisfaction I''d expected from his pain

    never

    came. Instead, there was only emptiness where my rage had been.

    "You don''t deserve to see Lily," I stated tly, my emerald eyes hardening. "You chose to favor

    the very person who caused our daughter''s death."

    Without another word, I turned and walked away. Ethan, consumed by grief, didn''t attempt to

    stop me.

    The cool night air hit my face as I left the Moonlight Fair. Behind me stood a man who had

    finally learned the truth, but it was five years toote.

    My phone vibrated in my pocket. Margaret Shepherd''s name shed on the

    screen.

    "Mrs. Winters," Margaret''s voice was urgent. "The Matriarch has awakened and is insisting on

    being discharged. The healers are trying to convince her to stay, but she''s quite determined."

    "I''ll be right there," I replied, quickening my pace toward my car.

    The drive to the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den was a blur. My mind kept reying the look on

    Ethan''s face when he finally epted Lily''s death. Part of me had wanted to hurt him as deeply as he''d hurt me, but now I felt hollow.

    Dr. Harrison Fletcher met me at the entrance, his expression concerned.

    "Mrs. Winters, thank goodness you''re here. The Matriarch is refusing treatment and

    demanding to return home."

    I nodded and followed him to Matriarch Evelyn''s room. The elderly woman was sitting up in

    < Chapter 100 Ashes and Rede.....

    bed, her silver hair loose around her shoulders, arguing with a young healer. "Grandmother," I called softly, approaching her bedside.

    +15 Points >

    Her eyes lit up when she saw me. ¡°Olivia, dear! Tell these people I''m perfectly fine to go home."

    I sat beside her, taking her frail hand in mine. ¡°Grandmother, the healers are concerned about your health. They believe you need more time to recover."

    She waved dismissively with her free hand. "Nonsense. I''ve survived worse than this."

    I thought of Lily then, of how she would sit beside her great-grandmother''s bed during her visits, telling stories and making the elderly womanugh.

    "Lily would want you to stay," I said gently. "Remember how she always worried about you?"

    The Matriarch''s expression softened at the mention of Lily''s name.

    "She used to bring you those little moonberry tarts," I continued, "and she''d check your temperature with her small hand on your forehead."

    A smile touched the elderly woman''s lips. "She was such a thoughtful child."

    "She was," I agreed, feeling the familiar ache in my chest. "And she would want you to stay and

    heal properly. She always said a strong pack needs a strong matriarch."

    The fight seemed to leave her then. She sank back against her pillows with a sigh.

    "Very well," she conceded. "For Lily''s sake, I''ll stay a bit longer."

    I stayed with her until she fell asleep, her breathing deep and even. As I was leaving the medical den, my phone vibrated again. A message from Gregory Tanner, the Sacred Moonlight Cemetery guardian, appeared on my screen.

    "Mrs. Winters, I thought you should know that Alpha King Stone is here at Lily''s grave."

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    Attached was a photo of Ethan kneeling before Lily''s Moonstone Tombstone, his head bowed.

    My first instinct was protective rage. How dare he visit her now, after ignoring her for so long? But something else stirred within me - a recognition that despite everything, he was Lily''s

    father.

    My fingers hovered over the keyboard before I typed my response: "He''s Lily''s father. Let him

    1. be. He owes her this penance."

    I stared at my own words, surprised by them. For the first time, I acknowledged Ethan''s right to

    mourn our daughter.

    215

    < Chapter 100: Ashes and Rede...

    (Ethan''s POV)

    +15 Points

    I knelt before my daughter''s moonstone tombstone, the cold ground seeping through my pants. The cemetery was silent except for the asional rustle of leaves in the night breeze.

    The polished stone gleamed in the moonlight, Lily''s smiling face captured in the colored

    photograph embedded in the granite. She looked so happy, so alive blood- spattered child I''d seen in the surveince footage.

    nothing like the pale,

    "Lily," I whispered, tracing her name with trembling fingers. "I''m so sorry."

    The words felt pathetically inadequate. What apology could possibly make up for years of

    neglect? For missing her final moments?

    I remembered her voice on the phone thatst time: "Daddy, can youe be with Lily? Lily is

    sick, and the treatment hurts..."

    And my cold response: "Don''t be like your mother, full of lies.¡±

    A sob tore from my throat, raw and agonizing. I had failed her in every way a father could fail a

    child.

    "I built you an amusement park," I said, my voice breaking. "I was going to make it up to you. I

    was going to be better."

    The tombstone offered no absolution, no forgiveness. Just the stark reality of my daughter''s

    name etched in stone.

    Hours passed as I knelt there, memories washing over me. Not memories of time spent with Lily - those were painfully few - but memories of opportunities missed. Birthdays I''d skipped, school events I''d ignored, bedtimes I''d missed.

    All while Ivished attention on Emma, a child who wasn''t even mine.

    The eastern sky began to lighten, casting a silvery glow across the cemetery.

    Dawn was breaking, marking the end of my night-long vigil.

    My joints were stiff as I finally rose to my feet. My Alpha strength, usually so reliable, seemed

    diminished by grief.

    "I''ll return tomorrow; Lily," I promised, my voice hoarse from unshed tears. "Every day, until you forgive me."

    I turned and walked slowly toward the cemetery gates, my body heavy with grief.

    Maxwell Chen was waiting outside, leaning against my car. His usually impassive face looked

    < Chapter 100 Ashes and Rede.....

    troubled, and he straightened quickly when he saw me.

    "Alpha King," he greeted me with a slight bow.

    I nodded in acknowledgment, too drained for words.

    Maxwell shifted ufortably, his eyes darting away from mine. Something was wrong.

    "What is it?" I demanded, my voice sharper than intended.

    He hesitated, clearly reluctant to speak.

    "Maxwell," I growled, my patience wearing thin. "Tell me what you''re hiding."

    +15 Points

    He took a deep breath. "It''s about the man who attacked Mrs. Winters in Deste Hollow."

    My jaw tightened at the mention of the incident. "Darius Reed. What about him?"

    "During interrogation, he mentioned the ne he stole from Mrs. Winters," Maxwell said

    carefully. "The one you... recovered."

    I remembered the crystal pendant I''d taken from Darius Reed after tracking him down. The

    ne Olivia had fought so desperately to protect.

    "What about it?" I asked, though something in Maxwell''s expression made my stomach clench

    with dread.

    "Darius Reed said Mrs. Winters became hysterical when he took it," Maxwell continued. "She

    told him it contained her daughter''s ashes, kept as a memento..."

    The world seemed to tilt beneath my feet. The pendant - Lily''s Ashes Crystal Pendant - had

    contained my daughter''s remains.

    And I had thrown it into the Moonlit Reflection Pool in a moment of blind rage.

    The horror of what I''d done crashed over me like a physical blow. I had discarded my own daughter''s ashes as if they were nothing.

    "Alpha King?" Maxwell''s voice seemed toe from far away.

    "Take me to the Stone Estate," I ordered, my voice barely recognizable. "Now."

    Maxwell didn''t question me, just opened the car door and slid behind the wheel. The drive passed in a blur of self-loathing and desperate hope that the pendant might somehow be

    recovered.

    As soon as we arrived at the estate, I leapt from the car and ran toward the Moonlit Reflection Pool. The morning sun glinted off its surface, deceptively peaceful.

    15 Points

    Without hesitation, I removed my ck Alpha Overcoat and plunged into the frigid water. The cold shocked my system, but I barely noticed as I began searching the bottom of the pool with desperate hands.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 171

    Chapter 101: Redemption in Icy Waters

    (Ethan''s POV)

    The moment I plunged into the Moonlit Reflection Pool, my body revolted against the decision. The icy water felt like a thousand needles piercing my skin simultaneously, stealing my breath and sending violent tremors through my muscles.

    Winter had turned the once-pleasant pool into a frigid hell. My exposed flesh immediately.

    turned an angry red, stinging painfully as I forced myself deeper.

    Despite my Alpha strength, the bitter cold threatened to overwhelm me. My lungs burned,

    demanding air, while my limbs grew heavier with each passing second.

    None of it mattered. All I could think about was Lily-my daughter whom I''d failed in life and

    continued to fail in death. The crystal pendant containing her ashes was somewhere in this

    murky water, discarded by my own hand in a moment of blind rage.

    I pushed forward, my amber eyes straining to see through the cloudy depths. The thought of leaving without the pendant was unthinkable. This was my penance, my desperate attempt at

    redemption.

    My fingers scraped along the bottom, feeling through mud and debris. Each second underwater was agony, but I deserved this pain. I deserved far worse for what I''d done to Lily..

    The cold began to numb my extremities, making my search more difficult. Still, I persisted, surfacing only when my lungs screamed for air before diving again immediately.

    "Alpha King!" Maxwell''s voice reached me during one of my brief moments above water. "You need toe out! Your body can''t withstand this temperature much longer!"

    I ignored him and dove again. Maxwell didn''t understand. No one could understand the depth of my failure, the magnitude of my guilt.

    My hands methodically searched through the mud and debris at the bottom of the pool. I refused to leave until I found what I was looking for-thest physical connection to my

    daughter.

    Maxwell''s voice grew more urgent each time I surfaced. "Mr. Stone, please reconsider. Your body temperature is dropping dangerously low."

    I could hear the concern cracking his usuallyposed demeanor, but I couldn''t stop. Not

    < Chapter 101: Redemption in I...

    until I found Lily.

    +15 Points>

    The cold was bing dangerous. My movements grew sluggish, my thoughts foggy. But somewhere in this pool was my daughter''s remains, and I would not abandon her again.

    My hand caught on something sharp-an abandoned fishing line that sliced into my palm. Blood clouded the water around me, but even this fresh pain couldn''t deter me from my mission.

    Then, miraculously, my fingers closed around a small, familiar object. The moment I felt it, I knew. Lily''s Ashes Crystal Pendant.

    I clutched it to my chest with a reverence I''d never shown in life, protecting it as I should have protected her. With thest of my strength, I kicked toward the surface, breaking through with a desperate gasp.

    Maxwell rushed forward as I struggled toward the edge of the pool. "Alpha King! Thank the moon you''re alright!"

    He helped pull me from the water, his face pale with worry. My body was numb, my lips blue from cold, but in my bleeding hand I held the most precious thing in the world.

    "Dry clothes, quickly," Maxwell said, already wrapping my ck Alpha Overcoat around my shoulders.

    I changed with trembling hands, never letting go of the pendant. Once dressed, I carefully opened my bleeding palm to examine my prize.

    The crystal pendant gleamed despite its time underwater. Inside, I could see the fine gray ash -all that remained of my beautiful daughter.

    Unshed tears filled my eyes as I stared at it. "I need to return this to Olivia," I said, my voice barely recognizable.

    Maxwell nodded, already moving toward the car. "I''ll drive you to Maple Grove immediately."

    The journey passed in silence, my mind consumed with what I would say to Olivia. What words could possibly convey my remorse, my shame, my desperate need for forgiveness?

    As we pulled up to Olivia''s Maple Grove Cottage, I clutched the pendant tightly. This small token wouldn''t bring Lily back or erase my failures, but it was all I had to offer.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 172

    Each step toward Olivia''s door felt heavier than thest. When I finally reached it,

    I hesitated before knocking, gathering what little courage I had left.

    < Chapter 101: Redemption in L

    My knuckles rapped against the wood, the sound echoing in the quiet morning air.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    $15 Points>

    The sudden pounding at my cottage entrance startled me from my grief. I''d spent the night in

    tearful vigil, clutching Lily''s Moonwood Ceremonial Urn and wondering how I would go on

    without the pendant that had kept a part of her close to my heart.

    When I opened the door, I found Ethan Stone standing there. The sight of him sent a fresh

    wave of anger through me.

    He looked terrible-pale and haggard, his usually dominating presence diminished by

    exhaustion. His amber eyes, normally so confident, now held a haunted look I''d never seen

    before.

    None of it moved me. This man had thrown away our daughter''s ashes as if they

    were

    nothing.

    "How can you even stand after what you did?" I asked coldly, my voice carrying the bitter chill

    of winter.

    Maxwell Chen stepped forward from behind his boss, his tone respectful despite my icy

    reception.

    "Ms. Winters, Mr. Stone spent the night kneeling at Lily''s grave at Sacred Moonlight Cemetery.

    Then he spent hours in the Moonlit Reflection Pool retrieving the pendant," he exined, his

    words careful and measured.

    Ethan silenced his assistant with a sharp gesture, his amber eyes never leaving my face.

    Without a word, he extended his hand, opening his palm to reveal Lily''s Ashes Crystal

    Pendant.

    It was still damp from the pool, but intact. My heart leaped at the sight of it.

    "I brought Lily back to you," he said simply, his voice rough with emotion.

    My hands trembled as I reached for the pendant. The moment my fingers closed around it, tears began streaming down my face. I clutched it to my chest, feeling as though I could

    breathe again for the first time since learning it was gone.

    "Thank you," I whispered, the words escaping before I could stop them.

    For a moment, we stood in silence, united in our grief for the daughter we had both lost-

    though in very different ways.

    Ethan reached out, his hand moving toward my shoulder in what appeared to be a gesture of

    < Chapter 101: Redemption in I...

    The brief moment of connection shattered. His hand fell back to his side, his expression pained but understanding.

    "I''m sorry," he said, his voice thick with regret. "I didn''t know what the pendant contained. If I

    had known..."

    "If you had known, you wouldn''t have thrown away our daughter''s remains?" I finished for him, my grief transforming into rage. "That doesn''t change the fact that you did it, Ethan. Just like it doesn''t change the fact that you abandoned her when she needed you most."

    His face contorted with shame, but I wasn''t finished. If he truly wanted redemption, there was more he needed to do.

    "If you truly want to make amends," I demanded, my emerald eyes shing with fury, "then seek justice for Lily! Punish Victoria Frost, who stole the kidney donor meant for our daughter!"

    Ethan''s expression hardened immediately, his amber eyes narrowing. "Victoria had nothing to do with Lily''s death," he insisted, his tone leaving no room for argument. "She would never harm a child."

    I couldn''t believe what I was hearing. Even now, after everything, he was still defending her.

    "Are you blind?" I snarled. "Or just willfully ignorant? Victoria manipted the donor list to ensure Emma received the kidney meant for Lily. Our daughter died because of her!"

    Ethan shook his head firmly. "You''re wrong, Olivia. Victoria isn''t capable of such cruelty."

    His unwavering trust in Victoria despite all evidence to the contrary infuriated me beyond reason. My control snappedpletely.

    "Get out!" I shouted, my voice breaking with rage and grief.

    In a swift motion, I grabbed the Antique Moonstone Decorative Vase from beside my door and hurled it at him with all my strength. I wasn''t thinking clearly-I just wanted him gone, wanted to hurt him as he had hurt me.

    The vase struck him squarely in the temple, catching him off guard. Already weakened by his night-long vigil and hours in the freezing water, Ethan swayed momentarily before copsing unconscious on my doorstep, blood trickling from the wound.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 173

    Blood flowed from the gash on his temple, pooling beneath his head as hey unconscious on my doorstep. His powerful frame looked suddenly vulnerable, his face pale against the crimson spreading around him.

    "He deserves to die! It would be better if he were dead!" The thought shed through my mind with startling rity.

    The scene before me mirrored another-Lily copsed at Moonlight Fair, blood trickling from her mouth as her small body gave out. I remembered the devastation that had torn through me then, the desperate need to save her.

    But now, looking at Ethan, I felt nothing. A chilling indifference had settled over me, numbing me to his suffering.

    I took a step back into my cottage, my fingers tightening around Lily''s urn. The pendant containing some of her ashes hung heavy around my neck, returned to me by the very man

    now bleeding on my doorstep.

    Without a word, I closed the door, shutting out the sight of Ethan''s unconscious form. I turned

    off the porch light, plunging the entrance into darkness.

    Let Maxwell find him. Let someone else care. I had given all the care I had to give, and Ethan

    had thrown it away-just as he had thrown away our daughter.

    (Maxwell''s POV)

    I waited by the car, my gaze fixed on the window of Olivia Winters'' cottage. The Alpha had

    been inside for nearly twenty minutes now, far longer than I''d anticipated.

    When the porch light went off, I assumed he''d left through another exit. But as minutes ticked

    by with no sign of my boss, an uneasy feeling settled in my stomach.

    Something was wrong. My instincts as Ethan Stone''s trusted special assistant rarely failed

    1. me.

    I raced up the path to the cottage, triggering the motion sensor light as I approached. What I

    saw made my blood run cold.

    < Chapter 102 Blood and Betra...

    +15 Poets)

    Alpha King Ethan Stoney motionless on the doorstep, surrounded by shattered fragments of

    what appeared to be a decorative vase. Blood pooled beneath his head, the crimson stain

    spreading across the wooden nks.

    "Alpha King!" I dropped to my knees beside him, checking for a pulse. It was there, but weak

    and erratic.

    I immediately pulled out my phone, calling for an ambnce while using my free hand to

    press my jacket against the wound, trying to stem the bleeding.

    "Ms. Winters!" I shouted toward the closed door. "Ms. Winters, your mate needs help!"

    No response came from inside the cottage. The realization hit me like a physical blow-she

    had seen him fall and had done nothing. She had turned off the light and left him to bleed out

 The Alpha King is unavailable 174

    on her doorstep.

    Fury rose within me, hot and overwhelming. "Ms. Winters, do you know that if you leave Mr.

    Stone like this, he will die!"

    The door cracked open slightly. Olivia Winters stood in the narrow opening, her face eerily

    calm, her emerald eyes cold and distant.

    "Shouldn''t he die?" she asked, her voice devoid of emotion. "It would be better if he were dead!"

    Her words hung in the air between us, shocking in their cruelty. Even more shocking was the

    reaction they provoked from the Alpha King.

    Though seemingly unconscious, Ethan must have heard her words. His body convulsed suddenly, blood bubbling from his lips as he coughed. Then he wentpletely still, slipping into a deeper unconsciousness that terrified me.

    "What have you done?" I whispered, pressing harder against his wound. Olivia''s only response was to close the door firmly, shutting us outpletely.

    The ambnce arrived minutester, the emergency medical team working quickly to stabilize the Alpha King before transporting him to Silvercrest Pack Medical Den.

    I followed in the car, my hands still stained with my boss''s blood, my mind reying Olivia''s

    cold words over and over.

    "It would be better if he were dead."

    How had ite to this? How had the Luna of our pack be so filled with hatred that she

    could wish death upon her mate?

    < Chapter 102. Blood and Betra

    +15 Points >

    I knew the answer, of course. Lily''s death had changed everything. But even knowing the reason didn''t make Olivia''s actions any less shocking.

    As I drove through the night toward the medical den, I made a silent vow to protect my Alpha from further harm-even if that meant protecting him from his own mate.

    (Ethan''s POV)

    I awoke to the sterile smell of the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den, the harsh fluorescent lights forcing me to squint as consciousness returned.

    My first thought was of Olivia. Had she called for help? Was she here?

 The Alpha King is unavailable 175

    A soft hand squeezed mine, and for a moment, hope red in my chest. But when I turned my head, ignoring the sharp pain the movement caused, I saw Victoria Frost sitting beside my

    bed.

    The disappointment I felt surprised me. After everything Olivia had done-after she had left me bleeding on her doorstep-why would I expect her to be here? Why would I want her to be?

    Victoria''s eyes were red-rimmed, her usually perfect makeup smudged from tears. Her blonde hair was pulled back in a hasty ponytail, so unlike her usual polished appearance.

    "Ethan, you finally woke up," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "Ethan, what''s wrong? How did you get yourself into this state? Do you know how heartbroken I was to see you hurt like

    this?!"

    I stared at her for a long moment, memories flooding back. The cemetery. The freezing water.

    of the Moonlit Reflection Pool. Olivia''s cottage. The vase striking my temple.

    And before all that-Lily. My daughter. Dead for five years while I believed she was hidden

    away by her mother.

    I reached out, grasping Victoria''s hand tightly. "Lily is dead," I stated tly, watching her face

    carefully.

    I wasn''t sure why I felt the need to test her. Victoria had been my closest confidante since

    childhood. I trusted her implicitly.

    I remembered how she had cried for days when our neighbor''s dog was

    poisoned. How she had nursed injured birds back to health. How she had always shown suchpassion for those who suffered.

    Surely someone with such a tender heart couldn''t be responsible for my

    daughter''s death, as Olivia imed. It was impossible. Victoria would never harm

    a child-especially not Lily.

    < Chapter 102: Blood and Betra...

    (Victoria''s POV)

    My heart nearly stopped when Ethan said those three words. "Lily is dead."

    +15 Points>

    I forced my eyes to widen in shock, my hand flying to my mouth in practiced disbelief.

    "Lily is dead? How is that possible?!" I eximed, my voice rising with feigned surprise. ¡°Ethan, is there a mistake? Didn''t you say Olivia hid Lily? How could she be dead? She''s only five years old... Impossible, absolutely impossible!"

    Inwardly, I was calcting, assessing. Had Olivia told him everything? Did he know about the kidney transnt that should have gone to Lily but went to Emma instead? Did he know about

    my role in redirecting that donor?

    But as I studied his face-the grief in his amber eyes, the confusion in his furrowed brow-I realized with immense relief that he didn''t know the full truth. He was still in the dark about

    my involvement.

    I had been watching him closely these past days. I saw him at Moonlight Fair, witnessed his grief and remorse after learning of Lily''s death. I observed him visiting Sacred Moonlight Cemetery, kneeling all night at his daughter''s grave.

    Most concerning was when I saw him frantically diving into the freezing Moonlit Reflection Pool at Stone Estate, searching desperately for something. I knew it must be rted to Lily.

    When he went to see Olivia afterward, I panicked. I was certain she would reveal everything about Lily''s kidney transnt-how I had manipted the donor list to ensure Emma received the kidney instead.

    But then I saw the ambnce. I heard about Ethan''s injuries. And I realized with relief that he had taken my side, that he had somehow provoked Olivia rather than learning the truth from

    her.

    "Lily... is really dead," Ethan said hoarsely, his eyes reddening at the mention of his daughter.

    This time, I realized, it wasn''t a test. He was simply informing me of his loss, sharing his grief

    with someone he trusted.

    I continued my performance, allowing tears to fill my eyes. I was an excellent actress when necessary, and this moment demanded my best performance.

    "Oh, Ethan," I whispered, squeezing his hand. ¡°I can''t believe it. How could this happen? How sad Olivia must be! Have Lily''s funeral arrangements been made? Is there anything I can help

    with?"

 The Alpha King is unavailable 176

    "No, Lily has long been buried." My voice was hoarse, barely recognizable even to my own

    ears.

    The words hung in the sterile air of the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den. Each syble felt like

    broken ss in my throat.

    Victoria''s hand tightened around mine. Her blue eyes widened with what appeared to be

    shock.

    "Five years," I continued, the admission tearing at my soul. "She''s been gone for five years, and

    I didn''t know."

    The weight of this truth crushed me. My daughter had died, and I hadn''t been there. Hadn''t

    known. Hadn''t mourned.

    Memories flooded my mind-painful, sharp-edged fragments of a life I''d barely acknowledged.

    Lily''s small face looking up at me, her emerald eyes-so like her mother''s-filled with hope

    whenever I entered a room.

    I remembered how she would approach me cautiously, always careful not to displease me.

    Her tiny voice would tremble slightly as she greeted me.

    "Hello, Father," she would say, standing straight, trying to make herself worthy of my attention.

    And what had I done? I''d barely acknowledged her. I''d been too busy with pack business, too

    preupied with Victoria and Emma.

    Emma. The thought of Victoria''s daughter sent a fresh wave of guilt crashing over me. How

    many times had I showered Emma with affection while my own daughter watched from the

    shadows?

    I recalled a particr day at Imperial Gardens when both girls had been present. Emma had

    run to me, throwing herself into my arms withplete confidence that I would catch her. I

    had swung her around,ughing at her delighted squeals.

    And Lily? My own daughter had stood apart, watching with longing in her eyes. When Emma finally released me, Lily had approached hesitantly.

    < Chapter 103 Lily''s Death

    "Father," she''d said softly, "would you like to see the drawing I made?"

    +15 Points

    I had nced at it briefly, muttered something about it being nice, and turned back

    to Emma who was demanding I watch her dance.

    The memory made me physically ill. How could I have been so blind? So cruel?

    "I failed her," I whispered, more to myself than to Victoria. "I failed my daughter in every way

    possible."

    I thought of the night I''d just spent at Sacred Moonlight Cemetery, kneeling before Lily''s

    Moonstone Tombstone until dawn. My knees had ached against the cold ground, but I''d

    weed the pain. It was nothingpared to what Lily must have felt, watching her father

    love another child while ignoring her.

    "I never deserved her love," I said, my voice breaking. "But she loved me anyway. She loved me

    despite everything."

    Victoria''s face contorted with what appeared to be sympathy. She stroked my arm gently, her

    touch meant tofort.

    "Ethan, you need to heal," she murmured, her voice honey-sweet. "Lily wouldn''t want you to

    suffer."

    Her words, though well-intentioned, felt hollow. How could she know what Lily would want? How could anyone?

    A terrible thought struck me then. I could have known about Lily''s death sooner. Olivia had

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    told me repeatedly, but I hadn''t believed her.

    "She tried to tell me," I said, my amber eyes darkening with self-loathing. "Olivia tried to tell me

    Lily was dead, but I used her of hiding our daughter.¡±

    I remembered the day I took Emma to Enchanted Kingdom Theme Park. My phone had buzzed

    repeatedly with calls from Olivia, but I''d ignored them, assuming they were usations about

    my favoritism toward Emma.

    "I didn''t know," I whispered, my powerful frame seeming to shrink with each word. "I didn''t

    know that Lily had been waiting for me at Moonlight Fair, and had died that same day."

    Victoria''s eyes filled with tears. "Oh, Ethan, how terrible for you."

    I feltpelled to justify my actions, though I knew nothing could excuse them.

    "The healers said Emma''s condition was worsening," I exined. "I arranged that birthday celebration because I feared it might be herst. I never imagined it would be Lily who

    < Chapter 103 Lily''s Death

    wouldn''t get another birthday."

    +15 Points

    The irony was unbearable. I had devoted so much attention to Emma, fearing for her health,

    while my own daughter had been the one truly in danger.

    Victoria''s voice broke through my thoughts. "I feel so guilty," she said, tears streaming down

    her face. "If I hadn''t called you that day, begging you toe because Emma was upset... if I

    hadn''t pulled you away from your promise to Lily..."

    I shook my head, absolving her of me that was rightfully mine alone.

    "You were worried about Emma," I said. "I can''t me you for that. The fault is mine. I made

    the choice to break my promise to Lily."

    Victoria leaned into my embrace, weeping against my chest. I held her, but my mind was

    elsewhere-with a little girl who had died waiting for her father to keep his word. The next morning, despite my injuries and lingering fever from Olivia''s attack, I returned to Sacred Moonlight Cemetery. My body protested every movement, but I ignored the pain.

    I carried Lily''s favorite treats-moonberry cakes, forest fruits, and small carved wooden toys. Things I''d noticed she liked in the Imperial Gardens surveince videos I''d reviewed

    obsessively since learning of her death.

    I also brought the Crystal-Embroidered Ice Princess Gown I''d never given her. The moonstone crystals embedded in the fabric caught the morning light, sparkling with a beauty Lily would

    never see.

    My knees ached from kneeling all night at the cemetery and being submerged in the Moonlit

    Reflection Pool searching for Lily''s Ashes Crystal Pendant. Each step up the cemetery path

    sent shooting pain through my legs.

    As I climbed the steps leading to Lily''s grave, I stumbled. My vision blurred momentarily, and I

    had to pause to steady myself.

    I carefully set down the items I''d brought, my amber eyes fixed on the Moonstone Tombstone

 The Alpha King is unavailable 178

    ahead. The colored photograph of Lily embedded in the stone seemed to watch me, her

    innocent smile a reproach to my failures.

    "Ethan!"

    Victoria''s voice startled me. I hadn''t heard her approach. She rushed to my side, her face a

    mask of concern.

    "King, let me help you," she said, reaching for my arm.

    < Chapter 103: Lily''s Death

    I turned to her, my expression hardening. "Why are you here?"

    +15 Points >

    My tone was low with displeasure. This moment was meant to be private-a father''s bted

    tribute to his daughter.

    Victoria''s eyes widened with practiced innocence. "Ethan, don''t be angry, I''m just worried about

    you. You''re not fully recovered yet, and you insisted oning to see Lily."

    She stepped closer, her hand still on my arm. "I know I can''t persuade you, but I''m really afraid

    that something might happen to you if youe to the Cemetery alone..."

    Her voice broke, tears filling her eyes. "And...I''m really guilty! Knowing that Lily died on the day

    Emma fell ill, I really..."

    Seeing her tears, I felt a pang of sympathy. Victoria had always been emotional, her heart easily moved by others'' suffering. She felt as guilty as I did, though her guilt was misced.

    "You were also worried about Emma," I said, patting her hand reassuringly. "You couldn''t have

    known about Lily."

    Victoria leaned into my embrace, sobbing with convincing despair. Her body trembled against

    mine, her tears soaking through my shirt.

    "But I really feel guilty... That was Lily... Your daughter...I really wanted to treat her as my own."

    (Victoria''s POV)

    I sobbed against Ethan''s chest, my tears flowing freely. Years of practice had made me an

    expert at crying onmand.

    Inside, I felt nothing but relief. Lily was dead and buried, no longer a threat to my ns. The daughter who might have eventually revealed my true nature to Ethan was gone forever.

    I had worried when Ethan first mentioned Lily''s death. Had Olivia told him everything? Did he know about the kidney transnt that should have gone to Lily but went to Emma instead? Did he suspect my role in redirecting that donor?

    But his reaction had confirmed my safety. He knew nothing of my involvement. He still saw me as thepassionate friend who would never harm a child.

    If only he knew the truth-that I had personally ensured the kidney meant for Lily went to Emma instead. That I had manipted medical records, bribed officials, and threatened a

    doctor to make it happen.

    Emma had needed that kidney. My daughter''s life was worth more than Lily''s-at least to me. I

    would have sacrificed a hundred children to save Emma.

    < Chapter 103 Lily''s Death

    And now, standing at Lily''s grave, I continued my performance. I wept for the child I had

    helped kill, all while nning my next move to secure my position in Ethan''s life.

    +15 Points >

    "But I really feel guilty... That was Lily... Your daughter...I really wanted to treat her as my own."

    The words tasted like ash in my mouth. I had never wanted to treat Lily as my own. I had

    wanted her gone, out of the way, no longerpeting with Emma for Ethan''s attention or

    resources.

    I nced at the Crystal-Embroidered Ice Princess Gown Ethan had brought. I remembered how

    Lily had begged for that exact dress-the same one I had bought for Emma. I had delighted in

    her disappointment, in the tears she had tried to hide from her father.

    Now Ethan was bringing it to her grave, toote for her to ever wear it. The irony was delicious.

    I pressed closer to Ethan, making my body tremble with false grief. He held me tighter, his

    strong arms offeringfort I didn''t deserve or need.

    Over his shoulder, I stared at Lily''s tombstone. The colored photograph showed a smiling child

    with Olivia''s emerald eyes. Those eyes had always unnerved me-too observant, too knowing.

    Even at four years old, Lily had seemed to see through my facade.

    Good riddance, I thought, even as I continued to sob dramatically.

    "But I really feel guilty... That was Lily... Your daughter...I really wanted to treat her as my own."

 The Alpha King is unavailable 179

    I wept in Ethan''s arms, my tears soaking through his shirt. To anyone watching, I appeared devastated by grief over Lily''s death. But hidden against his chest, my lips curled into a

    satisfied smile.

    "I''m so sorry," I sobbed, my voice breaking perfectly. "If only I hadn''t called you that day..."

    My mind drifted back to that pivotal afternoon five years ago. I remembered how I''d deliberately called Ethan away when Lily was critically ill. I knew exactly what I was doing

    when I made that call, iming Emma needed him urgently.

    I had watched Olivia''s desperate calls light up Ethan''s phone throughout the day. Each time, I''d casually dismissed the notifications before he could see them. I hadn''t deleted them-that would have been too obvious. I simply made sure he was too distracted to notice.

    "Emma needs you," I had told him, my voice trembling with manufactured concern. "The doctors say her condition is worsening."

    It wasn''t entirely a lie. Emma had been ill, but not critically so. Nothing that required Ethan''s immediate presence. But it had been enough to pull him away from his promise to Lily.

    While Ethan rushed to Emma''s side at the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den, I had slipped away, iming to fetch medicine. Instead, I drove to Moonlight Fair, parking at a distance to watch.

    the drama unfold.

    I saw Olivia''s frantic search for Ethan. I witnessed Lily''s copse, her tiny body crumpling to the ground as her mother screamed for help. The sight had filled me with a dark satisfaction.

    "One less obstacle," I had thought, watching the ambnce speed away.

    Lily had always been in my way-a constant reminder that Ethan had chosen Olivia first. The child''s emerald eyes, so like her mother''s, seemed to see through my facade. Even at four years old, she had regarded me with suspicion.

    And she had been right to do so. I had never wanted her happiness. I had wanted her gone.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 180

    Now, standing at her grave, I continued my performance, clinging to Ethan as if ovee by

    remorse.

    +15 Points)

    "I can''t forgive myself," I whispered, looking up at him with tear-filled eyes. "If I hadn''t called

    you away...''

    Inside, I felt nothing but triumph. Lily was dead and buried. Olivia was disgraced in Ethan''s eyes. And I was exactly where I wanted to be-in the Alpha King''s arms, positioned as thepassionate friend who would help him heal.

    (Ethan''s POV)

    I held Victoria as she wept, her slender frame trembling against mine. Her grief seemed genuine, though misced. The me for Lily''s deathy with me alone.

    "Victoria," I said gently, "would you like to visit Lily''s grave with me tomorrow? To pay your

    respects?"

    Her blue eyes widened with surprise, then filled with fresh tears. She nodded, pressing her

    face against my chest.

    "But Olivia mustn''t know," I added, my voice hardening. "I don''t want another confrontation."

    The memory of Olivia''s cold eyes as she closed the door, leaving me bleeding on her doorstep, still burned. I couldn''t understand how the woman I''d mated could have changed so

    drastically.

    Victoria nodded again, her expression solemn. "Of course, Ethan. I understand." She wiped her tears,posing herself. "I feel so responsible. If I hadn''t called you that day, begging you toe because Emma was upset... if I hadn''t pulled you away from your

    promise to Lily..."

    I shook my head, cutting off her self-recrimination. "The choice was mine, Victoria. I could have kept my promise to Lily first, then gone to Emma. I made the wrong decision."

    The next morning, we arrived at Sacred Moonlight Cemetery just as dawn broke over the horizon. The early hour ensured privacy-Olivia typically visited in the afternoons, ording to Gregory Tanner, the cemetery guardian.

    Lily''s Moonstone Tombstone gleamed softly in the morning light. I knelt before it, ignoring the pain that shot through my injured body. With gentle hands, I cleaned the stone, brushing away

    fallen leaves and dirt.

    "Hello, Lily," I whispered, my voice breaking. "It''s Father."

    The colored photograph embedded in the stone showed my daughter smiling-a smile I had rarely seen in person. Her emerald eyes, so like Olivia''s, seemed to look right through me.

    215

    Chapter 104 Cemetery Confr

    +15 Pomts2

    I arranged the offerings I''d brought-moonberry cakes, forest fruits, and small carved wooden toys. Beside them, I carefullyid out the Crystal-Embroidered Ice Princess Gown that Lily had wanted so badly.

    "I''m sorry I''mte," I continued, tears flowing freely now. "I''m sorry for everything, Lily."

    Behind me, Victoria stood respectfully, her head bowed. I was vaguely aware of her moving around the grave, but my focus remained on my daughter''s photograph.

    "If there''s another life after this one," I said, my voice barely audible, "I hope you''ll be my daughter again. And I promise, Lily, I''ll make you the happiest child in the world."

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I froze at the edge of the cemetery path, my blood turning to ice in my veins. Victoria Frost

    stood at my daughter''s grave, her back to me. As I watched, she leaned down and spat-

    actually spat on the offeringsid before Lily''s tombstone.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 181

    Rage exploded within me, a white-hot fury that consumed all rational thought. I surged

    forward, my vision tunneling until all I could see was Victoria''s smug face and Ethan kneeling

    before my daughter''s grave.

    "If there''s another life after this one," I heard Ethan say, "I hope you''ll be my daughter again. And I promise, Lily, I''ll make you the happiest child in the world."

    His words ignited something primal within me. How dare he? How dare he speak of another

    chance when he had squandered the one he had?

    "You!" I screamed, my voice shattering the cemetery''s morning stillness.

    Both Ethan and Victoria whirled around, shock evident on their faces. Victoria recovered first,

    her expression shifting to one of practiced innocence.

    "Olivia," she began, her voice honey-sweet with false concern. "We were just-"

    "Shut up!¡± I snarled, advancing on them. "How dare youe here? How dare you bring her to my daughter''s grave?"

    kicked over the offerings Ethan had arranged, sending moonberry cakes and toys scattering

    across the ground. The Crystal-Embroidered Ice Princess Gown-the one Lily had begged for

    but never receivednded in the dirt.

    "Olivia, please," Ethan said, rising to his feet with obvious pain. "I''m just trying to-

    "To what?" I demanded, my voice rising hysterically. "To ease your conscience? To pretend you

    were a father to her when you weren''t?"

    < Chapter 104 Cemetery Confr

    +15 Points

    I turned my fury on Victoria, who had retreated a step, her blue eyes wide with feigned fear.

    "And you," I hissed, advancing on her. "You have the audacity toe here? To stand at the grave of the child you helped kill?"

    Victoria gasped, pressing a hand to her chest in a perfect disy of shocked innocence. ¡°Olivia, how can you say such a thing? I loved Lily!"

    "Liar!" I screamed, lunging toward her.

    Ethan stepped between us, his amber eyes shing with warning. "Olivia, that''s enough.

    Victoria is not responsible for Lily''s death."

    His defense of her pushed me over the edge. I turned on him, my entire body trembling with

    rage.

    "How dare you!" I cried out, tears streaming down my face. "You have no right to be a father! You''ve cursed Lily''s spirit by bringing her killer here!"

    I grabbed the thermal food container I''d brought-filled with Lily''s favorite venison stew that I still prepared on her birthday-and hurled it at Ethan with all my strength.

    (Ethan''s POV)

    The container struck me squarely in the chest, the impact sending a shock of pain through my already injured body. I stumbled backward, my hand flying to my mouth as I tasted blood.

    "Ethan!" Victoria cried, rushing to my side as I swayed unsteadily.

    My vision blurred, the world tilting dangerously. The wound on my temple from Olivia''s previous attack had barely begun to heal, and now fresh pain radiated through my chest.

    I coughed, feeling something wet and warm on my lips. When I pulled my hand away, my fingers were stained red.

    Victoria''s arm slipped around my waist, supporting me as my knees threatened to buckle. Her face was a mask of concern, but her eyes-when they turned toward Olivia-gleamed with

    something darker.

    "How could you?" Victoria demanded, her voice trembling with what sounded like righteous anger. "Can''t you see he''s already injured? Do you want to kill him too?"

    Olivia stood frozen, her emerald eyes wide with shock as she stared at the blood on my lips. For a moment, I thought I glimpsed regret in her expression, but it vanished quickly, reced

    by cold fury.

    "He deserves worse," she said, her voice low and dangerous. "For bringing you here-the woman who ensured my daughter died alone."

    +15 Points >

    Victoria''s grip on my waist tightened. She shook her head vehemently, tears streaming down

    her face.

    "Don''t me Ethan!" she cried, her voice breaking. "Can''t you see? Lily is dead, and Ethan, as her father, is heartbroken! He sincerely wants to make amends to Lily!"

    She stepped forward, cing herself between Olivia and me in a protective gesture.

    Victoria continued, her voice rising with emotion. "It''s all my fault."

 The Alpha King is unavailable 182

    (Victoria''s POV)

    I stood at Lily''s grave, watching Olivia''s face contort with rage. The sight filled me with a dark

    satisfaction. Her pain was my triumph.

    "Olivia, take your anger out on me," I said, my voice dripping with false sympathy. "Ethan really can''t bear it anymore! You don''t feel sorry for him, but I do!"

    I ced a protective hand on Ethan''s arm, making sure Olivia could see the gesture. Her

    emerald eyes darkened with fury, exactly the reaction I wanted.

    "You''re enjoying this, aren''t you?" Olivia hissed, her voice trembling. "Standing at my daughter''s grave, pretending to care when you''re the reason she''s dead."

    I widened my eyes in practiced innocence. "How can you say such terrible things? I loved Lily!"

    The lie tasted sweet on my tongue. I had never loved that child. She had been an obstacle,

    nothing more.

    "You redirected her kidney donor," Olivia used, her voice rising. "You made sure Emma got

    the transnt meant for Lily!"

    I gasped dramatically, pressing a hand to my chest. "Ethan, do you hear these wild

    usations? She''spletely lost her mind with grief!"

    Olivia''s control snapped. With a primal scream, she lunged forward, her hands closing around

 The Alpha King is unavailable 183

    my throat. Before I could react, she mmed me backward, clearly aiming for Lily''s

    Moonstone Tombstone.

    (Ethan''s POV)

    I moved instinctively, catching Olivia around the waist before she could m Victoria into

    Lily''s tombstone. Her body was rigid with fury, her strength surprising as she fought against

    my restraint.

    "Olivia, stop!" Imanded, using my Alpha voice. "This is sacred ground. Control yourself!"

    She twisted in my grip, her emerald eyes wild with grief and rage. "Let me go! She desecrated Lily''s grave! I saw her spit on the offerings!"

    Victoria gasped behind me. "That''s a lie! Ethan, you were right here. Did you see me do

    < Chapter 105: Cemetery Show...

    anything like that?"

    +15 Points >

    I hadn''t. I''d been lost in my own grief, speaking to Lily''s spirit. But the usation seemed so

    specific, so certain.

    "Olivia," I said, trying to keep my voice calm, "Victoria had nothing to do with Lily''s death. She''s

    innocent in this."

    Olivia went still in my arms, her body suddenly heavy with despair. When she looked up at me,

    the raw pain in her eyes made my chest ache.

    "You still don''t believe me," she whispered. "After everything, you still choose her."

    She pushed against my chest, her strength returning with her anger. "Get away from my

    daughter''s grave!" she snarled, her voice breaking with emotion. "Both of you! Leave this

    sacred ce!"

    Instead of releasing her, I pulled her tighter against my chest, refusing to let go despite her

    struggles. Her scent-once soforting to me-filled my senses, mingled now with the salt

    of her tears.

    "Victoria," I said without turning, "please leave us."

    Victoria''s protest was immediate. "Ethan, I can''t leave you alone with her when she''s like this!

    She''s already injured you twice!"

    I turned my head slightly, my gaze finding hers. Something in my expression must have

    conveyed my seriousness, because her objection died on her lips.

    "Go," I repeated, my tone leaving no room for argument.

    Victoria hesitated, clearly reluctant to leave before further provoking Olivia. But when my gaze

    turned cold, she nodded reluctantly.

    "Call me if you need anything," she said, touching my arm onest time before turning to

    leave.

    She had taken only a few steps when she stopped abruptly, her body tensing. Following her

    gaze, I saw a small procession making its way through the cemetery-my grandmother, Matriarch Evelyn Stone, supported by her security team. (Matriarch Evelyn''s POV)

    I made my way slowly through Sacred Moonlight Cemetery, leaning heavily on my cane. Though my body had grown frail with age, my mind remained sharp, my will undiminished.

    +15 Points >

    The sight before me confirmed everything Olivia had told me-my grandson holding her back. while Victoria Frost stood smugly near Lily''s grave. The desecrated offerings scattered across

    the ground told their own story.

    "Grandmother," Ethan said, surprise evident in his voice. "What are you doing here?"

 The Alpha King is unavailable 184

    I ignored him, my gaze fixed on Olivia. The poor girl''s shoulders sagged with relief at the sight

    of me, fresh tears streaming down her face.

    "Grandmother,¡± she whispered, the title an acknowledgment of the bond we shared despite the

    absence of blood rtion.

    I nodded to her, then turned my attention to Victoria Frost. The woman had the audacity to

    smile at me, as if we were meeting at a social gathering rather than at my great- granddaughter''s desecrated grave.

    "Matriarch Stone," she said, dipping into a respectful curtsy. "What a surprise to see you out so

    early."

    Cold fury filled me. This woman had helped kill my great-granddaughter, had spat on her

    grave, and now dared to address me with false respect.

    "Seize that woman," Imanded, my voice carrying the weight of decades of authority.

    My security team moved immediately, surrounding Victoria before she could react. Her blue eyes widened with genuine fear for the first time.

    "Ethan!" she cried, reaching toward him. "Tell them to stop! What is happening?"

    My grandson stepped forward, still holding Olivia against his side. "Grandmother, what are you

    doing?"

    "Justice," I replied simply. "Something you have failed to provide."

    The security team grabbed Victoria''s arms, forcing her to her knees before Lily''s Moonstone Tombstone. She struggled against their grip, her perfectposure finally cracking.

    "Ethan, please!" she begged. "I''ve done nothing wrong!"

    (Ethan''s POV)

    I watched in shock as my grandmother''s security team forced Victoria to her knees. This was

    happening too quickly, spiraling beyond my control.

    "Release her immediately," I demanded, my Alpha voice resonating with authority.

    To my surprise, the security team ignored me, their loyalty to my grandmother apparently

    316

    < Chapter 105: Cemetery Show.

    superseding their respect for my position as Alpha King.

    +15 Points >

    "Grandmother," I said, stepping toward her, "this is inappropriate. Whatever usations Olivia

    has made-"

    "Are true," my grandmother interrupted, her voice sharp despite her frail appearance. "I have

    seen the evidence myself."

    Victoria continued to struggle against her captors. "What evidence? There is no evidence

    because I''ve done nothing wrong!"

    I moved to intervene, but hesitated. We stood before Lily''s grave, a sacred ce that deserved respect. Using force here, even to protect Victoria, felt wrong somehow.

    While I hesitated, the security team bound Victoria''s hands behind her back with what appeared to be ceremonial restraints. One of them stuffed a cloth into her mouth, silencing

    her protests.

    Olivia stepped forward, her face transformed by hatred. In her hand, she held the Ancestral Pack Whip-a traditional implement of pack justice that I hadn''t seen used in years.

    "This is for Lily," she said, her voice eerily calm.

    Before I could stop her, she brought the whip down across Victoria''s back. Victoria''s scream

    was muffled by the gag, but her body jerked with pain.

    Again and again, Oliviashed out, each strike drawing blood through Victoria''s torn designer clothes. The security team held Victoria firmly, preventing her from escaping the punishment.

    I fought my way through the security team, their training no match for my Alpha strength. By the time I reached Victoria, her back was a bloody mess, her designer clothes torn to shreds.

    As Olivia raised the whip for another strike, I grabbed it mid-air, wrenching it from her grasp.

    "Olivia Winters, are you really going to kill someone before you''re satisfied?!" I roared, tossing

    the whip away.

    Olivia stared at me, her chest heaving with exertion and emotion. "She deserves worse for

    what she did to Lily."

    My grandmother stepped forward, her frail form radiating disapproval. Before I could react,

    she pped me hard across the face, the sound cracking through the cemetery''s morning

    stillness.

    "You disgrace your family, Ethan," she said coldly.

    < Chapter 105 Cemetery Show.

    +15 Points >

    The sting of her palm was nothingpared to the weight of her disappointment.

    I stood frozen, shocked by her action.

    "Grandmother-"

    "Silence," shemanded, and despite myself, I obeyed. "You defend this woman while your

    true mate suffers? While your daughter''s memory is desecrated?"

    She shook her head, her eyes reflecting decades of wisdom and the pain of watching her

    family tear itself apart.

    "Olivia would never make such usations without cause," she continued, her voice softening

    slightly. ¡°That girl loved you and Lily with her whole heart. She would never lie about

    something this sacred."

 The Alpha King is unavailable 185

    Blood trickled down my face as I knelt before Lily''s grave, my designer clothes torn to shreds from Olivia''sshing. The pain was excruciating, but I refused to show weakness.

    "I would never harm a pup,¡± I dered, widening my eyes with practiced innocence. "Where is

    your proof of these wild usations?"

    Matriarch Evelyn''s withered face contorted with rage. "You dare ask for proof

    when you stand at the grave you desecrated?"

    I met her gaze steadily. "I loved Lily as if she were my own."

    The lie tasted sweet on my tongue. In truth, I had celebrated when that sickly child finally died,

    removing thest obstacle between Ethan and me.

    "You redirected her kidney donor," Olivia spat, her emerald eyes burning with hatred. "You

    made sure Emma got the treatment meant for Lily!"

    I allowed my voice to tremble with feigned outrage. "How could you suggest such a thing? I

    would never-"

    "Enough!" Matriarch Evelyn raised her walking stick, her frail body vibrating with fury.

    She swung the stick toward my face with surprising strength for someone her age. Ethan

    moved quickly, catching her arm before the blow couldnd.

    "Grandmother, please," he urged, positioning himself between us.

    His intervention inadvertently pushed me closer to Olivia. I saw the opportunity and took it,

    allowing my lips to curl into a subtle smirk only Olivia could see.

    "Your daughter was weak," I whispered, my voice too low for Ethan to hear. "She deserved to

    die."

    Olivia''s control snapped. With a primal scream, she lunged forward, her foot connecting with

    my chest in a powerful kick. The force sent me tumbling backward down the cemetery''s stone

    steps.

    I felt myself falling, the world spinning around me. Then came the impact-a sickening thud

    as my body hit the ground. Sharp pain exploded across my face as Inded on a broken

    < Chapter 106: A Death and a D...

    moonstone vase, its jagged edge slicing deep into my cheek.

    +15 Points >

    Warm blood gushed from the wound, soaking into the earth beneath me. Through the haze of

    pain, I heard Ethan''s panicked voice.

    "Victoria!"

    His strong arms gathered me up, cradling me against his chest. I allowed myself to go limp,

    ying up my injuries.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 186

    "Ethan," I whimpered, "it hurts..."

    He turned to Olivia and his grandmother, his amber eyes zing with fury. "This has gone too

    far!"

    Without waiting for their response, he carried me swiftly toward the Silvercrest Pack Medical

    Den, my blood staining his expensive shirt.

    Despite the pain, I felt a surge of triumph. Once again, Olivia had lost control, proving herself

    unstable and dangerous. And once again, Ethan had chosen me.

    At the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den, Dr. Harold Bet examined my facial wound with a

    grave expression. His fingers probed gently around the deep gash that ran from my temple to

    my jaw.

    "The cut is deep," he said, reaching for a specialized healing salve. "And there are fragments of

    moonstone embedded in the wound."

    I winced dramatically as he applied the salve. "Will it... will it leave a scar?"

    Dr. Bet hesitated, his eyes flickering to Ethan who stood anxiously at my bedside. "I''m

    afraid it might, Ms. Frost. Moonstone injuries can be difficult to healpletely."

    Tears welled in my eyes-real ones this time. My beauty had always been my greatest

    weapon. Without it, my power over Ethan might wane.

    "Ethan," I whispered, reaching for his hand. "Will you still love me when I''m no longer

    beautiful?"

    His fingers tightened around mine, but I noticed his hesitation. "We''ll find the best healers in

    the Northern Territories, Victoria. Don''t worry about that now."

    He hadn''t answered my question. The realization sent a chill through me.

    I quickly changed tactics, turning my face into the pillow as if ovee with

    emotion. "At least Emma still has me," I murmured. "I only wish I could have done more for Lily. If I could

    < Chapter 106: A Death and a D

    have given my life for your daughter, I would have."

    +15 Points >

    I watched him carefully through myshes, gauging his reaction. His face softened with the

    mention of Lily, pain and regret evident in his amber eyes.

    Suddenly, Ethan swayed on his feet, his face rmingly pale. Before I could react, his knees

    buckled and he copsed beside my bed.

    "Ethan!" I cried out, genuinely rmed.

    Dr. Bet rushed to his side, checking his pulse. "He''s exhausted and his wounds from the Shadow Guard haven''t fully healed. The stress of today''s events was too much."

    As they moved Ethan to a nearby bed, Iy back against my pillows, my mind racing. Matriarch Evelyn Stone had emerged as the greatest threat to my ambitions. The old woman

    clearly suspected the truth about my role in Lily''s death.

    She would have to be dealt with-permanently.

    (Matriarch Evelyn''s POV)

    The Silvercrest Pack Medical Den bustled with activity as Dr. Marcus Fletcherpleted my

    examination. Despite the morning''s confrontation, my vital signs remained strong.

    "Your body is strong, Matriarch," Dr. Fletcher said, removing his stethoscope. "But even the

    strongest need rest."

    He adjusted my IV drip with practiced hands. "I''m concerned about your heart. Emotional stress could trigger your condition."

    I waved away his concerns with a wrinkled hand. "My heart has endured worse than this

    morning''s events, Doctor."

    Olivia sat beside my bed, her emerald eyes clouded with guilt. She hadn''t spoken since we''d arrived, her shoulders hunched with the weight of her actions.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 187

    "Child,¡± I said, reaching for her hand. "You mustn''t me yourself."

    Her fingers trembled in mine. "I lost control, Grandmother. I could have killed her."

    "Victoria Frost deserved worse than she received," I replied firmly. "What she did to Lily-"

    "But I shouldn''t have acted that way," Olivia interrupted, her voice breaking. "Not at Lily''s grave.

    It was disrespectful to her memory."

    I squeezed her hand gently. "Lily would understand a mother''s rage. Now go, get some rest. I''ll

    be fine."

    < Chapter 106 A Death and a D

    She hesitated, reluctant to leave my side. "Are you sure?"

    I nodded, feeling fatigue settle into my bones. "I need to sleep, child. We''ll

    continue this

    discussionter."

    +15 Points

    After Olivia departed, I closed my eyes, allowing my body to rx into the hospital bed. Sleep

    came quickly, pulling me into its depths.

    I don''t know how long I slept before a slight noise woke me. Through half-lidded eyes, I

    observed a figure in medical scrubs enter my room. The face was obscured, but the

    movements were purposeful as the figure approached my IV.

    My instincts, honed through decades as pack matriarch, screamed danger. I remained motionless, feigning sleep as the figure injected something into my IV drip. The clear liquid

    turned subtly darker.

    The intruder departed as silently as they hade, leaving me alone with the contaminated

    medication flowing into my veins.

    Margaret Shepherd entered momentster, her kind face creased with concern as she

    checked my vital signs. Her nose twitched, catching an unfamiliar scent.

    "Is everything alright, Matriarch?" she asked, examining my IV with suspicion.

    I considered telling her about the intruder but decided against it. If Victoria was behind this, as

    I suspected, I needed to handle the situation carefully.

    "Everything is fine, Margaret,¡± I assured her. ¡°Just an old woman''s restless sleep."

    She didn''t look convinced but nodded respectfully. "Call if you need anything."

    After she left, Iy awake, my mind consumed by thoughts of Victoria and Lily''s death. The

    evidence I''d gathered over the past months pointed clearly to Victoria''s involvement in

    redirecting Lily''s kidney donor to Emma.

    I needed to act quickly before Victoria could cause more harm to my family. With

    determination born of decades of leadership, I made my decision.

    When Bernard Sheppard arrived to check on me, I dismissed him with a firmmand. "I

    need some time alone, Bernard."

    His bushy eyebrows rose in surprise. "Matriarch, after this morning''s events, I don''t think-"

    "That was not a request," I interrupted, my voice carrying the authority that had led the Silvercrest Pack through countless challenges.

    +15 Points >

    He bowed reluctantly and departed, leaving me with only the Shadow Guard- wolves whose loyalty to me was absolute.

    Against Margaret''s advice, I rose from the bed, disconnecting the IV with steady hands. "Prepare the car," I instructed the Shadow Guard. "We''re going to Rosewood Haven."

    The drive to Victoria''s residence was silent, my guards understanding the gravity of our

    mission without needing exnation. As we approached the elegant property, I issued my

    "Bring that woman to me."

    The Shadow Guard moved with military precision, surrounding the house before forcing their way inside. Dorothy Lawson''s protests echoed from within, followed by Emma''s frightened

    cries.

    Momentster, they emerged with Victoria, her face bandaged from her earlier injury. She struggled violently against their grip, her designer clothes contrasting sharply with the brutality of the situation.

    "You can''t do this!" she screamed, her blue eyes wide with genuine fear. "I''m under Alpha King

    Ethan''s protection!"

    The Shadow Guard remained impassive, their faces masks of cold determination as they

    dragged her toward the waiting vehicle. Emma clung desperately to her mother''s legs until one of the guards gently but firmly separated them.

    Dorothy reached for her phone, but a guard crushed it beneath his boot before she could

    Victoria''s struggles intensified as they forced her into the car beside me. "You crazy old

    woman! Ethan will destroy you for this!"

    I regarded her coldly, seeing beyond her beautiful face to the darkness beneath. "You killed my great-granddaughter. Justice will be served."

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I sat in my cottage at Maple Grove, staring at Lily''s Memorial Portrait. Her sweet smile, frozen

    in time, bothforted and tormented me.

    "I''m sorry, baby," I whispered, tracing her face through the ss. "I lost control today. I

    shouldn''t have fought at your grave."

    The confrontation at the cemetery reyed in my mind-Victoria''s smug face, Ethan''s defense

    +15 Points >

    of her, the satisfying thud as my foot connected with Victoria''s chest. I shouldn''t have taken pleasure in her pain, but I couldn''t deny the momentary satisfaction it had brought.

    My phone rang, interrupting my thoughts. Bernard Sheppard''s name shed on the screen.

    "Mr. Sheppard," I answered, surprised by thete call.

    His usuallyposed voice broke with emotion. "Luna Winters," he said, using

    my formal title for perhaps the first time since my estrangement from Ethan. "I regret to inform you that Matriarch Evelyn Stone has passed away."

 The Alpha King is unavailable 188

    The fluorescent lights of the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den''s morgue cast a harsh glow over Matriarch Evelyn''s peaceful face. My legs nearly gave out beneath me as I approached her body, each step heavier than thest.

    "Grandmother," I whispered, the word catching in my throat.

    Her hands were folded neatly across her chest, her silver hair arranged with dignity. She looked smaller somehow, the formidable presence that hadmanded respect throughout the pack now diminished in death.

    I reached out with trembling fingers to touch her hand. The coldness of her skin sent a shudder through me, bringing back the devastating memory of touching Lily''s lifeless body. Two losses, so simr, both tearing pieces from my heart.

    "Why did you break your promise to stay alive?" I asked, tears streaming freely down my face. "You promised you''d help me get justice for Lily."

    The silence that answered was deafening. First my daughter, now the only person who had believed me about Victoria''s role in Lily''s death. The two people I loved most, gone.

    Dr. Marcus Fletcher stood respectfully in the corner, giving me space to grieve. "I''m sorry, Luna` Winters," he said softly, using my formal title. "We did everything we could."

    I nodded numbly, unable to form words through the tightness in my throat. My fingers traced the delicate veins on the matriarch''s wrist, wondering what had happened in her final

    moments.

    "Was she in pain?" I managed to ask.

    Dr. Fletcher approached, his expressionpassionate. "No. From what we can determine, her heart simply stopped. It would have been quick."

    The door to the morgue swung open, and I didn''t need to turn to know who had entered. Ethan''s scent-pine and winter air-filled the room, along with the unmistakable aroma of

    grief.

    (Ethan''s POV)

    < Chapter 107: Olivia''s Grief an

    +15 Points >

 The Alpha King is unavailable 189

    The sight of my grandmother''s body hit me like a physical blow. After losing Lily, this second

    death felt like the universe was determined to strip away everyone I loved.

    My legs carried me forward automatically, my mind struggling to process the reality before

    1. me. Grandmother looked peaceful, as if she might wake at any moment to scold me for some

    transgression.

    Olivia stood beside the body, her slender frame shaking with silent sobs. I reached out

    instinctively tofort her, but she flinched away from my touch, her emerald eyes hardening

    as they met mine.

    "Don''t," she said, her voice barely audible.

    Bernard Sheppard stepped forward from where he''d been waiting by the wall. My family''s loyal butler looked decades older today, his usually impable posture now stooped with grief.

    "Alpha King," he said formally, though we''d known each other since my childhood. "I feel I

    must inform you of the circumstances preceding Matriarch Evelyn''s passing."

    I nodded for him to continue, noticing how his hands trembled slightly.

    "After this morning''s... incident at the cemetery, the matriarch checked herself out

    of the medical den against Dr. Fletcher''s advice," Bernard exined. "She instructed the Shadow

    Guard to take her to Rosewood Haven."

    My blood ran cold. "Victoria''s residence?"

    Bernard nodded gravely. "Yes, sir. The Shadow Guard brought Ms. Frost to Matriarch Evelyn''s

    vi. I wasn''t present for what transpired, but I understand the matriarch had Ms. Frost

    restrained."

    Olivia''s head snapped up, her grief momentarily eclipsed by fierce attention. "Victoria," she said, her voice hardening with suspicion. "She''s behind this."

    I turned to her, seeing the usation zing in her eyes. "Olivia, we don''t know what

    happened yet."

    "Don''t we?" she challenged, her voice rising. "Your grandmother confronts Victoria about Lily''s

    death, and hourster she''s dead? You can''t possibly be that blind!"

    Bernard cleared his throat ufortably. "If I may continue, Alpha King. The Shadow Guard

    reported that Matriarch Evelyn instructed them to wait outside while she spoke privately with

    Ms. Frost. Some timeter, they heard Ms. Frost screaming that the matriarch had copsed."

    I ran a hand through my hair, trying to make sense of the situation. "And Victoria? Where is

    < Chapter 107: Olivia''s Grief an

    she now?"

    +15 Points>

    "Still at the matriarch''s vi, I believe," Bernard replied. "The Shadow Guard has kept her there, awaiting your instructions."

 The Alpha King is unavailable 190

    The morgue door opened again, and my father, Elder Richard Stone, entered with several other family elders. Their faces were solemn, eyes red-rimmed with grief.

    My father approached the body slowly, his usualmanding presence diminished by sorrow. He ced a weathered hand on my grandmother''s forehead in a traditional gesture of respect.

    "My mother," he said simply, his voice rough with emotion.

    I stepped back, giving him space with his grief. "Father, I need to go to Grandmother''s vi. Victoria is still there, and I need to understand what happened."

    He nodded without looking at me, his attention fixed on his mother''s face. "Go. We will prepare the ceremonial arrangements."

    I turned to leave, noticing that Olivia was already heading for the door. Despite our estrangement, we were united in our need for answers.

    In the corridor outside the morgue, Olivia pulled out her phone and dialed a number. I caught the name on her screen: Chief Walter Garrison.

    "Chief Garrison," she said, her voice steady despite her tear-stained face. "This is Olivia Winters. I need to report a murder."

    (Olivia''s POV)

    The drive to Matriarch Evelyn''s vi was tense with unspoken usations. Ethan drove in silence, his knuckles white on the steering wheel. I sat beside him only because we were heading to the same destination, not because I wanted hispany.

    "You really believe Victoria killed my grandmother?" he finally asked, his amber eyes briefly meeting mine before returning to the road.

    "Yes," I answered without hesitation. "Just like she killed our daughter."

    His jaw tightened. ¡°Lily died from kidney failure, Olivia. Victoria had nothing to do with that."

    Iughed bitterly. "Keep telling yourself that. Maybe if you repeat it enough times, it will be true."

    Wepsed back into silence until we reached the imposing gates of Matriarch Evelyn''s vi. Police vehicles were already parked outside, their lights shing silently in the evening gloom.

    +15 Points)

    Chief Walter Garrison stood waiting, his uniform crisp despite thete hour. He was a tall man with graying hair and the confident bearing of someone ustomed to authority.

    "Alpha King," he greeted Ethan with a respectful nod before turning to me. "Luna Winters, I came as soon as I received your call."

    Ethan''s eyes narrowed slightly at the chief''s use of my formal title. Few in the pack still acknowledged me as Luna since our estrangement.

    "Chief Garrison," Ethan said, his voice carrying the unmistakable weight of his Alpha status. "I appreciate your prompt response, but this is a pack matter."

    The chief remained professional. "With respect, Alpha King, a death under suspicious circumstances falls under my jurisdiction. We will, of course, coordinate with pack authorities."

    I stepped forward. "Thank you foring, Chief. I believe Victoria Frost murdered Matriarch Evelyn Stone to prevent her from revealing Victoria''s role in my daughter''s death."

    Ethan''s expression darkened. "Olivia, these are serious usations without evidence."

    "Then let''s find the evidence," I replied coldly.

    We entered the vi, where members of the Shadow Guard stood at attention. Their faces were impassive, but I could sense their unease. These elite wolves had failed in their duty to protect the matriarch, and that knowledge weighed heavily on them.

    The leader of the Shadow Guard stepped forward. He was a massive wolf with a scar running. down his left cheek, his eyes downcast with shame.

    "Alpha King," he said, his deep voice resonating in the marble foyer. "We await your judgment for our failure."

    Ethan raised a hand. ¡°Later. First, tell me exactly what happened."

    The guard straightened his shoulders. "Matriarch Evelyn instructed us to bring Ms. Frost here.

    We bound her asmanded and brought her to the matriarch''s private study. The matriarch

    then ordered us to wait outside."

    "And you left them alone?" I asked incredulously.

    The guard''s expression remained stoic. "We follow the matriarch''s orders without question.

    That has always been our way."

    "Continue," Ethan prompted.

    < Chapter 107: Olivia''s Grief an

    +15 Points >

    "We heard raised voices, but nothing rming. Then, approximately forty minutester, we heard Ms. Frost screaming for help. When we entered, the matriarch was on the floor, unresponsive. Ms. Frost was still bound."

    Chief Garrison made notes as the guard spoke. "And where is Ms. Frost now?"

    "In the basement holding cell," the guard replied. "The matriarch had it constructed for interrogations. We thought it best to keep Ms. Frost there until the Alpha King arrived."

    Ethan''s voice was rough with emotion when he spoke. "Take us to her."

    (Ethan''s POV)

    The basement of my grandmother''s vi had always been off-limits during my childhood. Now I understood why. The stone walls and reinforced door spoke of a purpose far removed from

    the elegant living spaces above.

    The guard unlocked the heavy door, revealing a sparse room with a single chair in the center. Victoria sat there, her wrists bound behind her back, her ankles secured to the chair legs.

    Her face was still bandaged from her injury at the cemetery, but fresh tears had streaked through her makeup. When she saw me, her blue eyes widened with relief.

    "Ethan!" she cried, straining against her restraints. "Thank the Moon you''re here! Is she alright? Your grandmother-she just copsed in front of me. I tried to call for help!"

    I approached her slowly, aware of Olivia''s burning gaze on my back and Chief Garrison''s

    watchful presence.

    "Victoria," I said, my voice barely recognizable to my own ears. "My grandmother is dead."

 The Alpha King is unavailable 191

    "It''s me," I sobbed suddenly, my shoulders shaking with apparent grief. "I should be med for

    Grandmother Evelyn..."

    The room fell silent, all eyes turning to me in shock. Ethan''s face darkened as he stepped

    closer.

    "What happened?" he asked coldly.

    I cried harder, my apologies flowing freely. "Ethan, I''m so sorry. It''s all my fault. I shouldn''t have called you earlier. Grandmother was convinced that I killed Lily because of that call."

    I continued exining through my tears, "She wanted to avenge Lily, and while I was at home preparing venison stew for you, she had her guards bind me and bring me here. She was so angry with me, and her emotions were so agitated that... No matter how I tried tofort her,

    it was useless..."

    I looked up at him with tear-filled eyes. "I killed Grandmother, it''s me! I''m sorry, I made you lose your grandmother. I''m a sinner!"

    My voice broke with apparent remorse. "Ethan, let the enforcers take me, let me pay for Grandmother''s and Lily''s lives! That way, Olivia will feel better!"

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I listened to Victoria''s tearful confession with cold skepticism. The dramatic shift from denial

    to self-me was too convenient, too calcted.

    Her blue eyes shimmered with tears as she offered herself up for punishment, but I knew Victoria too well. This was just another performance, another maniption. Fury surged through me, hot and unstoppable. I lunged forward and grabbed Victoria''s throat, my fingers tightening around her slender neck.

    ¡°Victoria Frost, did you deliberately say something to provoke Grandmother, causing her to die

    from emotional distress? Tell me!" I demanded, my voice shaking with rage.

    Victoria struggled against my grip, her eyes widening with feigned terror. "No... I didn''t... Olivia, what nonsense are you talking about? Ethan cares about Grandmother so much, how could I

    < Chapter 108: Victoria''s Decep...

    deliberately provoke her?"

    +15 Points >

    She looked past me to Ethan, tears streaming from her blue eyes, appearing helpless and pitiful. "Olivia, I know you me me, but you can''t nder me like this..."

    I tightened my grip, wanting nothing more than to squeeze the truth from her lying throat. "You killed my daughter, and now you''ve killed the only person who believed me about it!"

    Strong hands suddenly gripped my shoulders, pulling me away from Victoria. Ethan''s scent- pine and winter air-enveloped me as he forcibly separated us. "Enough, Olivia!" he growled, his Alpha authority vibrating through his words. The Northern Territory Enforcers moved quickly, their trained hands restraining me with professional efficiency. One officer twisted my arm behind my back, not painfully but firmly enough to immobilize me.

    "Miss Winters, please calm down," the officer warned, his grip unyielding.

    I struggled against their hold, desperation making my voice c***k. "It''s her, she must have killed Grandmother Evelyn! Investigate her, it must be her!"

    The lead enforcer, a weathered wolf with gray at his temples, gave me a stern look. "Ms. Winters, be careful with your usations. We need evidence, not emotional outbursts."

 The Alpha King is unavailable 192

    He released my arm but remained close, ready to restrain me again if necessary. "We''ve already searched the vi thoroughly," he exined. "There were no surveince cameras in the dungeon where Matriarch Stone and Ms. Frost met."

    My heart sank at his words. Of course there wouldn''t be cameras-Matriarch Evelyn valued privacy above all else.

    "The footage from outside only shows Matriarch Evelyn directing her guards to bring Ms. Frost into the dungeon," the enforcer continued. "After that, we have no visual record of what transpired between them."

    Chief Garrison nodded in agreement. "Without witnesses or evidence linking Ms. Frost directly to Matriarch Stone''s death, we can''t file formal charges at this time."

    I felt thest of my hope crumbling. "But the substance Dr. Fletcher found-"

    "Could have been administered before Ms. Frost arrived," Chief Garrison finished for me. "The timeline is unclear, and Ms. Frost was restrained the entire time she was with the Matriarch."

    The enforcers exchanged nces, their decision already made. "We''ll continue investigating." the lead enforcer assured us, "but for now, this appears to be a pack matter rather than a

    < Chapter 103: Victoria''s Decep... criminal one."

    +15 Points>

    They departed with professional nods, leaving the pack to handle the situation internally. I stood frozen, watching as Victoria was once again going to escape justice.

    (Victoria''s POV)

    The moment my restraints were fully removed, I rushed to Ethan''s side, clinging to him as I continued my stream of tearful apologies.

    "Ethan, I''m so sorry," I whispered, pressing my face against his chest. "Seeing Grandmother copse in front of me, I wanted to rush over to save her, but I was bound with those awful restraints, I couldn''t move."

    I felt his body stiffen slightly at my touch, but he didn''t push me away. That small victory gave me confidence to continue my performance.

    "In just moments, I watched her eyes close," I said, my voice breaking artfully. "I was so panicked, I could only shout desperately, call for the guards... But... It was toote, I still couldn''t save Grandmother..."

    My tears soaked through Ethan''s hospital gown as I trembled against him. The fabric still smelled of the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den, reminding me that he''d been recovering from his own injuries when this new tragedy struck.

    Slowly, hesitantly, his hand came up to pat my back. The gesture was mechanical,cking the warmth he usually showed me, but it was enough.

    "It has nothing to do with you," he assured me softly, though I could hear the doubt lingering in his voice.

    I pressed closer, hiding my face against his chest to conceal my expression. Beneath my outward disy of distress, triumph bloomed like a dark flower.

    I hadn''t nned to kill Matriarch Evelyn-not today, at least. But the old woman had brought it upon herself by interfering in my affairs.

    The memory of our final confrontation reyed in my mind. The matriarch''s withered face had contorted with rage as she used me of redirecting Lily''s kidney donor to Emma.

    "I know what you did," she had hissed, her ancient eyes burning with certainty. "You made sure your daughter received treatment while Ethan''s true daughter died!"

    I had denied it at first, maintaining my innocent facade. But as the old woman continued her usations, I realized she had actual evidence. She knew about my meeting with Nathan

    < Chapter 108: Victoria''s Decep

    ckwood, about the arrangements I''d made to ensure Emma received priority. That''s when I changed tactics.

    +15 Points >

    "So what if I did?" I had taunted, dropping my mask of innocence. "Lily was weak, sickly. She

    would have died eventually. Emma is strong-she deserved that kidney more." The matriarch''s face had paled with shock at my admission. "You monster," she had whispered.

    I had smiled then, knowing the Shadow Guard couldn''t hear our conversation through the thick walls. "And what about Olivia? That pathetic excuse for a Luna. Did you know she tried to kill herself after Lily died? Jumped into the river like a coward."

    Each word had been calcted to cause maximum distress. I had watched with cold satisfaction as Matriarch Evelyn''s breathing becamebored, her hand clutching at her chest.

    "Ethan deserves better than her," I had continued mercilessly. "He deserves me. And soon, he''ll be minepletely."

    The matriarch had gasped for breath, her eyes widening with pain and horror. I had watched impassively as she copsed to the floor, her frail body convulsing once before going still.

    Only then had I called for help, screaming with convincing terror until the Shadow Guard burst into the room.

    Now, as I cried against Ethan''s chest, I allowed myself a moment of satisfaction. With Matriarch Evelyn gone, thest significant obstacle to my ns had been removed.

    I lifted my head slightly, catching Olivia''s gaze over Ethan''s shoulder. I couldn''t resist the opportunity to twist the knife further.

    I let my mask slip for just an instant, allowing my blue eyes to gleam with malice

    as I stared directly at her. The message was clear: I killed the old woman, what can you do about it?

 The Alpha King is unavailable 193

    I stood frozen in Matriarch Evelyn''s elegant study, watching Victoria cling to Ethan

    like a parasite. The Northern Territory Enforcers had just left, taking with them any hope of justice through official channels. My hands trembled with rage as Victoria''s eyes met mine over Ethan''s shoulder.

    For just a moment, her mask slipped. The grief vanished from her face, reced by cold triumph. Her blue eyes gleamed with malice as she silently taunted me: I killed the old woman, what can you do about it?

    The truth hit me like a physical blow. She had done it. She had deliberately provoked Matriarch Evelyn to death.

    My wolf stirred within me, urging me to attack, to tear out the throat of the woman who had taken everything from me. First my daughter, now the only person who had believed me.

    "Victoria Frost, you vicious creature, you deserve to die!" My voice emerged as a growl, my rage bleeding through every syble.

    Victoria quickly buried her face against Ethan''s chest again, resuming her facade of grief. But I had seen the truth in her eyes. She was a murderer, and she was going to escape justice yet again.

    The Shadow Guard shifted ufortably, sensing the tension in the room. Chief Garrison had departed with his officers, leaving only pack members to witness what happened next.

    My gazended on an ornate crystal vase disyed on a shelf in the hallway. Without conscious thought, I lunged forward and grabbed it, the cool surface smooth against my palm.

    "Olivia, don''t!" Bernard Sheppard called out, but his warning came toote.

    I swung the vase with all my strength, aiming directly at Victoria''s bandaged face. Time seemed to slow as the crystal arced through the air.

    Ethan''s reflexes were faster than mine. He spun, shielding Victoria with his body. The vase missed them both, crashing against the stone floor with a deafening shatter.

    Sharp crystal shards exploded outward, several slicing into my leg. Blood-my blood-

    < Chapter 109: Murderer''s Esca...

    spattered across the ancient gstones of Matriarch Evelyn''s home.

    +15 Points)

    The pain barely registered. I was beyond physical sensation, consumed by a need for justice that bordered on madness.

    I bent down and grabbed arge, jagged shard of crystal, its edge gleaming

    wickedly in the light. Victoria''s eyes widened with genuine fear as I lunged toward her again.

    "I''ll kill you myself!" I screamed, the crystal shard raised high.

    Ethan moved with Alpha speed, his arms locking around me from behind. His superior strength immobilized mepletely, the shard still clutched uselessly in my hand.

    "Guards!" he barked. "Get Victoria out of here. And call Dr. Bet immediately."

    Two members of the Shadow Guard rushed forward, nking Victoria protectively as they led her from the room. She nced back once, her expression a perfect mask of terror and innocence.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 194

    I struggled against Ethan''s iron grip, my voice breaking with desperation. "Let me go! She killed them both! She killed our daughter and your grandmother!"

    "Take her to the east wing," Ethan instructed Bernard, ignoring my pleas. "Keep her there until Dr. Bet arrives to treat her leg."

    Bernard nodded solemnly, his aged face creased with concern. "Yes, Alpha King.¡±

    I watched helplessly as Victoria was escorted safely away, disappearing down the corridor without a scratch while my blood dripped onto the floor.

    The injustice of it all crashed over me in waves. Victoria had murdered twice and was walking away unscathed. Again.

    I twisted in Ethan''s grip, no longer trying to escape but wanting to face him. "Ethan Stone, you''re worse than an animal! Victoria killed your own daughter and the grandmother who loved and protected you! And you just let her, a murderer, go free!"

    (Ethan''s POV)

    I maintained my hold on Olivia, though I loosened my grip enough to avoid hurting her. Her emerald eyes zed with a mixture of hatred and despair that twisted something deep inside

    1. me.

    "You need to calm down," I said, my voice deliberately steady. "You''re injured and not thinking clearly."

    +15 Points2

    Oliviaughed bitterly. "Not thinking clearly? I''m the only one seeing clearly in this entire

    pack!"

    Blood continued to seep from the cuts on her leg, staining the polished floor. The metallic

    scent of it filled my nostrils, triggering protective instincts I fought to suppress.

    "You need medical attention," I insisted, nodding to Bernard who approached with a first aid

    kit.

    "Don''t touch me," Olivia hissed at the elderly butler, who stepped back respectfully.

    I sighed, frustration and grief making my temples throb. My grandmother was dead, and

    instead of being able to mourn her properly, I was dealing with Olivia''s violent outburst.

    "This has gone too far," I said, my voice hardening. "You''ve been making these usations

    against Victoria for months without proof."

    Olivia''s eyes narrowed dangerously. "Without proof? Your grandmother believed me. She had

    evidence!"

    "What evidence?" I challenged. "All I''ve seen is you clinging to the words of a ckmailer on

    his deathbed."

    Rnd Warner''s confession about the kidney donor had been troubling, I couldn''t deny that.

    But the man was a known criminal with gambling debts. His word alone wasn''t enough to

    condemn Victoria.

    "Olivia Winters, don''t you understand? Why did Grandmother seek revenge on Victoria? It''s

    because you used Victoria of killing Lily based on just one dying man''s words. Grandmother believed you..."

    I ran a hand through my hair, exhaustion weighing heavily on me. "And now Grandmother is

    dead because of an emotional confrontation that never should have happened." Olivia stared at me in disbelief. "Are you ming me for her death?"

    "I''m saying that your unfounded usations set this whole tragedy in motion," I replied firmly. "My grandmother was elderly and had a heart condition. The stress of confronting Victoria likely triggered her attack."

    I believed what I was saying. Victoria had been restrained the entire time. How could she have

    poisoned my grandmother? The substance Dr. Fletcher found could have been anything- medication, herbs from one of Grandmother''s teas.

    "This was a tragic ident," I continued, my Alpha authority coloring my words. "Not murder."

    Chapter 109 Murderer''s Esca...

    (Olivia''s POV)

    +15 Points >

    I couldn''t believe what I was hearing. Ethan was actually ming me for Matriarch Evelyn''s death. The injustice of it burned through me like acid.

    My leg throbbed painfully, but I ignored it. Physical pain was nothingpared to the agony of watching Victoria escape justice yet again.

    "Ethan Stone! How can you be so blind? One dying man''s words? Do you think Grandmother

    and I would want Victoria''s life based on just that?" I demanded, my voice rising with each

    word.

    Bernard Sheppard cleared his throat softly. "Alpha King, perhaps we should continue this

    discussion after Miss Winters has received medical attention."

    Ethan nodded, but I wasn''t finished. The truth had been buried for too long.

    ¡°No,¡± I said, my voice dropping to a dangerous tone. "He needs to hear this now."

    I locked eyes with Ethan, forcing him to face me fully. "It was Victoria Frost who deliberately

    redirected Patricia Warner''s kidney that was meant for Lily, causing our daughter to die on the

    operating table!"

    (Ethan''s POV)

    I subconsciously wanted to say "impossible" to defend Victoria.

    But when the words came to my mouth, I suddenly remembered where Emma''s kidney came

    from.

    I was frozen!

 The Alpha King is unavailable 195

    I stood before Ethan, my body trembling with grief and rage. The truth about Lily''s

    death had been buried for too long, and I couldn''t hold it in anymore.

    "Ethan Stone, Lily suffered so much..." My voice cracked as memories of my daughter''s pain flooded through me. "I finally found apatible donor, just one step away, she could have

    been healthy..."

    My emerald eyes burned with intensity as my wolf howled with anguish beneath my skin. The

    animal part of me wanted to tear into Victoria, to make her pay for what she''d

    done to my

    precious daughter.

    "But Victoria Frost, that vicious woman, deliberately redirected Lily''s kidney donor,

    cut off her

    chance of survival, and let her die tragically on the operating table." I stepped closer to Ethan,

    searching his face for any sign of understanding. "Shouldn''t I make her pay for Lily''s life?"

    Ethan remained silent, his amber eyes clouded with shock and what looked like a dreadful

    premonition. His silence only fueled my despair.

    "Do you know how much Lily suffered in her final days?" I asked, my voice barely above a

    whisper. "She kept asking for you. ''When is Daddying?'' Every single day." Ethan flinched as if I''d struck him. Good. Let him feel a fraction of the pain I''d been carrying.

    "She believed in you until herst breath," I continued, tears streaming down my face. "Even

    when the doctors told us the donor was no longer avable, she said, ''It''s okay, Mommy. Daddy will find another one for me."

    I watched as guilt washed over Ethan''s features. He hadn''t been there. He''d been with Victoria

    and Emma while our daughter died alone.

    "Ethan Stone, you can distrust me, you can distrust your grandmother." I pleaded with him,

    appealing to whatever paternal instincts he might still possess. "But, can you please not

    blindly protect Victoria Frost? The one who died is Lily, your biological daughter."

    His jaw tightened, and for a moment, I thought I''d finally broken through his stubborn denial.

    But then his expression hardened again, shuttering away whatever momentary doubt he''d felt.

    "You have no proof," he said tly. "Just usations and coincidences."

    < Chapter 110: Despair

    +15 Points >

    I stared at him in disbelief. Even now, after everything, he was choosing Victoria over the truth.

    "Your grandmother had proof," I reminded him. "Why do you think Victoria killed her? She knew

    Matriarch Evelyn had discovered what she''d done."

    Ethan''s eyes shed with anger. "My grandmother died of heart failure, not murder. And I won''t

    have you spreading these usations without evidence."

    Iughed bitterly, the sound hollow and broken. "Evidence? What more do you need? The

    timing of Emma''s miraculous recovery? Rnd Warner''s confession? Your grandmother''s

    death immediately after confronting Victoria?"

    Ethan remained unmoved, his expression cold and distant. "Coincidences, all of them. I need

    facts, not your emotional outbursts."

    My shoulders slumped as thest of my hope drained away. There was nothing I could say to

    make him see the truth. Victoria had himpletely under her spell.

    I copsed back into my chair, tears silently streaming down my face. My wolf whimpered

    with grief, curling into itself as thest of my hope faded away.

    "Fine," I whispered, too exhausted to fight anymore. "Believe what you want. But remember this

    moment, Ethan Stone. Remember when you chose to protect your daughter''s killer over

    seeking justice for her death."

    Ethan''s expression flickered with unease as he watched me surrender to despair. He pulled out

    his phone, his fingers moving quickly across the screen.

    I didn''t care what he was doing. Nothing mattered anymore. Lily was gone. Matriarch Evelyn

    was gone. And the man I''d once loved was standing before me, a stranger who refused to see

    the truth.

    Ethan approached me cautiously, draping his ck Alpha Overcoat over my shoulders. The

    gesture was so unexpected that I didn''t immediately push it away.

    "You''re shivering," he said quietly, his voice softer than before.

    I didn''t respond. The coat smelled like him-pine and winter air-a scent that had

    once brought mefort but now only reminded me of betrayal.

    Dr. Harold Bet arrived momentster, his medical bag in hand. He knelt before me,

    examining the cuts on my leg with professional detachment.

    ¡°These need cleaning,¡± he said, opening his bag. ¡°Some of the crystal fragments are still

    embedded in the wounds."

    < Chapter 110: Despair

    I nodded numbly, beyond caring about physical pain. Dr. Bet worked

    methodically, removing the shards and cleaning the wounds. Each piece he extracted sent sharp pain through my leg, but I remained stoic, my face a mask of indifference.

    +15 Points

    Ethan watched from a few feet away, his expression unreadable. I could feel his eyes on me, but I refused to meet his gaze.

    "All done," Dr. Bet announced, applying the final bandage. "Try to keep weight off this leg

    for a few days, Miss Winters."

    I thanked him quietly, my voice hollow. As he packed up his supplies, I stared at the floor, lost

    in thoughts of Lily and what might have been if Victoria hadn''t stolen her chance

    at life.

    The days that followed passed in a blur of grief and numbness. Before I knew it, it was time

    for Matriarch Evelyn''s funeral.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 196

    I dressed in traditional white mourning clothes, the color of grief in werewolf culture. My wolf was subdued, sharing my sorrow as I made my way to the Stone Ancestral Hall where the ceremony would be held.

    As I approached the entrance, Eleanor Stone and Isabelle stepped into my path, their faces

    twisted with hatred.

    "Get out! You killed Grandmother, and you still have the nerve toe!" Eleanor snarled, her

    eyes shing with anger.

    I tried to move past them without engaging. I was here to pay my respects to Matriarch Evelyn, not to fight with her family.

    "Your.usations drove her to confront Victoria," Isabelle added, her voice dripping with

    venom. "Her death is on your hands."

    I kept my gaze fixed ahead, refusing to be baited. My wolf remained quiet, too numb with grief to respond to their provocations.

    Eleanor, enraged by my silence, shoved me roughly. I stumbled backward, nearly falling before a strong hand caught my elbow.

    Ethan had appeared beside me, his face stern as he steadied me. "Enough," he said, his voice carrying the unmistakable authority of an Alpha.

    Eleanor faltered, clearly not expecting his intervention. "But Ethan, she-"

    "Is the mother of my daughter," Ethan cut her off, his eyes shing dangerously. "And Lily was Grandmother''s great-granddaughter. Olivia has every right to be here."

    < Chapter 110: Despair

    +15 Points

    His words silenced both women, though their eyes still burned with resentment. Ethan''s hand

    remained on my elbow as he guided me past them into the hall.

    I pulled away from his touch as soon as we were inside. "I don''t need your protection," I said

    coldly.

    Ethan nodded, stepping back. "As you wish."

    The funeral ceremony was borate, befitting Matriarch Evelyn''s status. I knelt in

    a corner,

    away from the main gathering, offering my prayers in solitude. My wolf mourned silently

    within me, grieving for the kind old woman who had been the only one to believe

    us.

    Hours passed, and gradually the mourners departed. I remained kneeling, lost in memories of

    Matriarch Evelyn''s kindness toward Lily and me.

    "Olivia."

    I looked up to find Ethan standing over me, his face drawn with exhaustion and grief.

    "Everyone has left," he said quietly. "You should rest."

    I rose stiffly, my injured leg protesting after hours of kneeling. "I''m leaving now."

    Ethan hesitated, then offered, "You can stay at the Alpha''s Private Residence tonight. It''ste,

    and you shouldn''t drive with your injury."

    I looked at him coldly, my heart hardened against his bted concern. "No, thank you. I prefer

    to be alone."

    Without waiting for his response, I turned and limped toward the exit. My wolf, once so responsive to Ethan''s presence, remained silent and withdrawn.

    Outside, the night air was cool against my tear-stained face. I made my way to my car, each step a reminder of the physical and emotional pain I carried.

    As I drove away from the Stone Estate, my mind was a whirlwind of grief and guilt. If only I''d been more vignt about Lily''s donor. If only I''d discovered Victoria''s scheme sooner. If only I''d been able to convince Matriarch Evelyn to wait for solid proof before confronting Victoria.

    So many "if onlys," and all of them useless now.

    My wolf howled mournfully inside me as I med myself for Lily''s unwavering faith in Ethan''s love, a love I now realized had never truly existed. I had encouraged that faith, telling her

    stories of her father''s strength and kindness, even as he neglected us for Victoria and Emma.

    "I''m sorry, Lily," I whispered to the empty car. "I''m so sorry I couldn''t save you."

    < Chapter 110 Despair

    +15 Points

    The road blurred before me as fresh tears filled my eyes. I drove aimlessly, with no destination

    in mind, just needing to be away from the Stone family and their cold rejection.

    Eventually, I found myself near the Silvermoon River. I pulled over, drawn to the sound of rushing water. Getting out of the car, I limped to the edge of Moonstone Bridge, looking down

    at the dark waters below.

    The river was swollen from recent rains, its currents swift and dangerous. As I watched the

    water swirl and churn, a strange calm settled over me.

    What was I fighting for anymore? Lily was gone. Matriarch Evelyn was gone. Victoria had won, securing her ce at Ethan''s side while I was left with nothing but grief and bitter memories.

    The urge to end my suffering became overpowering, my wolf no longer fighting against the

    crushing despair. For the first time since Lily''s death, my wolf and I were in perfect agreement.

    I reached for the Lily''s Ashes Crystal Pendant around my neck, the small container that held a portion of my daughter''s remains. The crystal felt warm against my palm, almost as if it

    contained some essence of Lily''s spirit.

    "Lily, Mommy is sorry..." I whispered, tears streaming down my face. "Mommy ising to be with you."

    I climbed onto the bridge railing, my injured leg screaming in protest. The pain didn''t matter

    anymore. Nothing mattered except being reunited with my daughter.

    Clutching Lily''s Ashes Crystal Pendant, I closed my eyes and fell into the swirling waters

    below.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 197

    The icy water of Silvermoon River engulfed me as I plunged from Moonstone Bridge. I made no attempt to fight the current, letting it pull me under without resistance.

    Cold wrapped around me like a merciful nket, numbing the pain that had consumed me for so long. My lungs burned, demanding air, but I ignored their plea.

    This was my choice. My release.

    The weight of grief that had crushed me since Lily''s death seemed to lighten as the water carried me deeper. No more fighting for justice that would nevere. No more watching Victoria triumph while I suffered.

    "Lily, Mommy ising," I thought as consciousness began to fade.

    My fingers tightened around Lily''s Ashes Crystal Pendant, the small container holding a

    portion of my daughter''s remains. It felt warm against my palm despite the freezing water

    surrounding me.

    In the murky darkness, I imagined I could see Lily reaching for me with her tiny hands, her

    sweet face smiling as she waited for me to join her.

    My emerald eyes closed as thest of my air escaped in a trail of bubbles. The roaring in my ears grew louder, then softer, then silent.

    Peace atst.

    (Lucas''s POV)

    Something wasn''t right. I''d watched Olivia at Matriarch Evelyn''s funeral from a distance,

    noting how the Stone family had isted her. The defeat in her posture had triggered an

    unfamiliar protective instinct in me.

    "Follow her car," I instructed Thomas Griffin, my driver. "Discreetly."

    Thomas nodded, keeping Olivia''s vehicle in sight as we trailed behind in my Armored SUV.

    When her car suddenly pulled over at Moonstone Bridge, rm bells rang in my mind.

    "Stop here," I ordered when her car remained stationary for several minutes.

    Thomas pulled over a short distance away. I stepped out into the night air, my

    senses

    < Chapter 111 Into the Dark W

    +15 Points

    immediately picking up Olivia''s scent-tinged with despair so profound it made my wolf bristle with concern.

    Her car door stood ajar, the interior light casting a weak glow on the empty seat. I followed her scent toward the bridge, my pace quickening with each step.

    "Olivia?" I called, my voice echoing across the empty bridge.

    No response.

    A faint ringing sound caught my attention. Near the riverbank, partially hidden in the grass,y Olivia''s Evidence Phone. The screen illuminated with an iing call from "Ethan Stone."

    Cold realization washed over me as I picked up the device. My eyes scanned the churning waters below, searching desperately for any sign of her.

    "Olivia!" I shouted, my voice carrying across the water.

    Nothing but the sound of rushing water answered me.

    Then I saw it-a cluster of bubbles breaking the surface downstream. Without hesitation, I shed my tailored jacket and dove into the frigid river.

    The cold hit me like a physical blow, but I ignored it, forcing my eyes open in the murky depths. The current was strong, pulling at my clothes and threatening to sweep me away.

    Then I spotted her-a pale figure drifting lifelessly with the current, chestnut hair fanning out

    around her face like a dark halo.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 198

    I swam toward her with powerful strokes, fighting against the numbing cold. When

    I reached her, I wrapped my arm firmly around her waist and kicked toward the

    surface.

    Breaking through, I gasped for air, pulling Olivia''s head above water. Her face was deathly pale,

    her lips tinged blue. She wasn''t breathing.

    With renewed determination, I fought the current, swimming one-armed toward the shore

    while keeping her head above water. The riverbank was rocky and steep, making it difficult to

    climb out with Olivia''s limp form.

    Finally, I managed to drag her onto a t section of the bank. Water streamed from her unmoving body asid her down.

    "Olivia!" I called, tapping her cold cheek. No response.

    I immediately began CPR, pressing rhythmically on her chest before tilting her

    head back to breathe air into her lungs. Betweenpressions, I used her phone to call emergency

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    < Chapter 111 Into the Dark W..

    services, barking our location into the device before returning to my desperate efforts.

    +15 Points2

    "Olivia! Wake up!" I demanded, continuingpressions. My usualposure cracked as I struggled to find a pulse. "Olivia Winters! You can''t be like this, do you hear me!"

    My voice broke with an emotion I hadn''t expected to feel-raw fear at the thought of losing her. This woman, another man''s mate, had somehow be important to me in ways I couldn''t fullyprehend.

    I continued CPR relentlessly, refusing to give up. "Breathe, damn it! Breathe!"

    After what felt like an eternity, she convulsed suddenly, water spewing from her mouth as her body fought for air. Relief flooded through me as she coughed weakly, though her eyes remained closed.

    In the distance, I heard sirens approaching. Help wasing.

    I gathered her cold body against mine, trying to share my warmth. "Hold on, Olivia," I whispered against her wet hair. "Just hold on."

    The ambnce arrived minutester, paramedics rushing down the embankment with a stretcher. They worked quickly, wrapping Olivia in thermal nkets and attaching monitoring equipment before loading her into the vehicle.

    "I''ming with her," I stated, my tone leaving no room for argument.

    The paramedic nodded, recognizing my authority as an Alpha. I climbed into the ambnce, my clothes soaked and dripping, my focus entirely on Olivia''s pale face as the vehicle sped toward Silvercrest Pack Medical Den.

    Throughout the journey, I held her cold hand in mine, willing warmth and life back into her. The paramedics worked efficiently around me, administering oxygen and monitoring her vital signs.

    When we arrived at the medical den, a team of healers was waiting, alerted by my urgent call. They whisked Olivia away on the stretcher, leaving me standing in the corridor, water pooling around my feet.

    A nurse approached with dry clothes and a nket. "Alpha ckwood, you should change before you catch a chill."

    I barely heard her, my eyes fixed on the doors through which they had taken Olivia. "How long until I know something?"

    "Dr. Fletcher is with her now," the nurse replied gently. "He''s our best healer. Please, change

    < Chapter 111 Into the Dark W.

    your clothes while you wait."

    +15 Points

    I epted the items mechanically, retreating to a nearby bathroom to change. The dry clothes. did little to warm the chill that had settled in my bones-a chill that had nothing to do with the

    river water.

    When I emerged, Thomas Griffin had arrived with fresh clothes from my own wardrobe. I nodded my thanks but remained silent, taking a seat in the waiting area, my eyes never leaving the treatment room doors.

    "Alpha, what happened?" Thomas asked quietly.

    "She tried to kill herself," I replied, the words tasting bitter on my tongue. "She jumped into the

    river."

    Thomas''s expression remained neutral, but I sensed his surprise. "The Luna of Silvercrest

    Pack?"

    "Former Luna," I corrected automatically, though the distinction seemed meaningless now. "She''s been through hell, Thomas. Her daughter died, her mate abandoned her, and now Matriarch Evelyn is gone too."

    My fists clenched as I thought of Ethan Stone''s treatment of Olivia. The man had everything I had ever wanted-a true mate, a daughter of his own blood-and he had thrown it away for

    Victoria Frost.

    The treatment room doors finally opened, and Dr. Marcus Fletcher emerged. I was on my feet instantly, crossing the space between us in three long strides.

    "How is she?" I demanded, gripping the healer''s arm, my voice betraying more emotion than I intended.

    Dr. Fletcher''s expression was grave. "We''ve stabilized her physically. Her werewolf healing abilities helped purge the water from her lungs."

    Relief washed over me, but it was short-lived as I noted the doctor''s hesitation. "What aren''t you telling me?" I pressed.

    Dr. Fletcher sighed. "Physically, she''ll recover. But mentally..." He shook his head. "She''s not responding to stimuli. It''s as if she''s retreated deep within herself."

    As if on cue, the doors opened again, and a nurse wheeled Olivia out on a hospital bed. My heart sank at the sight of her. Though dry and wrapped in nkets, her face remained ashen, her emerald eyes closed. She looked peaceful, but it was the peace of someone who had

    given up.

    I moved to her side, taking her hand in mine. It was still cold despite the warm nkets.

    "What does this mean?" I asked, my voice low.

    +15 Points >

    Dr. Fletcher''s expression was sympathetic. "It means that although we''ve revived her body, her

    will to live is gone. She''s retreated so deeply within herself that she might never resurface."

    The words hit me like a physical blow. I stared down at Olivia''s still form, trying to reconcile

    this broken woman with the fierce, protective mother I hade to admire. "There must be something you can do," I insisted, my grip tightening on her hand.

    "We''ll continue to monitor her and provide supportive care," Dr. Fletcher replied. "But

    ultimately, the decision to return must be hers."

    I looked down at Olivia''s face, peaceful in its emptiness. What could have driven such a strong woman to such despair? What had happened after Matriarch Evelyn''s funeral to push her over the edge?

    "I''ll stay with her," I decided, pulling a chair close to her bedside.

    Dr. Fletcher nodded. "I''ll have a private room prepared."

    As the nurse wheeled Olivia toward the room, I followed, still holding her cold hand in mine. My heart ached with a mixture of emotions I hadn''t expected to feel for another man''s wife.

    What could have driven such a strong woman to such a desperate act, leaving her with no desire to continue her existence?

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    The steady beep of medical equipment filled the private room at Silvercrest Pack Medical Den. Olivia Wintersy motionless on the hospital bed, her chestnut hair spread across the white pillow, her skin nearly as pale as the sheets that covered her.

    Dr. Marcus Fletcher''s words echoed in my mind: "Although we''ve revived her body, her will to

    live is gone."

    I pulled my chair closer to her bedside, taking her cold hand in mine. Three days had passed since I''d pulled her from Silvermoon River, and still she hadn''t awakened.

    "Olivia," I said softly, my thumb tracing circles on the back of her hand. ¡°I know you can hear

    me somewhere in there."

    No response. Not even a flicker of her eyelids.

    "You''re stronger than this, I continued, my voice low but firm. "I''ve seen your strength at the Crystal Competition, how you held your head high despite everything."

    The monitors continued their steady rhythm, mocking my efforts.

    I leaned closer, my gray suit jacket brushing against the edge of her bed. "Olivia, your daughter Lily needs you to be strong," I murmured, my eyes never leaving her face. "She wouldn''t want

    you to give up."

    At the mention of Lily''s name, something changed. A single tear escaped from beneath Olivia''s closed eyelids, trailing down her pale cheek.

    But then the monitors shrieked in rm as her heartbeat plummeted dangerously. "Doctor!" I shouted, jumping to my feet and rushing to the door. "We need help in here now!"

    Dr. Fletcher and two urses rushed in, pushing past me to reach Olivia.

    "Her heart rate''s dropping," one nurse reported urgently. "Blood pressure falling."

    Dr. Fletcher worked with practiced efficiency, administering medications through her IV line while barking orders to his team.

    I backed against the wall, watching helplessly as they fought to stabilize her. My wolf stirred restlessly beneath my skin, agitated by the crisis unfolding before us.

    +15 Points >

    "She''s stabilizing," Dr. Fletcher announced after several tense minutes. He turned to me, his

    expression grave. "Alpha ckwood, I must advise against mentioning her daughter. It seems

    to trigger a severe emotional response that her body can''t handle right now."

    I nodded, my jaw tight. "Understood."

    The medical team filed out, leaving me alone with Olivia once more. I returned to my seat

    beside her bed, carefully wiping away the tear that had fallen.

    "I''m sorry," I whispered, taking her hand again. ¡°I didn''t mean to cause you more pain."

    My phone vibrated in my pocket. Thomas Griffin, my driver and trusted assistant, was calling.

    "Yes?" I answered quietly, not wanting to disturb Olivia.

    "Sir, I''ve confirmed your suspicion," Thomas reported solemnly. "Olivia Winters'' daughter, Lily, passed away a few months ago due to kidney failure while waiting for a transnt."

    The revtion struck me like a physical blow. I nced at Olivia''s still form, understanding

    now the depth of her grief.

    "The child was only five years old," Thomas continued. "There are rumors that apatible

    donor was found but mysteriously redirected to another patient."

    My grip tightened on the phone. "Find out who received that kidney, Thomas." "Already working on it, sir."

    "What else have you learned?" I asked, my eyes never leaving Olivia''s face.

    "The funeral was small, attended primarily by Olivia herself and a few pack healers. Alpha

    Stone was notably absent."

    My wolf growled at this information. What kind of father missed his own daughter''s funeral?

    "Anything else?" I prompted.

    "Yes, sir. After the funeral, Olivia Winters moved out of the Stone Pack House to a small cottage in Maple Grove. She''s been living there alone ever since."

    I thanked Thomas and ended the call, my mind processing this new information.

    The picture forming was one of profound abandonment and grief.

    "Thomas, gather everything you can find about Lily Winters," I instructed in a follow-up call, my voice low butmanding. "Medical records, personal items, anything that might help us understand what happened to her."

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    < Chapter 112 The Awakening

    +15 Pont>

    Within hours, Thomas had delivered a small collection of items to the hospital room. Among

    them was a tablet containing videos from Crescent Moon Training Den, where Lily had briefly

    attended before her illness worsened.

    I scrolled through the files until I found onebeled "Thanksgiving Gratitude Project." The description indicated that young pups had recorded messages of thanks to family members

    who had influenced their lives.

    Hoping the sound might reach through Olivia''s unconsciousness, I ced the tablet near her

    bed and pressed y.

    The screen showed a tiny girl with emerald eyes identical to Olivia''s. Her small face was

    serious as she spoke directly to the camera.

    "I''m thankful for my mommy," Lily''s sweet voice dered. "She''s the best mommy

    in all the world. She makes me special moonberry pancakes when I''m sad, and

    she holds me really tight when my kidney hurts."

    My throat tightened as the child continued, her voice growing softer, more earnest.

    "If I could be born again, I would still choose Mommy as my mommy. So Mommy,

    please don''t be sad anymore. Lily loves you the most!"

 The Alpha King is unavailable 200

    The heartbreaking plea from beyond the grave seemed to prate where nothing else had. Olivia''s body suddenly tensed, her fingers twitching in my hand.

    Her eyes flew open, emerald green and filled with desperate longing. "Lily!" she cried, reaching toward the tablet as if to grasp her daughter''s image.

    I quickly took her hand. "She''s with you, Olivia. She''s always with you," I assured

    her, squeezing

    her fingers gently.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    Darkness had been my refuge. In that peaceful void, there was no pain, no grief, no betrayal-

    just blessed nothingness.

    Then I heard her voice-my sweet Lily-cutting through the darkness like a beam of

    light.

    "Mommy, please don''t be sad anymore. Lily loves you the most!"

    The words pulled me back to consciousness against my will. My eyes opened to a world I had tried to leave behind, the pain rushing back with brutal force.

    "Lily!" I cried out, reaching desperately toward her voice.

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    < Chapter 112: The Awakening

    +15 Points

    A warm hand caught mine, strong fingers wrapping around my own. Not Lily''s tiny hand, but

    someone else''s-someone unexpected.

    Lucas ckwood sat beside my bed, his powerful frame seeming toorge for the hospital chair. His gray eyes, usually so intimidating, now held genuine concern.

    "She''s with you, Olivia," he said softly. "She''s always with you."

    I blinked, trying to make sense of his presence. "Why are you here?" My voice was hoarse, my

    throat raw from river water.

    "I pulled you from the river," he exined simply. "I''ve been here since they brought you in."

    Memories flooded back-Matriarch Evelyn''s funeral, the bridge, the cold embrace of

    Silvermoon River. I had wanted to die, to join Lily in whatever came after this life.

    ¡°I couldn''t save her,¡± I whispered brokenly, tears filling my eyes. ¡°I couldn''t protect her from

    Victoria... I couldn''t avenge her death."

    My fingers clutched at Lucas''s hand with surprising strength. ¡°I''m her mother, but I failed her

    Lucas''s gray eyes held mine steadily, his powerful presence a strangefort rather than a

    threat.

    "Then fight for her now," he urged, his voice low and intense. "Giving up would be the greater

    betrayal, Olivia. Your daughter loved you enough to want you to live, even knowing she couldn''t

    stay. Find the strength in being Lily''s mother to seek justice for her."

    He squeezed my hand gently. "I will help you," he promised. "You don''t have to face this alone."

    His words prated the fog of grief that had surrounded me for so long. Could I find the

    strength to continue? To fight for Lily''s memory when everything seemed hopeless?

    "Why would you help me?" I asked, searching his face for ulterior motives. "We barely know

    each other."

    Lucas was silent for a moment, his expression thoughtful. "Because no one should have to

    face such pain alone," he finally said. "And because I admire your strength, even when you

    don''t see it in yourself."

    I studied his face, looking for deceit but finding only sincerity in his gray eyes.

    "Thank you," I whispered, allowing myself, for the first time since Lily''s death, to ept

    4FT

    +15 P

    5 Points>

    Lucas maintained his gentle hold on my hand, his thumb tracing soothing patterns across my skin.

    "I should be honest with you, Olivia," he said after a moment offortable silence. "My im about needing a fake girlfriend for business reasons was a lie." His admission drew my full attention.

    "I''ve been drawn to you since I first saw you at the Crystal Design Competition. Your strength, your dignity despite everything you''ve endured..." He paused, seeming almost vulnerable despite his confident demeanor. "I care for you, Olivia Winters. More than I should, given our circumstances."

    My eyes widened in shock. This powerful Alpha, leader of the Moonstone Pack, cared for me? After everything I''d been through, after my failed attempt to end my life, he still saw something in me worth caring about?

    Seeing my reaction, Lucas quickly continued, "I''m not asking for anything in return. There''s no pressure to reciprocate. I only want to stand beside you through your grief and your quest for justice for Lily."

    His words, spoken with such quiet conviction, soothed something broken inside me. For the first time in months, I felt a tiny spark of hope.

    Exhausted by emotion and the ordeal my body had endured, I finally allowed my eyes to close, falling into the first peaceful sleep I''d had since losing Lily.

    (Ethan''s POV)

    The walls of my private office seemed to close in around me as I paced restlessly. I hadn''t slept for a full day and night, my mind consumed with thoughts of Olivia.

    The image of her car abandoned on Moonstone Bridge haunted me. If Lucas ckwood

    hadn''t been there...

    I ran a hand through my disheveled hair, my amber eyes bloodshot fromck of sleep. Though

    our rtionship was strained, the thought of losing Olivia forever had shaken me more deeply

    than I cared to admit.

    My phone rang, Maxwell Chen''s name shing on the screen.

    "Any update?" I demanded without preamble.

    "Sir," Maxwell''s voice came through, uncharacteristically hesitant. "I''ve discovered

    something

    about Emma''s spleen treatment that you need to know."

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    < Chapter 112: The Awakening

    +15 Points>

    My attention sharpened immediately. "What is it?"

    "I''ve been investigating the medical records as you requested," Maxwell continued. "There''s

    something concerning about the timing of Emma''s kidney transnt."

    "Get to the point, Maxwell," I growled, my patience wearing thin.

    "Sir, the kidney that saved Emma Frost had originally been intended for Lily Winters."

    The words hit me like a physical blow. I gripped the edge of my desk to steady myself.

    "What did you say?" My voice was barely audible.

    "Thepatibility match was rare and perfect for Lily''s condition," Maxwell exined, his

    tone carefully neutral. "But through Victoria''s maniption, it was redirected to Emma

    instead."

    "How?" I demanded, my wolf stirring with growing rage. "How could this happen?"

    "Victoria approached Nathan ckwood," Maxwell replied. "She convinced him that Emma''s

    need was more urgent than Lily''s. He used his influence to have the donor redirected."

    The room seemed to spin around me. Nathan ckwood-my trusted ally, my friend-had

    helped Victoria steal my daughter''s chance at life?

    "And I..." I couldn''t finish the sentence.

    "You signed the authorization, sir," Maxwell confirmed quietly. "Victoria presented

    it as routine

    paperwork for Emma''s treatment. The document was deliberately vague about the source of

    the donor organ."

    The realization that I had unknowingly yed a role in my own daughter''s death

    by securing

    preferential treatment for Victoria''s daughter hit me with devastating force.

    Blood rose in my throat, and I copsed to my knees, coughing crimson onto the polished

    floor as the full weight of my betrayal crashed down.

    "Sir? Sir, are you alright?" Maxwell''s voice called from the phone I''d dropped.

    I couldn''t answer. The truth was too horrific to bear. While I had been doting on

    Emma,

    attending her school events and celebrating her achievements, my own daughter had been dying, waiting for a kidney that Victoria had stolen for her child.

    And I had signed the papers that sealed Lily''s fate.

    Blood continued to spill from my mouth as my wolf howled in anguish within me,

    the physical

    manifestation of my soul being torn apart by guilt and grief.

    < Chapter 112 The Awakening

    +15 Points >

    "Sir, I''m sending medical help," Maxwell''s voice said distantly.

    But no healer could fix what was broken inside me. No medicine could wash away

    the blood

    of my daughter from my hands.

    Blood rose in my throat, and I copsed to my knees, coughing crimson onto the

    polished

    floor as the full weight of my betrayal crashed down.

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    Chapter 113: Sacred Grounds

    (Lucas''s POV)

    "She''s ready to be discharged," Dr. Marcus Fletcher informed me, his expression professional but relieved. "Her physical recovery is remarkable, though I''d

    rmend continued emotional

    support."

    I nodded, watching Olivia through the ss partition as a nurse helped her gather her few belongings. Even in a hospital gown, her quiet dignity remained intact.

    "I''ll take care of her," I promised, my voice leaving no room for doubt.

    Afterpleting the discharge paperwork, I escorted Olivia to my waiting vehicle. Thomas Griffin stood beside it, opening the door with a respectful nod.

    "Are you hungry?" I asked as we settled into the backseat.

    Olivia hesitated before nodding slightly. "A little."

    "Amber Crest Restaurant," I instructed Thomas. "The private dining area."

    The restaurant staff greeted us with discreet efficiency, leading us to a secluded table overlooking a peaceful garden. I ordered a selection of light dishes, watching carefully as Olivia picked at her food.

    "Try the venison broth," I encouraged, serving her myself. "It''s gentle on the stomach but nourishing."

    To my satisfaction, she took a small sip, then another. By the end of the meal, she had eaten more than I expected, color gradually returning to her pale cheeks.

    "Thank you," she said softly as we finished. "For everything."

    I simply nodded, unwilling to ept gratitude for what any decent person would have done.

    Back in the car, I turned to her, choosing my words carefully. "Olivia, could I visit Lily''s grave?"

    Her emerald eyes widened in surprise.

    "I''ve watched her Thanksgiving Moon Ceremony video many times while you

    were sleeping," I exined. "She was... special."

    It was true. The little girl''s bright smile and thoughtful nature had touched something deep

    < Chapter 113 Sacred Grounds

    +15 Points>

    within me. Her sweetness, her obvious love for her mother - I couldn''t help but feel protective

    of her memory.

    "I''d like to go too," Olivia admitted, her voice barely audible. "Yesterday, when I..... when I jumped... I wasn''t thinking clearly. I''d missed my medication, and the grief just overwhelmed

    me."

    She twisted her fingers together in herp. "But I can''t leave yet. Not until I''ve avenged her."

    I directed Thomas to Sacred Moonlight Cemetery, a peaceful area nestled among ancient trees. We walked in silence to a small grave marked with a polished moonstone.

    I knelt before the tombstone, arranging the gifts I''d brought - sweet treats, white mourning flowers, fruits, and small toys. With gentle hands, I cleaned the already immacte stone.

    "Hello, Lily," I said softly, feeling Olivia''s gaze on my back. "I''m Lucas. I''ve heard so much about

    you."

    I ced a silver plush wolf at the base of the stone. "You liked the silver plush best, didn''t you,

    little one? I remember from your video."

    From the corner of my eye, I saw tears welling in Olivia''s eyes as she watched from a respectful distance. I continued my one-sided conversation with Lily, telling her about her mother''s strength, promising to look after her.

    As dusk settled over the cemetery, Olivia finally approached. She knelt beside me, her fingers gently caressing the photograph of Lily embedded in the stone.

    "Baby, Mommy''s going home now," she whispered, her voice breaking slightly.

    I reached out, touching the stone myself. "Lily, I like you very much. I hope you

    like me too. I''lle visit you again with your mother next time."

    The walk back to the car was silent butfortable. I opened the door for Olivia, helping her

    inside with careful movements.

    Before starting the engine, I turned to face her. ¡°Olivia, that night, you waited for me in the rain, asking to borrow money to find that man. Were you trying to find out who was responsible for Lily''s death?"

    The image of Rnd Warner lying in a pool of blood shed through my mind. I remembered Olivia''s desperate plea for the dying man to reveal a name.

    "In the emergency room, he called you in at his final moments. Did he tell you who was behind this? Is that why you suddenly left the hospital and went to Rosewood Haven...?"

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    +15 Points

    She had maintained emotional distance since waking up, never addressing my confession of

    feelings. But after nearly losing her to Silvermoon River, I wouldn''t allow her to push me away

    again.

    (Olivia''s POV)

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    I pressed my lips together, reluctant to involve Lucas in my painful quest. He had already done

    so much for me. This burden was mine to bear.

    "It''s gettingte," I said, attempting to change the subject. "We should-"

    "Was it Victoria Frost?" Lucas interrupted, his tone certain rather than questioning.

    I stared at him, shocked by his perception. "How did you know?"

    Hope flickered within me. Perhaps Lucas had evidence that could finally bring justice for my

    daughter.

    (Lucas''s POV)

    I took her small hand in mine, my thumb gently stroking her knuckles. Her skin was soft

    despite the hardships she''d endured.

    ¡°Olivia, it''s just a guess. I don''t have any proof," I admitted, hating to diminish the hope in her

    eyes.

    Her shoulders slumped slightly in disappointment.

    With my free hand, I cautiously stroked her hair, the silky strands sliding between my fingers.. "But justice will prevail. If she did it, she must have left traces."

    I held her gaze steadily. "Even if she covered her tracks this time, an evil person won''t stop at

    one act. As long as we keep watching her, we''ll find her weakness."

    My conviction was absolute. "Olivia, you have to believe that justice will catch up with her. We

    will avenge Lily. Victoria Frost will face judgment for what she''s done.",

    (Olivia''s POV)

    Meeting Lucas''s determined gaze, I drew unexpectedfort from his words. Tears filled my eyes as I nodded firmly.

    "Yes!"

    Lucas squeezed my hand gently. "Promise me, don''t shoulder everything alone. You have me

    now."

    < Chapter 113: Sacred Grounds

    +15 Points >

    His tenderness touched something within me that I thought had died with Lily. I nodded again,

    cautiously epting his support.

    To my surprise, Lucas linked his pinky finger with mine - a gesture that reminded me painfully of Lily''s habit from the video he''d watched.

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    "It''s a promise," he said solemnly.

    A rare smile touched my lips. He was trying to connect with Lily''s memory, and the gesture

    meant more than he could know.

    (Lucas''s POV)

    I drove Olivia back to her cottage in Maple Grove, parking close to her door. Though reluctant

    to leave her alone, I respected her need for space.

    "I won''t do anything foolish again," she assured me, correctly reading my concern. "You''re

    right. If I haven''t avenged Lily, how can I face her?"

    Relief loosened the tension in my shoulders. "My phone is on for you day and night. You can call me anytime, anytime!" I emphasized, needing her to understand mymitment.

    "Okay," she replied softly, her emerald eyes reflecting gratitude that made my chest tighten.

    "Good night," I said, reluctant to part from her.

    "Good night," Olivia responded, her voice stronger than it had been in days.

    I waited until she locked the door before turning to leave, my resolve hardening. I wouldn''t let

    this fragile woman slip away again.

    (Ethan''s POV)

    The Maybach purred quietly as I parked beneath Olivia''s cottage in Maple Grove. My hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, knuckles white with tension.

    I wanted to go to her, to apologize, to exin that I hadn''t known the donor kidney had been meant for Lily. But what difference would it make?

    The result remained unchanged: I had secured preferential treatment for Emma, leading

    directly to my own daughter''s death.

    The weight of this knowledge crushed me more thoroughly than any physical blow. My wolf howled in anguish within me, the pain almost unbearable.

    stayed in my car for hours, watching the light in Olivia''s window, unable to summon the courage to face her. What could I possibly say to the woman whose child I had unwittingly

    < Chapter 113: Sacred Grounds

    helped to kill?

    Eventually, I drove back to my residence, my heart heavier than it had ever been.

    +15 Points >

    In my private quarters, I reached for the strongest alcohol I possessed, pouring ss after ss despite knowing the danger to my werewolf physiology.

    The burning liquid did nothing to ease the pain in my chest - a de twisting in my heart with every breath. As the night deepened, my body finally rebelled.

    Blood rose in my throat as I stumbled onto the balcony. Thest thing I remembered was copsing onto the cold stone floor, darkness iming me as blood pooled beneath my face.

    (Maxwell''s POV)

    "Alpha Stone?" I called, knocking on the bedroom door. No response.

    After three unanswered calls to his phone, concern had driven me to check on him personally.

    The door was unlocked, the bedroom empty.

    I spotted him through the open balcony doors. "Alpha!"

    Ethany unconscious on the Stone Residence Balcony, blood pooled around his head. The

    stench of alcohol and blood filled the air.

    My fingers trembled slightly as I checked his pulse - weak but present. I immediately called Dr. Harold Bet, the Stone family''s personal healer for over twenty years.

    "It''s the Alpha," I said tersely. "Unconscious, blood loss, alcohol poisoning. Prepare the

    medical den immediately."

    Within the hour, Ethany pale and weak in a private room at the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den. Dr. Bet worked efficiently, his experienced hands preparing healing salves and

    medicinal infusions.

    "Will he recover?" I asked quietly.

    Dr. Bet nodded grimly. "Physically, yes. But this goes beyond the body. His wolf is in

    turmoil."

    I stood guard by the door, watching over my Alpha as he drifted between consciousness and

    oblivion.

    (Ethan''s POV)

    Through the haze of pain, memories surfaced - fragments of a life before Victoria''s return.

    +15 Points>

    Olivia''s gentle hands supporting me after I''de home intoxicated from a pack gathering.

    Her patience as I growled irritably at her concern.

    Lily''s small fingers trying to wipe my forehead with a cool cloth. "Daddy sick?" she had asked, her emerald eyes - so like her mother''s - wide with worry.

    I had pushed her away harshly. "Leave me alone!"

    The hurt in her tiny face haunted me now. Tears had filled her eyes, but she hadn''t cried. Even

    at four, she had learned that Daddy didn''t like tears.

    Olivia had sent her to bed, then returned with special healing tea, massaging my temples until

    I fell asleep.

    I longed to relive those moments, to treat my wife and daughter with the kindness they

    deserved. To undo my mistakes, to prevent Lily''s death and Olivia''s despair.

    But time moved only forward, carrying the weight of my failures with it. (Maxwell''s POV)

    Ethan''s eyes fluttered open, immediately seeking me out. "Maxwell."

    "I''m here, Alpha," I responded, moving closer to his bedside.

    His voice was weak but the authority unmistakable. "Call Olivia."

    I hesitated, remembering herst words to him. But a direct order from my Alpha couldn''t be

    ignored.

    I stepped into the hallway, dialing her number. She answered on the third ring. "Mrs. Winters, Alpha Stone is in the medical den. He''s asking for you."

    Her response was cold and t. "Is he dead? Call me back when he''s dead."

    The call ended abruptly. I returned to Ethan''s room, dreading his reaction. "Mrs. Winters says she''s busy..." I offered weakly.

    Pain shed across his face before he masked it with a nod. "Of course. She has her own life

    now."

    I updated him on pack business matters, grateful when he seemed to focus on the reports. Suddenly, his head turned sharply toward the window.

    (Ethan''s POV)

    Movement outside caught my attention. I turned toward the ss, suddenly alert despite my

    Chapter 113 Sacred Grounds

    weakness.

    15 Points

    Through it, I spotted a familiar figure entering the medical facility. Olivia, carrying

    her Thermal

    Food Container, her chestnut hair catching the morning light.

    A spark of hope ignited within me. She hade after all.

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    (Olivia''s POV)"

    The antiseptic smell of the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den assaulted my senses as

    I walked through the sliding doors. My thermal food container felt heavy in my hands, the warmth of the healing venison stew seeping through to my palms.

    I hadn''t slept wellst night. The knowledge that Lucas ckwood was hospitalized because of me weighed heavily on my conscience. Thomas Griffin''s call hade just after midnight, his voice carefully neutral as he informed me that Lucas had developed a

    "Mrs. Winters," Maxwell Chen''s voice broke through my thoughts.

    I looked up to see Ethan''s special assistant approaching me, relief evident on his face. His usually impable appearance was slightly disheveled, suggesting he''d been at the medical

    den for some time.

    "You came," he said, his eyes darting to the thermal container in my hands. "Alpha Stone will

    be pleased. May I take that for you?"

    I instinctively pulled the container closer to my chest, my emerald eyes hardening. "This isn''t

    for him."

    Maxwell''s expression faltered. "But... you''re here to see Alpha Stone, aren''t you? He''s been

    asking for you."

    "No," I replied coldly. "I''m here to see Lucas ckwood."

    The confusion on Maxwell''s face would have beenical under different circumstances.

    "Alpha ckwood? But why would you-"

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    "That''s none of your concern," I cut him off, my voice leaving no room for further questions.

    I moved to step around him, but Maxwell shifted, blocking my path. "Mrs. Winters, please. Alpha Stone is in a fragile state. He needs you."

    A bitterugh escaped my lips. "Needs me? After everything he''s done?" I shook my head. ¡°Tell me, Maxwell, did he need me when Lily was dying? Did he need me at her funeral?"

    Maxwell''s eyes dropped to the floor, unable to meet my gaze.

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    < Chapter 114 Olivia Visits the

    "That''s what I thought," I said, attempting to move past him again.

    "Olivia."

    +15 Points

    The deep, familiar voice froze me in ce. I turned slowly to see Ethan standing in the doorway of his room, his powerful frame leaning heavily against the doorframe. His amber eyes, usually so intimidating, now looked hollow and pained.

    Despite his obvious weakness, he pushed away from the door and approached me with unsteady steps. His hospital gown did little to diminish hismanding presence, though his pallor and the dark circles under his eyes spoke of his physical distress.

    "Who are you here to see?" he demanded, his voice hoarse but still carrying that unmistakable

    Alpha authority.

    I lifted my chin defiantly. "That''s no longer your concern."

    His hand shot out, gripping my wrist with surprising strength for someone in his condition.

    "Answer me."

    "Let go of me," I hissed, trying to pull away.

    "Not until you tell me who you''re visiting," he insisted, his amber eyes shing with a mixture

    of pain and jealousy.

    I struggled against his grip, the thermal container wobbling precariously in my other hand. "I said let go!"

    Our struggle caused me to stumble forward, and suddenly I found myself pressed against Ethan''s chest, his arms instinctively wrapping around me to prevent my fall. He inhaled deeply,

    his nose brushing against my hair as he took in my scent.

    Disgust and anger surged through me. How dare he touch me like this after everything he''d done? I drove my elbow sharply into his stomach, putting all my strength behind the blow.

    "Mrs. Winters, no!" Maxwell cried out. "He has a stomach hemorrhage!"

    I ignored the warning,pleting my strike. Ethan''s body jerked in pain, a

    strangled gasp escaping his lips as he doubled over. I pushed him away from me, watching coldly as he staggered back against the wall, one hand clutching his abdomen.

    "How dare you touch me," I spat, my voice trembling with fury. "You lost that right long ago."

    Ethan''s face contorted with pain, but his eyes remained fixed on me. Blood seeped through his fingers where he clutched his stomach.

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    < Chapter 114. Olivia Visits the

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    +15 Points >

    "Look at you," I continued, my emerald eyes shing. "Wallowing in self-pity, putting on this pathetic disy. For what? To gain sympathy?"

    Ethan tried to speak, but only managed a pained cough, flecks of blood staining

    his lips.

    "Lily died because of you," I said, each word a dagger. "Your grandmother died because of Victoria''s schemes. And here you are, ying the victim."

    I stepped closer, my voice dropping to a venomous whisper. "Lily and your grandmother would not be moved. They would only be disgusted by your hypocrisy."

    The pain that shed across Ethan''s face had nothing to do with his physical injuries. Good.

    Let him hurt as I had hurt.

    Amotion from the opposite ward drew my attention. I turned to see Lucas ckwood emerging from his room, still d in a hospital gown. His normally imposing figure looked weakened, his skin flushed with fever, but his gray eyes were alert and concerned as they

    found mine.

    Despite his obvious illness, he moved to position himself between me and Ethan, his protective instinct overriding his physical difort.

    "Olivia," he said, his voice rough from fever. "Are you alright?"

    My anger at Ethan instantly gave way to concern for Lucas. "What are you doing out of bed?" I scolded gently, moving to his side. "You''re burning up."

    I ced my hand on his arm, feeling the heat radiating from his skin. Without a second nce at Ethan, I guided Lucas back toward his room, supporting his weight as he leaned against

    me..

    "You shouldn''t be up," I murmured, helping him through the doorway. "Thomas told me about your fever. You need to rest."

    Lucas allowed me to lead him back to his bed, but his eyes never left my face. "Were you hurt?" he asked, his fingers wrapping around mine. "I heard shouting."

    I shook my head, touched by his concern even in his weakened state. "I''m fine. It''s you I''m

    worried about."

    I helped him back into bed, arranging the pillows behind him before checking his forehead. His skin burned beneath my palm, and I quickly reached for a cool cloth from the bedside table, gently wiping away the beads of sweat on his brow.

    "You''re reckless," I said softly, unable to keep the fondness from my voice. "Jumping into

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    Chapter 114 Olivia Visits the

    freezing water, and now this."

    +15 Points2

    Lucas caught my hand, his gray eyes intense despite the fever. "I''d do it again in a heartbeat."

    My breath caught at his sincerity. "This is my fault," I whispered. "You''re sick because of me."

    "No regrets,¡± he interrupted, a weak smile ying on his lips. "None."

    I felt my cheeks warm under his gaze, suddenly aware of how close we were. To hide my confusion, I gestured to the thermal container I''d set on his bedside table.

    "I brought you something," I said. "Healing venison stew with special herbs. It should help bring down your fever and speed your recovery."

    Lucas''s smile widened slightly. "You cooked for me?"

    "It''s the least I could do," I replied, opening the container. The rich aroma of the stew filled the room, carrying with it the subtle scent of the healing herbs I''d carefully selected. "Can you eat

    something?"

    "For you, I''ll try," he said, though I could see he had little appetite.

    I helped him sit up straighter, then filled a spoon with the warm stew. It felt

    strangely intimate, feeding him this way, but after everything he''d done for me, it seemed a small gesture of

    gratitude.

    From the corner of my eye, I noticed Thomas Griffin watching discreetly from the doorway

    before silently withdrawing, giving us privacy.

    "This is delicious," Lucas murmured after swallowing the first spoonful. "You''re talented."

    I felt my cheeks flush again at hispliment. "It''s just a simple recipe with some healing

    herbs. Nothing special."

    "Everything you do is special, Olivia," he said softly, his gray eyes never leaving mine as I

    continued to feed him.

    I didn''t know how to respond to such earnest praise. It had been so long since anyone had looked at me the way Lucas did-like I was something precious, something worth protecting.

    "You should rest after eating," I said, trying to maintain someposure despite the unfamiliar emotions swirling within me. "The herbs will work better if you sleep."

    Lucas nodded, but continued watching me with that intense gaze that seemed to see right through me. I reminded myself that caring for him was simply the right thing to do after all he had done for me, but the warmth spreading through my chest suggested something more

    < Chapter 114. Olivia Visits the...

    +15 Points >

    Meanwhile, in the opposite room, Ethan Stone had just regained consciousness after my blow, witnessing the tender scene between his mate and the rival Alpha.

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    (Ethan''s POV)

    I couldn''t tear my eyes away from the scene unfolding in Lucas ckwood''s room. Through

    the partially open door, I watched as Olivia tenderly fed him from her thermal container. The

    same container she used to bring me food when I was ill.

    Her slender fingers wiped a drop of stew from the corner of his mouth with such gentleness

    that my chest constricted painfully. The intimacy of the gesture was unmistakable.

    "You need to eat more," I heard her say, her voice carrying a warmth I hadn''t heard in years.

    "The herbs will help your fever."

    Lucas''s eyes never left her face as he epted another spoonful. "It''s delicious," he

    murmured. "Thank you foring, Olivia."

    The way he said her name-with such reverence-made my wolf howl in agony inside me.

    This tenderness, this care... it used to be mine. Olivia used to look at me that way, used to

    touch me with that same gentle concern. Now her emerald eyes softened only for him.

    A realization hit me with the force of a physical blow: Olivia Winters didn''t love me anymore.

    She truly wanted to give up on me.

    The pain of this thought eclipsed even what I''d felt when Victoria had temporarily left me years ago. This was different-deeper, more devastating. I was losing someone irreceable,

    someone who had once been my entire world.

    "Alpha Stone?" Dr. Samuel Wilson''s voice barely registered as he entered my room. "How are you feeling? Any difort from the poisoning?"

    I remained silent, my gaze fixed on Lucas''s ward door, which had now closed, cutting off my

    view of my wife caring for another man.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 208

    Maxwell Chen cleared his throat awkwardly. "Should I call Victoria? I''m sure she''d want to be

    here with you."

    "No need," I said hoarsely, surprising both men. "Olivia wouldn''t want to see Victoria. Calling Victoria and having Olivia see her will only make her sad."

    Dr. Wilson exchanged a confused nce with Maxwell. Neither understood that despite

    Chapter 115: Painful Revti

    everything, I couldn''t bear to cause Olivia more pain.

    +15 Points>

    "You need rest," Dr. Wilson insisted, adjusting my IV. "Your body has been through significant

    trauma."

    I closed my eyes, exhaustion washing over me. But even in darkness, all I could

    see was

    Olivia''s tender smile directed at Lucas ckwood.

    Sleep imed me eventually, but it offered no escape from the torment of knowing my mate

    now reserved her gentleness for another.

    Morning light filtered through the blinds when I awoke. My first instinct was to look toward

    Lucas ckwood''s ward. Both doors were closed.

    "Good morning, Alpha," Maxwell said, setting down a tray of breakfast. "How are you feeling?"

    "Where is ckwood?" I demanded, ignoring his question.

    Maxwell hesitated. "He was discharged early this morning."

    Something in his careful tone told me he was omitting details. "And Olivia?"

    "I believe she left as well," he replied, suddenly very interested in arranging items

    on my

    breakfast tray.

    She had taken him home. The knowledge burned like acid in my stomach.

    Dr. Wilson entered, clipboard in hand. "Good news, Alpha Stone. You''re

    recovering well from the poisoning. Your werewolf healing abilities are impressive, but you''ll need to take care with.

    your stomach for a few days."

    I nodded absently, my mind still fixed on the image of Olivia leaving with Lucas.

    "You should eat," Dr. Wilson encouraged, gesturing to the tray Maxwell had brought. "Regain

    your strength."

    The hospital food looked unappetizing-nothing like the healing venison stew Olivia had

    prepared. Not for me, but for him.

    "I''m not hungry," I muttered, pushing the tray away.

    Dr. Wilson frowned. "Alpha Stone, you need nourishment to-"

    "I said I''m not hungry," I growled, my eyes shing amber.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 209

    The doctor wisely retreated, leaving me alone with my thoughts and the gnawing emptiness

    my chest.

    in

    (James''s POV)

    +15 Poirits >

    "I heard Ethan''s in the hospital," I said to Nathan ckwood as we walked

    through the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den corridors. "Alcohol poisoning, of all things. Stupid move for a werewolf."

    Nathan nodded grimly. "He''s been through a lottely. First his grandmother, then finding out about his daughter..."

    I raised an eyebrow. "What daughter? You mean Emma?"

    Nathan gave me an odd look but didn''t borate. "By the way, I heard Sophia''s back in town. Are you going to see her?"

    My jaw tightened at the mention of her name. Sophia ckwood, my supposed girlfriend, who''d disappeared without a word after ourst fight.

    "Why would I care?" I snapped, my amber-flecked eyes hardening. "She can do whatever she wants."

    "James, it''s been months. Maybe you should-"

    "Whoever regrets is a dog!" I dered loudly, drawing startled looks from passing medical staff.

    Nathan sighed. ¡°You two are impossible."

    I patted my pockets, suddenly desperate for a cigarette. "I need a smoke. You go ahead."

    Without waiting for his response, I turned and headed for the exit, leaving Nathan to visit Ethan alone.

    (Ethan''s POV)

    The door to my room opened, and Nathan ckwood entered. One of my oldest friends, he''d been by my side through countless challenges. But today, something about his presence made my wolf bristle with unease.

    "Ethan," he greeted, his expression somber. "I''m sorry about your grandmother. And about Lily too. I heard what happened."

    My blood froze in my veins. Lily? How did he know about Lily?

    "What did you say?" I whispered, my voice dangerously quiet.

    Nathan approached my bed, oblivious to the storm brewing within me. "I said I''m sorry about-

    215

    < Chapter 115: Painful Revti

    +15 Points >

    I lunged forward with a speed that belied my weakened state, my hand closing around his throat as I pinned him against the wall.

    you

    "Nathan ckwood, you dare to say that?" I snarled, my fingers tightening. "Why didn''t tell me and made the decision yourself to give Lily''s kidney donor to Emma? Why?!"

    The monitoring equipment beside my bed beeped frantically as my heart rate and blood pressure spiked with my rage.

    Nathan''s eyes widened in shock, his hands wing at mine as he struggled to breathe. "What... are you... talking about?" he gasped.

    "My daughter!" I roared. "Lily! The kidney that was meant for her but went to Emma instead!"

    Understanding dawned in Nathan''s eyes, followed by horror. I loosened my grip just enough to

    let him speak.

    "Ethan," he wheezed, "I had no idea Lily was your daughter. Victoria came to me... said Emma needed the kidney urgently."

    My grip faltered. "What?"

    "She said you would never agree to sacrifice another child for your stepdaughter," Nathan continued, his voice strained against my grip. "She said she and Ethan only had this one daughter, and begged me, for Ethan''s sake, to give it to Emma, to save Ethan''s daughter."

    The words hit me like physical blows. I released Nathan and staggered back to my bed, my

    legs suddenly unable to support me.

    "You didn''t know?" I whispered, the full weight of my negligence crashing down on

    me.

    Nathan rubbed his throat, watching me warily. "How could I? You never mentioned having a

    child with anyone but Victoria. Everyone assumed Emma was your only daughter."

    I buried my face in my hands. My own secrecy, my own neglect of Lily, had contributed to her

    death. I had failed to acknowledge her publicly, failed to make her a recognized part of my life.

    "This is my fault," I murmured, my voice breaking. "I killed my own daughter."

    Suddenly, a terrible realization dawned on me. I looked up at Nathan, my eyes wide with

    horror.

    "Victoria,¡± I said, my voice barely audible. "Was she there? Did she know who Lily was when

    she asked you to redirect the kidney?"

    Nathan hesitated, and in that moment of silence, I knew. If Victoria had been aware of Lily''s

    +15 Points

    identity when she diverted the kidney to Emma, then everything Olivia had used her of was

    true. Victoria had deliberately caused Lily''s death.

    And I had defended her. I had chosen her over my own mate and child.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 210

    I paced anxiously across the polished hardwood floors of Rosewood Haven, my phone

    clutched tightly in my hand. For the fifth time in an hour, I dialed Maxwell Chen''s number, only

    to be sent straight to voicemail again.

    "Maxwell, this is Victoria. Call me back immediately. I need to know where Ethan is."

    I ended the call with a frustrated tap, fighting the unfamiliar sensation of panic rising in my

    chest. This had never happened before. Maxwell always answered my calls, always responded

    to my messages. Something was wrong.

    After Matriarch Evelyn Stone''s death, I had put on my most convincing disy of grief. I''d

    offered to help Ethan with the funeral arrangements, wearing an appropriately somber

    expression while secretly relieved that the old woman was finally gone. Her constant

    disapproval had been a thorn in my side for years.

    But Ethan had refused my help. That was within my expectations-we weren''t officially together yet, so I had no legitimate status in handling family matters. I didn''t truly care about busying myself with the old woman''s affairs anyway. The matriarch wasn''t worthy of my time

    or attention.

    What I hadn''t expected was Ethan refusing to let Emma and me attend the funeral at all. Just because the matriarch disliked me. And now, I hadn''t seen Ethan since her death. The funeral

    was over, but he wouldn''t answer my calls.

    I''d sent countless messages expressing my "sadness" over Matriarch Stone''s passing, offeringfort and support. No response. I''d gone to his residence and to Stone Pack Enterprises.

    He wasn''t there.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 211

    How could I not panic? These days without Ethan had made one thing painfully clear: without him, I was nothing. The realization only strengthened my resolve to hold onto him more tightly

    than ever.

    The sound of a car engine outside pulled me from my thoughts. I rushed to the balcony, my heart leaping when I recognized Ethan''s Shadow Ghost pulling into the driveway.

    "Emma!" I called, my voice carefully modted to sound worried rather than relieved. "Daddy''s

    here!"

    < Chapter 116 Lily''s Kidney

    Emma came running from her yroom, her little face lighting up at the news. I quickly

    pinched her arm when she reached me.

    "Ow! Mommy, that hurts!" she whimpered, her eyes filling with tears.

    +15 Points

    "Perfect," I whispered, smoothing her hair. "Keep crying. Tell Daddy we were worried about

    him."

    The front door opened, and I guided Emma forward to greet Ethan.

    Emma rushed over to him, her eyes red and wet, and hugged his leg tightly. "Daddy, Mommy

    couldn''t reach you. Mommy and Emmy were so worried about you!"

    I watched carefully, waiting for Ethan''s reaction. In the past, seeing Emma''s tears would have

    made his heart ache. He would have immediately picked her up, kissed her little face, andforted her softly.

    But something was different. Ethan stood stiffly, looking down at Emma with an expression I

    couldn''t quite read. He didn''t bend down to pick her up. He simply patted her head and said,

    "Emma, go ask Mrs. Lawson to take you to the Recreation Area for a while. I need to talk to

    your mother."

    Emma sensed the change in his attitude and began to pout, preparing for one of her

    trademark tantrums.

    "Go," Ethan said, his voice firm and cold.

    Emma immediately let go of his leg, frightened by his tone. This was the first time Ethan had

    ever been so stern with her.

    I touched Emma''s head gently. "Listen to your daddy," I said, my mind racing to understand what had changed.

    Emma turned and ran to the Servants'' Quarters to find Dorothy Lawson. The housekeeper appeared quickly, taking Emma''s hand and leading her away, leaving Ethan and me alone in

    the vi.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 212

    My heart was pounding, but I kept my expression calm and concerned. I took a step forward,

    noting how much thinner Ethan looked.

    "Ethan, are you feeling unwell? Why do you look so pale?" I asked, my voice soft

    with worry.

    He didn''t answer. He just looked at me with those unfathomable amber eyes, making my anxiety spike.

    "Ethan, what''s wrong? Why are you looking at me like that? Did I do something wrong?" I

    asked, deliberately letting my eyes redden, looking at him pitifully, on the verge of tears.

    This always worked on Ethan. I''d angered him before, but as long as I acted weak and

    vulnerable, he would soften. He could never bear to stay mad at me when I cried. But today was different. His expression remained cold and distant.

    +15 Points>

    "Ethan..." I sobbed, about to deploy my ultimate weapon-full tears-when he suddenly spoke.

    "I just met with Nathan."

    The name hit me like a physical blow. Nathan ckwood. Ethan''s friend. It was normal for

    them to meet, but for Ethan to mention him now, with that expression on his face...

    My mind immediately went to that little girl. Lily. Even so, I clung to hope. Ethan trusted mepletely; he couldn''t possibly have investigated me.

    I forced myself to remain calm, responding with casual interest. "Why didn''t you ask Nathan to

    cook-"

    "Victoria, aren''t you curious about what he told me?" Ethan interrupted coldly.

    I felt a chill run down my spine. The way he was looking at me-like I was a stranger. Where was the Ethan who melted at my tears? The Ethan who believed every word I said?

    It was precisely because he knew my habits, knew that I stuttered and couldn''t speak aplete sentence whenever I lied, that he always believed me. Every time I vehemently denied something, he never suspected I might be lying.

    "Ethan, do you know? Do you know that the kidney Emma used was Lily''s?" I asked directly.

    I no longer had any illusions. Although I didn''t know why Ethan and Nathan had suddenly brought up the matter of that little girl''s kidney, I was certain that Ethan knew the truth. So I

    didn''t answer his question but asked my own instead.

    It was a rhetorical question, but spoken with certainty.

    Hearing my words, Ethan''s eyes filled with disappointment, grief, and confusion. He looked at me like he was seeing me for the first time.

    "Victoria, why? Why didn''t you tell me, knowing that the kidney was Lily''s? What were you thinking?" he demanded, his voice shaking with anger.

    Was it really as Olivia had imed? That I deliberately stole Lily''s kidney, wanting to kill her?

    "Ethan, I''m sorry, I''m really sorry. I didn''t want to, but I really had no choice," I said, suddenly

    < Chapter 116. Lily''s Kidney

    covering my face with my hands.

    I squatted down on the floor and burst into tears. Not the delicate, pretty tears I usually

    produced, but ugly, desperate sobs.

    +15 Points >

    "You know how important Emma is to me, even though I didn''t want to get pregnant with her."

    "I used to hate her, resent her. Her existence constantly reminded me that I was dirty, that I

    wasn''t worthy of you," I continued, my voice breaking.

    I let the painful memories surface, using them to fuel my performance. "Because of her, I

    suffered for a long time and even wanted to end my life many times."

    "But as she grew little by little inside me, as I felt her presence, I began to love her. She

    apanied me through countless nights without you, she was the reason I kept going."

    I looked up at Ethan through my tears, making sure he could see the raw emotion on my face.

    "Without Emma, I might have died during my time away, without you."

    "We depended on each other. Emma is my life, how could I watch her die..."

    Ethan listened to my words, looking at me in shock. For a moment, I thought I''d seeded in

    touching his heart. But then his expression hardened.

    "You couldn''t bear to watch Emma die, so you could watch Lily die?" His voice rose with each

    word. "Emma is your daughter, but Lily was my daughter too!"

    His eyes shed with anger, the amber darkening to a dangerous gold. "In your eyes, Emma''s

    life is a life, but Lily''s life was not?"

 The Alpha King is unavailable 213

    (Victoria''s POV)

    I faced Ethan''s disappointed amber eyes, feeling my tears fall harder. My body trembled as I shook my head desperately.

    "No, it''s not like that," I pleaded, my voice breaking. "Lily was your daughter, how could I not

    value her life?"

    I clutched at my chest, the pain there feeling almost real. "I saw Lily''s medical records at the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den. At that time, Lily''s condition wasn''t so serious."

    Ethan''s expression remained hard, unmoved by my tears. This had never happened before.

    "I thought Lily could still wait, but my Emma, she couldn''t wait," I continued, my voice rising

    with desperation. "Without that kidney, Emma would die..."

    I let my tears flow freely now, not the delicate, pretty tears I usually produced for effect, but

    ugly, desperate sobs that wracked my entire body. I truly felt vulnerable and desperate.

    Without Ethan, I had nothing.

    "Please, Ethan," I whispered. "You have to understand. I was protecting our daughter."

    His silence was deafening. The coldness in his eyes terrified me more than any anger could

    have.

    Seeing that he showed no signs of softening, I suddenly raised my hand and pped myself

    hard across the face.

    "It''s my fault!" I cried, pping myself again. "I should die!"

 The Alpha King is unavailable 214

    Each pnded heavily on my face, leaving red marks across my pale skin. I wasn''t pretending anymore; the pain helped ground me in this moment of panic.

    Ethan finally moved, his strong hands gripping my wrists to stop me from hitting myself

    again.

    "Stop it," hemanded, his voice rough.

    I looked up at him through tear-soakedshes. Even now, he couldn''t bear to see me hurt

    myself. There was still hope.

    "I''m sorry," I sobbed. "I was so scared, Ethan. When I found out Emma needed a kidney, I was

    +15 Points

    I let my body sag against his grip, appearing weak and broken. "The doctors said there was a

    Ethan''s grip on my wrists tightened slightly. I continued, my voice trembling with emotion.

    "I called Nathan because I knew he could help. I told him Emma was your daughter and

    needed the kidney urgently." I looked up at him imploringly. "I didn''t tell him Lily was your

    daughter too. I... I didn''t think he knew."

    I took a shuddering breath. "After the surgery, I checked on Lily''s condition. The doctors said

    she was stable, that they would find another donor soon. I truly believed she would recover."

    My voice dropped to a whisper. "When I heard she died, I was devastated. I never wanted that,

    Ethan. Never."

    I could see the conflict in his eyes. He wanted to believe me, but doubt still lingered.

    It was time for my final move. I needed to shift some of the me.

    "Do you remember that day?" I asked softly. "The day Lily died?"

    Ethan''s expression darkened. "What about it?"

    "You had promised to meet her at Moonlight Fair," I reminded him gently. "But instead, you came with me and Emma to Enchanted Kingdom Theme Park."

    I saw the sh of guilt in his eyes and pressed on. "If you had been there with her,¡± I whispered, my voice trembling, "perhaps her condition wouldn''t have worsened so suddenly..."

    (Ethan''s POV)

    Victoria''s words hit me like a physical blow. She was right. I had promised to meet Lily at Moonlight Fair that day, but I had chosen to go with Victoria and Emma to Enchanted Kingdom Theme Park instead.

    My amber eyes darkened with self-loathing as I realized my role in my own daughter''s death. I

 The Alpha King is unavailable 215

    had failed Lily in every possible way.

    "I made the call," I admitted, my voice hollow. "I told Nathan to do whatever was

    necessary to

    save Emma."

    I released Victoria''s wrists and stepped back, unable to bear her touch any longer.

    The weight

    of my guilt was crushing.

    < Chapter 117: Confrontation a....

    +15 Points >

    "I didn''t know about Lily then," I continued. "But that''s no excuse. I should have been there for her. I should have kept my promise."

    Victoria reached for me, her eyes still wet with tears. "We both made mistakes, Ethan. But we

    can make it right."

    She took a tentative step toward me. "I''ll go to Olivia. I''ll apologize. I''ll even atone with my life

    if that''s what she wants."

    "No." My voice was firm, carrying the unmistakablemand of an Alpha. "You will not

    contact Olivia. Not now, not ever."

    Victoria flinched at my tone. "But Ethan-¡±

    "I will speak to her myself," I said, cutting her off. "I will formally mark her as my Luna, giving

    her the legitimate status in the pack she deserves."

    Victoria''s eyes widened in shock. "What? But what about us? What about Emma?"

    "Emma will always be important to me," I assured her. "But Olivia is my true mate, the mother

    of my child. I''ve failed them both for too long."

    I turned toward the door, unable to look at Victoria any longer. The woman I had protected and

    cherished for years now seemed like a stranger to me.

    "I''m sorry," I said simply, my ck Alpha Overcoat swirling around me as I strode out.

    I left Victoria standing there, her expression a mixture of shock and fury. But I couldn''t concern

    myself with her feelings now. I had a mate to win back, and years of neglect to make up for.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I cradled my phone against my ear as I stirred the pot of venison stew simmering on my

    stove. The rich aroma of herbs filled my cottage at Maple Grove.

    "How are you feeling today?" I asked, my emerald eyes reflecting genuine concern. "Any

    better?"

    Lucas ckwood''s deep voice came through the speaker. "The fever''s gone, but I still don''t have much of an appetite."

    I frowned slightly. "You need to eat to regain your strength. The silver poisoning took a lot out

    of you."

    "I know," he sighed. "Hospital food isn''t exactly appetizing, though."

    I smiled despite myself. "I could prepare something for you. I have some special herbs that

    316

    < Chapter 117 Confrontation a...

    would help with your recovery."

    +15 Points

    There was a pause on the other end of the line. "Would you mind if I came to you instead?" Lucas asked, his voice revealing his desire to dine with me rather than simply receiving food. "I''ve been cooped up in that hospital room for days. Some fresh air would do me good."

    I hesitated for just a moment. Having Lucas ckwood, Alpha of a rival pack, in my home was unusual to say the least. But after everything we''d been through, the pack boundaries between us seemed less important.

    "Of course," I found myself saying. "I''ll have dinner ready in an hour."

    True to his word, Lucas arrived exactly an hourter. He looked better than I expected, though still paler than usual. His tall frame filled my doorway as I weed him in.

    "Something smells amazing," hemented, following me to the kitchen.

    I gestured to the pot on the stove. "Venison stew with moonlight herbs. It should

    help restore your strength."

    Lucas rolled up his sleeves. "Can I help?"

    I raised an eyebrow in surprise. "An Alpha who cooks?"

    He chuckled, the sound warm and genuine. "I live alone. It was either learn to cook or starve."

    We worked side by side, preparing the rest of the meal together. The atmosphere was warm andfortable, surprisingly natural despite our different pack affiliations.

    Over dinner, we talked about everything except pack politics and ourplicated lives. It felt good tough again, to enjoy simple conversation without the weight of grief and betrayal hanging over me.

    "Thank you for this," Lucas said as we finished our meal. "Not just the food, but..... this." He gestured between us. "It''s been a long time since I''ve felt thisfortable with someone."

    I smiled, feeling a warmth that had nothing to do with the food. "Me too."

    After helping me clean up, Lucas reluctantly prepared to leave. "I should go. It''s gettingte."

    I walked him to the door, suddenly aware of how much I''d enjoyed hispany. "Take care of yourself. Doctor''s orders."

    He smiled down at me, his eyes lingering on mine for a moment longer than necessary. "I will. Goodnight, Olivia."

    After Lucas left, I busied myself with tidying up the kitchen, his scent still lingering

    in my

    < Chapter 117: Confrontation a..

    +15 Points >

    cottage. The evening had been unexpectedly pleasant, a brief respite from the pain that had

    dominated my life for so long.

    A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts. I smiled, assuming Lucas had forgotten

    something.

    "Did you forget-" I began as I opened the door, but the words died on my lips.

    Ethan Stone stood on my doorstep, his powerful frame silhouetted against the moonlight. My

    weing smile vanished instantly.

    I tried to shut the door, but he stopped it with one hand, his strength easily preventing me from

    closing it.

    "Olivia, please," he said, his voice low and urgent. "I need to talk to you."

    "Get lost!" I replied curtly, my emerald eyes shing with fury.

    He had the audacity to look hurt. "Olivia, I know I''ve made mistakes. Terrible mistakes. But I

    want to make things right."

    Iughed bitterly. "Now? After everything? I begged you to investigate Victoria, to listen to me

    about Lily, and you chose her. Every. Single. Time."

    "I know," he admitted, his amber eyes filled with regret. "I was blind. But I see the

    truth now.

    About Victoria, about Lily... about us."

    He took a step closer, his familiar scent washing over me. Once, that scent had

    meant safety,

    home, love. Now it only reminded me of betrayal.

    "I want to make amends," he continued. "I want us to start over. We could even...

    have another

    child together."

 The Alpha King is unavailable 216

    (Olivia''s POV)

    Ethan Stone hadn''t finished speaking when my hand flew across his face in a resounding p.

    The sharp c***k echoed through my small cottage as his head snapped to the side.

    "Ethan Stone, are those the words of a human being? What does Lily mean to you after all?" I

    trembled with fury, my eyes burning with unshed tears as I red at him.

    His amber eyes widened in shock. He raised a hand to his reddening cheek, looking stunned

    that I had actually struck him.

    "Olivia, please-" he started, but I cut him off.

    "How dare you?" My voice shook with rage. "How dare you suggest we have another child? As

    if Lily was just some... some pet that can be reced?"

    Ethan''s expression crumpled. "That''s not what I meant-

    "Then what did you mean?" I demanded, my hands clenched into fists at my sides. "Our daughter is dead, Ethan. Dead! And you weren''t there when she needed you most."

    I could see the pain in his eyes, but I was beyond caring. Five years of grief and betrayal poured out of me like a flood.

    "You abandoned her when she was sick. You chose Victoria and Emma over your own daughter. And now you think we can just... start over? Have another baby as if Lily never

    existed?"

    "No, Olivia, that''s not it at all," Ethan pleaded, reaching for my hands. I jerked away from his touch. "I don''t want to rece Lily. I could never rece her."

    His voice softened, filled with a desperate hope that only fueled my anger. "I thought..... I thought that if we had another child, maybe Lily could be reborn. Maybe she could return to

    us."

    I froze, staring at him in disbelief.

    "I''ve been speaking with Elder Tobias Gray," Ethan continued quickly. "He believes in

    reincarnation, that souls can return if there''s enough love calling them back."

    His eyes shone with a fervent light that frightened me. "Lily loved us so much, Olivia. If anyone

    < Chapter 118: Shattered Bonds

    could find their way back, it would be her."

    +15 Points

    For a brief, terrible moment, I felt myself wavering. The thought of holding Lily again, of seeing her smile, hearing herugh... it was almost too much to bear.

    But then reality crashed back in. This wasn''t about Lily at all.

    "You''re not seeking Lily''s return," I said coldly, stepping back from him. "You''re only trying to ease your own guilt over her death."

    My voice trembled with emotion as I continued, "Even if Lily were to return to this world, you

    would never be worthy to be her father again."

    Pain shed across Ethan''s face, raw and real. "Olivia, please. I know I''ve made terrible mistakes. I know I can never fully make up for what I''ve done."

    He stepped toward me, his hands outstretched in supplication. "But I want to try. I want to be better. Any child we might have-whether Lily''s soul or not-I swear I would cherish them. I would never make the same mistakes again."

 The Alpha King is unavailable 217

    I recoiled from his touch, disgust and fury warring within me. "Get out of my house, Ethan.

    Now!"

    "Olivia-"

    "GET OUT!" I screamed, my control finally snapping. Tears streamed down my face as I pointed to the door. "You have no right to be here. No right to ask anything of me!"

    I felt myself teetering on the edge of aplete breakdown. The walls seemed to be closing in, and I couldn''t breathe. Ethan''s presence was suffocating me.

    Through my tears, I caught sight of a familiar figure at the edge of my vision. Lucas

    ckwood stood just outside my door, his powerful frame tense with anger as he took in the

    scene.

    Relief washed over me at the sight of him. Without thinking, I rushed toward him, my eyes

    pleading.

    "Lucas, please," I begged, my voice breaking. "Take me away from here. I can''t...

    I can''t stay here anymore."

    (Lucas''s POV)

    I had only made it halfway to my car when I felt it-a sharp tug of concern that made me turn back toward Olivia''s cottage. Something didn''t feel right.

    +15 Points >

    As I approached, I heard raised voices. Olivia''s, filled with pain and fury, and a man''s-deeper, pleading. I recognized it immediately. Ethan Stone.

    I moved silently to the edge of the clearing, staying in the shadows as I assessed the

    situation. What I saw made my blood boil.

    Olivia stood trembling in her doorway, tears streaming down her face as she screamed at

    Ethan to leave. The Silvercrest Alpha looked desperate, reaching for her even as she backed

    away.

    I''d seen enough. When Olivia spotted me and ran toward me, her eyes filled with tears and

    begging me to take her away, something primal and protective surged within me.

    Without hesitation, Iunched myself at Ethan, my fist connecting with his jaw in a powerful

    blow that sent him staggering backward.

    "What the hell do you think you''re doing?" I growled, positioning myself between him and

    Olivia.

    Ethan recovered quickly, his amber eyes shing with anger as he straightened. "This is

    between me and my mate, ckwood. Stay out of it."

    "Your mate?" Iughed harshly, feeling Olivia trembling against my side. "Is that what you call

    her after abandoning her for years? After letting your daughter die while you yed family

    with another woman?"

    Ethan''s face darkened with rage and guilt. "You know nothing about my rtionship with

    Olivia."

    "I know enough," I snarled, pulling Olivia closer to my side protectively. "I know you''ve caused her nothing but pain. I know she''s crying and begging to be taken away from you."

    I felt Olivia''s fingers clutch at my jacket as she whispered something only I could hear: "Take me to the Moonstone Psychological Counseling Center."

    The request stunned me. I knew what that ce was-a mental health facility for werewolves in crisis. For Olivia to ask to go there meant she was in a far more fragile state than I''d

    realized.

    I turned my attention back to Ethan, my voice dropping to a dangerous growl. "Haven''t you

    caused her enough pain, Stone? What kind of man torments his wife this way?" Ethan took a step forward, his hands clenched into fists. "Don''t pretend you care about her, ckwood. We all know why you''re really here. The Silvercrest territory has always been a

    315

    < Chapter 118 Shattered Bonds

    prize for the Moonstone Pack."

    +15 Points >

    I felt Olivia stiffen beside me, but I kept my eyes on Ethan. "Think what you want, Stone. But

    right now, I''m taking Olivia somewhere safe-away from you."

    In one swift movement, I swept Olivia into my arms. She felt so small, so fragile against my

    chest. Her emerald eyes, usually so fierce and determined, now looked lost and haunted.

    "If you try to stop us," I warned Ethan, "I won''t be responsible for what happens next."

    For a moment, I thought he might challenge me. The Alpha in him bristled at the threat, at

    seeing another wolf-another Alpha-holding his mate. But something in his expression

    shifted as he looked at Olivia''s tear-stained face.

    "Olivia," he said softly, his voice breaking. "Please. We need to talk about this."

    She turned her face into my chest, refusing to even look at him. I felt her tears soaking

    through my shirt.

    "She doesn''t want to talk to you," I said firmly. "Respect her wishes for once in your life."

    Without waiting for his response, I carried Olivia to my SUV parked at the edge of the clearing.

    I could feel Ethan''s eyes burning into my back, but he made no move to follow us.

    As I settled Olivia into the passenger seat, I caught a flicker of movement in the trees beyond

    her cottage. A sh of pale blonde hair, quickly hidden. Someone had been watching us.

    I scanned the area carefully but saw nothing more. Whoever it was had disappeared into the

    shadows.

    "Are you sure about this?" I asked Olivia quietly as I slid into the driver''s seat. "The Counseling

    Center?"

    She nodded, her face pale and drawn. "I can''t do this anymore, Lucas. I feel like I''m drowning.

    Like I''m losing my mind."

    Her honesty broke my heart. I reached over and squeezed her hand gently. "Then that''s where

    we''ll go."

    What I didn''t see was Victoria Frost emerging from the shadows between the trees, a satisfied

    smile ying on her lips as she watched us leave. She pulled out her phone and made a quick

    call before following our SUV at a discreet distance.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 218

    Chapter 119: Fragile Spirits and Shattered Peace

    (Lucas''s POV)

    I paced outside the therapy room, checking my watch every few seconds.

    Forty-five minutes had passed since Olivia went in with Dr. Nora Xu.

    My phone buzzed with messages from my pack, but I ignored them all. Right now, nothing mattered except making sure Olivia was okay.

    The door finally opened, and Dr. Xu emerged alone. Her expression was grave as she gestured for me to join her in a small consultation room across the hall.

    "How is she?" I asked immediately, not bothering with pleasantries.

    Dr. Xu sighed, removing her sses and rubbing the bridge of her nose. "Not good, Alpha ckwood. Ms. Winters is experiencing severe psychological trauma."

    My stomach tightened. "Tell me everything."

    "She''s exhibiting clear signs of post-traumatic stress disorder,plicated grief, and depression," Dr. Xu exined. "The incident at Silvermoon River wasn''t her first suicide

    attempt."

    I felt the blood drain from my face. ¡°What?¡±

    "She confirmed that jumping into the river was deliberate," Dr. Xu said quietly. "And based on our session, I believe she''s still at high risk."

    I clenched my fists, fighting to maintain myposure. "What can I do? How can I help her?"

    Dr. Xu''s expression softened slightly. "She needs medication, which I''ve

    prescribed. Regr therapy sessions are essential. But most importantly, she needs constantpanionship

    right now."

    She leaned forward, her voice firm. "She cannot be left alone, Alpha ckwood. Not even for

    short periods."

    I nodded, taking mental notes. "What else?"

    ¡°Keep her in a positive environment, away from pack politics and especially away from Alpha Stone and Victoria Frost," Dr. Xu continued. "Any interaction with them could trigger another

    crisis."

    < Chapter 119. Fragile Spirits a

    Her eyes met mine directly. "And most critically, protect her from anything rted to her

    daughter''s remains. That''s her most vulnerable point."

    I frowned, confused. "Her daughter''s remains?"

    +15 Points >

    "The ashes," Dr. Xu rified. "Ms. Winters is terrified something will happen to them. It''s the

    The door opened behind us, and Olivia stepped in. Her emerald eyes were dull, her face pale,

    but she maintained aposed exterior that broke my heart. I knew what it cost her to

    appear so controlled.

    "Are you ready to go?" she asked quietly.

    I stood immediately, offering her a gentle smile. "Whenever you are."

    Dr. Xu handed Olivia a small paper bag containing her prescriptions. "Remember what we

    discussed. I''ll see you in three days."

    Olivia nodded, clutching the bag tightly. "Thank you, Dr. Xu."

    As we walked to my SUV, I kept close to her side without touching her. She

    seemed fragile, like

    a porcin doll that might shatter at the slightest pressure.

    "Where would you like to go?" I asked as we settled into the vehicle. "Back to your cottage?"

    Olivia shook her head quickly, panic shing across her face. "No. Not there. Not yet."

    "Okay," I said soothingly. "How about somethingpletely different? Something fun?"

    She looked at me skeptically. "Fun?"

    I started the engine, an idea forming. "Trust me?"

    After a moment''s hesitation, she nodded.

    Twenty minutester, we pulled into the Shadow Creek Indoor Entertainment Complex. Olivia

    looked confused as I led her inside the massive facility.

    "Go-karts?" she asked, eyeing the track where small vehicles zoomed around

    curves.

    I shrugged, trying to keep things light. "Why not? Nothing clears the mind like a little speed

    andpetition."

    For a moment, I thought she might refuse. Then, to my surprise, a tiny smile tugged at her

    lips. "I haven''t done anything like this since college."

    "Perfect time to remember how," I said, guiding her toward the ticket counter.

    216

    +15 Points >

    Soon we were racing around the track, the roar of engines drowning out everything else. I watched Olivia''s face transform as she focused on navigating

    the curves, her emerald eyes lighting up with concentration.

    By our third race, she was actuallyughing as she cut me off at a turn.

    "That''s cheating!" I called out, pretending outrage.

    "That''s strategy!" she shot back, her voice lighter than I''d heard it in days.

    We moved from go-karts to archery, where Olivia surprised me with her precision. Each arrow

    she loosed hit close to the center, her form perfect.

    "Where did you learn to shoot like that?" I asked, impressed.

    A shadow crossed her face. "I took sses when I was pregnant with Lily. I

    wanted to teach

    her when she was old enough."

    I cursed myself for the thoughtless question, but Olivia shook her head.

    "It''s okay," she said softly. "Not every memory of her hurts. Some are beautiful."

    As we tried different activities throughout the afternoon, I watched Olivia carefully.

    The

    moments of joy were real but fleeting, like sunlight breaking through storm clouds only to be

    swallowed again by darkness.

    Between activities, I checked my phone, reviewing information my contacts had sent about

    Lily''s medical records. What I found disturbed me deeply.

    Someone had deliberately erased hospital records about both Lily and Emma''s kidney procedures. The timing of the deletions coincided with Ethan Stone''s visit to the medical

    archives. He was covering up Victoria''s maniption of the donor situation-a maniption

    that had cost Lily her life.

    I felt sick with anger but kept my expression neutral. Olivia didn''t need more darkness today.

    By evening, I could see exhaustion setting in. Olivia''s shoulders drooped, and the light that had

    briefly returned to her eyes was fading.

    "You need rest," I said gently as we walked back to my SUV. "And somewhere

    safe to sleep

    tonight."

    She nodded, too tired to argue. "I don''t want to go back to my cottage."

    "The Silver Crown Hotel is nearby," I suggested. "It''s a ckwood Pack Enterprises property. I

    can ensure your privacy and safety there."

    316

    < Chapter 119: Fragile Spirits a...

    Olivia hesitated, then agreed. "Just for tonight."

    +15 Points >

    At the hotel, I arranged the Presidential Suite for her and took the adjacent room

    for myself. I wanted to be immediately avable if she needed anything during the

    night.

    "Thank you," she said quietly as we stood outside her door. "For everything

    today."

    I resisted the urge to touch her face, to brush away the strand of hair that had

    fallen across

    her cheek. "Try to get some rest. I''m right next door if you need anything."

    She nodded, offering a small smile before disappearing into her suite.

    I entered my own room and immediately called the hotel security team, instructing

    them to

    monitor all ess to Olivia''s floor. No one-especially not Ethan Stone or Victoria Frost-was

    to be allowed near her.

    Then I called Dr. Xu to update her on Olivia''s condition and confirm our next steps. The

    medication would take time to work, but the distraction had helped today. It was a

    start.

    (Olivia''s POV)

 The Alpha King is unavailable 219

    The Presidential Suite was luxurious beyond anything I''d experienced in years. Plush carpets,

    elegant furniture, a bathroomrger than my entire cottage kitchen.

    I ran my fingers along the marble countertop, feeling strangely detached from my

    surroundings. The day with Lucas had been... nice. For brief moments, I''d forgotten the

    crushing weight of grief that had be my constantpanion.

    But now, alone in this opulent suite, reality crashed back in. Lily was still gone. My

    life was

    still shattered. And no amount of go-kart racing or luxury amodations could change that.

    I filled the enormous bathtub with hot water, adding thevender bath salts provided by the

    hotel. My muscles ached from the day''s activities, unustomed to so much movement after

    months of grief-induced lethargy.

    As I was about to undress, my phone rang with a video call from an unknown number. I

    almost ignored it, but something-intuition perhaps-made me answer.

    The screen remained ck for several seconds. Then a voice spoke, distorted and

    unrecognizable.

    "Hello, Olivia. Missing something?"

    The camera shifted, revealing a familiar object that made my blood freeze in my

    veins. The Moonwood Ceremonial Urn containing Lily''s ashes.

    "No," I whispered, horror washing over me. "How did you-"

    "Doesn''t matter," the voice cut in. "What matters is what happens next."

    The camera panned to show Sacred Moonlight Cemetery, the moonlight casting eerie

    shadows across the gravestones.

    "If you want to see this urn again,e to your daughter''s grave. Alone. Now."

    "Who are you?" I demanded, my voice shaking with fury and fear. "What do you want?"

    "Justice," the voice replied simply. "You have thirty minutes."

    The call ended abruptly, leaving me staring at a nk screen.

    +15 Points >

    Without hesitation, I grabbed my coat and purse. I didn''t bother changing out of my casual

    clothes or even putting on proper shoes. Nothing mattered except getting to Lily''s ashes.

    I slipped out of the suite, taking the service elevator to avoid being seen by Lucas or hotel

    security. My hands trembled as I hailed a taxi outside, giving the driver directions to Sacred

    Moonlight Cemetery.

    The ride felt interminable, each second stretching into eternity as I imagined what might be

    happening to Lily''s remains. Those ashes were all I had left of my daughter. The thought of

    losing them was unbearable.

    When we finally arrived, I threw money at the driver and ran through the cemetery gates, my

    heart pounding in my chest. The moonlight illuminated the path to Lily''s grave, a route I had

    walked countless times before..

    As I approached, I saw a figure standing beside my daughter''s tombstone. The Moonwood

    Ceremonial Urn sat precariously on the edge of the stone.

    "Victoria," I breathed, recognizing her even in the dim light.

    She turned, a cruel smile ying on her lips. "You came faster than I expected. Maternal

    instinct is such a powerful thing, isn''t it?"

    "Give me my daughter''s ashes," I demanded, taking a step forward.

    Victoria''s hand moved to the urn, her fingers brushing its surface. "Not so fast.

    One wrong move and little Lily goes flying."

    I froze, terror gripping my heart. "Please," I whispered. "Don''t do this."

    "Begging already?" Victoriaughed, the sound echoing through the silent cemetery. "But we''ve barely begun."

    < Chapter 119 Fragile Spirits a...

    +15 Points

    She picked up the urn, cradling it with mock tenderness. "Such a pretty container for such a

    worthless child."

    Rage surged through me, but fear kept me rooted in ce. "What do you want, Victoria?"

    "What I''ve always wanted,¡± she replied, her voice hardening. ¡°For you to disappear from Ethan''s lifepletely."

    She took a step closer, the urn still clutched in her hands. "You''ve be a problem again, Olivia. Running to Lucas ckwood, turning Ethan against me..."

    "I never-"

    "Silence!" Victoria snapped. "I''m not interested in your excuses."

    She held the urn up, moonlight glinting off its polished surface. "One call from me, and Ethan

    will know you''ve been consorting with his greatest rival. How do you think he''ll react to that

    betrayal?"

    I shook my head desperately. "There''s nothing between Lucas and me. He''s just been kind-"

    "Kind?" Victoriaughed again. "Men like Lucas ckwood aren''t kind without reason. He''s

    using you to get to Ethan, to weaken the Silvercrest Pack."

    She tapped the lid of the urn thoughtfully. ¡°But that''s not my concern right now. My concern is

    making sure you understand your ce."

    "What do you want from me?" I asked again, my voice breaking.

    Victoria''s smile widened. "I want you to kneel."

    I stared at her in disbelief. "What?"

    "Kneel before me," she repeated, her voice silky with malice. "Beg for your daughter''s ashes."

    Pride warred with maternal instinct inside me. For myself, I might have refused. But for Lily...

    Slowly, I sank to my knees on the cold ground, my eyes never leaving the urn in Victoria''s

    hands.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 220

    "Victoria, I beg you... Please return Lily''s ashes to me."

    I knelt on the cold cemetery ground, my knees sinking into the damp earth. Looking up at Victoria Frost with my bloodshot emerald eyes, I felt my voice breaking with desperation. My wolf, once proud and fierce, now whimpered in submission as Lily''s Moonwood Ceremonial

    Urn dangled precariously in Victoria''s manicured grasp.

    The sacred vessel containing my daughter''s remains left no room for other thoughts. As long as I could protect what remained of my pup, what was my pride worth? My wolf would endure

    any humiliation to safeguard Lily''s spirit.

    "Please," I whispered again, hating the tremor in my voice. "That''s all I have left of her."

    Victoria''s lips curved into a cruel smile as she deliberately swung the urn back and forth. The moonlight caught the delicate crystal iys, sending prisms of light dancing across her face.

    "Look at you now," she said, her voice dripping with satisfaction. "The mighty Luna

    of

 The Alpha King is unavailable 221

    Silvercrest Pack, on her knees before me."

    I swallowed hard, forcing down my pride. "Victoria, I''ll do anything. Just don''t harm her ashes."

    Victoria looked down at me, savoring the moment of triumph. I could see the memory of her own humiliation at this very cemetery burning in her eyes-where I had forced her to kowtow to Lily''s grave after discovering she had desecrated it.

    "Anything?" Victoria''s eyes gleamed with malicious delight. "Then bow to me. Not just kneel. Kowtow. Touch your forehead to the ground."

    Without hesitation, I bent forward, pressing my forehead against the cold earth. My wolf, driven by maternal instinct, epted the humiliation without protest. "Again," Victoriamanded, her voice cruel with pleasure. "Lower this time."

    Iplied, bending until my face pressed harder against the rough ground. "Again!"

    Each time I rose, she demanded another bow. Again and again, I kowtowed, my forehead scraping against small stones and twigs. I felt my skin break, but I didn''t stop. Warm blood

    < Chapter 120 You Deserve to...

    +15 Points >

    trickled down my face, crimson droplets staining the sacred ground as my wolf surrenderedpletely to maternal instinct.

    "How does it feel, Olivia?" Victoria taunted. "To be nothing. To have nothing. Not even your

    dignity."

    I remained silent, focusing only on the urn in her hands. Nothing else mattered.

    "Your precious daughter is dead, your mate prefers me, and now you''re bleeding at my feet."

    Herughter echoed through the cemetery. "This is exactly where you belong."

    Victoria finally told me to stop, her lips curved in a satisfied smile. She ced Lily''s

    Moonwood Ceremonial Urn on the ground between us.

    "Thank you," I whispered, reaching for it.

    Before my fingers could touch the sacred vessel, Victoria deliberately stepped on

    it with her designer heel. The sound of cracking wood echoed through the night like a gunshot.

    ¡°No!" I screamed, lunging forward.

    Victoria pressed harder, the delicate wood splintering under her weight.

    "You couldn''t protect Lily in life, and you can''t protect her in death," Victoria taunted cruelly.

    My hands hovered helplessly as she ground her heel against the precious urn. My wolf howled in anguish, the sound trapped in my chest.

    Victoria''s voice dropped to a venomous whisper. "Did you know your husband wasplicit in Lily''s death?"

    I froze, my blood turning to ice. "What?"

    "Oh yes," she continued, her eyes glittering with malice. "That kidney donor that was supposed to save Lily? Ethan redirected it to Emma."

    The world seemed to tilt beneath me. "You''re lying."

    "Am I?" Victoria smirked. "Why do you think Emma recovered so quickly from her illness while Lily withered away? Why do you think the donor suddenly became ''unavable'' for Lily''s

    surgery?"

    My mind raced back to those desperate days, the frantic calls to Ethan that went unanswered,

    the mysterious disappearance of the donor we had waited months to find.

    "Your husband ignored your frantic calls during Lily''s surgery while he wasforting Emma,"

    she gloated, her words designed to shatter what remained of my will to live. "Even now, he

    215

    < Chapter 120 You Deserve to...

    recognizes Emma as his true daughter, not your pathetic child who couldn''t survive."

    +15 Points >

    Each word was a dagger to my heart. I remembered how Ethan had been absent during Lily''s final hours, how he had imed to be caught in an important meeting. The pieces were falling into ce with devastating rity.

    ¡°No,¡± I whispered, but the denial sounded hollow even to my own ears.

    "Yes," Victoria insisted. "Ask him yourself if you don''t believe me. Watch his face when you do. You''ll see the truth."

    Driven to despair by Victoria''s revtion about Ethan''s role in Lily''s death and her relentless taunts, I momentarily lost my will to fight. My wolf retreated deep within, curling into itself as if mortally wounded.

    I copsed to the ground, my body shaking with silent sobs as the full weight of betrayal crushed me. The man I had loved, the father of my child, had chosen another woman''s daughter over our own. Had actively contributed to our daughter''s death.

    Victoria, believing her work was done, turned to leave. "Goodbye, Olivia. Enjoy what''s left of your pathetic life."

    As Victoria walked away, something shifted inside me. A sudden surge of rage ignited within my chest, burning away the despair. My wolf, driven by maternal fury and the primal need to avenge my pup,unched forward.

    I pushed Victoria with unexpected strength, catching herpletely off guard. She stumbled backward, her high heels unsuited for the uneven cemetery ground.

    "You b***h!" she screamed, arms iling as she tried to regain her bnce.

    In her desperate attempt to stay upright, her foot identally kicked Lily''s damaged Moonwood Ceremonial Urn. The sacred vessel tumbled, its cracked lid breaking open

    Horror flooded through me as I watched the urn roll toward the edge of a rocky outcrop. Victoria, still struggling for bnce, followed it, her eyes wide with fear as she realized how

    close she was to the steep drop.

    "Help me!" she shrieked, reaching out.

    But I was frozen, watching as the urn tipped over the edge, spilling Lily''s ashes

    into the night air. Victoria''s scream echoed through the cemetery as she fell over the edge after them.

    "Lily!" I cried out, rushing to the edge.

    375

    +15 Points>

    I could see Victoria below, moaning and clutching her ankle, but my eyes were fixed on the

    scattered ashes being carried away by the gentle night breeze. My hands trembled as I tried desperately to gather what remained, but it was futile.

    My wolf howled in distress as I watched thest physical remnants of my daughter disappear

    into the darkness. I clutched the empty, damaged urn to my chest, tears streaming down my

    face and mixing with the blood from my wounded forehead.

    Heartbroken and consumed by grief, I pulled out my phone and called Ethan. My voice was

    hollow as I told him I needed to see him.

    "Olivia?" His voice sounded slurred. "What''s wrong?"

    "I need to see you," I repeated, my voice devoid of emotion. "Now."

    Ethan, clearly drunk at Moonlight Manor, sighed heavily. "I''ll send Maxwell to pick you up."

    When Maxwell Chen arrived, he found me standing by the cemetery gates, my clothes stained

    with blood from my forehead and tears streaking my pale cheeks. I was still clutching the

    empty Moonwood Ceremonial Urn to my chest.

    "Mrs. Stone," he said gently, his eyes widening at my appearance. "Let me help

    you."

    My wolf''s energy was so diminished that I could barely stand as he helped me into the

    vehicle. The drive to Moonlight Manor passed in a blur of grief and rage.

    At Moonlight Manor, Ethan Stone was waiting in the entrance hall. His amber eyes widened

    with concern when he saw my condition.

    "Olivia, you''re bleeding,¡± he said, reaching for me. "What happened?"

    I pulled away from his touch, my body rigid with revulsion. "Don''t touch me."

    Confusion flickered across his face. "Let me help you. You''re hurt."

    "How can you live with yourself after causing Lily''s death?" I whispered, my voice

    barely

    audible.

    Ethan froze, his hand suspended in mid-air. The shock and guilt that shed across his face

    confirmed Victoria''s words. In that moment, I knew she had told the truth.

    "Olivia, I-" he began, but I didn''t let him finish.

    In a fit of rage and grief, my wolf surged forward with onest burst of protective

    fury. I

    spotted a Silver-Edged Hunting Knife on the nearby table-the same one that had been used to

    attack Emma, now kept as evidence.

    < Chapter 120 You Deserve to...

    Without conscious thought, I grabbed it and plunged it into Ethan''s abdomen. His

    eyes widened in shock and pain as the silver edge prated his flesh.

    +15 Points

    "Ethan Stone, you deserve to die!" I cried out, my emerald eyes wild with pain as I

    watched

    crimson blood bloom across his white shirt.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 222

    Blood immediately soaked his white shirt, spreading like a crimson flower blooming in the

    moonlight. The metallic scent filled my nostrils, but I felt no remorse-only a hollow

    ache

    where my heart used to be.

    Tears streamed down my face as I twisted the knife deeper. "She was your daughter! Your own

    flesh and blood!"

    Ethan''s amber eyes widened with shock and pain. His mouth opened, but only a

    choked gasp

    escaped.

    "What would Lily think?" I sobbed, my entire body trembling with grief and rage. "How would

    she feel knowing her beloved daddy was responsible for her death?"

    The memory of Victoria''s maniptive call shed through my mind. Her honeyed voice luring

    me to Sacred Moonlight Cemetery with promises of returning Lily''s urn. The way she dangled

    the Moonwood Ceremonial Urn before me, forcing me to kowtow until my forehead bled.

    "You redirected Lily''s kidney donor to Emma," I hissed, twisting the knife again. "Our daughter.

    died while you wereforting another woman''s child!"

    I knew Victoria had orchestrated this confrontation, hoping I would kill Ethan and then myself." She wanted me broken beyond repair, driven to suicide by the weight of my actions.

    But something in me refused to surrenderpletely to despair. The empty urn I still clutched

    in my left hand reminded me of what I had lost-what had been taken from me.

    "Tell me it''s not true," I pleaded, my emerald eyes searching his face for any sign of denial.

    "Tell me Victoria lied."

    I desperately wanted him to deny it, to tell me it was all a cruel maniption. My wolf, though weakened by grief, still clung to the faintest hope that the mate we had once loved couldn''t have betrayed us sopletely.

    Ethan''s face contorted with pain as he slumped against the wall, leaving a smear of blood. "Olivia..." he gasped, his voice barely audible.

    "Tell me!" I screamed, my fingers tightening around the knife handle.

    +15 Points >

    Ethan''s eyes met mine, and in that moment, I saw the truth. The guilt that shed across his face confirmed everything Victoria had said.

    "I''m sorry," he whispered, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. "I never meant for Lily to

    die."

    His admission hit me like a physical blow. My legs nearly gave out beneath me as thest

    shred of hope died in my chest.

    "You chose Emma over Lily," I whispered, my voice hollow with disbelief. "You let our daughter

    die."

    Ethan reached for me with blood-stained hands. "Olivia, please... I was wrong. So wrong."

    "Don''t touch me!" I recoiled violently, the sudden movement dislodging the hunting knife from

    his abdomen.

    Blood spurted from the wound, sttering across my hands and clothes. The warm, sticky sensation made me freeze, staring at my crimson-coated fingers in horror.

    I had wanted to kill him. Had imagined plunging the knife into his heart again and again until he felt a fraction of the pain I''d endured. But now, with his blood on my hands, I couldn''t bring

    myself to strike again.

    "I wish I could take it back," Ethan gasped, pressing his hand against the wound. "Every day

    since Lily died, I''ve wished I could change what happened."

    His words meant nothing against the enormity of his betrayal. Five years of grief,

    of wondering why our daughter had to die while Emma thrived. Five years of watching him shower Victoria''s daughter with the love and attention he had denied Lily.

    My legs finally gave out, and I copsed to my knees, still clutching the empty urn. Sobs wracked my body as the full weight of the truth crushed me.

    Ethan, weakened by blood loss and the silver''s burning effect on his werewolf healing, slid down the wall until he was sitting on the floor. He tried to reach for me again, but the

    movement caused more blood to gush from his wound.

    He groaned in pain, his face ashen as he copsedpletely, sprawling at my feet. "Olivia,"

    he whispered, his amber eyes filled with remorse. "I''m so sorry."

    I remained motionless, tears streaming down my face as I stared at him. The man

    I had once

    loved more than life itself. The father who had betrayed our daughter in the worst possible

    way.

    216

    < Chapter 121- Blood and Betra

    +15 Points>

    My wolf, driven by maternal instinct and the primal need for vengeance, howled within me. I

    watched him bleeding, silently willing him to die.

    (Maxwell''s POV)

    Something wasn''t right. I''d been waiting in the car for nearly thirty minutes, and the silence from Moonlight Manor was unsettling.

    Alpha Ethan had instructed me to wait outside after bringing Mrs. Stone to him, but my

    instincts were screaming that something was wrong. As his special assistant for years, I''d

    learned to trust those instincts.

    I checked my watch again, then made a decision. Using my security code, I let myself into the

    manor.

    The moment I stepped inside, the strong scent of blood hit me like a physical blow. My wolf

    immediately went on high alert, hackles raised.

    "Alpha?" I called out, moving quickly through the entrance hall.

    The metallic scent grew stronger as I approached the main living area. When I rounded the

    corner, the sight before me made me freeze in horror.

    Alpha Ethany on the floor in a pool of blood, a silver-edged knife beside him. Mrs. Stone sat nearby, her clothes and hands covered in blood, clutching what looked like a broken wooden

    container.

    "Mrs. Stone!" I rushed forward, dropping to my knees beside Alpha Ethan. "What happened?"

    She didn''t respond, her emerald eyes vacant as she stared at her blood-covered hands.

    I quickly checked Alpha Ethan''s pulse-weak but present. The wound in his abdomen was still bleeding, the silver edge of the knife having prevented his werewolf healing from activating.

    I pulled out my phone and dialed the pack medical team. "Emergency at Moonlight Manor," I barked. "Alpha Ethan is down with a silver wound. Send healers immediately."

    While waiting for the medical team, I pressed my hands against Alpha Ethan''s wound, trying to slow the bleeding. Mrs. Stone remained motionless, seemingly in

    shock.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 223

    "Mrs. Stone," I tried again. "Are you hurt?"

    She finally looked at me, her eyes focusing slightly. "He let Lily die," she whispered. "He chose

    Emma over our daughter."

    Before I could respond, the medical team burst through the door. Dr. Harold Bet led the

    376

    team, his experienced eyes quickly assessing the situation.

    "Get him stabilized for transport," Dr. Bet ordered his team. "The silver is preventing

    healing. We need to flush the wound immediately."

    +15 Points>

    As they worked on Alpha Ethan, I noticed his eyes flutter open. Despite his weakened state,

    his voice carried the unmistakablemand of an Alpha.

    "Maxwell," he rasped. "Don''t call the Enforcers."

    Dr. Bet looked up sharply. "Alpha, this is an attempted murder-"

    "No," Ethan interrupted, his voice weak but firm. "Olivia is innocent. This stays within the pack.

    Absolute secrecy."

    The medical team exchanged nces but knew better than to question a direct order from

    their Alpha.

    "Maxwell," Ethan continued, his voice fading as the sedatives took effect. "Call Lucas

    ckwood. Tell him to take care of Olivia."

    His eyes closed as he slipped into unconsciousness, leaving me with the impossible task of exining this situation to one of the most powerful Alphas in the Northern Territory.

    I looked at Mrs. Stone, still sitting in shock with blood drying on her hands, and wondered what could have possibly happened to bring them to this point.

    (Victoria''s POV)

    The moment Olivia pushed me, I knew I was in trouble. My designer heels werepletely unsuited for the uneven cemetery ground, and I felt myself losing bnce.

    "You b***h!" I screamed, arms iling as I tried to regain my footing.

    In my panic, my foot connected with the stupid urn I''d been taunting her with. The cracked container rolled toward the edge of the rocky outcrop, and to my horror, I followed it.

    The ground disappeared beneath me, and for one terrifying moment, I was falling through open air. My stomach lurched as gravity pulled me down.

    By some miracle, my hand caught a protruding tree branch growing from the side of the outcrop. The sudden stop nearly dislocated my shoulder, but I clung to it desperately.

    "Help!" I screamed, looking up at the edge where Olivia stood. "Olivia, help me!"

    But she wasn''t even looking at me. Her attention was fixed on the scattered ashes being carried away by the night breeze, her face a mask of devastation.

    < Chapter 121 Blood and Betra

    +15 Points)

    My grip on the branch was precarious at best. My manicured nails dug into the rough bark,

    breaking one by one as I struggled to hold on.

    "Please!" I called again, but Olivia had already turned away, clutching the empty urn to her

    chest.

    The branch creaked ominously under my weight. I tried to swing my legs up to find purchase

    on the rock face, but the movement only weakened my grip further.

    Myst fingernail broke, and I felt myself falling again. This time, there was nothing to catch

    1. me.

    The impact when I hit the ground knocked the breath from my lungs. A searing pain shot

    through my lower back, so intense that ck spots danced before my eyes.

    I tried to move, to call for help, but my body wouldn''t respond. Thest thing I saw before

    consciousness slipped away was the moon shining coldly above me, indifferent to

    my

    suffering.

    I don''t know how long Iy there, drifting in and out of consciousness. The cold night air

    chilled my body, making me shiver despite the numbness spreading through my limbs.

    Morning light was filtering through the trees when I heard voices approaching.

    "Oh my god, there''s someone down there!" a female voice called out.

    "Call emergency services!" a male voice responded.

    I tried to speak, to call for help, but only a weak moan escaped my lips.

    The next few hours passed in a blur of pain and confusion. Paramedics carefully stabilizing

    my neck and back. The jarring ambnce ride to Silvercrest Pack Medical Den. Doctors

    hovering over me, their faces grim as they examined my injuries.

    When I finally regained full consciousness, the first thing I noticed was the smell. A foul,

    unwashed odor that assaulted my sensitive werewolf nose.

    I turned my head to see an elderly wolf in the bed next to mine, snoring loudly with his mouth

    open.

    "What is this?" I demanded, my voice hoarse. "Why am I not in a private room?¡±

    A nurse approached, clipboard in hand. "Ms. Frost, you''re in the general ward. We''re at

    capacity with the full moon injuries."

    "This is uneptable!" I tried to sit up but found I couldn''t move my lower body. "Do you know

    who I am? Call Alpha Stone immediately!"

    +15 Points >

    The elderly wolf in the next bed woke up, ring at me. "Keep it down, will ya? Some of us are

    trying to rest."

    "How dare you speak to me that way?" I snarled, my wolf rising to the surface. "I am Victoria

    Frost, personal friend of Alpha King Ethan Stone!"

    "Don''t care if you''re the Moon Goddess herself," the old wolf grumbled. "You''re making too

    much noise."

    Rage boiled within me. I reached for the water ss on my bedside table, intending to throw it

    at him.

    That''s when I realized something was terribly wrong. I could move my arms, but below my

    waist... nothing. No sensation. No movement.

    "Nurse!" I called, panic rising in my throat. "Nurse, I can''t move my legs!"

 The Alpha King is unavailable 224

    Chapter 122: Victoria''s Despair

    (Victoria''s POV)

    I tried to sit up, but something was wrong. My arms moved, but my lower body remained

    motionless. A cold dread washed over me.

    "I can''t move my legs," I whispered, panic rising in my throat. "Why can''t I move my legs?"

    The nurse''s expression softened with practiced sympathy. "Dr. Wilson will be here shortly to

    discuss your condition."

    I reached down, pinching my thigh hard. Nothing. Not even the faintest sensation. The panic

    exploded into full-blown terror.

    "Fix this!" I screamed, grabbing the nurse''s arm. "Fix this now!"

    Dr. Samuel Wilson chose that moment to enter, his face grave as he approached my bed. "Ms.

    Frost, I''m afraid I have difficult news."

    "Just tell me," I hissed, my wolf snarling beneath the surface.

    "The fall caused significant damage to your spinal cord," he exined, his voice clinically

    detached. "You''ve sustained aplete injury at the T10 vertebra."

    I stared at him nkly, refusing to process his words.

    "You''re paralyzed from the waist down," he continued. "I''m sorry, but the damage

    is

    permanent."

    "No," I whispered, shaking my head. "No, that''s impossible. I''m a werewolf. We heal."

    Dr. Wilson sighed. "Even werewolf healing has limitations. The spinal cord is delicate. Once

    severedpletely...''

    "You''re paralyzed," the woman in the next bed stated bluntly, her voiceced with cruel satisfaction. "You''ll spend the rest of your life in a wheelchair."

    I recognized her then - Veronica Palmer, a she-wolf from a minor family who had always envied my position in the pack.

    "Shut up!" I snarled, my fangs elongating with rage.

    Veronica smirked. "Karma''s a b***h, isn''t it? Wasn''t it Olivia who warned you about retribution

    < Chapter 122 Victoria''s Despair

    for what you did to her daughter?"

    +15 Points >

    The memory of Olivia''s words at Lily''s grave hit me like a physical blow. "You will pay for this,"

    she had said. "The Moon Goddess sees all."

    I lunged toward Veronica, but my dead weight legs anchored me to the bed. The sudden.

    movement sent a wave of nausea through me, and I retched over the side of the mattress.

    "Nurse!" Dr. Wilson called, rushing to stabilize me. "Get Ms. Palmer moved to another ward

    immediately!"

    As they wheeled Veronica away, herughter echoed down the corridor. "Enjoy your new life,

    Victoria!"

    Left alone with the reality of my condition, I stared at my useless legs. This couldn''t be happening. Not to me. I had worked too hard, sacrificed too much to end up like this.

    My mind raced back to when I first arrived at Silvercrest Pack territory. I had been nobody then

    - just another she-wolf seeking protection. But I had been clever. I had researched Ethan

    Stone''s past, discovered his childhood sweetheart had been called "Vicky."

    It had been so easy to convince him I was that same girl, grown up. His memory

    of her had been hazy at best, clouded by the trauma of his mother''s death. And I had yed the part perfectly.

    For years, I had maintained the deception, working my way into his heart, his bed, his life. I

    had even managed to position my daughter Emma as his favorite, despite her having no biological connection to him.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 225

    My greatest triumph had been redirecting that kidney donor from Lily to Emma. Nathan ckwood had been surprisingly easy to convince his loyalty to me outweighing any ethical concerns. And when Lily died, I hadforted Ethan, solidifying my position while Olivia fell

    apart.

    I had been untouchable. Until now.

    "Ms. Frost?" A timid voice interrupted my thoughts.

    Dorothy Lawson, my housekeeper, stood at the doorway, clutching a small bag of my personal

    items.

    "Finally," I snapped. "Give me my phone. Now."

    Dorothy hurried forward, her eyes widening as she took in my condition. "Ms. Frost, I''m so sorry-"

    < Chapter 122 Victoria''s Despair

    "Save it," I cut her off, snatching the bag from her hands. "Just help me sit up properly."

    +15 Points >

    As Dorothy adjusted my pillows, I dug through the bag for my phone. I needed to call Ethan.

    He would arrange a private room, better doctors, specialists who could fix this.

    My fingers trembled as I dialed his number. It rang several times before someone answered -

    but it wasn''t Ethan.

    "Maxwell Chen speaking," came the formal voice of Ethan''s special assistant.

    "Maxwell, where is Ethan? I need to speak with him immediately."

    There was a pause, too long to be anything but bad news.

    "Ms. Frost," Maxwell said carefully. "I regret to inform you that Alpha King Stone is currently in

    the intensive care unit."

    The phone nearly slipped from my grasp. "What? What happened to him?"

    "I''m not at liberty to discuss the details over the phone," Maxwell replied, his tone maddeningly professional. "But his condition is critical."

    "I''ming to see him," I dered, already trying to swing my legs over the side of the bed.

    "Ms. Frost, I don''t think-"

    I hung up, tossing the phone aside. "Dorothy, help me into a wheelchair. Now."

    Dorothy hesitated. "Ms. Frost, you''ve just regained consciousness. Perhaps you should rest-

    "Now!" I roared, my wolf surging to the surface.

    Reluctantly, Dorothy fetched a wheelchair from the corridor. As she helped me move, I realized the source of the unpleasant odor that had been offending my sensitive nose since waking.

    I had soiled myself.

    The humiliation burned through me like acid. "Get me cleaned up," I hissed, mortification turning to rage. "And find me some decent clothes."

    Dorothy worked quickly, her face carefully nk as she helped clean and dress me. The indignity of needing assistance for such basic functions was almost unbearable.

    When she finally settled me in the wheelchair, I gripped the armrests so tightly my knuckles turned white. "Take me to Ethan. Now."

    Dorothy pushed me through the corridors of the medical den, past curious stares and whisperedments. My wolf snarled at each pitying nce, each hastily averted gaze.

    < Chapter 122 Victoria''s Despair

    +15 Points)

    We were stopped at the entrance to the intensive care unit by a stern-faced nurse. "Family

    only."

    "I am family," I lied smoothly. "I''m his mate."

    The nurse''s eyes narrowed. "His mate is Olivia Winters."

    "His true mate," I insisted, letting my wolf rise to the surface. "Now let me through before I have you fired."

    The nurse hesitated, then stepped aside. "Ten minutes only."

    Inside, I found Maxwell Chen standing guard outside a private room. His eyes widened slightly

    at the sight of me in a wheelchair, but he quicklyposed his features.

    "Ms. Frost," he greeted me formally. "I''m afraid Alpha Stone is not receiving visitors."

    "What happened to him?" I demanded, wheeling myself closer. "Tell me everything."

    Maxwell''s expression remained carefully neutral. "He sustained a serious injury to his kidney. The wound was inflicted with a silver-edged weapon, which hasplicated his natural

    healing."

    My mind immediately connected the dots. "It was Olivia, wasn''t it? She stabbed him!"

    Maxwell''s silence was confirmation enough.

    "Where is she now?" I asked, already reaching for my phone to call the Northern Territory

    Enforcers.

    Maxwell''s hand shot out, stopping me. "Alpha Stone left explicit instructions. No enforcers are

    to be involved."

    He pulled out his phone, ying a recording of Ethan''s voice: "Don''t call the enforcers. It has nothing to do with her... Whether I live or die, don''t make things difficult for her."

    I stared at Maxwell in disbelief. "She tried to kill him, and he''s protecting her?" "Those are his orders," Maxwell said firmly. "And as his assistant, I will ensure they are

    followed."

    I forced myself to take a deep breath, to think strategically. "Of course," I said, softening my tone. "Ethan knows best. I would never go against his wishes." Maxwell''s shoulders rxed slightly. "Thank you for understanding."

    "May I use the private washroom?" I asked, gesturing to the door across the hall. "I''m still

    < Chapter 122 Victoria''s Despair

    adjusting to... this." I indicated the wheelchair with a grimace.

    Maxwell nodded sympathetically. "Of course. Do you need assistance?"

    "No," I said quickly. "Dorothy can help me."

    +15 Points)

    Once inside the washroom with the door locked, I pulled out my phone again. But

    I didn''t call

    the enforcers. I called Elder Richard Stone, Ethan''s father.

    "Victoria?" his gruff voice answered. "What''s happened?"

    "It''s Ethan," I said, letting tears fill my voice. "He''s been stabbed. With silver. It''s critical."

    "What?" Elder Stone''s roar was so loud I had to hold the phone away from my ear. "Who did this?"

    "Olivia," I whispered, as if afraid of being overheard. "She stabbed him and fled. But Ethan left

    orders not to involve the enforcers."

    ¡°That''s absurd!¡± Elder Stone growled. ¡°I''ming immediately. Where are you?" "Silvercrest Pack Medical Den, intensive care unit," I replied. "Please hurry. I''m... I''m scared he

    won''t make it."

    I ended the call, a smile spreading across my face despite the pain and humiliation of my condition. Olivia Winters had taken my legs, but I would take everything from her.

    Within the hour, Elder Richard Stone arrived at the medical den with Eleanor Stone, Ethan''s

    aunt, in tow. Their faces were thunderous as they stormed through the corridors.

    Maxwell tried to intercept them outside Ethan''s room. "Elder Stone, I must inform you that

    Alpha Stone left specific instructions-"

    "Stand aside, boy," Elder Stone growled, his authority as former Alpha still formidable. "That''s

    my son in there."

    I wheeled myself forward, tears streaming down my face. "Elder Stone, thank the

    Moon

    Goddess you''re here. It''s terrible... Olivia deliberately stabbed him with a silver de."

    Elder Richard''s face contorted with rage. "That Omega b***h dared to attack my

    son?"

    Maxwell stepped forward. "Sir, with all due respect, Alpha Stone specifically ordered-"

    "I don''t care what he ordered!" Elder Stone roared. "My son is fighting for his life because of

    that woman''s treachery!"

    He pulled out his phone, dialing a number with angry jabs of his finger. "Chief Garrison? This

    < Chapter 122 Victoria''s Despair

    +15 Points >

    is Elder Richard Stone. I want Olivia Winters arrested immediately for the

    attempted murder of Alpha King Ethan Stone."

 The Alpha King is unavailable 226

    +15 Points >

    I rushed through the hospital corridor toward the exit. My grandfather''s condition had finally stabilized after a night of terror. The specialist I''d arranged had worked miracles.

    I checked my phone again. Three missed calls from Olivia. Guilt gnawed at me as

    remembered refusing her request to visit the Ancient Moon Temple.

    "Mr. ckwood?" Thomas called, holding the car door open. "Where to, sir?"

    "Maple Grove," I replied, sliding into the backseat. "Quickly."

    As we approached Silverfang Bridge, I saw Olivia''s blue sedan swerving wildly acrossnes. A

    school bus had just pulled onto the bridge ahead of her.

    "Stop the car!" I shouted, already reaching for the door handle.

    Time slowed as I watched Olivia''s car veer sharply left - away from the bus, toward the bridge

    railing. The crash of metal against metal echoed across the water as her car broke through

    the guardrail.

    "Olivia!" I screamed, running toward the railing.

    Her car hung suspended for one terrible moment before plummeting into the churning waters.

    of Moonstone River below.

    I was already climbing over the railing when strong hands pulled me back.

    "You can''t jump!" Travis Walker shouted. "The current''s too strong! You''ll both die!"

    I struggled against his grip. "Let me go! She''s drowning!"

    "Call the Timber Ridge Rescue Squad!" Travis yelled to the gathering crowd.

    Reality crashed over me. Travis was right. The Moonstone River was notorious for its deadly

    currents. If I jumped, I''d only add another body to recover.

    I pulled out my phone with shaking hands, calling every contact I had with water

    rescue

    experience. Money, resources, equipment - I promised it all.

    The wait for the rescue team was excruciating. Each second stretched into eternity as I paced the bridge, my eyes never leaving the water''s surface.

    < Chapter 124 Depths of Despair

    Travis approached cautiously. "Alpha ckwood, there''s a small chapel near the Ancient Moon Temple. Many wolves findfort there in times like these."

    Without another word, I walked to the small stone structure. I''d never been particrly spiritual, but in that moment, I would have bargained with any deity who would listen.

    +15 Points >

    I knelt before the simple altar. "If she survives this, I''ll fund Elder Tobias Gray''s sanctuary for the next decade. Just let her live."

    The arrival of sirens pulled me from my desperate prayers. The Timber Ridge Rescue Squad had arrived, along with several other teams I''d called.

    Unable to stand by uselessly any longer, I stripped off my jacket and shirt and dove into the frigid river. The cold hit like a physical blow, but I pushed through it, searching desperately in the murky depths.

    Hours passed. The sun began to set. My muscles screamed with fatigue, but I refused to stop.

    "Alpha ckwood!" A shout from the shore. "They''ve found the car!"

    I swam toward the voice with renewed energy. A group of divers had surfaced, their

    expressions grim.

    "The car''s empty," the lead diver reported. "Driver''s side window is broken. She might have

    escaped before it sankpletely."

    Hope red in my chest. "Then she could still be alive. We need to expand the search

    downstream."

    The rescue captain shook his head. "Sir, with these currents and the temperature of the

    water... if she hasn''t been found by now..."

    "We keep looking," I growled, my Alpha authority making the man step back. "Until we find her

    alive or otherwise - we keep looking."

    Night fell, and still we searched. I refused to leave, refused to ept what logic was telling

    1. me.

    Olivia Winters was a fighter. She couldn''t die like this - not when she was finally seeking peace for her daughter''s spirit.

    (Ethan''s POV)

    The steady beep of medical equipment had be the soundtrack to my recovery. Three days since Olivia had stabbed me, and the wound was healing slowly too slowly for a

    werewolf.

    < Chapter 124. Depths of Despair

    Victoria wheeled herself into my room, her face drawn with fatigue despite the perfect

    makeup.

    "You should rest," I told her, noting the dark circles under her eyes.

    She smiled weakly. "I''m fine. I wanted to check on you."

    +15 Points >

    After she left, I asked the nurse to turn on the news. I needed to know what was happening in

    my territory.

    "...breaking news from Shadow Creek Highway," the reporter was saying. "A car has plunged

    off Silverfang Bridge into Moonstone River below."

    I was about to change the channel when the reporter continued.

    "The vehicle, identified as a blue sedan with license te Silvercrest A62231, belongs to Olivia

    Winters, former Luna of Silvercrest Pack."

    The remote slipped from my suddenly numb fingers. Olivia''s car. I knew that te number by

    heart - I''d chosen it myself when I gifted her the car on our fifth anniversary.

    "Rescue teams have recovered the vehicle, but Ms. Winters'' whereabouts remain unknown."

    A roaring filled my ears. Olivia. My Olivia. In the river.

    I tried to sit up, ignoring the searing pain in my side. I had to get to her. I had to help find her.

    The movement tore at my healing wound, and darkness crept into the edges of my vision.

    (Victoria''s POV)

    I wheeled myself back toward Ethan''s room, havingposed myself in the bathroom. The news of Olivia''s ident had reached me an hour ago, and I''d been careful to keep it from

    Ethan.

    But as I approached his room, I heard the television. The reporter''s voice carried clearly through the open door.

    My heart sank. He knew.

    I entered to find Ethan struggling to get out of bed, his face pale with pain and determination.

    "What are you doing?" I demanded. "You''re still injured! The wounds haven''t fully healed."

    "I have to go," he gasped, clutching his side where fresh blood was seeping through his bandages. "I have to find her."

    "Ethan, be reasonable," I pleaded, genuinely concerned for his health if not for Olivia''s fate.

    376

    "You can barely stand. What good will you do her like this?"

    His amber eyes shed with Alpha authority. "Call Maxwell, Tell him to bring the

    car around.

    Now."

    Within twenty-minutes, against medical advice, Ethan was being helped into his SUV, I

    watched from my wheelchair, a mixture of emotions churning inside me.

    Part of me felt relief at the thought of Olivia Winters gone forever. But seeing

    Ethan''s anguish

    cut deeper than I expected.

    "Be careful," I called as the car door closed.

    He didn''t even look back.

    (Ethan''s POV)

    We arrived at Silverfang Bridge to find it crowded with rescue vehicles. Maxwell

    helped me

    from the car, supporting most of my weight as we approached themand

    center.

    "Have you found her?¡± I asked, ignoring the rescue captain''s concern.

    Maxwell answered for him. "Not yet, sir. But we''ve recovered the vehicle. It was empty."

    A flicker of hope ignited in my chest. "Empty? Then she could have escaped."

    "It''s possible," Maxwell said carefully. "The driver''s side window was broken. But

    with these

    currents and the water temperature..."

    He didn''t need to finish. I knew the odds as well as anyone.

    "Keep looking," I ordered, my voice breaking. "Use every resource. Call in favors from

    neighboring packs if needed."

    I stood at the railing, staring down at the dark water below. Memories flooded my mind-

    Olivia''s smile when we first met, her tears when I proposed, her radiant joy when Lily was born.

    The search continued through the night. I refused to leave, despite Maxwell''s concerns about

    my health. Dawn broke with no sign of Olivia.

    By the third day, even I had to ept the inevitable. My wound had reopened,

    and infection

    was setting in.

    As Iy in my hospital bed, staring at the ceiling, my phone rang. Maxwell''s name

    shed on

    the screen.

    "Any news?" I asked, already knowing the answer.

    216

    < Chapter 124 Depths of Despair

    "No, sir." His voice was heavy with regret.

    After a long silence, I made the hardest decision of my life. "Don''t look anymore."

    I ended the call and closed my eyes, the pain of losing Olivia leaving a gaping

    hole in my chest.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    +15 Points >

    Two years. Two years since I''dst set foot in the Northern Territory. The flight

    attendant announced our final descent into Shadow Creek, and my stomach tightened with anxiety.

    A smallmotion beside me drew my attention. A little girl had dropped her ice

    cream cone. She stumbled, and I instinctively reached out to steady her. "Careful, sweetheart," I said, catching her arm.

    The cold ice creamnded on my wrist, revealing the scars there - jagged

    reminders of my near-death in Moonstone River.

    The little girl''s eyes widened at the sight. "Did you get hurt?"

    I quickly pulled my sleeve down. "It was a long time ago."

    She frowned, then leaned forward and gently blew on my wrist. "My mommy says

    blowing makes boo-boos better,¡± she exined seriously.

    My heart clenched. Lily used to say the same thing.

    As the ne began its descent, I gazed out the window at the familiarndscape

    below. Shadow Creek. Silvercrest Pack territory. Home, once.

    I touched the scars on my wrist, remembering the cold rush of water, the desperate fight for air, the moment I''d epted death only to be pulled from the river miles downstream by a fisherman who hadn''t even known who I was.

    By the time I''d recovered consciousness, the news had reported me dead. And I''d

    let them believe it.

    For two years, I''d lived in a small coastal town where no one knew my name or

    my tragic past. I''d healed, slowly. Notpletely I would neverpletely heal from losing Lily - but enough to function.

    The ne touched down with a gentle bump. As passengers began gathering

    their belongings, I remained seated, gathering my courage.

    "You can do this," I whispered to myself. "For Lily."

    < Chapter 124: Depths of Despair

    +15 Points >

    The terminal was crowded as I made my way through. I scanned the faces,

    looking for the one

    person who knew I wasing.

    And then I saw him- Lucas ckwood, standing tall among the crowd, his gray

    eyes searching until they found mine.

    Recognition shed across his face, followed by a smile that transformed his usually serious

    features. He pushed through the crowd toward me.

    "Olivia," he breathed, pulling me into a tight embrace. "You''re really here."

    I hugged him back, surprised by the emotion that welled up at seeing a familiar face after so

    long.

    "You''re finally home," he murmured, his gray eyes reflecting genuine joy. He took my suitcase, and we began walking toward the exit, his hand warm and

    reassuring in mine. I was so focused on controlling my anxiety that I almost didn''t notice the man who had

    just entered the terminal from another gate.

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    Chapter 123: Victoria''s Despair

    Chapter 123: Victoria''s Despair

    (Ethan''s POV)*

    The first thing I noticed was the pain. A searing, burning sensation in my abdomen that even my Alpha healing couldn''t fully suppress.

    I forced my eyes open, blinking against the harsh fluorescent lights. My father''s face swam into view, his features contorted with rage.

    "Where is she?" I rasped, my throat dry and raw.

    "Who? That Omega b***h who tried to kill you?" Elder Richard snarled, his wolf close to the surface. "Don''t worry, son. I''ve called the enforcers. She''ll pay for this."

    Panic surged through me, giving me strength I didn''t know I had. I grabbed my father''s wrist, my grip surprisingly strong for someone who''d nearly bled out.

    "Call them off,¡± I ordered, my Alpha voice cutting through the room despite my weakened

    state. "Now."

    Victoria wheeled herself closer to my bed, her face a mask of concern. "Ethan, darling, you''re not thinking clearly. She stabbed you with a silver de. She tried to kill you."

    The sight of Victoria in a wheelchair momentarily distracted me. "What happened to you?"

    "Later," she dismissed with a wave of her hand. "We need to focus on getting justice for you."

    I turned back to my father, who was already on his phone. "Father, stop. Don''t make things

    difficult for Liv. This matter isn''t her fault."

    Elder Richard''s eyes widened in disbelief. "Not her fault? She plunged a silver knife into your kidney! If Maxwell hadn''t found you when he did, you''d be dead!"

    "I deserved it," I said quietly, memories of Olivia''s tear-streaked face shing before my eyes.

    "You can''t be serious," Victoria interjected, wheeling herself even closer. "No one deserves to be stabbed, especially not by their mate."

    I closed my eyes, exhaustion washing over me. "Father, please. Call off the

    enforcers. This is a pack matter-my matter-and I''ll handle it my way."

    Elder Richard stared at me for a long moment, his jaw clenched so tightly I could hear his

    teeth grinding. Finally, he nodded curtly.

    < Chapter 123: Victoria''s Despair

    +15 Points >

    "Fine. It''s your pack now, not mine. But if that womanes anywhere near you again, I won''t

    be responsible for my actions." He stormed out of the room, the door mming behind him.

    (Victoria''s POV)

    The sight of him lying there, pale and weakened, sent conflicting emotions through me.

    I said softly, moving to his bedside. "How are you feeling?"

    Ethan''s amber eyes focused on me, still dulled by pain medication. "Better. The silver''s been

    I reached for his hand, squeezing it gently. "I was so worried. When Maxwell called and said

    you were in critical condition..."

    "Victoria," he interrupted, his voice stronger than before. "What happened to you? Why are you

    in a wheelchair?"

    I lowered my eyes, letting tears gather. This was my moment-my chance to turn his guilt over

    Lily into sympathy for me.

    "I fell at Sacred Moonlight Cemetery," I exined, my voice trembling. ¡°Olivia... she pushed me

    off a cliff edge when I went to return Lily''s urn to her."

    Ethan''s brow furrowed. "You had Lily''s urn? How?"

    I hesitated, calcting my response. "I found it discarded near the Stone Estate gardens. I

    thought Olivia would want it back, so I called her to meet me."

    "And she pushed you?" Ethan asked, skepticism evident in his tone.

    "We argued,¡± I admitted, deciding a partial truth would be more believable. "I said some things

    I shouldn''t have, about Lily. She got angry and shoved me. I lost my bnce and fell."

    I gestured to the wheelchair. "The doctors say I''m paralyzed from the waist down. Permanently."

    Ethan''s expression softened with genuine concern. "Victoria, I''m sorry."

    "It''s not your fault," I said quickly, squeezing his hand again. "But Ethan, I don''t understand. Why are you protecting her after what she did to you? To us?"

    His eyes darkened with guilt. "Because I deserved it, Victoria. What we did to Lily... what I

    allowed to happen..."

    "What are you talking about?" I asked, feigning confusion.

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    < Chapter 123: Victoria''s Despair

    +15 Points)

    "The kidney donor," he said tly. "The one that was redirected from Lily to Emma. You told

    Olivia about it, didn''t you?"

    I flinched, not entirely acting. "I... yes. I was angry. She pped me at Emma''s ceremony, humiliated me in front of everyone. I wanted to hurt her back."

    "By telling her I was responsible for our daughter''s death?" His voice was quiet but sharp with

    usation.

    I let the tears fall freely now. "I was wrong, Ethan. So wrong. I was jealous and hurt, and Ished out. I really didn''t expect that she would impulsively seek revenge on you for Lily."

    I moved my wheelchair closer, cing my hand on his arm. "But Ethan, you have

    to see that she''s dangerous. She tried to kill you. She pushed me off a cliff. How can you still defend her?"

    "It''s me who owes them, mother and daughter," he said softly, his gaze distant. ¡°I failed them

    both."

    "And what about me and Emma?" I pressed, injecting a note of desperation into my voice.

    "Don''t you owe us anything? Emma needs her father-especially now that I''m...¡± I gestured helplessly at my useless legs.

    Ethan''s expression clouded with conflict. "Of course I''ll take care of you and Emma. You know

    that."

    I hesitated, then asked the question that had been burning inside me. "Do you love her?

    Olivia?"

    He was silent for a long moment, his amber eyes unreadable. "No," he finally said. "But I owe

    her. For Lily."

    Relief washed through me, though I was careful not to show it. "I understand," I said softly. "You''re a good man, Ethan. Too good, sometimes."

    I leaned forward, pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead. "Rest now. I''lle back tomorrow."

    (Olivia''s POV)

    The house was too quiet without Lily. Even after all this time, I still caught myself listening for herughter, her footsteps, the sound of her calling "Mommy" from her bedroom.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 228

    I clutched the empty Moonwood Ceremonial Urn to my chest, tears streaming down my face. Victoria''s cruel desecration of Lily''s grave had reopened wounds that had never truly healed.

    My wolf whimpered inside me, maternal instincts still raw and bleeding despite the years that

    had passed. We needed to do something-anything-to honor our pup''s memory.

    < Chapter 123 Victona''s Despair

    +15 Points >

    I opened myptop, searching for ways to memorialize a deceased werewolf child. An online support group for grieving werewolf parents appeared in the search results.

    Hesitantly, I clicked the link and began reading through the posts. Stories of loss, of

    heartbreak, but also of healing and remembrance filled the screen.

    One post in particr caught my attention:

    "Finding peace at the Ancient Moon Temple in Ravenwood saved my sanity after losing my

    son. Elder Tobias Gray performed the Moonlight Passage ritual, and I truly believe my boy''s

    spirit found its way to the ancestral hunting grounds. The perpetual moonstonemp I lit for

    him still burns there, a beacon guiding him home whenever he wishes to visit."

    My heart raced as I read more about the temple. Located in Ravenwood, a neighboring

    territory, it was known as a sacred ce where the veil between worlds grew thin during

    certain lunar phases.

    I immediately texted Lucas ckwood, who had promised to help me honor Lily''s memory

    properly after the desecration of her grave.

    "Can you take me to the Ancient Moon Temple in Ravenwood? I need to light a perpetual

    moonstonemp for Lily."

    His response came quickly: "I''m sorry, Olivia. My grandfather''s condition has worsened. I need to return to ckwood Estate immediately. Can it wait until I return?"

    I stared at the message, disappointment washing over me. But my wolf pushed forward with maternal determination. This couldn''t wait. Lily had already waited too long for proper

    respect.

    "Don''t worry," I texted back. "I''ll go alone. Your grandfather needs you more right now."

    Lucas replied with concern: "The journey to Ravenwood is dangerous, especially for a lone

    she-wolf. Please wait for me."

    But my mind was made up. "I''ll be careful. This is something I need to do for Lily."

    I packed a small bag with essentials and the remnants of Lily''s ashes that I''d managed to salvage from the cemetery. The drive to Ravenwood would take several hours, but I needed to arrive before moonrise for the ritual to be most effective.

    As I started my car, I felt a strange sense of purpose filling me for the first time since Lily''s death. My wolf, though still wounded by grief, seemed to approve of this mission.

    "We''re doing this for Lily," I whispered, both to myself and my wolf. "She deserves peace."

    < Chapter 123 Victoria''s Despair

    The journey to Ravenwood passed in a blur of winding roads and dense forests.

    The Ancient Moon Temple stood atop a hill, its white stone walls gleaming in thete

    afternoon sun.

    +15 Points >

    Elder Tobias Gray met me at the entrance. "You bring great sorrow with you, daughter," he said softly. "And the ashes of a young one."

    I nodded, unable to speak past the lump in my throat.

    "Come," he said, gesturing for me to follow. "The moonstonemps are this way."

    Inside the temple, hundreds of small crystalmps lined the walls, each glowing with a soft, bluish light. Elder Gray led me to an empty niche.

    "ce your daughter''s ashes here," he instructed. "And light themp with this."

    He handed me a special match that burned with an unusual blue me. As I lit themp, I

    whispered Lily''s name, watching as the me caught and steadied.

    "Now she will always have light to find her way," Elder Gray said. "Would you like me to

    perform the Moonlight Passage ritual as well?"

    "Yes, please," I whispered, my voice breaking.

    The ritual was beautiful in its simplicity. Elder Gray chanted in an ancient werewolf tongue, his

    voice rising and falling like waves.

    "Her spirit is free now," he told me when it was done. "She will find peace in the ancestral

    hunting grounds and will be reincarnated into a happy life."

    Relief washed over me, and my wolf felt lighter than it had since Lily''s passing. "Thank you," I

    said, tears streaming down my face. "Thank you so much."

    As I left the temple, the sun was beginning to set. I checked my phone, intending to let Lucas

    know I was heading back, only to find the battery had died.

    "It doesn''t matter," I told myself. "I''ll be home soon enough."

    The drive back to Silvercrest territory began peacefully enough. As I approached Silverfang

    Bridge, I noticed dark clouds gathering, promising a storm.

    was halfway across the bridge when headlights appeared behind me, approaching rapidly.

    The car swerved erratically,ing dangerously close to my bumper.

    My heart raced as I pressed harder on the elerator, trying to put distance between us. The

    other car swerved again, this time clipping my rear bumper.

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    < Chapter 123 Victoria''s Despair

    My car fishtailed, and I fought to regain control. As I approached a curve in the bridge, I pressed on the brakes-but nothing happened.

    +15 Points >

    Panic surged through me as I pumped the brake pedal repeatedly. Nothing. The brakes had failedpletely.

    Ahead, I could see a school bus full of young pups, stopped at the far end of the bridge. At my current speed, I would crash directly into it.

    My wolf''s heightened senses took in everything in a split second-the bus full of children, the steep drop to Moonstone River below, the rapidly closing distance.

    There was only one choice.

    I yanked the steering wheel hard to the right, aiming for the gap in the guardrail. As my car broke through the metal barrier, time seemed to slow.

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    I scanned the crowded terminal, searching for Emma''s familiar face among the returning campers. Something in the air felt different-a scent, perhaps, or just an inexplicable feeling that made my wolf stir.

    Just as I looked up, a group of elderly travelers walked past, chatting andughing. Their tour guide, Wesley Hartman, held a small g above his head, momentarily blocking my view of the opposite side of the terminal.

    "This way, please! Stay together!" Wesley called out, his voice carrying over the airport noise.

    As the group passed, I caught a glimpse of something-someone-that made my heart skip. A woman with chestnut hair, her hand sped in another''s. Before I could focus, they disappeared into the crowd.

    "Daddy~!"

    A sweet voice cut through my thoughts. Emma was running toward me, her blonde hair bouncing with each step, her face lit up with excitement.

    I half-squatted, ignoring the twinge in my side where the scar from Olivia''s knife remained, and caught Emma as sheunched herself into my arms.

    "Daddy, I miss you so much!" she eximed, wrapping her arms around my neck.

    I lifted her, breathing in her familiar scent. "I missed you too, princess."

    In the two years since Olivia''s disappearance, Emma had be even more attached to me. What had started as Victoria''s orchestration-Emma''s attempts to please me-had evolved

    into genuine affection. She truly saw me as her father now.

    "Did you have fun at camp?" I asked, setting her down but keeping hold of her hand.

    Emma nodded enthusiastically. "I won first ce in the trackingpetition! Miss Parker said

    I have natural talent!"

    Speaking of Miss Parker, the training den teacher approached us with a polite smile. "Alpha

    King Stone, it''s good to see you."

    "Miss Parker," I acknowledged with a nod. "I trust Emma behaved herself?"

    < Chapter 125 Reunion at the

    +15 Points

    "She was exemry," Miss Parker replied, maintaining the respectful distance appropriate when addressing an Alpha. "Her skills are developing impressively."

    I noticed Emma watching this interaction with pride, her chin lifted slightly as she observed the deference shown to me by other parents who passed by. She enjoyed being the Alpha''s daughter, even if not by blood.

    "Thank you for taking care of her," I said to Miss Parker, who bowed slightly before departing.

    Emma tugged on my hand. "Daddy, where''s Mommy?"

    Before I could answer, a familiar voice called out from behind us.

    "Emmy!"

    Emma''s face lit up as she spotted Victoria. "Mommy!" She pulled me toward where Victoria sat in her wheelchair, looking elegant despite her disability.

    Victoria smiled warmly at Emma, then looked up at me with those eyes that had

    once

    captivated me. "I couldn''t wait at home. I haven''t seen Emmy for half a month, I miss her."

    She reached for Emma, who hugged her carefully, mindful of not disturbing her mother''s

    paralyzed legs.

    "Don''t worry," Victoria added, her voice softer as she met my gaze. "I don''t care about other

    people''s opinions anymore."

    The unspoken message was clear-she didn''t care if people judged her for appearing in public

    with me, the Alpha whose mate had supposedly died. Her eyes held what appeared to be

    genuine love.

    "You''ve given me the courage to face anything," she continued. "Even like this." She gestured to

    her wheelchair.

    (Cassandra''s POV)

    I couldn''t help but stare at the touching family reunion unfolding before me. Alpha King Ethan

    Stone, Victoria Frost, and little Emma-they looked like the perfect family despite Victoria''s

    wheelchair.

    "Aren''t they just beautiful together?" my friend whispered beside me.

    I nodded, watching as Victoria adjusted Emma''s hair with maternal tenderness. In the two

    years since her ident, Victoria had transformed her public image, bing a moderately famous crystal designer with thousands of followers across social media tforms.

    < Chapter 125: Reunion at the...

    +15 Points >

    Her followers knew everything-her childhood connection with Ethan, their five- year separation

    during his marriage to Olivia Winters, and their unwavering bond despite allplications.

    "Seeing Mr. Stone and his chosen partner, I believe in true love again," I remarked, genuinely

    moved by their devotion.

    My friend sighed dreamily. "A man as powerful and handsome as Stone, and Miss Frost is disabled, but he never rejected her and still protects her like his first love."

    I frowned slightly, a question forming. "If he values her so much, why hasn''t he married her

    yet? It''s been two years since his mate''s death."

    "Don''t you know?" my friend replied, lowering her voice. "He''s observing the three-year

    mourning period for Matriarch Evelyn Stone. They were exceptionally close, and pack tradition demands respect for such bonds."

    I noticed Victoria''s knuckles whitening as she gripped her wheelchair''s armrests. She must

    have overheard us.

    "That old woman," my friend continued, oblivious to Victoria''s reaction. "Even in death, she

    dys their happiness."

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I felt a chill run down my spine as I overheard the conversation. Grandmother Evelyn was dead? The news hit me harder than I expected.

    Lucas must have noticed my reaction because his grip on my hand tightened. "Are you

    alright?" he asked quietly.

    I nodded, unable to speak past the lump in my throat. We were walking past the group where Ethan stood with Victoria and Emma, the perfect family portrait.

    The sight of them together-Ethan''s protective stance beside Victoria''s wheelchair, Emma''s adoring gaze up at him-was a cruel reminder of everything I had lost. My daughter. My mate. My ce in the pack.

    "Liv, Lucas called softly, his gray eyes filled with concern.

    I took a deep breath, steadying myself. Two years of therapy hadn''t erased the

    pain, but they had taught me to manage it.

    "I''m fine," I assured him, my voice steadier than I felt.

    Lucas looked relieved but heartbroken. I knew he was remembering how he''d

    found me after my suicide attempt in Moonstone River.

    < Chapter 125. Reunion at the

    (Third person''s POV)

    +15 Points

    Lucas ckwood would never forget the day he received that call. After months of believing Olivia had perished in the river, hearing her voice had seemed like a miracle-or a cruel joke. "Lucas?" her voice had been tentative, uncertain. "It''s me. Olivia."

    He had driven through the night to reach the coastal town where she was staying,

    still disbelieving until he saw her standing there, thinner and paler but unmistakably alive.

    "I needed time," she had exined that night over tea. "Time to heal from my psychological wounds. I''m better now."

    Butter, while helping her in the kitchen, he had seen the scars on her wrists- jagged lines that told the story her calm words concealed. Evidence of attempts to end her life after the river had failed to im her.

    His heart had broken anew. He had pulled her into his arms, holding her as if she might disappear again.

    "I''m sorry," he had whispered. "I waste."

    Olivia had rested her head against his chest. "It''s all over. I''m not alone now. I have my mother..."

    The revtion had surprised him. Olivia had reunited with her mother, Evelyn Winters, who had spent years searching for her daughter after they were separated during Olivia''s childhood.

    Though Olivia didn''t remember her mother due to the trauma she had experienced, Evelyn had recognized her daughter instantly from news reports about the Luna of Silvercrest Pack.

    It was Evelyn''s unwavering care that had pulled Olivia back from the brink when nothing else could. Her mother had been her anchor, her reason to live when Lily''s death and Ethan''s betrayal had left her adrift.

    Olivia''s reaching out to Lucas had been prompted by Evelyn''s illness-a condition

    that required

    specialized treatment only avable in Silvercrest territory.

    At the parking lot, Lucas guided Olivia to his waiting car. "I thought we might visit

    Sacred

    Moonlight Cemetery first," he suggested gently.

    Olivia nodded, her eyes distant. "Yes. I need to see Lily."

    Lucas had visited the cemetery frequently during Olivia''s absence. He had

    discovered that,

    contrary to Victoria''s cruel deception, Lily''s grave remained undisturbed, her tombstone still

    +15 Points >

    Victoria had exploited Olivia''s grief with a simr urn, another maniption in her campaign to destroy Olivia.

    When they arrived at the cemetery, Olivia approached her daughter''s grave with trepidation. Seeing the untouched memorial, she fell to her knees, tears of relief streaming down her face. "She''s still here," Olivia whispered. "She was here all

    along."

    The next morning, they met with Dr. Harold Bet at Crescent Moon Medical Center. The elderly healer reviewed Evelyn Winters'' medical records with careful attention.

    ¡°I''d like to examine her personally before making any definitive rmendations," Dr. Bet said, his voice kind but professional. "Can you arrange for her transfer?"

    Olivia nodded, relief evident in her expression. "Yes, of course."

    "I''ll handle the arrangements," Lucas offered. "A specialized medical team and private flight. We''ll have her here within days."

    Olivia squeezed his hand gratefully. "Thank you, Lucas. I don''t know what I would

    have done without you."

    After Evelyn''s transfer and thorough examination, Dr. Bet developed a

    surgical n. However, Evelyn''s condition required a period of hospitalization to strengthen her before the procedure.

    "She''s too weak for immediate surgery," Dr. Bet exined. "We need to build her strength first."

    Olivia nodded, epting the reality of the situation. "How long?"

    "At least three weeks," the doctor replied. "Possibly longer."

    That evening, Lucas showed Olivia to his private residence near the medical

    center. "You''ll stay here," he said, his tone brooking no argument. "It''s close to your mother, and I have plenty of room."

    Later, he pressed a credit card into her hand. "For expenses. Whatever you

    need."

    Olivia tried to refuse. "Lucas, you''ve done enough-"

    "Please," he interrupted. "After everything you''ve been through, let me do this

    much."

    She reluctantly epted, though she had no intention of using it except in emergencies.

    +15 Points >

    That night, Olivia approached Lucas with another request. "I have these crystal

    design blueprints," she exined, showing him her work. "Could you deliver them to Gwendolyn Pierce?"

    Lucas raised an eyebrow. "The fashion icon? Head of the Pierce family?"

    Olivia nodded. "Her patronage couldunch my career as a designer. I heard Victoria Frost is the frontrunner this year, but...''

    "Consider it done," Lucas promised.

    At Gwendolyn Pierce''s celebration at Moonlit de, Ethan Stone stood beside Victoria Frost''s wheelchair. Despite her physical limitations, Victoriamanded attention in her elegant gown, her crystal jewelry catching the light.

    Gwendolyn Pierce, regal in her bearing, approached the gathering. After exchanging formal greetings, she raised her ss.

    "The crystal pieces I''ll be wearing for my celebration this year will be entrusted to

    Olivia Winters."

    Victoria, who had wheeled herself closer in anticipation of hearing her own name, froze. She turned slowly, her face a mask of shock.

    There, standing across the room, was Olivia Winters-the woman everyone

    believed had died two years ago.

    Ethan stared, his amber eyes wide with disbelief, his face draining of color as if

    he''d seen a ghost.

    As Olivia approached, the reality sunk in: Olivia Winters had returned.

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    I couldn''t breathe. Couldn''t move. Couldn''t think.

    Olivia was alive.

    My mate-the woman I''d mourned for two years, whose absence had left a gaping

    hole in my

    chest-stood before me, more beautiful than my tortured memories had preserved.

    "Olivia," I whispered, the name falling from my lips like a prayer.

    My wolf howled inside me, desperate to reach her, to touch her, to confirm she was real and

    not another cruel dream. Joy surged through me, so powerful it nearly brought me

    to my

    knees.

    Victoria''s hand gripped my arm, her nails digging into my flesh. I barely noticed. ¡°Ethan,¡± she hissed, her voice tight with fury. "Everyone is staring."

    I couldn''t tear my eyes away from Olivia. The chestnut hair I''d run my fingers through

    countless times. The emerald eyes that had once looked at me with love, now cold and

    distant.

    Victoria''s grip tightened painfully. Her thoughts were practically screaming in my head through our pack bond.

    This she-wolf, she''s actually still alive. The moment she returns, she starts trying to reim

    her mate. How dare she!

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I felt Ethan''s eyes on me like a physical touch, but I refused to acknowledge him.

    Instead, I walked with deliberate confidence toward Gwendolyn Pierce, aware that every eye in

    the gathering was fixed on me. The whispers followed in my wake-the dead Luna, returned

    from the grave.

    I stopped directly in front of Victoria''s wheelchair. Her face had gone pale, her eyes wide with

    shock and fear. She seemed to shrink in her paralyzed body, no doubt remembering ourst

    confrontation.

    "Victoria," I greeted her with cold politeness. "I see you''ve survived."

    < Chapter 126 Unhealed Woun..

    She flinched at my words, her hands gripping the armrests of her wheelchair.

    "As have you," she managed, her voice barely above a whisper.

    +15 Points

    I smiled, a sharp, dangerous thing with no warmth. "Who would have known that there is still justice in the world?"

    My eyes deliberately lingered on her useless legs. The irony wasn''t lost on me- the woman. who had stolen my mate, who had contributed to my daughter''s death, now trapped in a

    broken body.

    "Do you remember what you said to me at Lily''s grave two years ago?" I asked softly, for her

    ears alone. "You said you didn''t believe in karma.¡±

    Victoria''s face drained of what little color remained.

    "This," I gestured to her wheelchair, "is just the beginning of what you deserve."

    I turned away from her, dismissing her as she had once dismissed me, and approached Gwendolyn Pierce.

    "Thank you for this opportunity," I said warmly, epting the champagne flute she offered. "To new beginnings."

    Gwendolyn raised her ss in response. "To exceptional talent, Ms. Winters." (Victoria''s POV)

    I watched in helpless rage as Olivia charmed Gwendolyn Pierce, the most influential she-wolf. in Shadow Creek. The woman I''d spent months cultivating as a potential patron had chosen.

    Olivia instead.

    And Ethan-my Ethan-couldn''t take his eyes off her.

    Two years. For two years, I''d been by his side. I''d supported him through his grief.

    I''d been patient as he slowly opened his heart to me and Emma. And now, with

    one appearance, Olivia threatened to destroy everything I''d built.

    I wheeled myself to Ethan''s side, cing a trembling hand on his arm.

    ¡°Ethan,¡± I said softly, injecting weakness into my voice. "I''m feeling tired. Could we go home?"

    He barely nced at me, his attention still fixed on Olivia. "Maxwell will take you." The dismissal stung like a p. I swallowed my rage, forcing tears to my eyes. "Please, Ethan. I don''t feel well."

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    < Chapter 126 Unhealed Woun....

    +15 Points

    Before he could respond, I noticed Tiffany Reynolds approaching Olivia. The minor crystal

    designer had always been jealous of more sessful artists. I watched eagerly as she

    inserted herself into Olivia''s conversation with Gwendolyn.

    "Ms. Winters," Tiffany''s voice carried clearly. "Everyone is curious-what is your rtionship

    with Alpha King Stone now? Are you still pursuing him despite hismitment to Miss

    Frost?"

    I smiled inwardly. Gwendolyn Pierce was known to despise infidelity and home- wreckers. If

    Olivia admitted to any lingering feelings for Ethan, the partnership would be over before it

    began.

    Gwendolyn''s expression changed, her distaste evident. She turned to Olivia, clearly waiting for

    her response.

    Olivia''s voice was clear and cold. "A dead man to me."

    Gwendolyn''s eyebrows rose in surprise.

    "Shouldn''t a former husband who betrayed his own daughter be considered dead

    to his wife?"

    Olivia borated, her emerald eyes shing with controlled anger.

    I felt Ethan flinch beside me. The words had struck their target.

    Gwendolyn''s face rxed into approval. She turned to Tiffany with a dismissive wave. "I

    believe that answers your question. Now, if you''ll excuse us, Ms. Reynolds."

    The designer slunk away, her attempt at sabotage having backfired spectacrly.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    "Your healing crystal designs are truly revolutionary," Gwendolyn said, guiding me toward a quieter corner of the gathering. "The way you''ve incorporated moonstone with traditional

    healing elements-I''ve never seen anything like it."

    I was about to respond when amotion caught my attention. Jeremy Collins, a server carrying a tray of crystal sses, had tripped on the edge of a rug. The tray tilted, sending sses flying.

    Without thinking, I stepped forward, shielding Gwendolyn from the falling debris. Sharp pain.nced through my leg as ss shards cut into my skin.

    "Ms. Winters!" Gwendolyn eximed, steadying me. "You''re hurt!"

    I looked down to see blood seeping through my dress. The cut wasn''t deep, but it

    was

    bleeding freely.

    316

    < Chapter 126 Unhealed Woun....

    +15 Points >

    From the corner of my eye, I saw Ethan moving toward me, concern etched on his

    face. For a moment, our eyes met, and I saw the Alpha''s protective instinct re in his amber gaze.

    Then Victoria cried out.

    She had attempted to stand from her wheelchair and deliberately fallen to the

    floor, her face contorted in apparent pain.

    "Ethan!" she called, her voice breaking. "Please, help me!"

    I watched as Ethan hesitated, torn betweening to me and returning to Victoria. His sense of responsibility won out. He turned back, kneeling beside Victoria''s crumpled form.

    "I''m sorry," she whimpered loudly enough for everyone to hear. "I thought I could stand for a moment. I just wanted to be normal again."

    Ethan lifted her gently, cradling her against his chest. "It''s alright," he murmured.

    "I''ve got you."

    Victoria clung to him, burying her face against his neck. "Can we go home now? Please? I can''t bear to be here anymore."

    Ethan nodded, his expression conflicted. As he carried her away, Victoria nced over his shoulder at me, her eyes gleaming with triumph.

    The message was clear: she still came first.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    "You need to have that treated," Gwendolyn said, gesturing to my bleeding leg.

    "The Moonlit de Refreshment Pavilion has a first-aid kit."

    I nodded, allowing her to guide me to the elegant pavilion at the edge of the gathering. Once inside, I sat on a plush sofa, examining the cut on my leg while waiting for the first-aid kit.

    The sight of my own blood triggered memories I''d fought to suppress. Two years ago, after Lily''s death, I''d been consumed by despair and rage. The knowledge that Ethan and Victoria were happy together while my daughtery cold in the ground had driven me to dark ces.

    I remembered the cold bite of the de against my skin, the momentary relief as physical pain drowned out the emotional agony. I''d nearly seeded in joining Lily that night, bleeding out in a bathtub far from home.

    But my mother had found me. Evelyn Winters, the woman who had spent years searching for the daughter taken from her, had recognized me from news reports about the Luna of Silvercrest Pack. She had nursed me back to health when nothing else could reach me through my grief.

    < Chapter 126 Unhealed Woun...

    1+15 Points)

    The sound of footsteps pulled me from my dark memories. A familiar cologne-

    sandalwood and pine-announced Ethan''s presence before I saw him.

    "Let me help you," he said, kneeling before me with the first-aid kit.

    "Don''t touch me," I warned, my voice low and dangerous.

    He reached for my leg anyway. I kicked out, my foot connecting with his chest,

    sending him stumbling backward.

    "I said stay away from me," I hissed.

    Ethan straightened, his amber eyes sad but determined. "Wasn''t stabbing me

    enough to quell

    your anger, Olivia?"

    I maintained myposure as I reached for a bottle of water on the nearby table.

    With

    deliberate slowness, I uncapped it and poured the entire contents over his head.

    "Are you awake now?" I asked coldly as water dripped from his hair and face.

    ¡°I''m sorry,¡± he said, not bothering to wipe away the water. ¡°I''ve been sorry every day for two

    years."

    "Sorry doesn''t bring Lily back," I replied, my voice steady despite the storm of emotions inside me. "Sorry doesn''t change the fact that you let our daughter die while you yed house with

    Victoria and Emma."

    Ethan''s face paled with guilt. "Let me at least treat your wound," he said quietly.

    "Then I''ll take

    you home."

    "She doesn''t need your help."

    Lucas ckwood stood in the doorway, his tall frame blocking the entrance. His

    gray eyes

    were cold as they assessed Ethan.

    "I''ll take care of my fianc¨¦e," Lucas continued, his voice carrying a hint of mockery. "Though I question your judgment, Stone. Abandoning an injured woman to tend to one who miraculously tried to stand despite being paralyzed from the waist down?"

    Ethan''s eyes widened at the word "fianc¨¦e."

    "You''re engaged?¡± he asked, looking between us in disbelief.

    Lucas didn''t answer. Instead, he approached me, lifting me carefully into his arms.

    "Let''s go

    home, Liv."

    As Lucas carried me away, I caught a glimpse of Ethan''s face-shock, pain, and

    something

    that looked almost like betrayal.

    (Lucas''s POV)

    +15 Points

    In my armored SUV, I gently cleaned Olivia''s wound with antiseptic wipes from the

    first-aid kit I

    kept in the glovepartment. The cut wasn''t deep, but I hated seeing her in

    pain.

    "This might sting," I warned before applying the antiseptic.

    Olivia barely flinched, her emerald eyes watching me work. I bandaged the wound

    with

    practiced efficiency, my fingers careful not to press too hard against her delicate

    skin.

    "Thank you," she said softly when I finished.

    I looked up, meeting her gaze. "Always."

    We sat infortable silence as my driver navigated through Shadow Creek.

    Finally,

    I turned

    to her with news I knew would be difficult.

    "We''re going to Moonstone County Correctional Facility," I said gently. "Connor

    ckthorn has agreed to see you."

    Olivia''s eyes widened. "The man who tampered with my brakes?"

    I nodded. "Yes."

 The Alpha King is unavailable 231

    Two years ago, my life changed forever. Not just because of Lily''s death, but because of what came after.

    The car ident should have killed me. My brakes failed on a winding mountain road,

    sending my vehicle plummeting over the edge. By some miracle, I survived the initial impact, though the world believed otherwise.

    I stared out the window of Lucas''s SUV as we approached Moonstone County Correctional Facility. The imposing concrete structure loomed against the darkening sky, a fortress designed to contain the most dangerous wolves in the territory.

    "Are you sure about this?" Lucas asked, his gray eyes studying my face with

    concern.

    I nodded. "I need answers."

    The investigation after my "death" had been thorough. Ethan, believing he''d lost his mate, had thrown the full weight of his authority behind finding the culprit. The police discovered clear evidence of tampering with my brakes.

    "What exactly did the investigation find?" I asked Lucas, needing to hear it again.

    Lucas''s jaw tightened. "A photographer covering a local festival caught Connor ckthorn on

    camera near your car the night before the ident. When confronted with the evidence, he confessed immediately."

    "Too immediately," I murmured.

    I remembered Connor clearly. He had worked as a caretaker for Dr. Reba Winters'' father. I had reported him after finding suspicious needle marks on Lily''s arm during one of her

    hospital stays.

    "His motive seemed straightforward," Lucas continued. "Revenge for losing his job after your

    "But the timing was too convenient," I said, voicing the suspicion that had grown stronger since my return. "Victoria had just threatened me at Lily''s grave. Dayster, my brakes fail?"

    Lucas nodded grimly. "That''s why I investigated a possible connection between Victoria and

    +15 Points)

    Connor."

    "And you found one."

    "Yes. Connor worked as a caregiver for Victoria''s adoptive father before he was hired by Dr. Winters. ording to my sources, he developed feelings for Victoria during that time."

    The SUV stopped at the prison''s security checkpoint. Guards approached, their expressions stern as they checked our identification.

    "I''m convinced Victoria orchestrated the ident," I said quietly. "And Connor ckthorn is the key to proving it."

    (Olivia''s POV)

    The prison visiting room was cold and sterile. Reinforced ss separated visitors from inmates, with intes formunication. Special silver-reinforced restraints were used on werewolf prisoners to prevent shifting.

    I sat rigidly in the metal chair, my heart pounding despite my outward calm. Lucas stood behind me, a reassuring presence at my back.

    The door on the other side of the ss opened. Two guards led in a man in an orange jumpsuit, his hands and feet bound with silver-lined shackles. Connor ckthorn.

    He looked thinner than I remembered, his face gaunt and his eyes haunted. When

    he saw me, he froze mid-step, his eyes widening with shock.

    "You''re alive," he whispered, the.words barely audible through the inte.

    I leaned forward. "Hello, Connor."

    His shock quickly transformed into rage. He lunged forward, only to be yanked back by the

    guards.

    "I was set up!" he shouted, his voice distorted through the speaker. "They told me you were

    dead! If you''re alive, I deserve a retrial!"

    The guards struggled to restrain him as he thrashed against his bonds.

    "Who set you up, Connor?" I asked calmly.

    "You know who!" he snarled. "She promised me-" He cut himself off, his eyes darting

    nervously to the guards.

    "What did Victoria promise you?" I pressed.

    < Chapter 127 Prison Visit

    +15 Points >

    Connor''s face contorted with fury. "I''m not saying another word without mywyer.

    I want a retrial! I want out of here!"

    He rattled against his restraints with such violence that additional guards rushed

    in. As they dragged him away, he continued shouting.

    "I was set up! I''m innocent!"

    I remained seated, watching impassively as Connor disappeared through the door. Only when it closed behind him did I allow myself a small smile.

    "You didn''t get much from him," Lucas observed as we walked back to the SUV.

    "I got exactly what I needed," I replied. "His reaction confirms my suspicions. And now he''ll

    request a retrial."

    Lucas raised an eyebrow. "You want him released?"

    "Once free, he''ll contact Victoria," I exined. "Either to confront her for betraying him or to collect whatever she promised him. Either way, it gives us the evidence we need."

    "It''s risky," Lucas warned. "Connor is dangerous, especially to you."

    I met his concerned gaze with determination. "Some risks are worth taking to expose

    Victoria''s schemes once and for all."

    (Ethan''s POV)

    The call from Chief Walter Garrison came as I was reviewing quarterly reports for Stone Pack. Enterprises. My wolf had been restless all day, sensing something was wrong.

    "Alpha King Stone," Garrison''s voice was tense. "Connor ckthorn has requested a retrial."

    My grip tightened on the phone. "On what grounds?"

    "Olivia Winters is alive," Garrison replied. "He ims he was set up, that he''s innocent of the

    attempted murder charge."

    Rage surged through me. Connor ckthorn had nearly taken Olivia from me once. I wouldn''t

    give him another chance.

    "I don''t care what it takes, Garrison," I growled, my Alpha voice making the police

    chief flinch.

    even through the phone. "That man stays behind bars."

    "Yes, Alpha King," Garrison replied quickly. "I''ll handle it personally."

    I ended the call and mmed my fist on the desk, cracking the polished wood.

    The thought of

    < Chapter 127. Prison Visit

    Connor ckthorn walking free made my wolf howl with protective fury.

    Olivia was alive. My mate had returned from the dead, only to reveal she was engaged to Lucas ckwood. The pain of that revtion had been consuming me since the night of Gwendolyn''s gathering.

    +15 Points

    But regardless of her feelings toward me, I would protect her. Connor ckthorn would remain imprisoned if I had to tear down the justice system with my bare hands.

    (Victoria''s POV)

    I sat in my wheelchair outside Ethan''s office, my ear pressed against the door. His

    angry voice carried clearly through the wood.

    "I don''t care what it takes, Garrison. That man stays behind bars."

    Relief washed over me. Connor ckthorn''s continued imprisonment was

    essential to my ns. He knew too much about my past, about my connection to

    him.

    I had used Connor''s obsession with me to orchestrate Olivia''s ident. It had been perfect- Olivia eliminated, Connor imprisoned, and me positioned as Ethan''s devoted support during his grief.

    For two years, everything had gone ording to n. Until Olivia Winters rose from the dead.

    I wheeled myself away from Ethan''s door, my mind racing. Olivia had always been smarter than I gave her credit for. If she connected me to Connor, everything I''d built could crumble.

    My phone buzzed with a notification. I opened it to find a social media post showing Olivia and Lucas ckwood at a charity g. The powerful Alpha was tenderly caring for her injured leg, his gray eyes fixed on her face with obvious devotion.

    Jealousy burned through me. Not because I wanted Lucas-I had Ethan, after all-

    but because Olivia had found happiness despite everything I''d done destroy

    her.

    The images showed themughing together, touching casually, looking for all the world like a loving couple. The caption read: "Alpha Lucas ckwood and his fianc¨¦e, the miraculously returned Olivia Winters, grace the Northern Territory Charity G."

    I scrolled through thements, my anger growing with each one.

    ¡°They make such a beautiful couple!" "She deserves happiness after everything she''s been through." "Alpha ckwood lookspletely smitten!¡±

    I closed the app with a vicious swipe. Olivia Winters would not win. Not again,

    < Chapter 127 Prison Visit

    Iposed myself, smoothing my hair and pinching my cheeks for color. Then I knocked

    gently on Ethan''s door before entering.

    "I''m going out for some fresh air," I informed him with practiced sweetness.

    Ethan looked up, his amber eyes distant. "Take Maxwell with you."

    I nodded, hiding my triumph. Maxwell was easy to manipte-a few tears about feeling confined, and he''d give me the space I needed.

    It was time to confront Olivia and remind her who truly held power in this territory.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    Lucas and I sat at a corner table in Moonstone Dining Hall, discussing our next steps regarding Connor ckthorn. The elegant restaurant was rtively empty for a weekday afternoon, allowing us privacy for our conversation.

    +15 Paints

    "My legal team is monitoring his retrial request," Lucas said, his voice low. "If necessary, I can expedite the process through my connections."

    I nodded, taking a sip of my tea. "The sooner he''s out, the sooner-"

    I broke off as the restaurant''s atmosphere shifted. Heads turned toward the

    entrance, where Victoria Frost sat in her wheelchair, nked by two burly bodyguards.

    "Speaking of the devil," Lucas muttered.

    Victoria spotted us immediately. With a gesture to her guards, she wheeled herself directly to.

    our table, a sharine smile on her face.

    "Olivia, what a pleasant surprise," she said, her voice dripping with false warmth. "And Alpha ckwood. How cozy."

    Lucas''s eyes narrowed. "Miss Frost. To what do we owe this interruption?" Victoria''s smile didn''t waver. "Actually, I was hoping for a private word with Olivia. Girl talk, you

    understand."

    "Whatever you have to say to Olivia, you can say in front of me," Lucas stated firmly, his

    protective instinct evident in his rigid posture.

    I ced a hand on his arm. "It''s alright, Lucas. I can handle this."

    Victoria''s eyes gleamed with triumph. "There''s a private dining room avable.

    Just a quick

    chat between old... friends."

    I stood, meeting her gaze steadily. "Lead the way."

    Lucas caught my hand. "Olivia-"

    "I''ll be fine," I assured him, my emerald eyes shing with determination. "This is

    long overdue."

    +15 Points

    Victoria instructed her bodyguards to remain outside the private dining room but

    stay close. As the door closed behind us, she wheeled herself to the center of the

    room and removed a small device from her purse.

    "Signal jammer," she exined, activating it. "No recordings. Just us."

    I watched her calmly, my hand slipping into my pocket where I''d ced a small

    cloth earlier. I had anticipated this confrontation.

    "You''ve been busy since your miraculous return," Victoria said, her false smile

    dropping. "Stealing my crystal designmission, parading around with Lucas ckwood-"

    Before she could continue, I moved swiftly forward. In one fluid motion, I pulled the cloth from my pocket and gagged her, simultaneously grabbing a fistful of her perfectly styled hair. Victoria''s eyes widened in terror as I yanked her from the wheelchair. Without the use of her legs, she was helpless, crumpling to the floor with a muffled cry.

    I knelt beside her, keeping my grip on her hair tight enough to hurt.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 232

    Victoria''s legs were useless, dragging on the ground like dead weight as I pulled her across the private dining room floor by her hair. Her perfectly styled blonde locks twisted in my grip as she whimpered pathetically.

    "Not so powerful now, are you?" I whispered, my voice eerily calm.

    I gripped Victoria''s hair tighter with one hand, my other hand firmly holding the back of her neck. With werewolf strength, I mmed her head against the wall with a resounding "Bang!"

    The impact left Victoria dazed, her forehead immediately bruising but not bleeding. I didn''t want blood evidence.

    "That''s for Lily," I hissed.

    I threw her to the floor with a force that made her body bounce slightly before settling. Her designer dress twisted around her paralyzed legs.

    Victoria''s eyes widened with rage. She tried to curse at me, but the cloth gag muffled her words into unintelligible sounds. Her manicured nails wed at the hardwood floor as she desperately tried to drag herself toward the door.

    Her bodyguards were just outside. If she could reach them...

    I kicked her away with a swift movement, sending her sprawling back across the floor.

    "Going somewhere?" I asked, walking calmly to the door and locking it.

    Victoria''s eyes tracked my every move, terror recing her initial anger. She knew what was

    I turned back to her, my emerald eyes cold and calcting. This wasn''t the emotional

    breakdown she''d witnessed at Lily''s grave. This was methodical retribution.

    The first kicknded on her ribs, careful not to break them but hard enough to make her curl

    into herself. I followed with a series of ps, each one precise and controlled.

    "Two years," I said, punctuating each word with another p. "Two years I''ve waited for this

    moment."

    I was careful with my assault, targeting painful but non-crippling spots. I didn''t need to

    < Chapter 128 Victoria is Cripp

    permanently damage her-her paralysis had already done that. This was about power.

    +15 Points

    The power dynamic had shifted drastically. Two years ago, Victoria had stood over me at my daughter''s grave, taunting me about my grief while I copsed in tears. Now, I was in control.

    I crouched down, gripping Victoria''s jaw with enough force to make her wince.

    "Victoria Frost, you really couldn''t wait, could you?" I said mockingly. "You had toe find me, just like you did at Lily''s grave."

    Her eyes widened at the mention of my daughter.

    "I know what you''re doing," I continued, my voice dropping to a whisper. ¡°Trying to

    provoke me, just like before. Preying on my grief for Lily."

    Victoria tried to shake her head, but my grip was too tight.

    "But I''m not that broken woman anymore."

    (Victoria''s POV)

    I stared into Olivia''s emerald eyes, searching for the unstable grief I''d exploited two years ago. Instead, I found something far more terrifying-rity. She was calm. Too calm.

    This wasn''t the emotional wreck who had copsed at her daughter''s grave. This Olivia had recovered from her mental illness, and that made her infinitely more dangerous.

    Her hand connected with my cheek again, the p echoing in the private dining room. Again

    and again, she struck me until her own palm was red from the impact.

    I tried to scream through the gag, but only muffled sounds emerged. My face burned with each

    p, tears streaming down my cheeks-not from emotion, but from the physical pain.

    "This is for every time you called Emma ''our daughter'' in front of Ethan," Olivia said,nding

    another blow.

    My head snapped to the side with the force of it.

    "This is for stealing Lily''s kidney donor," she continued, her voice still unnervingly controlled as

    she delivered another p.

    How did she know about that? Panic surged through me.

    "And this," she said, leaning close to my ear, "is for trying to kill me."

    The beating continued until I was sobbing through the gag, my pride shattered along with my

    < Chapter 128 Victoria is Cripp

    Suddenly, amotion outside the door caught our attention.

    "Alpha King Stone has arrived," one of my bodyguards announced loudly.

    +15 Points>

    Olivia paused, her hand raised for another strike. She nced toward the door, then back at me. With a swift movement, she removed the gag from my mouth.

    I saw my chance for revenge.

    "b***h, now you''re scared, it''s toote!" I spat, blood and saliva spraying from my split lip.

    Olivia''s response was immediate-another powerful kick that sent pain radiating through my

    torso.

    I crawled toward the door, my wolf instincts driving me to seek protection from the Alpha. My legs dragged uselessly behind me, a constant reminder of my vulnerability.

    "Ethan!" I screamed, my voice breaking. "Ethan, help me! She''s trying to kill me!"

    The door shuddered as something-or someone-mmed against it from the outside.

    "Victoria!" Ethan''s voice called, concern evident in his tone.

    With a splintering c***k, the door flew open, kicked in by Ethan''s Alpha strength.

    He rushed in, his amber eyes taking in the scene before him.

    (Ethan''s POV)

    The sight that greeted me froze my blood. Victoriay on the floor, her face bruised and

    swollen, her designer dress torn and disheveled. Her wheelchair had been pushed against the far wall, deliberately out of her reach.

    And standing over her, calm and collected, was Olivia.

    "What have you done?" I demanded, rushing to Victoria''s side.

    Victoria reached for me with trembling hands, her fingers clutching at my shirt. "Ethan," she

    whimpered, "she attacked me... I couldn''t defend myself..."

    I gathered her into my arms, careful not to cause her further pain. Her body felt fragile against my chest, and she buried her face in my neck, her tears wet against my skin.

    "It hurts so much," she sobbed, her voice breaking in a way that made my protective instincts

    re.

    I gently ced her in her wheelchair, making sure she was secure before turning to face

    < Chapter 128 Victoria is Cripp....

    Olivia.

    My mate stood tall, unrepentant, her emerald eyes meeting mine without flinching.

    +15 Points

    "Wanwan, Victoria''s legs are already crippled," I said, my voice low with controlled anger. "Was this really necessary?"

    Something shed in Olivia''s eyes-a cold realization that chilled me to the bone.

    "I see," she said, her voice soft but cutting. "Two years in a wheelchair equals our daughter''s death in your mind."

    Her words struck me like physical blows. Before I could respond, the doorway darkened with another presence.

    Lucas ckwood stepped into the room, his gray eyes assessing the situation in an instant. Without hesitation, he moved to Olivia''s side, taking her hand in his.

    "Liv, let''s go back," he said, his voice gentle but firm.

    The sight of their intertwined fingers sent a surge of possessive rage through me. My wolf howled inside, furious at seeing another Alpha touching my mate.

    "Stop them," I ordered my bodyguards, who had followed me into the room. "They''re not leaving until the authorities arrive."

    Olivia''sugh was bitter and sharp. "Ethan Stone, who do you think you are? Do I need your permission to leave?"

    Her defiance only fueled my anger. Before I could respond, Victoria''s voice cut through the tension.

    "Ethan, take me to the medical den," she pleaded, her voice weak with pain. "I need an examination. I''m in so much pain."

    The genuine distress in her voice snapped me back to the immediate concern. If Victoria had internal injuries...

    "We''re going to the medical den," I decided, lifting her from the wheelchair to carry her more securely. "My men will handle this situation."

    As I carried Victoria toward the door, she looked over my shoulder at Olivia. I

    couldn''t see her expression, but I heard Olivia''s soft, dangerousugh in

    response.

    "This isn''t over," Victoria mouthed silently to Olivia.

    Olivia''s smile was sardonic. "I''m counting on it."

    Chapter 128 Victoria is Cripp..

    (Victoria''s POV)

    +15 Points)

    The examination room at the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den was cool and sterile.

    Dr. Samuel Wilson''s hands were gentle as he documented each bruise, each mark on my body.

    "I need aplete report," I insisted, wincing dramatically as he examined a particrly dark bruise on my ribs. "Every injury, no matter how small."

    Dr. Wilson nodded professionally. "Of course, Miss Frost. I''ll be thorough."

    Ethan stood by the door, his amber eyes dark with concern and barely contained rage. He hadn''t spoken much since bringing me here, but his protective presence was enough.

    While the doctor continued his examination, I discreetly sent a message on my

    phone. The Northern Territory Enforcers would be my weapon against Olivia Winters.

    By the time she was released from prison for assaulting me, I would be Ethan''s marked mate. Then I could deal with her permanently.

    "The examination isplete," Dr. Wilson announced, stepping back. "I''ll prepare

    the report immediately."

    "Thank you, doctor," I said, injecting weakness into my voice. "I appreciate your thoroughness."

    Dr. Wilson handed thepleted report to Ethan, who scanned it with a frown.

    Now was the time to strike.

    ¡°Ethan,¡± I said softly, reaching for his hand. "I''ve already called the Enforcers."

    His head snapped up, his amber eyes narrowing dangerously.

    "They''ll be here soon to take my statement," I continued, mistaking his silence for approval. "Olivia Winters will face justice for what she''s done."

    The temperature in the room seemed to drop as Ethan''s Alpha aura filled the

    space. His voice, when he finally spoke, was deadly quiet.

    "Victoria, who told you to call the Enforcers?"

 The Alpha King is unavailable 233

    "He attacked me like a wild animal!" I sobbed, clutching Ethan''s arm as tears streamed down

    my

    face. "She knew I couldn''t defend myself with my paralyzed legs!"

    My wolf whimpered pathetically inside me, ying up our victimhood. The bruises

    on my face were already darkening, and I made sure to wince dramatically whenever I shifted in my

    wheelchair.

    "She dragged me across the floor by my hair," I continued, voice breaking. "mmed my head

    against the wall. Called me horrible names!"

    I looked up at Ethan through tear-soakedshes, expecting to see his amber

    eyes darkening with protective rage. Instead, his expression remained eerily calm, almost detached.

    "Are you even listening?" I demanded, my voice rising with hysteria. "Your mate tried to kill

    me!"

    Ethan''s jaw tightened. "I heard you, Victoria."

    His wolf''s energy remained controlled, contained. Not at all the reaction I''d anticipated.

    "And?" I prompted, squeezing his arm harder.

    "And you provoked her," he stated tly. "Again."

    I recoiled as if pped. "What?¡±

    "Victoria, two years ago I told you to stay away from Olivia and not appear in her territory," he said coldly. "Yet you deliberately sought her out today."

    Horror dawned as I realized Ethan was siding with Olivia.

    "You had bodyguards," he continued, his voice hardening. "Who conveniently waited outside

    while you requested a ''private conversation'' with my mate."

    "I was trying to make peace!" I protested.

    Ethan''sugh was short and bitter. "We both know that''s not true."

    My wolf bristled beneath my skin, indignation rising. "I''m pressing charges," I dered. "The Northern Territory Enforcers will¡ª¡±

    Chapter 129 Wounded Pride

    "Will what?" Ethan interrupted. "Arrest the Luna of Silvercrest Pack based on your word

    alone?"

    Dr. Samuel Wilson chose that moment to enter with my medical report. I straightened, anticipating vindication.

    "The examination isplete, Alpha King," Dr. Wilson said professionally. "Miss Frost''s

    injuries are superficial-bruising to the face and torso, minor contusions. Nothing that qualifies as even light injuries under Northern Territory werewolfw."

    My mouth fell open in shock. "That''s impossible! I''m in agony!"

    Dr. Wilson''s expression remained neutral. "The pain you''re experiencing is likely due to your pre-existing condition, not today''s altercation."

    Fury bubbled inside me. That b***h Olivia had calcted everything perfectly- hurting me enough to satisfy her revenge while staying just under the legal threshold for assault charges.

    "This is outrageous," I hissed. "I demand a second opinion!"

    "Victoria, don''t make a fuss," Ethan said with finality. "I''ll take you home to rest. I''ll handle the

    Territory Enforcers'' report."

    My wolf snarled internally but submitted to the Alpha''smand. I nodded stiffly, swallowing

    my rage.

    "Thank you, Ethan," I managed, voice honeyed despite my fury. "You''re always so good to me."

    Ethan''s expression remained unreadable as he wheeled me toward the exit.

    The drive to Rosewood Haven passed in tense silence. My mind raced with ns for revenge,

    each more vicious than thest. Olivia Winters would pay for this humiliation.

    Once we arrived, Ethan personally wheeled me inside, his movements efficient rather than

    tender.

    "I''ll call the Enforcers and ensure this matter is closed," he stated, already pulling out his

    phone.

    "But Ethan-"

    "No, Victoria," he cut me off firmly. "This ends now. You provoked Olivia, and you''re fortunate

    she showed restraint."

    Restraint? My face throbbed with pain. This was his idea of restraint?

    "Rest," he ordered, turning to leave. "And stay away from Olivia."

    < Chapter 129: Wounded Pride

    +8 Points >

    The door closed behind him with quiet finality.

    Alone in my bedroom, rage consumed me. Olivia had manipted the situation perfectly. She''d beaten me in front of Lucas ckwood, humiliated me, and still emerged meless in

    Ethan''s eyes.

    My wolf howled with fury inside me. I changed into my Midnight Seduction Nightgown, its ck silk cool against my bruised skin. Taking a seductive selfie that strategically hid the

    worst of my bruises, I sent it to Ethan with the message: ¡°Missing you already. Come back

    tonight?"

    The response wasn''t from Ethan.

    My phone rang, disying an unknown number. I answered cautiously.

    "Victoria Frost, didn''t you say you wouldn''t let me go?"

    Olivia''s mocking tone filled me with dread. Her voice carried the unmistakable satisfaction of

    a predator who had cornered its prey.

    "How did you get this number?" I demanded.

    "The same way I got into the private dining room with you," she replied smoothly.

    "I nned it."

    My fingers tightened around the phone. "You won''t get away with this. Ethan-" "Ethan what?" she interrupted. "Will protect you? He just left you alone, didn''t he?" The truth of her words stung worse than my bruises.

    "You think you''re so clever," I spat. "But you''ve made a powerful enemy." Olivia''sugh was light, unconcerned. "I calcted exactly how much force to use, you know. Just enough to hurt your pride without crossing legal boundaries."

    "That''s right. What can you do to me?" she continued, her voice dripping with confidence. "Nothing. Just like you could do nothing when I dragged you across that floor."

    "You b***h!" I screamed, my partially paralyzed body trembling with rage.

    "Careful, Victoria," Olivia warned, her tone suddenly dangerous. "Next time, I might not be so merciful."

    The line went dead.

    With a howl of fury, I hurled my phone against the wall. It shattered, pieces scattering across the floor like my dignity.

    < Chapter 129. Wounded Pride

    +8 Points >

    Meanwhile, in her cottage at Maple Grove, Olivia Winters slept soundly, her wolf

    content and

    undisturbed by the night''s events. The victory had settled some of the pain of Lily''s death,

    allowing her a rare night of peaceful rest.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    Morning sunlight streamed through my kitchen window as I carefully arranged

    fresh

    moonberries atop a stack of fluffy pancakes. The rare berries had cost a small fortune, but my

    mother deserved something special.

    I packed the breakfast into my Crystal-Infused Thermal Food Container, ensuring

    it would stay warm during the drive to Crescent Moon Medical Center.

    My mother''s face lit up when I entered her room. "Olivia! What a lovely surprise."

    "Good morning, Mom," I said, kissing her cheek. "I brought your favorite." Evelyn Winters'' eyes widened at the sight of the moonberry pancakes. "Oh, sweetheart, you

    shouldn''t have!"

    "You''re worth it," I insisted, setting up the small tray across herp.

    After breakfast, I helped her into a wheelchair for our daily walk in the Silvercrest Medical Garden. The spring air was fresh, carrying the scent of blooming flowers..

    We paused near a small yground where two young pups were interacting-or rather, one was attempting to interact while the other remained aloof.

    "Hi! I''m Ruby!" the little girl announced, her patient gown fluttering as she bounced excitedly.

    "What''s your name?"

    The boy, thin and pale in his matching gown, merely nced at her before looking

    away.

    "I''m here because my tummy gets sick sometimes," Ruby continued, undeterred

    by his silence. "Is that why you''re here too?"

    My mother chuckled softly beside me. "She reminds me of you."

    I raised an eyebrow. "Me?"

    "Mmmm," she nodded. "Always trying to befriend the quiet ones. Remember that

    boy everyone

    called ''Ice Cube Brother''?"

    The memory made me smile. "Marcus. He wouldn''t talk to anyone."

    "But you were determined," Mom said, her eyes warm with reminiscence. "Every

    day, you''d sit with him at lunch, chattering away while he ignored you."

    *8 Points

    < Chapter 129 Wounded Pride

    ¡°Until he didn''t,¡± I finished. "It took three months before he finally spoke to me."

    We watched as Ruby offered the silent boy a small flower she''d picked. After a moment''s

    hesitation, he epted it.

    "Even as a pup, your wolf recognized kindred spirits who needed connection," Evelyn said

    softly, her eyes misty with memories. "Thatpassion is still in you, Olivia.

    Despite

    everything."

    I squeezed her hand, throat tight with emotion.

    After leaving the medical center, I drove to Moonstone Dining Hall for my meeting

    with Gwendolyn Pierce. The influential she-wolf was already seated at our reserved table, elegant as always in a tailored suit.

    "Olivia, darling," she greeted, air-kissing both my cheeks. "You look radiant today."

    I smiled, sliding into my seat. "Thank you for meeting me on such short notice."

    "When ites to talent like yours, I make time," she replied, gesturing to the portfolio I''d brought. "Show me what you''ve done with my suggestions."

    For the next hour, we discussed the adjustments I''d made to my healing crystal

    designs. Gwendolyn''s eyes lit up with each new sketch I revealed. "Brilliant," she dered, examining a particrly intricate design. "The energy flow is perfectly bnced now."

    "I incorporated the moonstone configuration you rmended," I exined. "It amplifies the healing properties significantly."

    Gwendolyn nodded approvingly. "I''d like to showcase these at my next gathering.

    The Pierce Pack''s endorsement couldunch your independent career."

    My heart leaped at the opportunity. "I''d be honored."

    After our productive lunch, I returned to my cottage, energized by Gwendolyn''s

    enthusiasm. I spread my designs across my desk, eager to refine them further.

    My phone buzzed with a message from Hunter Morgan: "Stone blocked ckthorn''s retrial petition. Judge denied without hearing. Call me."

    My stomach dropped. Connor ckthorn was crucial to my ns to expose Victoria''s role in Lily''s death. If Ethan was interfering...

    Without hesitation, I dialed Ethan''s number. He answered on the second ring.

    < Chapter 129: Wounded Pride

    "Olivia," he greeted, his deep voice sending an unwee shiver down my spine.

    "Stay out of Connor ckthorn''s case," I demanded, skipping pleasantries.

    There was a pause. "I''m protecting you."

    +8 Points >

    Points>

    "I don''t need your protection," I snapped, my emerald eyes shing with

    determination. "I need

    the truth."

    "The truth?" Ethan''s voice hardened. "The truth is that Connor ckthorn tried to

    kill you. He

    belongs behind bars."

    "That''s not your decision to make!"

    "As Alpha King, many things are my decision," he replied coolly. "Including the

    safety of my

    mate."

    My wolf bristled at his possessive tone. ¡°I''m doing this for my own reasons,

    Ethan."

    "I''m doing this for your own good, don''t be ungrateful," he stated firmly, his Alpha authority

    evident even through the phone.

    Our conversation quickly escted into a heated argument.

    "You have no right to interfere in my affairs," I snarled. "Not after everything you''ve

    done."

    "Everything I''ve done?" Ethan''s voice rose. "I''ve kept you safe, even when you didn''t know it!"

    "Safe?" Iughed bitterly. "Where was this concern when Lily was dying? When I was grieving

    alone?"

    The mention of our daughter created a heavy silence.

    "If you''re really doing this for me, why are you and Victoria still alive?" I finally

    said, my wolf''s pain breaking through my human control. The words hung between us, raw and terrible.

    Ethan''s breathing was the only sound for several long moments. "I still have pack business to attend to," he finally said, his voice carefully

    controlled. "If you want to talk about this,e to my residence tonight." His Alpha voice slipped into the request, making it moremand than invitation.

    He hung up abruptly, leaving me staring at my phone in frustration.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 234

    (Olivia''s POV)''

    Rain pounded against my windshield as I drove toward Stone Pack Enterprises headquarters. The wipers fought a losing battle against the downpour, much like my emotions battled

    against the memories this ce evoked.

    I gripped the steering wheel tighter. No way was I going to Ethan''s Moonlight Manor tonight.

    The towering ss building of Stone Pack Enterprises.loomed ahead, its illuminated logo a beacon in the stormy darkness. Five years ago, I''d stood in front of these same doors, soaked to the bone and desperate.

    Back then, I''de begging for money to save our daughter''s life.

    The memory washed over me as vividly as the rain outside. I''d been turned away at reception, the woman''s voice dripping with disdain as she informed me that "Miss Victoria Frost is Alpha Stone''s girlfriend" and that I needed an appointment. When I refused to leave, security guards had dragged me out into the rain.

    Standing on the sidewalk, clothes stered to my skin, I''d sent Ethan a text message that still. made me cringe with shame: "Please. I''ll do anything. Lily needs the treatment."

    Maxwell Chen had eventually appeared with an umbre, escorting me inside through a side entrance. Ethan had been cold, clinical, offering me a shower and change of clothes before we "discussed terms."

    I''dplied, desperate for the money that might save our daughter.

    An hourter, I left with a check and the receptionist''s knowing smirk burning into my back.

    Pulling into the parking garage, I pushed those memories aside. Today, I wasn''t here to beg. I

    was here to demand.

    I texted Maxwell Chen: "I''m here to see Ethan regarding Connor ckthorn." His response was immediate: "I''ll meet you at the executive elevator."

    Maxwell appeared exactly as I remembered him-impably dressed, expression neutral, the perfect assistant. If he recalled ourst encounter, his face betrayed nothing.

    "Miss Winters," he greeted with a slight bow. "Alpha Stone is expecting you at Moonlight

    116

    < Chapter 130: Olivia Refuses t....

    Manor."

    "I prefer to meet here," I replied firmly.

    +8 Points >

    Something flickered in Maxwell''s eyes-surprise, perhaps but he simply nodded and led me

    to the elevator.

    Ethan''s office upied the entire top floor, a testament to his power and status. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of the city, though tonight they

    only

    reflected the storm''s fury.

    Ethan stood when I entered, his amber eyes narrowing slightly.

    "I expected you at Moonlight Manor," he said, his deep voice sending an

    unwee shiver

    down my spine.

    "I prefer neutral ground," I replied coolly.

    He studied me for a moment, then turned to Maxwell. "Have dinner delivered here instead."

    Maxwell nodded and disappeared, leaving us alone.

    Ethan gestured to the seating area. ¡°Please, sit."

    I remained standing. "I''m here about Connor ckthorn."

    "And I invited you to dinner," he countered, his tone hardening slightly. "We can discuss

    business afterward."

    Before I could respond, Maxwell returned with several staff members carrying covered dishes. The rich aroma of venison filled the air as they set up an borate meal on Ethan''s conference

    table.

    My stomach betrayed me with a quiet growl. I recognized the dishes immediately- venison medallions with moonberry sauce, roasted root vegetables, and forest mushroom risotto. All

    my favorites from Amber Crest Restaurant.

    7

    "You remembered," I said before I could stop myself.

    Something softened in Ethan''s expression. "Of course."

    The intimacy of the moment unsettled me. During our marriage, we''d rarely shared meals

    together. Ethan had always been too busy with pack business or spending time with Victoria

    and Emma.

    "Please," he said, pulling out a chair for me. "Eat something."

    < Chapter 130: Olivia Refuses t...

    +8 Points >

    I sat reluctantly, keeping my expression neutral despite the delicious food before me. This felt

    like maniption-using my hunger against me.

    "How is your mother?" Ethan asked as he served me a portion of venison.

    "Fine," I replied curtly. "Connor ckthorn''s retrial petition-"

    "Can wait until after dinner,¡± he interrupted smoothly. "Tell me about your work with Gwendolyn Pierce."

    I stared at him, surprised he knew about that. "How did you-"

    "I make it my business to know what''s happening in my territory," he said, taking a

    sip of his wine. "Especially when it involves my mate."

    My wolf bristled at his possessive tone. "I''m not here to discuss my personal life."

    "No?" His amber eyes fixed on me intently. "Then let''s discuss Lucas ckwood instead."

    The mention of Lucas made my spine stiffen. "There''s nothing to discuss."

    "I disagree," Ethan said, his voice deceptively casual. "The Alpha of Moonstone Pack seems

    quite... attentive to my matetely."

    I set down my fork with a sharp clink. "This is pointless."

    I stood to leave, but Ethan was faster, moving to block my path. His scent-pine

    and amber- enveloped me as he stepped closer.

    "Olivia," he said softly, reaching for my hand.

    I tried to pull away, but he held firm, drawing me into a brief embrace. The familiar

    warmth of his body against mine triggered something deep within my wolf-a recognition that, despite

    everything, this was still my mate.

    I broke away, heart pounding traitorously.

    "Let me help you with Connor ckthorn," Ethan offered, his voice gentle.

    "Consider it repaying a debt."

    I shook my head. "I don''t want your help."

    "Why not?"

    "Because I don''t trust you," I said bluntly. "You''ll protect Victoria over seeking

    justice for Lily."

    His jaw tightened at the usation. "That''s not fair."

    "Isn''t it?" I challenged. "You''ve made your priorities clear, Ethan. Victoria and Emmae first.

    < Chapter 130 Olivia Refuses t

    They always have."

    +8 Points >

    Pain shed across his face, quickly masked by Alpha authority. "What exactly do

    you want

    from me, Olivia?"

    "I want you to authorize Connor ckthorn''s release," I stated firmly. "Today."

    "He tried to kill you," Ethan growled, his protective instincts ring.

    "That''s my concern, not yours," I countered. "You lost the right to protect me when

    you

    abandoned me and Lily."

    The words hung between us, sharp and cutting. Ethan''s amber eyes darkened

    with an emotion

    I couldn''t-wouldn''t-name.

    "Fine," he finally said. "I''ll make the call."

    Relief washed through me, but I kept my expression neutral. "Thank you."

    I turned to leave, eager to escape the confusing mix of emotions his presence stirred in me.

    My phone rang, the screen disying "Silvercrest Pack Medical Den." A chill ran

    down my spine as I answered.

    "Miss Winters?" Sarah Jenkins'' voice was professionally calm but urgent. "Your

    mother has

    been rushed to emergency. Her condition is critical."

    The world tilted beneath my feet. "What happened?"

    "Sudden respiratory distress. The doctors are with her now, but you shoulde

    quickly."

    My mind shed to another call, years ago. Another emergency. Another loved one slipping

    away.

    Lily.

    My legs gave way, and I sank into the nearest chair, phone clutched in my trembling hand.

    "Olivia?" Ethan was beside me instantly, concern etched on his face. "What''s wrong?"

    "My mother," I whispered, voice breaking. "She''s in critical condition."

    Without hesitation, Ethan took the phone from my hand. "This is Alpha King

    Stone. Prepare

    your best team for Evelyn Winters. We''re on our way."

    He ended the call and helped me to my feet. "I''ll drive you."

    Too shaken to argue, I let him guide me to the elevator, his hand steady at the

    small of my

    back.

    +8 Points >

    < Chapter 130: Olivia Refuses t...

    The drive to the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den passed in a blur of rain and silent

    prayers. Ethan''s presence beside me was both foreign and familiar-a reminder of all we''d once been

    to each other.

    Sarah Jenkins met us at the entrance, her professional demeanor softening with genuine concern. "Miss Winters, this way please."

    She led us through sterile corridors that held too many painful memories. The antiseptic smell, the hushed voices, the beeping machines-it all brought back Lily''s final days with crushing rity.

    your

    Dr. Harrison Fletcher emerged from the emergency room, his face grave. "Miss Winters, your mother''s condition has deteriorated rapidly. We''re doing everything

    we can, but I need consent for continued emergency treatment."

    He handed me a form, the words swimming before my eyes. My hands trembled

    so violently I could barely hold the pen.

    "This is..." I swallowed hard. "This is exactly what happened with Lily."

    The parallel was too much to bear. Once again, I stood in a hospital corridor,

    being asked to sign a form that might not save someone I loved.

    "Olivia," Ethan''s voice cut through my panic. He turned to Dr. Fletcher. "Continue treatment immediately. I take full responsibility."

    The doctor hesitated. "Sir, we still need-''

    "Do it," Ethanmanded, his Alpha authority unmistakable. "I''ll ensure the paperwork is handled."

    He turned to me, his voice gentler. "Olivia, your mother needs this treatment. It''s

    not like Lily''s situation. This time, there are no organ donors involved, no waiting

    lists. Just sign."

    His words prated my fog of fear. With trembling hands, I signed the form.

    Dr. Fletcher took it with a nod. "I''ll update you as soon as possible."

    As he hurried back to the emergency room, my legs finally gave way. Ethan caught me before! hit the floor, guiding me to a nearby chair.

    "She can''t die," I whispered, tears streaming down my face. "She''s all I have left."

    Ethan''s hand covered mine, warm and steady. "She''s strong, like her daughter."

    The waiting room door burst open, and Lucas ckwood strode in, his gray eyes immediately

    < Chapter 130: Olivia Refuses t....

    finding mine.

    "Liv," he said, crossing the room in long strides. "I came as soon as I heard."

    He knelt before me, taking my hands in his. "How is she?"

    "Critical," I managed, grateful for his solid presence. "They''re working on her now."

    Lucas pulled me into aforting embrace, his familiar scent calming my frayed nerves.

    +8 Points

    Over his shoulder, I caught Ethan watching us, his amber eyes dark with an emotion I couldn''t

    decipher.

    The minutes stretched into hours, each tick of the clock a reminder of how precious and

    precarious life could be. Lucas remained by my side, his quiet strength a balm to my anxiety.

    Finally, Dr. Harrison Fletcher returned, his expression cautiously optimistic.

    "Miss Winters," he began, "your mother has stabilized. The crisis has passed, and

    she''s

    regained consciousness."

    Relief crashed over me in a wave so powerful I nearly copsed again. Lucas''s

    arm around my

    shoulders kept me upright as tears of gratitude spilled down my

    cheeks.

    "Can I see her?" I asked, already rising from my seat.

    Dr. Fletcher nodded. "Briefly. She''s still very weak."

    Lucas squeezed my hand. "I''ll be right here."

    I followed Dr. Fletcher to my mother''s room, where Evelyny pale but alive,

    connected to various monitors. Her eyes fluttered open as I approached. "Olivia,¡± she whispered, her voice barely audible.

    "I''m here, Mom," I said, carefully taking her frail hand in mine. ¡°You''re going to be

    okay."

    As the nurses prepared to wheel her to a recovery room, Evelyn''s gaze drifted

    past me. Her

    eyes widened slightly in surprise.

    I turned to see Ethan standing in the doorway, his powerful frame a stark contrast

    to the

    sterile hospital setting.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 235

    In the next second, my mother''s pupils suddenly dted. Her chest heaved violently as she red at Ethan with a fury I''d never seen before.

    "You..." she rasped, her voice trembling with rage. The monitor beside her bed began beeping frantically as her heart rate spiked.

    She tried to continue, to curse the man standing in the doorway, but her words caught in her

    throat as she gasped for air.

    "Mom!" I shouted, panic seizing my chest. "Doctor, quickly check on my mother!"

    Dr. Harrison Fletcher had just turned to leave, but at my cry, he spun around. His expression

    shifted from professional calm to urgent concern in an instant.

    "Get her back in!" he ordered the nurses, who immediately began wheeling my mother''s bed

    back toward the emergency room.

    Thest thing I saw was my mother''s face, contorted with hatred as she stared at Ethan. Then

    the double doors swung shut, cutting her from my view.

    I whirled around to face Ethan, rage boiling through my veins. His presence had triggered this.

    His very existence had nearly killed my mother.

    "Get out!" I hissed through clenched teeth, my hands balled into fists at my sides.

    Ethan''s amber eyes widened slightly. For once, the mighty Alpha King looked taken aback,

    perhaps even guilty.

    "If there''s anything I can help with, call me anytime," he said quietly, his deep voicecking its

    usualmanding tone.

    I didn''t answer. I just stared at him, letting all my hatred and pain show in my eyes. My wolf snarled beneath my skin, wanting to lunge at the man who had brought us nothing but

    suffering.

    He held my gaze for a moment longer before turning away. I watched his broad shoulders disappear down the corridor, my body trembling with fury and fear.

    Only when he waspletely gone did I allow myself to copse into the nearest chair, my

    ~ Chapter 131 A Mother''s Reco

    +9 Points >

    head falling into my hands as tears threatened to spill over.

    Lucas was beside me in an instant, his arm wrapping around my shoulders. The gentle

    pressure of his hand as he patted my back was the only thing keeping me from falling apart

    "This is my fault," I whispered, voice breaking. "I should have known she would recognize him."

    "You couldn''t have predicted this," Lucas said softly. "None of us considered it."

    I shook my head, guilt crushing my chest. "She nearly died because I let him near her."

    "Liv, listen to me," Lucas said firmly, turning me to face him. "Your mother is strong. She''s

    going to pull through this."

    His gray eyes held mine, steady and reassuring.

    An hourter, Dr. Fletcher emerged from the emergency room, looking tired but relieved.

    "She''s stable again," he informed us. "We''ve moved her to a private recovery room."

    Relief washed over me like a wave. "Can I see her?"

    He nodded. "Briefly. She needs rest, but she''s asking for you."

    My mother looked fragile against the white hospital sheets, but her eyes were clear when I

    entered. The machines monitoring her vital signs beeped steadily, reassuringly. "I''m sorry," she whispered as I took her hand. "I didn''t mean to frighten you."

    "Don''t apologize," I said, squeezing her fingers gently. "I should have warned you he might be

    here."

    She shook her head slightly. "That man... after what he did to you and Lily..."

    "Shh," I soothed, not wanting her to upset herself again. "Don''t think about him now. Just focus

    on getting better."

    The night grewte, and nurses came to check on my mother regrly. I refused to leave her

    side, settling into the ufortable chair beside her bed.

    "Go home, sweetheart, my mother urged, her voice weak but insistent. "You need proper rest."

    "I''m not leaving you," I said firmly.

    She smiled faintly. "You''re as stubborn as I am. But Lucas is waiting, and I''ll just

    be sleeping. Come back in the morning when I''m more awake."

    I hesitated, torn between staying and acknowledging that she was right-I was exhausted, and

    there was little I could do while she slept.

    +8 Points >

    "Promise you''ll call if anything changes?" I asked the night nurse, who nodded reassuringly.

    "Of course, Miss Winters. We have your number as the primary contact."

    With reluctance, I kissed my mother''s forehead and prepared to leave. Lucas was waiting in

    the corridor, his tall frame leaning against the wall.

    "How is she?" he asked as I approached.

    "Stable," I replied. "She''s insisting I go home and rest.''

    He nodded. "Smart woman. Come on, I''ll walk you to your car.''

    (Ethan''s POV)

    I waited in my Midnight Maybach in the lower level of the medical den parking garage, my

    fingers drumming impatiently against the steering wheel. My wolf paced restlessly beneath my skin, agitated by the events of the evening.

    Evelyn Winters'' reaction to me had been unexpected but not iprehensible. Of course she

    would hate me after everything that had happened with Lily. Still, seeing that raw hatred in her

    eyes had struck something deep within me-a ce I usually kept carefully guarded.

    Movement at the entrance caught my attention. Lucas ckwood emerged with Olivia, his

    arm wrapped protectively around her shoulders. They paused at the bottom of the steps, and I

    watched as he pulled her into an embrace.

    From my angle, it looked like they were kissing. My vision went red.

    A growl rumbled in my chest as my wolf surged forward, furious at the sight of another Alpha

    touching my mate. My fingers crushed the leather of the steering wheel, leaving permanent

    indentations.

    Mine, my wolf snarled. She is MINE.

    I forced myself to remain in the car, though every instinct demanded I go tear them apart. Instead, I watched as they separated and walked toward the parking area, disappearing from

    my view.

    Once I was certain they had left, I exited my vehicle and strode purposefully back

    into the

    medical den. The staff straightened as I passed, sensing my barely contained

    rage.

    I found Dr. Harrison Fletcher reviewing charts at the nurses'' station.

    "Alpha King," he greeted, bowing his head respectfully.

    < Chapter 131: A Mother''s Reco....

    +8 Points>

    "I need to speak with you," I said, my voice low and controlled despite the storm

    raging inside me. "Privately."

    He led me to his office, closing the door behind us.

    "How can I assist you, sir?" he asked, his professional demeanor firmly in ce.

    "Evelyn Winters'' surgery," I began, fixing him with a hard stare. "I understand you''re scheduled

    to perform it."

    Dr. Fletcher nodded cautiously. "Yes, sir. It''s aplex procedure, but necessary for her

    recovery."

    "You will withdraw from the case," I stated, making it clear this was not a request.

    His eyes widened slightly. "Sir, with all due respect, Mrs. Winters needs this surgery. Without it

    11

    "I''m aware of the implications," I cut him off. "But you will find a reason to recuse yourself. Cite

    a conflict of interest, scheduling issues-I don''t care. Just make sure you''re not the

    one

    performing that surgery."

    Dr. Fletcher''s professional mask slipped for a moment, revealing his confusion

    and concern.

    "May I ask why, Alpha King?"

    I leaned forward, my voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "You may not. Just

    know that

    thises directly from me, and I expect my orders to be followed without question."

    He swallowed visibly, then nodded. "As you wish, Alpha King."

    "Good," I straightened, adjusting my suit jacket. "And Dr. Fletcher? This

    conversation never

    happened."

    (Olivia''s POV)

    Before I got into my car, Lucas reached into his pocket and pulled out a small ss vial.

    "Here," he said, pressing it into my palm. "It might help you sleep tonight."

    I examined the vial, filled with a clear liquid that shimmered slightly in the parking

    lot lights.

    "What is it?"

    "Moonflower Sleep Essence,¡± he exined. ¡°Put a few drops on your pillow. It''s infused with moonstone essence-should help calm your mind."

    I uncapped it and inhaled the gentle, soothing scent. "Thank you, Lucas. For

    everything."

    416

    +8 Points >

    He smiled, the expression warming his usually serious face. "Get some rest, Liv.

    I''ll check on your mother first thing tomorrow if you''d like."

    Back at my cottage, I followed Lucas''s suggestion, cing a few drops of the essence on my pillow. The subtle fragrance filled my bedroom, easing some of the tension from my body.

    I sent Lucas a quick message: "The essence is wonderful. Thank you again for

    being there today."

    My phone buzzed almost immediately, but it wasn''t Lucas. Ethan''s name shed

    on the screen, sending a jolt of anger through me.

    "Break all ties with Lucas ckwood immediately. This is not a request."

    I stared at the message, my fingers hovering over the keyboard as I contemted

    a scathing reply. Instead, I simply turned off my phone and ced it on my

    nightstand.

    The moonflower essence worked its magic, and despite the day''s turmoil, I fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.

    Morning came too quickly. I hurried to the medical den, eager to check on my mother and discuss her uing surgery with Dr. Fletcher.

    I found him at the nurses'' station, reviewing charts. He looked up as I approached, and something in his expression made my stomach tighten with apprehension.

    "Miss Winters," he greeted, his professional smile not quite reaching his eyes. "I

    was hoping to speak with you."

    "How is my mother this morning?" I asked.

    "Stable," he replied. "But I need to discuss her surgery with you."

    He led me to a quiet consultation room and closed the door behind us.

    "I''m afraid I won''t be able to perform your mother''s procedure," he said without

    preamble.

    I stared at him, uprehending. "What? Why not? You''re the best healer for

    this type of surgery."

    Dr. Fletcher avoided my gaze. "A scheduling conflict has arisen. I''ve

    rmended several

    colleagues who are qualified to-"

    "This is because of him, isn''t it?" I interrupted, my voice shaking with anger.

    "Ethan did this."

    The doctor''s silence was all the confirmation I needed.

    < Chapter 131: A Mother''s Reco...

    +8 Points >

    "Dr. Fletcher, please," I implored, desperation creeping into my voice. "My mother

    needs this

    surgery. You know you''re the best person to perform it."

    "I''m sorry, Miss Winters," he said, still not meeting my eyes. "My decision is final."

    I left the consultation room in a daze, fury and fear battling within me. Without

    thinking, I

    called Lucas.

    "Liv? What''s wrong?" His voice was instantly alert.

    "It''s Ethan," I said, struggling to keep my voice steady. "He''s interfered with my

    mother''s surgery. Dr. Fletcher has withdrawn from the case."

    Lucas cursed under his breath. "I''ll try to speak with Fletcher."

    "Thank you," I whispered, grateful for his support.

    "In the meantime, I''ll look into other options," he promised. "There are other skilled

    healers

    who might be willing to help, though they''re limited."

    I ended the call, knowing what I had to do. I couldn''t take risks with my mother''s

    life, not even

    to spite Ethan.

    With grim determination, I drove to Moonlight Manor. The imposing gates opened

    as I

    approached¨CEthan was expecting me.

    I found Ethan standing by the window, his broad shoulders silhouetted against the

    morning

    light. He turned as I entered, his amber eyes unreadable.

    Without hesitation, I strode across the room and pped him hard across the

    face.

    "How dare you?" I hissed, trembling with rage. "Killing my daughter isn''t enough,

    are you going

    to kill my mother too?"

    Ethan didn''t react to the p. He simply regarded me with those infuriating amber

    eyes.

    He gestured toward the hallway, "Change the shoes, Olivia. Then we''ll have

    dinner."

    In a surge of defiance, I began unbuttoning my blouse, my fingers working quickly

    down the

    front.

    Ethan''s eyes widened in shock as I shrugged the garment off my

 The Alpha King is unavailable 236

    I froze in ce as Olivia''s blouse slipped from her shoulders, revealing the delicatece of her bra against her pale skin. My wolf surged forward, a primal growl building in my chest at the

    sight of my mate.

    "What are you doing?" I asked, my voice husky with a mixture of surprise and something

    darker.

    Olivia''s emerald eyes shed with cold fury as she stared me down.

    "What are you pretending for?" she spat. "You used such despicable means to force me toe to you by threatening my mother''s treatment. If not for this, could it be just to have a tonic conversation with me?"

    Her wolf bristled beneath the surface, her anger palpable in the air between us.

    I swallowed hard, fighting to maintain myposure. The sight of her partially undressed was testing my control in ways I hadn''t anticipated.

    "Put your clothes back on," I ordered, my voice rougher than intended. "That''s not why I brought you here."

    Oliviaughed, a harsh sound devoid of humor. "Isn''t it? You''ve made it clear what you want. Let''s just get it over with so my mother can have her surgery."

    Her words stung, but I couldn''t deny the truth in them. I had used underhanded tactics to bring her here, to get her away from Lucas ckwood.

    The thought of the rival Alpha touching my mate made my wolf snarl with possessive rage.

    She was mine. She had always been mine.

    "We''ll have.dinner first," I said firmly, turning away to give her privacy. "Then we''ll talk."

    "Do you think I have an appetite looking at you?" she retorted, her wolf''s disgust evident in her

    tone.

    I turned back to face her, allowing my Alpha authority to surface. "I want you to eat. Do you

    have a choice?"

    My amber eyes shed with power, reminding her of her powerlessness in this situation. It

    < Chapter 132: Reluctant Surre

    +8 Points >

    wasn''t how I wanted things between us, but I was desperate to keep her here, away from

    Lucas ckwood.

    Olivia''s jaw tightened, but she snatched her blouse from the floor and roughly pulled it back on. Her fingers trembled slightly as she fastened the buttons, her wolf clearly agitated

    beneath her skin.

    "Fine," she said coldly. "Let''s have your dinner."

    In the dining room, she deliberately chose the seat farthest from mine at the long table. Her wolf remained alert, wary of my every move as I took my ce beside her instead.

    The venison stew steamed in its serving dish, filling the air with a rich aroma. I reached for a

    piece of meat and began to peel it carefully, cing it in her bowl. Without hesitation, Olivia picked it up and threw it in the trash. Undeterred, I prepared another piece and held it to her lips. "Eat.""

    She turned her face away, her emerald eyes shing with defiance.

    "Eat," I repeated, my voice carrying the subtle undertone of an Alphamand.

    Forced toply, she opened her mouth and swallowed the meat whole. Immediately, she

    began to choke, her face reddening as she gasped for air.

    Panic seized me. I patted her back frantically, my wolf anxious at my mate''s distress.

    "Olivia! Are you alright?"

    She pushed me away violently and rushed to the bathroom. The sounds of her coughing and

    retching echoed through the apartment, each one like a knife to my gut.

    I followed her, grabbing a warm towel and a ss of water. My wolf whined anxiously,

    desperate tofort its mate despite our estrangement.

    "Liv," I said softly, offering the water. "Does it have to be like this? Can''t we just get along?"

    Her response was to spit the water directly in my face, her emerald eyes zing with

    contempt.

    I sighed, wiping my face with the towel. This wasn''t going as I''d hoped.

    "Come back to the table," I said, trying a different approach. "I''ve asked the chef to prepare

    some moonberry tea and a lighter venison stew. You need to eat something." Reluctantly, she followed me back to the dining room. This time, she ate slowly, mechanically,

    214

    < Chapter 132: Reluctant Surre.....

    +8 Points >

    her wolf''s need for nourishment overriding her desire to defy me.

    As she ate, I watched her take in the apartment, noting how her eyes lingered on certain details-the moonstone-infused bath products in the bathroom, the specific brand of moonberry tea she preferred, the books on the shelf that matched her tastes.

    I had prepared this ce for her, for us. A new beginning.

    After dinner, she stood abruptly. "I''m going to shower."

    I nodded, relieved that she was at least taking care of herself. "There are fresh towels in the

    bathroom."

    In the silence of her absence, I paced the living room, my wolf restless beneath my skin. I wanted-needed-to reconnect with my mate, but her hatred was a wall between us that

    seemed insurmountable.

    When she emerged from the bathroom wrapped in a towel, her hair dripping wet, she walked past me without a nce. I followed her to the bedroom, where shey on the bed, eyes closed, feigning resignation.

    "Your hair is still wet," I said, grabbing a towel. "You''ll catch cold."

    I pulled her up to sit, ignoring her stiffness as I began to dry her hair. The scent of her-clean

    skin and the subtle floral notes of the shampoo-filled my senses, making my wolf strain

    toward her.

    As I worked, she leaned against me, perhaps too tired to maintain her rigid posture. For a

    moment, I felt a flicker of the bond we once shared, a connection that transcended our current

    animosity.

    My self-control wavered. I leaned in, almost nuzzling her neck in a traditional werewolf gesture of affection, but stopped when I caught the sh of disgust in her eyes before she closed

    them.

    The near-contact hung heavy between us, a chasm of unspoken emotions. I retreated, making an excuse about her wet hair needing more attention.

    I sat her down at the vanity and continued drying her hair, struck by the role reversal. Once, long ago, she had done this for me after a particrly brutal training session in the rain.

    My wolf yearned to groom her properly, to reestablish our bond through the intimate ritual, But I knew she would reject any such attempt.

    When I finished, I changed the damp sheets and brought her a ss of moonlight

    milk, a

    < Chapter 132: Reluctant Surre....

    soothing beverage that might help her sleep.

    She drank it withoutment andy down, her body tense as if expecting the inevitable iming that an Alpha might demand of his Luna.

    But that wasn''t what I wanted-not like this, not with her hating every moment.

    +8 Points >

    I watched as sleep gradually imed her, her wolf exhausted from maintaining her emotional defenses. Her features softened in slumber, reminding me of the woman I had once known,

    the mate I had neglected.

    After ensuring she was deeply asleep, I returned to the bedroom and carefully drew her into my arms. The emptiness my wolf had felt since our estrangement seemed to lessen with her

    proximity.

    I traced the curve of her cheek with my finger, noting the dark circles under her eyes. She hadn''t been sleeping well-that much was obvious.

    "Goodnight," I whispered, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

    My wolf settled, content to simply hold its mate after so long. As I adjusted the nket around us, Olivia''s phone lit up on the nightstand.

    I reached for it, intending to silence it so it wouldn''t disturb her sleep. But the name on the

    screen made my wolf growl.

    Lucas ckwood.

    I checked the messages, finding a series of calls and texts from the rival Alpha

    asking about Olivia''s whereabouts and urging her not to do anything rash for her mother''s sake.

    My wolf snarled possessively at his concern for my mate. Who was he to worry about her?

    She was mine to protect, mine to care for.

    Annoyed, I opened the camera app and took a picture of Olivia sleeping

    peacefully in my arms. Without hesitation, I sent it to Lucas, a clear territorial

    message from one Alpha to

    another that needed no words.

    Let him see who she belonged with. Let him understand that no matter what had

    happened

    between us, Olivia was still my mate, my Luna.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 237

    With a dominant growl, I typed: "Lucas ckwood, Olivia is mine. She was before, and she can only be mine in the future. Stay away from her."

    I hit send without hesitation, watching the message deliver with satisfaction. My

    wolf rumbled with approval at marking our territory so clearly.

    Several iing messages shed across the screen - Lucas''s angry

    responses. I didn''t bother reading them. Instead, I blocked his number, turned off Olivia''s phone, and tossed it

    aside.

    My attention returned to the woman sleeping in my arms. Her chestnut hair spilled across the pillow, her face peaceful in sleep ¨C a stark contrast to the hatred that filled her eyes when

    awake.

    My fingers moved of their own ord, tracing the delicate outline of her face. I followed the

    curve of her cheekbone, the slope of her nose, finally stopping at her slightly parted lips.

    Something primal and instinctive took over. I lowered my head and pressed my lips against

    hers in a light kiss.

    It wasn''t a iming kiss ¨C though my wolf certainly wanted that. But the time wasn''t right.

    She needed toe back to me willingly.

    I carefully adjusted her position, pulling her closer against my chest. Her scent that unique

    blend of moonflowers and something distinctly Olivia filled my senses.

    My wolf felt content for the first time in months. She was alive, safe, and back in my territory where she belonged.

    The steady rhythm of her breathing lulled me into a peaceful sleep, my arms wrapped

    protectively around her.

    I was awakened by the distinctive ringtone of my Alpha Phone. Victoria''s special tone.

    Carefully extracting myself from the bed, I moved silently to avoid disturbing Olivia. She

    stirred slightly but didn''t wake.

    I stepped into the hallway before answering. "What is it?"

    Chapter 133 Come Here

    +8 Puntos >

    Instead of Victoria''s voice, I heard Emma''s tearful one. "Alpha King? It''s Emma. Mommy is really sick. She has a high fever and keeps calling for you."

    My wolf immediately responded to the distress in the young pup''s voice. "I''ll be right there, Emma. Try to keep herfortable."

    I dressed quickly, casting onest nce at Olivia''s sleeping form. My wolf was reluctant to leave our mate, but the pull of a distressed pup was strong.

    I left a note on the nightstand exining my absence, though I doubted Olivia would care. Then I slipped out into the night, heading for Rosewood Haven. (Victoria''s POV)

    I heard Ethan''s heavy footsteps approaching my bedroom door. Emma had yed her part perfectly the concerned daughter calling for help.

    The door opened, and Ethan''s imposing figure filled the doorway. His amber eyes immediately assessed the situation, taking in Emma''s worried face and my feverish state.

    "Mommy''s really sick," Emma whimpered, clutching my hand. "I tried to help, but she keeps getting hotter."

    Ethan approached the bed, his expression concerned as he ced his hand on my forehead. I leaned into his touch, making sure he felt the unnatural heat radiating from my skin.

    "50.2 degrees," he muttered, checking the thermometer Emma had ced beside the bed.

    I had deliberately induced this fever with abination of herbs, but the temperature was higher than I''d intended. The difort wasn''t entirely an act anymore.

    I gripped Ethan''s hand with trembling fingers, forcing tears to well in my eyes. "Ethan," I whispered, my voice deliberately weak. "Do you really not want Emmy?"

    I saw his expression shift at the childhood nickname. His wolf recognized its significance ¨C

    the name only his childhood sweetheart would use.

    His grip on my hand tightened slightly. "Don''t talk. Save your strength."

    I was gambling everything on Emma''s position in Ethan''s heart. I didn''t believe he

    would truly abandon her - not the child he''d raised as his own for years.

    When I felt his grip loosening, I murmured through my tears, "Don''t give up on Emmy. Please don''t give up on her."

    Ethan picked up a cloth from the bedside table and gently wiped the tears from my face. "No,"

    he whispered.

    That single word was all I needed to hear. He would never ignore us.

    +8 Puntos >

    Even in my feverish state, I felt triumph surge through me. I was his childhood sweetheart. How could he bear to make me sad?

    As long as I maintained that connection, Ethan would never abandon me for anyone else especially not Olivia.

    I knew exactly what leverage I had. The real childhood sweetheart had better remain dead. If she wasn''t dead, she''d better stay away forever.

    Otherwise, she would be courting death. I would never allow Ethan to discover I wasn''t his true childhood love, that I was an imposter.

    Once I lost that identity, that special connection... I didn''t dare think about it! I would never allow that day toe.

    Ethan stayed by my side all night, just as I knew he would. My n was working perfectly.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I woke with a gasp, my heart pounding from a nightmare I couldn''t quite

    remember. My wolf

    immediately scanned for threats, alert and wary.

    The unfamiliar bedroom came into focus. Ethan''s bedroom.

    I sat up abruptly, checking myself for any signs that he had imed me during the

    night.

    Relief washed over me when I found none.

    The space beside me was empty, the sheets cold. He''d been gone for some time.

    A note on the nightstand caught my eye: "Emergency with Emma. We''ll discuss your mother''s

    surgery when I return."

    I crumpled the note and tossed it aside. I had no intention of being here when he returned.

    Quickly gathering my things, I dressed and slipped out of Moonlight Manor. The morning air

    was crisp against my skin as I walked briskly toward themunity entrance.

    At the gate, I turned on my Evidence Phone. It immediately began buzzing with notifications -

    missed calls and messages, mostly from Lucas.

    As I scrolled through them, an iing call from an unknown number appeared

    on the

    screen. My wolf''s caution made me decline it.

    < Chapter 133: Come Here

    A sleek ck Armored SUV pulled up beside me. The window lowered to reveal

    Lucas

    ckwood''s concerned face.

    "Get in," he said, his gray eyes scanning the area around us.

    +8 Puntos >

    I hesitated only briefly before climbing into the passenger seat. Thomas Griffin

    was behind the wheel, nodding respectfully as I entered.

    "You stayed outside all night?" I asked, noticing the coffee cups and food wrappers that suggested a long wait.

    Lucas''s expression was unapologetic. "My wolf wouldn''t leave you unprotected in

    rival

    territory."

    Something warm unfurled in my chest at his words. "Thank you," I said softly. "But

    I''m fine.

    Nothing happened."

    His eyes searched mine, looking for the truth. "Did he force himself on you?"

    "No," I assured him. "He didn''t touch me."

    Lucas''s jaw tightened, and I realized he didn''t entirely believe me. "Your wolf," he

    said carefully.

    "Is it beginning to respond to him again?"

    I didn''t answer directly. The truth wasplicated - my wolf had remained

    stubbornly neutral

    "You don''t have to answer," Lucas said, correctly reading my hesitation. "But remember, Olivia

    you deserve better than a mate who abandoned you and your daughter when you

    needed

    him most."

    His gray eyes held mine, intense and sincere. "I would never do that to you."

    The SUV pulled away from Moonlight Manor, heading toward the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den. Lucas''s words hung between us, heavy with implication.

    "I know you still feel the mate bond," he continued. "But bonds can change. They

    can weaken

    or strengthen based on actions, not just instinct."

    He reached over and squeezed my hand gently. "I believe one day your wolf will

    recognize me

    as the better Alpha."

    At the medical den, Dr. Harrison Fletcher was waiting for us in the lobby. His

    expression was

    carefully neutral as we approached.

    "Miss Winters," he greeted me. "I wanted to inform you that your mother''s surgery

    has been

    Chapter 133: Come Here

    postponed indefinitely."

    My wolf bristled with protective fury. "What? Why?"

    +8 Puntos >

    Dr. Fletcher avoided my gaze. "The surgical team feels that her condition needs to

    stabilize further before proceeding."

    "That''s not what you said yesterday," I challenged, stepping closer. "You said the surgery was

    urgent."

    Lucas moved to stand beside me, his tall frame imposing. "Dr. Fletcher," he said,

    his voice

    carrying the subtle authority of an Alpha. "Is this medical decision, or was it

    influenced by Alpha King Stone?"

    The healer''s silence was damning.

    "Answer her," Lucas pressed, his wolf''s dominance seeping into his tone.

    Dr. Fletcher straightened his shoulders. "I have a duty to my patients and to my Alpha-"

    "Your duty is to save lives," I interrupted, my voice shaking with anger. "My mother could die

    without this surgery!"

    The tension in the lobby was palpable, drawing the attention of staff and patients

    alike.

    "What''s going on here?"

    Ethan''s deep voice cut through the argument. He strode toward us, his amber eyes shing

    with territorial anger at finding Lucas with me.

    "You''re interfering with my mother''s treatment," I used, turning to face him. ¡°Dr. Fletcher was ready to perform the surgery until you ordered him not to." Ethan''s gaze shifted between me and Lucas, his wolf clearly agitated by the other Alpha''s presence. "This is pack business, ckwood. You have no ce here."

    Lucas stepped forward, positioning himself slightly in front of me. "Olivia asked for my help.

    That makes it my business."

    The two Alphas faced each other, their wolves bristling beneath the surface. The

    air crackled

    with tension.

    Without warning, Lucas lunged forward and struck Ethan with a powerful blow to

    the jaw. The

    impact echoed through the lobby.

    ¡°That''s for using her mother''s health as leverage,¡± Lucas growled.

    < Chapter 133: Come Here

    Ethan recovered quickly, his amber eyes darkening with rage. He moved to

    retaliate, but I stepped between them, instinctively shielding Lucas.

    +8 Puntos >

    My action surprised everyone, including myself. My wolf had made a choice,

    protecting Lucas instead of my mate.

    Ethan''s eyes narrowed dangerously, his voice dropping to the unmistakable tone

    of an Alphamand as he ordered, "Olivia Winters,e here."

    Comentarios

 The Alpha King is unavailable 238

    I felt Olivia trembling behind me, her fury radiating in waves as Ethan''s Alpha

    coercion.

    My heart ached for her. I tightened my grip on her hand when she tried to pull away, responding to Ethan''smand.

    "Liv, don''t go. Let me handle this. I won''t let anything happen to your mother," I promised, my eyes locked on hers.

    I was genuinely concerned that Ethan''s pressure would cause her illness to

    rpse-the same condition that had nearly imed her after Lily''s death. I couldn''t bear to see her suffer that

    way again.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I looked at Lucas with tearful eyes, feeling utterly powerless against Ethan''s influence over Silvercrest territory. I hadn''t anticipated his continued harassment after returning to Shadow Creek, especially given the rumors about him and Victoria.

    "How can you be so shameless?" I spat at Ethan, my voice trembling with rage.

    Lucas squeezed my hand reassuringly. "Trust me," he said, his gaze gentle yet firm.

    I held his hand tighter, silently conveying my trust. Deep down, I believed Lucas wouldn''t jeopardize my mother''s health the way Ethan had.

    Ethan noticed our interaction, his amber eyes narrowing dangerously. "I won''t ask again," he said, his voice growing colder.

    Just then, his phone rang. He ignored it at first, but when it rang a second time, he reluctantly

    checked the screen.

    "What is it, Maxwell?" he answered sharply.

    I watched his expression change as he listened to whatever Maxwell Chen was saying. His jaw tightened visibly.

    "What do you mean the project is halted?" he demanded. "Who authorized that?"

    < Chapter 134: Territorial Dispu....

    Lucas''s lips curved into a subtle smile beside me. I realized he must have used his

    connections against Ethan.

    After ending the call, Ethan red at Lucas with barely contained fury. "This isn''t over," he warned before storming out of the medical den.

    Lucas led me to my mother''s room without further interference. I was grateful for his protection, but worried about the consequences of challenging the Alpha King so openly.

    +3 Puntos

    Over the next few days, Lucas became busy with ckwood Pack Enterprises matters. Ethan

    didn''t appear in front of me again, which was a relief.

    I spent most of my time at the medical den, watching over my mother. Her condition seemed to be stabilizing, which eased my anxiety somewhat.

    Dr. Harrison Fletcher appeared ufortable whenever I was around. He avoided meeting my eyes directly, as if he felt guilty about something.

    "How is she really doing?" I asked him during one of his examinations.

    He hesitated before answering. "Her vitals are improving. The postponement of the surgery might actually be beneficial."

    I narrowed my eyes suspiciously. "Why the sudden change in medical opinion?¡±

    Dr. Fletcher busied himself with checking my mother''s charts. "Sometimes new informationes to light that changes our approach."

    I didn''t believe him, but I couldn''t argue with my mother''s improving condition. Whatever was happening, at least she seemed to be getting better.

    After my mother fell asleep that evening, I left the medical den, exhausted from another long day of worry. A sleek ck car pulled up in front of me as I stepped outside.

    Bernard Sheppard emerged, his dignified manner unchanged as he bowed slightly. "Miss Winters, Mrs. ckwood requests your presence."

    My wolf immediately grew cautious. "Lucas''s mother?"

    Bernard nodded. "She''s waiting at the Whispering Tea Parlor."

    I hesitated, then quickly sent Lucas a text message before getting into the car.

    Whatever Margaret ckwood wanted, I needed to face it directly.

    The Whispering Tea Parlor was as elegant as its name suggested, with soft lighting and tasteful d¨¦cor. Margaret ckwood sat at a corner table, her posture perfect as she sipped

    her tea.

    +8 Puntos >

    She didn''t stand when I approached, merely indicating the chair across from her with a slight

    gesture.

    "Miss Winters," she greeted, her refined voice barely masking her disapproval. "Thank you for

    I sat down cautiously. "Mrs. ckwood."

    She studied me with critical eyes. "I''ll be direct. You are unworthy of my son."

    The bluntness of her statement took me by surprise, though I shouldn''t have been shocked.

    "When I heard you had jumped into the Moonstone River, I was relieved," she continued coldly. "Your reappearance has been... disappointing."

    I felt my wolf bristle defensively. "I never asked for Lucas''s attention."

    Margaret''s perfectly manicured hand waved dismissively. "My son is the Alpha of

    the

    Moonstone Pack. His actions now affect both ckwood Pack Enterprises and Stone Pack

    Enterprises."

    Her eyes narrowed slightly. "I understand you spent the night at Ethan Stone''s residence

    recently."

    I stiffened. "Nothing happened between us."

    "That hardly matters," Margaret replied. "The appearance of impropriety is enough. Lucas is risking everything for a woman who still runs to her mate when called."

    Her words stung because they contained a kernel of truth. I had gone to Ethan''s apartment,

    even if it was under duress.

    "The ckwood bloodline has maintained its territory for over a century," she reminded me.

    "One woman''s drama should not jeopardize generations of stability."

    I retreated slightly in my chair, suddenly understanding the gravity of the situation. Lucas wasn''t just risking his reputation for me-he was risking his pack''s standing. Before I could respond, the door to the tea parlor opened. Lucas strode in, immediately filling

    the room with his presence.

    "That''s enough, Mother," he said, his voice carrying the quiet authority of an Alpha.

    Margaret''s expression remainedposed, but I could see the tension in her shoulders.

    < Chapter 134: Territorial Dispu

    "I don''t appreciate you involving Olivia in pack politics," Lucas continued, moving

    to stand

    beside my chair.

    He took my hand gently. "We''re leaving."

    +8 Puntos >

    Outside, Lucas tried tofort me. "I''m sorry about my mother. Please ignore

    what she said."

    I pulled my hand from his grasp. "Lucas, you need to stop whatever you''re doing

    against

    Ethan."

    "Why?" he asked, genuinely confused.

    "Because your mother is right," I insisted. "You''re risking too much for me. The

    ckwood

    Pack-"

    "Will be fine," he interrupted firmly.

    I pressed him further. "You''re damaging pack alliances. That affects everyone

    under your

    protection."

    Lucas sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Yes, there''s some risk to the pack.

    I won''t deny

    that."

    "Then why?" I demanded. "Why would you do this?"

    "Because you deserve better," he said simply. "And I won''t abandon you the way

    he did."

    I shook my head, emerald eyes reflecting my concern. "It''s not worth it, Lucas."

    "It is to me," he replied, reaching for my hand again and holding it tightly. "I''m not

    letting go,

    Olivia."

    I resolutely pulled away, unwilling to be the cause of trouble for him and his pack.

    As I turned

    to leave, Ethan''s Shadow Ghost pulled up beside us.

    He rolled down the window, his amber eyes cold as ice. "Get in," he ordered. Overwhelmed by anger and frustration, I grabbed my Crystal-Studded Designer Handbag and

    threw it at him with all my strength.

    Ethan caught the bag with ease, opened the car door, and waited for me with the patience of a predator. "Don''t make this more difficult than it needs to be."

    I ignored him and stepped to the curb, hailing a passing taxi. As I climbed in, I saw

    Ethan''s car

    turn to follow.

    Suddenly, there was a loud crash. Lucas had deliberately rammed his Armored

    SUV into the

    < Chapter 134: Territorial Dispu

    side of Ethan''s Shadow Ghost.

    +8 Puntos 3

    Through the taxi window, I saw Ethan, who hadn''t been wearing his seatbelt, hit

    the steering wheel hard. Lucas got out of his vehicle calmly.

    He tossed something into Ethan''s car-a check, I realized-before returning to his

    SUV. "Sorry about that," he called out. "Complete ident."

    The taxi driver, witnessing the confrontation between two powerful Alphas, quickly

    pulled

    away from the scene.

    "Where to, miss?" he asked nervously.

    "Shadowfall Tavern," I replied, needing a drink more than ever.

    The tavern was dimly lit and rtively quiet when I arrived. I found a corner booth

    and ordered

    the strongest moonlight wine they had.

    I was halfway through my second ss when James Knight slid into the seat

    across from

    1. me. His hazel eyes were filled with concern.

    "Lucas told me what happened," he said, signaling the bartender for a drink of his

    own.

    I didn''t respond, just stared into my ss as if it held answers to questions I

    hadn''t even formed yet.

    James didn''t push me to talk. He simply sat there, offering silent support as he recognized my need forfort without pressure.

    By my fourth ss, the emotional walls I''d built began to crumble. Tears slid down my cheeks as everything-Lily''s death, Ethan''s betrayal, my mother''s illness, Lucas''s risk-taking, Margaret''s cold assessment-crashed down on me at once. "I''m so tired, Jay," I whispered, using his nickname from our childhood. "I''m tired

    of fighting."

    James moved to sit beside me, putting his arm around my shoulders as I leaned against him.

    "I know, Liv. I know."

    I broke downpletely then, crying on his shoulder as the alcohol lowered my

    defenses. James held me through it, not offering empty titudes, just steady presence.

    I didn''t notice the tavern door opening or the sudden hush that fell over the room.

    But I felt

    James tense beside me.

    Looking up through tear-blurred vision, I saw Ethan standing a few feet away. His

    amber eyes were fixed on me, filled with an emotion I couldn''t name.

    < Chapter 134: Territorial Dispu......

    +8 Puntos >

    There was a small cut on his forehead from the earlier collision, but he seemed

    otherwise

    unharmed. His gaze shifted from me to James, narrowing dangerously.

    "Get your hands off my mate," he growled.

    James''s eyes shed with protective fury. Without warning, he grabbed a bottle

    from the table

    and struck. Ethan over the head with it, the ss shattering on impact.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 239

    (James''s POV)

    "Ethan Stone, don''t touch Olivia!" I shouted, my eyes shing with protective fury. He didn''t deserve to touch her, not after everything he''d put her through.

    The tavern had gonepletely silent. Every wolf present could sense the dangerous tension between us. Ethan''s amber eyes narrowed, his Alpha presence filling the room like a physical force.

    "This doesn''t concern you, Knight," he growled, taking another step toward Olivia.

    I positioned myself between them, my wolf rising to the surface. "The hell it doesn''t."

    Two years ago, I''d received a call that still haunted my nightmares. Olivia''s voice, barely audible through her tears, saying goodbye. I''d found her on the banks of Silvermoon River, her wrists shed with a silver-edged de.

    The memory fueled my rage now. I''d watched her suffer through Lily''s illness while Ethan paraded around with Victoria and Emma. I''d seen her break when her daughter died. And I''d been the one to find her when she couldn''t take the pain anymore.

    "You abandoned her when she needed you most," I snarled, grabbing another bottle from the bar. "You don''t get to im her

    now."

    Ethan''s security team moved forward, but he held up his hand, stopping them. His eyes never left mine.

    "She''s my mate," he said, his voice dangerously calm. "Step aside."

    Instead, I swung the bottle, aiming for his head. He blocked it with his forearm, the ss shattering against his wrist. Blood dripped onto the floor, but he barely seemed to notice.

    His fist connected with my jaw, sending me staggering backward. I tasted blood but recovered quickly, lunging at him again.

    Ethan could have seriously injured me - we both knew it. But something made him pull his punches. A flicker of recognition

    crossed his face, and I knew he remembered Olivia''s plea years ago not to harm her only friend from the orphanage.

    "You don''t deserve her," I spat, blood trickling from my split lip.

    I grabbed Olivia''s arm, pulling up her sleeve to reveal the scarred skin beneath. The permanent marks that even enhanced

    werewolf healing couldn''t erasepletely.

    "Look at what you''ve driven her to!" I shouted, forcing him to see the evidence of her desperation. "These scars will never fully

    heal. She wanted to die so badly she made sure nothing could save her."

    Ethan''s eyes widened slightly, his gaze fixed on the silvery lines crisscrossing her wrists. For a moment, his mask slipped, revealing something that looked almost like pain.

    "Let her go, Ethan," I pleaded, my voice breaking. "Haven''t you done enough?"

    Olivia swayed beside me, the alcohol and emotional exhaustion taking their toll. Her emerald eyes were unfocused, tears

    streaming down her face.

    "If her mother dies while you''re ying these power games, we''ll lose her forever this time," I warned, my grip tightening

    protectively around her shoulders.

    Ethan''s jaw clenched, his Alpha authority radiating outward as he signaled to his security team. "Restrain him."

    Two burly wolves grabbed my arms, pulling me away from Olivia. I struggled against their grip, watching helplessly as Ethan

    lifted Olivia''s limp form into his arms.

    "This isn''t over!" I shouted as he carried her toward the door. "She''ll never forgive you for this!"

    Ethan paused, looking back at me with cold determination. "She doesn''t have to forgive me. She just has to live."

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I woke to the gentle motion of a car, my head pounding and stomach churning. Through blurry vision, I recognized the interior of

    Ethan''s Maybach.

    "Pull over," I mumbled, feeling bile rise in my throat.

    Ethan nced at me, then immediately signaled to his driver. The car had barely stopped when I flung the door open, falling to

    my knees on the roadside.

    The moonlight illuminated my hands as I braced myself against the ground,

    vomiting violently. My sleeves had ridden up,

    exposing the scars that I usually kept hidden.

    When the heaving finally stopped, I became aware of Ethan standing beside me,

    his eyes fixed on my wrists. I yanked my sleeves

    down, but it was toote. He had seen them clearly now.

    "Get back in the car," he said quietly.

    I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand, ring up at him. "Go to hell."

    Despite my defiance, I had no choice but toply. My mother''s surgery depended on his approval, and we both knew it.

    Once we were moving again, Ethan broke the silence. "When did

    you

    do it?"

    His voice was unnaturally controlled, as if he was struggling to maintain hisposure.

    "What does it matter to you?" Iughed bitterly. "You were too busy taking Emma to Enchanted Kingdom while our daughter was

    dying."

    The memory still cut like a knife. Lily''s birthday wish had been so simple - to visit

    the theme park with her father. Instead, Ethan

    had taken Victoria''s daughter there, posting pictures on social media for everyone

    to see.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 240

    "You have no right to question my choices," I continued, my voice cold. "Not when you made yours so clear."

    Ethan''s knuckles whitened as he gripped the armrest. "Answer the question, Olivia."

    "Two years ago," I replied tly. "After Lily''s funeral. After you had me thrown in jail for pping your precious Victoria."

    His jaw tightened visibly. "James found you."

    It wasn''t a question, but I answered anyway. "Yes. He''s the only one who bothered to look."

    Ethan fell silent, his amber eyes unreadable in the dim light of the car. I turned away, pressing my forehead against the cool

    window.

    "Don''t pretend you care now," I whispered, closing my eyes against fresh tears.

    Back at Ethan''s residence, a sudden, sharp pain doubled me over. I clutched my abdomen, gasping as cramps tore through me.

    "What''s wrong?" Ethan demanded, his hand on my shoulder.

    I shook my head, unable to speak through the pain. I''d been drinking special

    herbal tea for days, deliberately triggering my cycle early. It was a desperate measure to keep Ethan at bay, but I hadn''t anticipated how severe the side effects would be.

    "I need my medication," I managed to say, fumbling in my purse.

    Ethan found the pills and handed them to me with a ss of water. I swallowed them quickly, then curled into a ball on the couch,

    waiting for the pain to subside.

    To my surprise, Ethan sat beside me, cing his warm hands over my abdomen. The heat from his palms provided some relief,

    but the cramps only intensified.

    "This isn''t normal," he said, concern evident in his voice. "I''m taking you to the medical den."

    Before I could protest, he lifted me into his arms and carried me to the car. I was in too much pain to fight him, my body

    trembling uncontrobly.

    At the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den, Dr. Reba Winters examined me with professional efficiency. Her expression grew

    increasingly stern as shepleted her assessment.

    "What did you take?" she asked bluntly once Ethan had stepped out of the room.

    I hesitated, then admitted the truth. She shook her head, her professional demeanor slipping.

    "This herbal mixture is harmful," she exined sternly. "Using it to manipte your cycle could permanently damage your

    reproductive system."

    I looked away, unable to meet her disapproving gaze. "I didn''t have a choice."

    +15 Bonus

    "There are always choices," she replied, preparing an injection to ease my pain. "Just not always good ones."

    As she administered the medication, I noticed Ethan standing in the doorway, his expression darkening as he overheard our conversation. Dr. Winters finished her treatment and left, giving Ethan a respectful nod as she passed.

    He entered the room slowly, his anger evident in every controlled movement. "You deliberately harmed yourself to avoid me."

    It wasn''t a question, so I didn''t answer. The medication was beginning to take effect, dulling the sharp edges of my pain.

    "If you ever do something like this again," he said, his voice dangerously low, "I

    will cancel your mother''s surgery permanently."

    My eyes snapped to his, filled with hatred. "You''re a monster."

    "You''re not only harming yourself but risking our future," he continued, ignoring my insult. "I won''t allow it."

    Iughed weakly, the sound hollow and bitter. "What future? You threw that away when you chose Victoria and Emma over Lily and me."

    His expression remained impassive, but something flickered in his amber eyes. "You have no idea what you''re talking about."

    "Then enlighten me," I challenged. "Why keep chasing what you threw away? Victoria is right there, waiting for you with open arms.¡±

    Ithan moved closer, his tall frame looming over my hospital bed. "Because you''re mine."

    hose three words, spoken with such cold finality, sent a chill down my spine. There was no emotion in them, just the statement f what he considered an irrefutable fact.

    1. r. Harold Bet entered with a syringe containing a sedative. I didn''t resist as he administered it, weing the oblivion itised.

    = consciousness began to slip away, I felt Ethan''s fingers on my wrist, gently tracing the scars that marked my darkest moment. s touch was surprisingly tender, at odds with the hardness in his eyes.

    ictoria''s POV)

    as reviewing Emma''s school reports when my phone rang. The number was unfamiliar, but somethingpelled me to

    swer.

    ello, Victoria," came a sinister voice that made my blood run cold. "I''ve been released from Moonstone County Correctional ility."

    hand trembled as I clutched the phone tighter. "Connor ckthorn," I whispered, recognizing the voice immediately.

    O years ago, I had manipted him into sabotaging Olivia''s car, convincing him that she was responsible for his dismissal n Dr. Reba Winters'' father''s care. The n had been for her to have an "ident" - nothing fatal, just enough to keep her y from Ethan for a while.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 241

    (Victoria''s POV)

    The phone nearly slipped from my trembling fingers as I recognized the voice on the other end.

    "Connor ckthorn," I whispered, my heart racing. "How did you get this number?"

    His dark chuckle sent shivers down my spine. "I have my ways, Victoria. Did you miss me during my time in Moonstone County

    Correctional?"

    I nced nervously at Emma''s bedroom door, making sure it remained closed. "You shouldn''t be calling me. If Ethan finds out

    11

    "If Ethan finds out what?" Connor interrupted, his voice hardening. "That you orchestrated the ''ident'' meant for his precious

    mate? That you promised me we''d be together once she was out of the picture?"

    I moved toward the staircase, keeping my voice low. "Things areplicated right now. I''m in a wheelchair after the elevator

    incident."

    "A wheelchair?" Concern immediately reced his anger. "What happened?"

    As I started descending the stairs, my attention divided between the conversation and my footing, my heel caught on the edge of

    a step.

    I lost my bncepletely, tumbling down the remaining stairs with a piercing scream. Pain exploded through my body as I

    "Victoria?-Victoria!" Connor''s panicked voice came

    ugh the phone that had

    fallen nearby. "What happened? Are you

    I groaned, reaching for the phone with shaking hands. "I fell down the stairs."

    "I''ming over," he dered immediately.

    hurt?"

    "No!" I shouted, then winced at the pain the sudden movement caused. "You can''te here. Ethan''s security would detect your

    scent."

    There was a pause on the other end. "You''re still with him, aren''t you?" The hurt in his voice was palpable. "After everything we

    nned together."

    I needed to regain control of the situation quickly. "Connor, please understand. I''m doing this for Emma."

    "For Emma?" His voice grew suspicious. "Or for yourself?"

    I forced tears into my voice, a skill I''d perfected over years of maniption. "How can you say that? I''ve sacrificed everything for

    our daughter. Look at me now-paralyzed and alone while Ethan chases after Olivia."

    "Our daughter," he repeated softly, the anger draining from his voice. "How is she?"

    I seized the opportunity, shifting the conversation to Emma. "She misses you, even though she doesn''t know who you are. She keeps asking why she doesn''t have a father like the other pups."

    It was a lie, of course. Emma had never questioned Victoria about her father, content with the attention Ethanvished on her.

    But Connor didn''t need to know that.

    "I want to see her," he said, his voice thick with emotion.

    I winced as I pulled myself into a sitting position against the wall. "It''s too

    dangerous right now. Ethan is watching me closely

    after the incident with Olivia."

    "What incident?" Connor demanded.

    I sighed dramatically. "She pushed me into an elevator shaft. That''s why I''m in this wheelchair. The doctors aren''t sure if I''ll ever

    walk again."

    The lie flowed easily from my lips. In reality, I had orchestrated my own "ident"

    to gain sympathy from Ethan and the pack.

    But Connor''s protective instincts would be useful to me.

    "She tried to kill you?" His voice had turned deadly calm. "And our daughter could have been left motherless?"

    "Connor, please don''t do anything rash," I pleaded, secretly delighted by his reaction. ¡°Emma needs me. And I need you to be

    patient."

    I could almost hear his internal struggle through the phone. "Give me the security code to Rosewood Haven. I need to see you

    tonight."

    I hesitated, calcting the risks. ¡°2-4-7-8. Come after midnight when the guards change shifts. But you must be gone before

    dawn."

    After ending the call, I pulled myself back into my wheelchair, smiling despite the pain from my fall. Connor would be the perfect

    weapon against Olivia-and once he served his purpose, I would ensure he disappeared permanently.

    Emma was never his daughter. The child was merely a convenient tool in my arsenal, one I tolerated only because of her

    usefulness in manipting Ethan.

    Soon, I would eliminate both Olivia and Connor, securing my position as Ethan''s only option. And Emma? Well, boarding schools

    existed for a reason.

    Later that night, I heard the soft beep of the security system being disarmed. Connor had arrived.

    He appeared in my bedroom doorway, his tall frame silhouetted against the hallway light. Despite his time in prison, he remained handsome in a dangerous way.

    "Victoria," he whispered, crossing the room in three long strides.

    His lips found mine with desperate hunger. I responded with equal fervor, pulling him closer despite my supposed paralysis.

    "I''ve missed you," I murmured against his mouth. "Every day."

    Connor''s hands tangled in my hair as he deepened the kiss. "I thought of nothing

    but you and Emma while I was locked

    away."

    I guided his hands to my body, letting him believe that my paralysis hadn''t

    affected my ability to feel pleasure. In truth, I felt

    nothing for him beyond his usefulness to my ns.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 242

    As he worshipped my body with his touch, I closed my eyes and imagined Ethan in his ce. Soon, I promised myself. Soon.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    The surveince photos from Hunter Morgan arrived at midnight, showing Connor ckthorn slipping into Rosewood Haven. I studied them carefully, noting the security code he entered and the way Victoria greeted him at the door-definitely not as a

    stranger.

    I dialed Lucas''s number, knowing he would still be awake.

    "Liv?" His deep voice answered immediately. "Is everything alright?"

    "Connor ckthorn was just released from prison," I exined, flipping through the photos. "And he went straight to

    Victoria''s.

    11

    Lucas was silent for a moment. "The same Connor who tried to kill you by tampering with your car brakes?"

    "The very same," I confirmed. "But there''s something else. Look at the way he''s watching Emma in these other surveince

    photos."

    I sent the images through our secure messaging app. They showed Connor observing Emma from a distance at her training den, his expression unmistakably paternal.

    "You think he''s Emma''s father," Lucas stated rather than asked.

    "It would exin a lot,¡± I replied, my mind racing with possibilities. "Victoria''s mysterious pregnancy, her sudden return to Shadow Creek five years ago, her desperation to secure Ethan as a recement father figure."

    Lucas''s voice grew thoughtful. "If we can prove this connection, it would

    undermine her entire position with Ethan."

    "Exactly," I said, hope flickering for the first time in months. "And if Connor truly loves his daughter, he might reveal how

    Victoria has been mistreating Emma.¡±

    After ending the call, I fell into a restless sleep, my dreams filled with possibilities for justice-not just for me and Lily, but for

    Emma too.

    I woke the next morning to find myself in Ethan''s arms, his warm body curved protectively around mine. For a disorienting

    moment, it felt like the past-before Lily''s illness, before Victoria''s return, before everything fell apart.

    Reality crashed back quickly. I extracted myself from his embrace, creating as much distance as possible between us.

    Ethan''s amber eyes opened, watching me with an unreadable expression. "Make me breakfast," he said, his tone somewhere

    between a request and amand.

    I stiffened, hating how easily he slipped back into our old dynamic. "I''m not your servant."

    "No," he agreed, stretching his powerful body like the predator he was. "You''re my mate. And I miss your cooking."

    The casual reminder of our bond made my wolf bristle with anger. Still, I needed to maintain the fragile peace between us for my

    mother''s sake.

    In the kitchen, I deliberately selected the strongest spices for the venison steak he preferred. I added three times the normal amount of pepper, along with extra garlic and a dash of bitter herbs.

    When I ced the te before him, I watched with satisfaction as he took the first bite. To my disappointment, he didn''t

    immediately react to the overwhelming vors.

    "You''ve changed your recipe," hemented, continuing to eat despite the obvious difort in his eyes.

    I shrugged innocently. "I thought you might appreciate something different."

    After breakfast, he asked me to prepare his formal Alpha jacket for an important meeting. "The ceremonial emblem needs

    adjusting," he added, heading for the shower.

    I examined the silver and moonstone emblem that marked him as Alpha King of the Northern Territories. With careful precision,

    I loosened several of the tiny pins holding it in ce, ensuring it would fall off at the most embarrassing moment possible.

    My phone buzzed with a message from Hunter Morgan: "Subject CB observed at Crescent Moon Training Den watching subject

    EF from distance. Followed subjects to Crescent Moon Mall, then back to Rosewood Haven. Photos attached."

    The images showed Connor standing in the shadows, watching Emma with undisguised longing as Dorothy Lawson led her

    through the mall. His expression was unmistakable-the look of a father desperate to be part of his child''s life.

    Lucas called momentster. "I''ve seen the evidence," he said without preamble. "My team can obtain DNA samples to confirm

    our suspicions."

    "If Emma is truly Connor''s daughter," I replied, hope rising in my chest, "we can expose Victoria''s cruelty toward her own child

    and her maniption of Ethan."

    "Leave it to me," Lucas promised. "I''ll have results within days."

    After we hung up, I allowed myself a small smile. For the first time since Lily''s death, I felt like justice might actually be possible.

    (Lucas''s POV)

    I deployed my most trusted operatives to collect the DNA samples we needed. One posed as a janitor at Crescent Moon Training

    Den, retrieving Emma''s discarded water bottle. Another managed to obtain a cigarette butt Connor had dropped outside

    Rosewood Haven.

    The results came back faster than expected, thanks to my connections at the territory''s top gic testing facility.

    As I reviewed the report, a sense of grim satisfaction settled over me. The DNA match was undeniable-Connor ckthorn was

    Emma Frost''s biological father.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 243

    (Connor''s POV)

    The ck hood was ripped from my head, leaving me blinking in the harsh light of

    an unfamiliar room. My wrists burned against

    the restraints binding me to a metal chair.

    "What the hell is this?" I growled, struggling against the ropes.

    Two burly security guards stood silently by the door, their expressions impassive. The room was sparsely furnished-concrete

    walls, a single table, and the chair I was tied to. It reeked of power and money.

    The door swung open, and my blood ran cold as Olivia Winters walked in, followed by a tall man with piercing gray eyes. Lucas

    ckwood. The Alpha of Moonstone Pack.

    "What do you want to do to me? Olivia Winters, murder is against thew!" I shouted defensively, renewing my struggle against

    the restraints.

    Olivia''s emerald eyes regarded me coldly. "If I wanted you dead, Connor, you wouldn''t be sitting here having this conversation."

    Fear wed at my throat. Two years in prison had taught me to recognize danger, and these two radiated it. I was a dead man

    walking.

    "Is this about the brakes?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. ¡°Because I served my time for that."

    Victoria''s face shed in my mind-her beautiful features twisted with tears as she begged me to protect her and Emma from

    Olivia Winters. "She''s trying to destroy us," Victoria had sobbed. "She wants to take Emma away from me."

    I''d believed herpletely. Loved herpletely.

    "She redirected Lily''s kidney donor," Victoria had confessed one night, her voice barely a whisper. "Not for Emma''s sake, but to

    eliminate Olivia as a threat."

    Even then, I''d known Victoria was lying about her motives. The kidney had been for Emma-I''d seen the medical records myself.

    But I didn''t care. I loved Victoria. I loved Emma. I would have done anything for them.

    So I''d sabotaged Olivia''s brakes. Not enough to kill her-just enough to scare her, to keep her away from Victoria and Emma.

    But now Olivia was back from near death, and the look in her eyes told me she hadn''t forgotten.

    "This isn''t about the brakes," Olivia said quietly. "This is about Emma."

    My heart stuttered. "Emma? What about her? If you''ve hurt her, I swear to God-"

    Lucas ckwood stepped forward, his gray eyes shing with dominance. "You''re not in a position to make threats."

    I spat at his feet. "Go to hell."

    His boot connected with my chest, sending me and the chair crashing to the floor. Pain exploded through my ribs as I gasped for

    breath.

    "Pick him up," Lucas ordered his men.

    Rough hands hauled me upright, the chair scraping against concrete. Blood trickled from my split lip.

    Olivia approached, pulling something from a folder. "Do you recognize these?"

    Sheid several photographs on the table before me. My breath caught in my throat.

    They were pictures of me watching Emma at Crescent Moon Training Den. Emma at the mall with Dorothy. Emma ying in the

    yard at Rosewood Haven.

    "Been stalking me, have you?" I sneered, trying to mask my panic. How had they known I was watching Emma?

    "Emma is your daughter," Olivia stated tly.

    The words hit me like another kick to the chest. I forced augh, though it sounded hollow even to my own ears.

    "That''s ridiculous," I scoffed. "Emma is Ethan Stone''s daughter. Everyone knows that."

    "Is she?" Olivia raised an eyebrow, pulling out another document. "This Blood Heritage Confirmation Report says otherwise."

    My eyes darted to the paper, heart hammering against my ribs. I''d suspected for years, of course. The timing of Victoria''s

    pregnancy, the way Emma''s eyes mirrored my own. I''d even managed to get a DNA test done secretly during one of my visits to

    Rosewood Haven.

    I knew the truth. But I''d never admitted it aloud-not even to myself.

    "This is bullshit," I muttered, but my voicecked conviction.

    Lucas leaned in, his face inches from mine. "Your scent changes when you lie. It''s quite telling.''

    I red at him, then at Olivia. "Even if she is mine-which I''m not saying-what''s

    your point? Why drag me here to tell me

    something I can''t do anything about from prison?"

    "You''re not in prison anymore," Olivia reminded me. "Thanks to me."

    That was the part I still couldn''t figure out. Why had Olivia Winters, the woman I''d tried to kill, advocated for my release?

    "If you hurt Emma," I growled, parental instinct surging through me despite years

    of separation, "I will make you pay with my

    dying breath."

    Olivia''s expression softened slightly. "I would never harm a child, Connor. Unlike some people we know."

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    I frowned, confusion recing fear. "What are you talking about?"

    "The real threat to Emma isn''t me," Olivia said quietly. "It''s Victoria."

    Iughed outright at that. "Victoria? She loves Emma more than anything in this world."

    "Does she?" Olivia nodded to someone behind me.

    The door opened again, and Dorothy Lawson walked in. The housekeeper from Rosewood Haven looked nervous, wringing her

    hands as she avoided my gaze.

    "Tell him what you told me, Dorothy," Olivia instructed.

    Dorothy cleared her throat. "Miss Victoria... she''s not kind to Emma when no one''s watching."

    "That''s a lie," I snapped. "Victoria adores Emma."

    "I''ve seen Emmae out of her mother''s room with red eyes and p marks," Dorothy continued, her voice gaining strength.

    "I''ve heard the crying, the begging."

    I shook my head vehemently. "No. Victoria would never hurt Emma. Never."

    "How much did Olivia pay you to say this?" I demanded, ring at Dorothy. "What did she offer you?"

    Dorothy pulled out her phone. "I didn''t need payment to do what''s right for that child."

    She tapped the screen a few times, then turned it toward me. "I took this videost winter when I came back early from an

    errand."

    The footage showed Emma standing barefoot in the snow, wearing only a thin nightgown. Her small body shivered violently as she hugged herself, tears freezing on her cheeks.

    "Victoria made her stand out there for thirty minutes because she spilled juice on the carpet," Dorothy exined, her voice breaking. "It was fifteen degrees that day."

    My stomach churned. "This could be fake. Edited."

    "And these?" Dorothy pulled up her sleeve, revealing finger-shaped bruises on her wrist. "Emma has fresh ones just like these.

    And needle marks on her arms."

    "Needle marks?" I repeated, horror creeping into my voice.

    Dorothy nodded grimly. "Victoria''s been injecting her with something. I don''t know what, but Emma''s been lethargic afterward. Confused."

    The room seemed to tilt around me. I thought of Victoria''s medical background, her ess to various drugs through her

    connections at the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den.

    "No," I whispered, but doubt had taken root. "No, she wouldn''t."

    Olivia signaled to the guards, who untied my restraints. "You''re free to go, Connor. Investigate for yourself if you don''t believe

    us."

    I rubbed my wrists, eyeing her suspiciously. "Just like that? You''re letting me walk out of here?"

    "I trust a father''s instincts," Olivia replied simply. "You''ll do what needs to be done."

    That evening, I stood outside Rosewood Haven, my heart pounding in my chest. The security code Victoria had given me still worked, allowing me to slip past the guards and into the house undetected.

    I moved silently through the familiar halls, pausing outside Emma''s bedroom. The door was ajar, and I could see her small form

    curled up under the covers, her breathing steady in sleep.

    My daughter. My blood.

    I approached cautiously, careful not to wake her. In the soft glow of her nightlight, I could see the resemnce clearly-my eyes, my nose, the shape of her face.

    Gently, I lifted the sleeve of her pajama top. My breath caught at the sight of small bruises dotting her arm, some fresh, others fading to yellow. And there, in the crook of her elbow, tiny puncture marks-just as Dorothy had described.

    Rage boiled inside me, hot and violent. I pulled the covers back over Emma and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead before

    slipping out of the room.

    Victoria was in her bedroom, applying cream to her face in front of her vanity mirror. She jumped when she saw my reflection

    behind her.

    "Connor!" she gasped, spinning around. "What are you doing here? I told you not toe without calling first."

    Her eyes narrowed as she noticed my expression. "What''s wrong? And why were you in Emma''s room for so long?"

    I crossed the room in three strides and pped her hard across the face. The sound cracked through the air like a gunshot.

    Victoria''s hand flew to her cheek, her eyes wide with shock. "Have you lost your mind?"

    "What have you been doing to our daughter?" I demanded, my voice shaking with fury.

    Victoria''s expression shifted, calction recing surprise. "Our daughter? I don''t know what you''re talking about. Emma is

    Ethan''s-"

    "Stop lying!" I roared, grabbing her wrist. "I know she''s mine. I''ve always known."

    Fear flickered in Victoria''s eyes. "Connor, you''re hurting me."

    I stared at her, seeing the woman I loved for what she truly was for the first time. "How could you abuse our child?"

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    (Connor''s POV)

    "Connor, what are you talking about? How could I possibly abuse Emma? She''s our daughter! I love her so much, how could I abuse her?" Victoria''s eyes reddened with tears as she vehemently denied my usations.

    Her voice trembled with indignation, making me second-guess myself. Was I wrong? Had Olivia Winters manipted me?

    "Then exin the bruises on her arms," I demanded, my voice lower but no less intense. "Exin the needle marks, Victoria."

    Victoria''s hand flew to her mouth in apparent shock. "Needle marks? Connor, those are from her vitamin injections! She has a

    deficiency that requires regr treatment."

    I studied her face, searching for signs of deception. Something in her expression triggered my instinctive suspicion, despite her

    perfectly delivered performance.

    "Dorothy showed me evidence," I said, watching her reaction carefully. "She has videos."

    Victoria''s eyes shed with momentary anger before softening again. "That woman has always been jealous of me. She''s trying to turn you against me, can''t you see?"

    She stepped closer, cing her hand on my chest. The familiar scent of her perfume-moonlight jasmine-clouded my senses.

    "Connor, think about it. Why would I hurt our precious daughter? Everything I''ve done has been to secure her future." 19

    I wanted desperately to believe her. This was the woman I had loved, the mother of my child. The woman I''d gone to prison for.

    "What about the video Dorothy showed me? Emma standing in the snow in her nightgown?"

    Victoria''s expression shifted to one of maternal concern. "Oh, that. Emma had a fever that night. The doctor rmended brief cold exposure to bring it down naturally. It looks cruel without context, but I was following medical advice."

    Her exnation sounded usible, but doubt had taken root in my mind. "And the bruises?" I pressed.

    Victoria sighed dramatically. "Those teachers at Crescent Moon Training Den are too rough with the pups. I''veined multiple times, but Ethan won''t listen. He thinks it builds character."

    I frowned, remembering the video Dorothy had shown me, Emma standing barefoot in the snow, wearing only a thin nightgown

    during winter. The child''s lips had been blue, her small body shaking violently as tears froze on her cheeks.

    "If the teachers are hurting her, why haven''t you removed her from the training den?" I challenged.

    Victoria''s eyes widened slightly. "It''s the most prestigious training den in the territory. Removing her would hurt her social

    standing."

    "Social standing?" I repeated incredulously. "She''s a child, Victoria!"

    My protective rage surged again as I moved toward Emma''s bedroom. Victoria quickly stepped in my path.

    "She''s sleeping, Connor. Please don''t wake her."

    I pushed past her, needing to see my daughter again. Emmay exactly as I''d left her, unnaturally still in her slumber.

    "She''s sleeping too deeply," I observed, my suspicion growing. "We''ve been shouting, and she hasn''t stirred once."

    Victoria appeared beside me, her hand resting gently on Emma''s forehead. "I gave her some special calming tea before bed. She''s been having nightmarestely."

    "Drugging her?" I growled, my hands clenching into fists.

    "It''s just herbal tea," Victoria insisted, her voice soothing. "Moonlight herb with a touch of chamomile. Perfectly harmless for

    young children."

    She stroked Emma''s hair with apparent tenderness. "I didn''t want her to hear us... reuniting. Children shouldn''t be exposed to

    adult passions."

    I studied Victoria''s face, torn between my lingering love for her and my concern

    for Emma. The woman I remembered would

    never harm a child-especially not our child.

    "We should leave," I said suddenly, the idea forming as I spoke. "All three of us. We can start over somewhere new, away from

    Ethan Stone''s territory."

    Victoria''s head snapped up, genuine shock in her eyes. "Leave? Are you insane?"

    "We could be a proper family," I continued, warming to the idea. "You, me, and Emma. No more lies, no more hiding."

    Victoriaughed, the sound brittle and forced. "Connor, be realistic. Where would we go? How would we live?"

    "I have money saved," I insisted. "Enough to get us started somewhere new." Victoria''s expression hardened. "And throw away everything I''ve built here? I''m weeks away from bing Luna Stone."

    The truth of her priorities hit me like a physical blow. "So that''s what this is about? Status? Power?"

    "It''s about security," Victoria hissed, dropping her maternal act. "Do you have any idea how hard I''ve worked to get this close to bing Luna?"

    I stared at her, finally seeing clearly. "You never loved me, did you?"

    Victoria''s silence was answer enough.

    I leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to Emma''s forehead before turning back

    to Victoria. "I''m taking Emma with me.

    Tonight."

    Victoria''s eyes widened in rm. "You can''t do that. Ethan would hunt you down and kill you."

    "Let him try," I growled, my wolf stirring protectively. "She''s my daughter."

    Victoria stepped closer, her voice dropping to a seductive whisper. "Connor, don''t be hasty. We can work something out."

    Her hand caressed my cheek, her body pressing against mine. "Remember how good we were together? We can have that again.¡±

    I caught her wrist, stopping her touch. "I''m serious, Victoria. Either youe with

    us, or I''m taking Emma alone."

    Victoria''s eyes narrowed. "You wouldn''t dare."

    I pulled her close and kissed her hard, pouring all my anger and betrayal into it.

    When I pulled away, I whispered against her lips,

    "Watch me."

    She stiffened, sensing the threat behind my kiss.

    "Tomorrow night," I repeated, heading for the door. "Make your

    choice."

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    I left without looking back, my heart heavy but my purpose clear. I would protect my daughter, whatever the cost.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I sat silently in Lucas''s car, watching Connor''s dejected departure from Rosewood Haven. His shoulders were slumped, his steps heavy with the weight of his discoveries.

    "He didn''t believe us," I murmured, disappointment settling in my chest.

    Lucas''s gray eyes remained fixed on Connor''s retreating figure. "He will. The seed of doubt has been nted."

    I nodded, hoping he was right. Despite Connor''s past actions against me, I

    couldn''t help feeling sympathy for him. Victoria had

    manipted him just as she had manipted everyone else.

    "My men will follow him," Lucas assured me. "Make sure he doesn''t do anything rash."

    The tension of the evening washed over me suddenly, leaving me exhausted. The confrontation with Connor, the evidence of

    Emma''s abuse, Victoria''s cruelty-it was overwhelming.

    "Thank you," I said softly, leaning back against the headrest. "For everything."

    Lucas turned to me, his expression softening. "You don''t need to thank me, Olivia."

    My eyelids felt heavy, the events of the day catching up with me. I fought to stay alert, but exhaustion was winning.

    "I should get back," I murmured, my words slurring slightly. "Ethan will be wondering where I am."

    "Let him wonder," Lucas replied, his voice aforting rumble in the quiet car.

    I meant to respond, to insist he take me home, but my eyes closed of their own ord. Thest thing I remembered was the

    gentle weight of Lucas''s jacket being ced over me as I drifted into sleep.

    I don''t know how long I slept, but I awoke to the sound of voices-one calm and measured, the other sharp with anger.

    Lucas sat beside me, his body tense but his expression controlled. He was watching someone through the window, his gray eyes

    narrowed.

    "I won''t ask again, ckwood," came a familiar voice, cold with fury. "What are you doing with my mate?"

    Ethan. My heart lurched as I blinked away sleep, immediately grasping the tense situation.

    A sharp knock on the car window made me jump. Ethan stood there, his amber eyes zing with anger, his face a mask of barely controlled rage.

    "Get out of the car, Olivia," hemanded, his voice carrying even through the closed window.

    I straightened, pushing Lucas''s jacket off my shoulders. "I should go," I whispered, not meeting Lucas''s eyes.

    Lucas caught my hand. "You don''t have to."

    His touch was warm,forting. For a moment, I was tempted to stay, to let him drive away with me still in the passenger seat.

    But my mother''s face shed in my mind. Her treatment at the medical center depended on Ethan''s goodwill.

    "I do," I replied softly. "But thank you."

    Ethan''s knuckles rapped against the ss again, harder this time. "Now, Olivia."

    I squeezed Lucas''s hand once before releasing it. "You should go. This will only escte if you stay."

    Lucas''s jaw tightened, but he nodded. "Call me if you need anything. Anytime." Then he was gone, taillights disappearing around the corner.

    I pulled my arm from Ethan''s grasp and walked toward the building without acknowledging him. My apartment was on the third

    floor-if I could just get inside and lock the door...

    Ethan followed silently, his anger a palpable force at my back. In the elevator, he stood too close, his breath hot against my neck.

    When we reached my door, I fumbled with the keys, my hands shaking slightly.

    Before I could insert the key, Ethan''s palm

    mmed against the door, keeping it closed.

    "What were you doing with him?" he demanded, his voice dangerously soft.

    I kept my eyes on the door. "Nothing that concerns you."

    "Everything about you concerns me," he growled, turning me to face him. "You''re my mate."

    "In name only," I replied coldly.

    His eyes shed with anger and something else-hurt, perhaps? "Is that why you were with ckwood? Looking for a

    recement?"

    Iughed bitterly. "As if you haven''t reced me a hundred times over with Victoria."

    Ethan''s jaw tightened. "That''s different."

    "Of course it is," I said sarcastically, turning back to the door.

    This time I managed to unlock it and step inside, but Ethan followed before I could

    close it. With one swift movement, he pinned

    me against the wall, his body pressing against mine.

    "Kiss me," he demanded, his amber eyes burning into mine.

    I turned my face away. "Get out of my apartment, Ethan."

    His hand caught my chin, forcing me to look at him. "Kiss me," he repeated, his voice softer but no lessmanding. "Like

    before."

    My heart stuttered at his words. Like before. When I had loved him desperately. When I had tried so hard to please him, to keep him, despite his growing indifference.

    "Your mother''s treatment at the medical center is quite expensive," he murmured, his thumb tracing my lower lip. "It would be a shame if there were...plications with the billing.

    The threat was clear. My mother''s health hung in the bnce.

    Painful memories flooded back-all the times I had swallowed my pride, suppressed my hurt, and tried to win back his affection with desperate kisses and eagerpliance.

    I closed my eyes, surrendering to the inevitable. "Fine."

    I leaned forward and pressed my lips to his, trying to ignore the familiar electricity

    that sparked between us. His arms wrapped around me, pulling me closer as his lips imed mine.

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    (Ethan''s POV)

    Looking at the petite woman in front of me, kissing me intimately with a pained expression, my mind shed back to the five

    years we had spent together. During those years, because of my

    misunderstanding and prejudice towards her, I had deliberately ignored her.

    I didn''t see her kindness, didn''t ept her devotion, and didn''t take anything she did to heart. Only in this way, I felt, had I not betrayed Victoria.

    I thought I had truly ignored herpletely. But now, I could clearly recall every detail of our time together.

    Her gentleness, her understanding, her deliberate attempts to please me... She had beenpletely devoted to me. The image of

    the Olivia who loved me deeply in my memory contrasted sharply with the cold Olivia before me.

    I felt a prickling pain in my heart. I closed my eyes abruptly, not daring to look anymore.

    I just continued to let the bits and pieces from five years ago surface in my mind, as if, in this way, Olivia hadn''t changed. Lost in

    memories, my breathing gradually deepened.

    Finally, I couldn''t help but take the initiative. Olivia was forced to endure.

    Her back against the door, her body remained stiff. No matter what I did, she couldn''t respond.

    All she felt was repulsion and endless coldness. She thought she couldn''t escape this time.

    But unexpectedly, I only kissed her deeply and shallowly. In the end, I didn''t go too far. I stopped.

    Olivia subconsciously opened her eyes. Our eyes met.

    Mine were dark and filled with desire. Hers were clear and cold, without a trace of indulgence.

    After staring at each other silently for a few seconds, I let her go and turned to take a cold shower in the bathroom. Olivia walked

    to the Master Bath Suite, picked up her Ivory-Handled Toothbrush, and started brushing her teeth, trying to erase my scent.

    I came out of the shower and saw Olivia still brushing her teeth. My face instantly darkened.

    I strode over and snatched Olivia''s toothbrush. "Enough."

    "Liv, since you''vepromised, why torture yourself? Just follow your heart. Can''t we start over? Isn''t that good?"

    She used to like it. She enjoyed it too. As long as she was willing, I would do my best to make it up to her, topensate her and Lily for everything I owed them.

    "Ha." Olivia sneered. "Start over? Ethan, you''re truly ridiculous. Is Lily''s life so insignificant?"

    (Victoria''s POV)

    At Rosewood Haven, I hadn''t slept all night. The next day, in the evening, I called Connor ckthorn.

    "Con, I''m waiting for you at home," I said sweetly into the phone.

    This was the first time Connor hade to my home in the evening. But he still habitually disguised himself.

    Wearing maintenance worker''s overalls, he walked into my home. Only I was at home, sitting on the sofa.

    Seeing Connor walk in, I immediately called out softly, "Con-"

    +30 Bonus

    Connor didn''t, as he had in the past, immediately rush over like an eager pup as

    soon as I called. He looked at me, his gaze deep,

    with a hint of anticipation in the depths of his eyes.

    "Vicky, have you thought it through?" he asked cautiously.

    "Yes!" I nodded emphatically.

    Connor''s tense body finally rxed because of my nod. He hadn''t slept all night either.

    The process of waiting for me to contact him was agonizing. He was afraid that I wouldn''t be willing to leave with him and Emma.

    "Vicky, when Emmaes back from school, we''ll tell her that I''m her real father, okay?" Connor asked, his eyes shining with

    hope.

    "Okay," I smiled tenderly.

    That one word "okay" brought tears to Connor''s eyes. After longing for it day and night, this wish was finallying true.

    "Vicky, I love you," Connor couldn''t hold back any longer.

    He stepped forward excitedly, his eyes red, touched my face, and lowered his

    head to kiss me. It was still half an hour before

    Emma finished at school.

    Connor was very excited now and kissed me passionately. I didn''t refuse.

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    I let Connor kiss me frantically. I even impatiently tore open my nightgown.

    Connor was stunned. Then he looked at me with a wicked smile.

    Connor no longer restrained himself and pushed me into the sofa. He pressed my hands with his own and treated me the way I

    liked.

    At this moment, the door suddenly opened from the outside, and Ethan Stone rushed into the living room. He saw the two

    entangled figures in the living room.

    At the same time, my shrill and desperate cries rang out in the living room, "No! Don''t touch me! Let me go!"

    (Connor''s POV)

    I was caught up in the moment and didn''t hear the door open, so naturally I didn''t

    know that Ethan hade in. Victoria''s

    sudden struggle, resistance, and cries didn''t make me suspicious.

    I only thought she was too into the act. So I cooperated with her role-ying, assuming the posture of an abuser, suppressing

    Victoria.

    I pretended to be rough and sneered, "Scream! Scream louder! The louder you

    scream, the more excited I get! Now that you''ve

    fallen into my hands, let''s see who can save you!"

    I was too absorbed in my performance, I didn''t notice the triumphant smile that shed across the corner of Victoria''s mouth.

    Until Victoria cried out in my arms, "Ethan, save me!"

    I was stunned when I heard the name "Ethan." My first reaction was that I had misheard.

    But the next second, I felt a strong force grip the back of my neck and yank me up. The other party was very strong.

    I, who was nearly six feet tall, was easily pulled up by the other party. Before I could react to the sudden situation, I was kicked

    hard in the chest.

    The kick was extremely powerful, sending me staggering back several steps. I lost my bnce and fell to the ground.

    My back and the back of my head hit the ground hard, and a sharp pain shot through me.

    Just as I was about to get up, the security guards who had followed Ethan in stepped on my chest, pinning me down. It was only

    then that I saw clearly who had arrived: it was Ethan Stone.

    I wondered how Ethan could have appeared here so coincidentally. Then I saw Victoria, disheveled on the sofa, suddenly throw

    herself into Ethan''s arms and cry, "Ethan, it''s a good thing you arrived in time. Waaah... I was almost raped by him."

    (Ethan''s POV)

    My face was terrifyingly gloomy. Anger surged in my eyes.

    I quickly took off my overcoat and draped it over Victoria. I turned to look at Connor, my eyes like those of a dead man.

    +30 Bonus

    Not long ago, Victoria had called me. On the phone, she had said fearfully, "Ethan, I keep feeling like someone is following me. Can youe and stay with me? I''m really scared."

    Her voice was filled with terror. Seven years ago, Victoria had been attacked, and she was particrly sensitive about this.

    I, worried about what might happen, had told the security guards responsible for Victoria''s safety to go to Rosewood Haven

    immediately to protect her. I had also driven over myself.

    Unexpectedly, as soon as I entered, I saw Victoria being held down on the sofa

    and assaulted. And the person trying to vite her

    was actually Connor ckthorn, the culprit who had tampered with Olivia''s brakes and caused her car ident and fall into the

    river.

    (Connor''s POV)

    Lying on the ground, I heard Victoria use me of trying to rape her, and I felt as if I had been struck by lightning. I btedly realized that everything had been nned.

    Ethan''s appearance was no coincidence. The words Victoria had just said to me were not true either.

    She had never intended to leave with me and Emma. Not only that, but she also wanted to use Ethan''s hand to deal with me.

    The moment this thought crossed my mind, my heart felt as if it had been stabbed, bleeding profusely. I was both heartbroken

    and sad.

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    +30 Bonus

    I had already witnessed Ethan''s methods two years ago in Olivia''s case. If Ethan really believed that I was trying to rape Victoria, he would definitely send me to prison, and, as two years ago, I would be given the harshest sentence.

    Two years ago, after the incident with Olivia, I had willingly gone to prison for them. Because I loved Victoria deeply, and because I thought that Victoria, like me, loved and cherished our daughter and would take good care of her.

    I had been very relieved to leave Emma with Victoria. Now, I knew that she was abusing Emma.

    Thinking of the needle marks and bruises on Emma''s body, thinking of what Dorothy had said, that many times, Emma hade out of Victoria''s room with a swollen face, thinking of the video she had shown me of Emma''s pitiful appearance in the freezing cold, what I had seen might just be the tip of the iceberg.

    Without me watching over her, if Emma was left with Victoria again, who knew how much more Emma would suffer. I couldn''t bear to see my precious daughter hurt again.

    So, I couldn''t go to jail. Moreover, I had to get Emma back and keep her by my side.

    But this meant that I would have to hurt Victoria, the woman I loved to the core. On one side was the woman I loved deeply, and on the other was my precious daughter.

    While I was torn, Ethan walked up to me, his voice like ice shards. "You want to die that much, huh?¡±

    His words fell, and he kicked me. A sharp pain shot through my ribs again, and I screamed in agony.

    I curled up on the ground, drenched in cold sweat. In the midst of extreme pain, I still couldn''t help but look past Ethan at Victoria, who was leaning against the sofa a few steps away.

    In my heart, I still held a glimmer of hope for her. Maybe I was wrong.

    Maybe Ethan''s appearance was really an ident, and Victoria had only said those things out of fear and desperation. But...

    I met a pair of very indifferent eyes. There wasn''t a trace of affection for me in those tear-filled eyes.

    My heart instantly plunged into an icy abyss. I could no longer deceive myself.

    Victoria really wanted to send me to my death. The scales that had been wavering in my heart tipped towards my daughter.

    Just as Ethan was about to kick me again, my eyes turned red, and I shouted, "Alpha Stone, I didn''t force Victoria. It was Victoria who called me here. She was willing, she has always been willing."

    I said this also to let Ethan know about my rtionship with Victoria. Once Ethan knew everything and abandoned Victoria, Victoria would have no way out and could only take Emma and be with me.

    Ultimately, I still wanted to be with Victoria and Emma, a family of three, forever. I didn''t want to lose them.

    "Do you think I''m blind?" Ethan thought of the scene he had witnessed upon entering, and his eyes were filled with anger.

    1

    He kicked me hard in the chest again. I couldn''t withstand it, and blood trickled down the corner of my mouth.

    +30 Bonus

    Despite the intense pain, I didn''t give up. Driven by the conviction in my heart, I continued, "Mr. Stone, everything I said is true."

    ¡°Ethan, I didn''t! He''s ndering me!" Victoria sat on the sofa, looking at me with disbelief, screaming in distress, her face filled

    with the pain of being wrongly used.

    "Vicky, am I ndering you, or are you lying?" I looked at Victoria and asked heartbrokenly.

    Ethan looked at me. The way I called "Vicky" sounded so natural, and the look in my eyes when I looked at Victoria was too

    affectionate.

    It made him, who had unwavering faith in Victoria, feel a flicker of doubt in his heart. Ethan looked at me, his eyes as if trying to

    see through me.

    After a moment, he suddenly asked,

    "Evidence?"

 The Alpha King is unavailable 250

    (Ethan''s POV)

    "Evidence?" I asked, my voice cutting through the tension in the room.

    Victoria''s face registered shock. Her eyes widened as she stared at me in disbelief, her expression crumpling into one of hurt and

    betrayal.

    "Ethan...¡± she whispered, her voice trembling. Her fingers clutched my coat tighter around her shoulders as tears welled in her

    eyes.

    The sight of her distress made my chest tighten. But something about Connor''s certainty had nted a seed of doubt I couldn''t

    ignore.

    "Do you have any proof of what you''re iming?" I demanded, turning back to Connor who remained pinned to the floor by my

    security team.

    (Connor''s POV)

    I stared up at Ethan Stone, blood trickling from the corner of my mouth. His question about evidence caught me off guard.

    "No photos," I admitted, wincing as I tried to shift beneath the weight of the guard''s boot. "Victoria was always careful. She used

    burner phones, deleted call logs."

    I saw Victoria''s eyes narrow slightly behind her mask of distress.

    "I can''t prove she called me here today," I continued, my voice raspy from the pain

    in my ribs. "She was always cautious about leaving evidence. She didn''t want you finding out we were using you to raise our daughter."

    Ethan''s jaw tightened at my words.

    "When we were alone, she always told me how much she loved me," I said, my eyes finding Victoria''s. "Was that all a lie, Vicky?"

    Ethan''s expression darkened as he observed our exchange. Finding no concrete evidence, his face grew colder.

    His foot connected with my side again, and I felt something crack. Blood sprayed from my mouth as I coughed violently.

    Through the haze of pain, I looked at Victoria. Her face showed no emotion, no hint of the woman who had whispered words of love to me countless times.

    Had it all been a lie? Every touch, every kiss, every promise?

    Desperation wed at me as I reached into my pocket with trembling fingers. Myst hope.

    "I have this," I gasped, pulling out the Blood Heritage Confirmation Report Olivia Winters had given me. "Emma is my daughter. This proves it."

    116

    I held up the document, my hand shaking. "DNA doesn''t lie, Mr. Stone. Emma is my biological child with Victoria."

    +30 Bonus

    I had no idea about Victoria''s lie from seven years ago-how she''d imed a

    rogue wolf attacked her after she spent the night

    with Ethan following an evening with Olivia.

    (Ethan''s POV)

    I snatched the report from Connor''s hand, scanning its contents with growing

    rage. The DNA markers were clear-Connor

    ckthorn was indeed Emma''s biological father.

    But this only confirmed what I already knew: Connor was the rogue wolf who had attacked Victoria seven years ago.

    "You bastard," I growled, my voice dropping dangerously low. "You''re the one who attacked her."

    Connor''s eyes widened in confusion. "What? No, I never¡ª"

    "Shut up!" I roared, kicking him again.

    Connor coughed, more blood spattering the floor. "If you leave her, she''ll have no choice but to be with me and our daughter," he gasped. "She''s damaged goods anyway. I''m the only one who would still want her after-"

    Something snapped inside me. My vision went red as Iunched myself at him, fists connecting with his face repeatedly.

    "Ethan! Stop!" Victoria cried, her voice breaking through my rage. "Please, don''t dirty your hands with him!"

    I paused, breathing heavily, my knuckles bloody.

    Victoria seized the opportunity. She grabbed Emma''s plush bear from the sofa and smashed it against Connor''s head.

    "You monster!" she screamed, her face contorted with rage and fear. "You attacked me seven years ago, and now you tried

    again!"

    She turned to me, tears streaming down her face. "Ethan, please, send him to Moonstone County Correctional Facility. He tried to

    assault me again!"

    She tore at her nightgown, revealing marks on her neck. "Look what he did to me!"

    Connor stared at her, speechless. The betrayal in his eyes was palpable as he watched the she-wolf he loved frame him for a crime

    he didn''tmit.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I arrived at Rosewood Haven with Lucas ckwood''s security team just as Victoria was putting on her performance.

    The scene before me was exactly what I had anticipated-Victoria''s scheme unfolding perfectly, with Connor beaten and bloody

    on the floor.

    "Stop," Imanded, stepping into the room.

    All eyes turned to me. Ethan''s expression darkened further at the sight of me.

    +30 Bonus

    "What are you doing here?" he demanded.

    Victoria''s eyes widened in rm. She hadn''t expected my interference.

    "You''re working with him," Ethan used, gesturing to Connor. "You brought him here to attack Victoria."

    I ignored his usation, my gaze steady. "Get some help," I said simply, moving toward Connor.

    Lucas''s security team nked me as I approached the injured wolf. Victoria watched me with growing unease, clearly wondering

    what I knew.

    My emerald eyes remained cold with determination as I reached for Connor''s arm

    to help him up.

    Ethan stepped between us, blocking my path to Connor.

    "He''s the rogue wolf who attacked Victoria seven years ago," Ethan dered, his

    amber eyes burning with conviction.

    I met his gaze unflinchingly. "Evidence?"

    My simple question seemed to catch him off guard.

    Victoria quickly recovered, stepping forward with tears streaming down her face. "How can you ask for evidence? Look at me!"

    She gestured to her torn nightgown and the marks on her neck. "He tried to rape me, just like he did seven years ago!"

    She turned to me, her expression shifting to one of confusion and hurt. "Why are you helping him, Olivia? He''s an attacker. Why

    would you side with someone like that?"

    Her eyes narrowed slightly. "Unless... is this about Lily''s kidney donor? Is this revenge?"

    The mention of my daughter''s name from her lips sent a wave of hatred through me so intense I nearly lost myposure.

    I took a deep breath, keeping my voice steady. "I asked for evidence, Victoria.

    Real evidence, not your tears."

    My emerald eyes never wavered as I stared her down.

    I moved to help Connor up, but Ethan''s Silvercrest Security Detail blocked my

    path.

    Lucas''s security team immediately tensed, ready for confrontation. The air crackled with hostility as the two groups faced off.

    "Move," Imanded Ethan''s guards, my voice leaving no room for argument.

    When they didn''t budge, Lucas''s men stepped forward. A scuffle broke out, with

    me trying to shield Connor from further harm.

    Ethan grabbed my arm and yanked me away, his grip painfully tight. With his

    other hand, he delivered another brutal kick to

    Connor''s ribs.

    "He will face pack justice for his crimes," Ethan dered, his voice cold and final.

    "He''s an attacker. Seven years ago, that night,

    he attacked Victoria."

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    (Connor''s POV)

    +30 Bonus

    Blood trickled from my mouth as Iy on the floor of Victoria''s living room at Rosewood Haven. Every shallow breath sent sharp

    pain through my ribs. The security guard''s heavy boot pressed harder against my chest, making each breath a struggle.

    Seven years ago, I had been framed as the rogue wolf who attacked Victoria Frost. She imed I caused her seven years of

    torment and nightmares.

    Now, seven yearster, she was using me of attempted assault again.

    I knew the bitter truth. This was all a carefully orchestrated setup.

    Victoria stood behind Ethan, clutching his coat around her shoulders with trembling fingers. Her eyes, which had gazed at me

    with false passion just minutes ago, now held nothing but cold calction and triumph.

    "If you want evidence, Ethan will present it at the pack tribunal," Victoria insisted, her eyes gleaming with malice as she yed

    the victim perfectly.

    Hearing Ethan Stone''s name, my stomach twisted with dread. My thoughts immediately went to the trial two years ago when I

    was sentenced for tampering with Olivia''s vehicle.

    I remembered standing in the pack courtroom, watching helplessly as the Alpha

    King''s influence secured my conviction without

    question. No one dared challenge his word.

    I knew what awaited me. The Alpha King''s reach extended throughout every corner of the Northern Territory. His word was

    absolutew. If he wanted me imprisoned in Shadowfall Detention Center, I would be thrown into Cell Block C before nightfall.

    "Please," I pleaded, my voice breaking with desperation. Blood bubbled between my lips as I spoke. "Think about what will happen to Emma if I''m imprisoned. Victoria will continue to abuse our daughter!"

    The words tore from my throat, raw with a father''s anguish. Despite the years of separation, the protective instinct for my pup surged through me like wildfire.

    "She hurts Emma," I continued, spitting blood onto the polished floor of Rosewood Haven. "Ask Dorothy Lawson, the housekeeper. She''s seen the bruises, the needle marks where Victoria injects her with who knows what!"

    Victoria''s face paled slightly at the mention of Dorothy''s name. Her fingers tightened on Ethan''s arm.

    "Emma is my daughter," I said, looking directly into Ethan''s cold amber eyes. "I just want to protect her from that monster

    you''ve been protecting all these years."

    (Victoria''s POV)

    My thoughts raced wildly as I calcted Ethan''s potential reaction to Connor''s usations. If Ethan believed I abused Emma, he

    might question why I redirected Lily''s kidney donor to my daughter.

    +30 Bonus

    That couldn''t happen. Everything would unravel in an instant.

    I forced tears to my eyes, letting them spill down my cheeks in perfect rivulets. "He''s lying!" I cried, my voice trembling with practiced indignation. "Olivia Winters has clearly bribed Dorothy to make these horrible ims against me!"

    I turned to Ethan, clutching his muscr arm with both hands. "She''s trying to destroy us, can''t you see? First she ims Lily died, now this cruel usation! She won''t stop until she''s ruined everything we''ve built!"

    Olivia''s emerald eyes shed with cold fury across the room. Without a word, she pulled out her phone and yed a recording that made my blood freeze.

    Dorothy Lawson''s unmistakable voice filled the room: "I''ve seen the bruises on Emma''s arms, the needle marks that appear after she''s been alone with her mother. Victoria locks her in the Rosewood Haven Servants'' Quarters for hours when she misbehaves. Once, she made Emma stand barefoot in the snow as punishment until the poor child''s feet were blue."

    My heart pounded against my ribs like a trapped animal. How had Olivia gotten this recording? Dorothy had seemed so loyal!

    Before I could speak, Olivia yed a video that made my stomach drop. The footage clearly showed me dragging Emma outside to the Rosewood Haven Recreation Area duringst winter''s heaviest snowfall.

    Snow covered the ground in thick white nkets. The video captured me forcing Emma to remove her shoes and stand barefoot in the freezing snow while I berated her for spilling juice on my favorite dress.

    Emma''s small face was contorted with pain and fear as she begged me to let here inside. The video captured my cold refusal, my threat to leave her there all night if she didn''t stop her pathetic crying.

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    I felt Ethan stiffen beside me. His amber eyes darkened dangerously as he

    watched the video, shock and rage building in his

    expression like a gathering storm.

    "That''s-that''s not what it looks like," I stammered, my mind racing for an

    exnation. "Emma was being difficult. I was just

    teaching her discipline. You know how spoiled she can be-"

    The front door opened with perfect timing, interrupting my desperate exnation.

    Emma walked in from her day at the Crescent

    Moon Training Den, her backpack slung over one shoulder.

    "Daddy!" she called out happily, spotting Ethan among the adults.

    She ran straight into his arms, not noticing the tension crackling in the room.

    Ethan caught her automatically, his expression

    softening slightly as he looked down at her innocent face.

    Connor watched from the floor, his eyes filled with unbearable sorrow. This was

    his biological daughter, his flesh and blood, yet

    she ran to another man, calling him "Daddy" with such love.

    The bond he''d never been allowed to form with Emma was evident in the pain that crossed his bloodied face. Seven years of

    fatherhood stolen from him by my lies.

    Emma finally noticed Olivia standing nearby. Her small face hardened slightly, and she deliberately snuggled closer to Ethan,

    wrapping her arms tightly around his neck.

    It was a small act of defiance that revealed herplicated feelings toward the true Luna. I''d made sure to poison Emma against

    Olivia from the beginning.

    (Ethan''s POV)

    I held Emma close against my chest, my mind reeling from what I''d just witnessed on Olivia''s video. The sweet child in my arms

    couldn''t possibly be the same one I''d seen standing barefoot in the snow, begging Victoria to let here inside.

    I needed to know the truth once and for all.

    Gently, I set Emma down on her feet and knelt to her level on the plush carpet. I took her small hands in mine, noticing how she

    avoided looking at Connor on the floor, though her eyes darted to him with confusion.

    "Emma, sweetheart," I said softly, deliberately keeping my voice gentle to avoid frightening her. "I need you to tell me the truth

    about how your mother treats you when I''m not around."

    Victoria stepped forward quickly, panic shing across her face. "Ethan, she''s just a child. She doesn''t understand what''s happening here-"

    "Be quiet," Imanded, not bothering to look at her. My Alpha voice made the windows rattle slightly.

    From the corner of my eye, I saw Victoria''s panicked expression crumble. She couldn''t coach Emma with me watching so closely.

    +30 Bonus

    Still, she attempted to use her eyes to threaten Emma into silence, shooting the child a warning re that promised punishment

    I caught the look and silenced Victoria with a warning growl. "Leave the room," I ordered my security team with a sharp gesture. "Take him to the car," I added, nodding toward Connor. "But don''t harm him further until I''ve sorted this out."

    The guards hesitated, looking between me and Victoria, thenplied, dragging Connor to his feet. He winced in pain but kept

    eyes fixed on Emma, a mixture of love and regret in his gaze.

    his

    "Be brave, Emma," he whispered as they pulled him toward the door.

    Once they were gone, I turned back to Emma, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "It''s just us now," I assured her, my voice

    gentle. "You can tell me anything, and no one will be angry with you."

    Emma looked up at me withplete trust in her eyes. She nodded solemnly, her small shoulders straightening. "I promise to

    tell the truth, Daddy," she said, her voice small but determined.

    Victoria stood frozen by the window, her face pale as moonlight. I could almost

    see the cold dread spreading through her body as

    she realized Emma might reveal everything.

    Her carefully constructed world was bncing on the words of a child.

    I looked directly into Emma''s eyes and asked the question Victoria had been

    dreading since the moment Olivia yed that

    damning video.

    "Emma, has Victoria ever hurt you when I wasn''t there?"

 The Alpha King is unavailable 253

    (Emma''s POV)

    "No." I shook my head without hesitation, keeping my eyes fixed on Ethan.

    I knew what would happen if I told the truth. Mom had warned me many times about our "special treatments." I''d lose

    everything-my home, my status, and most importantly, Alpha Ethan Stone''s protection.

    I clung tighter to Ethan''s arm, feeling the strong muscles beneath his sleeve. He was power and safety. He was the Alpha King of

    the Silvercrest Pack.

    "Emma, are you sure?" Ethan asked gently, his amber eyes searching mine. "You can tell me anything, sweetheart. I''ll always

    protect you."

    I nodded firmly, making sure my face showed no doubt. "I''m sure, Daddy. Mommy never hurts me."

    The words tasted bitter in my mouth, but I kept my expression innocent. I learned long ago how to lie convincingly.

    "See?" Mom''s voice came from behind Ethan, sounding relieved and hurt at the same time. "How could you believe such terrible

    things about me?"

    I pressed my face against Ethan''s chest so no one could see my expression. I didn''t want to look at the man on the floor who

    imed to be my real father.

    (Connor''s POV)

    Rage surged beneath my skin as I watched my daughter lie to protect Victoria. My wolf snarled inside me, desperate to break free

    and protect our pup.

    "Emma, you don''t have to be afraid anymore," I urged, softening my voice as I addressed my biological daughter. "I''m your real

    father, and I promise I''ll protect you. Just tell the truth about what Victoria has done to you."

    Emma''s small face contorted with anger and fear. She shook her head vehemently, pressing herself closer to Ethan Stone.

    "No! You''re lying! Alpha Ethan is my daddy!" Tears streamed down her face as she buried herself deeper into Ethan''s protective embrace. "I don''t want any other daddy!"

    Each word was like a knife to my heart. This was my flesh and blood rejecting mepletely. The bond that should have existed between us had been severed by Victoria''s maniption.

    Ethan''s powerful arms enveloped Emma''s small frame. "It''s okay, Emma. I''m right here," he murmured, his eyes cold as they

    met mine over her head.

    I saw something flicker in Emma''s eyes beneath her tears. Even at her young age, she understood power. Ethan Stone was the Alpha King, the most powerful wolf in the Northern Territory. I was just a disgraced wolf with a criminal record.

    "You''ve scared her enough," Ethan growled at me, his voice dangerous. "Security, get him out of my sight."

    +30 Bonus

    Victoria seized the opportunity presented by Emma''s performance. Tears welled in her eyes as she stepped forward, her hands

    trembling dramatically.

    "How could you believe such terrible usations?" she sobbed, her voice breaking perfectly. "Emma''s injuries came from a

    misunderstanding with her teacher at the Crescent Moon Training Den."

    I watched Olivia Winters observing the scene with calcting emerald eyes. She recognized, as I did, how Ethan''s trust in Victoria

    was being skillfully rebuilt through Emma''s maniption.

    "What about the video?" I demanded, refusing to back down despite the pain shooting through my ribs. "It clearly shows Victoria

    forcing Emma to stand barefoot in the snow. How do you exin that?"

    Victoria''s expression shifted seamlessly from hurt to earnest exnation. "That day, I had a terrible migraine. I copsed in the

    house,¡± she said, cing a delicate hand on her forehead. ¡°Emma ran outside to find help, forgetting her shoes in her panic."

    ¡°That''s right,¡± Emma chimed in immediately, her voice small but determined. "Mommy was sick. I was trying to find someone to

    help her."

    The practiced way they delivered their story made my stomach turn. How many times had Victoria coached Emma on what to say

    if they were ever caught?

    "You''re both lying," I growled, wincing as pain shot through my ribs. "The video shows Victoria dragging Emma outside and

    forcing her to stay there!"

    Ethan''s expression hardened. He turned to his security team. "Take him to Shadowfall Detention Center. We''ll sort this out

    properly through packw."

    Two burly wolves moved toward me, their faces grim. I struggled to stand, knowing what awaited me in that ce. I''d never see Emma again.

    As the guards reached for me, Olivia stepped forward. Her own security detail nked her as she blocked their path.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    "I''m taking Connor ckthorn with me," I stated firmly, locking my emerald eyes with Ethan''s amber ones. "And if you try to

    press charges against him, I''ll make sure the entire Northern Territory learns that Emma isn''t your biological daughter."

    The threat hung in the air between us. I watched Ethan''s face carefully, noting the flicker of concern that passed through his eyes.

    He positioned himself protectively in front of Emma, shielding her from the painful truth. "Olivia, please," he pleaded, his voice

    uncharacteristically soft. "Don''t do this to the child. She''s innocent in all this."

    For a moment, I almost wavered. Emma was just a child, manipted by Victoria just as Ethan had been. But then I remembered

    my own daughter-Lily, who had died while Ethanvished attention on Emma.

    ¡°Just like Lily was innocent?" I retorted, my voice sharp with grief and anger.

    +30 Bonus

    The name of our deceased daughter hit Ethan like a physical blow. I saw him flinch, his face paling slightly.

    His anger visibly deted, his shoulders slumping slightly. "You''re right," he admitted quietly. "I failed Lily. But please, don''t

    punish Emma for what Victoria and I have done."

    The rare admission of guilt caught me off guard. In all the years since Lily''s death, Ethan had never acknowledged his failure to

    our daughter so directly.

    But I couldn''t afford to let sentiment cloud my judgment. I turned my attention to Victoria, who watched our exchange with calcting eyes.

    "You im to love your daughter so much," I challenged, my voice razor-sharp. "Prove it. If you truly care about Emma''s wellbeing, you''ll let Connor go without

    charges."

    Victoria''s eyes narrowed slightly as she quickly calcted her options. I could almost see the thoughts racing behind her

    carefullyposed expression.

    With practiced martyrdom, she touched Ethan''s arm. "Let him go," she whispered,

    her voice trembling perfectly. "For Emma''s

    sake. We can''t risk her reputation in the pack."

    She turned tearful eyes to Ethan. "Please, I couldn''t bear to see her suffer any

    more."

    I watched as Ethan''s resolve crumbled under Victoria''s performance. His concern

    for Emma''s welfare was genuine, even if his

    judgment was clouded by Victoria''s maniption.

    "Fine. Release him," hemanded his security team, his voice tight with

    reluctance.

    The security wolves stepped back reluctantly, clearly unhappy with the order but unwilling to disobey their Alpha.

    Connor stumbled toward me, his face bloody and bruised. My security team

    moved to support him, helping him stand upright.

    "This isn''t over," Ethan warned, his amber eyes shing dangerously. "If hees near Victoria or Emma again¡ª''

    "He won''t," I interrupted coolly. "Unless Victoria invites him again."

    11

    Victoria''s face flushed with anger, but she quicklyposed herself. "I would

    never," she whispered, her voice dripping with

    false innocence.

    Emma watched the exchange with wide, frightened eyes. She clung to Ethan''s

    leg, but I caught her ncing at Connor with

    something that might have been curiosity.

    Having achieved my goal, I allowed a satisfied smile to cross my face as Connor

    moved to stand beside me. "Very satisfied," I

    remarked, my expression mockingly triumphant.

    I knew Ethan, in his love for Emma, wouldn''t gamble with the child''s future. And

    Victoria, desperate to maintain her image as a

    loving mother, had no choice but to concede.

    I had sessfully secured Connor''s freedom.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 254

    (Olivia''s POV)

    +20 Bonus

    I stepped out of Rosewood Haven with Connor ckthorn trailing behind me. The confrontation with Ethan and Victoria had left

    me drained but satisfied. For once, I''d managed to outmaneuver Victoria at her own game.

    Lucas ckwood stood waiting at the entrance, his powerful frame alert despite his casual stance. His gray eyes immediately

    found mine, sweeping over me with barely concealed concern.

    "Are you alright?" he asked, his deep voice low enough that only I could hear.

    I nodded. "I''m fine. Let''s go before Ethan changes his mind."

    Lucas guided me toward his SUV with a gentle hand at the small of my back. Though he had monitored the entire confrontation

    from outside, his protective instinct drove him to confirm my safety with his own eyes.

    As we reached the vehicle, I felt a prickling sensation at the back of my neck. Turning, I saw Ethan emerge from Rosewood Haven,

    his amber eyes darkening dangerously as he watched me.

    Our gazes locked for a brief, charged moment before I deliberately turned away and climbed into Lucas''s SUV. Connor slid into

    the backseat, and we drove away, leaving Ethan standing alone in the driveway.

    "Where to?" Lucas asked, his eyes flicking to the rearview mirror to check on Connor.

    "Your private residence," I replied. "It''s the safest ce for now."

    Lucas nodded without que

    smoothly navigating through the streets of

    Shadow Creek. The silence in the car was heavy with

    unspoken questions.

    When we arrived at Lucas''s residence, Connor followed us inside like a man

    walking to his execution. He sank onto the plush sofa

    in the living room, burying his head in his hands.

    I sat opposite him, studying his defeated posture. "Connor," I called, my voice firm.

    He didn''t respond, lost in his own thoughts.

    "Connor ckthorn," I repeated, more forcefully this time.

    Still nothing. I sighed, leaning forward.

    "I saved you from Ethan''s wrath today," I stated inly. "And I expect something in return."

    That got his attention. He lifted his head slightly, his eyes wary.

    "I''m not a saint," I continued, my voice steady and unapologetic. "I wouldn''t

    protect someone who once tried to kill me without

    good reason."

    Connor flinched at the reminder of his past crime against me.

    +20 Bonus

    "You have one day to consider what you can offer in exchange for my continued protection," I said, rising from my seat. "If you

    can''t provide anything valuable, I have no obligation to shield you from Ethan''s retribution."

    I ced my business card on the coffee table between us. "My number. Call me when you''ve decided."

    As Lucas and I moved toward the door, I instructed his security team to ensure Connor''s safety. "Don''t let him leave, but don''t

    treat him like a prisoner either."

    Connor''s head snapped up, his eyes wide with shock. "How did you know?" he whispered.

    I paused at the doorway. "Know what?"

    "That I have information about Victoria Frost," he said, his voice barely audible.

    I smiled coldly. "I didn''t. But now I do."

    With that, I left with Lucas, the door closing firmly behind us.

    In the car, Lucas nced at me with newfound respect. "That was clever."

    I shrugged. "Sometimes the best way to get information is to pretend you already have it."

    Lucas chuckled, a warm sound that eased some of the tension from my shoulders. "Where to now?"

    "Crescent Moon Medical Center," I replied. "I need to check on my mother."

    Lucas nodded, already dialing his phone to order dinner for us. I leaned back in my seat, allowing myself a moment of rest.

    When we arrived at the medical center, my mother''s face brightened at the sight of us together. Evelyn Winters had always been perceptive, and I could see the approval in her eyes as she observed Lucas''s protective stance beside me.

    "You look better today," I said, taking her hand as I sat beside her bed.

    She smiled, squeezing my fingers. "I feel better. Especially now that you''ve brought such handsomepany."

    Lucasughed, the sound genuine and warm. "Mrs. Winters, you''re too kind." "Please, call me Evelyn," my mother insisted, her eyes twinkling.

    I watched their easy interaction with a mixture of amusement and difort. My mother had never approved of Ethan, even before Lily''s death. She had sensed something in him that I had been too blinded by love to see.

    When Lucas excused himself to use the restroom, my mother turned to me with knowing eyes.

    "He''s a good man, Olivia," she said softly. "And he cares for you deeply."

    I sighed, unable to exin theplicated tangle of emotions that kept me bound to Ethan despite everything. "I know, Mom."

    +20 Bonus

    "You deserve happiness," she continued, her voice gentle but insistent. "After everything you''ve been through."

    I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. ¡°I''ll give it thought,¡± I promised, relieved

    when Lucas returned, ending the conversation.

    A knock at the door announced the arrival of dinner. The orderly wheeled in a cartden with covered dishes, the aroma

    immediately filling the room.

    Support

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    I frowned in confusion. The distinctive scent was unmistakable-Amber Crest

    Restaurant. But Lucas had called a different

    establishment during our drive.

    "The medical center changed its meal service provider recently," my mothermented, oblivious to my confusion. "The food is

    quite good."

    I yed along, not wanting to worry her. "That''s nice. I''m d they''re taking good care of you."

    As we ate, I caught Lucas''s eye: The slight narrowing of his gaze told me he''d also recognized the distinctive aroma of the

    premium venison that could onlye from Amber Crest. Only Ethan could have arranged this, a gesture that stirred conflicting

    emotions within me.

    After dinner, Lucas checked his watch and sighed regretfully. "I''m afraid I have a priormitment I can''t reschedule."

    I nodded in understanding. "Go ahead. I''ll stay a bit longer with my mother."

    He hesitated, clearly reluctant to leave me alone. "I can send a car for youter."

    "I''ll be fine," I assured him. "Thank you for everything today."

    After Lucas left, my mother and I chatted about inconsequential things, both of us grateful for the peaceful moment amidst the

    chaos of our lives.

    The vibration of my phone interrupted our conversation. Ethan Stone''s name shed on the screen.

    I immediately declined the call, my heart racing despite my outward calm. I had believed I could face him calmly after everything

    that had transpired, but witnessing him protect Victoria and dote on Emma still ignited my anger and rekindled my grief for Lily.

    "Who was that?" my mother asked, her eyes sharp with concern.

    I forced a smile. "Just an unwanted solicitation."

    Momentster, my phone buzzed with a text message: "Answer the phone, or you''ll face the consequences."

    I maintained myposure as the phone rang again. "Excuse me,

    1. om. I need to take this. It''s work-rted."

    I stepped out into the Emergency Escape Corridor, away from my mother''s hearing, before answering the call.

    "What do you want?" I demanded, my voice tight with barely controlled fury.

    "Is this how you speak to your Alpha?" Ethan''s deep voice rumbled through the line.

    "Is this how a human being with a conscience behaves?" I countered. "Oh wait, you don''t have one."

    "You''re causing trouble again," he used. "Releasing Connor and taking him away. You''re responsible if he harms Victoria."

    I scoffed and hung up without furtherment. Taking a deep breath, Iposed myself before returning to my mother''s ward.

    "Everything okay?" she asked as I reentered the room.

    I nodded, my expression carefully neutral. "Just some work matters at Canis

    Enterprises that need my attention."

    "Don''t stay out toote," she cautioned. "And be careful."

    "I will," I promised, gathering my things. "Do you want me to call the nursing staff before I go?"

    She waved away my concern. "I can manage. I''m notpletely helpless yet."

    I smiled at her stubborn independence, so like my own. "I''ll see you tomorrow, Mom."

    With a final kiss to her forehead, I left the ward, unaware that my mother''s eyes followed me with determination.

    (Evelyn''s POV)

    +20 Bonus

    I waited until Olivia''s footsteps faded down the corridor before throwing back my covers. My legs were unsteady as I stood, but determination fueled my movements.

    Something was wrong. I had seen the sh of pain in my daughter''s eyes when that phone call came through. She was hiding

    something from me, and I intended to find out what.

    I dressed quickly, grateful that my condition had improved enough to allow short excursions. Slipping past the nurses'' station

    was easier than expected-shift change provided the perfect distraction.

    Outside the medical center, I hailed Martin Briggs, a taxi driver I''d used several times during my stay here. He was reliable and,

    more importantly, discreet.

    "Follow that silver car," I instructed, pointing to Olivia''s vehicle pulling out of the parking lot.

    Martin raised an eyebrow but asked no questions. "Yes, ma''am."

    He skillfully maintained a safe distance while tracking Olivia''s car through Shadow Creek, his years of experience evident in his

    precise movements.

    "Not your first time doing this, is it?" I observed.

    He chuckled. "Let''s just say I''ve had interesting customers before."

    When Olivia''s car finally stopped near a secluded park, I leaned forward anxiously. "Park here, but keep the engine running."

    Martinplied, positioning the taxi where we had a clear view without being obvious.

    My heart nearly stopped when I saw who was waiting for Olivia. Ethan Stone stood in the moonlight, his powerful presence

    unmistakable even from a distance.

    I watched as my daughter approached Ethan. Their bodynguage spoke of tension and conflict.

    What happened next sent rage coursing through my veins. Ethan grasped Olivia''s chin and kissed her forcefully, ignoring her

    obvious resistance.

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    "Stop the car," Imanded, already reaching for the door handle.

    Despite my illness, I rushed toward them, determined to defend my daughter from

    what I perceived as an unwee advance.

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    (Evelyn''s POV)

    I rushed toward my daughter and Ethan Stone, my legs trembling with each step. Despite my illness, maternal instinct propelled

    me forward with surprising strength. The moonlight illuminated them clearly enough for me to see Olivia''s subtle resistance as

    Ethan forced his lips against hers.

    My heart shattered at the sight. My beautiful, strong daughter-reduced to enduring this man''s unwanted advances because of

    1. me. Because my treatment at the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den gave him leverage over her.

    The taxi driver, Martin, called after me, but his voice faded beneath the roaring in my ears. All I could see was my child being

    manhandled by the man who had broken her heart and abandoned their daughter.

    I reached them just as Olivia managed to push Ethan away. Without hesitation, I positioned myself between them, my frail body a

    shield for my daughter.

    "How dare you touch my daughter like that?" I demanded, my voice carrying surprising strength despite my weakened state.

    Ethan''s amber eyes widened in shock. He clearly hadn''t expected to see me out of the medical center, much less confronting him

    directly.

    "Mrs. Winters," he began, his deep voice carefully controlled. "You should be resting-"

    "After everything you''ve done to her and Lily!" I continued, cutting him off. My hands trembled, but not from weakness-from

    rage. "What kind of Alpha abandons his mate and pup for another she-wolf?" Olivia gripped my shoulders. "Mom, please. You''re not strong enough for this."

    I shrugged off her hands, years of pent-up fury finally finding release. "What kind

    of father misses his own daughter''s final moments?" I spat, watching satisfaction bloom as Ethan flinched at the mention of Lily.

    "Do you even have a conscience? Or did you leave that behind along with your responsibilities to your true family?" My voice

    cracked with emotion.

    Ethan remained silent, his amber eyes unreadable as he endured my tirade. His jaw tightened, the only visible sign that

    affected him at all.

    "Mom, that''s enough," Olivia pleaded, her emerald eyes filled with concern. "Let''s get you back to the medical center."

    my

    words

    The burst of adrenaline that had carried me this far began to fade. My knees buckled as exhaustion swept through me. I swayed

    dangerously, my vision blurring at the edges.

    Ethan instinctively moved forward to catch me, but Olivia was faster. She stepped between us, her slender body a barrier between

    me and the Alpha.

    "Don''t you dare touch her," Olivia spat, her emerald eyes cold with fury. "We don''t need your false kindness."

    +20 Bonus

    She wrapped her arm around my waist, supporting my weight. "Come on, Mom. Let''s get you back to the medical center."

    I shook my head firmly. "No. I''m not going back there."

    "Mom, please-"

    "I''ve made my decision," I stated, my voice weak but determined. "I''m refusing the surgery."

    Olivia''s face paled. "What? No, you can''t!"

    "I won''t be used as leverage against you anymore," I insisted. "I won''t let him control you through me."

    Ethan stepped forward, his powerful presence impossible to ignore. "Mrs. Winters, be reasonable. Your condition requires-"

    "My condition is my concern," I interrupted. "Not yours."

    Olivia gripped my hands, her eyes desperate. "Mom, please reconsider. The surgery is your best chance."

    "At what cost?" I asked softly. "Your happiness? Your freedom?¡±

    ¡°I''m fine,¡± Olivia insisted, her voice taking on a pleading quality I''d rarely heard

    from my strong-willed daughter. "I still have

    feelings for Ethan. I''m with him willingly."

    The lie was so transparent it broke my heart. Even now, she was sacrificing herself for me.

    "Lucas ckwood is a good man," I said, watching Ethan''s expression darken at the mention of his rival. "He respects you,

    Olivia. That''s more than this Alpha has ever given you."

    "She''s my mate," Ethan growled, his voice dropping to a dangerous timbre. "And she will always be mine."

    The possessiveness in his tone sent a chill down my spine. This wasn''t love-it was ownership.

    "A true mate cherishes his partner," I countered weakly. "He doesn''t¡ª¡±

    My words died as darkness suddenly encroached on my vision. The world tilted rmingly, and my legs gave outpletely.

    I was vaguely aware of Olivia crying out, her arms reaching for me. But it was Ethan who moved faster, his supernatural reflexes

    allowing him to catch me before I hit the ground.

    Thest thing I saw before consciousness fled was my daughter''s face, twisted with fear and anguish.

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    (Connor''s POV)

    The silence in Lucas ckwood''s Private Estate was oppressive. I sat alone on the plush sofa, turning my phone over and over in my hands.

    Security guards patrolled outside, their footsteps asionally audible as they passed the windows. I wasn''t a prisoner, but I wasn''t free either.

    My ribs ached from the earlier confrontation, a physical reminder of my failure to reach Emma. My own daughter had rejected me, clinging to Ethan Stone as if he were her salvation rather than the man who had enabled Victoria''s abuse.

    I unlocked my phone screen, staring at the nk message field. The decision I was about to make would change everything-for me, for Emma, for Victoria Frost, and perhaps even for Olivia Winters.

    There would be no going back once I sent this message. Victoria would know I wasing for her, and she would strike back with everything she had.

    But for Emma''s sake, I had to try. Even if she hated me now, I couldn''t stand by while Victoria continued to manipte and abuse

    her.

    My fingers moved across the screen as Iposed the text message. The words were simple but devastating:

    "I know what you did to secure that kidney donor for Emma. How you deliberately redirected Lily''s donor and condemned her to

    death. Does Ethan know the truth about your ''sacrifice'' for Emma?"

    I stared at the message for a long moment, my thumb hovering over the send

    button. This was my nuclear option-the

    information that could destroy Victoria''s carefully constructed world.

    I had discovered the truth by ident. As a former employee at the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den, I had overheard a heated

    argument between Victoria and Dr. Marcus Fletcher about the "redirected" kidney donor. It had taken months of discreet

    investigation to piece together the full story.

    Victoria had used her connections to ensure that apatible kidney meant for Lily Winters was instead given to Emma, who had

    been diagnosed with a simr condition. She had effectively sentenced Olivia''s daughter to death to save her own.

    With a deep breath, I pressed send. The message disappeared from my screen, winging its way to Victoria''s phone.

    I set my phone down on the coffee table and leaned back, a strange sense of calm washing over me. I had just lit the fuse on a bomb that would either free my daughter or destroy any chance I had of ever reconnecting with her.

    Either way, Victoria Frost would finally face the consequences of her actions. (Victoria''s POV)

    "Can I sleep in your bed tonight, Mommy?" Emma asked, her eyes wide and hopeful.

    +20 Bonus

    I considered her request, weighing the inconvenience against the benefits of

    indulging her. After the confrontation with Connor

    ckthorn, keeping Emma close seemed prudent.

    "Just for tonight," I conceded with a practiced smile. "As a special treat."

    Emma''s face lit up with genuine joy. "Thank you, Mommy! I''ll go take my bath right now!"

    She scampered off toward the bathroom, her excitement palpable. I watched her go, satisfaction warming my chest. Despite

    Connor''s interference, Emma remained firmly under my control.

    The confrontation at Rosewood Haven had been a close call. If Emma had wavered, if she had admitted to Connor''s usations,

    everything I had built could have crumbled.

    But my careful conditioning had paid off. Emma had chosen Ethan''s protection over Connor''s truth, just as I had trained her to

    1. do.

    I moved to my bedroom, sinking onto the edge of my bed with a sigh of relief. The day had been exhausting, but ultimately sessful. Ethan had defended me against Connor''s usations, and Olivia''s attempt to use Connor against me had failed.

    My phone chimed with a new message. Probably Ethan, checking on us after the confrontation.

    I reached for my phone, a smile already forming on my lips. The smile froze when

    I saw the sender''s name: Connor ckthorn.

    With growing dread, I opened the message. The words on the screen sent ice through my veins:

    "I know what you did to secure that kidney donor for Emma. How you deliberately redirected Lily''s donor and condemned her to death. Does Ethan know the truth about your ''sacrifice'' for Emma?"

    My hands began to tremble as panic set in.

    "How would Connor know about my maniption of the kidney donor situation?" I whispered to myself, my mind racing

    through possibilities.

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    (Victoria''s POV)

    "He never mentioned this to me, how could he know? How much does he know?" I whispered, my fingers trembling as I clutched. my phone.

    My mind raced through every conversation, every interaction where I might have slipped. I''d been so careful about the kidney donor situation. The doctors involved had been paid handsomely for their silence, and the paperwork had been buried deep in the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den''s archives.

    My phone chimed again with another message from Connor ckthorn. The sound sent a jolt of fear through my body. I stared at the illuminated screen, dreading what additional information he might possess.

    With a deep breath, I opened the message.

    "I want 500,000 dors and Emma. We''ll leave Shadow Creek together, and you''ll never hear from us again. Otherwise, Ethan

    learns everything tomorrow."

    My heart pounded against my ribcage. The amount wasn''t the issue-I could ess that much through my various ounts. But

    Emma? Give up Emma?

    She was my most valuable asset, my guarantee of Ethan''s continued protection and favor. Without Emma, I would lose my hold

    over the Alpha King.

    Yet Connor''s threat was too dangerous to ignore. If Ethan discovered I had deliberately redirected Lily''s kidney donor to Emma,

    even his obsession with me wouldn''t protect me from his wrath.

    I needed to buy time.

    "Give me some time," I texted back, my fingers trembling slightly. "I''ll talk to Emma and convince her to go with you willingly.

    She''ll listen to me. As long as she takes the initiative to follow you, Ethan won''t object."

    After what felt like an eternity, Connor''s reply appeared: "Fine. But don''t lie to me again. This is yourst chance."

    (Ethan''s POV)

    I carried Evelyn Winters'' unconscious form into the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den, my wolf senses alert to her weakening heartbeat. Olivia ran alongside me, her face pale with fear.

    Dr. Harrison Fletcher was already waiting at the entrance, his medical bag in hand. His expression remained professionally neutral, but I caught the sh of concern in his eyes as he assessed Evelyn''s condition.

    "Treatment Room 3," he ordered, leading the way through the sterile corridors.

    The medical staff moved with practiced efficiency, transferring Evelyn to a gurney and wheeling her into the emergency treatment room. I stood back, allowing them space to work while keeping a protective eye on Olivia.

    +20 Bonus

    Her slender frame trembled as she watched the medical team surround her mother. The scent of her fear and grief hung heavy in

    the air, stirring something protective in my chest.

    "She''ll be alright," I said, the words emerging more gruffly than intended.

    Olivia didn''t acknowledge me, her emerald eyes fixed on her mother''s pale face. The distance between us felt insurmountable,

    despite standing mere feet apart.

    After what seemed like hours, Dr. Fletcher approached us, his expression cautiously optimistic.

    "We''ve stabilized her," he reported. "Fortunately, you got her here in time. Any longer, and her condition might have

    deteriorated beyond our ability to help."

    Olivia''s shoulders sagged with relief. "Can I see her?"

    Dr. Fletcher nodded. "She''s regaining consciousness now. But I should warn you-

    she''s still insisting on being discharged."

    Olivia''s face crumpled. "I''ll talk to her."

    I followed at a distance as she entered her mother''s room. Evelyny propped against pillows, herplexion ashen but her eyes

    clear and determined.

    "Mom," Olivia began, taking her mother''s hand. "You need to stay here. You need the surgery."

    Evelyn shook her head weakly. "Not at this price, Olivia. Not if it means you''re forced to endure his presence."

    Her gaze flicked to me, standing in the doorway, before returning to her daughter.

    "Mom, nothing is more important than your health," Olivia pleaded, her voice breaking. "I''ve already lost Lily. I can''t lose you

    too."

    Tears spilled down her cheeks, and the sight sent a sharp pain through my chest. Despite everything between us, I couldn''t bear

    to see her suffer more loss.

    Evelyn''s expression softened at her daughter''s distress. I could see her resolve wavering, torn between principles and

    practicality.

    "Mrs. Winters," I said, stepping forward. "I understand your concerns."

    Both women turned to look at me, Olivia with suspicion, Evelyn with open hostility.

    "I won''t force Olivia anymore," I promised, meeting Evelyn''s gaze directly. "You can stay here and recover. I''ll ensure you receive the best care without any... conditions attached."

    Surprise flickered across Olivia''s face, quickly reced by wariness. She didn''t believe me-and why should she? I''d given her

    little reason to trust my word.

    "And I''m supposed to believe that?" Evelyn asked, voicing her daughter''s unspoken doubt.

    213

    +20 Bonus

    "You don''t have to believe me," I replied evenly. "But your daughter needs you alive and well. That''s more important than any conflict between us."

    I turned to leave, unwilling to cause more distress with my presence. "I''ll be nearby if you need anything," I added, directing the

    In the corridor, I leaned against the wall, suddenly exhausted. The events of the

    day had taken their toll, even on my Alpha

    stamina.

    I remained in the waiting area, unwilling to stray far during this crisis. The medical den''s antiseptic scent brought unwee memories of Lily''s final days-days I hadrgely spent elsewhere, with Victoria and Emma.

    The weight of my failures pressed down on me, heavier than any Alpha responsibility I''d ever carried.

    My phone vibrated with a message from Dr. Fletcher: "Need to speak with you urgently. Mrs. Winters'' room."

    I rushed back, concern quickening my steps. Had Evelyn''s condition worsened?

    When I entered the room, I found Dr. Fletcher standing beside Evelyn''s bed, with Olivia seated on the other side. All three looked

    up at my arrival.

    "Alpha Stone," Dr. Fletcher began, his tone formal. "I believe there''s been a misunderstanding that needs rification."

    I frowned, uncertain what he meant.

    "I''ve just exined to Mrs. Winters and Olivia that you never instructed us to

    withhold the surgery," he continued. "In fact, the

    dy was entirely due to your specific requirements for her treatment."

    Olivia''s eyes widened in confusion. "What requirements?"

    Dr. Fletcher turned to her. "Alpha Stone has been procuring specialized medicine

    from abroad-a rare moonlight herb extract that significantly improves the sess rate for this particr procedure. It''s not standard protocol, but he insisted on having it

    avable before we proceeded."

    "He knows how important you are to Olivia," Dr. Fletcher exined to Evelyn, "so he wanted to ensure everything was perfect before proceeding with the surgery. You''ve all misunderstood him."

    As he spoke, Dr. Fletcher gestured emphatically, identally catching the chain around my neck. The movement pulled my Ancestral Moonstone Amulet from beneath my shirt, exposing it to view.

    The one that my childhood friend "Little Orange" gave to me.

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    (Evelyn''s POV)

    My eyes remained fixed on Ethan Stone, scrutinizing his every feature. The moment his Ancestral Moonstone Amulet came into

    view, my pupils constricted sharply. That amulet... it looked exactly like Olivia''s.

    Having just regained consciousness, my vision was still blurry. I feared I might be mistaken.

    "Come here," I said suddenly, my tone no longer agitated.

    Dr. Harrison Fletcher visibly rxed beside me. He stepped aside to make way for the Alpha King, clearly assuming his words on

    Ethan''s behalf had taken effect.

    "Mrs. Winters needs to speak with you," the doctor said, misinterpreting my intentions.

    Ethan''s amber eyes remained unreadable as he approached my hospital bed. The fluorescent lights of the medical den cast

    shadows across his sharp features, making him look more intimidating than ever.

    He didn''t understand what I wanted, but he still stepped forward. His movements were graceful yet powerful the walk of an

    Alpha whomanded respect wherever he went.

    As the distance closed between us, I got a clearer look at the moonstone amulet hanging from his neck. There was no mistaking it

    now. The unique pattern of blue-white swirls embedded in the stone was unmistakable.

    It was indeed the one Olivia had worn since childhood.

    My heart began to race. My mind flooded with memories long buried.

    When Olivia and her "Ice-Eyes Alpha" parted ways all those years ago, they had exchanged tokens. The young boy gave her his

    amulet, and she gave hers to him.

    Why was this amulet now on Ethan? The answer struck me with the force of a physical blow.

    Ethan Stone was the young boy I had saved years ago. He was Olivia''s Ice-Eyes Alpha.

    A year ago, when I first searched for Ethan Stone online, I found a photo of him with Victoria Frost, both kissing Emma''s cheek

    under the moonlight. Something about his profile had seemed familiar, but after nearly twenty years, my memory had blurred.

    The car that came to pick up Ethan back then was ordinary. The people who

    came seemed ordinary as well. Nothing suggested he

    would be the powerful Alpha King who now stood before me.

    "Mom?" Olivia''s concerned voice pulled me from my thoughts. "What''s wrong? Why are you looking at him like that?"

    I realized I''d been staring at the amulet for too long. My expression must have betrayed the storm of emotions within me.

    "Is there something you need to tell me?" Ethan asked, his deep voice carrying that same cold tone I remembered from the blind

    boy years ago.

    +20 Bonus

    "No," I replied, looking away quickly. "I just wanted to see if you were sincere about helping me."

    Dr. Fletcher nodded approvingly. "As I was exining, Alpha Stone has gone to extraordinary lengths to ensure your treatment

    will be sessful."

    But I barely heard him. My mind was filled with memories of that summer long ago.

    Olivia had been such a wild child then, always running through the forests near our home. Herughter would echo through the

    trees as she yed with the other children.

    But after we took in the injured boy with ice-colored eyes, everything changed.

    To stay with her Ice-Eyes Alpha, she declined her friends'' invitations to y in the creek. Instead, she would sit at our doorway,

    chin in hands, watching her friends y in the distance.

    Though the boy couldn''t see, his senses were remarkably acute. After noticing

    Olivia''s sacrifice, he took the initiative one day.

    "I want to go out," he had said simply, his voice cutting through the quiet afternoon.

    Olivia''s emerald eyes had lit up instantly. She jumped up from her small stool and rushed to him, nearly tripping in her.

    excitement. "Ice-Eyes Alpha, where do you want to go?"

    He pointed casually, and it happened to be exactly where Olivia wanted to go. He

    couldn''t see, but he could hear her longing in

    every sigh she made while watching her friends.

    That day, Olivia yed until she was covered in mud. Carrying her small bucket, she ran to the boy, chattering excitedly about her

    aplishments.

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    "Ice-Eyes Alpha! I caught three tadpoles and a tiny frog! Do you want to touch them?" she had asked, thrusting the bucket

    toward him.

    When she was too tired to walk home, he crouched down. "Come on up," hemanded softly.

    Olivia hesitated, looking down at her mud-covered clothes. "Ice-Eyes Alpha, no need." She knew he liked cleanliness and didn''t

    want to dirty his clothes.

    "Come on up," he repeated, his tone still icy but somehow gentle.

    With a huge grin that showed her missing front tooth, she immediately climbed onto his back. "Ice-Eyes Alpha, I''ll be your eyes

    from now on," she dered proudly.

    After that day, Olivia often took him out. They''d run wild in the forests together. When tired, she wouldn''t wait for him to speak

    but would tug at his clothes yfully.

    "Ice-Eyes Alpha, hug me," she would demand, arms outstretched.

    "Ice-Eyes Alpha, carry me," she would plead when her little legs grew tired.

    "Ice-Eyes Alpha, Liv loves you the most," she would whisper when they sat watching the sunset she described to him in vivid

    detail.

    When the neighborhood children yed pretend games, the handsome blind boy became the husband every little girl wanted.

    Olivia would immediately be protective.

    "Ice-Eyes Alpha is Liv''s," she would dere fiercely, her small hands balled into fists.

    When other little girls argued with her, Olivia would look at him with a pleading expression and call out, "Ice-Eyes Alpha."

    Although he couldn''t see, his gaze would somehow urately meet Olivia''s. A hint of warmth would appear in his eyes as he

    patted her head and responded softly, "Yes, you are."

    Olivia would immediately raise her little chin proudly, grinning from ear to ear. Her victory over the other children wasplete

    with those three simple words.

    Six months was neither long nor short, but Ice-Eyes Alpha held a very important ce in Olivia''s heart. In the days after they separated, she lost interest in ying with other children.

    Every day after dinner, she would run to the entrance of our neighborhood, sit on therge rock there, chin in hands, and crane

    her neck to look toward the entrance. She was waiting for her Ice-Eyes Alpha toe find her.

    "He promised," she would tell me, her eyes wide and trusting. "He said he woulde back for me when he''s grown up."

    Days turned into weeks. Weeks turned into months. Eventually, Olivia stopped waiting, but the memory remained locked in her

    heart.

    Until she forgot. Or perhaps she buried it so deep that it seemed like forgetting.

    +20 Bonus

    "Mom, what''s wrong?" Olivia asked again, her voice sharper now with concern. She had noticed my prolonged stare at the amulet on Ethan''s chest, my expression tooplex to hide.

    "Nothing," I said, looking away quickly. I couldn''t bear to meet her eyes, afraid she might see the truth there.

    At this moment, I was grateful that Olivia had forgotten those childhood days. It was better not to remember. Childhood promises

    were just childish words.

    Before leaving our home all those years ago, the boy had said to me very seriously, "Mrs. Evelyn, I will wait for Liv to grow up. As long as Liv is willing, I will definitely marry her. I will love her, protect her, and take care of her."

    I didn''t me him for breaking that promise, for falling in love with Victoria Frost instead, and for letting Olivia down. After all,

    he was only ten years old at the time. How could his words be taken seriously?

    What I couldn''t forgive was that he had indirectly caused Lily''s death for Victoria''s daughter and inflicted irreparable harm on Olivia. His actions were unforgivable.

    It was best for those childhood memories to remain forever sealed. Unearthing them wouldn''t change anything.

    Olivia wouldn''t forgive Ethan because of them; it would only add to her troubles.

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    (Evelyn''s POV)

    The sterile scent of the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den filled my nostrils as I considered my options. My body felt weak, but my resolve remained strong.

    "I''ll have the surgery," I announced, my voice steadier than I expected.

    Relief washed over Olivia''s face. The dark circles under her eyes spoke of sleepless nights spent worrying about me.

    "Thank you, Mom," she whispered, squeezing my hand.

    Dr. Harrison Fletcher nodded approvingly. "A wise decision, Mrs. Winters. We''ll schedule you for tomorrow morning."

    As Olivia helped me sit up, I couldn''t help but nce at Ethan Stone. The Ancestral Moonstone Amulet still hung visibly around

    his neck, catching the harsh medical den lights.

    "Let me help you back to your room," Olivia said, carefully supporting my weight as I stood.

    My legs felt unsteady beneath me, but Olivia''s arm around my waist provided the stability I needed. Each step required

    concentration, my body protesting after the recent episode.

    Ethan stepped forward, his amber eyes fixed on me with unsettling intensity.

    "Mrs. Winters," he said, his deep voice filling the small treatment room. "May I ask why you reacted that way to my amulet?"

    I paused, turning to face him fully. The question hung in the air between us, heavy with unspoken history.

    "The moonstone has no problem," I replied, my voiceced with resentment as I gestured toward the amulet. "The problem is

    the person wearing it now. He is not worthy!"

    Olivia stiffened beside me, clearly surprised by my vehemence.

    Dr. Fletcher cleared his throat ufortably. "Mrs. Winters, I must point out that Alpha Stone has gone to extraordinary lengths

    to ensure your treatment. He personally arranged for the rare moonlight herb extract that will "

    "Save your breath, doctor," I cut him off. "Doing one good deed doesn''t erase a lifetime of cruelty."

    I turned my gaze back to Ethan, whose expression remained unreadable. "You can arrange all the special treatments you want. It

    won''t change what you''ve done to my daughter and granddaughter."

    Olivia tightened her grip on my waist. "Mom, please. Let''s just get you back to your room."

    Dr. Fletcher opened his mouth to defend Ethan again, but the Alpha King silenced him with a subtle gesture of his hand.

    "It''s alright," Ethan said quietly. "Mrs. Winters is entitled to her opinion."

    He stepped aside, allowing the medical staff to escort us back to the ward. As we moved past him, I caught a glimpse of something

    in his eyes-not anger, but something deeper, moreplex.

    For a moment, I almost saw the shadow of that blind boy from long ago. (Ethan''s POV)

    Once Olivia and her mother were out of earshot, I turned to Dr. Fletcher, who looked ufortable with the exchange.

    "Alpha Stone, I apologize for Mrs. Winters'' behavior. Her condition makes her-"

    +20 Bonus

    "No need to apologize," I interrupted, running my fingers over the moonstone amulet. "She has every right to her anger."

    Dr. Fletcher''s expression shifted to one of confusion. He clearly hadn''t expected this response from me.

    "I indirectly caused Lily''s death," I admitted, the words feeling like stones in my throat. "That''s why Olivia and her mother treat

    me like this. It''s not their fault."

    The confession hung in the air between us. Dr. Fletcher remained silent, waiting for me to continue.

    "Lily was waiting for me at Moonlight Fair on her birthday," I said, memories flooding back with painful rity. "I promised I''d meet her there, but I took Emma to Enchanted Kingdom instead. While Lily waited for me, her condition worsened."

    I closed my eyes briefly, remembering the frantic call from Olivia that came toote.

    "By the time I arrived at the medical den, she was already gone," I continued, my voice hollow. "Olivia will never forgive me for

    that. And she shouldn''t."

    Dr. Fletcher''s professional demeanor softened slightly. "Alpha Stone, children''s health can be unpredictable. You couldn''t have

    known-"

    "I knew she was sick," I cut him off sharply. "I knew, and I still chose to be elsewhere."

    The weight of my failures pressed down on me, heavier than any Alpha responsibility.

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    "Mrs. Winters is Lily''s grandmother and Olivia''s mother,¡± I said. "I owe her the best care possible, regardless of how she feels

    about me."

    Dr. Fletcher nodded slowly, understanding dawning in his eyes.

    "Ensure she receives everything she needs," I instructed. "Spare no expense or effort."

    "Of course, Alpha," he replied. "The surgery will proceed as nned tomorrow morning."

    I nodded, turning to leave. The moonstone amulet felt unusually heavy against my chest.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I adjusted the pillows behind my mother''s back, ensuring she wasfortable in the hospital bed. Her outburst about Ethan''s

    amulet had surprised me, but I attributed it to her weakened state and the stress of the situation.

    "Are youfortable?" I asked, smoothing the nket over her legs.

    Mom nodded, her eyes tired but alert. "I''m fine, Olivia. You don''t need to fuss."

    I checked the IV line running into her arm, making sure it wasn''t kinked. "The doctor says your surgery is scheduled for first

    thing tomorrow morning."

    "I know," she replied, her voice softer now. "You should go home and rest. You look exhausted."

    I shook my head firmly. "I''m staying right here."

    Mom reached for my hand, her grip surprisingly strong. "Olivia, you need to take care of yourself too. I''ll be fine for a few hours."

    Before I could argue further, Sarah Jenkins, the medical assistant, entered the room with a clipboard.

    "I''ll be monitoring Mrs. Winters throughout the night," she assured me. "We''ll call you immediately if anything changes."

    I hesitated, torn between staying with my mother and acknowledging my own exhaustion.

    "Go," Mom insisted. "Get some fresh air. I promise I won''t try to escape again."

    The weak attempt at humor made me smile despite my worry.

    "I''ll be back first thing in the morning," I promised, leaning down to kiss her forehead.

    Sarah nodded reassuringly. "I''ll keep a close eye on her, Ms. Winters."

    With a final squeeze of my mother''s hand, I reluctantly left the room. The corridor seemed longer than usual as I made my way

    toward the exit, my body finally acknowledging its fatigue.

    Outside the medical den, the cool evening air felt refreshing against my skin. I

    took a deep breath, trying to clear my mind of the

    day''s stress.

    +20 Bonus

    A sleek ck SUV was parked near the entrance, its engine running quietly. Leaning against it was Lucas ckwood, his tall

    figure unmistakable even in the dim light.

    Relief washed over me at the sight of him. After everything that had happened today, his steady presence felt like an anchor in a

    storm.

    ¡°Lucas,¡± I called, approaching his vehicle.

    He straightened immediately, his gray eyes finding mine. "Olivia. How is your mother?"

    "Stable," I replied, stopping in front of him. "They''ve scheduled her surgery for tomorrow morning."

    Lucas nodded, his expression serious. "That''s good news."

    I nced back at the medical den, aware of the risk Lucas was taking by being

    here. As Alpha of the Moonstone Pack, his presence

    in Silvercrest territory could be seen as a provocation.

    "You didn''t have to wait," I said softly. "I know it''splicated for you to be here."

    A hint of a smile touched his lips. "I wanted to make sure you were alright."

    The simple statement warmed something inside me. In a world where everyone seemed to have ulterior motives, Lucas''s

    straightforward concern was refreshing.

    "Thank you," I said, meaning it.

    (Ethan''s POV)

    From the window of the medical den''s upper floor, I watched Olivia approach

    Lucas ckwood''s vehicle. Even from this distance,

    I could see the relief in her posture as she spoke with him.

    My jaw tightened as Lucas opened the passenger door for her. The casual intimacy of the gesture sent a surge of possessiveness

    through me.

    "It is not scary to change your heart," Dr. Fletcher said quietly. "What is scary is that you are not brave enough to face it after changing your heart, and ultimately hurt two

    women."

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    (Ethan''s POV)

    +20 Bonus

    "It is not scary to change your heart," Dr. Fletcher said quietly. "What is scary is that you are not brave enough to face it after changing your heart, and ultimately hurt two women."

    I turned sharply from the window, my amber eyes narrowing at the healer''s unexpectedment.

    "What did you just say?" My voice came out low and dangerous.

    Dr. Fletcher shifted ufortably under my gaze. The confidence he''d shown moments ago wavered visibly.

    "I apologize, Alpha Stone. I spoke out of turn."

    I didn''t respond. Dr. Fletcher quickly left the room, relief evident in his hurried steps.

    Alone in my private study, I paced the length of the room, the healer''s words echoing in my mind. Changed heart? The very

    suggestion was absurd.

    My rtionship with Olivia wasplicated, yes, but it was based on possession, not affection. She was mine-my mate, the mother of my child. Nothing more.

    And yet, the sight of her with Lucas ckwood had triggered something primal within me. Something beyond mere territorial

    instinct.

    Had my heart truly changed? Was that even possible?

    No. I dismissed the thought immediately. I was Alpha King Ethan Stone. I didn''t waver in my convictions or my desires.

    "Little Orange" Victoria was the one I wanted. She always had been.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    The gentle hum of Lucas ckwood''s luxury SUV filled the silence between us as we drove through the darkened streets of

    Shadow Creek. asionally, his gray eyes would flick toward me, concern

    evident in their depths.

    "You should try to rest," he said softly. "You look exhausted."

    I managed a weak smile. "I''ll rest when I know my mother is safe."

    Lucas nodded, understanding without needing further exnation. That was one thing I appreciated about him-he never

    pushed when I needed space.

    When we arrived at my Maple Grove Cottage, Lucas insisted on walking me to the door. The night air was cool against my skin, carrying the scent of pine and earth.

    "There''s something I need to show you," he said as I unlocked the door. "It''s about Connor ckthorn."

    My hand paused on the doorknob. "What about him?"

    "It''s better if you see for yourself."

    +20 Bonus

    Inside, Lucas pulled out his phone and showed me security footage from his Private Estate. The video showed Connor ckthorn

    "I have evidence of your involvement in illegal kidney acquisition and the murder

    of Rnd Warner," Connor typed, his fingers

    moving frantically across the screen.

    My breath caught in my throat. "Murder?"

    Lucas nodded grimly. "Watch."

    On screen, Connor hesitated, then deleted the mention of murder from the final message. The video continued, showing

    Victoria''s response agreeing to meet him and bring Emma.

    "This is why he was so desperate to leave my estate," Lucas exined. "He''s nning something with Victoria."

    Lucas sat beside me, his expression grave. "What do you want to do with this information?"

    I thought for a moment, weighing our options. "Let Connor go."

    "Are you sure?" Lucas''s eyebrows rose in surprise.

    "Yes." I nodded firmly. "If he has evidence against Victoria, we need to see what he does with it."

    Lucas leaned forward to adjust the video yback, his shoulder brushing against mine. The unexpected contact sent a jolt

    through me, and I found myself acutely aware of his proximity.

    Our eyes met, and for a moment, neither of us moved. A blush crept up my

    cheeks as I pulled away slightly, breaking the moment.

    "I''ll have my security team release him discreetly," Lucas said, his voice slightly rougher than before.

    I nodded, trying to ignore the lingering warmth where our shoulders had touched.

    (Connor''s POV)

    The Executive Suite of the Crescent Moon Hotel was perfect-spacious, luxurious, and most importantly, private. I paced the

    plush carpet, checking my watch every few minutes.

    When the knock finally came, my heart leaped into my throat.

    Victoria Frost stood in the doorway, as beautiful and poised as ever in her

    designer dress. Beside her, holding her hand, was

    Emma-my daughter.

    My daughter. The words still felt strange, miraculous.

    "Connor," Victoria greeted me with a practiced smile. "Emma, say hello."

    Emma looked up at me with curious eyes. "Hello, Mr. ckthorn."

    Her voice was like music. I knelt down to her level, fighting the urge to pull her into my arms.

    +20 Bonus

    "I have something for you," I said, retrieving a small wrapped package from the coffee table.

    Emma epted the gift with polite interest, carefully unwrapping it to reveal a silver charm bracelet. She thanked me with a rehearsed smile that didn''t quite reach her eyes.

    "It''s beautiful," Victoria cooed, helping Emma put it on. "Isn''t it, sweetheart? What do you say to your... special friend?"

    Emma looked up at Victoria questioningly.

    "You can call him Dad if you want," Victoria suggested, her voice honey-sweet.

    "He''d like that, wouldn''t you, Connor?"

    The word hit me like a physical blow. Dad. What I''d longed to hear since

    discovering Emma was mine.

    "Only if she wants to," I managed, my voice thick with emotion.

    "Thank you... Dad," Emma said, testing the word.

    My heart swelled painfully in my chest. In that moment, I would have given her

    anything-the moon, the stars, my very life.

    Later, after ordering room service and watching Emma''s favorite movie, she finally drifted off to sleep in the suite''s second

    bedroom.

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    Victoria approached me then, her movements fluid and seductive. "She likes you," she murmured, trailing her fingers down my

    arm.

    "Does she know?" I asked. "That I''m her real father?"

    Victoria''s smile was enigmatic. "She knows you''re special to us."

    Before I could press further, she leaned in and kissed me. The familiar taste of her lips sent heat coursing through my veins, momentarily clouding my judgment.

    She led me to the bathroom, away from Emma''s room, her intentions clear in every touch.

    Afterward, I feigned deep sleep, keeping my breathing slow and even as Victoria slipped from the bed. Through barely-open eyes, I watched her retrieve my phone, her fingers moving quickly across the screen.

    She was looking for the evidence, just as I''d anticipated.

    Her frustrated expression told me she''d found nothing. Of course not-I wasn''t foolish enough to keep it on my phone.

    When she finally returned to bed, I allowed myself a small, secret smile. Victoria had always underestimated me. That would be

    her downfall.

    The next morning, Victoria suggested a trip to Whispering Pines Lake.

    "Emma loves swimming," she said over breakfast. "Don''t you, sweetheart?"

    Emma nodded enthusiastically, her eyes bright with excitement. "Can we go today?"

    "I''d love that," I replied, my chest tight with happiness at the prospect of spending time with my daughter.

    "Perfect," Victoria smiled. "We''ll go back to pack some things. Meet us there at noon?"

    After they left, I retrieved the small camera hidden in the bathroom vent. The tiny device had captured everything-Victoria''s search through my phone, her whispered conversation with Emma when she thought I was asleep.

    Evidence that would expose her true nature and protect what was mine.

    The weekend arrived with perfect weather for our trip to Whispering Pines Lake. The sun sparkled on the water''s surface as I

    waited for Victoria and Emma to arrive.

    When they pulled up in Victoria''s sleek car, Emma bounded out, already dressed in her swimsuit with a cover-up.

    "Dad!" she called, the word still new and precious to my ears.

    I scooped her up, savoring the weight of her in my arms. "Ready to swim, princess?"

    She nodded eagerly. "Mom says you''re going to teach me to dive!"

    +20 Bonus

    Victoria approached more slowly, her smile calcted. "I brought the underwater breathing apparatus you asked for. Emma''s so

    excited to try it."

    I nodded, grateful for her apparent cooperation. Perhaps she truly was willing to let me be part of Emma''s life.

    Theke was rtively empty, most pack members preferring the more popr spots on such a beautiful day. We found a

    secluded cove with deep, clear water-perfect for diving.

    I demonstrated the breathing apparatus to Emma, showing her how to secure it properly.

    "It''s easy," I assured her. "Just keep it in your mouth, and you can breathe underwater like a fish."

    Emma''s eyes widened with excitement. "Can we go deep?"

    "As deep as you want," I promised.

    Victoria watched from the shore, waving encouragingly as Emma and I waded into the water.

    Theke was cool and refreshing, Emma''s small hand clutching mine tightly as we ventured deeper. Her trust in me filled my

    chest with warmth.

    We submerged, the breathing apparatus working perfectly. Emma''s eyes were wide with wonder behind her swim goggles as she

    pointed at fish darting between underwater nts.

    We dove deeper, the sunlight filtering through the water in ethereal beams. This moment was everything I''d dreamed of-

    connecting with my daughter, sharing her joy and discovery.

    Then, without warning, Emma reached out and pulled the breathing apparatus from my mouth.

    Startled, I instinctively reached for it, but she held it away, shaking her head. The message in her eyes was clear-don''t try to

    take it back.

    Confusion and panic surged through me. I gestured urgently for her to return it, my lungs already beginning to burn.

    Emma''s response chilled me to my core. She pointed to her own apparatus, then made a motion of removing it. The threat was

    unmistakable--if I tried to retrieve mine, she would remove hers too.

    In that moment, understanding crashed over me with devastating rity. This had been nned. Victoria had orchestrated this

    entire scenario, using my own daughter as the instrument of my destruction.

    My lungs screamed for air as I made onest, desperate attempt to reach for my apparatus. Emma immediately moved to remove her own, her small fingers gripping the mouthpiece.

    I froze, the choice crystallizing before me with terrible simplicity. My life, or hers. There was no choice at all.

    I released my grip, watching as my breathing apparatus drifted away in the current. Emma''s hand dropped from her own

    apparatus, her mission aplished.

    +20 Bonus

    As I began to sink, the weight of betrayal pressed down on me more heavily than

    the water itself. My daughter-my flesh and blood-had been weaponized against

    me.

    (Emma''s POV)

    I watched the bubbles stop rising from where Connor had disappeared. The water was very deep and very dark below.

    Mom had exined it carefully. Connor wanted to take me away from Dad. If Connor was gone, Dad would only have me to love.

    I understood about death. When people died, they didn''te back. Like Lily.

    I swam to the surface, not looking back at the deep water where Connor had gone.

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    (Emma''s POV)

    +20 Bonus

    I ran across the beach, my heart pounding in my chest. The sand stuck to my wet

    feet as I searched frantically for Mom. Finally, I spotted her sitting under arge umbre, pretending to read a magazine.

    "Mom, he sank," I announced breathlessly, my voice quivering with excitement and fear.

    I stood there, waiting for her reaction. My hands were still trembling from what I''d done, but I''d followed her instructions

    perfectly. Just like she taught me.

    Mom looked up slowly, her beautiful face breaking into a smile that made me feel warm inside. She set aside her magazine and

    opened her arms to me.

    "Come here, my clever girl," she said softly.

    I rushed into her embrace, craving her approval. She smelled like expensive perfume and safety. Her arms wrapped around me tightly as she pressed a kiss to my cheek.

    "You did so well," she whispered against my ear. "I''m so proud of you."

    Pride swelled in my chest. I''d made Mom happy, and that was all that mattered. She always said we had to protect each other

    because no one else would.

    Mom pulled back slightly, her face suddenly serious. She brushed a strand of wet hair from my face, her touch gentle but firm.

    "Remember, Emma," she said, her voice dropping to a whisper. "No one else can know about this. If anyone asks, just say you

    don''t know."

    I nodded eagerly, wanting to show her I understood.

    "If they keep asking, cry out of fear," she continued, her eyes locked with mine. "Can you do that for me?"

    I nodded again, already practicing the frightened expression in my mind. Mom had taught me how to cry onmandst year. It was easy once you knew the trick.

    "If you can''t do this," Mom''s voice hardened slightly, "you''ll lose not just your dad, but me too."

    Fear gripped my heart at her words. Losing Mom was the worst thing I could imagine. I trembled and hugged her tightly, burying my face in her embrace.

    "Mom, I don''t know anything," I whispered, practicing my line.

    She stroked my head gently, her fingersbing through my wet hair. "That''s my good girl."

    I peeked up to see her staring out at the blue water of theke. Her eyes looked different-cold and hard like ice. It scared me a little, but I knew that look wasn''t meant for me.

    "Let''s get you dried off," she said, her voice returning to normal. "Then we can get ice cream on the way home."

    +20 Bonus

    As she wrapped a fluffy towel around my shoulders, I thought about the man who had sunk beneath the water. Connor. My real

    dad, Mom had said. But he wasn''t like Alpha Stone. Alpha Stone bought me presents and took me to special ces. Connor just

    looked at me with hungry eyes that made me ufortable.

    Mom said he was a bad man who wanted to take me away from her. I couldn''t let that happen. Mom needed me, and I needed her.

    Besides, now that Connor was gone, maybe Alpha Stone would spend even more time with us. Maybe he''d finally be my real

    dad instead.

    (Ethan''s POV)

    I stared out the window of my Alpha''s Private Office, watching the pack members go about their daily business below. Dr.

    Harrison Fletcher''s words echoed in my mind despite my dismissal of them.

    "You''ve changed heart regarding Mrs. Winters."

    The usation-because that''s what it felt like-had struck a nerve. I hadn''t

    changed heart. My heart belonged to Victoria. It always had.

    I turned back to my desk, focusing on the stack of reports that required my

    attention. Pack business was a wee distraction from the confusion that had gued me since seeing Olivia at the hospital with her mother.

    Maxwell Chen entered after a brief knock, carrying more documents for my review.

    "The quarterly reports from the Northern mines, Alpha," he said, cing them neatly on my desk. "And the security assessment for next month''s territory negotiations."

    I nodded, grateful for his efficiency. "Thank you, Maxwell."

    He hesitated, clearly wanting to say something more.

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    "What is it?" I asked, signing thest of the previous batch of documents.

    "The Beta from Ravenwood Pack called again about their proposal," Maxwell said carefully. "They''re growing impatient for an

    answer."

    I waved a dismissive hand. "Tell them I''ll review it by the end of the week."

    "Yes, Alpha." Maxwell collected the signed documents and turned to leave.

    The silence after his departure was almost oppressive. I hadn''t visited Olivia at the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den since our

    encounter in her mother''s room. The memory of her eyes-those emerald green eyes that had once looked at me with such love

    -now filled with pain and usation was too much to bear.

    Work was safer. Work made sense. The pack needed a strong Alpha, not one distracted by personal matters.

    My phone rang, interrupting my thoughts. Olivia''s name shed on the screen.

    My heart rate quickened as I stared at it. Why was she calling? Had something happened to her mother?

    I answered immediately, unable to mask the hint of anticipation in my voice. "What''s the matter?"

    "I want to see you tonight," Olivia said, her voice calm and direct.

    The request caught me off guard. After everything that had happened between us,

    after all the pain and anger, she wanted to see me?

    "Where?" I asked, already standing from my desk.

    "My address at Maple Grove," she replied before ending the call abruptly.

    I stood there for a moment, phone still in hand, processing what had just happened. Olivia wanted to see me. At her home.

    Tonight.

    Without hesitation, I gathered my keys and jacket. Whatever she wanted to discuss, it must be important. And despite everything, I couldn''t deny the pull I felt toward her.

    Maxwell returned as I was preparing to leave.

    "Alpha Stone, you have an appointment with the Northern Territory Press Corps in an hour," he reminded me.

    I shook my head, already heading for the door. "Handle it for me. Reschedule if necessary."

    Maxwell''s surprise was evident, but he nodded respectfully. "Of course, Alpha." (Victoria''s POV)

    The gentle rocking of the taxi lulled me into a deep sleep. The events at Whispering Pines Lake had left me exhausted but

    satisfied. Connor ckthorn was no longer a threat to my ns.

    +20 Bonus

    When I finally awoke, disorientation hit me immediately. This wasn''t the familiar interior of the taxi. I wasn''t on my way back to

    Rosewood Haven.

    I blinked, trying to clear my vision as I took in my surroundings. in walls. Sparse furniture. A single window with heavy

    curtains drawn shut.

    The Forsaken Room. That''s what my mindbeled it a ce unknown and unweing.

    Fear crept up my spine as I sat up, my designer dress wrinkled from sleep. How had I gotten here? Thest thing I remembered

    was closing my eyes in the back of the taxi, satisfied that Connor was dealt with.

    I swung my legs over the edge of the bed and stood, smoothing down my dress with trembling hands. I needed to leave, to get

    back to Emma. She would be waiting for me, perhaps frightened by my absence.

    As I moved toward what appeared to be the door, a voice froze me in ce. "Where are you going?"

    The voice-familiar, impossible-sent ice through my veins. Slowly, I turned to face the source.

    Connor ckthorn stood in the shadows of the room, very much alive. His clothes were different, dry, but his eyes held the same

    intensity they had beneath the water of Whispering Pines Lake.

    "You..." I whispered, shock rendering me momentarily speechless.

    He was supposed to be dead. Emma had removed his breathing apparatus. I''d watched from shore as he sank beneath the surface,

    not resurfacing.

    A surge of anger toward Emma shed through me. She had failed. After all my careful nning, all my precise instructions, she

    had failed toplete the one task that mattered most.

    Connor''s hand shot out, grabbing my jaw with enough force to make me wince.

    His fingers dug into my skin as he pulled my face

    close to his.

    "Surprised I''m not dead?" he repeated, his voice a dangerous whisper.

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    (Victoria''s POV)

    My mind raced as I stared at Connor ckthorn standing before me, very much alive.

    I forced myself to suppress the storm of emotions threatening to overwhelm me. Panic wouldn''t serve me now. I needed to regain

    control of this situation.

    Tears welled in my eyes onmand¡ªa skill I''d perfected over years of maniption. I made my voice small and aggrieved, the

    perfect picture of a woman wronged.

    "Connor, let go, you''re hurting me," I whimpered, trying to pry his fingers from my jaw. When he didn''t release me, I let more

    tears spill down my cheeks. "What''s wrong with you? What are you talking about, all this talk of death?"

    His grip remained firm, his eyes cold and unreadable. I needed to push harder.

    "Emma said you left early and abandoned her alone," I continued, injecting just the right amount of maternal concern into my

    voice. "I haven''t even scolded you yet-Emma is only seven. How could you leave a young pup by herself at Bleakshore Beach?"

    (Connor''s POV)

    I stared at Victoria, watching her performance with a mixture of disgust and fascination. The tears, the trembling voice, the

    wounded expression-all of it perfectly calibrated to manipte me, just as she''d done countless times before.

    This was the she-wolf who could lie without blinking, who wielded her wless acting to ensnare me until I couldn''t extricate

    myself from her web. I had loved her once, truly and deeply. Even after discovering her schemes, after she nearly sent me to Shadowfall Detention Center, I still remembered the feelings we shared and the daughter she bore for

    me.

    For those memories, for Emma, I''d wanted to give Victoria another chance. I''d been willing to help her achieve what she wanted,

    to be the partner she needed.

    But it had never urred to me she could be so ruthless. To want me dead was one thing-to use our daughter as the instrument of my destruction was unforgivable. Emma was only seven years old. If she had truly killed me, the shadow of patricide would

    have haunted her for life.

    How could a mother be so cruel to her own pup?

    (Victoria''s POV)

    Connor remained silent, his grip on my jaw loosening slightly. I took this as a good sign. He was wavering, just as he always did when faced with my tears. I still had power over him.

    Without caring where we were in this strange room, I focused only on pacifying this lovesick fool at all costs. Just as I had done at the Crescent Moon Hotel days before, I moved my hand to his belt, my touch deliberately seductive.

    I slipped my fingers under his shirt, feeling his muscles tense beneath my touch. I looked up at him through myshes, my

    expression coy and inviting.

    "Connor-" I purred, my voice a silken caress.

    +20 Bonus

    This always worked on him. Always. I leaned closer, my body pressing against

    his, my lips parting invitingly. I could see his resolve weakening, his eyes darkening with desire despite everything.

    Just as our lips were about to meet, a powerful Alpha presence filled the room. My blood ran cold as I sensed him before I saw him.

    Ethan Stone had arrived.

    I froze, my mind racing to adapt to this new development. There was no time to think, only to react.

    Instantly, I transformed my expression. The seductive smile vanished, reced by wide eyes brimming with tears and naked fear. I pushed away from Connor with all my strength.

    ¡°Ethan, help me!" I pleaded, my voice breaking perfectly.

    Ethan''s reaction was immediate and visceral. He rushed forward, grabbed Connor by the cor, and threw him off me with a forceful kick. His Alpha strength sent Connor flying across the room, crashing into the wall with a sickening thud.

    "Ethan," I cried, immediately throwing myself into his arms. I made my body tremble against his, clinging to him desperately.

    "He''s still obsessed with me, drugged and brought me here, tried to force himself on me. This time, you must not spare him."

    I felt Ethan''s arms close around me protectively, but something was wrong. His

    body was tense, his embracecking the warmth

    I expected. I nced up to see his face cold and impassive as he held me.

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    His amber gaze wasn''t on me at all, but fixed on something-someone-at the doorway.

    "Olivia, what are you trying to do by calling me here?" Ethan''s voice was dangerously quiet. "Did you want me to see Connor ckthorn assaulting Victoria?"

    At the mention of Olivia''s name, my cries faltered. I quickly looked up and locked eyes with Olivia Winters standing in the doorway, her emerald eyes watching me with cold calction.

    A jolt of dread shot through me. Why was she here? Had Connor told her something? rm bells rang in my mind as I realized I might be walking into a trap.

    I pulled desperately at Ethan''s hand, my voice rising with genuine panic now. "Ethan, take me away from here-please!"

    But Ethan remained motionless, his attention still fixed on Olivia, suspicion evident in his rigid posture.

    Desperation mounting, I clung to his waist, my voice trembling. "Ethan..."

    Olivia observed me with detached interest, then let out a coldugh. Her emerald eyes glinted dangerously in the dim light of the

    room.

    "Victoria Frost, what are you so afraid of?" she asked, her voice soft but cutting.

    Her question hung in the air between us, a challenge I couldn''t ignore. I needed to maintain my victim narrative at all costs.

    "I''m afraid Connor will hurt me again!" I cried, injecting raw fear into my voice. I turned my attack toward Olivia, hoping to shift

    suspicion. "Olivia Winters, was it you? Last time Connor failed, now you''re having him try again?"

    Olivia''s gaze grew sharper, more focused. She turned to Connor, who had risen to his feet, his eyes showing raw pain.

    "You''re saying I forced you?" Connor asked, his voice hollow.

    His stare bore into me, but I refused to meet his eyes. Instead, I buried my face deeper into Ethan''s chest, clinging to him like a

    lifeline.

    "Ethan, please,¡± I begged. "Take me away from here."

    I could feel Ethan''s resolve weakening. His protective instincts were overriding his

    suspicion. He shifted his weight, preparing to

    pick me up and leave this nightmare behind.

    Suddenly, a sultry voice burst from behind us.

    "Connor- kiss me!"

    My own voice, unmistakable and clear as day, yed from somewhere in the room. I whipped my head around to see Connor holding up his phone, a recording ying at full volume.

    +20 Bonus

    The effect was explosive. Both Ethan and I turned in shock toward the sound. I immediately recognized the recording from our

    night at the Crescent Moon Hotel.

    Panic surged within me like a tidal wave. Ethan must not hear this!

    "Connor ckthorn!" I screamed, trying tounch myself at him.

    In my desperation, I forgot I was supposed to be in a wheelchair after my "injury." I copsed pathetically to the ground, my

    outstretched hand nowhere near the phone.

    All I could do was watch in horror as the recording continued to y throughout The Forsaken Room.

    The sounds were unmistakable-my moans, my whispered endearments, the rustling of sheets. On the recording, we were

    tangled together-my legs around his waist, my voice wanton, my actions leaving nothing to the imagination.

    The scene made it crystal clear to anyone listening: I was a willing participant. There was no coercion. All my pleas of being at

    victim were exposed as lies.

    I watched Ethan''s face as he listened. His amber eyes darkened, his jaw clenched tight. I could almost see his wolf snarling

    beneath his skin at the betrayal.

    "Ethan, don''t listen! Don''t look!" I sobbed, crawling forward to clutch at his leg. "It''s

    a fake, Connor made it up! It''s not me, it

    isn''t me!"

    Ethan remained motionless, his gaze fixed on the phone as more of my passionate derations of love for Connor filled the room.

    Desperation made me reckless. "It''s Olivia! She had Connor fake this recording to make you misunderstand, to break us apart..." I

    wed at his pants, trying to regain his attention. ¡°Ethan, don''t fall for their trick!"

    But Ethan ignored mepletely, his gaze never leaving the phone as the damning evidence continued to y.

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    (Victoria''s POV)

    Olivia Winters faced me with cold calction in her eyes. Despite the damning video evidence ying from Connor''s phone, I

    refused to surrender.

    "Victoria, whether the video is synthesized or not, find a professional to identify it..." Olivia began, her voice dripping with

    sarcasm.

    "Olivia Winters, shut up!" I screamed, cutting her off.

    My eyes glowed with fury as I red at her. I hated this woman with every fiber of my being! This woman! Isn''t it just the death of

    a daughter? What''s the big deal! She likes her daughter so much, it''s not like she can''t give birth anymore!

    Whether looking for Lucas ckwood or a homeless man on the side of the territory, she could give birth to as many

    she wanted, so why bother me?

    I suppressed my resentment and continued my performance. "You won''t seed, Ethan will never believe you!"

    children as

    I tried my best to calm myself. For years, I had been invincible in front of Ethan by virtue of "Little Orange''s" identity. No matter

    what I said, Ethan would believe me. In his heart, I was wless.

    Even seven years ago, when I had no choice but to say that I was raped, Ethan did not reject me. I didn''t have to be afraid.

    Thinking of this, I felt much more stable. Pretending to be wronged and pitiful, I tearfully cried to Ethan Stone.

    "Ethan, you believe me, right? I love you so much, I can''t let other men touch me!"

    "This is Olivia''s revenge on me. She deliberately released Connor to attack me and ruin me. You stopped her, so she chose to

    nder me in this way..."

    Ethan looked down at me quietly, and suddenly asked: "Victoria, is it really Olivia and Connor who deliberately ndered you?"

    His words made me, who was performing vigorously, obviously startled. I subconsciously raised my head, tears welling up in my eyes blurring my vision.

    I blinked immediately, and the moment tears rolled down, I also saw Ethan''s expression clearly. There was no anger of betrayal

    on his handsome face, but rather calm, so calm that I felt lucky.

    No man can be so calm after seeing the woman he loves deeply betraying him! If Ethan believed the video, he would be furious,

    and it would be impossible for him to be soposed. Therefore, Ethan must believe me!

    Thinking of this, my eyes turned even redder, and my gaze looking at Ethan became even more wronged. "Of course..."

    (Ethan''s POV)

    I stared down at Victoria, watching her performance with growing disappointment. The evidence was clear, yet she continued to

    lie directly to my face.

    +20 Bonus

    "Victoria, I''m not stupid! Whether the video is synthesized or not, whether you were willing or not, I can see it clearly, you

    shouldn''t lie to me!"

    I withdrew my legs and took a step back. I had believed her only because she was "Little Orange," the one who saved my life when

    I was a child.

    For anything without evidence, I would preemptively maintain her position and favor her. This was my preference for her. But it

    didn''t mean that I was truly blind, and with the evidence in front of me, I could still blindly believe her lies.

    Hearing my words, Victoria was overwhelmed by panic. Tears rolled down her face. She rushed towards me recklessly, fell at my

    feet, and climbed up to me again with support.

    Clutching my clothes tightly, she knelt beside my legs and cried, "Ethan, I didn''t mean to lie to you!"

    "Believe me, seven years ago, Connor really forced himself on me!"

    Seven years ago, Connor must have no evidence. If there was, he would have presented it long ago! Victoria insisted that their

    beginning was an attack, not a deception from the very beginning! Otherwise, I would never forgive her.

    Victoria''s tears fell even more fiercely. "Later I was forced to separate from you and went to Ravenwood, he found me and kept

    threatening and pestering me!"

    "Because of Matriarch Evelyn, I didn''t dare to tell you, disturb you, I was afraid that you would take care of me, let the matriarch

    know, and aggravate her condition, so I endured it silently and was coerced by him all the time!"

    "At that time, I thought I would never have a chance with you in this life, so I just broke down!"

    "But, Ethan, I can''t forget you, the person I love in my heart has always been you, I have never loved Connor!"

    "Although I had an intimate rtionship with him, Connor and I really just had physical needs, just like you and Olivia."

    "Ethan, I have never minded that you and Olivia have been together for five years, because I know that the person you love in

    your heart is me, so you can understand and forgive me, right?¡±

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    +20 Bonus

    "I promise you, I will never do it again!"

    "You break up with Olivia, and I break up with Connor, we will let bygones be bygones! After the matriarch''s mourning period is over, we will get married!"

    Victoria''s words set off a storm in my heart. I suddenly realized. When I saw the intimate video of Victoria and Connor, my anger stemmed only from the fact that I was deceived, not from the rage that Victoria had betrayed me.

    I saw Victoria willingly sinking into the arms of another man, and I didn''t feel any jealousy at all. But if it were Olivia...

    I couldn''t even think about it, let alone what happened, even if I saw her getting close to other men, I couldn''t ept it.

    The words Dr. Harrison Fletcher had said to me, that I had changed heart, once again surfaced in my mind.

    I looked at Victoria who was crying, and felt mixed emotions.

    (Victoria''s POV)

    "What? I never loved you, just to solve physical needs!"

    Connor ckthorn''s hands holding the phone were trembling! He always thought

    that I truly loved him. Now I treated him like

    this, just because I had changed my mind.

    He would forgive me because he understood me. He knew in his heart that he couldn''tpare to Ethan Stone. I couldn''t live a

    good life with him. I chose Ethan so that I could live a better life. He was sad, but he epted it.

    But he never expected that in my heart, he was just someone who solved my physical needs, and I never loved him.

    "Or what?" I hated Connor to death now. All I could think about was how to get Ethan to forgive me, and I didn''t have time to

    think about anything else.

    As long as Ethan forgives me and continues to believe in me, I am not afraid.

    "Could I fall in love with an attacker? Connor, I can''t wait to hate you! You ruined me!"

    This sentence was my heartfelt words! From the moment he started to disobey me, I was tired of him. Now that he was still

    helping Olivia deal with me, how could I not hate him.

    A useless man, he can''t give me what I want, what face does he have to use me?

    After I drew a clear line with Connor, I turned to Ethan with a look of deep affection. ¡°Ethan, I don''t want to see him, can you take me away from here? If you have anything to say, we can talk about it slowly when we go home."

    "Yes." Ethan responded in a low voice. He did have something to say to me.

    Hearing Ethan''s promise, I couldn''t hide the joy in my eyes. I took the initiative to open my arms to Ethan and asked him to lift

    me up.

    +20 Bonus

    Ethan bent down to lift me. I looked at Olivia behind him over Ethan''s shoulder, and a sneer appeared on the corner of my lips.

    So what if Olivia tried her best? In the end, it was still fetching water with a basket full of holes, all in vain. She was not Emma''s mother, how could she know Emma''s importance in Ethan''s heart.

    In front of me, Olivia will always be the loser. Who made me Emma''s mother. In this life, Olivia can only be trampled under my feet, and she will never be able to rise up.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I saw Victoria''s provocative eyes, but didn''t react. I didn''t care about Ethan''s love.

    I nced at Connor from the corner of my eye and saw his cold eyes. Victoria''s words just now directly cut off Connor''sst bit of

    tenderness towards her.

    After I rescued Connor, it was not that I didn''t directly ask him for evidence. But Connor didn''t want to give it to me.

    I once loved Ethan unreservedly, and I could tell from Connor''s eyes that even if Victoria wanted his life, he still hadn''t given up

    Therefore, when he mentioned that he wanted to reveal his rtionship with Victoria in front of Ethan, I did not stop him. I knew

    that Connor wanted to break up Victoria and Ethan, and maybe he could still be with Victoria.

    However, I knew Victoria better. She would nder Connor in order to make Ethan believe her. It is also equivalent to personally

    cutting off Connor''sst bit of reluctance towards her.

    Now the real good show is about to begin.

    While thinking, Connor''s voice suddenly sounded, "I didn''t expect that the

    dignified Alpha of Stone Pack would be so tolerant,

    and he could choose to forgive even if his woman betrayed him.¡±

    "So affectionate, can you ept that she deliberately took the kidney donor in

    order to kill your daughter... What''s more, in order

    to hide this matter, she paid for murder!"

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    (Connor''s POV)

    "Lily''s death was not an ident, Victoria deliberately killed her." The words left my mouth with a finality that seemed to freeze

    time itself.

    The effect was immediate. Ethan Stone''s amber eyes widened in disbelief, his grip on Victoria loosening involuntarily. She

    copsed to the floor with a thud, a small cry escaping her lips.

    Despite the pain from her fall, Victoria''s focus remained solely on regaining Ethan''s attention. I watched as she deliberately

    projected distress, whimpering pathetically while clutching at his pant leg.

    Her performance was wless-the trembling lip, the wide, fearful eyes-all calcted to trigger his protective instincts.

    ¡°Ethan, please..." she whimpered, her fingers digging desperately into the fabric of his pants. "Don''t listen to him. He''s lying!"

    I''d seen this act countless times before. For years, I''d been the one rushing tofort her, to shield her from imagined threats.

    Not anymore.

    "What did you just say?" Ethan''s voice was dangerously low, a growl rumbling from deep in his chest.

    His attention was fixed entirely on me now, Victoria''s pitiful whimpers fading into background noise. The Alpha King''s eyes

    shed with barely contained rage at the mere mention of his deceased daughter.

    "Repeat that!" he demanded, taking a threatening step toward me, his fists clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white.

    "You heard me," I replied, meeting his gaze steadily despite the pain radiating from where he''d thrown me against the wall. "Victoria deliberately sabotaged your daughter''s treatment. Lily''s death wasn''t inevitable-it was engineered."

    Victoria remained seated on the floor, her shoulders visibly trembling. Her eyes, when they met mine, were no longer filled with contempt but with something else- fear.

    "Connor," she whispered, her voice breaking. "Please... don''t do this."

    For a moment, I faltered. Despite everything, there was still a part of me that responded to her vulnerability.

    Ten years of loving someone doesn''t disappear overnight, no matter how toxic that love might have been.

    Memories washed over me unbidden. Victoria at neen, bold and beautiful, approaching me at a pack gathering. Our first night

    together, her skin glowing in the moonlight.

    The day she told me she was pregnant, her eyes shining with a mixture of fear and excitement.

    I remembered holding Emma for the first time, this tiny miracle with Victoria''s eyes and my chin. I had vowed then to protect

    them both with my life, to be the mate Victoria deserved even without a formal ceremony.

    For ten years, I had kept that promise. I had loved Victoria through her mood swings, her ambitions, her schemes.

    +30 Bonus:

    I had epted her obsession with Ethan Stone as a phase that would pass. I had believed that deep down, she loved me too.

    But as I looked at her now, pleading with me to keep her secrets, I realized that my love for Emma had toe first.

    My daughter deserved better than a mother who would use her as a pawn, who would teach her to lie and manipte, who would risk her safety for personal gain.

    "I''m sorry, Victoria," I said quietly. "But I can''t protect you anymore. Not after what you''ve done."

    "You don''t know what you''re saying!" Victoria cried out, her voice rising hysterically. "Connor, stop this madness right now!"

    I turned back to Ethan, whose patience was clearly wearing thin. "Victoria

    intentionally harmed Lily and, fearing exposure, she

    had Rnd Wamer killed to silence him."

    Ethan''s face contorted with grief at the mention of his daughter''s name. For a moment, the powerful Alpha looked utterly

    broken.

    "My Li

    "My Lily..." he whispered, so softly I barely caught it. Then his expression hardened again.

    "What proof do you have?" he demanded, his voice hoarse.

    "I don''t have it with me," I admitted, wincing as I shifted position against the wall. "The evidence is at ckwood Alpha''s Guest Vi. Lucas granted me sanctuary there after I escaped from Shadowfall "

    Victoria seized this opportunity like a drowning woman grasping at driftwood. She turned to Olivia, who had been watching

    silently from the doorway.

    "You''re colluding with Connor to frame me!" she snarled, her mask of vulnerability dropping to reveal the aggression beneath. "You''ve been looking for someone to me for Lily''s death, and now you''ve found your scapegoat!"

    Her eyes shed dangerously as she struggled to her feet, her movements no longer hampered by her supposed injury.

    "You think I don''t see what you''re doing?" Victoria continued, her voice rising. "You want revenge because your precious

    daughter died, and you need someone to punish!"

    She pointed an using finger at Olivia. "She put him up to this! She''s been nning this all along!"

    Without warning, Victoria lunged toward a nearby table, grabbing a Silver-Edged Hunting Knife that had been left there. The

    de glinted menacingly in the dim light.

    "Victoria, what are you doing?" Ethan demanded, rm evident in his voice.

    Before anyone could react, she pressed the de against her own wrist.

    "I would rather die than admit to something I haven''t done!" she dered through gritted teeth, tears streaming down her face.

    With a swift motion, she shed the knife across her wrist. The silver edge burned her skin on contact, making the wound tar

    more dramatic and dangerous than a regr cut would be for a werewolf.

    +30 Bonus

    Blood immediately began to flow, the scent of it filling the room. The silver''s effect was visible in the way the wound smoked. slightly, preventing her werewolf healing from activating

    "Victoria!" Ethan shouted, horror recing anger in his eyes.

    He reacted instinctively, rushing to Victoria''s side as she swayed dramatically. He

    caught her before she could fall, applying

    pressure to the wound while snarling at Olivia.

    "Call Dr. Harold Bet immediately!"

    Olivia remained frozen in the doorway, her emerald eyes wide with disbelief at the lengths Victoria would go to maintain her

    deception.

    I pulled out my phone, my hands steady despite the chaos unfolding before me.

    "I''m calling emergency services," I announced,

    dialing quickly.

    "Yes, this is Connor ckthorn. We need immediate medical assistance at The Forsaken Room. Silver-inflicted wound,

    significant blood loss..."

    Victoria''s face had gone pale, whether from actual blood loss or exceptional

    acting, I couldn''t tell. Her eyes fluttered as she

    looked up at Ethan.

    "I didn''t do it," she whispered weakly, her voice barely audible. "I would never hurt

    a child... especially not yours..."

    Her voice trailed off as she appeared to lose consciousness, her head lolling against Ethan''s chest.

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    (Third person''s POV)

    "You believe me... I really didn''t... You know me, how could I be such a vicious person?" Victoria Frost cried, each wordced with

    wounded vulnerability.

    Her pale face was streaked with tears, her eyes wide and pleading as she looked up at Ethan Stone. The Alpha King''s face remained impassive as he carefully wrapped a bandage around her severely burned wrist.

    The silver-edged wound smoked slightly, resisting her natural werewolf healing. The injury was serious-potentially life-

    threatening if not treated properly.

    ¡°Ethan, please..." Victoria whispered, her voice breaking. "You''ve known me for so long. Would I ever hurt a child?"

    She was ying her trump card-their shared history, the special bond she believed they had. As long as he believed her, he wouldn''t examine Connor ckthom''s evidence, even if the rogue presented it.

    But Ethan remained silent, his amber eyes cold as ice. His hands moved methodically as he secured the bandage, but he offered no reassurance, no immediate trust as he had always done before.

    Victoria''s heart sank. This wasn''t the reaction she was ustomed to receiving from him.

    "Say something," she begged, her fingers weakly clutching at his sleeve. "Anything."

    Still, Ethan said nothing. The silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken usations.

    Victoria felt panic rising in her chest. Without Ethan''s protection, without his unwavering belief in her, everything she had built

    would crumble.

    She couldn''t let that happen. She wouldn''t..

    With sudden, frantic energy, Victoria ripped at her bandages with desperate hands. "Ethan, you don''t believe me, do you?" she cried, tearing away the white gauze to reveal the angry wound beneath.

    Fresh blood immediately began to flow, the scent of it sharp and metallic in the small room.

    "If you don''t believe me, what''s the point of living? I might as well die!" she sobbed, digging her nails into the wound to make it bleed more profusely.

    The silver contamination made the injury resistant to treatment, and as Victoria felt herself weakening from blood loss, genuine

    panic flooded her system.

    Her desperation wasn''t entirely an act. The thought of losing Ethan-of losing her position as the favored woman of the

    Silvercrest Pack-was truly terrifying

    Without him, the luxurious life she''d built would vanish. Without his protection, she would be vulnerable to those she had

    +10 Bonus:

    wronged.

    "Victoria Frost! Stop moving, do you not want your hand anymore?" Ethan yelled, his voice reverberating through the room as he

    grabbed her wrists, restraining her from causing further damage.

    His grip was firm but careful, mindful of her injury even in his anger. He was frantic with worry about her reckless behavior.

    With Matriarch Evelyn Stone gone and Olivia Winters'' mother estranged, he felt he only had Victoria left. She couldn''t die!

    "I don''t want to live anymore, what do I need my hand for?" Victoria continued,

    her voice rising hysterically. "Since you choose

    to believe Olivia Winters, you''ve already judged me in your heart!"

    She twisted in his grip, her face contorted with anguish. "You think that I''m that

    kind of vicious person... Ethan, I really didn''t

    expect that one day, you wouldn''t believe me..."

    Seeing the genuine concern in Ethan''s eyes, Victoria cried even harder, her body shaking with sobs. She knew exactly what

    buttons to push, what fears to exploit.

    Ethan''s face crumpled, thest of his resistance giving way. He couldn''t bear the thought of losing another person close to him.

    "I believe you!" he finally said, his voice hoarse with emotion, "Victoria, I believe you. Now please, stop this!"

    Victoria copsed against him, relief flooding her system. Her act had worked

    She buried her face against his chest, hiding the triumph in her eyes as he held her close, murmuring reassurances.

    The emergency medical team arrived minutester, bursting into the room with equipment and urgent voices. Ethan lifted Victoria carefully, cradling her against his chest as he carried her downstairs.

    Connor ckthorn followed close behind, each step sending sharp pain through his injured ribs. Despite knowing Victoria''s maniptive tactics, he couldn''t help but worry when he saw her severely burned wound.

    Their decade-long bond still pulled at him despite everything. His love for her overshadowed almost everything else-except his

    daughter''s safety.

    Meanwhile, Olivia Winters remained on the floor of The Forsaken Room, her fingers clutching Lily''s Ashes Crystal Pendant. The small crystal container felt warm against her palm, as if her daughter''s spirit was somehow present.

    "I won''t let her get away with this, Lily," she whispered, her voice steady despite the tears in her eyes. "I promise you."

    Ethan''s words echoed in her mind: "I believe you." He had chosen Victoria again, despite everything.

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    Olivia''s jaw tightened with resolve. She would avenge Lily and fight Victoria to the

    death if necessary.

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    Bonus:

    At the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den, Victoria was rushed into the Bloodrush Chamber, medical staff swarming around her with

    urgent efficiency.

    Connor waited anxiously in the corridor, his face drawn with worry. Despite everything Victoria had done, despite her betrayal and maniption, he couldn''t simply turn off his feelings for her.

    Ethan stood by the door, his face grim, his posture rigid with tension. The seeds of doubt had been nted in his mind, but he had

    made his choice-at least for now.

    After what seemed like hours, Dr. Samuel Wilson emerged from the treatment room, his expression serious.

    "She''s out of immediate danger," he announced, removing his surgical gloves. "But the next 24 hours will be crucial. The silver

    contamination in the wound is significant."

    Ethan nodded, his relief visible in the slight rxation of his shoulders. "Can I see her?"

    "Briefly," Dr. W

    Wilson agreed. "She''s being moved to a private recovery room now.

    As Victoria was wheeled past on a gurney, her eyes fluttered open. "Ethan," she called weakly, her voice barely audible.

    Ethan immediately moved to her side, taking her uninjured hand in his. "I''m here," he assured her, his protective instinct overriding the doubts that lingered in his mind.

    Victoria''s lips curved in a small, satisfied smile before her eyes closed again.

    The following morning, Emma Frost arrived at the medical den, her small face pinched with worry. She had learned about her mother''s hospitalization and had insisted on visiting immediately.

    "Daddy, is Mommy going to be okay?" she asked, her voice small and frightened as Ethan met her at the entrance.

    Ethan knelt down to her level, his expression softening. "Your mother is strong, Emma. She''ll be fine."

    He had arranged for a security guard to bring her safely to the medical den, unwilling to leave Victoria''s side even to collect the

    child himself.

    After spending some timeforting Emma, Ethan finally left to get some rest, his exhaustion evident in the slump of hist shoulders. He had been awake for over twenty-four hours, maintaining his vigil at Victoria''s bedside.

    "I''ll be back soon," he promised Emma, ruffling her hair gently before departing.

    After he left, Victoria stirred, her eyes opening slowly. Not seeing Ethan, her gazended on Emma, who sat quietly in a chair

    beside the bed

    "Where''s Ethan?" Victoria asked coldly, her maternal warmth suddenly absent.

    Emma flinched at her mother''s tone. "I told him to go home and rest, Mommy. He looked so tired."

    Victoria''s eyes narrowed dangerously. Without Ethan present, she saw no need to maintain her loving mother facade.

    +30 Bonus

    "Sarah," she called to the medical assistant who had just entered the room. "Go to Timber''s Diner and get me some breakfast. I

    can''t eat this hospital food."

    Sarah Jenkins hesitated, ncing at the untouched tray of food beside the bed, "Ms. Frost, Timber''s is at least half an hour.

    away..."

    "Did I ask for your opinion?" victoria snapped, "Go. Now."

    Once Sarah had left and they were alone, Victoria''s demeanor changedpletely. With surprising strength for someone who had lost so much blood, she pushed herself up in bed.

    "You stupid girl," she hissed at Emma. "You sent Ethan away? After everything that''s happened, you think it''s a good idea for him to leave my side?"

    Before Emma could respond, Victoria reached out and shoved her daughter hard, pushing her off the chair. Emma hit her head on the floor with a dull thud but dared not cry out loud.

    "This is all your fault," Victoria continued, her voice venomous. "If you hadn''t been so greedy for attention, none of this would

    have happened!"

    Emma quickly scrambled to her feet, her eyes wide with fear and remorse. "Mommy, I''m sorry. It''s Emmy''s fault, you can punish

    Emmy however you want, please don''t be mad at Emmy."

    Victoria, feeling weak from blood loss, simply red at her daughter. "Just you wait," she threatened, the promise of future

    punishment clear in her voice despite her weakened state.

    Neither of them noticed Connor ckthorn standing in the doorway, his face hardening as he witnessed the scene.

    He had been waiting outside the ward all night, torn between exposing Victoriapletely and protecting the mother of his child. But seeing Victoria mistreat Emma solidified his resolve.

    For his daughter''s sake, he could no longer hesitate. His heart had been too weak

    to make the decision, but now he knew- Emma''s safety muste before his lingering feelings for Victoria.

    SURPERISE GIFT: 3850 bonus free for you,activity time is limited!

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    (Victoria''s POV)

    I sank back against the hospital pillows, feeling the silver burn still throbbing in my wrist. The pain was excruciating, but it had

    served its purpose. Ethan believed me-for now.

    My wolf whimpered beneath my skin, weakened by the silver exposure but still alert. Still calcting. I needed to think clearly despite the fog of pain medication.

    The clock was ticking. Connor''s threat hung over me like a guillotine de. If he truly had evidence linking me to Lily''s death, my

    carefully constructed world would shatterpletely.

    I nced at my bandaged wrist, remembering the moment I''d pressed the Silver- Edged Hunting Knife against my skin. The pain had been worth it to see the horror in Ethan''s eyes, to hear those precious words: "I believe you."

    But how long would that beliefst if Connor delivered his evidence?

    My wolf snarled at the thought of imprisonment. After years of luxury at Rosewood Haven, surrounded by the finest things, the

    thought of confinement was worse than death. The privileges of being the Alpha King''s favored female had be my right, my

    expectation.

    I couldn''t go to jail. I wouldn''t.

    Emma sat quietly in the corner of the room, her small hands folded in herp. My daughter-no, my leverage. Connor would do

    anything for her. That was his weakness, and I needed to exploit it now more than ever.

    "Emma," I called softly, making my voice weak and maternal. "Come here, darling,"

    She approached cautiously, her eyes wary. Even at her young age, she''d learned to read my moods with frightening uracy.

    "I need you to do something very important for Mommy," I whispered, gesturing for her toe closer.

    Emma leaned in, her wolf submissively lowering its head beneath her skin. Good. She knew better than to defy me..

    "You''re going to call your father," I instructed, my voice low and urgent despite my weakened state. "And you''re going to tell him

    something very specific."

    Emma''s eyes widened, "What should I say, Mommy?"

    I reached for my phone on the bedside table, wincing dramatically at the

    movement. "Tell him if he gives the evidence to Alpha.

    Stone, you''ll hurt yourself."

    Emma hesitated, her young wolf whimpering with confusion. "But-¡±

    My eyes Hashed dangerously. "Make him believe it, pup.

    She flinched at my tone but nodded in submission. I handed her the phone, my fingers brushing against hers

    -30 Bonus

    "Say exactly what I tell you," I whispered, leaning close to her ear. "Tell him you can''t live without me. That if I go to jail, you''ll follow me one way or another."

    Emma''s hands trembled as she took the phone. I watched her dial Connor''s number, satisfaction curling through me. Connor''s

    love for Emma was his greatest weakness-and my salvation

    Just as Emma pressed the call button, movement at the doorway caught my attention.

    Connor stood there, his face hardening as he took in the scene before him. How long had he been listening? Panic surged through

    me, my wolf snarling defensively within.

    "What are you doing here?" I demanded, my voice sharper than I intended.

    In my agitation, I violently pushed Emma from the chair beside my bed. She fell awkwardly, twisting her ankle as she hit the

    floor.

    Emma yelped in pain, her wolf instinctively curling into a submissive posture. The sound drew Connor''s full attention, his eyes

    narrowing as he assessed his daughter''s condition.

    "Emma was just leaving," I said quickly, attempting to smooth over the moment. "She tripped, that''s all. Clumsy girl."

    Connor ignored mepletely, his focus entirely on our daughter.

    (Connor''s POV)

    "Emma,e here," I said softly, kneeling down despite the pain in my ribs.

    My wolf surged with protective instincts as I examined her injured ankle. It was already swelling, the skin turning an angry red. The sight of her pain tore at me, strengthening my resolve against Victoria''s maniptions.

    Emma limped toward me, her small face contorted with difort. When she reached me, she wrapped her arms around my

    neck, pressing her body close to mine.

    "Please, don''t give the evidence to Alpha Stone," she whispered, her lips brushing against my cheek in a desperate kiss. "If you

    do, Mommy says she''ll

    die."

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    My heart broke at the words. Victoria had coached her well, using our daughter as an emotional shield. For ten years, I''d allowed

    this to continue, telling myself it was better for Emma to have both parents in her life.

    I''d been a fool.

    "Emma," I said gently, pulling back to look into her eyes-eyes so like my own.

    "Your mother is manipting you. Using you to

    protect herself.''

    Emma''s lower lip trembled. "But

    it she said-''

    "I know what she said." I stroked her hair, my touch gentle. "But adults who truly love you don''t ask you to hurt yourself or

    threaten to hurt themselves to get what they want."

    Victoria''s voice cut through the moment, sharp as a de. "Connor, don''t you dare turn my daughter against me!"

    I ignored her, focusing entirely on Emma. "Does your ankle hurt badly?"

    Emma nodded, tears welling in her eyes. "It''s okay though. I deserved it for being clumsy."

    The practiced response sent rage coursing through me. How many times had Victoria conditioned this response? How many

    "idents" had Emma endured?

    My wolf growled with determination beneath my skin. I knew what I had to do, despite the cost to my heart.

    I stood, lifting Emma carefully in my arms. "I''m taking her to get this ankle

    examined," I told Victoria, my voice leaving no room

    for argument.

    Victoria''s face contorted with fury. "Put her down! She''s fine!"

    I turned my back on her, carrying Emma to the door. A nurse in the hallway

    noticed Emma''s distress and immediately

    approached.

    "Her ankle needs attention," I exined. "Could you please take her to pediatrics while I have a word with her mother?"

    The nurse nodded, taking Emma from my arms with practiced care. "Of course, sir. We''ll take good care of her."

    Once Emma was safely out of earshot, I returned to Victoria''s bedside. Her eyes burned with hatred, all pretense of weakness

    gone.

    Victoria Frost, listen carefully," I stated, deliberately using her full name to distance myself emotionally.

    I pulled out ckthorn''s Evidence Phone from my pocket, watching as her eyes widened with horror. Without breaking eye

    contact, I dialed Olivia Winters'' number.

    "What are you doing?" Victoria hissed, attempting to snatch the phone from my hand.

    +30 Bonus

    I stepped back, out of her reach. The call connected, and Olivia''s voice came through the speaker.

    "Hello?"

    "Olivia, I''m bringing you the evidence today," I said clearly, maintaining eye contact with Victoria as her face contorted with

    fury.

    Her wolf''s rage pheromones filled the room, but I remained unmoved. This was for Emma. For Lily. For justice.

    After ending the call, I turned to Victoria with cold finality. The woman I had loved for a decade, the mother of my child, the

    center of my world for so long-now I saw her clearly for what she was.

    "You wouldn''t dare," she snarled, her fingers clutching the hospital sheets. "After everything we''ve been through? After

    everything I''ve given you?"

    "Given me?" Iughed bitterly, "You''ve taken everything from me, Victoria. My dignity. My self-respect. And worst of all, you''ve poisoned our daughter''s mind."

    Victoria''s expression shifted, vulnerability recing rage. "Connor, please. I love you. I''ve always loved you."

    The words that once would have melted my resolve now rang hollow. "No, Victoria. You''ve only ever loved yourself."

    Her mask slipped, revealing the cold calction beneath. "If you do this, you''ll regret it. I''ll make sure you never see Emma

    again."

    "I won''t allow Emma to remain in your care any longer," I replied, my voice steady despite the storm of emotions within. "After you''re imprisoned, I''ll take care of her properly."

    Victoria lunged forward, her bandaged wrist forgotten in her fury. "You''re nothing without me! Nothing!"

    I turned away, her words washing over me without effect. The chains that had bound me to her for so long were finally broken.

    With that deration, I walked out of the hospital ward, heading to retrieve the damning evidence that would finally bring

    Victoria to justice for Lily''s death.

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    (Olivia''s POV)

    The moonlight cast long shadows across Sacred Moonlight Cemetery as I approached Lily''s grave. Each step felt heavier than the

    I''de here seeking sce, but found only more pain. Connor ckthorn had promised evidence against Victoria, yet hours

    had passed with no word from him. Had Victoria''s maniptive suicide attempt worked? Had Ethan''s blind loyalty to her won

    again?

    My fingers trembled as I knelt before Lily''s Moonstone Tombstone. The polished stone gleamed in the moonlight, my daughter''s smiling face captured forever in the embedded photograph.

    "I''m sorry, Lily," I whispered, my voice breaking as I traced her name with my fingertips. "I''ve failed you again.¡±

    My wolf howled silently within me, mourning the pup we couldn''t protect in life or avenge in death. The weight of my failure pressed down on me like a physical burden.

    The cool night air carried the scent of venison and moonberry wine from nearby pack celebrations. Life continued for everyone else while I remained trapped in this endless cycle of grief and rage.

    "What more can I do?" 1 asked the silent tombstone. "Victoria has Ethan wrapped around her finger. Connor has disappeared. I''m alone in this fight."

    My wolf bristled at the admission of weakness, but it was true. I had no pack support, no allies powerful enough to challenge the Alpha King''s favored female.

    A familiar scent suddenly cut through the night air-pine, leather, and that distinctive Alpha musk that belonged only to Ethan

    Stone. My wolf immediately tensed, both yearning for and resenting our mate''s approach.

    I didn''t turn as his footsteps crunched on the gravel path behind me. I wouldn''t give him the satisfaction of acknowledging his

    presence.

    Ethan approached with measured steps, his powerful aura washing over me even before he came into view. He stopped beside Lily''s grave, setting down a small basket of fresh fruits and a tiny birthday cake-Lily''s Graveside Memorial Offerings.

    The gesture surprised me. I hadn''t expected him to remember what foods Lily had loved.

    "You shouldn''t be out here alone at night," he said, his deep voice breaking the cemetery''s silence.

    I kept my eyes fixed on Lily''s photograph. "I''m exactly where I should be."

    Ethan sighed, removing his ck Alpha Overcoat and draping it over my shoulders with unexpected gentleness. The warmth of it enveloped me immediately, carrying his scent

    "You''ll catch your death out here," he murmured, his amber eyes reflecting genuine concern when I finally looked up at him.

    +30 Bonus

    My wolf bristled at his touch, at the presumption that he could still care for me after everything. I shrugged the coat off violently, letting it fall to the ground between us.

    "Don''t pretend to care now," 1 spat.

    Undeterred, Ethan picked up the coat and wrapped it around me again, his

    movements firm but careful. His voice took on that

    Alpha timbre that made wolves instinctively obey.

    "Don''t neglect your health. The pack still needs its Luna,"

    The hypocrisy of his words ignited my fury. I stood abruptly, throwing the coat to the ground and deliberately stepping on it with

    my boot.

    "The pack needs its Luna?" Iughed bitterly. "Since when have you treated me as your Luna? You''ve made it clear that Victoria is

    your chosen female."

    s in his

    Ethan''s jaw tightened, his wolf growing defensive beneath his skin. I could see the golden flecks in his eyes brightening with

    emotion.

    "That''s not true, Olivia."

    "Isn''t it?" I challenged, stepping closer to him. "Where is your loyalty, Ethan? You still blindly trust Victoria despite Connor''s

    usations!"

    The memory of Victoria''s maniptive disy at the hospital made my blood boil. The way she''d pressed that silver knife to her

    own wrist, creating a wound serious enough to distract from Connor''s evidence.

    "I need concrete evidence before condemning anyone," Ethan replied, his voice steady despite my fury. "That''s what being Alpha

    means-justice, not vengeance."

    "Justice?" I echoed incredulously. "Where was justice when our daughter needed a kidney donor? Where was justice when that donor mysteriously disappeared?" Ethan''s expression darkened, but he didn''t back down. "I promise you this-if ckthorn''s ims prove true, Victoria will face

    pack justice. No one harms a Stone pack pup without consequences."

    I was about to retort when my phone rang, the distinctive tone indicating Connor ckthorn was calling. My heart raced as 1 fumbled to answer it, hope surging through my bond with my wolf.

    "Olivia," Connor''s voice came through clearly despite sounding strained. ¡°I''m bringing you the evidence today."

    Tears of relief welled in my eyes as I ended the call. I turned to Ethan, my posture straightening with renewed purpose.

    "Connor is delivering the evidence," I announced, my voice steady with conviction. "I expect justice for our daughter, Ethan.

    Don''t you dare interfere.

    My wolf snarled beneath my skin, challenging the Alpha despite pack hierarchy.

    It was dangerous to challenge an Alpha this way, but I no longer cared about consequences.

    +30 Bonus:

    Ethan''s amber eyes held mine, unwavering. "If Victoria is guilty of harming Lily, I won''t protect her. You have my word as Alpha

    King."

    The solemnity in his tone suggested he was making not just a promise to me, but

    a sacred vow to our deceased daughter. Despite

    everything, I believed him in that moment.

    I nodded once, then turned to press a kiss to Lily''s photograph on the tombstone. "Soon, my sweet pup," I whispered. "Soon you''ll have justice."

    With renewed determination, I left for the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den, aware of Ethan''s powerful presence following closely

    behind me.

    The drive to the medical den was tense with unspoken words. Ethan insisted on driving me in his vehicle, and I was too focused on theing confrontation to argue.

    My mind raced with possibilities. What evidence did Connor have? Would it be enough to convince Ethan? Would it be enough for packw to punish Victoria?

    As we entered the medical den, staff members bowed their heads respectfully to their Alpha King, while casting curious nces at

    1. me. It had been a long time since Ethan and I had appeared anywhere together.

    We made our way to Victoria''s private room, my heart pounding with anticipation and dread. This confrontation had been years

    in the making

    Victoria was sitting up in bed when we entered, her bandaged wrist prominently disyed on top of the pristine white sheets. Her face, pale from blood loss, contorted with hatred when she saw me.

    "You conniving bitch!" she snarled, her voice rising despite her supposed fragile condition. "Conspiring with that rogue wolf to destroy me!"

    Her wolf projected aggressive pheromones, attempting to intimidate me. I ignored herpletely, pulling out my phone to call

    Connor again.

    Victoria''s eyes darted between me and Ethan, her panic barely concealed beneath her rage. "Ethan, you can''t let her do this! She''s

    trying to frame me!"

    Ethan''s arrival had diverted her attention, and she immediately shifted her demeanor. Her wolf whimpered pathetically as she

    reached for him with her bandaged wrist.

    "Ethan," she pleaded tearfully, "you know I''m innocent. They''re trying to frame

    me!"

    I turned my back on her theatrics, focusing on dialing Connor''s number again. Where was he? Had Victoria somehow gotten to

    him?

    Just as the call connected, a phone rang from the doorway. All heads turned to see Connor ckthorn standing there,

    ckthorn''s Evidence Phone in hand, his expression grim but determined as he stepped into the ward.

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    (Olivia''s POV)

    "Where is the evidence?" I stepped toward Connor ckthorn, unable to contain my impatience any longer.

    My emerald eyes shed with determination as my wolf paced anxiously beneath my skin, I had waited for this moment for far too long - the chance to finally prove Victoria''s role in my daughter''s death.

    Connor''s face was grim as he reached into his pocket. His movements were slow, deliberate, as if each motion caused him pain.. Finally, he produced ckthorn''s Framed Audio Confession and held it out to me.

    My hands trembled as I took it from him. The small device felt impossibly heavy in my palm - the weight of justice, of vindication, of everything I''d fought for since losing Lily.

    Tears welled in my eyes as my wolf whimpered with anticipation. This was it. The moment Victoria would finally face consequences for what she''d done to my daughter.

    I turned, my gaze full of hatred, first towards Victoria Frost, who cowered in her hospital bed with her bandaged wrist prominently disyed, then to Ethan Stone, whose amber eyes watched me warily.

    "Ethan," I said, my voice icy with the authority of a true Luna, "don''t forget what you just said in front of Lily''s tombstone."

    Ethan''s jaw tightened, but he gave a single, solemn nod, "I won''t."

    Victoria''s eyes darted between us, panic evident in her expression. "What''s happening? What did he say?"

    I ignored her, focusing instead on the device in my hand. With a deep breath, I pressed y.

    The recording began with Victoria''s voice, clear and unmistakable: "Connor, listen carefully. I need you to tell everyone that

    Olivia attacked me."

    My heart raced with anticipation, but as the recording continued, confusion reced my excitement.

    "But she didn''t," Connor''s voice replied on the recording

    "It doesn''t matter," Victoria''s voice continued. "If you do this for me, I''ll make sure you''re protected. Think about Emma - don''t

    you want to be in her life?"

    The recording continued, revealing Victoria manipting Connor into a false usation of assault, offering him protection in

    exchange for cooperation.

    My wolf''s excitement turned to confusion as I realized the recording wasn''t what I expected. This wasn''t evidence of Victoria''s

    involvement in Lily''s kidney donor theft, but something else entirely.

    I stopped the recording, my hands shaking for an entirely different reason now. "What is this?" I demanded, looking at Connor. "Where''s the evidence about Lily''s kidney transnt? About Victoria stealing her donor?".

    +30 Bonus

    Connor wouldn''t meet my eyes. His wolf projected submission pheromones as he stared at the floor. "There is no such evidence,

    Olivia."

    "What?" The word came out as barely more than a whisper.

    "I never had evidence about Lily''s kidney donor," Connor said, his voice low.

    "You... you fabricated that story out of hatred for Victoria and Ethan. You''ve been using them of causing Lily''s death for years.¡±

    I stared at him in disbelief. "No. You called me. You said you had proof that Victoria stole Lily''s kidney donor for Emma!"

    Connor shook his head, still not meeting my gaze. "I never said that. You''ve been consumed by vengeance for so long that you''re hearing what you want to hear."

    "You''re lying!" I stepped toward him, my wolf snarling beneath my skin. "Why are you protecting her? What did she promise you?"

    "Nothing," Connor said, his voice breaking with emotion. "I''m just tired of being part of this endless cycle of hatred. Olivia, you need to let go. For your own sake."

    Victoria let out a dramatic sob from her hospital bed. "I knew it," she cried, turning to Ethan. "I told you she was trying to frame

    me!"

    Connor suddenly dropped to his knees before Victoria''s bed, his expression contrite. "I need to confess something," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "I''ve been harboring feelings for Victoria for years. When she rejected me, I became bitter. I helped

    Olivia with her vendetta because I was hurt."

    Victoria gasped, her eyes widening in perfectly feigned shock. "Connor! How could you?"

    "I''m sorry," Connor continued, his performance so convincing that for a moment, even I almost believed him. ¡°I let my unrequited love cloud my judgment. I never should have encouraged Olivia''s delusions,"

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    Victoria, seemingly distraught, wept in Ethan''s arms, her wolf whimpering

    pathetically. "When will this end, Ethan? When will she stop trying to destroy our family?"

    I stood frozen, watching this borate performance unfold before me. My wolf howled with rage and frustration within me, recognizing the betrayal for what it

    was.

    Connor had turned on me. Whatever Victoria had threatened him with likely something involving Emma - had worked. He was now actively working against me, helping Victoria cement her innocence in Ethan''s eyes.

    But I refused to be defeated. My wolf stood tall within me despite the setback, refusing to submit.

    "This isn''t over," I said, my voice steady despite the storm of emotions within me. "I know what you did, Victoria, Connor may have chosen to protect you, but the truth wille out eventually."

    Victoria clutched Ethan''s arm, her eyes wide with manufactured fear. "Do you see how delusional she is? She won''t stop until I''m dead!"

    I recognized Connor''s act was driven by his love for Victoria and Emma, but I remained convinced of Victoria''s guilt. My emerald eyes shed with determination as I stepped closer to her bed

    "As long as evidence exists, I will find it," I vowed. "You can manipte everyone around you, but you can''t erase what you did."

    With those words, I turned and walked out of the Bloodrush Chamber, my wolf''s scent trailing behind me. I wouldn''t give Victoria the satisfaction of seeing me break down.

    In the hallway, I leaned against the wall, trying to steady my breathing. The evidence I''d counted on had turned out to be nothing but another of Victoria''s maniptions.

    Suddenly, I heard Connor cry out in pain from inside the room. My wolf''s ears pricked at the sound, and I knew Ethan, enraged by the false usation and Victoria''s subsequent suicide attempt with silver, wouldn''t let Connor off lightly.

    (Victoria''s POV)

    I watched Olivia storm out of the room with a mixture of triumph and anxiety. My n had worked - Connor had betrayed her, just as I''d known he would. The threat to Emma had been enough to ensure his cooperation

    But my victory felt hollow as I turned my attention to Ethan. His amber eyes were cold, calcting as he stared at Connor, who remained kneeling beside my bed.

    In one swift motion, Ethan grabbed Connor by the cor and threw him to the floor. Connornded with a pained grunt, clutching his already broken ribs

    "Ethan!" I gasped, ying my part perfectly. "What are you doing?"

    Ethan ignored me, his focus entirely on Connor He ced his boot firmly on Connor''s chest, pressing down on his broken ribs.

    +30 Bonus

    Connor cried out in agony, his face contorting with pain. "Please, Alpha Stone! I''ve told the truth!"

    Inside the ward, Ethan mercilessly pressed his boot onto Connor''s broken ribs, his amber eyes glowing with Alpha fury as he demanded, "Is there evidence or not?"

    His wolf projected dominance pheromones that filled the room, making it difficult for me to breathe. The raw power emanating from him was both terrifying and arousing.

    Initially pleased by Ethan''s anger, I froze in ce as I watched him torture Connor. This wasn''t just about punishing Connor for his supposed lies - there was something else in Ethan''s expression, something that made my blood run cold.

    I anxiously watched Ethan, my wolf suddenly alert with fear as I realized he didn''t believe me. Despite Connor''s betrayal of Olivia, despite the recording that proved I''d been framed, Ethan still harbored doubts.

    Connor writhed beneath Ethan''s boot, gasping for breath. "There''s no evidence! I swear it!"

    Ethan increased the pressure, his expression merciless. "You expect me to believe you suddenly had a change of heart? That you fabricated usations against Victoria out of unrequited love?"

    Despite Connor''s betrayal, his expression of pain triggered something protective in me - perhaps thest remnant of our connection. But more importantly, I recognized the dangerous doubt in my Alpha''s eyes.

    I needed to be careful. Very careful. Because if Ethan ever discovered the truth about what I''d done to ensure Emma received that

    kidney instead of Lily, not even my silver-inflicted wounds would save me from his wrath.

    ÈÕ

    Çú

    Support

    +30 Bonus

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    (Connor''s POV)

    Blood trickled from the corner of my mouth as Alpha King Ethan Stone''s boot pressed harder against my broken ribs. The pain was excruciating, radiating through my entire body in waves of agony.

    My wolf whimpered beneath my skin, desperately trying to heal the damage but falling under the constant pressure. Each breath felt like swallowing fire.

    "Alpha Stone," I gasped, fighting to get the words out through the pain. "There really is no evidence..."

    Ethan''s amber eyes burned with fury as he increased the pressure slightly. I could feel my ribs grinding together beneath his boot.

    "I was just unwilling to ept the situation," I continued, the taste of copper filling my mouth. "I wanted to be with Victoria so badly, that''s why I cooperated with Olivia."

    My wolf projected submission pheromones, hoping to appease the enraged Alpha. The scent filled the sterile air of the Bloodrush Chamber, mixing with the antiseptic smell and Victoria''s fear.

    "I was trying to make you misunderstand Victoria, dislike her, so I could be with her..." I insisted, even as ck spots danced at

    the edges of my vision.

    The pain was bing unbearable, but I couldn''t falter now. Victoria had made it clear what would happen to Emma if I didn''t

    stick to our story.

    "You expect me to believe this sudden change of heart?" Ethan growled, his wolf''s dominance pressing down on me almost as

    heavily as his boot.

    I nodded weakly, maintaining eye contact despite every instinct screaming at me to look away from the angry Alpha. "It''s the truth, Alpha Stone. I lied about Victoria''s involvement in Lily''s death."

    (Ethan''s POV)

    1 studied Connor ckthorn''s face carefully, searching for any sign of deception. Despite the intense pain I was inflicting. his

    story remained consistent.

    My wolf reluctantly backed down from its aggressive posture. If he was lying, he was doing a remarkably good job of it, even

    under extreme duress.

    With a final warning growl, I removed my boot from his chest and stepped back. Connor immediately curled into himself, gasping

    for breath as his wolf finally began healing his injuries.

    "Maxwell," I called to my Beta who waited just outside the door. "Take him for medical treatment"

    Maxwell Chen entered immediately, his face expressionless as he helped Connor to his feet. The injured wolf could barely stand,

    leaning heavily on my Beta as they left the room.

    +30 Bonus

    Alone with Victoria in the Bloodrush Chamber, I turned my attention to her. Shey in the hospital bed, her bandaged wrist prominently disyed on top of the white sheets.

    ¡°Ethan,¡± she whimpered, her scent thick with distress. "You''ve confirmed it yourself. It was Olivia who deliberately tried to harm

    me."!

    Victoria''s wolf projected vulnerability, seeking to trigger my protective instincts. Her eyes filled with tears as she clutched her

    silver-burned wrist.

    "I was almost killed by her..." she continued, her voice breaking. "If Connor hadn''te to his senses in time..."

    I watched her performance with a strange detachment. My wolf, usually so responsive to Victoria''s distress, remained oddly quiet

    within me.

    "What do you want me to do to her?" I asked, my voice low and dangerous. (Victoria''s POV)

    Ethan''s question hung in the air between us, but his tonecked the righteous anger I''d expected. My wolf paced anxiously

    beneath my skin as I sensed his hesitation.

    "Ethan," I cried, my eyes shing with genuine desperation. "Do you mean to pretend that nothing happened?"

    I couldn''t understand his apparent indifference. The bandages on my wrist were stark white against my pale skin, a visual

    reminder of the silver that had burned my flesh-a sacrifice I had made to maintain my deception.

    "Do I have to actually be killed by Olivia before you''re willing to do anything about her?" I demanded, my voice rising with

    hysteria

    Ethan''s expression remained frustratingly neutral as he stood at the foot of my hospital bed. His amber eyes, usually so warm

    when looking at me, seemed distant and calcting.

    "Victoria," he said, his voice steady despite the turmoil I could sense within him. "You''re fine, you''re lying here safe and sound,

    but Lily is really dead."

    The mention of his daughter''s name sent a chill through me. My wolf retreated, sensing the dangerous territory we were

    approaching

    "Even if it wasn''t intentional, we can''t absolve ourselves of responsibility for Lily''s death," he continued, his wolf growling softly within him "If you and Olivia switched ces, would you easily forgive Olivia?"

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 The Alpha King is unavailable 280

    His amber eyes held mine, searching for truth in their depths. I felt exposed, vulnerable in a way that had nothing to do with my hospital gown or my injured wrist.

    For a moment, I was speechless. I couldn''t reveal my trueck of affection for Emma-that would destroy everything I''d worked

    for.

    "We''ve already paid a heavy price two years ago," I finally said, choosing my words carefully. "But this is different, Ethan. This is about Olivia''s state of mind now."

    I reached for his hand with my uninjured one, softening my voice as I continued my maniption.

    "Ethan, I don''t want you to let Olivia off so easily. Giving her a lesson isn''t about truly wanting to hurt her, it''s for her own good...¡±

    I painted a picture of Olivia''s escting desperation, suggesting that her actions would ultimately lead to self-destruction.

    "She''s already going to extremes, and she won''t stop until one of us is dead," I insisted, my wolf projecting concern pheromones. "She''s be unscrupulous. This time, it was only because Connor came to his senses in time that a catastrophe was averted."

    Ethan remained unmoved, his expression hardening as he simply stated, "It won''t happen."

    His unwavering defense of Olivia pushed me over the edge. My wolf''s jealousy red hot and bright within me.

    "Ethan, are you protecting Olivia like this because of your guilt over Lily''s death, or is it because you''ve fallen in love with her?!" I blurted out, immediately regretting myck of control.

    Ethan''s silence was a deafening answer, confirming my worst fears. He didn''t deny it. He didn''t even try.

    The pain of his silence drove me to tears, this time tears of genuine heartbreak. My wolf howled mournfully within me as the reality crashed down around me.

    I had always believed that Ethan still loved me, the woman he believed to be his childhood sweetheart Victoria. I couldn''t ept losing to Olivia, the woman I had always considered beneath me.

    "It''s her, isn''t it?" I whispered, my voice breaking. "After everything I''ve done for you, after everything we''ve been through together, you''re choosing her?"

    Consumed by jealousy and rage, I couldn''t stop the bitter words from spilling out. "She''s destroyed everything between us, Ethan Everything!"

    My scent soured with bitterness as my tears fell freely. I couldn''t remember thest time I had cried real tears, not the manufactured ones I used to manipte others

    "Ethan," I whispered, reaching for him again in desperation. "Is it because of what happened between me and Connor? Are you jealous and angry with me?"

    I downyed my rtionship with Connor as purely physical, drawing a parallel to his past rtionship with Olivia.

    +30 Bonus

    "I don''t love him, I haven''t betrayed you emotionally," I insisted, my wolf projecting desperate affection pheromones. "Let''s let

    bygones be bygones. I swear by the Moon Goddess, I''ll be faithful to you from now on."

    I pleaded with him for forgiveness and a fresh start, willing to promise anything to keep him by my side.

    But Ethan''s expression remained cold, distant in a way I had never seen before. The moonstone buttons on his ck Alpha Overcoat gleamed in the harsh light of the Bloodrush Chamber as he stood tall, unmoved by my tears,

    "Victoria, you don''t need to be faithful to me," he stated, his voice devoid of emotion. "Rest assured, I promised to take care of you for the rest of your life, and that won''t change. Everything will remain as before. I won''t let you and Emma suffer."

    His wolf remained distant, no longer responding to my distress signals. He was offering financial security but nothing more business arrangement rather than the love I craved.

    Then he posed a question that cut to the core of my deceit, "Victoria, do you really love me?"

    His amber eyes studied me, his wolf suddenly alert for any sign of deception. His doubt, fueled by my actions and his own re-evaluation of his past, left me reeling.

    Before I could formte a response, he turned and walked out of the room, leaving me in a state of utter devastation.

    As my tears dried, a venomous hatred for Olivia festered within me. This was all her fault. She had taken everything from me Ethan''s love, my security, my future.

    "Olivia Winters!" I clenched my fist, my eyes glowing with malice as my wolf snarled beneath my skin. "I won''t let you get away

    with

    this!"

    0

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    (Connor''s POV)

    I forced my

    battered body through the sterile corridors of the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den, each step sending waves of pain through my broken ribs. The scent of antiseptic burned my sensitive wolf nose, but I pushed forward with single-minded

    determination.

    Reaching Victoria''s ward in the Healing Den, I paused to catch my breath. My wolf whimpered beneath my skin, urging me

    rest, to heal. I ignored its pleas.

    With trembling hands, I pushed the door open and stepped inside. The sharp smell of silver residue from Victoria''s self-inflicted

    wound made my wolf recoil instinctively.

    I locked the door behind me, leaning against it for support as my legs threatened to give way. Victoriay in the hospital bed, her bandaged wrist prominently disyed on the white sheets,

    "Where''s Emma?" I demanded, my voice rough with worry. "Is she alright now? Is she feeling very ufortable?"

    My wolf paced anxiously beneath my skin, desperate for news about the young pup I''d grown to care for despite everything. Emma might not be my biological daughter, but my wolf had formed a protective bond with her that I couldn''t ignore.

    Victoria remained suspiciously silent, her eyes darting around the room as if searching for hidden surveince devices. Her wolf''s scent carried notes of paran and fear.

    Understanding her concern, I pushed myself away from the door and scanned the room with my enhanced werewolf senses. I listened for any electronic hums, sniffed for the telltale scent of recording equipment.

    "There''s no one listening," I assured her, my voice dropping to a whisper. "No recording devices either."

    Only then did Victoria rx slightly, though her wolf remained on edge. She adjusted her position in the bed, wincing as the movement disturbed her injured wrist.

    "Emma is fine," she finally said, her voice low. "She''s with Dorothy at Rosewood Haven."

    Relief washed over me, my wolf momentarily calming at the news. At least Emma was safe, away from all this chaos.

    "Ethan came to see me after you left," Victoria continued, unable to hide the bitterness in her scent. "He promised to continue caring for me and Emma despite everything."

    Her eyes shed with a mixture of triumph and disappointment as she added, "He said he would take care of us for the rest of our

    lives."

    I studied her face, noting the subtle signs of distress beneath her carefullyposed expression. Something had happened. between her and Ethan- something that had shaken her confidence.

    Despite my distrust of Alpha King Liban Stone, Helt a measu e of relief lowing Emma would be provided

    d for. Whatever

    +30 Bonus

    happened between the adults, at least the innocent pup wouldn''t suffer.

    I leaned closer to Victoria, my eyes shing with dangerous intent. My wolf growled softly, protective instincts overriding my

    physical pain.

    "Listen carefully," I threatened, my voice barely audible. "If anything happens to Emma, I won''t spare you."

    Victoria''s eyes widened slightly, her wolf recognizing the genuine threat in my words. She knew I meant every word.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    The steering wheel felt cold beneath my white-knuckled grip as I drove aimlessly through Shadow Creek My wolf howled with

    grief and rage beneath my skin, pushing dangerously close to the surface. Connor''s betrayal reyed in my mind like a cruel loop. The evidence I had been counting on-the proof that would finally expose Victoria''s role in Lily''s death-had crumbled to dust before my eyes.

    "Damn it!" I mmed my palm against the steering wheel, tears of frustration blurring my vision.

    My wolf surged forward in response to my emotional turmoil, momentarily taking control. The car swerved dangerously, nearly colliding with an oing vehicle on Shadow Creek Highway.

    The ring horn snapped me back to reality. I jerked the wheel, narrowly avoiding the ident, and pulled over to the side of the

    road..

    My heart pounded in my chest as I fought to regain control I caught my reflection in the rearview mirror-my emerald eyes showed a dangerous wildness, my wolf too close to the surface.

    "Control," I whispered to myself, taking deep breaths until the feral gleam receded. "Control."

    I couldn''t afford to lose myself now, not when Lily still needed justice. Not when Victoria remained unpunished for her crimes.

    After several minutes of focused breathing, I felt stable enough to continue

    driving. Instead of returning home, I headed to Canis

    Enterprises. Work had always been my sanctuary, the one ce where I could lose myself in something productive.

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    The office was quiet when I arrived, most employees having left for the day. I weed the solitude, immediately immersing

    myself in my healing crystal designs.

    The intricate patterns required such concentration that my wolf finally settled, allowing me a few hours of respite from my emotional turmoil. The familiar rhythm of sketching, calcting energy flows, and adjusting crystal alignments soothed my

    frayed nerves.

    After several hours, I stretched my stiff muscles and checked my phone. Several missed calls from Lucas ckwood lit up the

    screen.

    I returned his call, surprised when he answered immediately despite thete hour.

    "Olivia," his deep voice rumbled through the phone, sending an unexpected warmth through me. "I was concerned when you

    didn''t answer."

    "I''ve been working," I exined, touched by his concern. "Lost track of time."

    "I took the liberty of ordering from Amber Crest," Lucas said. "Their venison is particrly good for healing. It should be

    arriving at your office shortly."

    As if on cue, a gentle knock sounded at my door. A delivery person stood outside with several containers of food.

    "You didn''t have to do that," I said, epting the delivery with a nod of thanks.

    "I wanted to," Lucas replied simply. "Also, I''ll be returning to Shadow Creek in three days,"

    frowned, surprised by this news. "That''s much sooner than you nned. Is everything alright with your grandfather?"

    "Patriarch Winston is stable," Lucas assured me. "The business matters were resolved more quickly than anticipated."

    Concern for his well-being made me soften my voice. "Your grandfather will understand if you need more time. Don''t overexert

    yourself."

    "I appreciate your concern," he said, his wolf''s energy steady and calm through our connection. "But I''m fine, I''ll

    Il see you when I

    return "

    After exchanging a few more words, we ended the call. I opened the containers Lucas had sent, savoring the rich vors of perfectly prepared venison and roasted vegetables.

    My wolf strengthened from the nourishment, its presence settling morefortably within me. With renewed energy, I decided

    to visit my mother at the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den.

    Evelyn Winters looked better than she had in days, her color improved and her

    smile genuine when I entered her room. Seeing her

    recovery brought the first real smile to my face since Connor''s betrayal.

    +30 Bonus

    "You look tired, dear," she observed, patting the edge of her bed.

    I sat beside her, taking her hand in mine. "I''m fine, just working hard."

    "Too hard," she chided gently. "You need to rest."

    I squeezed her hand, grateful for her maternal concern. "I will. You focus on

    getting better, alright? Don''t worry about pack news

    or anything upsetting."

    After speaking with Dr. Harrison Fletcher about my mother''s improving condition, I

    left the hospital with a lighter step than

    before. At least one thing in my life was going well.

    Night had fallen by the time I reached my cottage at Maple Grove. As I approached my door, a familiar scent made my wolf instantly alert

    Pine, power, and the sharp tang of moonberry wine.

    Alpha King Ethan Stone was waiting for me, his powerful frame leaning against the wall beside my door. The moonlight cast harsh shadows across his face, highlighting the tension in his jaw.

    I approached cautiously, my wolf wary and alert. Ethan''s amber eyes tracked my movement, their usual sharpness dulled slightly

    by alcohol

    Before I could speak, he moved with supernatural speed, closing the distance between us in a heartbeat. Strong arms pulled me

    into a tight embrace, his scent enveloping mepletely.

    Pine, power, and moonberry wine-the scent brought unwanted memories of our past together, of happier times before Lily''s

    illness, before Victoria''s maniption had torn us apart.

    "Ethan Stone, let me go," 1 demanded firmly, keeping my voice steady despite the turmoil his touch created within me.

    I didn''t struggle, recognizing the futility of fighting against his Alpha strength. My wolf, traitorously, wanted to lean into his embrace, to ept thefort he offered.

    Ethan buried his face in my neck, where our mating mark had once been prominent. His breath was warm against my skin as he

    murmured, his voice rough with emotion and alcohol.

    "Liv

    let''s start

    over."

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    (Olivia''s POV)

    "Liv, let''s start over."

    Ethan''s words hung in the air between us, his breath warm against my neck where our mating mark had once been. The scent of

    moonberry wine clung to him, exining his uncharacteristic disy of emotion.

    I felt as if I had heard an absurd joke and couldn''t help but sneer,

    "Ha."

    My wolf bristled beneath my skin, rage building with each second his arms remained around me. The audacity of this man never

    ceased to amaze me.

    "Ethan Stone, how dare you say such a thing?" I kept my voice low, but each word dripped with venom.

    His amber eyes, slightly unfocused from the alcohol, widened at my tone. He loosened his grip enough for me to step back,

    creating distance between us.

    "Reconcile with you?" I continued, my emerald eyes shing with contempt. "Are all the wolves in the Northern Territories dead? Should I be with a beast like you who sheltered and indulged the murderer who killed Lily?"

    Every word I spoke was filled with bone-chilling hatred. Some hatred can fade with the passage of time, but my hatred for Ethan

    Stone and Victoria Frost was growing day by day.

    My wolf snarled within me, feeding on my rage. As long as I didn''t avenge Lily, I would never let go of this hatred.

    (Ethan''s POV)

    1 met Olivia''s hateful gaze, feeling the full force of her loathing. My amber eyes reflected my inner conflict as I thought of her teaming up with Connor ckthorn against Victoria, forcing Victoria to attempt suicide by cutting her wrists with silver...

    Yet I was not angered by Olivia''s words. Instead, my wolf whined softly within me, recognizing her pain beneath the rage.

    "Liv, I know you still can''t let go of Lily''s death," I said, softening my voice. "You think Victoria killed Lily, so you want her to pay for Lily''s life."

    The moonlight filtering through the cottage windows illuminated Olivia''s face, highlighting the sharp angles that grief had

    carved into her once-soft features.

    "But Lav, can we be reasonable?" I continued, my wolf projecting calming pheromones. "Victoria was wrong, but she doesn''t

    deserve to die."

    I ran a hand through my hair, struggling to find the right words. "She''s already paralyzed, and this time she injured one of her

    hands."

    "So what?" Olivia interrupted with a sneer

    +30

    Bonu

    The moment I said that Victoria didn''t deserve to die, her emerald eyes hardened with renewed hatred. I could almost see her imagining driving her Crystal Dagger into me again, as she had two years ago.

    "Ethan Stone, what are you trying to say?" she demanded, her wolf''s rage causing her eyes to glow faintly in the dim light of her

    cottage.

    Her scent had turned acidic with fury, burning my sensitive nose. My wolf recoiled slightly, recognizing the dangerous edge to

    her anger.

    "Are you trying to tell me that Lily is just dead, but your precious Victoria has lost the use of her legs and a hand, and she is already very pitiful?" Her voice rose with each word. ¡°What she lost is enough to pay for Lily''s life, isn''t it?¡±

    My tone also sank a bit, my Alpha energy pulsing subtly in response to her challenge. "Liv, you know that''s not what I meant.

    Can''t you really tell that I''m doing this for your own good?"

    I was worried about Victoria, but I was even more worried about Olivia. My wolf whined with genuine concern.

    Olivia loved Lily too much; she couldn''t think rationally, her obsession was too deep. I didn''t know how to make Olivia try to let

    go of the past.

    "If you continue to be obsessed, this time, Victoria will be fine," I exined, trying

    to make her understand the dangerous path she was on. "But if there is a next time, and Victoria really has something happen to her because of you, have you ever thought

    that you would also be implicated?"

    My wolf paced anxiously beneath my skin. Did it have to be this way?

    "Can you stop being so stubborn? I''ll apany you, let''s try to let go, okay?" I reached for her hand, but she pulled away as if my touch burned. "You have to know, you won''t be so lucky every time."

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I understood what Ethan meant. He was saying that two years ago, I pushed Victoria down the mountain, paralyzing her. But

    Victoria was magnanimous and didn''t press charges, she let me go.

    Two yearster, he believed I bribed Connor ckthorn again, forcing Victoria to attempt suicide by cutting her wrists with

    silver. And once again, Victoria didn''t press charges and let me go.

    My lips trembled with anger, my wolf howling with rage inside me. ¡°Ethan Stone!!!"

    I wanted to tell him the truth. I wanted to say that it was Victoria who threatened me with Lily''s Ashes Crystal Pendant, saying

    that she would crush Lily''s remains and scatter her ashes. That''s why I hated Victoria so much and pushed her.

    But looking at Ethan, thinking about what he had just said, I felt a deep sense of powerlessness. My wolf whimpered with despair.

    How could Lily have such a father?!

    My lips opened and closed, but in the end, I didn''t say anything. I knew very well that it would be useless to say it

    +30 Bonus

    Lily''s ashes were still intact in the pendant. Ethan wouldn''t believe me; he would only think that I was taking every opportunity to frame Victoria again.

    I clenched my hands tightly, my ws threatening to emerge, and then slowly released them, forcing my wolf back under control.

    "Are you done?" I asked coldly. "If you''re done, get out now!"

    My scent turned cold and bitter with rejection. I wanted nothing more than for him

    to leave, to take his pine and power scent with him and leave me in peace.

    Ethan''s face darkened at my dismissal, his wolf bristling at being ordered from what should have been his territory. The Alpha in him clearly wanted to assert dominance, to make me submit.

    "Olivia Winters, how can you be so unreasonable?" he demanded, his amber eyes shing with frustration. "Have you ever thought that if Lily knew in the afterlife, how sad she would be to see her mother be so extreme because of her?"

    The mention of Lily''s name on his lips sent a fresh wave of rage through me. How dare he use our daughter against me?

    "Ethan Stone," I replied, my voice deadly calm despite my wolf''s rage, "if Lily knew in the afterlife, she would only be sad to have a blind and heartless father

    like you who can''t distinguish right from wrong!"

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    (Olivia''s POV)

    "Ethan Stone, stop mentioning Lily, you really don''t deserve it!" I pressed my hand against my heart, feeling as though Lily''s

    Memory Crystal was there, aching beneath my skin.

    My wolf whimpered with grief inside me. How sad would my sweet pup be if she heard the father she loved so much repeatedly

    defending the murderer who killed her?

    My emerald eyes shed with a mixture of pain and fury as my wolf bristled at the Alpha''s continued defense of Victoria. The audacity of this man to stand in my home and lecture me about what Lily would want when he couldn''t even be bothered to

    attend her birthday before she died.

    "You have no right to speak about what would make Lily sad," I hissed, my voice trembling with barely contained rage. "Where were you when she needed you? When she begged for her father toe see her on her birthday?"

    Ethan''s amber eyes darkened, his jaw clenching at my words. His wolf''s energy pulsed in response, powerful and dominating as

    always.

    "I was handling pack business," he replied stiffly, the excuse sounding hollow even to his own ears.

    "Pack business," I repeated with a bitterugh. "Is that what you call taking Emma to Enchanted Kingdom Theme Park while our daughtery dying?"

    The memory of Lily''s tearful face as she watched the social media posts of Ethan and Emma at the amusement park she had begged to visit tore at my heart anew. My wolf howled with renewed grief.

    "Get out," I demanded, unable to bear his presence a moment longer. "Get out of my home!"

    My wolf snarled beneath my skin, hackles raised in rejection of his scent in my territory. This cottage was my sanctuary, the one ce where I could grieve for Lily without Victoria''s shadow looming over me.

    Ethan''s amber eyes hardened as he took a step toward me. "Olivia, you need to understand that I will always protect Victoria,"

    His words were like a silver dagger to my heart, further fueling my anger and despair. Of course he would. He always had, even at the expense of his own daughter.

    "You disgust both me and Lily," I spat, my voice trembling with the force of my emotions.

    The turmoil inside me caused my entire body to shake uncontrobly, my wolf thrashing with shared grief. The pain of losing Lily,bined with Ethan''s betrayal and Victoria''s continued existence, was almost too much to bear.

    Ethan, his Alpha instincts responding to my distress despite our estrangement, reached out tofort me. Hisrge hand moved toward my shoulder, his scent shifting to project calming pheromones

    "Don''t touch me!" I shouted, jerking away from his touch as if it burned. "Get out!"

    +30 Bonus

    My emerald eyes glowed with the intensity of my rejection, my wolf''s power ring

    in defense of our territory. I might not be an

    Alpha, but in this moment, my rage gave me strength.

    Ethan observed my distress, his face etched with concern. For a moment, I

    thought he might force the issue, might use his Alpha

    "This isn''t over, Olivia," he said quietly before stepping outside.

    (Ethan''s POV)

    I closed the door to Olivia''s cottage behind me, the sound of her ragged

    breathing still echoing in my ears. My wolf whined with

    distress, urging me to go back, tofort our mate despite her rejection.

    I ignored its pleas, walking to my Midnight Maybach parked nearby. Leaning

    against the cool metal, I pulled out my phone and

    dialed a familiar number.

    James Knight answered on the third ring, his voice wary. "Ethan?"

    "James," I acknowledged, my voice tight with concern. "I need you to check on Olivia."

    There was a pause on the other end of the line. "What happened?"

    I ran a hand through my hair, my wolf still agitated beneath my skin. "We had a disagreement. She''s... upset."

    "A disagreement," James repeated tly. "About Victoria?"

    My i

    jaw clenched at his tone. James had never approved of my rtionship with Victoria, had always been firmly in Olivia''s

    1. er. But he was also one of the few people Olivia would allow near her when she was in this state.

    "Just check on her," I said, my Alpha authority seeping into my voice. "She shouldn''t be alone right now."

    James sighed heavily. "I''ll be there in ten minutes."

    "Thank you," I said, ending the call.

    I nced back at Olivia''s cottage, my wolf urging me to return, to make things right. But I knew my presence would only upset her further. For now, at least, I had to give her space.

    Starting my car, I drove away from Maple Grove, my thoughts in turmoil. How had things gone so wrong between us? When had

    Olivia''s sweet smile turned to bitter hatred?

    The answer, of course, was Lily. Our daughter''s death had created a chasm between us that seemed impossible to bridge.

    (James''s POV)

    I found Olivia copsed against the wall of her cottage, tears streaming down her

    face. Her normallyposed features were

    twisted with grief, her emerald eyes swimming with unshed tears.

    My wolf rose protectively beneath my skin, its russet-brown energy surging at

    the sight of her distress. I rushed to her side,

    273

    kneeling beside her trembling form.

    +30 Bonus

    ¡°Liv,¡± I murmured, wrapping my arms around her shoulders. My scent enveloped her with familiarfort, the friendship we''d

    shared since childhood creating a bond that even pack politics couldn''t break.

    Seeing the worry in my eyes, Olivia broke downpletely. Her silent tears turned to heart-wrenching sobs as she leaned into

    my embrace, her body shaking with the force of her grief.

    "He defended her again," she whispered between sobs. "After everything Victoria''s done, he still chooses her over Lily''s

    memory."

    My wolf growled softly at the mention of Victoria Frost. I had never trusted the she-wolf, had seen through her sweet exterior to the maniptive creature beneath long before Olivia had.

    "Come on," I said gently, helping her to her feet. "Let''s get you inside."

    I guided her into the cottage, my protective instincts in full force as I settled her on

    the couch. Her scent was a mixture of grief, rage, and exhaustion that made my wolf whine with concern.

    "I''ll get you some water," I offered, moving to the kitchen.

    As I filled a ss with warm water, my phone buzzed in my pocket. Pulling it out, I

    saw a text from Ethan Stone.

    "Is she alright?" the message read.

    I typed a curt reply: "She''s fine."

    Another message came through immediately: "If she needs anything, call me."

    I ignored this, slipping the phone back into my pocket. Ethan Stone had lost the right to concern when he chose Victoria over his own daughter and mate. Returning to the living room, I offered Olivia the warm water, watching as she took small sips. Her hands were still trembling.

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    (Olivia''s POV)

    I couldn''t stop trembling. Even with Ethan gone, my wolf remained agitated beneath my skin, pacing and whimpering with

    distress. The confrontation had left me raw, exposed in a way I hadn''t felt since Lily''s funeral.

    James gently covered my hand with his, the warmth of his touch steadying me. His familiar scent-earthy with hints of pine and leather-helped calm my frayed nerves. It reminded me of our childhood, of hiding together in the abandoned shed behind the orphanage when the caretakers were in particrly cruel moods.

    "Drink," he urged, pressing the ss of water into my hands.

    I took a small sip, then another, feeling myposure gradually return. My emerald eyes cleared as my wolf settled, no longer thrashing beneath my skin.

    ¡°James,¡± I said softly, my voice carrying a vulnerability I rarely allowed myself to show. "Would you watch Lily''s videos with me?"

    James nodded without hesitation, his hazel eyes warm with understanding. He moved to set up The Memory Projector in my living room, handling the device with familiar ease. He''d been here for many such nights, holding me together when grief threatened to tear me apart

    "Which one?" he asked, though he already knew the answer.

    "All of them," I whispered, curling into the corner of my couch.

    Soon, images of Lily filled the screen-my beautiful daughter, from newborn pup to toddler. Her emerald eyes, so like mine, sparkled with innocence and joy. The videos captured precious moments: her first steps, her first shift into her silver- white wolf form, her delighted giggles as she yed in the moonlight.

    "Look at her," I murmured, a bittersweet smile touching my lips as Lily''s fourth birthday appeared on screen. "Remember how she insisted on having a wolf- shaped cake?"

    James chuckled softly. "And then cried because she didn''t want to cut it."

    e from within.

    "So you ate the whole tail portion yourself to make her feel better," I recalled, the memory warming

    Initially after Lily''s death, I couldn''t bear to watch these videos. The pain was too raw, too consuming. But now they provided a different kind of sce-a reminder that Lily had existed, had been loved, had lived.

    My wolf, usually restless with grief and rage, seemed to calm as I watched, mesmerized by the memories of my daughter. Herughter echoed through the cottage, a ghost of happiness that both wounded and healed.

    "She was so much like you," James observed quietly "That same stubborn tilt to her chin when she made up her mind about something"

    +30 Banus

    I nodded, unable to speak past the lump in my throat. Eventually, exhaustion overcame me, and I drifted off to sleep on the

    couch, Lily''s smile thest thing I saw before darkness imed me.

    (Third person''s POV)

    James watched Olivia''s breathing even out, her features softening in sleep. The fierce Luna who stood against an Alpha King was,

    in these unguarded moments, simply a grieving mother. His wolf rose protectively beneath his skin, urging him to stay, to guard

    Deeply concerned about her fragile emotional state, James decided to remain for the night. He made a makeshift bed on the floor

    with the Midnight Comfort nket he kept in his vehicle, positioning himself between the door and Olivia-a sentinel against any threats, physical or emotional.

    His phone buzzed repeatedly with messages from Ethan Stone, each more insistent than thest.

    "How is she?" read the first.

    "Is she still upset?" came minutester.

    "Has

    she calmed down?" followed shortly after.

    James replied curtly to the barrage: "She''s asleep.¡±

    Another message appeared immediately: "Thank you for staying with her."

    James''s jaw tightened as he typed his response: "Don''t thank me for doing what you should have been doing all along. You lost

    that right when you chose Victoria over your own daughter and mate."

    He set his phone to silent, unwilling to engage further with the Alpha who had

    caused Olivia so much pain. His hazel eyes drifted

    back to her sleeping form, his wolf settling into protective vignce.

    SURPERISE GIFT: 3850 bonus free for you,activity time is limited!

    Support

 The Alpha King is unavailable 286

    At the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den, Victoria Frost''s phone rang, the screen lighting up with Emma''s name. She answered immediately, her voice softening from its usual sharp edge.

    "Emma, darling? What''s wrong?"

    "Mommy," Emma whimpered through the phone, her voice weak and frightened. "It hurts so much. My side is burning, and I''ve been throwing up. Please call Alpha Ethan."

    Victoria''s face paled, her grip tightening on her Raven-Trimmed Wheelchair. Her wolf bristled with anxiety beneath her skin, sensing the danger in this development.

    "No!" she hissed urgently, her scent spiking with fear. "Don''t call him, Emma. Just wait for me. I''ll be there soon."

    She ended the call, her mind racing. If Ethan discovered Emma''s kidney transnt was causingplications, it would Inevitably lead him to question the origin of the donor kidney. The trail would lead straight back to Connor ckthorn''s wife, Patricia Warner, and the organ that had been redirected from Lily Winters to Emma.

    Victoria''s wolf paced anxiously beneath her skin. Everything she had built could crumble if Ethan learned the truth. She needed to get to Emma before anyone else did, especially before any medical staff could examine her and document the issue.

    She dialed Ethan''s number, forcing her voice to sound calm and collected. "Ethan, I need to return to Rosewood Haven. Could you pick me up?"

    The next morning dawned clear and crisp. Olivia emerged from her cottage with James Knight beside her, his protective presence. a buffer against the world. They headed toward James''s Midnight Rider Motorcycle parked outside, their breath forming small

    clouds in the cool morning air.

    A sleek ck Maybach pulled up nearby, its engine purring softly. Ethan Stone stepped out, his amber eyes widening slightly at the sight of Olivia. His wolf became instantly alert, attentive beneath his skin.

    He abruptly spoke into his Alpha Phone, "Victoria, something''se up. I''ll send Maxwell Chen instead." He hung up without

    waiting for a response.

    Approaching Olivia, Ethan kept his tone carefully neutral. "I can give you a ride."

    Olivia''s emerald eyes remained cold as she deliberately turned away, her wolf rejecting his presence entirely. The warmth and vulnerability she had shown with James was nowhere to be seen, reced by the icy Luna who had learned to survive without her

    mate.

    James stepped between them, his protective instincts ring, "I''m escorting her today," he stated firmly, meeting the Alpha''s

    gaze without flinching

    Ethan observed Olivia''s frigid demeanor, so different from her vulnerability the previous night. His wolf retreated with a low

    whine of disappointment, but he didn''t pursue further. With a curt nod, he returned to his vehicle, his scent tinged with regret.

    +30 Bonus

    Maxwell Chen arrived at the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den within twenty minutes of Ethan''s call. His manner as he helped Victoria into the passenger seat was noticeably less deferential than before-efficient butcking the usual respect.

    Victoria''s wolf bristled at the subtle change, sensing it reflected Ethan''s shifting attitude toward her. As they drove in silence toward Rosewood Haven, she fumed inwardly, consumed by jealousy.

    "Where is Alpha Stone?" she finally asked, her voice tight with controlled anger.

    "He had urgent business to attend to," Maxwell replied, his eyes fixed on the road ahead.

    Victoria''s ws threatened to.

    emerge as she imagined Ethan with Olivia, her wolf snarling with possessive rage. After everything. she had done to secure her position, after all the sacrifices and maniptions, Olivia still threatened to take it all away.

    By the time they reached Rosewood Haven, Victoria had channeled her jealousy into calcted nning. If she couldn''t attack Olivia directly-not with Ethan watching her so closely after the Connor ckthom incident-she would find another way to

    hurt her.

    A cruel smile curved her lips as she thought of Olivia''s newly reunited mother, Evelyn Winters. The woman was scheduled for surgery next week-a procedure that could easily go wrong with the right interference.

    Her wolf''s eyes gleamed with malicious intent as Maxwell helped her from the car. She had found the perfect vulnerability to

    exploit.

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    (Evelyn''s POV)

    30. Bonus

    The morning sunlight streamed through the window of my hospital room, casting a warm glow across the sterile white sheets. For the first time in days, I felt surprisingly well. My wolf, usually restless and ufortable during my illness, seemed

    beneath my skin, almost purring with satisfaction.

    Dr. Harrison Fletcher had just finished his morning examination, his experienced hands gentle as he checked my vitals.

    "Your

    well"

    readings are looking better today, Mother Winters," he said with a pleased smile. "The medication seems to be working

    I nodded, returning his smile. "I feel stronger today, Doctor."

    After he left, a young nurse brought in my breakfast tray a bowl of warm oatmeal with honey and fresh berries, along with my morning medication. I ate slowly, savoring each bite. Hospital food was rarely appetizing, but today even this simple meal tasted

    wonderful.

    As I finished thest of my tea, Sarah Jenkins appeared in the doorway. The young medical assistant''s kind face brightened when

    she saw me sitting up in bed.

    "You''re looking well this morning, Mother Winters," she said, approaching my bedside. "Would you like to get some fresh air?

    It''s beautiful outside today."

    My wolf perked up at the suggestion, eager for sunshine after days confined to the sterile medical ward. "That sounds lovely,

    dear."

    Sarah helped me into afortable robe and slippers, then guided me to a wheelchair. "Just a precaution," she exined when I frowned at the chair. "Dr. Fletcher would have my hide if I let you overexert yourself."

    We made our way down to the Silvercrest Medical Garden, a peaceful oasis nestled behind the medical den. Fragrant moonflowers bloomed alongside healing herbs, creating a tranquil atmosphere that immediately soothed my wolf.

    Sarah found a quiet spot near a small pond, positioning my chair where I could enjoy the sunshine without being overwhelmed by it. Just as I was settling in, her phone chimed with an urgent message.

    Looking at her screen, Sarah''s face crumpled with concern. "Mother Winters," she said apologetically, "my daughter has arrived early to see me She''s waiting at the medical den entrance..."

    I waved away her concern, understanding the pull of maternal instinct. "Go to her," I insisted, my eyes kind despite my frail

    condition "Don''t keep your pup waiting."

    "Are you sure?" Sarali bit her lip, clearly torn between her duty and her daughter.

    "Absolutely I''m perfectlyfortable here," I assured her "The fresh air is doing me good."

    +30 Bonus

    Sarah thanked me profusely before hurrying toward the entrance, promising to return quickly. I settled myself morefortably

    on the bench she''d helped me move to, facing away from the direct sunlight.

    I pulled out my Hospital Reading Tome, a thick novel my daughter Olivia had brought during herst visit. The garden area was

    peaceful, perfect for enjoying the warmth while waiting for Sarah''s return.

    I had just read a few lines when voices drifted to me from behind a nearby hedge. The speakers, clearly unaware of my presence, were gossiping loudly.

    "Did

    you

    know? That Winters she-wolf on the eighth floor of the VIP ward? Her daughter is a homewrecker," a woman said, her voice dripping with malicious glee.

    My ears perked up at the mention of my daughter, my wolf instantly alert beneath my skin. I recognized the speaker''s voice- Brenda Ellis, a Beta she-wolf notorious for spreading vicious rumors throughout the pack.

    "That Luna stole Alpha Stone from his childhood sweetheart," Brenda continued, emboldened by her audience''s attention. "She deliberately seduced him during a full moon, got herself pupped, and forced him to mark her as his mate."

    My hands tightened around my book, anger rising within me. How dare they speak of my Olivia this way?

    "And her poor pup died because of her scheming," another woman chimed in, her voiceced with fake sympathy. "The Moon Goddess has her ways of delivering justice."

    That was the final straw. My wolf snarled with protective rage, giving me strength I didn''t know I still possessed. I turned toward the gossiping wolves, my eyes shing dangerously despite my weakened state.

    "Have you been drinking from contaminated streams?" I snapped, my maternal instincts overriding my usual gentle demeanor. "Your mouths are fouler than a rogue''s den!"

    The three women turned to me in surprise, their expressions quickly shifting from shock to disdain. Brenda Ellis stepped forward, her wolf bristling beneath her skin.

    "Well, if it isn''t Mama Winters," she sneered. "Defending your scheming daughter?"

    daughter is not a schemer," I growled, rising shakily to my feet. "You know nothing about her!"

    The woman who had mentioned Lily''s death smirked unrepentantly. "Everyone knows the truth. Your daughter trapped Alpha Stone with a pregnancy."

    Something snapped inside me. Before I could think, I had crossed the short distance between us and struck her across the face with surprising strength.

    "Listen carefully," I growled, my wolf''s fury evident in my voice. "My daughter is not a homewrecker! Spread these lies again, and I''ll tear your tongues out myself!"

 The Alpha King is unavailable 288

    The women''s expressions darkened as they surrounded me, their wolves bristling beneath their skin. I suddenly realized how

    vulnerable I was an elderly, ill she-wolf confronting three healthy Betas.

    "Everyone in the pack knows the truth," one sneered, pushing me backward. "Your daughter drugged Alpha Stone with moonberry wine during a pack celebration, got herself pupped, and forced his true mate Victoria Frost to step aside."

    "That''s not what happened!" I tried desperately to exin. "Olivia was a victim too! She never intended toe between mates!"

    But the women refused to listen, their minds poisoned by years of pack gossip. One of them shoved me roughly, sending me stumbling backward.

    "Your daughter is nothing but an opportunist," Brenda Ellis hissed. "She saw a chance to be Luna and took it, regardless of

    who got hurt."

    "You don''t understand," I pleaded, my strength waning. "Victoria Frost is not what she seems. She''s manipted everyone, including Alpha Stone!"

    This only enraged them further. Overwhelmed by both anger and grief, my wolf surged forward defensively. Ished out

    physically, but outnumbered and weakened by my illness, I couldn''t match their strength.

    One of the women shoved me roughly, sending me sprawling to the ground. I clutched at my chest, a sharp pain radiating through my body as my wolf whimpered in distress.

    "Look what you''ve done to yourself, old woman," Brenda Ellis said coldly. "Maybe you should worry less about defending your daughter''s reputation and more about your own health."

    The pain intensified, spreading through my chest like wildfire. My vision blurred as I struggled to breathe, my wolf retreating in

    fear and pain.

    Thest thing I heard before losing consciousness was their retreating footsteps and mockingughter.

    (Victoria''s POV)

    I observed the scene from my Raven-Trimmed Wheelchair positioned discreetly behind a stand of tall moonflowers, feeling no remorse as I watched Evelyn Winters copse. My wolf purred with satisfaction beneath my skin.

    This encounter had been carefully orchestrated. I had deliberately chosen this secluded area of the Silvercrest Medical Garden and

    nted these rumors with Brenda Ellis, knowing the notorious gossip would spread them effectively.

    I had paid Brenda and her friends handsomely to provoke Evelyn, hoping the stress would worsen her heart condition and

    decrease her chances of surviving her uing surgery. Seeing the elderly she- wolf fall to the ground, clutching her chest in

    obvious distress, filled me with cold satisfaction.

    As Brenda and herpanions hurried away, I quietly wheeled myself in the opposite direction, pleased with the oue of my

    +30 Bonus

    scheme. One more obstacle in my path to securing Ethan''splete devotion was being eliminated.

    I reached up to touch Ethan''s Ancestral Moonstone Amulet that I always wore around my neck the token he had given to "Little Orange" all those years ago. My fingers met bare skin.

    Panic surged through me as my wolf whined anxiously. The amulet was missing! I frantically searched the cor of my blouse,

    hoping it had simply slipped inside my clothing.

    Nothing.

    Cold dread washed over me. That amulet was irreceable - the ancestral stone that Ethan had worn since childhood. There was

    only one such amulet in the whole world.

    If Evelyn really died today and someone found this amulet near her body, Ethan would definitely suspect me. The reason I had spread rumors and paid others to provoke Evelyn instead of doing it myself was precisely to avoid Ethan''s suspicion.

    Although Ethan had told me it was over between us, as long as I remained "Little Orange" in his heart, I knew he woulde back to me one day. I couldn''t risk losing that connection.

    I urgently spun my wheelchair back toward the garden, retracing my path. The amulet must have fallen when I was watching the

    confrontation.

    When I returned to the scene, I was shocked to see that Evelyn Winters, who had been unconscious moments before, had

    somehow regained consciousness and was shakily getting to her feet. The elderly she-wolf stumbled forward, her gaze fixed on something on the ground.

    My heart stopped. The amulet!

    I quickly pushed my wheelchair toward where I believed it had fallen. But Evelyn reached the spot first.

    (Evelyn''s POV)

    I don''t know how long I was unconscious - perhaps only seconds. When I came

    to, my chest still ached, but the sharp, stabbing

    pain had subsided to a dull throb.

    As I struggled to sit up, something caught my eye- a glint of moonstone in the grass nearby. I shakily got to my feet, drawn to

    the object despite my weakness.

    When I reached it, my breath caught in my throat. There on the groundy a moonstone amulet with intricate wolf carvings -

    one that looked remarkably simr to the one Ethan had given to Olivia years ago, the one my daughter had mysteriously lost.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 289

    (Evelyn''s POV)

    +30 Bonus

    I bent down with effort, my joints protesting as I carefully picked up the moonstone amulet from the ground. Despite my weakened state from the confrontation in the garden, something about this pendant called to me.

    The moment my fingers touched the cool stone, recognition flooded through me. My breath caught in my throat.

    This wasn''t just any amulet. The intricate wolf carvings, the unique shimmer of the moonstone in the light-this was the token. that young Ethan had given to my Olivia when they were just pups.

    "Ice-Eyes Alpha," I whispered, the childhood nicknameing back to me unbidden.

    My wolf stirred beneath my skin, protective instincts ring despite my frail condition. Olivia had told me this precious amulet was lost after her memory faded following the trauma at that terrible werewolf orphanage.

    I turned the pendant over in my palm, confirming what I already knew. The Stone family crest was etched into the back-this was Ethan''s ancestral amulet, passed down through generations of Alphas.

    Who had been wearing this sacred family heirloom that rightfully belonged to my daughter?

    (Victoria''s POV)

    1 lunged forward from my wheelchair with a speed that belled my supposed weakness from silver poisoning. My fingers closed

    around the amulet in Evelyn''s hand.

    "Don''t touch that!" I snarled, yanking it from her grasp.

    Panic surged through me as my wolf thrashed beneath my skin. This old woman couldn''t possibly know what this amulet meant -what it represented.

    To my shock, Evelyn''s reflexes were faster than I''d anticipated. Her maternal instincts lent her unexpected strength as she

    grabbed the amulet back from me.

    "How dare you!" 1 hissed, my face contorting with rage.

    My wolf''s aggressive pheromones filled the stairwell as I struggled to control my mounting panic. That amulet was my lifeline to

    Ethan the physical proof of our supposed childhood connection.

    "Give that back immediately, you pathetic old she-wolf!" I demanded, my voice dripping with contempt.

    I needed to intimidate her, to make her back down. I wheeled myself closer, using my position in the pack as a weapon.

    "You and your daughter are nothing but omega trash in this pack!"

    Evelyn clutched the amulet tightly, her eyes shing with a mother''s defiance. Her voice remained steady despite her obviously

    Tacing heart

    +30 Bonus

    "This belongs to my daughter," she said firmly. "It was given to her by her true mate when they were pups."

    Her words hit me like a physical blow.

    I forced a scornfulugh, trying to dismiss her im. "Another desperate ploy to steal what''s mine," I sneered, though my heart

    hammered in my chest.

    This old woman was clearly helping Olivia fabricate some connection to Ethan''s past. It had to be a lie-a pathetic attempt to

    strengthen Olivia''s position as Luna.

    But as I studied Evelyn''s features more carefully in the dim light of the stairwell, something shifted in my perception. The shape

    of her eyes, the determined set of her jaw-they seemed hauntingly familiar.

    Horrified recognition dawned on me.

    This was the she-wolf who had rescued the young Alpha heir after the hunter attack that had imed his mother''s life. The same

    attack that had temporarily blinded him and left him vulnerable.

    This was the woman who had cared for "Ice-Eyes Alpha" and hispanion-the young she-wolf who wouldter be.

    Olivia Winters.

    My wolf panicked beneath my skin, wing and whimpering as the implications became clear. If Ethan discovered Olivia was his

    childhood sweetheart-his first true mate-I would lose everything.

    My status, Ethan''s protection, my privileged position in the Silvercrest Pack-all of it would vanish in an instant.

    "You''re confused, old woman," I said, fighting to keep my voice steady. "Age has clearly addled your mind."

    But Evelyn''s eyes held a rity that terrified me. She knew the truth, and if she shared it with Olivia or Ethan, my carefully

    constructed world would crumble.

    I couldn''t let that happen. Not after everything I''d sacrificed to get here.

    (Evelyn''s POV)

    I saw the change in Victoria''s expression-the moment recognition turned to fear, then to cold calction. My wolf urged me to retreat, sensing the dangerous shift in her demeanor.

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 The Alpha King is unavailable 290

    1 clutched the Ancestral Moonstone Amulet tightly and attempted to move past her toward the stairwell door. My heart pounded

    painfully in my chest, still weakened from my earlier copse.

    "I''m taking this to my daughter," I said firmly. "She deserves to know the truth."

    Victoria''s eyes narrowed, something feral and desperate shing in their depths. Without warning, she propelled her wheelchair

    forward with vicious force.

    The heavy metal frame mmed into me, knocking the breath from my lungs. I felt myself falling backward, tumbling down the

    concrete stairs.

    Pain exploded through my body as I hit each step. My wolf whimpered, trying desperately to protect me, but my aging body couldn''t respond quickly enough.

    As I fell, my gaze locked with Victoria''s. In that moment of terrible rity, I understood everything

    Victoria had stolen the amulet and used it to deceive Ethan, making him believe she was his childhood sweetheart instead of

    Olivia. She had manipted him, twisted his memories, and torn apart what should have been a true mate bond.

    Inded at the bottom of the stairs, my body broken but my mind suddenly, painfully clear. With trembling fingers, I fumbled for my phone, managing to press the speed dial for Olivia.

    "Olivia," I gasped, my voice weakening as blood trickled from the corner of my mouth. "Victoria... Frost..."

    Before I could say more, Victoria was beside me, snatching the phone from my hand. She ended the call, her eyes cold and calcting as she watched my wolf struggle to heal injuries too severe for my aging body.

    "You should have minded your own business, old woman," she said softly, tucking my phone into her pocket.

    I tried to speak, to tell her that the truth woulde out eventually, but no words came. Darkness crept in at the edges of my vision as Victoria calmly wheeled herself away, leaving me broken and alone at the bottom of the stairs.

    Myst conscious thought was of Olivia, I prayed to the Moon Goddess that my daughter would understand the fragmented warning I''d managed to give her. (Olivia''s POV)

    I was reviewing mytest healing crystal designs at my desk in Canis Enterprises when my phone rang. Seeing my mother''s caller ID, I smiled and picked up immediately.

    "Mom? How are you feeling today?"

    Instead of her usual warm greeting, I heardbored breathing that sent a chill down my spine.

    "Olivia," my mother gasped, her voice weak and strained "Victoria. Frost "

    +30 Bonus

    Then nothing. The call disconnected abruptly, leaving me frozen in ce.

    My wolf surged beneath my skin, howling with protective instinct. Something was terribly wrong.

    "Mom?"

    ?" I called into the dead line, my voice rising with panic. "Mom!"

    I tried calling back, but the call went straight to voicemail. A wave of primal fear washed over me as I jumped to my feet, knocking over my chair.

    Gregory Hayes looked up from his desk across from mine, his expression shifting from annoyance to concern when he saw my

    face.

    "Olivia? What''s wrong?"

    I couldn''t answer. My mind was racing with terrible possibilities, each worse than thest. My mother''sbored breathing, the mention of Victoria Frost, the sudden disconnection-all pointed to something sinister.

    Without exnation, I grabbed my Crystal-Studded Designer Handbag and rushed toward the door.

    "Family emergency," I managed to call over my shoulder. "I have to go!"

    I sprinted through the Canis Enterprises lobby, ignoring the startled looks from colleagues and clients. My emerald eyes were wide with terror as I burst through the front doors and gged down the first taxi I saw.

    "Silvercrest Pack Medical Den," I told the driver, my voice shaking. "As fast as you can."

    As the taxi pulled away from the curb, I tried my mother''s phone again. Still no answer.

    My wolf paced anxiously beneath my skin, her protective instincts in overdrive. If Victoria had done something to my mother...

 The Alpha King is unavailable 291

    (Victoria''s POV)

    I retrieved my Identity Amulet from Evelyn Winters'' grasp, my fingers trembling slightly as I secured it back around my neck. The old she-wolfy broken at the bottom of the stairwell, her breathing shallow and irregr.

    Perfect.

    My wolf stirred beneath my skin with dark satisfaction. Soon, Evelyn Winters would be dead, and the evidence linking me to her

    "ident" would die with her.

    1 nced at my watch. Five minutes had passed since her fall. I needed to wait just a bit longer to ensure she wouldn''t survive to

    tell anyone what had happened between us.

    The amulet felt warm against my skin, a reminder of everything I''d built my life upon. If Evelyn had managed to tell Olivia about

    finding Ethan''s ancestral token in my possession, all my carefully constructed lies would unravel.

    Footsteps echoed in the stairwell above me. Someone wasing

    I quickly arranged my features into an expression of distress, my eyes widening

    with practiced panic as I gripped the handles of my wheelchair.

    dout "Help!" I cried out, my voice breaking with perfectly feigned emotion. "Someone please help! There''s been a terrible ident!"

    Two Beta wolves from the medical staff appeared at the top of the stairs, their expressions shifting from confusion to rm as

    they spotted Evelyn''s crumpled form.

    "She fell!" I eximed, pressing a trembling hand to my mouth. "I tried to catch her, but I couldn''t reach her from my

    wheelchair!"

    The Betas rushed down the stairs, one immediately checking Evelyn''s pulse while the other helped me back into my Raven-

    Trimmed Wheelchair.

    "What happened?" the female Beta asked, her eyes narrowed with suspicion.

    I let tears fill my eyes, my wolf projecting distress pheromones that masked my satisfaction. "I was just trying to make peace

    with her. For Olivia''s sake."

    The male Beta was already calling for emergency assistance on his radio. "We need a trauma team to the east stairwell immediately! Elderly female, severe fall injuries!"

    More footsteps thundered down the stairs as medical staff responded to the call. Among them was a familiar scent that made my

    wolf tense beneath my skin.

    Ethan

    (Ethan''s POV)

    +30 Bonus

    I hade to the medical den to check on Evelyn''s condition when the

    emergency call echoed through the building. Following

    the scent of blood and fear, I found myself in the east stairwell, staring down at Olivia''s mother''s broken body.

    And Victoria, somehow at the scene.

    "What happened here?" I demanded, my Alpha voice reverberating through the stairwell.

    Victoria''s eyes widened, tears streaming down her pale cheeks. "Ethan! Thank the Moon Goddess you''re here!¡±

    She reached for me, her hands trembling. "Please call Dr. Fletcher immediately! It''s terrible... she fell so suddenly!"

    I pulled out my phone, dialing the senior healer''s direct line while keeping my eyes fixed on Victoria. Something about this situation felt wrong.

    "Dr. Fletcher, emergency in the east stairwell. Evelyn Winters. Critical condition," I said tersely before hanging up.

    The medical team was already working to stabilize Evelyn, their movements efficient despite the cramped space. Her pulse was weak, her breathingbored.

    I turned back to Victoria, my amber eyes narrowing with suspicion. "What are you doing in this part of the medical den? Your

    room is on the opposite wing."

    Victoria lowered her gaze, her fingers fidgeting with the wheels of her chair. "I wanted to speak with Evelyn privately. To

    apologize."

    "Apologize?" I repeated, my wolf growling beneath my skin. Victoria had never shown any interest in reconciliation before.

    She nodded, her expression earnest. "I thought perhaps she could help mediate between Olivia and me. I just wanted peace

    between us all."

    The scent of deception clung to her like a second skin, but before I could press further, Dr. Harrison Fletcher arrived, his face grim as he assessed Evelyn''s injuries.

    "We need to get her to surgery immediately," he ordered, his experienced hands already checking her vital signs. "Multiple fractures, internal bleeding, possible head trauma."

    The medical team carefully transferred Evelyn onto a stretcher, mindful of her fragile condition.

    "Will she survive?" I asked quietly.

    Dr. Fletcher''s expression was grave. "It''s too soon to tell. Her age works against her-her wolf''s healing abilities aren''t what they

    once were.

    As they carried Evelyn away, I turned back to Victoria, my instincts screaming that something wasn''t right. But before I could question her further, a familiar scent hit me.

    Olivia had arrived

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    (Olivia''s POV)

    +30 Bonus

    I burst through the medical den doors, my heart pounding painfully in my chest. The scent of my mother''s blood hit me

    immediately, guiding me through the sterile corridors to the emergency surgical wing.

    There, outside the trauma room, stood both Ethan and Victoria.

    Victoria sat in her wheelchair, looking disheveled and tearful. Her scent was thick with distress, but something about it felt wrong

    -manufactured, like perfume rather than genuine emotion.

    My wolf snarled beneath my skin, immediately sensing deception.

    I ignored Victoriapletely, rushing past her to Dr. Harrison Fletcher, who had just emerged from the trauma room.

    "Dr. Fletcher! My mother-is she-"My voice broke, unable to finish the question.

    The senior healer''s face was grave, his eyespassionate but direct. "Ms. Winters, your mother has sustained severe injuries from her fall. Multiple fractures, internal bleeding, and significant head trauma.¡±

    My knees weakened, and I gripped the wall for support. "But she''ll recover, right? Her wolf will heal her?"

    Dr. Fletcher shook his head slowly. "The injuries are extensive, and at her age, her wolf''s healing abilities arepromised. She

    needs immediate surgery."

    He hesitated, then continued gently, "I must be honest with you. Given the severity of her injuries and her age, I estimate only a

    10% chance of survival."

    The world seemed to tilt beneath my feet. "Ten percent?" I whispered.

    "The fall caused significant trauma,¡± he exined solemnly. "We need to operate immediately."

    Ethan moved toward me, cing a hand on my shoulder. "Olivia, I-"

    I pushed him away violently, unable to bear his touch. My grief was too raw, too overwhelming.

    "Don''t," I hissed, my emerald eyes shing with pain and rage,

    Dr. Fletcher handed me the Life-or-Death Surgical Consent Contract, his expression sympathetic. "We need your authorization

    to proceed."

    With shaking hands, I signed the document, my vision blurred by tears. "Please save her," I begged. "She''s all I have left."

    As the medical team prepared to take my mother into surgery, I caught a glimpse

    of Victoria from theer of my eye. While everyone''s attention was focused on the emergency, a small, satisfied smirk crossed her features.

    In that moment, everything became crystal clear

    This was no ident

    My wolf surged forward with protective rage, lending me strength as I charged toward Victoria Frost With a snarl of pure hatred,

    +30 Bonus

    I kicked her Raven-Trimmed Wheelchair with such force that it toppled sideways, throwing her to the floor at my feet

    "You did this!" I screamed, my voice barely human as my wolf''s rage took over.

    Victoria''s eyes widened with genuine fear as she scrambled backward on the floor. "What are you doing? I''m injured! Help me!"

    Ethan lunged forward, his powerful arms encircling my waist. "Olivia, stop! This isn''t helping your mother!"

    But my wolf wouldn''t be contained. With strength born of grief and fury, I broke free from his grasp, my focus entirely on the

    woman who had hurt my mother.

    Before anyone could stop me, I delivered a vicious kick to Victoria''s face. Blood sprayed across the pristine medical den floor as her head snapped back from the impact.

    SURPERISE GIFT: 3850 bonus free for you,activity time is limited!

    Support

    GET IT

    +30 Bonus

    (Olivia''s POV)

    "Get away from me!" I snarled, struggling fiercely against Ethan''s restraining hold. My emerald eyes shed with fury as I fought to break free.

    My wolf was dangerously close to the surface, her rage barely contained beneath my skin. Victoria had taken everything from met-first Lily, then Grandmother Stone, and now she was trying to take my mother too.

    "Let me go!" I screamed, wing at Ethan''s arms. "She did this! She pushed my mother down those stairs!"

    Victoria cowered in her wheelchair, blood still streaming from her nose where I''d kicked her. Her performance was wless-the perfect picture of an innocent victim.

    "Please," she whimpered, her voice trembling with fake fear. "Someone protect me from her!"

    Two security guards moved toward us, but Ethan waved them away with a sharp gesture.

    "Olivia," Ethan said, his Alpha voice deliberately gentle as he tightened his grip around my waist. "You need to calm down."

    "Calm down?" I spat, twisting violently in his arms. "Victoria killed Lily and your grandmother, and now my mother is in the operating room, her life hanging by a thread. Ethan Stone, how can you tell me to calm down?"

    My voice broke with emotion, my wolf''s grief palpable in the air around us. I could feel her wing beneath my skin, desperate to break free and tear Victoria apart.

    "Your usations won''t help your mother," Ethan said firmly, though I could sense his inner conflict. "We need evidence."

    Iughed bitterly, the sound harsh and broken. "Evidence? Like you needed evidence when Victoria used me of poisoning her? You were quick enough to believe her then!"

    Ethan''s jaw tightened, but he didn''t release me. "That was different." "Different how?" I demanded, my eyes burning with unshed tears. "Different because it was me being used instead of your precious Victoria?"

    Ished out again, my elbow connecting with his ribs. He absorbed the blow without retaliation, his amber eyes reflecting pain that wasn''t entirely physical.

    "You''ve always chosen her," I hissed, my voice dropping to a venomous whisper. "Over me, over Lily-your own daughter! And now my mother might die because of it."

    Victoria''s theatrical sobs echoed through the corridor, drawing sympathetic nces from the medical staff. "I only wanted to make peace," she cried, dabbing at her bloody nose with a tissue. "And she attacked me!"

    My wolf surged forward again, lending me strength as I nearly broke free from Ethan''s grasp. "You lying bitch!"

    "Enough!" Ethan roared, his Alpha voice making everyone in the corridor freeze.

    +30 Bonus

    The elevator doors opened, and Maxwell Chen stepped out, carrying a small digital tablet. His eyes widened slightly at the scene before hirm, but his professional demeanor remained intact.

    "Alpha King," he said, bowing his head respectfully. "I''ve brought the Hospital Nightwatch Surveince Archive as requested."

    I immediately stopped struggling, my attention captured by the potential evidence.

    My wolf''s senses heightened with anticipation as Maxwell approached.

    "Show me," I demanded, my voice hoarse from screaming,

    Ethan loosened his grip but didn''t release me entirely as Maxwell turned the tablet

    toward us. The screen showed footage from

    the medical den''s security cameras.

    "This is from the east stairwell corridor," Maxwell exined, his finger tracing the timestamp. "Approximately fifteen minutes

    before the emergency call was made."

    We watched as the footage showed Victoria wheeling herself toward the stairwell door. Ten minutester, the camera captured pack members rushing toward the same door, then eventually bringing out my mother on a stretcher, with Victoria following

    behind in her wheelchair.

    "The critical moment isn''t here," I said, frustration building in my chest. "Where''s the footage from inside the stairwell?"

    Maxwell shook his head. "There are no cameras inside the Moonlit Hospital Stairwell. It''s a blind spot in the security system.

    My heart sank. Without direct evidence, it would be Victoria''s word against mine- and I knew whose side Ethan would take.

    "Alpha King." Maxwell continued, his voice carefully neutral. "I''ve brought those witnesses here."

    Two Beta wolves approached, both wearing medical den uniforms. They bowed respectfully to Ethan before ncing nervously at

    1. me.

    "Tell us exactly what you saw," Ethanmanded, his Alpha voicepelling

    truth.

    The female Beta spoke first, her eyes downcast, "We heard Ms. Frost calling for help from the stairwell. When we arrived,

    found her in her wheelchair beside Ms. Winters, who was unconscious at the bottom of the stairs."

    "Ms. Frost was very distressed," added the male Beta. "She said she had tried to catch Ms. Winters but couldn''t reach her from

    the wheelchair."

    Victoria nodded tearfully, her scent deliberately projecting distress and victimhood.

    "I just wanted to talk to her," she sobbed.

    "To make peace for everyone''s sake."

    She looked directly at Ethan, her eyes wide and innocent. "And now Olivia has attacked me too. She kicked me in the face! Look

    what she''s done to me!"

    Ethan''s expression softened slightly as he looked at Victoria''s bloodied face. I

    could feel his grip on me loosening, and my wolf

    +30 Bonus

    howled with frustration inside me.

    "You''re believing her again," I whispered, my voice breaking. "After everything

    she''s done."

    Ethan''s amber eyes met mine, conflicted and troubled. "I don''t know what to

    believe," he admitted quietly. "But violence won''t

    solve this."

    Victoria reached out a trembling hand toward Ethan. "I understand your suspicion," she said softly. "After what happened with

    the silver poisoning, it''s natural you would question things."

    She lowered her eyes, the perfect picture of humble understanding, "I know you also understand that Olivia misunderstands me too much. You''re afraid she won''t believe me, so you want to find evidence to better prove my innocence." Victoria finished speaking, holding Ethan''s hand, choking and saying, "Ethan, it hurts." She was reminding Ethan that she was

    innocent, but I had just hit her without knowing the reason.

    I could see what she was doing-manipting him into forcing me to apologize to

    her, just like he had done countless times before. My body tensed, preparing for

    Ethan''s rebuke.

    But to my surprise, Ethan turned to Maxwell instead. "Take Victoria home," he ordered. "She needs rest after this ordeal."

    Victoria''s mouth fell open in shock. "But Ethan-"

    "Now, Maxwell," Ethan said firmly, cutting off her protest.

    Maxwell nodded, moving behind Victoria''s wheelchair. "Yes, Alpha King."

    Victoria''s face contorted with barely concealed rage as Maxwell began wheeling

    her toward the elevator. "This isn''t over," she hissed at me, too quietly for anyone but a wolf to hear.

    As the elevator doors closed on Victoria''s furious face, I sagged against the wall, suddenly exhausted. The adrenaline that had fueled my attack was fading, leaving me hollow and drained.

    "I need to be with my mother," I said, not looking at Ethan.

    He nodded, stepping back to give me space. "I''ll stay until we have news."

    I didn''t acknowledge his offer as I turned and walked back toward the surgical

    wing. The antiseptic smell of the medical den brought back painful memories of another vigil-another loved one fighting for life.

    Two years ago, I had sat outside an operating room just like this one, praying for

    Lily to survive her kidney surgery. The donor

    that should have saved her had mysteriously been redirected at thest minute.

    Now history was repeating itself with my mother.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 293

    (Third person''s POV)

    +30 Bonus

    Two years ago, the day of Lily''s surgery had been filled with hope. Olivia had sat in the same waiting area, clutching a small stuffed wolf that Lily loved, praying to the Moon Goddess for her daughter''s survival. The donor had been confirmed-a perfect

    match that would save her precious pup''s life.

    But then everything changed. The donor kidney had mysteriously been "redirected" to another patient. By the time they found

    anotherpatible donor, it was toote. Lily''s little body couldn''t hold on any longer.

    That memory was a thorn deeply embedded in Olivia Winters'' heart. A touch brought excruciating pain to both her and her wolf,

    who still whimpered beneath her skin at the memory of their lost pup.

    Now, as Olivia paced outside the Silvercrest Surgical Chamber, that old wound throbbed anew. Her mothery on an operating

    table, fighting for her life after a "fall" that Olivia knew was no ident.

    The antiseptic smell of the medical den burned her sensitive nose, bringing back shes of Lily''s final days. The beeping of monitors. The hushed voices of healers. The scent of death hovering just beyond the door.

    Sarah Jenkins rushed through the corridor, her scrubs rustling as she approached. She arrived just as Victoria Frost was being

    wheeled away in her Raven-Trimmed Wheelchair.

    Before being pushed away, Victoria looked back once more. Her eyes met with those of Sarah, the nurse. The two looked away

    immediately.

    "Ms. Winters, I''m so sorry," Sarah said, her voice breathless from running. "I just got the call about your mother. I came

    quickly as I could."

    SP

    Olivia barely registered the caregiver''s words. Her emerald eyes remained fixed on the Silvercrest Surgical Chamber door, her wolf pacing anxiously inside her as she prayed for her mother''s safety.

    (1

    "Is there anything I can do?" Sarah asked, her hands fidgeting with her uniform. Olivia shook her head, unable to form words through the knot of fear in her throat. Ethan Stone stood a few feet away, his powerful frame casting a long shadow across the sterile floor. Despite Olivia''s coldness, he

    remained by her side, his Alpha presence steady and determined to support her through the ordeal.

    "You should sit," he said quietly, gesturing to the chairs lining the wall.

    Olivia ignored him, continuing her restless pacing. Her wolf was too agitated to remain still, sensing the danger to their remaining family member.

    Dr. Harrison Fletcher''s words echoed in her mind: "Only a 10% chance of survival.¡± The same grim prognosis they''d given Lily before her final surgery

    +30 Bonus

    The thought sent a shudder through Olivia''s slender frame. She couldn''t lose her mother as she had lost her daughter. It would

    break something in her that could never be repaired.

    Her wolf howled silently with grief at the possibility, the sound reverberating through Olivia''s soul though no one else could hear

    1. it.

    Ethan watched his Luna''s distress, his amber eyes reflecting concern as her shoulders trembled with barely contained emotion. Her wolf''s distress was palpable even to him despite their estrangement.

    He pulled out his phone, typing another message to James Knight. Olivia needed someone she trusted, someone whosefort she wouldn''t reject out of principle.

    He fought the urge to pull her into his arms, knowing she would reject hisfort but unable to leave her alone in her suffering. His wolf whined beneath his skin, desperate tofort their mate despite the chasm between them.

    "Olivia," he said softly, "James is on his way."

    She gave no indication that she''d heard him, but her scent shifted slightly-a hint of relief beneath the overwhelming fear.

    Twenty minutester, the elevator doors opened, and James Knight strode out, his hazel eyes immediately finding Olivia.

    Without hesitation, he crossed the waiting area and pulled her into a tight embrace.

    "I''m here, Liv," he murmured against her hair. "I''m right here."

    The dam broke. Olivia copsed against her childhood friend, her body shaking

    with silent sobs as she finally released the

    emotions she''d been holding back.

    "I can''t lose her too, Jay,¡± she whispered, her emerald eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Not after Lily."

    James held her tighter, his own eyes reflecting pain at her suffering. "Your mother is strong, just like you. She''ll fight."

    Ethan watched their interaction, his jaw tight with an emotion he refused to name. His wolf growled possessively beneath his skin, but he pushed the feeling aside. Olivia''s wellbeing mattered more than his pride.

    Hours passed with agonizing slowness. The surgery stretched beyond five hours, then eight, then ten. Night fell over the territory, casting long shadows through the windows of the medical den.

    Olivia sat beside James, her head resting against his shoulder as exhaustion began to overtake her. She hadn''t slept since receiving the call about her mother''s "ident," and her body was reaching its limits.

    Ethan approached, carrying arge bag that emitted delicious aromas. "You need to eat," he said, setting down containers of food

    from Amber Crest Restaurant.

    Olivia didn''t move, her eyes still fixed on the surgical chamber door. "I''m not hungry."

    James exchanged a nce with Ethan, understanding the Alpha''s concern. ¡°Liv,¡± he said gently, "you need your strength. Your

    mother will need you when she wakes up."

    +30 Bonus

    "If she wakes up," Olivia whispered, her voice hollow.

    James took her face between his hands, forcing her to look at him. "Your wolf

    can''t help her if you''re weakened from hunger,

    Liv," he said firmly. "Eat. For your mother''s sake."

    Something in his tone reached her. Slowly, Olivia nodded, epting the container Ethan offered.

    Relieved, Ethan watched as she ate, despite feeling a pang of jealousy at her closeness with another male wolf. His own wolf growled possessively beneath his skin, but he silenced it. This wasn''t about him.

    The clock on the wall ticked past midnight, then one, then two. Sarah Jenkins returned periodically with updates-the surgery wasplex, the doctors were doing everything possible, no news yet.

    Finally, at nearly three in the morning, the Silvercrest Surgical Chamber door opened. Olivia leapt to her feet, stumbling in her

    haste, her wolf surging with anxiety.

    Ethan caught her, his strong hands steadying her as they faced Dr. Harrison Fletcher. The healer looked exhausted, his surgical

    mask hanging around his neck and his eyes heavy with fatigue.

    Olivia stood frozen, speechless with anxiety as she looked to Dr. Fletcher for news, her wolf whining with fear.

    "Alpha King," Dr. Fletcher said, nodding respectfully to Ethan before turning to Olivia. "Ms. Winters."

    "My mother," Olivia managed, her voice barely audible. "Is she-"

    Dr. Fletcher''s face remained grim. "We''ve stabilized her for now, but we''ve encounteredplications."

    "What kind ofplications?" Ethan demanded, his Alpha voice making the healer stand straighter.

    "The injuries were more extensive than we initially thought," Dr. Fletcher exined. "She''s lost a significant amount of blood, and we''re facing a shortage of type A blood in our supplies."

    Sarah Jenkins, who had returned with fresh coffee for the waiting group, paused

    at the edge of the conversation, listening

    attentively from a distance.

    SURPERISE GIFT: 3850 bonus free for you,activity time is limited!

 The Alpha King is unavailable 294

    (Third person''s POV)

    +30 Bonus

    Two years ago, the day of Lily''s surgery had been filled with hope. Olivia had sat in the same waiting area, clutching a small stuffed wolf that Lily loved, praying to the Moon Goddess for her daughter''s survival. The donor had been confirmed-a perfect

    match that would save her precious pup''s life.

    But then everything changed. The donor kidney had mysteriously been "redirected" to another patient. By the time they found

    anotherpatible donor, it was toote. Lily''s little body couldn''t hold on any longer.

    That memory was a thorn deeply embedded in Olivia Winters'' heart. A touch brought excruciating pain to both her and her wolf,

    who still whimpered beneath her skin at the memory of their lost pup.

    Now, as Olivia paced outside the Silvercrest Surgical Chamber, that old wound throbbed anew. Her mothery on an operating

    table, fighting for her life after a "fall" that Olivia knew was no ident.

    The antiseptic smell of the medical den burned her sensitive nose, bringing back shes of Lily''s final days. The beeping of monitors. The hushed voices of healers. The scent of death hovering just beyond the door.

    Sarah Jenkins rushed through the corridor, her scrubs rustling as she approached. She arrived just as Victoria Frost was being

    wheeled away in her Raven-Trimmed Wheelchair.

    Before being pushed away, Victoria looked back once more. Her eyes met with those of Sarah, the nurse. The two looked away

    immediately.

    "Ms. Winters, I''m so sorry," Sarah said, her voice breathless from running. "I just got the call about your mother. I came

    quickly as I could."

    SP

    Olivia barely registered the caregiver''s words. Her emerald eyes remained fixed on the Silvercrest Surgical Chamber door, her wolf pacing anxiously inside her as she prayed for her mother''s safety.

    (1

    "Is there anything I can do?" Sarah asked, her hands fidgeting with her uniform. Olivia shook her head, unable to form words through the knot of fear in her throat. Ethan Stone stood a few feet away, his powerful frame casting a long shadow across the sterile floor. Despite Olivia''s coldness, he

    remained by her side, his Alpha presence steady and determined to support her through the ordeal.

    "You should sit," he said quietly, gesturing to the chairs lining the wall.

    Olivia ignored him, continuing her restless pacing. Her wolf was too agitated to remain still, sensing the danger to their remaining family member.

    Dr. Harrison Fletcher''s words echoed in her mind: "Only a 10% chance of survival.¡± The same grim prognosis they''d given Lily before her final surgery

    +30 Bonus

    The thought sent a shudder through Olivia''s slender frame. She couldn''t lose her mother as she had lost her daughter. It would

    break something in her that could never be repaired.

    Her wolf howled silently with grief at the possibility, the sound reverberating through Olivia''s soul though no one else could hear

    1. it.

    Ethan watched his Luna''s distress, his amber eyes reflecting concern as her shoulders trembled with barely contained emotion. Her wolf''s distress was palpable even to him despite their estrangement.

    He pulled out his phone, typing another message to James Knight. Olivia needed someone she trusted, someone whosefort she wouldn''t reject out of principle.

    He fought the urge to pull her into his arms, knowing she would reject hisfort but unable to leave her alone in her suffering. His wolf whined beneath his skin, desperate tofort their mate despite the chasm between them.

    "Olivia," he said softly, "James is on his way."

    She gave no indication that she''d heard him, but her scent shifted slightly-a hint of relief beneath the overwhelming fear.

    Twenty minutester, the elevator doors opened, and James Knight strode out, his hazel eyes immediately finding Olivia.

    Without hesitation, he crossed the waiting area and pulled her into a tight embrace.

    "I''m here, Liv," he murmured against her hair. "I''m right here."

    The dam broke. Olivia copsed against her childhood friend, her body shaking

    with silent sobs as she finally released the

    emotions she''d been holding back.

    "I can''t lose her too, Jay,¡± she whispered, her emerald eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Not after Lily."

    James held her tighter, his own eyes reflecting pain at her suffering. "Your mother is strong, just like you. She''ll fight."

    Ethan watched their interaction, his jaw tight with an emotion he refused to name. His wolf growled possessively beneath his skin, but he pushed the feeling aside. Olivia''s wellbeing mattered more than his pride.

    Hours passed with agonizing slowness. The surgery stretched beyond five hours, then eight, then ten. Night fell over the territory, casting long shadows through the windows of the medical den.

    Olivia sat beside James, her head resting against his shoulder as exhaustion began to overtake her. She hadn''t slept since receiving the call about her mother''s "ident," and her body was reaching its limits.

    Ethan approached, carrying arge bag that emitted delicious aromas. "You need to eat," he said, setting down containers of food

    from Amber Crest Restaurant.

    Olivia didn''t move, her eyes still fixed on the surgical chamber door. "I''m not hungry."

    James exchanged a nce with Ethan, understanding the Alpha''s concern. ¡°Liv,¡± he said gently, "you need your strength. Your

    mother will need you when she wakes up."

    +30 Bonus

    "If she wakes up," Olivia whispered, her voice hollow.

    James took her face between his hands, forcing her to look at him. "Your wolf

    can''t help her if you''re weakened from hunger,

    Liv," he said firmly. "Eat. For your mother''s sake."

    Something in his tone reached her. Slowly, Olivia nodded, epting the container Ethan offered.

    Relieved, Ethan watched as she ate, despite feeling a pang of jealousy at her closeness with another male wolf. His own wolf growled possessively beneath his skin, but he silenced it. This wasn''t about him.

    The clock on the wall ticked past midnight, then one, then two. Sarah Jenkins returned periodically with updates-the surgery wasplex, the doctors were doing everything possible, no news yet.

    Finally, at nearly three in the morning, the Silvercrest Surgical Chamber door opened. Olivia leapt to her feet, stumbling in her

    haste, her wolf surging with anxiety.

    Ethan caught her, his strong hands steadying her as they faced Dr. Harrison Fletcher. The healer looked exhausted, his surgical

    mask hanging around his neck and his eyes heavy with fatigue.

    Olivia stood frozen, speechless with anxiety as she looked to Dr. Fletcher for news, her wolf whining with fear.

    "Alpha King," Dr. Fletcher said, nodding respectfully to Ethan before turning to Olivia. "Ms. Winters."

    "My mother," Olivia managed, her voice barely audible. "Is she-"

    Dr. Fletcher''s face remained grim. "We''ve stabilized her for now, but we''ve encounteredplications."

    "What kind ofplications?" Ethan demanded, his Alpha voice making the healer stand straighter.

    "The injuries were more extensive than we initially thought," Dr. Fletcher exined. "She''s lost a significant amount of blood, and we''re facing a shortage of type A blood in our supplies."

    Sarah Jenkins, who had returned with fresh coffee for the waiting group, paused

    at the edge of the conversation, listening

    attentively from a distance.

    SURPERISE GIFT: 3850 bonus free for you,activity time is limited!

 The Alpha King is unavailable 295

    (Third person''s POV)

    +30 Bonus

    Two years ago, the day of Lily''s surgery had been filled with hope. Olivia had sat in the same waiting area, clutching a small stuffed wolf that Lily loved, praying to the Moon Goddess for her daughter''s survival. The donor had been confirmed-a perfect

    match that would save her precious pup''s life.

    But then everything changed. The donor kidney had mysteriously been "redirected" to another patient. By the time they found

    anotherpatible donor, it was toote. Lily''s little body couldn''t hold on any longer.

    That memory was a thorn deeply embedded in Olivia Winters'' heart. A touch brought excruciating pain to both her and her wolf,

    who still whimpered beneath her skin at the memory of their lost pup.

    Now, as Olivia paced outside the Silvercrest Surgical Chamber, that old wound throbbed anew. Her mothery on an operating

    table, fighting for her life after a "fall" that Olivia knew was no ident.

    The antiseptic smell of the medical den burned her sensitive nose, bringing back shes of Lily''s final days. The beeping of monitors. The hushed voices of healers. The scent of death hovering just beyond the door.

    Sarah Jenkins rushed through the corridor, her scrubs rustling as she approached. She arrived just as Victoria Frost was being

    wheeled away in her Raven-Trimmed Wheelchair.

    Before being pushed away, Victoria looked back once more. Her eyes met with those of Sarah, the nurse. The two looked away

    immediately.

    "Ms. Winters, I''m so sorry," Sarah said, her voice breathless from running. "I just got the call about your mother. I came

    quickly as I could."

    SP

    Olivia barely registered the caregiver''s words. Her emerald eyes remained fixed on the Silvercrest Surgical Chamber door, her wolf pacing anxiously inside her as she prayed for her mother''s safety.

    (1

    "Is there anything I can do?" Sarah asked, her hands fidgeting with her uniform. Olivia shook her head, unable to form words through the knot of fear in her throat. Ethan Stone stood a few feet away, his powerful frame casting a long shadow across the sterile floor. Despite Olivia''s coldness, he

    remained by her side, his Alpha presence steady and determined to support her through the ordeal.

    "You should sit," he said quietly, gesturing to the chairs lining the wall.

    Olivia ignored him, continuing her restless pacing. Her wolf was too agitated to remain still, sensing the danger to their remaining family member.

    Dr. Harrison Fletcher''s words echoed in her mind: "Only a 10% chance of survival.¡± The same grim prognosis they''d given Lily before her final surgery

    +30 Bonus

    The thought sent a shudder through Olivia''s slender frame. She couldn''t lose her mother as she had lost her daughter. It would

    break something in her that could never be repaired.

    Her wolf howled silently with grief at the possibility, the sound reverberating through Olivia''s soul though no one else could hear

    1. it.

    Ethan watched his Luna''s distress, his amber eyes reflecting concern as her shoulders trembled with barely contained emotion. Her wolf''s distress was palpable even to him despite their estrangement.

    He pulled out his phone, typing another message to James Knight. Olivia needed someone she trusted, someone whosefort she wouldn''t reject out of principle.

    He fought the urge to pull her into his arms, knowing she would reject hisfort but unable to leave her alone in her suffering. His wolf whined beneath his skin, desperate tofort their mate despite the chasm between them.

    "Olivia," he said softly, "James is on his way."

    She gave no indication that she''d heard him, but her scent shifted slightly-a hint of relief beneath the overwhelming fear.

    Twenty minutester, the elevator doors opened, and James Knight strode out, his hazel eyes immediately finding Olivia.

    Without hesitation, he crossed the waiting area and pulled her into a tight embrace.

    "I''m here, Liv," he murmured against her hair. "I''m right here."

    The dam broke. Olivia copsed against her childhood friend, her body shaking

    with silent sobs as she finally released the

    emotions she''d been holding back.

    "I can''t lose her too, Jay,¡± she whispered, her emerald eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Not after Lily."

    James held her tighter, his own eyes reflecting pain at her suffering. "Your mother is strong, just like you. She''ll fight."

    Ethan watched their interaction, his jaw tight with an emotion he refused to name. His wolf growled possessively beneath his skin, but he pushed the feeling aside. Olivia''s wellbeing mattered more than his pride.

    Hours passed with agonizing slowness. The surgery stretched beyond five hours, then eight, then ten. Night fell over the territory, casting long shadows through the windows of the medical den.

    Olivia sat beside James, her head resting against his shoulder as exhaustion began to overtake her. She hadn''t slept since receiving the call about her mother''s "ident," and her body was reaching its limits.

    Ethan approached, carrying arge bag that emitted delicious aromas. "You need to eat," he said, setting down containers of food

    from Amber Crest Restaurant.

    Olivia didn''t move, her eyes still fixed on the surgical chamber door. "I''m not hungry."

    James exchanged a nce with Ethan, understanding the Alpha''s concern. ¡°Liv,¡± he said gently, "you need your strength. Your

    mother will need you when she wakes up."

    +30 Bonus

    "If she wakes up," Olivia whispered, her voice hollow.

    James took her face between his hands, forcing her to look at him. "Your wolf

    can''t help her if you''re weakened from hunger,

    Liv," he said firmly. "Eat. For your mother''s sake."

    Something in his tone reached her. Slowly, Olivia nodded, epting the container Ethan offered.

    Relieved, Ethan watched as she ate, despite feeling a pang of jealousy at her closeness with another male wolf. His own wolf growled possessively beneath his skin, but he silenced it. This wasn''t about him.

    The clock on the wall ticked past midnight, then one, then two. Sarah Jenkins returned periodically with updates-the surgery wasplex, the doctors were doing everything possible, no news yet.

    Finally, at nearly three in the morning, the Silvercrest Surgical Chamber door opened. Olivia leapt to her feet, stumbling in her

    haste, her wolf surging with anxiety.

    Ethan caught her, his strong hands steadying her as they faced Dr. Harrison Fletcher. The healer looked exhausted, his surgical

    mask hanging around his neck and his eyes heavy with fatigue.

    Olivia stood frozen, speechless with anxiety as she looked to Dr. Fletcher for news, her wolf whining with fear.

    "Alpha King," Dr. Fletcher said, nodding respectfully to Ethan before turning to Olivia. "Ms. Winters."

    "My mother," Olivia managed, her voice barely audible. "Is she-"

    Dr. Fletcher''s face remained grim. "We''ve stabilized her for now, but we''ve encounteredplications."

    "What kind ofplications?" Ethan demanded, his Alpha voice making the healer stand straighter.

    "The injuries were more extensive than we initially thought," Dr. Fletcher exined. "She''s lost a significant amount of blood, and we''re facing a shortage of type A blood in our supplies."

    Sarah Jenkins, who had returned with fresh coffee for the waiting group, paused

    at the edge of the conversation, listening

    attentively from a distance.

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    33

    (Olivia''s POV)

    +30 Bonus:

    "The surgery was sessful." Those four words from Dr. Harrison Fletcher''s lips were the sweetest I''d ever heard.

    My knees buckled as relief flooded through me. Tears streamed down my face, my wolf finally rxing after hours of tense urs of tense vignce. The crushing weight of potential loss lifted from my shoulders, leaving me light-headed.

    "Thank you," I whispered, my voice breaking with emotion. "Thank you so much."

    Dr. Fletcher''s exhausted face softened with a small smile. The dark circles under his eyes testified to the grueling hours he''d spent fighting for my mother''s life.

    "Your mother is strong," he said, his voice hoarse from the long surgery. "She fought hard in there."

    my mind

    I nodded, unable to speak through the lump in my throat. My wolf whined with relief, the sound echoing through my though no one else could hear it.

    "We''ll bring her out in about ten minutes," Dr. Fletcher continued, running a hand through his disheveled hair. "Don''t worry, the

    worst is behind us now."

    His wolf''s energy was depleted but satisfied with the sessful operation. He gave me one more reassuring nod before turning back toward the Surgical Den to change out of his bloodstained scrubs.

    I stood there, trembling with relief, my emerald eyes still wet with tears. The emotional whish of the past hours left me

    disoriented.

    In my dazed state, I sensed someone behind me. Assuming it was James, I turned and threw my arms around him in a

    spontaneous embrace of joy.

    The familiar scent hit me immediately not James''s russet-brown wolf, but the unmistakable Alpha musk of Ethan Stone. My wolf recognized him instantly, before my conscious mind could process it.

    I gasped and pushed away, stumbling backward. "I''m sorry, I thought-

    The words died in my throat as I took in Ethan''s appearance. His normally imposing figure looked uncharacteristically fragile.

    His face was deathly pale, his amber eyescking their usual intensity.

    His wolf''s energy, typically overwhelming in its Alpha power, seemed diminished. That''s when I realized he had given blood

    for my mother. A lot of it, judging by his weakened state.

    A conflicted pang of gratitude twisted in my chest. I couldn''t bring myself to thank him verbally, the resentment still too deep,

    but my wolf acknowledged his sacrifice with reluctant respect.

    Ethan noticed my realization and quickly looked away. "It was nothing," he said, his voicecking its usualmanding tone. "Just doing what I should as Alpha

    000

    +30 Bonus

    Before I could respond, the doors to the Surgical Den opened again. My attention immediately shifted as they wheeled my mother

    out

    Tears welled up in my eyes at the sight of her unconscious form. My wolf whimpered with concern beneath my skin.

    g sensation I''d felt

    I rushed to her side, taking her cold hand in mine. The steady pulse beneath my fingers was the most reassuring In hours.

    "Mom," I whispered, my voice thick with emotion. "You''re going to be okay."

    The medical staff transferred her to a private ward, hooking her up to monitors that beeped steadily with her vital signs. hovered anxiously nearby, unwilling to let her out of my sight.

    Ethan, after confirming my mother''s stable condition, retreated to a nearby room arranged by Dr. Fletcher. Though he left physically, I could sense his Alpha presence lingering, his wolf keeping vigil over both me and my mother.

    Once my mother was settled, I turned to James, who had been a silent, supportive presence throughout the ordeal.

    "You should go rest," I told him, my voice soft with gratitude. "You''ve been here all night."

    James''s hazel eyes were tired but warm with concern. "I can stay the Howling Moon Grand Hotel nearby if you need me."

    I shook my head. "Use my ce at Maple Grove. You''ll be morefortable there."

    He hesitated, his wolf reluctant to leave me alone in my vulnerable state.

    "I''ll be fine," I insisted, managing a small smile. "My mother needs me here."

    Sarah Jenkins approached, her scrubs rustling softly. "I can take over for a while if you want to rest, Ms. Winters."

    I declined with a firm shake of my head. "I''m staying with her."

    My protective instincts were too strong to allow me to leave, my wolf refusing to abandon our remaining family member. I settled.

    into the chair beside my mother''s bed, prepared for a long night.

    Across the medical den, I knew Ethan was also keeping watch, his wolf periodically checking our scents to ensure we remained

    stable. The thought brought a confusing mix offort and resentment.

    The night passed slowly, the steady beeping of monitors and the soft footsteps of night staff the only sounds breaking the silence. I dozed fitfully, jerking awake at every change in my mother''s breathing.

    Morning light eventually filtered through the blinds, casting soft stripes across the sterile floor. James returned, looking

    refreshed and carrying coffee.

    "Your turn," he said firmly, his hazel eyes brooking no argument. "Get some rest in the recovery room next door. I''ll watch over

    her."

    Support

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    His wolf rose protectively beneath his skin, treating me with the care one would show a pack sister, Reluctantly, I agreed, my body finally acknowledging its exhaustion.

    I couldn''t sleep deeply in the adjacent recovery room, my wolf too alert to allow proper rest. Every sound from the hallway had me tensing, ready to rush back to my mother''s side.

    Around noon, amotion from my mother''s room jolted me fully awake. I heard James''s voice calling for the doctor, his quick reflexes testament to his rogue wolf training.

    My heart pounding, I rushed out of the rest room. My mother''s eyes were open, her gaze confused but alert.

    "Mom!" I cried, rushing to her side and taking her hand.

    Dr. Fletcher arrived momentster, his face showing the professional calm of a seasoned healer. He examined my mother thoroughly while I anxiously waited, my emerald eyes never leaving her face.

    "She''s stable and out of danger," he finally announced, unable topletely hide his satisfaction at the sessful oue. "The surgery went better than expected."

    Relief washed over me again, fresh tears springing to my eyes. My wolf howled with joy inside me, celebrating our mother''s

    survival.

    (Victoria''s POV)

    "What do you mean the surgery was sessful?" I hissed into the phone, my fingers tightening around it until my knuckles

    turned white.

    Sarah''s voice came through quietly, careful not to be overheard by the werewolves in the room. "Mrs. Winters is awake

    stable. Dr. Fletcher says she''s out of danger."

    My wolf snarled with frustration beneath my skin. This was not the news I had been hoping for.

    I ended the call and threw the phone onto my bed, my chest tight with panic. Evelyn Winters was supposed to die in that

    operating room. That had been the n.

    and

    My identity amulet was missing lost during our confrontation in the hospital stairwell. And worse, Evelyn had recognized it.

    She knew exactly who I was.

    I wheeled myself anxiously around my bedroom at Rosewood Haven, my paralyzed legs useless but my mind racing with

    dangerous possibilities. If Evelyn told Olivia or Ethan what she knew about me....

    I tried calling Ethan again, but his phone was still off. This was the tenth time I''d tried to reach him sincest night.

    Where was he? Why wasn''t he answering? He never ignored my calls, not even when he was with Olivia.

    ? Jo Bonus

    Fear wed at my throat. Everything I had built over the years my position with Ethan, my daughter''s future, my revenge

    against Olivia - all of it was in jeopardy because of one old woman who refused to die.

    My wolf paced restlessly beneath my skin, agitated by the threat Evelyn posed. I needed to act quickly before she could expose me.

    But how? The medical den would be watching her closely after such a major surgery. And Olivia would be glued to her side.

    I needed to find another way to silence Evelyn Winters before she could destroy everything.

    (Evelyn''s POV)

    The pain was distant, dulled by medication, but consciousness brought rity to my thoughts. I remembered everything the

    stairwell, Victoria Frost, the jade pendant that confirmed her true identity.

    I held Olivia''s hand with surprising strength for someone who had just undergone major surgery. My daughter''s face was drawn with exhaustion, dark circles under her beautiful emerald eyes.

    "We need to talk," I said, my voice raspy from the breathing tube.

    Olivia shook her head, her wolf concerned about overtaxing my limited energy. "Later, Mom. You need to rest."

    "Now," I insisted with the stubborn determination that had helped me survive years of searching for my daughter. Some things

    couldn''t wait

    Olivia sighed, recognizing my resolve. She turned to Sarah, who was hovering nearby. "Could you get us some breakfast, please?"

    It was a transparent dismissal, but the care aide nodded and left the room. Now alone with Olivia and James, I could speak freely.

    "Victoria Frost," I began, watching my daughter''s face carefully. "Ethan treats her specially because she''s his childhood sweetheart, isn''t she?"

    Olivia''s expression tightened with pain. "Yes. He searched for her for years after she disappeared. When he finally found her

    again, he trusted herpletely."

    Her voice was bitter with the pain of years of rejection. "He''s always favored her over me. Over Lily."

    My suspicions confirmed, anger burned through me despite my weakened state. Victoria''s deception was even more sinister than

    I had imagined.

    My eyes shed with lupine intensity as I gathered my strength. "I need to see Ethan. Immediately."

    "Mom, you just had surgery-"

    "This can''t wait," I interrupted, my tone brooking no argument. "Please, Olivia. It''s important."

    James, sensing the urgency in my voice, stood up. "I''ll get him. He''s resting in the ward across the hall."

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    (Ethan''s POV)

    The darkness of exhausted sleep enveloped mepletely. My wolf had finally surrendered after the blood donation, our shared energy depleted to dangerous levels.

    I hadn''t felt this weak since my first full moon transformation as a pup. Every muscle in my body felt heavy, my wolf curled up deep inside me.

    A sharp knock jolted me awake. Before I could fully register consciousness, the door swung open with urgency.

    James Knight stood in the doorway, his normally yful expression reced with unusual seriousness. His hazel eyes were alert, his russet-brown wolf clearly visible beneath his skin.

    "Alpha Stone," he said, his voice low but urgent. "Evelyn Winters is asking for you."

    My amber eyes snapped open instantly. My wolf, despite its weakened state, surged forward with renewed alertness, pushing

    aside the exhaustion.

    "Evelyn?" I questioned, already pushing myself upright. "What does she want?"

    James shook his head, his stance tense. "She wouldn''t say. But she was insistent-said it couldn''t wait. Something about

    Victoria."

    At the mention of Victoria, my wolf growled with concern. I swung my legs over the edge of the bed, ignoring the wave of

    dizziness that threatened to topple me.

    "How is Evelyn''s condition?" I asked, reaching for my shirt, my fingers fumbling slightly with the buttons.

    "Stable. Better than expected after such major surgery," James replied, his eyes tracking my unsteady movements. "But she

    seems... determined."

    I straightened my clothes, running a hand through my disheveled hair. Even in my weakened state, I couldn''t appear before

    others looking anything less than the Alpha King.

    "Lead the way," Imanded, my voice regaining some of its natural authority.

    The short walk to Evelyn''s ward felt like miles. My wolf strained beneath my skin, pushing energy into my muscles despite our

    depleted state. Each step required concentration.

    Outside Evelyn''s door, I paused to gather myself. I drew in a deep breath, forcing my spine straight and my shoulders back. Whatever this was about, it was important enough for a woman who had just undergone life-threatening surgery to demand my

    presence.

    I entered the room with as much of my Alpha presence as I could muster Olivia sat beside her mother''s bed, her emerald eyes.

    widening slightly at my appearance

    +30 Bonus

    Her wolf''s scent carried notes of surprise-she hadn''t expected me toe so quickly. Or perhaps she was surprised by my

    haggard appearance.

    Evelyn Winters looked frail against the white hospital sheets, but her eyes were sharp and alert. The moment she saw me, something shifted in her expression- the usual hostility giving way to something moreplex.

    "Alpha Stone," she greeted, her voice surprisingly strong for someone in her condition.

    I nodded respectfully, moving closer to the bed. "Mrs. Winters. I''m d to see you recovering well."

    "Come closer," shemanded, with an authority that belied her physical state. Her eyes burned with an intensity that

    reminded me of Olivia when she was determined.

    aware o

    ied notes of

    1 approached the bed, of Olivia''s nervous gaze shifting between us. Her wolf''s scent carried of anxiety and confusion.

    "Mom, what''s this about?" Olivia asked, her emerald eyes searching her mother''s face. Her hands fidgeted with the edge of the hospital nket.

    Evelyn reached for her daughter''s hand, squeezing it gently. "It''s about you Ethan, dear. About what really happened with

    and

    Victoria Frost."

    Olivia''s breath caught, her wolf whining softly beneath her skin. The mention of Victoria''s name caused her scent to sharpen with

    pain and anger.

    "What about Victoria?" Olivia whispered, her voice barely audible. Her emerald eyes darted to me, then back to her mother.

    (Evelyn''s POV)

    I looked up at Ethan Stone, the Alpha King of the Silvercrest Pack. Despite his obvious exhaustion, his amber eyes burned with

    intensity.

    The truth I was about to reveal would shatter everything he believed. But he needed to hear it-for Olivia''s sake, for Lily''s

    memory, and for his own.

    My surgical wound throbbed with each heartbeat, but the pain medication couldn''t

    dull my resolve. This truth had waited too

    long already.

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    "Alpha Stone, listen carefully," I began, keeping my voice steady despite the medication clouding my thoughts. "You''ve mistaken

    the person. Victoria Frost is not-

    The door burst open with a bang that made everyone in the room jump. The sudden noise sent a spike of pain through my surgical

    site.

    Victoria Frost wheeled herself in frantically, her Raven-Trimmed Wheelchair skidding on the polished floor. Her hair was

    disheveled, her face contorted with distress.

    "Ethan!" she cried, her face streaked with tears, her scent thick with distress. "Save Emma... please, save Emma!"

    The room instantly filled with the overwhelming scent of maternal panic. Victoria''s wolf projected distress pheromones so

    potent that even 1, with my limited werewolf senses, felt my heart rate increase in response.

    Her timing couldn''t have been more perfect - or more suspicious. My eyes narrowed as I watched her performance unfold.

    Ethan''s attention immediately shifted to Victoria, his wolf responding instinctively to her distress call. His amber eyes widened

    with rm, all thoughts of my revtion forgotten.

    "What happened?" he demanded, already moving toward her, his exhaustion seemingly forgotten in the face of this new crisis.

    Victoria clutched at his arm when he reached her, her fingers digging into his sleeve so hard I could see the fabric wrinkle. "It''s

    her kidney," she sobbed, her voice breaking dramatically. "The doctors say she''s rejecting the transnt. She''s asking for you,

    Ethan. She wants to see you."

    I watched Ethan''s face transform with concern. Despite my weakened state, I could see what was happening-Victoria''s perfectly timed interruption, the convenient emergency just as I was about to reveal her true identity.

    "She keeps calling for you," Victoria continued, her voice trembling as she looked up at him with wide, tear-filled eyes. "You promised to protect us both, remember? You promised you''d always be there for her."

    She was ying him perfectly, using his protective instincts against him. And it was working.

    Ethan''s protective instincts visibly overrode everything else. His wolf rose to the surface, responding to the perceived threat to a pup he considered his own, despite theck of blood rtion.

    "Where is she?" he asked, his voice tight with worry, already half-turning toward the door.

    "The Bloodrush Chamber," Victoria replied, already turning her wheelchair. "Dr. Simon Harper is with her now, but he says it''s

    critical. We need to hurry!"

    Ethan turned to Olivia, conflict evident in his eyes. "I have to go."

    Olivia nodded stiffly, her emerald eyes carefully nk. I could see the pain she was hiding-once again, Victoria and Emma took precedence over everything else.

    +30 Bonu

    My daughter''s shoulders slumped slightly, a gesture so small only a mother would notice. How many times had she watched this scene y out? How many times had Victoria pulled Ethan away at crucial moments?

    As Ethan moved toward the door with Victoria, I summoned every ounce of strength I had left. This charade had gone on long

    enough.

    "Stone!" I called sharply, my voice carrying surprising authority for a non-Alpha wolf. The effort sent pain shooting through my

    abdomen.

    Ethan froze at the doorway, turning back with obvious reluctance. His amber eyes darted between me and Victoria, torn between

    his concern for my health after critical surgery and Emma''s apparently life- threatening condition.

    His wolf growled with frustration, the sound almost audible in the tense silence of the room.

    Victoria''s scent shifted subtly. Beneath the manufactured distress, I detected notes of fear-a change only perceptible because I

    was specifically looking for it.

    ¡°This can''t wait,¡± I insisted, struggling to sit up straighter despite the painncing through my abdomen. "Emma will be fine for

    five more minutes."

    "Mom, please," Olivia whispered, gently pressing me back against the pillows.

    "You need to rest. Don''t strain yourself."

    I ignored her, keeping my gaze fixed on Ethan. My time might be limited, but this truth needed to be heard.

    "Victoria Frost is not your childhood sweetheart ''Little Orange".

    SURPERISE GIFT: 3850 bonus free for you,activity time is limited!

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    (Evelyn''s POV)

    But fate had other ns. Just as spoke out the truth, Sarah Jenkins moved too quickly beside my bed. Her elbow caught the Fallen. Bedside Lamp of the Healing Den, sending it crashing to the floor.

    The shattering sound echoed through the room, drowning out my crucial revtion. ss scattered across the sterile floor, creating an immediate distraction.

    "I''m so sorry!" Sarah eximed, dropping to her knees to clean up the mess.

    I tried to repeat myself, but my strength was fading. The medication coursing through my system made my tongue feel heavy, my words slurring slightly at the edges.

    Victoria''s eyes shed with calcted relief. She had been granted a reprieve, and she wasn''t about to waste it.

    "Ethan!" Victoria cried out, her voice cutting through themotion. She wheeled herself forward in her Raven-Trimmed Wheelchair, positioning herself strategically between Ethan and my hospital bed

    Her scent shifted dramatically, deliberately projecting waves of maternal distress that filled the room. Even in my weakened

    state, I could detect the maniption behind it.

    "Emma''s kidney is rejecting the transnt," she pleaded, tears streaming down her face with practiced precision. "She needs you now, Ethan. She''s asking for you!"

    I watched Ethan''s face transform, his earlier curiosity about my revtion instantly reced by concern for Emma. His wolf''s protective instincts surged visibly beneath his skin.

    "What? When did this happen?" he demanded, already moving toward Victoria.

    "Just now," Victoria sobbed, clutching his hand. "Dr. Harper called me. They''re preparing for emergency surgery."

    I tried to speak again, to warn him of her deception, but my voice came out as little more than a whisper. "She''s lying..."

    Ethan nced back at me, conflict evident in his amber eyes. His wolf whined with indecision, torn between investigating my startling im and responding to Emma''s supposed emergency.

    "Mrs. Winters," he said, his voice strained with tension, "I promise we''ll continue this conversation. But if Emma is in danger..."

    Victoria pressed her advantage, her fingers tightening around Ethan''s wrist. "Every second counts, Ethan. Please!"

    I watched helplessly as Ethan made his choice. His Alpha instincts to protect a vulnerable pup¡ªeven one not biologically his- overrode his curiosity about my revtion.

    "I''ll returnter," he promised me, his gaze briefly meeting mine. "Once Emma is stable."

    My wolf snarled weakly beneath my skin as Victoria shot me a triumphant nce before wheeling herself out of the room with

    +30 Bonus

    Ethan close behind.

    The door closed behind them, leaving me fuming in my hospital bed, the opportunity lost. For now.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I stood frozen beside my mother''s bed, my mind struggling to process what I''d just heard.

    "Victoria Frost is not Little Orange..." The fragmented revtion echoed in my thoughts, connecting to memories I''d long buried.

    James Knight shifted beside me, his hazel eyes narrowed with confusion. "What was that about?" he asked, his russet-brown

    wolf radiating curiosity beneath his skin.

    I barely heard him. My wolf was suddenly alert, piecing together connections that had been hidden in in sight for years.

    Little Orange. My childhood nickname, given to me by my mother because of my love for the fruit.

    Ethan''s childhood sweetheart, the one he''d searched for relentlessly, had also been called Little Orange.

    The coincidence was too perfect to be coincidence at all.

    "Olivia?" James prompted, concern coloring his voice.

    I turned to my mother, my emerald eyes wide with shock. "Mom, are you saying that I''m Ethan''s Little Orange? That I''m his

    childhood sweetheart?"

    My mother nodded weakly, her eyes bright despite her exhaustion "Yes, Olivia. You are the little girl he''s been searching for all these years."

    seemed to tilt around me as memories flooded back-memories I''d suppressed after years of Ethan''s coldness and

    The room

    neglect.

    A little boy with striking amber eyes, saving me from danger.

    y jade bracelet.

    The exchange of tokens-his Ancestral Moonstone Amulet for my

    His childish promise: "I''ll find you again someday, Little Orange."

    My wolf whined with confusion, the revtion both illuminating and devastating.

    If I was truly Ethan''s childhood sweetheart,

    then Victoria...

    "Victoria has been lying to him all this time," I whispered, the implications staggering. "She''s been pretending to be me."

    James let out a low whistle, running a hand through his dark hair. "That''s... that''s one hell of a deception."

    I barely registered his words. My mind was racing ahead, calcting what this meant for my quest to avenge Lily.

    If Victoria was an impostor, her hold over Ethan might be broken. The power dynamics that had protected her-and by extension,

    her role in Lily''s death-could crumble

    +30 Banus

    But the revtion also carried a bitter irony. The mate who had rejected me, who

    had chosen Victoria over me and our daughter,

    had actually been searching for me all along.

    The cruel twist of fate might have been darkly amusing if it hadn''t cost my daughter her life.

    I approached my mother''s bedside, my voice barely above a whisper. "Mom, are you sure?"

    My mother''s eyes met mine, steady despite her physical weakness. "I''m certain, Olivia."

    "How can you be so sure?" I pressed, needing absolute confirmation before I could act on

    information.

    "The Ancestral Moonstone Amulet," she replied, her voice strengthening with conviction. "The one Ethan always wears around

    his neck."

    I nodded, remembering the distinctive amulet that Ethan n never removed, even

    during our most intimate moments. He had

    always imed it connected him to his lost childhood love.

    "That amulet belonged to you, Olivia," my mother continued. "You gave it to him when you were children, and he gave you his jade bracelet in return."

    The memory crystallized in my mind-the small jade bracelet I''d treasured until it was lost during our escape from the orphanage. The token from my "Ice-Eyes Alpha¡± that I''d clung to during the darkest nights.

    "I found that amulet on Victoria Frost," my mother revealed, her eyes shing with indignation despite her weakened state. "She

    imed it as her own, but I recognized it immediately."

    I recalled my mother''s reaction when she first saw the amulet on Ethan months ago-her startled expression that I''d dismissed

    as nothing important

    The truth settled over me like a heavy cloak. I was indeed Ethan''s "Little Orange,"

    his long-lost childhood sweetheart.

    The mate who had rejected me had been searching for me all along, while the woman he believed to be his childhood love had.

    been deceiving him for years.

    The irony was almost too painful to bear. But my focus remained clear-justice for

    Lily. This revtion was simply another

    weapon in my arsenal.

    I leaned closer to my mother, my voice steady despite the turmoil within. "Mom,

    do you have proof?"

    I understood the importance of concrete evidence. Ethan would never believe

    such an usation against Victoria without

    irrefutable proof.

    My wolf growled softly at the thought of Victoria''s deception-years of maniption

    that had cost me not only my mate''s love

    but potentially contributed to my daughter''s death.

    If Victoria had lied about being Ethan''s childhood sweetheart, what else had she

    lied about? Had she yed a role in redirecting

    the kidney donor that might have saved Lily''s life?

    My mother''s eyes met mine, determination burning through her exhaustion.

    "Yes," she replied simply.

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    (Third person''s POV)

    -30 Bonus

    Hearing that evidence existed, Olivia Winters felt her wolf surge with excitement beneath her skin. After surviving her suicide attempt in the Silvermoon River and regaining her strength, she had repeatedly told herself to be patient with Lily''s revenge, to remain calm and not be provoked by Ethan Stone and Victoria Frost again.

    However, how could her wolf not be restless? Her pup had been killed because of Victoria''s maniption, and this hatred ran deep in her blood.

    She dreamed nightly of seeking justice for Lily. Now, knowing that Victoria was an imposter who had stolen her identity as Ethan''s "Little Orange," Olivia couldn''t wait to obtain solid evidence and tear Victoria''s false mask off in front of the Alpha King.

    "Mom, where is the evidence?" Olivia asked anxiously, her emerald eyes gleaming with newfound purpose.

    Sarah Jenkins, who had been quietly tidying the room, edged closer to the bed. Her movements were casual, but her eyes darted repeatedly toward the Winters women.

    "The evidence is in my-" Evelyn began.

    Just as Evelyn was about to provide more details, she suddenly gasped. Her eyes widened in panic as she struggled for breath, her

    wolf thrashing beneath her skin.

    The monitor beside her bed erupted in high-pitched beeps, its disy shing warning signals.

    "Mom!" Olivia cried out, jumping to her feet. "What''s happening?"

    James was instantly alert, his wolf surging forward as he scanned for the source of the threat.

    Sarah stood frozen, her hand suspiciously close to where Evelyn''s oxygen tube had been connected. The tube nowy on the floor.

    "Oh my goodness!" Sarah eximed, her face a mask of horror. "I must have identally knocked off her oxygen when I was

    cleaning! I''m so sorry!"

    Olivia lunged for the emergency button, mming it repeatedly. "Get help! Now!"

    James was already moving, his wolf''s speed carrying him through the door and down the corridor. "I''ll find Dr. Fletcher!" he

    called over his shoulder.

    Olivia frantically reconnected the oxygen tube, her hands shaking with fear and rage. Her wolf howled within her, sensing the

    danger to her mother.

    "Mom, stay with me," she pleaded, watching Evelyn''s eyelids flutter as she fought to remain conscious

    Sarah wrung her hands, her expression distraught. "I''m so sorry, Ms. Winters. I don''t know how this happened."

    Olivia barely acknowledged her, focused entirely on her mother''sbored breathing Something about the situation felt wrong.

    but she couldn''t spare the mental energy to analyze it now.

    +30 Bonus

    Sarah approached the bed once more, her expression contrite. ¡°Ms. Winters, I''m so sorry. Nothing like this has ever happened

    before. I promise it won''t happen again."

    Olivia nodded stiffly, her wolf''s instincts suddenly alert to something off about the human woman. "Thank you for your concern,

    Sarah. I know you''re usually very diligent."

    James caught Olivia''s eye, a silent message passing between them. Something wasn''t right.

    "Perhaps we should request another care aide," he suggested quietly, "Just until your mother is stronger,"

    Olivia nodded, unwilling to leave Evelyn''s side v

    while she was vulnerable. "I''ll discuss it with my mother when she wakes up.

    Sarah''s smile tightened almost imperceptibly. "Of course. Whatever makes youfortable."

    (Victoria''s POV)

    I watched with satisfaction as Emma reached out to Ethan, her small face

    streaked with tears. My daughter was a natural actress,

    just like her mother.

    "Daddy!" she cried, her voice trembling perfectly. "It hurts so much!!!

    Ethan was at her side instantly, his powerful Alpha presence filling the room. His amber eyes softened as he gathered Emma into

    his arms, his wolf responding instinctively to a pup in distress.

    "I''m here, Emmy," he murmured, gently wiping away her tears. "I won''t leave you."

    Emma sniffled dramatically, burying her face against his chest. "I was so scared you wouldn''te," she whispered. "That you''d

    forget about me like you did before."

    I saw Ethan flinch, guilt shing across his handsome features. His wolf whined audibly, the sound revealing his inner turmoil.

    "Never," he promised fiercely. "I will always be here for you, Emma. Always."

    My heart swelled with triumph as I watched them together. This was exactly what

    I had nned - Ethan''s protective instincts fully engaged, his focus entirely on Emma and, by extension, on me.

    Emma snuggled deeper into his embrace, her scent calming slightly as she tookfort in his strength. "You''re the best daddy in

    the world," she murmured.

    I moved closer, deliberately positioning my wheelchair to create a picture of family unity. My wolf projected carefully calibrated pheromones - maternal concern mixed with devotion to our Alpha.

    To any observer, we looked like the perfect pack family the strong Alpha

    protecting his mate and pup in their time of need.

    I ced my hand on Ethan''s shoulder, feeling the tension in his muscles. "She''s

    been asking for you constantly," I said softly.

    "You''re her hero"

    .30 Bonus

    Ethan didn''t pull away from my touch, though his wolf remained stiff beneath his

    skin. His focus was entirely on Emma''s pale

    face andbored breathing.

    SURPERISE GIFT: 3850 bonus free for you,activity time is limited!

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    Dr. Jonathan Rivers arrived with his team of specialists, their expressions professionally neutral as they approached Emma''s bed.

    "Alpha Stone," Dr. Rivers greeted respectfully. "We need to examine Emma now."

    Ethan nodded, reluctantly releasing Emma from his embrace. "I''ll be right outside, Emmy. The doctors need to check you."

    I maneuvered my wheelchair to the side as Ethan followed the medical team out. The moment the door closed behind them, I

    pulled out my phone.

    My fingers flew across the screen as I typed a message to Sarah: "Is it done?"

    The reply came secondster: "Oxygen disconnected. She''s unconscious."

    I smiled, satisfaction coursing through me. That old wretch Evelyn Winters

    wouldn''t live to reveal her precious evidence. I had worked too hard, sacrificed too much, to let her destroy everything now..

    Lily Winters deserved her fate. That brat had been nothing but an obstacle, just like her mother. And now, with Evelyn out of the way, my position would be secure

    once more.

    I nced at Emma, who had dropped her pitiful act the moment Ethan left. She was ying with her tablet,pletely unbothered by her supposed kidney rejection.

    "Remember to look sick when theye back," I reminded her sharply.

    Emma rolled her eyes but nodded. She understood what was at stake ourfortable life, our status, everything we had built through years of careful maniption.

    I turned my attention back to my phone, sending another message: "Make sure she doesn''t wake up. Ever."

    (Ethan''s POV)

    I followed Dr. Rivers into his private office, my wolf pacing anxiously beneath my skin. The scent of antiseptic burned my sensitive nose, but I barely noticed, my thoughts consumed with Emma''s condition.

    "What''s happening with her?" I demanded, my Alpha presence filling the small

    room.

    Dr. Rivers gestured for me to sit, but I remained standing, too agitated to be still. "Emma''s body is rejecting the transnted kidney," he exined, his voice calm and clinical. "It''s not umon with transnts, but in her case, the rejection is particrly aggressive."

    My jaw tightened. "What are our options?"

    "She needs a new kidney, Alpha Stone Preferably from a blood rtive, which would significantly increase the chances ofpatibility."

    +30 Bonus

    father is unknown, and

    I ran a hand through my hair, frustration building within me. "Emma has no blood rtives avable. Her fath Victoria is not a match we tested her during the first transnt."

    Dr. Rivers nodded gravely. "Then we need to find another donor quickly. Her condition is deteriorating rapidly."

    My wolf howled with determination. I had already lost Lily I would not lose another pup I cared for.

    "Initiate a pack-wide search," I ordered. "Use my authority as Alpha King to expedite the process throughout the Northern

    Territories. I want every potential donor tested immediately."

    "Yes, Alpha Stone," Dr. Rivers responded, already reaching for his phone. "We''ll begin right away."

    I returned to Emma''s room, where Victoria waited anxiously in her wheelchair. Her eyes searched my face as I entered, her wolf

    projecting distress pheromones that tugged at my protective instincts.

    "What did they say?" she asked, her voice trembling. "Will she be alright?"

    I moved to Emma''s bedside, gently stroking her hair. She looked so small and vulnerable against the white hospital sheets.

    "She needs a new kidney," I exined, keeping my voice steady. "I''ve ordered a pack-wide search for apatible donor."

    Victoria wheeled closer, her hand finding mine. "Thank you, Ethan. I don''t know what we would do without you."

    I didn''t pull away, though my wolf remained ufortable with her proximity. My focus was entirely on Emma, who had fallen

    into a fitful sleep.

    "The surgery will save her," I assured Victoria. "I''ll make sure of it."

    Victoria''s scent intermingled with mine as she pressed against my side. "You''ve always protected us," she murmured. "Even

    when others tried toe between us."

    Before I could respond, my Alpha Phone rang with the distinctive tone I had assigned to urgent medical matters. I pulled it from my pocket, a sense of foreboding washing over me when I saw Dr. Harrison Fletcher''s name on the screen.

    I had instructed the senior healer to inform me immediately of any changes in Evelyn Winters'' condition. Something about the older woman''s attempted revtion had struck a chord within me, awakening memories I couldn''t quite grasp.

    "Dr. Fletcher," I answered, my voice tense. "What''s happened?¡±

    "Alpha Stone," the healer''s voice was grave. "Mrs. Winters'' condition has deteriorated unexpectedly. She experienced respiratory distress and is now unconscious. I believe you shoulde immediately."

    My wolf surged forward, suddenly alert. Without hesitation, I pushed Victoria away and strode toward the door.

    "Ethan!" Victoria called after me. "Where are you going? Emma needs you!"

    "I''ll be back," I promised over my shoulder, already moving at woll-speed through the corridors.

    Behind me, unseen, Victoria''s face twisted into a sinister smile, her wolf''s eyes briefly shing with triumph. She was confident

    that Evelyn Winters wouldn''t survive to reveal her secrets.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 303

    (Dr. Harrison''s POV)

    +15 Bonus

    I ended the call with Alpha King Ethan Stone and immediately elerated my vehicle, racing toward the Healing Den. My heart

    pounded against my ribcage as I gripped the steering wheel.

    Evelyn Winters'' condition had been stable following her surgery. The sudden news of her shock was deeply rming.

    "Damn it," I muttered, weaving through traffic with the urgency of a healer who knew every second counted.

    Given her recent major operation and weakened wolf, a shock could prove fatal. If she survived, she might fall into a prolonged

    healing sleep from which she might never emerge.

    My wolf pushed my senses to their limits, preparing for the critical intervention ahead. The scent of antiseptic and medicine still

    clung to my clothes from my previous rounds, a constant reminder of my duty.

    I couldn''t help but think about the timing. Something felt off about this sudden decline. Mrs. Winters had been recovering well,

    her vitals strong despite her age.

    The tires screeched as I pulled into the medical den''s parking area, not bothering with proper alignment. Every minute could alter

    the oue.

    I grabbed my emergency kit and ran toward the entrance, my wolf lending me speed that made the world blur around me.

    "Hold on, Mrs. Winters," I whispered. "Just hold on."

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I paced outside the Bloodrush Chamber, my footsteps echoing in the sterile

    corridor. Each minute felt like an eternity as I waited

    for news about my mother.

    I had sent James Knight home to rest. He''d been by my side since my mother''s surgery, his hazel eyes heavy with exhaustion

    despite his protests.

    "I''ll take over Mom''s care in the morning," I had insisted, practically pushing him toward the door.

    The memory of receiving the call still felt like a physical blow. I had been at the market, purchasing moonflower tea to help my

    mother sleep, when my phone rang with the devastating news of her sudden decline.

    My wolf whined anxiously beneath my skin, sensing my distress. The monthly cycle weakening my body didn''t help matters.

    Finally, the door opened. Dr. Harrison Fletcher emerged, his face grave, confirming my worst fears before he even spoke.

    "Ms. Winters," he began, his voice gentle but clinical.

    The world tilted around me. My legs gave way as darkness crowded the edges of my vision.

    My wolf retreated deep within me, overwhelmed by shock. I felt myself falling, unable to process what was happening.

    Through the haze, I heard Sarah Jenkins ask, "How is Mrs. Winters, doctor?"

    +15 Bonus

    Dr. Fletcher''s voice seemed toe from far away. "I''ve managed to save her life, but I''m afraid the prolonged shock has likely

    left her in a healinga. Given her age and condition... she might never wake up."

    A familiar scent suddenly filled my nostrils - pine and amber, the unmistakable presence of Ethan Stone. He had arrived just in time to hear the devastating

    news.

    Strong arms caught me before I hit the floor. Through blurry vision, I saw Ethan''s amber eyes, filled with concern as he lifted me

    gently.

    "Olivia," he murmured, his Alpha voice rumbling through his chest.

    His wolf curled protectively around mine, an instinctive response to a mate in distress, despite our estrangement. I was too weak to push him away.

    Dr. Fletcher''s voice floated above me. "She''s weakened by her monthly cycle. Let''s get her to a room while I arrange Mrs. Winters''

    transfer."

    I felt myself being carried, Ethan''s heartbeat steady against my ear. The scent of

    moonberry herbal tea reached me as Dr. Fletcher

    administered something to ease my difort.

    "Her hands are ice cold," Ethan said, his voice tight with worry.

    Through half-closed eyes, I watched him tenderly wipe sweat from my forehead.

    Hisrge hand enveloped mine, warming my cold fingers.

    Despite everything between us, his touch was gentle. His lips pressed softly against my forehead, his wolf seeking tofort

    mine.

    I wanted to resist, to remind myself of all the pain he had caused, but exhaustion imed me before I could form the words.

    (Sarah''s POV)

    I slipped into the Emergency Escape Corridor, my heart hammering against my ribs. My hands trembled as I pulled out my phone, checking that no one had followed me.

    Fifty thousand dors. The number danced in my mind, intoxicating in its promise.

    It was a fortune for someone like me a human working among werewolves. It

    would take years of back-breaking work to earn that much legitimately.

    I wasn''t the first care worker to take such shortcuts. Make it look like an ident,

    that''s what Victoria had said. No one would suspect a thing.

    I dialed Victoria''s number, ncing nervously over my shoulder. "It''s done," I whispered when she answered.

    214

    "Are you certain?" Victoria''s voice was cold, calcting.

    "Yes. She''s in aa. Her wolf is too old and weak to heal the damage from

    oxygen deprivation.""

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    I heard Victoria''s satisfied exhale. "Good. The money will be in your ount by

    morning."

    "What if they suspect something?" I asked, anxiety creeping into my voice.

    "They won''t. You made it look like an ident, didn''t you?"

    I nodded, though she couldn''t see me. "Yes. I stayed downwind so they couldn''t catch my scent."

    "Perfect. Now act normal. Pretend you''re devastated."

    The call ended, and I leaned against the wall, letting the reality of what I''d done sink in. The initial guilt I''d felt had faded,

    overshadowed by thoughts of what I could do with such arge sum.

    "It''s not my fault," I muttered to myself. "That Olivia Winters is so stingy with her tips anyway. And the old woman was already

    sick."

    I straightened my uniform and applied scent-neutralizing lotion to mask any lingering anxiety. Taking a deep breath, Iposed

    my features into an expression of appropriate grief.

    Time to return to the ward and y my part.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I awakened to the steady beep of monitors. For a moment, I was disoriented, then the doctor''s words came rushing back.

    "Mom," I whispered, tears streaming down my face as I looked at her unconscious form.

    Shey still, connected to life support, her wolf barely perceptible beneath her pale skin. The sight broke something inside me.

    A warm hand touched my shoulder. I turned to see Ethan watching me, his amber eyes filled with concern.

    "Don''t," I said, pushing his hand away. My wolf was still wary of his touch, despite his recent acts of kindness.

    The door opened, and Sarah entered, her face a mask of concern. "Oh, Ms. Winters, you''re awake! How are you feeling?"

    I stared at her, my emerald eyes narrowing with suspicion. "What happened to my mother? She was stable when I left."

    Sarah''s expression shifted to one of hurt. "I don''t know! I was just doing my job, checking her vitals like I always do."

    "You were the only one with her," I pressed, my voice hardening.

    "Are you using me of something?" Sarah''s voice rose indignantly. "First themp, now this? Maybe I should just quit if you

    don''t trust me!"

    Something in her performance felt off. I remembered the Concealed Pinhole Surveince Camera James had insisted on installing

    after the first "ident" with the Fallen Bedside Lamp.

    "My phone," I said, turning to Ethan. "Give me my phone."

    +15 Bonus

    He handed it to me without question. I quickly installed the surveince monitoring app, my fingers trembling with urgency.

    Sarah continued her act, gathering her belongings. "I don''t need this kind of treatment. I''ve been nothing but dedicated to your

    mother''s care!"

    The video loaded on my screen. My body began to tremble with rage as I watched Sarah deliberately disconnect my mother''s

    oxygen, then stand back and observe her struggle to breathe.

    My wolf surged beneath my skin, protective fury making my vision sharpen. I felt Ethan move closer, looking over my shoulder at

    the damning evidence.

    His face darkened, amber eyes shing with Alpha rage. "Sarah," he growled, the sound freezing the woman in her tracks.

    She turned slowly, her face paling as she saw our expressions. She copsed to her knees, suddenly aware she was trapped in a

    room with two enraged werewolves.

    "I-I didn''t... it wasn''t..." she stammered.

    "We have it on video," I said, my voice deadly calm as I turned the phone toward her. "You deliberately disconnected her oxygen

    and watched her suffer."

    Sarah lunged forward, trying to snatch the phone from my hand. Ethan moved with lightning speed, intercepting her before she

    could reach me.

    I grabbed her wrist, applying just enough pressure to make her wince. "Who put you up to this? Who paid you to hurt my

    mother?"

    Ethan''s brow furrowed in confusion, then understanding dawned. "You think someone ordered this?"

    "Of course someone did," I snapped. "She has no personal motive."

    "Victoria was at Rosewood Haven," Ethan said defensively. "She couldn''t have been involved."

    Sarah''s eyes darted between us, sensing Ethan''s protectiveness toward Victoria. For a moment, I thought she would remain

    silent.

    I tightened my grip on her wrist, ignoring Ethan. "Tell me who paid you, or I swear by the Moon Goddess, I will make you regret it."

    My wolf''s growl rumbled in my throat, making Sarah tremble with primal fear. Humans might not have wolves, but they instinctively recognized the threat.

    Ethan stepped forward, his expression conflicted. He could see my determination, and something in his eyes told me he feared for my already fragile state.

    With deliberate slowness, he ced his foot on Sarah''s instep, applying just enough pressure to make her cry out.

    "Tell her," hemanded, his Alpha voice impossible to resist.

    Sarah broke, tears streaming down her face as she gasped: "It was Ms. Frost!"

 The Alpha King is unavailable 305

    Alpha King Ethan Stone stood frozen, his powerful frame rigid with shock. His amber eyes widened as his wolf surged beneath his

    skin, fighting to break free.

    "How could it be Victoria?" he demanded, his voice a low growl that made the medical equipment tremble.

    The disbelief in his tone was palpable. Even now, faced with Sarah''s confession, he couldn''t reconcile this revtion with the

    woman he''d protected for so long.

    "Victoria was with Emma," he continued, his voice strained. "She couldn''t have done this."

    I watched him struggle, his wolf clearly distressed beneath his skin. The mighty Alpha King, always so certain, now looked lost.

    Sarah Barnes pressed herself against the wall, her human instincts clearly screaming danger. Ethan''s eyes had begun to glow

    with that eerie amber light that signaled his wolf was close to breaking through.

    "I swear it''s true," Sarah whimpered, sliding further away from Ethan. "She paid me to hurt Mrs. Winters."

    Beads of sweat formed on Sarah''s forehead as she trembled before the Alpha''s rage. Her gaze darted between us before settling

    on me.

    ¡°Luna Winters,¡± she pleaded, using my formal title despite my estrangement from Ethan. "I''ll tell you anything you want to know, just please let me go.

    Her use of my title felt like mockery after everything I''d endured. My wolf snarled beneath my skin, urging me to make her pay

    for what she''d done to my mother.

    "Believe me, I never wanted to hurt your mother," Sarah continued, her voice quivering. "That she-wolf Victoria offered me too

    much money, and I was momentarily blinded by greed."

    She wrung her hands dramatically, tears streaming down her face. The performance might have been convincing if I hadn''t seen the video of her calmly watching my mother struggle to breathe.

    "I have elderly parents and young children who need me to support them," she sobbed, her voice rising with desperation. "If something happens to me, my family will be ruined!"

    Her eyes sought mine, pleading for sympathy. The audacity made my wolf snap her jaws in fury.

    "You''re so kind, you wouldn''t have the heart to let my family fall apart, right?" she begged. "And your mother isn''t dead-she''s just in a healinga. She could still wake up with her wolf''s help!"

    I stared at her with cold emerald eyes, my wolf''s rage barely contained beneath my skin. The woman who had nearly killed my mother now appealed to my kindness?

    +15 Bonus

    "Kind?" I repeated, the word like ice on my tongue. "You think I''m kind after what you''ve done?"

    The temperature in the room seemed to drop further as my anger intensified. My hands clenched into fists at my sides, nails digging into my palms.

    "What did Victoria Frost ask you to do?" I finally asked, my voice as frigid as a winter moon.

    Sarah mistook my controlled demeanor for leniency. Her shoulders rxed slightly as she began to confess, words tumbling out in a desperate rush.

    "The day before yesterday, Victoria found me and gave me ten thousand dors to spread rumors around the medical den," she exined, gaining confidence. "She wanted me to tell everyone that Luna Winters was a rogue she-wolf who had used moon herbs to drug the Alpha and force him to break his mate bond with his true intended."

    I felt Ethan stiffen beside me, his wolf growling softly. His scent shifted, hints of confusion and betrayal mixing with his natural pine and amber.

    "I knew the gossip-mongering wolves in the recovery ward gathered to chat during morning rounds," Sarah continued, her voice steadier now. "So Victoria asked me to take your mother there yesterday morning, then find an excuse to leave, abandoning her among them.¡±

    Both Ethan and I instantly understood what had happened next. Ethan''s face hardened like granite, his jaw clenching so tight I could hear his teeth grind.

    "So that''s why my mother fell," I whispered, the piecesing together. "You deliberately left her among hostile wolves who attacked her."

    The memory of Victoria''s words that day shed through my mind-how she had acted innocent, iming my mother had suddenly copsed and fallen down the stairs, and she hadn''t been able to catch her.

    "Victoria made it seem like she was trying to help,¡± Ethan murmured, his voice thick with dawning realization.

    "Today, she promised me fifty thousand dors to find an opportunity to disconnect your mother''s oxygen tube," Sarah continued, her voice taking on a self-righteous tone that made my blood boil. "Under her enticement, I did it." She lifted her chin slightly, as if confessing absolved her of guilt. "It wasn''t my intention. Victoria orchestrated everything; it really has nothing to do with me." The more Sarah spoke, the more justified she seemed to feel. Her eyes darted between us, gauging our reactions.

    "I was just doing my job until she approached me with all that money," she added, her tone almost usatory. "What would you have done?"

    I bit back a snarl. What I would have done was rip Victoria''s throat out for even suggesting such a thing.

    "You chose money over an innocent life," I said, my voice dangerously soft. "You watched my mother struggle to breathe and did nothing."

    +15 Bonus

    Sarah nced down at her wrist, which I had gripped tightly enough to fracture. In her mind, she had already been punished by

    losing her position and suffering a minor injury.

    "I''ve already suffered for my mistake," she said, gesturing to her wrist. "I''ll lose my job, and my reputation will be ruined."

    Ethan listened intently, the temperature around him dropping noticeably as his Alpha aura intensified. Sarah shrank back,

    feeling the silent pressure he exerted.

    "Why would Victoria do such a thing?" he questioned, his voice deceptively calm. "Evelyn Winters has no grievances with her."

    I could see the struggle in his eyes. Deep within, his wolf whined in confusion, still unable to associate the word "vicious" with

    the woman he had protected for so long.

    "Victoria wouldn''t..." he started, then stopped, uncertainty clouding his features.

    Sarah was stumped by the question. Her human mind couldn''tprehend theplex dynamics between werewolves of our

    rank.

    "I-I don''t know," she stammered, shrinking further against the wall. "She just paid me to do it. She didn''t exin why."

    "Was there anything specific Victoria wanted to prevent?" Ethan pressed, his Alpha voice making Sarah tremble. "Did she mention anything about what Evelyn might know?"

    Sarah shook her head frantically. "No! She just said the old woman needed to be silenced before she could talk to her daughter."

    I stood aside with my arms crossed protectively over my chest, watching as the Alpha still made excuses for Victoria even after the truth was revealed.

    "You still don''t want to believe it, do you?" I asked Ethan, my voiceced with bitterness. "Even with the evidence right in front of you."

    A cold, bitterugh escaped my lips, drawing both Ethan''s and Sarah''s attention. The sound held years of pain, betrayal, and rage that had festered beneath the

    surface.

    "Why?" I asked, feeling my emerald eyes sh with the feral light of my wolf. ¡°Because she is not Little Orange at all!"

    The words hung in the air between us, heavy with implications that Ethan had yet

    to fully grasp. His amber eyes widened, confusion evident in their depths.

    "What are you talking about?" he demanded, his voice rough with emotion.

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    "The moonstone amulet wasn''t Victoria''s, she picked it up! You''ve mistaken her for someone else from the very beginning!" I

    red fiercely at Ethan Stone, a powerful Alpha who seemed to lose all reason when it came to Victoria Frost.

    My emerald eyes shed with my wolf''s fury as I confronted him. I wouldn''t be wasting my breath if it weren''t for my mother,

    Matriarch Evelyn, and Lily. I didn''t want Ethan blindly protecting Victoria just because of some imagined "childhood

    sweetheart."

    He could cherish his "childhood sweetheart" all he wanted; I didn''t care. My only concern was justice for my mother whoy in a

    Ethan''s amber eyes studied me intently. His wolf seemed to be processing my words, weighing them against years of certainty.

    "If it''s not Victoria," he asked almost instinctively, "then who is it?"

    The question hung in the air between us. I opened my mouth to answer, to finally reveal the truth that my mother had discovered.

    I was about to speak when the door to the hospital room swung open with dramatic timing.

    Victoria Frost stood in the doorway, her eyes red-rimmed and puffy. Her wolf was projecting distress pheromones so strongly

    that even a human could have sensed her apparent anguish.

    "Olivia," she cried, cutting me off before I could reveal anything, "what do I have to do for you to finally let me go?"

    My eyes shed with a furious hatred, my wolf surging beneath my skin. Perfect timing! This she-wolf was truly vicious,

    manipting everyone and everything around her.

    Werewolf life meant nothing to her. Not my daughter''s, not my mother''s, not even her own daughter''s if it served her purposes.

    "First, you bribed Connor ckthorn to frame me and make Ethan misunderstand me," Victoria continued, her voice trembling

    with false emotion. "When that failed, you started spreading rumors that I''m not Little Orange. What are you trying to do?"

    I felt my control slipping, my wolf wing to the surface. The audacity of this woman to stand there and use me after what

    she''d done to my mother!

    "You say I''m not Little Orange?" I retorted, my voice dripping with venom. "Then who is? You?"

    Something inside me snapped. With werewolf speed, I lunged forward, grabbing Victoria by her perfectly styled hair and

    mming her head against the Hospital Ward door.

    As Victoria reeled from the impact, I rained down ps across her face. Like a vengeful she-wolf, I tightened my grip around her

    throat, pinning her against the door.

    "It''s not me, so it must be you? Victoria Frost, have you convinced yourself you''re Little Orange?" My fury was palpable, filling

    +15 Bonus

    the room with the scent of my rage.

    My fingers constricted around her neck, choking the air from her lungs. I wanted

    to hurt her like she had hurt my family, to make

    her feel a fraction of the pain she had caused.

    Victoria, gasping for breath, looked pleadingly at Ethan Stone. ¡°Ethan... help me..." she choked out, her eyes wide with fear.

    Ethan finally snapped out of his stupor. I could see the words "It''s not me, so it must be you?" echoing in his mind, creating

    cracks in his certainty.

    He strode forward and grabbed my wrist. "Liv!" he eximed, his voice sharp withmand.

    If he didn''t intervene, I would actually kill Victoria. The realization didn''t frighten me as it should have. My wolf wanted her

    blood.

    Even with Ethan pulling at my hand, I refused to release my hold. My wolf''s desire

    to eliminate Victoria was overwhelming, drowning out all reason.

    But I was no match for an Alpha''s strength. He finally pried my fingers loose from Victoria''s throat, leaving angry red marks on

    her pale skin.

    Fearful of another outburst, Ethan pulled Victoria behind him, shielding her from my rage. His wolf was conflicted, torn between protecting his supposed childhood friend and believing the evidence against her.

    "Liv," Ethan said, his voice firm with Alpha authority, "we can''t just condemn Victoria based on the Care Aide''s words..."

    He looked at me, his brow furrowed in confusion. "And what did you mean by what you just said?"

    Victoria, catching her breath, clung to Ethan''s arm like a lifeline. Her wolf whined pathetically, ying the victim to perfection.

    "Ethan, you don''t actually believe her, do you?" she sobbed, her eyes wide with disbelief.

    I watched as sheposed herself, preparing for her next performance. Victoria was nothing if not adaptable, always ready with

    a new lie when cornered.

    "I can say I picked up the moonstone Amulet," she continued, her voice gaining strength as she found her footing.

    My eyes narrowed at the mention of the amulet. That was the key to everything, the physical proof of her deception.

    "But you were the one who couldn''t see as a pup, not Little Orange!" Victoria pressed on, her voice growing more confident. "You

    look so much like you did back then."

    She turned to me, her eyes hardening despite the tears still clinging to hershes.

    "If Olivia were Little Orange, how could she not recognize you?"

    I felt my hands clench into fists at my sides. The maniption was so obvious to me, yet Ethan still hesitated.

    "She loves you so much; if she were Little Orange and knew you were looking for her, how could she not tell you?" Victoria

    continued, driving her point home. 1

    +15 Bonus

    Her words were carefully chosen to nt doubt in Ethan''s mind. She knew exactly

    how to y him, how to use his own

    insecurities against him.

    "If I were an imposter, why didn''t she expose me earlier? Why wait until now?" Victoria''s voice rose with righteous indignation.

    I could see Ethan''s wolf responding to her distress, his protective instincts warring with the evidence before him.

    Victoria''s eyes filled with fresh tears as she delivered her masterstroke. "It''s because she knows Emma''s kidneys are failing and

    she needs a transnt."

    My breath caught in my throat. Emma''s kidneys? The irony was almost too much

    to bear. After what had happened with Lily''s

    donor...

    "She wants revenge on me and Emma," Victoria continued, her voice breaking

    with emotion. "She just wants you to believe I''m

    not Little Orange, that I''m a fake, so you won''t care about me or Emma anymore."

    Ethan''s face paled at the mention of Emma''s condition. I could see his wolf responding to the threat to a pup he considered under his protection. "Without you, we can''t find a kidney donor, and Emma will die," Victoria sobbed, clutching at Ethan''s arm. ¡°And if something happens to Emma, I won''t be able to live either!"

    Her performance was wless, hitting every emotional trigger that would resonate with Ethan''s wolf.

    "That''s what Olivia wants!" Victoria cried, pointing an using finger at me. "She''ll stop at nothing for revenge!"

    #

 The Alpha King is unavailable 307

    (Olivia''s POV)

    "p-"

    The sound echoed through the hospital room as my hand connected with Ethan Stone''s face. The force of my werewolf strength

    sent his head snapping to the side, a red mark blooming instantly on his cheek.

    My chest heaved with fury, my wolf snarling beneath my skin. How dare he still defend Victoria after everything we''d just heard?

    The care aide had confessed everything clearly, yet this blind Alpha couldn''t distinguish right from wrong!

    "Olivia!" Ethan''s voice held shock rather than anger, his amber eyes wide as he touched his reddened cheek.

    "Don''t you dare ''Olivia'' me," I hissed, my emerald eyes shing with my wolf''s rage.

    Two years ago, he blindly shielded Victoria when she harmed Lily. Now, Victoria had nearly killed my mother, leaving her in

    vegetative state, and he was still defending her!

    In his eyes, Lily and my mother''s lives were worthless. Only Victoria''s life mattered.

    The thought of Lily, whose spirit couldn''t rest in peace, and myatose mother fueled my rage. One p wasn''t enough.

    "You need to calm down-" Ethan began, his Alpha voice firm.

    "Calm down?" I cut him off, my voice rising with each word: "Ethan Stone, Victoria killed Lily and now my mother is a vegetable

    because of her, and you want me to calm down?"

    My hand rose again, the need to strike him overwhelming. My wolf was beyond reason, consumed by grief and rage.

    "My mother must have been blind to save you, you ungrateful wretch!" I spat, tears burning in my eyes.

    My mother had saved him, only for him to protect the she-wolf who hurt her!

    I swung my hand again, connecting with his face in another stinging p. The sound cracked through the room like a whip.

    Sarah Barnes, the care aide, pressed herself against the wall, clearly wishing she could disappear. Her eyes were wide with fear at

    witnessing the Luna strike the Alpha King.

    Victoria cowered behind Ethan, her performance of the terrified victim wless as always. Her wolf was projecting distress

    pheromones so strongly that they filled the entire room.

    (Ethan''s POV)

    Her words hit me harder than her p. My mother saved me? What was she talking about?

    Before I could process her meaning, Olivia''s hand connected with my face again, the backhand p catching me off guard.

    HIS DUTTES

    My reflexes kicked in, my wolf surging as I grabbed her wrist with Alpha strength. The touch sent a jolt through me, a strange familiarity I couldn''t ce.

    "Olivia Winters, do you even know what you''re saying?" I demanded, my voice rough with emotion.

    Her emerald eyes burned with a conviction that shook me to my core. There was no deception there, only raw, unfiltered truth and pain.

    Victoria clutched my arm, releasing distressed pheromones that filled the room. Her wolf whined pathetically, projecting

    vulnerability that called to my protective instincts.

    "Ethan, you don''t actually believe her, do you?" Victoria cried, her voice trembling. "Little Orange was so attached to her ''Ice

    Block Brother,'' why wouldn''t she acknowledge you?"

    Her fingers dug into my arm as she continued, her voice rising with desperation.

    "If I were an imposter, why didn''t she expose me earlier? Why wait until now?"

    Victoria turned to Olivia, her voice dripping with false innocence. "Olivia, are you taking Ethan for a fool?"

    I felt the tension in the room escte. Victoria''s words were calcted, designed to sow doubt.

    Olivia''s emerald eyes shed dangerously, her wolf bristling beneath her skin. "Because I lost my memory!" she retorted, her

    voice cracking with emotion.

    The words hit me like a physical blow. Lost her memory? Could it be possible?

    My wolf paced restlessly beneath my skin, uncertain and confused. Something about Olivia''s rage felt familiar, like a distant

    memory struggling to surface.

    Victoria clung to me tighter, her voice trembling as she pressed her advantage. "Olivia, do you even believe what you''re saying? Is

    it really that coincidental? You''ve forgotten everything, except for Ethan?"

    She looked up at me, tears streaming down her face. Her performance was wless, hitting every emotional trigger that would

    resonate with my wolf.

    "Ethan, Olivia knows Emma''s kidney transnt is failing," Victoria continued, her voice breaking. "She wants revenge on me

    and Emma, so she made up this lie about being Little Orange."

    The mention of Emma''s condition made my heart clench. The young pup had been through so much already.

    ''Without you, we can''t find a kidney donor, and Emma will die," Victoria sobbed, clutching at my arm. "And if something

    happens to Emma, I won''t be able to live either!"

    She dissolved into tears, her wolf projecting vulnerability pheromones throughout the medical den. The scent was overwhelming,

    designed to trigger my protective instincts.

    But something felt off. My wolf growled softly, sensing deception but unable to pinpoint its source.

    I looked at Olivia, whose face was flushed with anger and frustration. There was something in her eyes-a truth that resonated with a part of me I''d long forgotten.

    "That''s what Olivia wants!" Victoria cried, pointing an using finger. "She''ll stop at nothing for revenge!"

    Sarah Barnes, still pressed against the wall, watched the scene unfold with wide eyes. Her testimony about Victoria''s involvement in Evelyn''s condition weighed heavily on my mind.

    For years, I''d believed Victoria was Little Orange, my childhood friend who had saved me during the darkest period of my life.

    But what if I''d been wrong?

    The thought was almost too painful to consider. If Victoria wasn''t Little Orange, then who was? And why had I been so blind?

    I looked at Olivia, really looked at her. Her emerald eyes, the determined set of

    her jaw, the way her wolf surged beneath her skin

    when she was angry-all of it felt achingly familiar.

    Before, I wouldn''t have believed such an oundish usation. As Victoria said, it

    was too much of a coincidence. Amnesia, the

    timing of the usation, everything.

    Yet, a thought nagged at me, my wolf growing increasingly restless: What if Olivia

    was telling the truth? What if she *was* Little Orange?

    Despite knowing it was improbable, I found myself asking, my Alpha voice

    softening, "Olivia, you say Victoria isn''t Little Orange,

    do you have any proof?"

    Victoria gasped beside me, her grip on my arm tightening painfully. "Ethan! You

    can''t seriously be considering this!"

    I ignored her, my focus entirely on Olivia. Something in her eyes called to my wolf,

    a connection I couldn''t deny any longer.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 308

    (Olivia''s POV)

    "What proof do you have that I''m not Little Orange?" Victoria challenged, her wolf radiating confidence and arrogance.

    Her lips curled into a provocative smirk as she moved closer to Ethan, deliberately releasing possessive pheromones that made my stomach turn. She was relishing my apparent helplessness, thinking she had me cornered.

    I clenched my fists, realizing Icked concrete evidence about the moonstone pendant. My mother had been about to tell me everything before Victoria''s scheme put her in aa.

    "You want proof?" I said, my voice steady despite my wolf bristling beneath my skin. "Let''s focus on what we do have evidence for-your involvement in my mother''s condition."

    Victoria''s smirk faltered slightly. "What are you talking about?"

    I pulled out my phone, my emerald eyes never leaving her face. "I''m calling Chief Walter Garrison right now. Let''s see what the

    Territory Enforcers have to say about you instructing Edith Barnes to harm my mother." 1

    Victoria''s eyes widened with genuine shock before she quicklyposed herself. "This is ridiculous! I had nothing to do with what happened to your mother!"

    She turned to Ethan, her wolf whining pathetically. "Ethan, you can''t possibly believe this!"

    (Ethan''s POV)

    I watched the confrontation unfold, my wolf unusually quiet beneath my skin. For years, I''d trusted Victoria without question,

    but Sarah Barnes'' confession and Olivia''s unwavering conviction had nted seeds of doubt.

    "Actually," I said, my amber eyes serious as I addressed Victoria, "there was a hidden pinhole surveince camera in Evelyn''s Hospital Ward."

    Victoria''s face paled visibly. "What?"

    "And Edith Barnes has already confessed to following your instructions," I continued, maintaining a neutral stance. My wolf

    remained uncharacteristically restrained as I studied her reaction. (1

    "That''s that''s absurd!" Victoria stammered, her usualposure cracking. "She''s lying! They''re all lying!"

    "The Territory Enforcers'' investigation will reveal the truth," I stated firmly.

    Victoria''s eyes darted between Olivia and me, realizing I wasn''t immediately jumping to her defense. She clutched my arm

    desperately.

    ¡°But what about Emma?" she pleaded, her voice breaking. "She needs me! Her wolf recognizes only me as her mother!"

    I felt a pang of concern for the young pup who had be so important to me. Emma would indeed be distressed by Victoria''s

    absence, but if Victoria had truly attempted to murder Evelyn Winters...

    "I will personally care for Emma during your absence," I assured her, my Alpha presencemanding as I made the decision.

    Victoria''s scent shifted, notes of fear and anger mixing with her usual floral perfume. For the first time, I found myself questioning everything I thought I knew about her.

    Olivia stood tall, her emerald eyes shing with vindication. There was something hauntingly familiar about her determination, something that called to my wolf in ways I couldn''t exin.

    "Chief Garrison will be here shortly," Olivia said, her voice steady. "I suggest you prepare yourself, Victoria."

    The tension in the room was palpable as we waited, each lost in our own thoughts. My wolf paced restlessly beneath my skin, torn

    between loyalty to Victoria and the growing suspicion that I had been blind for far too long. 1

    When Chief Walter Garrison arrived with two Territory Enforcers, Victoria''s mask of innocence slipped further. Her wolf

    projected distress pheromones so strongly that even the human officers seemed affected.

    "Victoria Frost," Chief Garrison announced formally, "you''re being detained for questioning regarding the attempted murder of

    Evelyn Winters."

    Victoria''s eyes filled with tears as she looked at me pleadingly. "Ethan, please! Don''t let them do this!"

    I remained silent, my decision already made. The Territory Enforcers would conduct their investigation, and justice would be

    served-regardless of who Victoria truly was to me.

    At the Shadowfall Detention Center, Olivia and I gave our statements separately.

    Chief Garrison, acutely aware of my position as

    Alpha King, approached me with deferential bodynguage.

    "Alpha King Stone," he said quietly, "given your... rtionship with Ms. Frost, how would you like us to proceed?"

    I understood his meaning immediately. As Alpha King, I could influence the investigation if I chose to. Victoria clearly expected

    me to do exactly that.

    "Proceed ording to protocol, Chief," I replied firmly. "No special treatment."

    Victoria, who had been watching our interaction from across the room, looked stricken. She hurried over, her wolf projecting

    distress pheromones.

    "Ethan, please use your influence!" she begged, her voice low and urgent. "Don''t

    let them keep me overnight-Emma needs me!

    Her wolf will panic without sensing mine nearby."

    I looked into her eyes-eyes I had trusted implicitly for years-and felt my resolve strengthen.

    "Victoria, my priority is uncovering the truth," I said, my voice carrying the unmistakable weight of an Alpha''s decision. ¡°Emma

    will be safe with me."

 The Alpha King is unavailable 309

    Her face transformed, disappointment and rage shing across her features before she could mask them. Her wolf snarled beneath her skin, a reaction that surprised me with its intensity.

    Officer Benjamin Trent stepped forward. "Ms. Frost, this way please."

    As Victoria was led away, Olivia watched with visible relief washing through her. She left the center with her head held high, and I followed at a respectful distance, my mind churning with unanswered questions.

    Outside, I caught up to Olivia as she headed toward her car. "I''ll drive you back to the Medical Den."

    She hesitated, clearly reluctant to ept my offer. "That''s not necessary."

    "I insist," I said, my tone brooking no argument. My wolf was restless with unresolved questions, and I needed answers only she could provide.

    Reluctantly, she followed me to my Midnight Maybach. The drive began in tense silence, the air between us heavy with unspoken words.

    "Why are you so convinced Victoria isn''t Little Orange?" I finally asked, my knuckles white on the steering wheel.

    Olivia remained defiantly silent, her wolf projecting walls of emotional distance. The scent of her determination filled the car, mingled with something else- vindication.

    "Olivia," I pressed, "if you know something-"

    "I''ve said all I need to say for now," she interrupted, her voice cool. "The evidence against Victoria speaks for itself."

    I wanted to push further, but something held me back. My wolf sensed that forcing the issue would only drive her further away.

    When we arrived at the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den, Olivia immediately exited the vehicle without a backward nce. I watched her disappear through the entrance, her scent trailing notes of determination and vindication.

    Sighing heavily, I called Maxwell Chen. "Meet me here. I need to go to Crescent Moon Medical Center to check on Emma."

    (Victoria''s POV)

    The harsh fluorescent lights of the Shadowfall Detention Center made my skin look sickly pale. I wrinkled my nose at the stench

    of unwashed bodies and cheap moonlight wine that permeated the air.

    This was beneath me. I, Victoria Frost, did not belong in a ce like this, surrounded bymon criminals and rogue wolves.

    "Move it," the guard growled, shoving me toward the cell block.

    My wolf bristled at the disrespect. Didn''t he know who I was? I was practically the Luna of the Silvercrest Pack, the most powerful pack in the Northern Territory!

    The cell door nged shut behind me, and I found myself facing a dozen pairs of hostile eyes. Female wolves of various ranks

    lounged on metal bunks, their gazes calcting as they assessed the neer.

    met

    I lifted my chin, my natural arrogance asserting itself despite my circumstances. These mongrels needed to understand their ce.

    "What are you looking at?" I snapped at a muscr she-wolf with a jagged scar across her cheek. She was clearly one of The

    Crescent Sisters, a notorious group of female rogues. 1

    The she-wolf''s eyes narrowed dangerously. "Fresh meat," she growled, her wolf surging beneath her skin.

    I scoffed, failing to recognize the genuine threat. "Keep your mongrel stench away from me."

    The cell went deadly silent. Toote, I realized my mistake.

    The scarred she-wolf lunged forward with werewolf speed, her fist connecting

    with my jaw before I could react. Pain exploded

    across my face as I stumbled backward.

    "Who do you think you are?" she

    snarled, her wolf raging beneath her skin. "You think your fancy clothes and Alpha''s protection mean anything in here?"  fo

    I tried to fight back, but my wolf-ustomed to dominance through maniption

    rather than true strength-was no match for

    hers. She grabbed my hair, yanking my head back painfully.

    "Look, sisters,¡± she called to the others, "the Mistress Luna thinks she''s better than us!"

    The other inmates circled me, their wolves sensing weakness and moving in for the kill. One grabbed my arms while another

    "Not so high and mighty now, are you?" the scarred she-wolf taunted,nding another blow that split my lip.

    Blood trickled down my chin as they dragged me across the cell floor toward the corner where a Rusted Iron Detention Bucket sat.

    The stench was overwhelming, even to my weakened wolf senses.

    "Perfect ce for trash like you," one of them sneered, shoving me down next to the bucket.

    My stomach heaved at the foul odor. I tried to crawl

    way, but a boot on my back kept me pinned in ce.

    "Stay where you belong," the scarred she-wolfmanded, her dominance pheromones filling the cell.

    Unable to escape the stench, I vomited repeatedly, my body

    convulsing as my stomach emel

    itself The other inmatesughed, enjoying my humiliation.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 310

    (Victoria''s POV)

    "Mmph!" I tried to spit it out, gagging on the disgusting fabric.

    The scarred she-wolf''s eyes gleamed with malicious delight. "Push it deeper, sisters. Our guest doesn''t appreciate our

    hospitality."

    A third wolf grabbed my jaw, forcing it open wider as the second shoved the rag further into my mouth. The fabric mixed with my

    own vomit, creating a paste that coated my tongue.

    My body shook uncontrobly. Tears welled in my eyes as the full weight of my situation crashed down on me. I was Victoria

    Frost-practically the Luna of the Silvercrest Pack! This couldn''t be happening to

    me.

    I looked up at my tormentors with what I hoped was a pitiful, pleading expression.

    It was a look that had worked countless times

    on Ethan and other wolves who fell for my maniptions.

    The scarred she-wolf''s face contorted with rage. She spat directly into my face, the warm saliva sliding down my cheek.

    "Look at me like that again, and I''ll gouge your eyes out," she growled, her ws extending menacingly.

    Terror shot through me. I immediately shut my eyes, not daring to challenge her threat..

    "That''s better," sheughed, shoving me harder against the wall.

    The other inmates dragged themunal toilet over, positioning it directly in front of me. They pushed me into the corner, trapping me in a space barelyrge enough for my body.

    "Perfect spot for you," one of them jeered. "Now you can enjoy the view all night long."

    I couldn''t move. The wall pressed against my back, the toilet blocked my front, and the bucket of filth sat inches from my face. The cramped position made my muscles scream in protest.

    Throughout the night, inmates used the toilet right in front of me. Each flush sent droplets of filthy water sshing onto my face and clothes. The stench grew increasingly unbearable.

    Minutes stretched into hours. Each second was an eternity of humiliation and difort. My designer clothes-worth more than

    these mongrels would see in a year-were now soiled beyond recognition.

    I silently cursed Olivia Winters. This was her fault. Somehow, she had turned Ethan against me. After everything I''d done to secure my position, that worthless Omega had managed to ruin it all.

    If I ever got out of here, I would make her pay. I would destroy everything she loved-just as I had done with her precious

    daughter Lily.

    The thought of revenge was the only thing that kept me from breakingpletely as I endured this nightmare.

    +15 Bonus

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I hadn''t meant to fall asleep. The steady beeping of the medical monitors had lulled me into an exhausted slumber, my head resting ufortably on the edge of my mother''s hospital bed.

    A gentle pressure on my shoulder roused me. I blinked awake, momentarily disoriented by the harsh fluorescent lighting of the

    Silvercrest Pack Medical Den.

    "You need proper rest," a deep, familiar voice said.

    I looked up to find Lucas ckwood standing beside me, his powerful presence filling the small hospital room. His gray eyes reflected genuine concern as he gazed down at me.

    "Lucas,"I murmured, straightening in my chair. "When did you get here?"

    "Just now," he replied, his voice low and soothing. "I came as soon as I heard about your mother."

    I rubbed my eyes, trying to clear the fog of sleep. "How did you know?"

    A slight smile curved his lips. "I have my connections. Word travels fast when it concerns people I care about."

    The admission surprised me. Lucas ckwood, the imposing Alpha of the Moonstone Pack, wasn''t known for expressing concern

    so openly.

    "You should go home and sleep in a proper bed," he continued, his gaze moving

    to my mother''s still form. "I''ll take the vigil

    upon myself."

    I hesitated, reluctant to leave my mother''s side even for a moment. Victoria

    might be in custody, but I didn''t trust that she

    wouldn''t find some way to harm my mother again.

    As if sensing my thoughts, Lucas added, "No one will get past me, Olivia. Your mother will be

    safe.''

    There was something in his tone-an absolute certainty that came from being one of the most powerful Alphas in the Northern. Territory. His protective demeanor created a sense of safety that my exhausted mind responded to instinctively.

    "Just for a few hours," I conceded, rising from the ufortable chair. My body ached from the awkward position I''d slept in.

    Lucas nodded, taking my ce in the chair be here when you return."

    I paused at the door, looking back at this enigmatic man who had inserted himself into my life with such determination. "Thank

    you,

    Lucas,"

    His only response was a slight nod, his attention already focused on my mother''s monitoring equipment.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 311

    +15 Bonus

    The next morning, I returned to find Lucas exactly where I''d left him, his vignt presence unchanged despite the hours that had

    passed.

    "You stayed all night," I observed, setting down my bag.

    "I said I would,¡± he replied simply, rising from the chair. "Your mother''s condition is stable. There''s been no change."

    I nodded, both relieved and disappointed. Stable meant she wasn''t getting worse, but she also wasn''t waking up.

    "You must be hungry," Lucas said, checking his watch. "The private dining area should be open. Join me for breakfast."

    It wasn''t really a question, but I found I didn''t mind hismanding tone. After the emotional roller coaster of the past few days,

    there was somethingforting about not having to make decisions.

    The medical den''s private dining area was quiet, reserved for pack officials and special guests. Lucas had already arranged for

    food to be waiting for us-a selection of fresh fruits, venison sausage, and warm bread.

    As we ate, Lucas pushed a thermos toward me. "Spiced Longan-Ginger Red Date Tea," he exined. "It helps with the pain.

    I looked at him in surprise. "How did you know?"

    A hint of a smile touched his lips. "Your scent changes slightly. Most wolves wouldn''t notice, but I pay attention."

    I felt my cheeks warm at his admission. The fact that he had noticed such a personal detail about me was both embarrassing and

    oddly touching.

    "Thank you," I said, pouring the fragrant tea. The warm, spicy aroma was immediately soothing.

    Lucas nodded, his usually intimidating demeanor softened in the morning light. "We should visit the Shadow Creek Police Precinct after breakfast. I want to hear directly from the officers about Victoria''s detention''

    I agreed, taking a sip of the tea. The blend of herbs immediately eased the cramping pain I''d been trying to ignore.

    "James Knight arrived while you were sleeping," Lucas informed me. "He''s with your mother now."

    I nearly choked on my tea. "James is here? When did he get back?"

    "Early this morning. He seems quite protective of you and your mother."

    There was a note in Lucas''s voice I couldn''t quite identify-not jealousy, exactly, but something close to it.

    After finishing our meal, we prepared to leave for the police precinct. We stopped by my mother''s room first, where James sat vigntly by her bedside.

    James looked up as we entered, his amber-flecked eyes serious for once. He held a baseball bat across hisp-Knight''s Midnight

    Defense Bat, as he called it.

    +15 Bonus

    "Liv," he greeted me, his usual flirtatious tone absent. "How are you holding up?"

    "I''m managing," I replied, touched by his concern. "Lucas and I are heading to the police station to check on Victoria''s case."

    James nodded, his grip tightening on the bat. "No one will get past me. Go find justice for Mother Winters."

    His determination was clear, and I felt a surge of gratitude for his loyalty. Between Lucas and James, my mother would be well-

    protected in my absence.

    At the Shadow Creek Police Precinct, we were immediately escorted to a private meeting room. To my surprise, Ethan Stone was already there, deep in conversation with Officer Daniel Brooks.

    Officer Brooks looked up as we entered, his expression professionally neutral. "Ms. Winters, Mr. ckwood, thank you for

    "We''ve made significant progress in the investigation," Officer Brooks began. "I was just informing Alpha King Stone that Victoria Frost is innocent of the attack on Evelyn Winters."

    The words hit me like a physical blow. "What?" I gasped, fury surging through me.

    Before I could stop myself, 1 lunged forward and pped Ethan across his face, the sound cracking through the room.

    "How dare you continue to protect her!" I snarled, my emerald eyes shing dangerously. "After everything she''s done, you''re still defending her?"

    Ethan''s wolf surged beneath his skin, his eyes shing with anger at the public challenge. But before he could respond, Lucas stepped between us, his powerful presence creating a buffer.

    The officer cleared his throat, clearly ufortable with the tension between two powerful Alphas and myself.

    "Ms. Winters,¡± he exined carefully. "We''ve found the real culprit."

    My anger faltered, confusion taking its ce. ¡°What do you mean?"

    "If you''ll follow me," Officer Brooks said, gesturing toward the door, "I think it''s best

    if you see for yourself."

    He led us down a corridor to Interrogation Cell 7. Through the one-way ss, I could see a man sitting at a metal table, his hands cuffed.

    I gasped as recognition dawned. "Connor ckthorn?"

    "We''ve discovered that Mr. ckthorn orchestrated the smear campaign against you," Officer Brooks exined. ¡°He also bribed Edith Barnes to harm your

    mother."

 The Alpha King is unavailable 312

    (Olivia''s POV)

    "But the person my mother''s caregiver personally identified yesterday was clearly Victoria..." I argued, my emerald eyes shing

    with fury as I faced the Territory Enforcers.

    My wolf simmered beneath my skin, desperate to break free and seek justice for my mother. The sterile walls of the Shadow Creek

    Police Precinct seemed to close in around me as the officers exchanged ufortable nces.

    "Ms. Winters," Officer Brooks exined patiently, "we''ve thoroughly investigated the housekeeper''s testimony. It appears her identification was based on hearsay and a misunderstanding."

    I shook my head vehemently. "That''s impossible. Edith Barnes specifically told me

    "She formed her conclusions after overhearing your usations against Victoria at the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den," Officer

    Benjamin Trent interjected. "Our investigation confirms that Connor ckthorn was the sole person who contacted her

    regarding your mother."

    My hands clenched into fists as I struggled to maintain control. "You can''t possibly believe that. Connor is clearly just a pawn in

    Victoria''s scheme!"

    Lucas ckwood stood silently beside me, his powerful presence offering silent support. I could sense his wolf''s protective

    instincts responding to my distress.

    "Ms. Winters," Officer Brooks continued, his tone sympathetic but firm, "we understand your concern, but we must follow the

    evidence. Connor ckthorn has confessed to orchestrating the entire plot."

    My wolf howled with protective rage beneath my skin. "Please," I pleaded, "you need to investigate further. Victoria Frost is manipting this situation, just as she''s manipted everything else!"

    (Connor''s POV)

    tent any longer.

    "Victoria had nothing to do with this!" I shouted, unable to remain silent any longer.

    Blood trickled from my split lip as I sat handcuffed to the metal interrogation table. My wolf projected defensive pheromones, filling the small room with the scent of desperation.

    "This is all on me," I insisted, meeting Olivia''s furious gaze. "Victoria is innocent."

    Ethan Stone''s amber eyes narrowed dangerously as he stepped closer to me. His Alpha presence filled the room, making it difficult to breathe.

    "Exin yourself," hemanded, his voice carrying the unmistakable timbre of an Alpha order.

    I swallowed hard, tasting copper. "I did this to protect Emma. She''s my daughter, and Victoria is the only mother she''s ever known."

    +15 Bonus

    The room fell silent at my confession. Olivia''s emerald eyes widened in shock, while Ethan''s face darkened with rage.

    "If Victoria''s maniptions were exposed, you would abandon Emma," I continued, my wolf''s eyes gleaming with desperate conviction. "I couldn''t let that happen. My daughter deserves health and security within the pack."

    I turned my attention back to Olivia, hatred burning in my gaze. "This is your fault, Olivia Winters. You''ve been trying to destroy Victoria from the beginning, just because Ethan chose her over you!"

    Ethan''s wolf surged forward at my usation. With a snarl of pure Alpha rage, he kicked me with such force that my chair toppled backward. Blood sprayed from my mouth, spattering across the interrogation room floor.

    "You dare speak to her that way?" Ethan growled, his amber eyes glowing with fury.

    Officer Brooks quickly stepped between us. "Alpha King Stone, please! This is a police precinct!"

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I maintained myposure despite Connor''s provocation, though my wolf simmered just beneath the surface, demanding retribution for his lies.

    "Where did the moneye from?" I asked, my voice steady despite my inner turmoil. "The half-million dors used to bribe Edith Barnes-that had toe from Victoria."

    Connor Shot

    spat blood onto the floor, his defiant gaze never leaving mine. "Think whatever you want. I''m the one who paid Edith."

    Ethan stepped forward, his Alpha presence filling the room as he turned to face me. "Enough, Olivia."

    Hismanding tone made my wolf bristle with indignation. "The money was indeed from Victoria," he admitted, "but it was intended for Connor to leave Silvercrest Territory, not to harm your mother."

    I stared at him in disbelief. "And you believe that?"

    ng you to drop this matter," Ethan said firmly. "I give you my word that I will personally ensure justice for your

    "I''m asking

    mother''

    gray eyes held a warning

    Lucas moved closer to me, his powerful Alpha scent providingfort as my frustration mounted. His gray eyes as he assessed the situation.

    The door to the interrogation room opened, and Victoria entered in her Raven- Trimmed Wheelchair. Her face was pale and drawn, with visible bruises marring her usually perfectplexion. Her wolf projected vulnerability pheromones that filled the

    Toum.

    "Ethan," she whimpered, her voice barely above a whisper. "Please take me back to the Medical Den. I don''t feel well."

    Ethan''s protective instincts responded instantly to her distress. He moved to her side, his hand gently touching her shoulder. "Of course. We''re leaving now."

    "You can''t be serious," I protested, unable to believe what I was witnessing. "She''s manipting you again!"

    +15 Bonus

    Ethan''s jaw tightened as he turned to face me. "Victoria spent the night in detention because of your usations. She deserves

    medical attention."

    Victoria''s eyes met mine briefly, and I caught a sh of triumph beneath her carefully constructed mask of suffering. My wolf howled with rage at the injustice.

    "This isn''t over," I warned, my emerald eyes shing dangerously. Ethan''s patience visibly thinned. "It is over, Olivia. The Territory Enforcers have made their determination."

    My wolf surged forward, desperate to challenge his authority. "You can''t just let her walk away from this!"

    "Enough!" Ethan ordered, his voice carrying the Alpha timbre that made even Lucas''s wolf take notice. "Victoria spent the night in the Shadowcrypt Dungeon because I failed to question her more thoroughly. I won''tpound that mistake by prolonging her suffering."

    Lucas stepped forward, his gray eyes narrowing as he studied Victoria. "Impressive performance," hemented coldly. "The bruises are a nice touch."

    Victoria flinched, her wolf projecting fear pheromones that made Ethan''s protective instincts re even stronger.

    rself, ckwood." Ethan warned, his amber eyes faING R

    II

    his amber eyes shing. "You''re blindly siding Olivia without considering the

    "And you''re blindly protecting Victoria," Lucas countered, his powerful presence a direct challenge to Ethan''s authority.

    Officer Brooks cleared his throat, clearly ufortable with the tension between two powerful Alphas. "Gentlemen, please. We''ve conducted a thorough investigation and found no evidence linking Ms. Frost to the attack on Evelyn Winters."

    I recognized the futility of my efforts against packw enforcement. With a heavy heart, I watched as Ethan wheeled Victoria toward the door, her rival having once again escaped ountability.

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    (Victoria''s POV)

    "Lucas, let''s go back to the Healing Den." Olivia''s voice was weak, her emerald eyes dull with exhaustion.

    I watched her slender frame sag with fatigue. She looked pathetic, like she might copse at any moment. Good, Let her suffer.

    "Alright," Lucas ckwood replied, his voice gentle as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders.

    My wolf bristled beneath my skin as I watched Olivia lean into him, not resisting his touch. Their closeness was unmistakable as they walked toward the exit together. I nced at Ethan and saw the jealousy sh across his face.

    His amber eyes narrowed, tracking Olivia''s every move. He took an instinctive step forward, clearly wanting to follow them, to

    pull his Luna back into his arms.

    I tugged his wrist sharply, reminding him of my presence. "Ethan," I whimpered, injecting vulnerability into my voice.

    He blinked, as if suddenly remembering I was still there in my wheelchair. The momentary spell broken, he looked down at me

    with conflicted eyes.

    "Ethan, can you help me with the paperwork now?" I asked softly, my wolf projecting vulnerability pheromones that filled the

    space between us.

    "Mm," he answered, lowering his gaze and pulling his attention away from Olivia''s retreating form.

    He apanied the Territory Enforcers toplete the formalities for my release. The moment he disappeared from sight, I wheeled myself after Olivia, my eyes burning with resentment, my wolf bristling beneath my skin.

    Outside the police precinct, I spotted Lucas heading for the parking lot. He left Olivia waiting alone at the entrance, clearly not wanting her to walk any further in her fragile state.

    Perfect. She was alone.

    I nced at the security cameras mounted above the entrance, calcting their angles. Carefully, I positioned my wheelchair with my back to the surveince equipment, making sure my actions and words would not be recorded. From this position, I could still monitor the entrance from the corner of my eye, watching for Ethan or anyone else who might interrupt.

    "Olivia Winters, you guessed right. It was me," I said coldly, not bothering to turn and look at her directly.

    My wolf''s eyes gleamed with malice as I finally spoke the truth. "It was me who made Connor ckthorn spread rumors about you being a rogue''s mate, just to agitate your mother. I pushed your mother down the stairs and bribed Edith Barnes to pull out her oxygen tube. I wanted her dead! She deserved it! Just like your little pup deserved to die!"

    With each word, my hatred deepened, my wolf snarling beneath my skin. The release of finally speaking these truths aloud was Intoxicating

    +15 Bonus

    "Your very existence is a crime against this pack," I spat, my voice dripping with venom. "You and your worthless daughter never belonged here. You stole what should have been mine!"

    My fingers tightened on the armrests of my wheelchair. "No one will take my ce as Little Orange. No one! Not even you, Olivia Winters, I''ve worked too hard, sacrificed too much to let you ruin everything now."

    I could sense her rage building, her wolf howling beneath her skin. Good. I wanted her to break.

    "You should thank me, really," I continued, my voice turning sickeningly sweet. "Your little runt died at five-just a pup, all alone down there in the Moonlight Fair, so pitiful!"

    I twisted the knife deeper. "And you, the cowardly Luna, too afraid to die, not even willing to go down and apany her. So I, as her aunt, had to do something good-send her grandmother down to keep herpany!"

    I couldn''t help the triumphant note that crept into my voice. "Too bad the old woman survived both the fall and the unplugged oxygen tube. She''s more resilient than I expected."

    (Olivia''s POV)

    Every word Victoria spoke was like a silver de slicing through my heart. My wolf raged beneath my skin, wing to break free and tear this monster apart.

    But I noticed the security cameras above us. This was another of Victoria''s traps. She was deliberately baiting me, hoping I would attack her and be caught on camera. Then she could y the victim again and have me imprisoned by the Territory Enforcers.

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    I forced myself to remain still, though my entire body trembled with the effort.

    Victoria pressed harder, her words bing more cutting, her wolf''s scent turning acidic with hatred.

    "Why are you all still alive?" she spat, her eyes gleaming with malice. "You should just die with your useless mother and reunite with your little bastard pup in the ancestral hunting grounds!"

    I was on the verge of copse, every muscle taut with rage and despair. My wolf wed beneath my skin, desperate to break free and attack. The mention of Lily- my precious daughter-in such cruel terms was almost more than I could bear.

    At that moment, Lucas ckwood drove up in his Armored SUV. He couldn''t hear what Victoria was saying, but one look at her triumphant, vicious expression told him everything he needed to know.

    His gray eyes met mine through the windshield, and I saw understanding dawn in them. He recognized what was holding me back

    -the cameras.

    Lucas silently mouthed to me, "Do it. I''ll handle the cameras."

    Our tacit understanding was perfect. Without hesitation, Lucas suddenly elerated, bringing his Armored SUV around to block the line of sight from the security cameras.

    In that instant, I sprang into action.

    My wolf lent me strength I didn''t know I possessed. I stormed up to Victoria, grabbed a fistful of her perfectly styled hair, and pped her across the face with all my might.

    Again and again, my hand connected with her cheek, each strike fueled by years of hatred and grief. For Lily. For my n

    mother. For every moment of suffering this woman had caused.

    I didn''t hold back. Only my own exhaustion eventually stopped my arms when I could no longer lift them, my wolf panting with satisfaction beneath my skin.

    Victoria, caught off guard, was stunned at first. Her eyes widened in shock before pain flooded her senses, her wolf cowering beneath her skin.

    "Olivia Winters, you bitch!" she screamed, blood streaming from her split lip as she tried to fight back with her weakened arms. But Lucas appeared behind her, his strong hands pinning Victoria''s arms so she could do nothing but take the beating. Her cheeks swelled, streaked with blood, her wolf whimpering in pain and humiliation

    When my arms finally gave out, I delivered one final kick to her wheelchair. The force sent Victoria-chair and all-tumbling down the steps of the precinct.

    She screamed in terror as she fell face-first into a dirty puddle at the roadside. Her Raven-Trimmed Wheelchair crashed painfully against her outstretched hands as filthy water filled her mouth, cutting short her wolf''s howl of pain.

    Chapter

    (Ethan''s POV)

    +15 Bonus

    I finished the paperwork with the Territory Enforcers, signing the final release forms for Victoria. Looking around, I realized she was no longer in the waiting

    area.

    "Where''s Victoria?" I asked Officer Benjamin Trent, who was organizing the files.

    "She left a few minutes ago, Alpha King Stone," he replied respectfully. "I believe she went outside."

    Frowning, I hurried toward the exit. Victoria was still weak from her night in detention-she shouldn''t be alone.

    The moment I stepped outside, my Alpha senses picked up distress pheromones. The scent was unmistakable-Victoria was in danger.

    My eyes quickly found her sprawled on the ground at the bottom of the steps, her wheelchair overturned beside her. Her face was battered and bloodied, almost unrecognizable beneath the swelling and bruises.

    My wolf surged with protective rage as I rushed to her side. Gently, I helped her up from the dirty water, cradling her against my chest.

    ¡°Victoria,¡± I whispered, staring at her swollen, bleeding face. My anger boiled over, my amber eyes shing with Alpha fury. "Ethan," Victoria choked out, tears and blood mingling on her cheeks, her wolf projecting pitiful vulnerability pheromones,

    "it

    was Olivia..."

 The Alpha King is unavailable 315

    (Victoria''s POV)

    vered as I leaned into Ethan''s strong arms outside the

    "Ethan, it''s Olivia... she''s the one who beat me up like this." My voice quivered police station.

    Every breath sent sharp pains through my ribs. My face throbbed where that bitch had struck me repeatedly. I could taste blood in my mouth, metallic and warm

    My wolf whimpered beneath my skin, projecting vulnerability pheromones that I knew would trigger Ethan''s Alpha instincts. I''d perfected this technique over years-appearing helpless always brought out his protective nature.

    "She attacked me without provocation," I sobbed, clinging tighter to his powerful waist. ¡°I was just sitting in my wheelchair, waiting for you, when she came at me like a rabid animal."

    I cast a teary nce at Olivia over Ethan''s shoulder. Our eyes met, and I couldn''t help the sh of triumph that crossed my face. Even beaten and bloodied, I was winning. The Alpha King was holding me,forting me he belonged to me.

    Ethan''s amber eyes darkened with rage as he gently wiped blood from my split lip. His wolf surged beneath his skin, responding to my distress.

    "Is this true?" he demanded, turning to face Olivia.

    rface. Her wolf stood tall within her,

    She stood there, her emerald eyes cold and unyielding. Not a hint of remorse showed on her f satisfied with delivering justice for her mother''s condition,

    Lucas ckwood stepped forward, offering his Embossed Linen Handkerchiefs to Olivia. She took them without a word, methodically wiping the traces of my blood from her knuckles..

    The silence stretched between us, thick with tension and aggressive pheromones. Then, without even ncing at Ethan, she threw one of the handkerchiefs directly in my face.

    The soft linennded on my cheek, sliding down to myp. The gesture was so full of disdain, so deliberately humiliating, that for a moment I couldn''t breathe.

    "You see how she treats me?" I turned to Ethan, fresh tears spilling down my cheeks. "Even now, she shows no remorse!"

    My wolf snarled beneath my skin, furious at the public humiliation "I want to call the Northern Territory Enforcers," I insisted, my voice rising with indignation. "She can''t be allowed to get away with this!"

    Ethan carefully helped me back into my Raven-Trimmed Wheelchair, his movements gentle despite the anger radiating from him. But when I reached for

    my phone, he ced his hand over mine, stopping me.

    "No," he said firmly, his amber eyes reflecting inner conflict.

    "What?" I stared at him in disbelief. "Ethan, look what she did to me!"

    ? 15 Bonus

    He shook his head, his jaw tight with tension. "With Lily gone, Evelyn Winters is Olivia''s only remaining family."

    I couldn''t believe what I was hearing. My wolf bristled with indignation beneath my skin.

    "Connor ckthorn acted out of loyalty to you," Ethan continued, his voice low but firm. "And now Olivia''s mother is in a vegetative state because of it."

    The implication was clear: Olivia''s pain excused, if not justified, her actions against me. I felt genuine tears well in my eyes, a sense of betrayal washing over

    me.

    "So you''re taking her side now?" I whispered, my voice breaking. "After everything I''ve done for you? After everything we''ve been through together?"

    Ethan''s expression hardened. ¡°I''m not taking sides. I''m trying to prevent this situation from escting further."

    I recognized the dangerous edge in his voice. Pushing him now would only trigger his Alpha dominance, and that was thest thing I needed. I quickly changed tactics, swallowing my resentment and putting on my most pitiful expression

    "Fine,¡± I conceded, dabbing at my bloody lip with the handkerchief Olivia had thrown at me. "I won''t press charges. But she needs to apologize."

    It was a perfect trap. Forcing Olivia to apologize to me-the she-wolf who had destroyed her family-would be an unbearable humiliation for her. And if she refused, she would appear unreasonable and vindictive.

    Ethan nced at my battered face and nodded. "That''s fair."

    He turned toward Olivia, who was already walking toward Lucas ckwood''s

    Armored SUV. "Olivia," he called, his voice carrying the unmistakable timbre of an Alphamand.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 316

    She paused but didn''t turn around.

    Ethan strode toward her, clearly intending to bring her back for the apology I demanded. But before he could reach her, Lucas

    ckwood stepped between them, his tall frame creating a physical barrier,

    "Alpha Stone," Lucas said coldly, "please respect yourself."

    His wolf''s energy red with territorial challenge, his gray eyes narrowing as he stared down Ethan. "My Olivia has nothing to apologize for."

    The possessive "my Olivia" cut deep into Ethan''s pride. A low growl rumbled from his chest, his Alpha instincts bristling at the challenge.

    "You witnessed the assault," I called from my wheelchair, unable to contain myself. "You know what she did!"

    Lucas turned his cold gaze on me. ¡°I saw nothing,¡± he replied smoothly. "Perhaps Ms. Frost injured herself in her eagerness to y the victim. Who knows? When a rabid she-wolf loses control, who can say whom she will bite?"

    His usual diplomatic demeanor had vanished, reced by open contempt. My wolf snarled beneath my skin, furious at his tant lie.

    "You''re protecting her," I used, my voice shaking with rage.

    Lucas merely smiled, a predatory baring of teeth that held no warmth. "I''m simply stating facts, Ms. Frost. If you have evidence to the contrary, I suggest you present it to the Territory Enforcers."

    (Olivia''s POV)

    1 quietly got into Lucas ckwood''s Armored SUV, my hands still trembling from the confrontation. Through the tinted windows, I could see Victoria''s face contorted with fury as Lucas dismissed her usations.

    "Thank you," I murmured as Lucas slid into the driver''s seat beside me.

    He started the engine, his powerful presence filling the vehicle with a sense of security I hadn''t felt in years. "You have nothing to thank me for," he replied, his voice gentler than I''d ever heard it. "That woman deserved far worse than what you gave her."

    As we pulled away from the police precinct, I caught a final glimpse of Ethan standing beside Victoria''s wheelchair. His expression was unreadable, torn between his true Luna and the she-wolf who had manipted him for years.

    Lucas drove in silence for several minutes, giving me space to process what had happened. Finally, he spoke. "Where would you like to go? Back to the Medical Den to see your mother?"

    I nodded, too exhausted for words. The adrenaline was fading, leaving me hollow and drained.

    (Victoria''s POV)

    I watched Olivia disappear in Lucas ckwood''s vehicle, my fingers digging into the armrests of my wheelchair until my knuckles turned white. Denied both justice and sympathy, my ns for revenge temporarily thwarted.

    "Take me to the Medical Den," I said to Ethan, injecting weakness into my voice. ¡°I need treatment."

    +15 Bonus

    At the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den, Ethan ensured I was admitted quickly, but he didn''t stay by my side. Instead, he excused

    himself to visit Emma, leaving me alone with Dr. Samuel Wilson.

    "These injuries are superficial," Dr. Wilson informed me as he cleaned the cuts on my face. "The bruising looks worse than it is. You''ll healpletely in a few days."

    I nodded, wincing dramatically for effect. "Thank you, Doctor."

    After Dr. Wilson finished treating my wounds, I wheeled myself toward Emma''s room. In the corridor, I encountered Dr. Simon. Harper, my daughter''s attending healer.

    "Ms. Frost," he greeted me, his expression professionally neutral. ¡°I was justing to find you. I have news about Emma."

    My heart skipped a beat. "What is it? Is she worse?"

    "No, quite the opposite," Dr. Harper assured me. "We''ve found a suitable kidney donor for her."

    Relief washed over me. "That''s wonderful news!"

    Dr. Harper handed me a folder-the Donor Shadow File. "All the details are in here. Thepatibility is excellent, which is rare for werewolf transnts."

    I opened the file, scanning the information with initial indifference. But as I read

    the donor''s name, my expression shifted. A gleam of malicious intent flickered in my blue eyes as my wolf''s excitement surged beneath my skin.

    I never imagined the match would be....

 The Alpha King is unavailable 317

    (Victoria''s POV)

    "Ethan, it''s Olivia... she''s the one who beat me up like this." My voice quivered as

    I leaned into Ethan''s strong arms outside the

    police station.

    Every breath sent sharp pains through my ribs. My face throbbed where that bitch had struck me repeatedly. I could taste blood in

    my mouth, metallic and warm.

    My wolf whimpered beneath my skin, projecting vulnerability pheromones that I knew would trigger Ethan''s Alpha instincts. I''d perfected this technique over years-appearing helpless always brought out his protective nature.

    "She attacked me without provocation," I sobbed, clinging tighter to his powerful waist. "I was just sitting in my wheelchair, waiting for you, when she came at me like a rabid animal."

    I cast a teary nce at Olivia over Ethan''s shoulder. Our eyes met, and I couldn''t help the sh of triumph that crossed my face. Even beaten and bloodled, I was winning. The Alpha King was holding me,forting me he belonged to me.

    Ethan''s amber eyes darkened with rage as he gently wiped blood from my split lip. His wolf surged beneath his skin, responding

    to my distress.

    "Is this true?" he demanded, turning to face Olivia.

    She stood there, her emerald eyes cold and unyielding. Not a hint of remorse showed on her face. Her wolf stood tall within her, satisfied with delivering justice for her mother''s condition

    Lucas ckwood stepped forward, offering his Embossed Linen Handkerchiefs to Olivia. She took them without a word, methodically wiping the traces of my blood from her knuckles.

    The silence stretched between us, thick with tension and aggressive pheromones. Then, without even ncing at Ethan, she threw one of the handkerchiefs directly in my face.

    The soft linennded on my cheek, sliding down to myp. The gesture was so full of disdain, so deliberately humiliating, that for a moment I couldn''t breathe.

    "You see how she treats me?" I turned to Ethan, fresh tears spilling down my cheeks. "Even now, she shows no remorse!"

    My wolf snarled beneath my skin, furious at the public humiliation. "I want to call the Northern Territory Enforcers," I insisted, my voice rising with indignation. "She can''t be allowed to get away with this!"

    Ethan carefully helped me back into my Raven-Trimmed Wheelchair, his movements gentle despite the anger radiating from him. But when I reached for

    my phone, he ced his hand over mine, stopping me

    "No," he said firmly, his amber eyes reflecting inner conflict.

    "What?" I stared at him in disbelief. "Ethan, look what she did to me!"

    +15 Bonus

    He shook his head, his jaw tight with tension. "With Lily gone, Evelyn Winters is Olivia''s only remaining family."

    I couldn''t believe what I was hearing. My wolf bristled with indignation beneath my skin.

    "Connor ckthorn acted out of loyalty to you," Ethan continued, his voice low but firm. "And now Olivia''s mother is in a vegetative state because of it,"

    The implication was clear: Olivia''s pain excused, if not justified, her actions against me. I felt genuine tears well in my eyes, a sense of betrayal washing over

    me.

    g we''ve

    "So you''re taking her side now?" I whispered, my voice breaking. "After everything I''ve done for you? After everything been through together?"

    Ethan''s expression hardened. "I''m not taking sides. I''m trying to prevent this situation from escting further."

    I recognized the dangerous edge in his voice. Pushing him now would only trigger his Alpha dominance, and that was thest thing I needed. I quickly changed tactics, swallowing my resentment and putting on my most pitiful expression.

    "Fine,¡± I conceded, dabbing at my bloody lip with the handkerchief Olivia had thrown at me. "I won''t press charges. But she needs to apologize."

    It was a perfect trap. Forcing Olivia to apologize to me-the she-wolf who had destroyed her family-would be an unbearable humiliation for her. And if she refused, she would appear unreasonable and vindictive.

    Ethan nced at my battered face and nodded. "That''s fair.¡±

    He turned toward Olivia, who was already walking toward Lucas ckwood''s Armored SUV. "Olivia," he called, his voice carrying the unmistakable timbre of an Alphamand.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 318

    +15 Bonus

    She paused but didn''t turn around.

    Ethan strode toward her, clearly intending to bring her back for the apology I demanded. But before he could reach her, Lucas ckwood stepped between them, his tall frame creating a physical barrier.

    "Alpha Stone," Lucas said coldly, "please respect yourself."

    His wolf''s energy red with territorial challenge, his gray eyes narrowing as he stared down Ethan. "My Olivia has nothing to apologize for."

    The possessive "my Olivia" cut deep into Ethan''s pride. A low growl rumbled from his chest, his Alpha instincts bristling at the challenge.

    "You witnessed the assault," I called from my wheelchair, unable to contain myself. "You know what she did!"

    Lucas turned his cold gaze on me. ¡°I saw nothing,¡± he replied smoothly. "Perhaps Ms. Frost injured herself in her eagerness to y the victim. Who knows? When a rabid she-wolf loses control, who can say whom she will bite?"

    His usual diplomatic demeanor had vanished, reced by open contempt. My wolf snarled beneath my skin, furious at his tant lie.

    "You''re protecting her," I used, my voice shaking with rage.

    Lucas merely smiled, a predatory baring of teeth that held no warmth. "I''m simply stating facts, Ms. Frost. If you have evidence to the contrary, I suggest you present it to the Territory Enforcers."

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I quietly got into Lucas ckwood''s Armored SUV, my hands still trembling from the confrontation. Through the tinted windows, I could see Victoria''s face contorted with fury as Lucas dismissed her usations.

    "Thank you," I murmured as Lucas slid into the driver''s seat beside me.

    He started the engine, his powerful presence filling the vehicle with a sense of security I hadn''t felt in years. "You have nothing to thank me for," he replied, his voice gentler than I''d ever heard it. "That woman deserved far worse than what you gave her."

    As we pulled away from the police precinct, I caught a final glimpse of Ethan standing beside Victoria''s wheelchair. His expression was unreadable, torn between his true Luna and the she-wolf who had manipted him for years.

    Lucas drove in silence for several minutes, giving me space to process what had happened. Finally, he spoke. "Where would you like to go? Back to the Medical Den to see your mother?"

    I nodded, too exhausted for words. The adrenaline was fading, leaving me hollow and drained.

    (Victoria''s POV)

    +15 Bonus

    I watched Olivia disappear in Lucas ckwood''s vehicle, my fingers digging into the armrests of my wheelchair until my knuckles turned white. Denied both justice and sympathy, my ns for revenge temporarily thwarted.

    "Take me to the Medical Den," I said to Ethan, injecting weakness into my voice. "I need treatment."

    At the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den, Ethan ensured I was admitted quickly, but he didn''t stay by my side. Instead, he excused himself to visit Emma, leaving me alone with Dr. Samuel Wilson.

    "These injuries are superficial," Dr. Wilson informed me as he cleaned the cuts on my face. "The bruising looks worse than it is. You''ll healpletely in a few days."

    I nodded, wincing dramatically for effect. "Thank you, Doctor."

    After Dr. Wilson finished treating my wounds, I wheeled myself toward Emma''s room. In the corridor, I encountered Dr. Simon Harper, my daughter''s attending healer.

    "Ms. Frost," he greeted me, his expression professionally neutral. "I was justing to find you. I have news about Emma." My heart skipped a beat. ¡°What is it? Is she worse?"

    "No, quite the opposite," Dr. Harper assured me. "We''ve found a suitable kidney donor for her."

    Relief washed over me. "That''s wonderful news!"

    Dr. Harper handed me a folder-the Donor Shadow File. "All the details are in here. Thepatibility is excellent, which is rare for werewolf transnts."

    I opened the file, scanning the information with initial indifference. But as I read

    the donor''s name, my expression shifted. A gleam of malicious intent flickered in my blue eyes as my wolf''s excitement surged beneath my skin.

    I never imagined the match would be....

 The Alpha King is unavailable 319

    (Victoria''s POV)

    "The donor is a perfect match for Emma."

    +15 Bonu

    I felt a strange thrill course through me as Dr. Simon Harper handed me the Donor Shadow File. My wolf''s excitement surged beneath my skin as I reviewed the details, my fingers trembling slightly as I flipped through the pages.

    ¡°This is... remarkable," I whispered, scanning thepatibility charts.

    Dr. Harper''s voice was warm with genuine relief as he continued, "Emma is incredibly fortunate. This James Knight registered as

    an organ donor with the Northern Territory Donor Registry because his close friend''s daughter died from kidney failure, and he

    happens to be a perfect match for Emma."

    My heart skipped a beat at the name. James Knight. Olivia''s closest friend.

    "When can we schedule the surgery?" I asked, struggling to keep my voice steady.

    "As soon as Mr. Knightpletes the final paperwork tomorrow. We''ll need to prep Emma immediately afterward." Dr. Harper smiled kindly. "Your daughter has a real chance now."

    As the doctor left, my lips curved into a malicious smile-not because my daughter would be saved, though that was certainly a relief. No, my satisfaction came from the most delicious irony fate had delivered: Olivia Winters'' closest friend would be saving the life of her enemy''s child.

    My wolf practically purred with satisfaction as I imagined revealing this truth to Olivia after the surgery. I would savor how the knowledge would tear the she-wolf apart. Olivia, unable to interfere without harming her own friend, would have to live knowing James Knight''s sacrifice benefited the very she-wolf who had stolen Lily''s donor.

    "Perfect," I whispered, clutching the file to my chest. "Absolutely perfect."

    (Olivia''s POV)

    "I still can''t believe Victoria escaped justice again," I sighed, leaning back against the hospital chair.

    Lucas ckwood and I had returned to the Silvercrest Pack Medical Ward after our confrontation at the Shadow Creek Police Precinct. My knuckles still stung

    from the beating I''d given Victoria, but the pain was worth it.

    James paced the small room, his russet-brown wolf projecting soothing pheromones that helped calm my frayed nerves.

    "At least you got to hit her," James said with a wry smile, his hazel eyes twinkling with mischief. "I would''ve paid good money to

    see that"

    Despite everything, I found myself smiling. James had always been able to lift my spirits, even in the darkest times. We''d escaped the abusive werewolf orphanage together as pups, and he''d been my rock ever since.

    +15 Bonus

    Lucas''s phone rang, interrupting our conversation. He nced at the screen and frowned.

    "I need to take this," he said apologetically. "ckwood Pack emergency."

    After Lucas stepped out, James stretched and yawned. "I''m going to use the restroom. Be right back."

    Moments after James disappeared into the adjoining bathroom, his Wolf-Linked Cellphone rang on the side table. The familiar ringtone filled the quiet room. "James, your phone," I called

    out.

    His muffled voice responded from behind the door, "Answer it for me, Liv."

    I picked up the phone without hesitation. There were no secrets between James

    and me-never had been. But when I saw the number disyed on the screen, my heart nearly stopped,

    The Northern Territory Donor Registry.

    I knew that number by heart. I''d called it countless times during Lily''s illness, begging for updates on potential donors. Why would they be calling James?

    With trembling fingers, I answered. "Hello?"

    "Mr. Knight?" a professional female voice responded. "This is Grace Foster from the Northern Territory Donor Registry. I''m calling because you previously registered with us as a kidney donor. We''ve found a patient who matches your kidney type. Are you willing to proceed with donation?"

    The words struck me like a physical blow. My emerald eyes filled with tears as understanding dawned.

    After Lily died of kidney failure, I had signed up as a donor myself, hoping to spare another family from experiencing the same heartbreak. I never imagined James had quietly done the same,

    "Hello? Mr. Knight?" the coordinator prompted when I didn''t respond.

    The bathroom door opened, and James emerged, immediately noticing my tearful expression. His wolf went on alert, and he hurried to

    my side.

    "Liv? What''s wrong?" His hazel eyes filled with concern.

    I wordlessly handed him the phone, unable to speak through the lump in my throat.

    James took the phone, quickly understanding the situation. "Yes, this is James Knight,¡± he confirmed, his eyes never leaving my face. "Yes, I''m still willing to

    donate. I''lle sign the paperwork

    tomorrow."

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    After ending the call, James knelt beside me, taking my hands in his. "Hey, don''t look so worried. It''s not a big deal."

    "Not a big deal?" I whispered, my voice breaking. "James, you''re one of the fastest wolves in the Northern Territory. Losing a Iddney could affect your speed, your strength..."

    James shrugged, his trademark easy smile spreading across his face. "The territory-wide race is still months away. I''ll have plenty of time to recover."

    "You never told me you registered as a donor," I said softly.

    "After what happened with Lily..." His voice trailed off, and pain flickered in his eyes. He''d loved my daughter like his own. "I figured if I could prevent another family from going through that, it would be worth it."

    "But your racing career-

    "This was going to be myst season anyway," he interrupted gently. "I''ve been nning to focus more on pack business."

    He ruffled my hair affectionately, just as he''d done since we were pups. "Losing a kidney won''t affect me much with our healing abilities, but it can save a family. That''s worth it, right?"

    I nodded, unable to speak. James had always been this way-selfless, kind, putting others before himself. It was one of the reasons I loved him so dearly.

    "Do you know who the recipient is?" I asked finally

    James shook his head. "They don''t tell donors that information unless both parties consent after the surgery."

    I squeezed his hand, overwhelmed with gratitude for his friendship. "You''re a good wolf, James Knight."

    (Ethan''s POV)

    "Hold still, Emmy," I instructed gently, my powerful hands carefully weaving Emma''s soft blonde hair into an intricate braid.

    "Is it pretty?" Emma asked eagerly, trying to turn her head to see.

    "The prettiest," I assured her, gently guiding her head back into position. "But I need you to stay still so I can finish."

    Emma giggled, her blue eyes sparkling with delight. "You''re the best at braids, Daddy. Even better than Mommy."

    My heart clenched at her words. Though I wasn''t Emma''s biological father, she had always called me "Daddy." My wolf whined softly beneath my skin as thoughts of Lily surfaced unbidden. (2

    What would Lily''s hair have looked like at seven? Would she have wanted braids too? What kind of father-daughter rituals would we have developed if I''d been there for her?

    "All done,¡±nnounced, securing the end of the braid with a small stic band

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    Emma immediately reached for the hand mirror on her bedside table, admiring my handiwork with obvious pleasure.

    "It''s beautiful!" she eximed, turning her head from side to side. "None of the other girls at the Crescent Moon Training Den

    have braids this pretty,"

    Her innocent boasting carried an undercurrent that only I could hear-pride that she had imed what Lily never could: my

    attention, my time, my love.

    The door burst open suddenly, and Victoria wheeled herself in, her face alight with excitement despite the bruises from her

    confrontation with Olivia.

    ¡°Ethan, Emma is saved!" she eximed, her scent broadcasting tion.

    I rose from Emma''s bedside, my wolf instantly alert. "What do you mean?"

    Victoria''s eyes shone with tears of relief. "Dr. Simon Harper just confirmed it. They''ve found a suitable kidney donor for Emma.¡±

    Emma squealed with delight, pping her hands together. "Does that mean I can go back to school soon?"

    Victoria nodded, wheeling herself to Emma''s bedside and taking her small hand. "Yes, sweetheart. Very soon."

    Ovee with emotion, Victoria turned to me and copsed against my chest, her shoulders shaking with sobs. I wrapped my arms around her instinctively, my wolf responding to her relief with protective instincts.

    "Thank the Moon," I murmured, stroking her hair. "This is wonderful news."

    After Victoria hadposed herself, I gently asked, "Do we know who the donor is? I''d like to express my gratitude."

    Victoria hesitated briefly, her scent shifting subtly. My wolf sensed her calction, making me instantly wary.

    "It''s James Knight," she finally answered, watching my reaction carefully.

    The name hit me like a physical blow. James Knight-Olivia''s closest friend since childhood. My amber eyes widened in shock as

    the implications sank in.

    My first thought was of Olivia. She despised Victoria and Emma for taking Lily''s kidney donor. If she learned that James Knight''s

    kidney was being given to Emma..........

    My wolf paced anxiously beneath my skin. This situation could further damage

    my already fractured rtionship with my true

    Luna.

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    (Victoria''s POV)

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    Alpha King Ethan Stone stood frozen by Emma''s hospital bed, his powerful frame rigid with tension. I could see the conflict raging within him-his amber eyes darkened as his wolf paced anxiously beneath his skin.

    The revtion that James Knight would be Emma''s kidney donor had clearly shaken him to his core.

    I watched him carefully from my wheelchair, my bruised face throbbing with each heartbeat. Was he truly hesitating because of Olivia? The thought made my wolf bristle with Jealousy.

    "Ethan?" I prompted softly, wheeling closer to him.

    He didn''t respond, his gaze fixed on Emma''s sleeping form. The silence stretched between us, heavy with unspoken thoughts.

    Emma stirred, her blue eyes fluttering open. She immediately sensed the tension radiating from her beloved father figure.

    "Daddy, what''s wrong?" she asked, her young voiceced with concern. "Emma can be saved, aren''t you happy?".

    Her wolf pup instincts were already developing, seeking tofort the Alpha even at her tender age. It was remarkable how naturally she responded to pack

    dynamics.

    Ethan''s expression softened instantly. He forced a gentle smile, reaching out to stroke her blonde hair.

    "Of course I''m happy, princess," he assured her, his deep voice warm with affection. "This is wonderful news."

    Emma beamed up at him, but her smile quickly faded as exhaustion overtook her again. "Will you stay until I fall asleep?"

    "I promise," Ethan whispered, taking her small hand in his.

    As Emma drifted off, I watched Ethan''s face transform. The mask of reassurance slipped away, reced by raw grief. His wolf whined softly beneath his skin, and I knew he was thinking of Lily-the daughter he had failed.

    Only after Emma''s breathing deepened with sleep did Ethan carefully extract his hand from hers. Without a word to me, he strode from the room toward the Stone Residence Balcony

    I followed him, maneuvering my wheelchair through the doorway. The night air was cool against my skin as I found him lighting one of his Midnight Cigarettes, the blue-tinged smoke curling upward into the darkness.

    "You''re hesitating because the donor is Olivia''s friend, right?" I asked directly, my wolf calcting beneath my skin. Ethan didn''t answer, but his silence confirmed my suspicions. The cigarette glowed brighter as he took a long drag.

    "If you''re so worried, you can ask the Northern Territory Donor Registry not to tell Olivia," I suggested, keeping my voice reasonable and calm. "When Emma is better, we''ll thank the donor anonymously. I won''t hold past grudges against her anymore."

    +15 Bonus

    I watched his shoulders rx slightly, the tension easing from his powerful frame. My heart surged with secret triumph.

    James Knight''s kidney would be mine to im. I would use this sacrifice as the ultimate weapon against Olivia, revealing the

    truth when it would cause maximum pain. My wolf practically purred with anticipation.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    "Are you sure you have to leave so soon?" I asked Lucas as we stood in the departure lounge of the Northern Territory Airport

    Lucas ckwood nodded, his gray eyes apologetic. "Patriarch Winston''s condition has worsened. I need to return to ckwood

    Estate immediately."

    I understood family obligations better than most. Lucas had already done more than enough, rushing back from his territory to support me and my ailing mother.

    "Thank you for everything," I said softly.

    Before boarding, Lucas pulled me into an embrace. His powerful wolf enveloped mine in a protective gesture that felt surprisinglyforting

    "Can you give me an answer when I return next week?" he asked gently, his voice low enough that only I could hear.

    I knew what he was asking. The attraction between us had been building for

    weeks, but my heart was still healing from Ethan''s betrayal

    Lucas didn''t press further. His gray eyes were warm with understanding as he released me, giving me space to consider his feelings.

    "Safe travels," I whispered as he turned to board.

    After watching his ne depart, I drove to pick up James. Together, we headed to the Donor Registry Headquarters.

    The sterile building was quiet as we were led to a private room where the Registry Staff waited with paperwork-the Broken Pact of Sacrifice.

    "Mr. Knight, I need to emphasize the seriousness of thismitment," the staff member exined. "While werewolves heal faster than humans, donating a kidney is still a significant sacrifice that will temporarily weaken your wolf."

    James nodded, his hazel eyes determined. "I understand the risks."

    Before signing, he hesitated. "Is it possible to know the recipient''s name? I''d just like some connection to the person my kidney will save.

    The staff member shook her head. "I''m sorry, but pack privacy policies prevent us from disclosing that information unless both parties consent after the surgery."

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    James epted this with a shrug. "That''s alright. Knowing I''m helping someone is enough."

    He picked up the pen, his russet-brown wolf at peace with the decision. Just as the pen touched paper, the ss door swung open

    Alpha King Ethan Stone entered, his dominant wolf presence instantly filling the room. Both James and I bristled with hostility, our wolves instinctively defensive.

    "I need to speak with you before any signatures are made," Ethan announced, ignoring our coldness.

    James set down the pen, his hazel eyes narrowing. "What do you want, Stone?"

    Ethan''s amber gaze shifted between us, his expression uncharacteristically vulnerable. "The recipient is Emma Frost.¡±

    The words hit me like a physical blow, Emma-Victoria''s daughter. The girl who had benefited from Lily''s suffering.

    "I couldn''t let you make this sacrifice without knowing who would benefit," Ethan continued, his voice strained. "Nor could I bear to deceive Olivia again. My wolf couldn''t stomach another betrayal of my mate."

    James recoiled as if pped. "Emma Frost?" he repeated, disgust evident in his voice.

    His russet-brown wolf hackles raised beneath his skin. With a swift motion, he tore the agreement in half.

    "Donate to Emma Frost? Never in this life!" he dered, grabbing my arm and pulling me toward the door.

    was no longer my concern. My wolf

    Ethan reached for me, but I shook him off, my emerald eyes icy with hatred. Emma''s fate y snarled beneath my skin at the reminder of Victoria''s cruelty.

    Out in the corridor, James leaned against the wall, looking physically ill.

    "I almost gave my kidney to that maniptive bitch''s daughter," he muttered, running a hand through his dark hair. "Moon above, what a disaster that would have been."

    Despite his dislike for Ethan, James grudgingly admitted, "For once, the Alpha King did the right thing. Victoria would have used this against you forever."

    I nodded, still processing the near miss. "Let''s get out of here." (Victoria''s POV)

    "What do you mean he withdrew?" I demanded, clutching my phone so tightly my knuckles turned white.

    The nurse''s voice was apologetic. "Mr. Knight has decided not to proceed with the donation after learning the recipient''s identity,"

    Panic seized me. Emma was myst bargaining chip, my shield against copse in pack hierarchy. Without her, I would lose everything I''d worked for.

    +15 Bonu

    I immediately called Ethan, tears streaming down my face. "What have you done?" I sobbed when he answered. "Why did you te

    him the truth?"

    Ethan''s voice was calm yet resolute. "I told him. But don''t worry, I''m searching throughout the Northern Territories for a

    matching donor. I won''t let Emma be harmed."

    -him.co I wanted to scream at him, to rage against his betrayal, but I knew that would only push him further away. Instead, I forced

    myself to soundposed.

    "I understand,¡± I said softly. "I''ll keep this from Emma for now. She''s old enough to understand death, even as a young wolf."

    After hanging up, I wiped away my tears and wheeled myself back to Emma''s room. My wolf''s movements were predatory even from my wheelchair as I approached my sleeping daughter.

    Looking at her pale face, I felt no pity-only calction. I gently shook her awake.

    "Emma, sweetheart," I cooed, stroking her blonde hair. "Mommy needs you to do something very important."

    Emma blinked up at me, instantly alert. "What is it, Mom?"

    "I need you to be very brave," I said, my voice honey-sweet. "And I need you to

    do exactly as I say, no matter what. Can you do that for me?"

    Emma nodded eagerly, desperate for my approval. "As long as it makes you happy, Mom, I''ll do anything."

    I smiled, leaning closer to whisper my instructions. My wolf silently howled with dark purpose as I set my next n in motion.

    (Ethan''s POV)

    I copsed onto my bed at Moonlight Manor, exhaustion weighing heavily on my shoulders. The day had been a series of impossible choices, each one tearing at my already fractured soul.

    My wolf paced restlessly beneath my skin, unable to settle. Images of Emma''s pale face alternated with memories of Lily in her final days. Two innocent pups, both suffering because of adult failures.

    The distinctive ringtone of my Alpha Phone cut through the silence. I grabbed it from the nightstand, instantly alert when I saw Victoria''s name on the screen

    "Ethan," Victoria''s voice broke through in panic and desperation. "Come to the Medical Den quickly... Emma is in critical condition..."

    My wolf instantly surged to full alertness, protective instincts overwhelming any lingering doubts as I rushed to respond to the

    crisis.

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    (Ethan''s POV)

    I burst through the doors of the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den, my heart hammering against my ribs. The antiseptic smell hit my nostrils as my wolf''s protective instincts red to full alert.

    Victoria sat in her Raven-Trimmed Wheelchair outside the Bloodrush Chamber, her face streaked with tears. When she spotted me, herposure crumbledpletely.

    "Ethan..." she sobbed, her voice breaking as she reached for me. Her wolf''s distress pheromones filled the corridor, triggering my Alpha instincts.

    "Emma was fine this afternoon," I said, my voice tight with anxiety. "How did she suddenly be critical?"

    My amber eyes darted between Victoria and the closed doors of the emergency room. My wolf paced anxiously beneath my skin, sensing danger to a pup under my protection.

    Victoria''s hands trembled as she clutched at my sleeve. "She was fine before bedtime," she managed between sobs. "But then she suddenly developed a high fever in the night. Her heart rate... it just plummeted."

    Her blue eyes were wide with fear as she continued, "Dr. Samuel Wilson called it a crisis. He wanted me to sign consent for emergency treatment, but I... I didn''t dare to sign. I''m so scared for my Emma..."

    Her wolf whined pitifully, curling into itself with apparent maternal distress. The sound tugged at something primal within me.

    "Emma will be fine," I said, gently patting her back. But my eyes betrayed my concern as I nced at the Bloodrush Chamber doors.

    The memory of Lily''s final moments shed through my mind. The helplessness I''d felt watching my daughter slip away. My wolf remembered that pain all too well and howled silently at the thought of losing another pup.

    Victoria leaned into my embrace, clinging to me as she fell apart. Her wolf released vulnerability pheromones that called to my Alpha instincts, demanding protection andfort.

    Minutes stretched into hours as we waited. The corridor clock ticked mercilessly, each second an eternity.

    Finally, the Bloodrush Chamber doors swung open. Victoria and I both rushed forward, our voices ovepping in urgency.

    "Doctor, how is Emma?" I demanded, my Alpha authority barely contained.

    Dr. Samuel Wilson''s expression was grim, his wolf''s energy subdued with professional concern. "Emma''s condition is not optimistic," he said carefully. My stomach dropped at his words.

    "She originally had more time," he continued, "but this fever has worsened everything. I''m afraid she can''t wait much longer.

    +15 I

    She must have surgery as soon as possible at most, she can wait a week."

    The news hit Victoria like a physical blow. She pped herself hard across the face, her sobs echoing in the sterile corridor.

    "It''s all my fault,¡± she cried, her voice raw with emotion. "I didn''t take care of Emma....!!

    Her wolf projected such convincing maternal anguish that even the medical staff looked away, moved by her apparent sufferi

    I quickly grabbed Victoria''s hand to stop her from hurting herself further. My Alpha instincts responded automatically to her

    distress, unable to watch a she-wolf in my territory harm herself.

    Victoria seized my hand in desperation, her fingers digging into my skin. "What

    will happen to Emma?" she pleaded. "I only h

    her left. She''s the most important in my life. If something happens to her, I can''t go on living..."

    Her Wolf''s ou

    eyes shimmered with tears, the blue depths swimming with despair.

    "Emma won''t have an ident," I promised firmly. "I''ll do everything to find a kidney donor as fast as possible."

    My wolf surged with protective determination as I pulled out my Alpha Phone and stepped away to make urgent calls. My voice carried the unmistakable authority of the Alpha King as Imanded resources throughout the Northern Territory.

    "This is Alpha King Ethan Stone," I said into the phone, "I need every avable resource directed toward finding apatible kidney donor for Emma Frost. This is top priority."

    (Victoria''s POV)

    I watched Ethan from my wheelchair, barely containing my frustration. Emma was on the edge of death, yet Ethan never once mentioned James Knight''s ready andpatible kidney.

    My wolf snarled silently within me. He must be refusing for Olivia Winters'' sake- that bitch who still held his heart despite everything I''d done to separate them.

    I had calcted that Ethan would ultimately choose Emma''s life over Olivia''s pain. That he would pressure James Knight to donate regardless of his personal feelings. Yet here he was, calling strangers instead of forcing the one person we knew could

    save Emma.

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    My ws briefly extended before I quickly retracted them, maintaining my facade of the concerned mother while inwardly

    seething with rage.

    The doors opened again, and Emma was wheeled out of the Bloodrush Chamber. My daughter looked pale and fragile on the hospital bed, her young wolf''s energy barely perceptible beneath her skin.

    I clung to her hand, genuine tears streaming down my face. Despite everything, Emma was my daughter, and seeing her suffer

    did affect me.

    Even through her weakness, Emma did not forget my instructions. She feebly called out, "Daddy..."

    Instantly, Ethan hung up his call and rushed over. His wolf responded instinctively to the pup''s distress.

    "Emma," he said, his voice gentle as he took her other hand. "Daddy''s here, don''t be afraid."

    His wolf''s protective energy enveloped my daughter, trying to lend her strength. The sight made my jealousy re-his devotion

    to Emma was genuine, unlike his feelings for me.

    Emma struggled for breath, her small chest rising and falling with effort. "I''m sorry for making you worry," she whispered,

    following the script I''d given her perfectly.

    "I just wanted to see if you woulde visit," she continued. "So I snuck out to the balcony and caught a chill."

    Her young wolf whimpered beneath her skin, genuinely ill but also performing as instructed. I felt a flicker of pride at her perfect

    execution.

    There was no reproach in Ethan''s expression, only deep remorse. "It''s my fault,¡± he said, squeezing her tiny hand. "I shouldn''t have left you alone. From now on, I''ll stay at the medical den as much as I can."

    Emma, showing maturity beyond her years, shook her head weakly. "You don''t have to, Daddy. I know you''re busy with pack matters. Juste to see me when you have time."

    Ethan''s amber eyes softened with affection. "Alright, be good. I''ll take care of everything. Just rest and trust me."

    She gazed at him with pure adoration. "Daddy, you''re my superhero. You won''t let anything happen to me, right?"

    "I won''t," Ethan answered firmly, his wolf howling silently with the promise to protect this pup he had raised as his own.

    With her mission aplished, Emma finally sumbed to exhaustion and fell into a deep sleep. I remained at her side, hiding the venom in my eyes as I stroked her blonde hair.

    My wolf''s cunning nature momentarily showed before I masked it again with maternal concern. Even now, Ethan had not forced James Knight to donate.

    The next day passed in a blur of activity. Many wolves from the Silvercrest Pack came to the medical den for matching, but none

    +15 Bon

    were suitable. The day after brought the same disappointing results.

    I grew increasingly rmed as I realized my gamble might fail. I had made Emma sicker, expecting Ethan would do anything fo

    her, yet he hesitated to force James Knight''s hand.

    My wolf paced anxiously within me, recognizing the precariousness of my position

    if Emma''s condition truly became critical. I

    had not anticipated this oue.

    (Ethan''s POV)

    After yet another sleepless night at Moonlight Manor, I returned to the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den early the next morning. My wolf was exhausted from constant vignce, but I maintained my strong Alpha presence.

    I carried a small stuffed wolf toy and some venison jerky-Emma''s favorites- hoping to bring a smile to her pale face.

    But Emma had no appetite. She threw up her breakfast and began crying the moment she saw me enter her room.

    "It''s okay, princess," I soothed, stroking her hair. "You''ll feel better soon."

    As Iforted her, I noticed Victoria''s absence. Only a pack healer stood quietly

    in the corner of the room, monitoring Emma''s vital signs.

    My

    wolf''s senses immediately heightened with suspicion. Victoria had barely left Emma''s side since her condition worsened.

    "Emma," I asked gently, "where''s your mother?"

    Emma fell silent, her troubled look heightening my concern. Her young wolf''s scent spiked with anxiety, confirming my suspicions that something was wrong "Emma," I pressed, my voice firmer. "Tell me where your mother went."

    She bit her lip, clearly torn between keeping a secret and obeying her Alpha. Finally, she answered. "Mommy..." she whispered, her blue eyes wide with worry. "Mommy went to find Aunt Olivia." My face darkened immediately.

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    (Olivia''s POV)

    The antiseptic smell of the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den clung to my clothes as James and I pushed through the ss doors the crisp morning air. My wolf stretched beneath my skin, relieved to escape the sterile environment that held so many pair

    memories of Lily''s final days.

    "I need coffee," James muttered, running a hand through his dark hair. "Strong enough to wake a hibernating bear."

    I smiled despite my exhaustion. "There''s a decent ce around the-"

    A desperate cry cut through the air. "Olivia!"

    Before I could react, Victoria Frost appeared before us, her face streaked with tears. She lunged forward with surprising speed grabbing my hand with desperate force.

    "Olivia, I beg you, please save Emma!" Her voice cracked with emotion, her wolf''s distress pheromones flooding the area. ¡°Emma is in critical condition. Without your friend''s kidney, she''ll die for sure."

    I tried to pull away, but Victoria clung tighter, her nails digging into my skin.

    "She''s only seven years old, so little and innocent," she continued, her blue eyes swimming with tears. "I beg you to have mer on her don''t be so cold-blooded and stop your friend from donating the kidney."

    My wolf bristled at her audacity. Around us, pack members slowed their pace, openly staring at the unfolding drama.

    "Adult wolves" grudges shouldn''t involve pups," Victoria pressed, her voice rising to ensure everyone could hear. "Emma is

    innocent."

    I noticed how carefully she avoided mentioning the true nature of our "grudge"-

    how she had stolen Lily''s kidney donor, conde ning my daughter to death. Instead, she framed it as mere rivalry between two she-wolvespeting for the Alpha''s

    attention.

    James''s russet-brown wolf surged beneath his skin with protective fury. "Don''t touch Liv with your filthy hands," he snapped,

    stepping between us.

    Victoria stumbled back, her performance momentarily disrupted by his intensity.

    "Don''t say Olivia stopped me¡ªI don''t want to donate!" James continued, his voice trembling with anger. His hazel eyes shed with his wolf''s rage. "Saving your daughter? I''d rather save a stray omega!"

    The gathering crowd murmured in shock at his vehemence

    "An omega at least knows gratitude!" he spat. "You and your daughter are like

    the snake in that old pack table-given sanctuary,

    you only bite the Alpha that sheltered you."

    1/7/3

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    Victoria''s face paled as James leaned closer, his wolf''s dominance radiating from him in waves.

    "Stay away from Liv," he warned, "or I''ll challenge you myself, wheelchair or not." His ws began to emerge, his control slipping under the weight of his fury. I quietly ced my hand on his arm, feeling the

    tension in his muscles.

    Our years together had forged a connection that transcended words. With that simple touch, I assured him I had a better way to handle this. James understood instantly and stepped back, his wolf still bristling as he stood in silent support beside me.

    (Victoria''s POV)

    I hadn''t expected Knight''s outburst, but I quickly regained myposure. The crowd''s sympathetic nces told me I still held the advantage.

    I let fresh tears spill down my cheeks, my wolf projecting carefully calibrated vulnerability pheromones.

    "Olivia," I wept, "I know James is only refusing for your sake. I beg you, please, save Emma!"

    1 made my voice break on my daughter''s name, watching the effect ripple through the onlookers. Several she-wolves nodded in understanding-what mother wouldn''t do anything for her pup?

    "I''ll do anything you ask if you just save her," I promised, counting on Olivia''s reputation for kindness and her concern for pack opinion.

    She would never dare to truly humiliate another she-wolf in public. Not gentle,passionate Olivia who had nursed sick pups and helped elderly pack members. The pack would turn on her if she showed cruelty to a desperate mother.

    But Olivia''s emerald eyes remained cold as she regarded me. Her voice was calm, belying her wolf''s simmering rage.

    "Is that so?" she asked softly. "Then kneel and submit to me as your superior- continue until my wolf is satisfied.''

    The crowd erupted in outrage, exactly as I''d anticipated.

    "How can you be so heartless?" a middle-aged she-wolf called out. "The poor she-wolf''s pup is dying!"

    Another joined in, "If your friend doesn''t want to donate, just say so. Why would you humiliate a desperate mother?"

    The condemnation grew louder. "You''re a she-wolf too-one day

    y you''ll be a mother again. Aren''t you afraid of the Moon Goddess''s judgment?"

    I lowered my head to hide my satisfaction. The pack was turning against Olivia,

    just as I''d nned. Soon she would be forced to relent under the pressure of her peers.

    aze on me and

    But Olivia remained unmoved by the insults, her wolf standing firm within her. She simply fixed her emerald gaze pressed, "Don''t you love your daughter? What, you can''t even kneel and

    a love your pup?"

    such a simple thing for? Do you truly

    The implication was clear: if I refused, I would expose my own Lack of maternal donation.

    Bonus

    I felt the crowd''s opinion shift. Some she-wolves who had defended me moments before now looked at me with suspicion.

    "If submitting can save your pup, what''s the big deal?" one sneered. "Are you just acting for pack sympathy?"

    Cornered, I had no choice. I slowly lowered myself to my knees before Olivia, humiliation burning in my eyes as my wolf was

    The concrete was hard against my knees, but the blow to my pride was harder. I kept my head bowed, unable to meet the eyes of the pack members witnessing my submission.

    Olivia stood over me, her emerald eyes gleaming with a satisfaction I''d never seen in her before. The sight of me kneeling seemed to awaken something primal

    in her-a thirst for vengeance that had been building for years.

    "Is that all?¡± she asked, her voice dripping with disdain. "If you''re begging, act like

    a proper submissive wolf! Is this how you beg your Alpha?"

    I seethed with hatred, my wolf snarling silently within me. I nced around, hoping the pack would defend me, but the pressure only mounted.

    ower," someone called from the crowd. "If you want to save your pup, show proper submission!"

    I had no choice but to continue lowering myself further. My hands touched the rough pavement, then my elbows. Finally, my forehead pressed against the ground in the ultimate gesture of wolf submission.

    The concrete scraped my skin, drawing blood, but Olivia never said "enough." She forced me to drag out my humiliation for as long as possible, her wolf taking savage satisfaction in the reversal of our positions.

    As I knelt there, I was reminded of two years ago, when I had been the one standing tall. I had held Lily''s Ashes Crystal Pendant and forced Olivia to kneel and submit to me. I had watched her heart shatter with every moment her wolf was forced to bow.

    Now our positions were reversed, and Olivia was extracting her pound of flesh.

    Time dragged on endlessly. My knees ached, and my forehead stung where it pressed against the rough pavement. Desperation began to w at me-how much longer would she make me endure this?

    Just then, a familiar voice called out, "Victoria!"

    Relief flooded through me as Alpha King Ethan Stone''s powerful scent washed over the gathered wolves, I immediately pressed my forehead to the ground with renewed force, shooting Olivia a look full of triumph and provocation.

    In my heart, I thought, Olivia Winters, you''re finished now! Your Alpha has arrived to put you in your ce.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 326

    (Ethan''s POV)

    "Bang-Bang-"

    +15 Bo

    The sickening sound of Victoria''s forehead striking the concrete floor echoed through the air. Blood streamed down her face, blurring her vision as she continued to bash her head against the ground.

    Her wolf whimpered in agony do anything to save

    th each impact, but she didn''t stop. The desperation of a mother willing i

    her child drove her beyond pain.

    "Victoria!" I rushed forward, crouching beside her trembling form.

    As I reached for her, she released her grip on her wheelchair. Her paralyzed legs couldn''t support even a kneeling position, and she copsed bonelessly into my

    arms.

    Her face was a shocking sight-streaked with blood and tears, her blue eyes wild with desperation. She weakly clutched my arm,

    her fingers digging into my sleeve.

    "Ethan, don''t be angry, I''m fine," she whispered, her voice frail. "For Emma, not just bowing my head to Olivia, even if I had to

    trade my life, I''d willingly do it."

    She turned her bloodied face toward Olivia, who stood watching with cold emerald eyes.

    "Olivia, will you let James Knight save Emma now?" Victoria pleaded. "I''ve done as you asked, I''ve submitted and begged..."

    Her wolf''s distress pheromones filled the air around us, mingling with the metallic scent of blood. The disy was raw, primal a mother''s desperate plea for her child''s life.

    I gently tried to lift Victoria from the floor, but she resisted, determined to maintain her submissive posture.

    "If it is not enough, I can keep going," she sobbed, tears cutting clean tracks through the blood on her face. "I''ll keep submitting until I break my head, as long as you''ll save Emma!"

    She made another move to bash her head against the concrete, but I pulled her back into my arms, restraining her.

    "Ethan, let me beg Olivia," she cried, struggling against my hold. "I have no other way! Dr. Jonathan Rivers said every day we wait, it gets more dangerous. I can''t lose Emina

    Her words dissolved into ragged sobs as she continued to plead with Olivia for mercy.

    I looked up at my mate, searching for any sign ofpassion in her face. But Olivia''s emerald eyes remained icy, her wolf utterly unmoved by Victoria''s bloody desperation.

    The realization hit me with painful rity-no amount of submission would move Olivia. Het hatred ran too deep. Even if Victoria died at her feet today, she would not yield.

    +15 Bonu

    In my mind, Olivia was using this opportunity for her own catharsis, to humiliate and torment Victoria without any intention of

    helping Emma.

    I found it excessive, cruel even. With firm hands, I set Victoria back in her wheelchair, holding her down to prevent further self-

    harm.

    "Wanwan," I said, turning to Olivia, the weight of Emma''s condition heavy in my voice. "Whatever grudges exist between adults

    shouldn''t involve the pup. Emma is innocent. She''s only seven, just like Lily...''

    The moment Lily''s name left my lips in the same breath as Emma''s, something changed in Olivia''s expression. A deeper coldnes entered her gaze, her wolf bristling visibly beneath her skin.

    I realized toote my mistakeparing her lost daughter to the child she saw

    as her recement had reopened wounds that had never truly healed

    James Knight stepped forward, his hazel eyes shing with his wolf''s rage.

    "Ethan Stone, are you even human?" he spat, aiming a kick at me that I barely dodged. "You''reparing that scheming brat Emma to beautiful, sweet Lily- who do you think you''re fooling? She doesn''t deserve it!"

    His russet-brown wolf surged beneath his skin, hackles raised in fury.

    "A pup raised by a vicious she-wolf can only turn out rotten," he continued, venom dripping from every word. "Only someone blinded by moon madness would think she''s innocent! Who kept wronging and hurting Lily again and again? I can''t wait for the day you finally see through this mother and daughter!"

    I swallowed my retort, my face darkening with anger. This wasn''t about James or his opinions-it was about saving Emma''s life.

    "James Knight,¡± I said, my voice shifting from pleading to businesslike, "if you agree to donate your kidney to Emma, you can name your price-I''ll do whatever you ask."

 The Alpha King is unavailable 327

    I knew this would hurt Olivia deeply, but I was desperate. Lily was gone, but

    Emma was still a living, breathing pup-I couldn''t

    bear to watch her die.

    At first, my affection for Emma had been transferred from my guilt toward Victoria,

    but as time passed, I had trulye to love

    the little girl who called me "Dad."

    James scoffed, unmoved by my offer.

    "What does Emma Frost''s life or death have to do with

    do with me?"

    he asked coldly. "

    should I give up my own dreams for her? If

    you want my kidney for her, it''ll never happen."

    His wolf growled beneath his skin, bristling at the very suggestion. With cold

    decisiveness, he took Olivia''s hand and led her

    away.

    I didn''t try to stop them. What would be the point?

    "Ethan," Victoria clutched at my arm, panic in her voice. "Just let James Knight go like that? What about Emma?"

    I turned to her, trying to offer whatfort I could.

    "James isn''t a suitable candidate anyway," I exined gently. "He has a

    motorcyclepetition at the end of the month,

    representing the Northern Territory. Emma''s life can''te at the cost of his future."

    Though Victoria clearly wanted to protest, to demand that Olivia suffer as she had suffered, she swallowed her anger. I took her to get her wounds treated, and Dr. Samuel Wilson diagnosed a mild concussion, requiring overnight observation at the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den

    Throughout the afternoon, I visited Dr. Jonathan Rivers, discussing Emma''s deteriorating condition. When I returned to Emma''s room, she had just woken up. The moment she saw me, she burst into tears, her small arms reaching for me..

    "Daddy, am I really going to die?" she sobbed, clinging to ane with desperate strength,

    Her small wolf whimpered within her, sensing the danger to her body. I stroked her blonde hair, trying to soothe her fears.

    "No, princess," I whispered, my amber eyes soft with genuine affection. "I won''t let that happen."

    But Emma shook her head, her blue eyes wise beyond her years

    "Don''t lie to me, Daddy," she insisted. "I know I''m dying I just can''t bear to leave you-promise me, Daddy, don''t forget me. If I die, please let me be your pup again in the next life..."

    Her words pierced my heart like silver daggers. This child, this innocent pup who had done nothing to deserve such suffering, was preparing herself for death.

    +15 Bonus

    "I don''t want to die," she wept, her small body shaking with sobs. "I don''t want to leave you behind, Daddy..."

    Victoria, beside herself with grief, tried to calm her daughter, but this time the little girl could not beforted. Her sobs intensified into a fit, and she passed out fromck of oxygen.

    The healers rushed her into emergency care, working frantically to stabilize her condition. After a second resuscitation, Dr. River: pulled me aside, his expression grave.

    "Alpha Stone," he said quietly, ¡°Emma doesn''t have much time."

    My hands trembled imperceptibly, my wolf howling silently within me. When Emma was sent back to her ward, Victoria could not stop crying and finally cried herself to sleep.

    Throughout the night, my Alpha Phone rang nonstop as I searched desperately for a solution, calling in favors from every pack in the Northern Territory. But by morning, there was still no hope.

    I stood on the balcony of the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den, watching the sunrise with weary eyes. Stubbing out my Midnight Cigarette, I felt a decision solidifying in my heart.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I sat beside my mother''s bed in the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den, gently massaging her thin arms. Evelyn''s condition had stabilized, but she still needed regr care.

    "The doctor says you might be able to go home next week," I told her softly, working my fingers over her muscles to prevent atrophy.

    My mother smiled weakly, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "That would be nice. I miss my own bed."

    As I continued the gentle massage, my Evidence Phone rang. Without pausing in my ministrations, I picked it up and answered. The moment I did, a frantic c voice burst through the line: "James is in trouble.''

 The Alpha King is unavailable 328

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I raced through the sterile corridors of the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den, my heart hammering against my ribs. The antiseptic smell burned my nostrils, bringing back painful memories of Lily''s final days. My wolf paced anxiously beneath my skin, sensing danger to someone I loved.

    James. My oldest friend. The only one who had stood by me through everything.

    I rounded the corner and spotted Mason Price leaning against the wall. His usually confident posture was slumped, a cigarette. box clutched in his hand. His wolf''s distress pheromones hit me before I even reached him.

    "Is James okay?" My voice cracked with fear. "Please tell me he''s alright."

    Mason''s shoulders sagged as he met my gaze. "He''s not in mortal danger, but his wrist... it''s badly injured. The healer says that hand is ruined."

    The words hit me like a physical blow. I staggered backward, my legs nearly giving out beneath me.

    "No," I whispered, tears streaming down my face. "Not his hand. Not his racing hand."

    I knew what this meant. James had trained for years for the motorcycle

    championship. It was his chance to prove himself as more than just a rogue wolf. His dream-shattered in an instant.

    Mason reached out to steady me. "I

    "I''m sorry, Olivia. I wish I had better news."

    was the

    2 one

    I leaned against the wall, trying topose myself. James needed me to be strong now. I couldn''t fall apart when he w who had lost everything.

    After wiping away my tears, I approached his healing chamber. Through the ss panel in the door, I could see his back turned to me. His broad shoulders, usually held with such confidence, were now hunched and defeated

    I was about to enter when I noticed his shoulders shaking slightly. He was crying-silently, privately. The sight broke my heart all over again.

    I stood outside, tears streaming down my face as I watched my friend grieve alone. We were separated by just a door, yet sharing the same despair.

    April Daniels, one of the medical den nurses, approached with a fresh healing crystal infusion, I quickly stepped aside as she entered the room.

    James hurriedly wiped his face, but in doing so, he identally moved his injured hand. A sharp wince crossed his features.

    I couldn''t stand it anymore. I pushed through the door and rushed to his side, gently but firmly pressing my hand on his shoulder to keep him still.

    +15 Bonus

    "Don''t move," 1manded softly, my wolf rising protectively,

    James quickly buried his face in the pillow, drying thest of his tears before turning to me with his trademark charming smile.

    ¡°It''s nothing. I just forgot my hand was injured," he said lightly, but I could see the pain behind his hazel eyes

    April smiled as she adjusted his IV. "You have a great attitude, Mr. Knight. That will help with your recovery."

    James winked at her flirtatiously. "Well, I can''t disappoint my beautiful nurse, can 1?"

    After April left, we were alone. James maintained his casual facade.

    "Why do you look like someone died?" he asked, his voice deliberately light. "It''s

    just a hand-it won''t affect my life. Don''t act like the moon is falling."

    I knew what he was doing. He was trying to spare me more pain, knowing how much I''d already suffered with Lily''s death and my mother''s condition.

    I forced myself to y along, swallowing the lump in my throat. "Of course, you''re the strongest! Nothing can knock you down, Jay!"

    The false cheerfulness in my voice sounded hollow even to my own ears, but I had to try-for him.

    Mason returned a few minutester with two officers from the Shadow Creek Police Precinct. I recognized Officer Daniel Brooks and Officer Benjamin Trent

    up to it, we nee

    "Mr. Knight," Officer Brooks began, "if you''re feeling up to it,

    need to take your statement about the ident."

    James nodded, his face suddenly serious. "I''m fine. What do you need to know?"

    Officer Brooks pulled out a small notepad. "We''ve reviewed security footage from a camera across the street. The driver, Trevor Miles, wasn''t drunk when he hit you. He started drinking only after spotting you, and the collision appears deliberate."

    My blood ran cold. This wasn''t an ident.

    "Are you saying someone targeted James?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

    Officer Trent nodded grimly. "Miles ims it was just an ident with no personal grudge, but the evidence suggests otherwise." "We''ll continue investigating until we find who''s behind this," Officer Brooks assured us. "Someone paid Miles to do this, and we''ll find out who."

    James thanked them quietly, his hazel eyes darkening as the implications sank in After the officers left, a heavy silence filled the healing chamber. My mind raced with terrible suspicions. The timing was too perfect to be coincidental.

    Emma Frost was in critical condition. James had refused to donate his kidney. And now, suddenly, his racing hand was permanently damaged.

    Chandi DI

    +15 Bonus

    My wolf snarled beneath my skin as the pieces fell into ce. In Ethan''s eyes, only Emma''s life mattered. Lily could die. James could be crippled. As long as precious Emma survived, any sacrifice was eptable.

    Rage boiled inside me, hot and consuming. My hands trembled with it.

    "Please look after James," I said tightly to Mason as I prepared to leave.

    My wolf was driving me forward now, demanding justice. I stormed through the medical den, following the scent of pack attention to find Emma''s healing chamber.

    It wasn''t difficult-Victoria had made sure everyone knew where her precious daughter was staying

    I paused at the doorway, my wolf goingpletely still at the sight before me. Ethan was sitting on Emma''s bed, gently coaxing her to eat. He held the young pup tenderly in his arms, his amber eyes soft with genuine affection.

    "Just a little more, princess," he murmured, his voice gentle in a way I''d never heard him speak to Lily.

    Something snapped inside me. My wolf howled with rage, demanding retribution for both my daughter and my friend.

    I kicked the door open with werewolf strength. The wood splintered around the hinges as I marched inside.

    With one powerful movement, I flipped over the medical tray by the bed. The scalding venison broth spilled toward both Ethan and Emma, my wolf''s instincts driving me tosh out at those who had caused so much pain.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 329

    (Olivia''s POV)

    "Ethan Stone, do you have any humanity left at demanding release.

    oft at all!"

    I!" My voice trembled with hatred as my wolf surged beneath my skin,

    +15 Bonus:

    My emerald eyes shed dangerously, ws threatening to emerge from my fingertips. If I could, I would have torn the Alpha King apart with my bare hands. Was Emma Frost really so important to him, important enough that he could cast everything else aside-including James Knight, who had been crippled for refusing to donate his kidney?

    The rage that had been building since I''d seen James in that hospital bed

    consumed me entirely. My wolf howled for justice-for Lily, for James, for all the pain this man had caused.

    In a blur of werewolf speed, I rushed toward Ethan, who had one arm cradling Emma and the other holding a bowl of steaming venison broth.

    Reacting with Alpha instincts, Ethan shielded Emma in his embrace. The scalding liquid cascaded down his own back and arm, leaving his skin red and raw beneath his rolled-up sleeves. His wolf growled at the pain but remained protective of the pup in his

    atms.

    He ignored his difort, checking Emma anxiously. ¡°Emma, are you alright? Did you get burned?"

    Emma, pale and shaken, cried harder with concern for her father figure. Her wolf whimpered as she blew on his burned arm. "Ethan, does it hurt?"

    Ethan stroked her head tenderly. "I don''t hurt."

    Yet when he turned to me, his amber eyes were sharp with usation, his Alpha pheromones filling the room with warning. ¡°Liv, don''t you know what Emma''s going through? She''s already suffering so much-what are you doing?"

    The old wound of his favoritism for Emma reopened in my heart. A fresh wave of anger and resentment surged as I remembered the injustices Lily had suffered in this same pack. Did he ever spare a thought for Lily, the daughter he''d neglected?

    Unable to contain myself, I pped Ethan across the face with werewolf strength, leaving red marks that would have broken human bones

    "How dare you ask what I''m doing? You know exactly what you''ve done!" I shouted, my voice breaking with emotion. "For Emma''s life, you''ll do anything you even tried to trade James Knight''s life for hers. Ethan Stone, you deserve the worst!"

    Ethan was stunned, his wolf recoiling in confusion, not understanding my reference. Before he could question me, Emma intervened.

    "Luna Olivia, you don''t like me. If you don''t like me, just hit me, but don''t hit Ethan." She spread her arms protectively in front of him, her young wolf rising to defend her Alpha despite her weakened state.

    +15 Bonus

    At that moment, amotion from the adjoining room signaled Victoria Frost''s arrival. She wheeled herself in, voice trembling

    with usation.

    "Olivia Winters, what are you trying to do? Hurting me over and over isn''t enough for you-now you want to hurt Emma too?

    Will you only be satisfied if she dies?"

    With the pretense of motherly love, she wheeled herself at me, hoping to knock me into the shards on the ground and ruin my face. However, I swiftly kicked the wheelchair, sending Victoria sprawling, my wolf snarling in satisfaction at the sight of my enemy on the floor.

    Emma immediately broke into fresh sobs, her wolf crying out in distress as she worried for her mother and tried to get out of bed to help.

    Ethanforted Emma with gentle pheromones that calmed her inner wolf. "Stay in bed, princess. I''ll help your mother."

    Seizing this moment, Emma grabbed my arm, her little fingernails digging in as she shrieked, "Get out! You''re a bad wolf! You hit Ethan and hurt my mommy! I hate you! You''re not wee in our pack!"

    I was disgusted by the maniptive behavior so simr to Victoria''s. With a growl, I flung Emma''s hand away.

    Yet, in a move I''d seen her mother perform and learned from observation, Emma deliberately threw herself backward, hitting her head against the bed with a loud thud and cking out. Her wolf retreated deep within her in apparent shock.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 330

    Ethan, about to help Victoria, heard Emma''s cry of pain and rushed to her side. His Alpha instinctspelled him to protect the

    vulnerable pup.

    Abandoning Victoria on the floor, he gathered Emma into his arms, his wolf rising protectively as he shot me a look of icy fury. His eyes briefly glowed with Alpha power. "Liv! You''ve gone too far!"

    Emma''s breathing grew rapid, her wolf''s distress evident in her scent. Ethan pressed the call button anxiously.

    "You''d better pray Emma is alright," he threatened, his Alpha voice rumbling with warning.

    Unmoved, I retorted coldly, my emerald eyes hard as jade, "If anything happens to her, she brought it on herself!"

    Victoria, nearly hysterical, screamed from the floor. "If anything happens to my daughter, I''ll never forgive you, Olivia Winters!

    Never!"

    I looked down at her with icy detachment. "If anything happens to Emma, it''s just retribution for all the evil you''ve done."

    With that, I left, my wolf holding its head high despite the tension in the room. I had said what needed to be said. I had stood up

    for James, for Lily, for myself.

    (Ethan''s POV)

    The pack healers arrived within minutes, rushing to Emma''s bedside. Dr. Simon Harper checked her vitals with practiced

    efficiency, his expression grave.

    "She needs rest," he advised, adjusting the IV drip. "And remember, Alpha Stone, she needs that kidney transnt as soon as

    possible. Her organ is failing rapidly."

    I nodded, my wolf pacing anxiously beneath my skin. The burn on my arm throbbed, but I ignored it. Physical pain was nothing

    Victoria sat by her daughter''s bedside, eyes brimming with distress, her wolf projecting protective pheromones. She stroked

    Emma''s blonde hair with trembling fingers.

    "She''ll be okay,¡± I assured her, though my own heart was heavy with worry.

    Olivia''s usation about James Knight echoed in my mind. What had she meant? Had something happened to James that I wasn''t

    aware of?

    I stepped outside to make some calls, determined to get to the bottom of this. Daniel Reed, my Beta, answered on the first ring.

    "Alpha, what can I do for you?"

    "James Knight," I said without preamble. "What happened to him?"

    There was a pause on the other end. "He was in a car ident yesterday evening, Alpha. His hand was severely injured-

    permanent damage. His racing career is over."

    My blood ran cold. "Was it an ident?"

    "The police are investigating. The driver ims it was, but evidence suggests otherwise."

    +20 Bonu

    Understanding dawned on me. This was why Olivia had been so furious. She believed I had orchestrated the attack on James

    because he refused to donate his kidney to Emma.

    "I want a full investigation," I ordered. "Find out who''s behind this. And Daniel-I had nothing to do with it."

    "Of course, Alpha," Daniel replied, though I detected a note of uncertainty in his voice.

    I ended the call, my mind racing. I needed to find Olivia and exin that I wasn''t

    involved in the attack on James. Despite our

    differences, I wouldn''t stoop to such tactics.

    My n was cut short by a call from Victoria-Emma had been rushed into the Bloodrush Chamber again. This time, her

    condition was critical.

    I raced back to the medical den, my heart pounding with fear. Dr. Simon Harper met me at the entrance to the emergency area, his face grim.

    "Alpha Stone, have you found a kidney donor? If we don''t act soon, Emma..." He didn''t finish the sentence, but I understood the

    gravity of the situation.

    Victoria was frantic, trying to wheel herself away from the waiting area. "Only

    James Knight can save Emma now. If Olivia wants

    my life, I''ll give it to her-just let James save Emma!"

    Tears streamed down her face as she continued, her voice breaking with desperation. "I''ll do anything if it means saving my

    daughter!"

    As her cries echoed through the corridor, I looked at the Bloodrush Chamber

    doors, determination in my amber eyes, my wolf

    rising with resolve.

    "I''ll go find James Knight," I vowed.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 331

    +15 Bonus

    (Ethan''s POV)

    "Stabilize Emma''s condition until I return." My voice carried the unmistakablemand of an Alpha as I fixed the healer with my amber gaze.

    Dr. Simon Harper''s shoulders tensed under my stare, his wolf instinctively

    lowering its head in submission. "Yes, Alpha King!"

    There was no room to question when I would return. Victoria sat in her wheelchair, sobbing uncontrobly, her face streaked

    with tears as she looked to me as her final lifeline.

    "Wait for me. I will not let Emma be in danger," I promised, my tone carrying a

    dark determination that made my wolf''s energy

    pulse through the room.

    With these words, I strode out of the Bloodrush Chamber, my ck Alpha

    Overcoat swirling behind me as I pulled out my Alpha

    Phone and called Dr. Harrison Fletcher.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I returned to James Knight''s hospital ward in the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den, my emotions still raw from the earlier

    confrontation. My wolf was agitated beneath my skin, sensing my distress.

    James immediately caught my scent, his amber-flecked eyes finding mine as I entered. "Are you alright, Liv?" he asked, his wolf

    rising protectively despite his injured state.

    I shook my head gently, masking my guilt and pain as I nced at his damaged hand-the hand that would never again grip his

    beloved Midnight Rider Motorcycle with the same strength.

    The weight of responsibility pressed on me-I knew confronting Ethan would be useless; I was powerless against the Alpha King.

    The guilt for James''s suffering gnawed at my heart.

    "Jay, I''m sorry," I murmured softly.

    James rebuked me, his wolf growling softly, "Sorry for what? Olivia Winters, don''t take everything onto yourself!"

    He shifted in his bed, wincing slightly as he moved his injured hand. "The ones who should be apologizing are Trevor Miles who

    hit me and whoever orchestrated it, not you."

    James yfully flicked my forehead with his good hand, his affection and protectiveness for me clear. "Stop ming yourself for

    things you didn''t do."

    Though a rogue wolf without a formal pack, James had always considered me his closest family, and by extension, had cared for Lily deeply-what he did for Lily

    was out of love and loyalty to the wolves he considered his true pack.

    I could only answer with a muffled "Mm," my internal struggle evident in my eyes.

    +15 Bonus

    James''s gaze was filled with pain and tenderness for me, but our conversation was interrupted when my Evidence Phone rang-it

    was Dr. Harrison Fletcher. Both our wolves tensed immediately, our enhanced hearing picking up the urgency in the ringtone.

    I answered with trepidation, "Dr. Fletcher?"

    His voice was grave, ¡°Luna Winters, do you have time toe to the medical den

    now? I need to discuss your mother''s condition with you."

    My heart dropped at his tone, my wolf whining anxiously within me. "What happened to my mom?" I asked, my voice trembling.

    "Come to the medical den and we''ll discuss in detail," Dr. Fletcher replied, ending the call abruptly.

    James encouraged me to hurry, his wolf eyes shing with concern. "Go, Liv. My pack members will arrange for a healer to care

    for me shortly, so don''t worry about me."

    His protective instincts were evident despite his injuries. "Call me if anything happens, don''t panic, and be careful on your way."

    I agreed, repeating the same advice back to him, then rushed out and caught a cab to Dr. Fletcher''s private wing at the Crescent

    Moon Medical Center, anxiety and fear simmering beneath myposed exterior. (James''s POV)

    Shortly after Olivia left, Ethan Stone arrived at my ward, clutching what looked like torn papers in his hand. He swept into the

    room, his Alpha presence so imposing that the nursing aide attending me quickly fled without protest, her wolf cowering in

    submission.

    With the door closed, Ethan wasted no time: "James Knight, Emma''s condition is critical. She''s in the Bloodrush Chamber,

    waiting for your kidney to save her life."

    I remained unmoved, responding coldly as my wolf rose defiantly beneath my

    skin, "Why should I care? Whether she lives or dies

    has nothing to do with

    me."

    ÈÕ

 The Alpha King is unavailable 332

    I saw no reason to extendpassion to Emma Frost, whom I regarded as

    unworthy of my sacrifice. My racing career was already

    destroyed-why should I give up a kidney too?

    "Ethan Stone, when Lily needed a kidney, you didn''t lift a finger," I spat, unable to contain my rage. "If you''d listened to Olivia

    even once, Lily might still be alive. How do you treat your own daughter like garbage and another she-wolf''s daughter like a

    treasure?"

    My outrage waspounded by the knowledge that Emma wasn''t even Ethan''s biological child, making his favoritism all the

    more infuriating. The pain of Lily''s death and Olivia''s suffering was senseless in my eyes, my wolf growling with barely

    contained fury.

    Ethan''s hand tightened around the papers, which I now recognized as the Broken Pact of Sacrifice-the very document I''d signed

    to donate my kidney to Lily before it was mysteriously canceled. My usationsnded precisely on his deepest regrets; I could

    see it in his eyes.

    But Ethan forced himself to set aside those emotions. "This isn''t about the past. Right now, a pup''s life is at stake."

    "Not my problem," I replied coldly. "Find another donor."

    Ethan''s jaw tightened. "There is no otherpatible donor avable in time. You''re the only match."

    "Then I guess Emma Frost will die," I said, my voice t. "Just like Lily did."

    Ethan''s eyes shed with Alpha power. "I can make your life very difficult, James Knight."

    Iughed bitterly. "What can you do? I have nothing left to lose. Your threats mean nothing to me."

    My racing career was over. What else could he take from me?

    Ethan''s tone grew colder and more dangerous, his wolf''s eyes briefly glowing with Alpha power: "If you don''t care about

    yourself, what about Olivia?"

    The threat was subtle but clear-if Emma died because of my refusal, Ethan would make sure Olivia suffered.

    "Don''t expect Lucas ckwood to protect her," he continued, his voice low and menacing. ¡°If Emma dies, Olivia will never have another good day in Silvercrest territory, and with me as Alpha, she''ll never work in crystal design again."

    I was forced to confront the terrifying possibility, my wolf retreating slightly. I knew how fragile Olivia''s mental health was after losing Lily, and I could not risk her spiraling back into the darkness of depression.

    The pain of her previous struggle was still fresh for me; I had been the one by her side when she had attempted suicide in the Silvermoon River. I''d pulled her from those dark waters, held her as she cried for Lily, promised her that I would always protect

    her.

    "You wouldn''t," I challenged, but the certainty in Ethan''s eyes told me otherwise.

    "I would," he confirmed. "Emma''s life means that much to me."

    "And Lily''s didn''t?" I couldn''t help but ask, my voice breaking slightly.

    +15 Bonus

    A sh of something-regret, perhaps-crossed Ethan''s face before his expression hardened again. "This isn''t about Lily. It''s

    about Emma, who is still alive and can be saved."

    I stared at him, hatred burning in my chest. "You''re a monster, Ethan Stone."

    "Call me what you want," he replied evenly. "But make your decision. Emma doesn''t have much time."

    In the end, my anger and hatred for Ethan could not override my fear for Olivia''s future. I stared at the Alpha King, searching for a shred of insincerity in those amber eyes, but saw none-Ethan was utterly serious, his wolf''s determination unwavering.

    With a heavy heart and suppressed rage, I surrendered, my wolf howling in silent protest within me.

    Ethan, his patience spent, ced the Broken Pact of Sacrifice and a pen before me. After a long, tortured hesitation, I finally picked up the pen and turned to the donor section of the agreement, my hand shaking with the weight of my decision.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 333

    (Olivia''s POV)

    +30 Bonus

    My heart hammered against my ribs as I burst through the door of Dr. Harrison Fletcher''s private study without knocking. My wolf paced anxiously beneath my skin, her emerald eyes reflecting my panic.

    "Dr. Fletcher, what''s wrong with my mother?" I demanded, scanning his face for any hint of bad news.

    The healer''s expression softened as he gestured to the chair across from his desk. I noticed he seemed more amiable than usual -

    ever since Ethan had shown concern for me, the pack''s attitude had shifted.

    "Please, Luna Winters, have a seat," he said, his tone deliberately calm.

    Dr. Fletcher personally poured me a cup of Moonflower Calming Tea, the herbal scent wafting between us. My fingers trembled slightly as I epted it.

    "This will help settle your nerves," he offered, watching me carefully.

    I couldn''t bring myself to drink it, though I forced a polite "Thank you" as I perched on the edge of the seat. My wolf whined with worry inside me, sensing something wasn''t right.

    "Please, just tell me what''s happening with my mother," I pressed, my knuckles white as I gripped the armrests.

    Dr. Fletcher took a deliberate sip from his own cup before setting it down with practiced precision. The careful movement only increased my anxiety.

    "Your mother''s condition has been showing some... interesting developments," he began, not meeting my eyes directly.

    Heunched into a lengthy exnation about blood tests and monitoring protocols. My enhanced werewolf hearing picked up his slightly elevated heartbeat as he spoke in circles without addressing any specific concern.

    "The cellr response to the treatment has been within expected parameters,"

    he continued, shuffling papers that didn''t need shuffling, "though we''re monitoring certain markers that could potentially indicate..."

    Five minutes passed. Then ten. Dr. Fletcher talked endlessly about medical procedures and theoretical concerns. Not once did he mention any actual change in my mother''s condition.

    My initial anxiety began to transform into suspicion. My wolf growled softly inside me, sensing deception.

    "Dr. Fletcher," I interrupted, cutting through his monologue about white blood cell counts. "Stop beating around the bush-is there actually a problem with my mother''s health or not?"

    The healer faltered, his rhythm broken. He adjusted his sses nervously, avoiding my direct gaze.

    "Well, I wouldn''t say there''s an immediate concern, but-"

    "Then why call me here with such urgency?" I demanded, leaning forward. My wolf''s impatience bled into my voice.

    +30 Bonus

    Dr. Fletcher''s scent changed subtly-guilt. I''d caught him in a lie. My wolf snarled beneath my skin, recognizing the betrayal.

    The cold realization washed over me like moonlight on a winter night. This was a deliberate dy.

    "Is it Ethan?" I asked, standing up abruptly. My emerald eyes locked onto Dr. Fletcher''s guilty expression as my wolf surged

    forward.

    The healer''s silence was confirmation enough. His eyes darted to the door as if calcting an escape route.

    "He asked you to keep me busy, didn''t he?" I pressed, fury building inside me.

    Dr. Fletcher swallowed hard. "Alpha Stone only wanted-"

    I didn''t wait to hear the rest. Ethan had directed him to call me here, to get me out of the way.

    There could only be one reason: James''s kidney for Emma Frost.

    "Damn it!" I bolted from the office, panic propelling me down the corridor. My wolf wed at my insides, desperate to break free

    and run faster.

    My hands shook as I fumbled with my Evidence Phone, nearly dropping it as I dialed James''s number. No answer.

    "Come on, James, pick up!" I muttered, trying again as I pushed through the exit doors.

    I tried three more times, each unanswered call tightening the knot of dread in my chest. I switched to calling Ethan, but his phone

    went straight to voicemail.

    "Ethan, don''t you dare do this!" I shouted into the phone, not caring who heard me in the parking lot.

    My tires squealed as I pulled out, driving toward the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den. Every red light felt like torture. Every slow

    driver became an enemy.

    "Move!" I screamed, honking at an elderly driver who barely crawled through an intersection.

    Twenty minutes felt like twenty hours. My wolf howled inside me with fear for my friend. James had already lost his racing

    career. His hand was permanently damaged. And now Ethan wanted to take his kidney too-all for Emma, a child who wasn''t

    even his.

    I screeched into the medical den parking lot, barely remembering to turn off the

    engine before I raced inside. A nurse called after

    me as I sprinted past the reception desk.

    "Ma''am! You need to sign in!"

    I ignored her, my wolf''s enhanced speed carrying me through the halls. I dodged between staff members and patients, following the scent trail I knew would lead to James.

    When I reached his room, I skidded to a halt outside the ss window. The scene inside made my blood run cold.

    Ethan stood by the bedside, his broad shoulders blocking most of my view. His powerful Alpha presence filled the room like a

    +30 Bonus

    physical force. His expression was cold and imcable as he watched James sign a document.

    I recognized it instantly-the Broken Pact of Sacrifice. The same agreement James had once signed to save Lily, now being used

    to save Emma instead.

    James sat in bed, pen trembling in his grasp. His face was pale, his jaw tight with resignation. A muscle twitched in his cheek as

    he pressed the pen to paper.

    I knew James hated Victoria and resented Emma. He would never agree to this willingly. Ethan must be coercing him with his Alpha influence.

    "James, don''t sign it!" I cried, shoving open the door with such force it mmed against the wall.

    My wolf''s strength propelled me forward as I lunged toward the agreement. The room seemed to stretch in slow motion as I

    reached out.

    But Ethan was faster. By the time my fingers grasped at air, he had already snatched the signed agreement away with hisrge

    hand.

    I stumbled forward, momentum carrying me off bnce. I nearly fell, but Ethan caught me with one arm, pulling me against his

    chest to steady me.

    His wolf instinctively protected his mate despite our estrangement. The familiar scent of him hit me for just a moment before I

    pushed away.

    My gaze fell on the signature line where James''s name was now written in his distinctive handwriting. The pain and anger that flooded through me was overwhelming.

    "Let go of me," I hissed, struggling against Ethan''s grip. My wolf wed to be

    free, to attack, to defend what was ours.

    I reached desperately for the agreement, determined to save my friend from this

    forced sacrifice. "Give me that paper!"

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 The Alpha King is unavailable 334

    +30 Bonus

    (Ethan''s POV)

    I gazed at Olivia, feeling the weight of her hatred pressing against my chest. Her emerald eyes burned with fury, her wolf clearly

    visible beneath the surface of her skin. Despite everything, I couldn''t help but soften my expression.

    "Liv, don''t be angry," I said gently, trying to keep my voice calm. "I''ve arranged everything. The blood transfusion will be safe, and James Knight will be fine."

    I took a step toward her, watching her body tense like a cornered animal.

    "After the procedure, I''llpensate him properly-financially, professionally, anything he needs. I won''t let him donate his

    blood for nothing."

    Olivia trembled, her hands clenching into fists at her sides. Her wolf''s energy radiated from her in waves of anger.

    1

    "Ethan Stone, stop talking nonsense!" she shouted, her voice cracking with emotion. "No matter what you say, James will never

    agree to this. Get out, now!"

    When I didn''t move, she lunged forward, shoving me with surprising strength. Her small hands pushed against my chest, her

    wolf lending her power.

    "Get out!" she repeated, pushing me again. "You have no right to be here!"

    I caught her wrists gently, trying to still her movements. "Liv, please calm down. Lives are at stake here."

    Her emerald eyes shed dangerously. "Don''t call me that!"

    "Emma''s life depends on James''s rare blood type," I pleaded, hoping to make her understand. "Can''t we put aside our hatred just

    for this?"

    Olivia wrenched herself free, grabbing a water ss from the bedside table and hurling it at my head. I ducked just in time.

    "Emma''s fate is nothing but retribution for Victoria''s crimes!" she spat, reaching for anything else she could throw. "Get out

    before I call security!"

    I watched her grab a medical chart, her fingers white with tension. My patience was wearing thin, and time was running out.

    "Enough!" I finally snapped, my Alpha presence filling the room like a physical force.

    Olivia froze, her wolf instinctively responding to mymand even as her human side fought against it.

    "This decision is beyond your control," I stated coldly. "James has already signed the voluntary donation agreement."

    I held up the document, watching her eyes widen in recognition. She nced at James, seeking confirmation.

    James looked away, his hazel eyes reflecting pain and resignation. The silent exchange between them spoke volumes.

    +30 Bonus

    "You forced him," Olivia whispered, her voice breaking. "You used your Alpha influence on a rogue wolf with nothing but his

    fighting reputation and friendship with me."

    Her insight was sharp as always. She understood immediately that James had done this to protect her from further pack

    retaliation.

    "I''ll bring you before the Northern Territory Council," she threatened, her voice shaking with rage. "You can''t force a donation

    against someone''s will!"

    I hardened my expression, knowing I needed to end this quickly. "James can no longer back out. If he does, and Emma dies as a result, he''ll face serious consequences from both humanw and pack justice."

    Olivia''s entire body trembled, her wolf howling within her. I could almost hear it through our faded mate bond.

    "What about Lily?" she asked, her voice suddenly quiet. "What about our daughter who died waiting for a kidney that never

    came?"

    The mention of Lily''s name struck me like a physical blow. Before I could respond, Olivia lunged for the agreement in my hand.

    I caught her wrists easily, pulling her against me. "I''m sorry, Liv," I whispered, before delivering a precise strike to the pressure

    point at the base of her neck.

    Her eyes widened in shock before they fluttered closed. I caught her limp body in my arms, cradling her against my chest.

    (James''s POV)

    "What the hell?" I shouted, trying to get out of bed despite my injuries. My russet- brown wolf surged beneath my skin, responding to the threat against Olivia.

    Ethan Stone turned to me, his amber eyes cold as he held Olivia''s unconscious form. ¡°There''s no time to waste, Knight. If anything happens to Emma, nobody will be spared my wrath."

    The threat hung in the air between us, heavy with Alpha power. I watched as he gentlyid Olivia on the sofa, covering her with my hospital nket. The tenderness of the gesture contrasted sharply with his icy words.

    "Let''s go,¡± he ordered, helping me into a wheelchair despite my protests.

    We moved quickly through the corridors, Ethan pushing my wheelchair at a pace that made the hospital staff jump out of our way. His Alpha presence cleared a path before us like an invisible force.

    When we reached the surgical wing, Victoria Frost was waiting in her wheelchair. Her eyes lit up when she saw us, her wolf practically purring with satisfaction.

    "You did it," she breathed, looking at Ethan with adoration. "You actually convinced him."

    I felt sick watching her triumph. This was the woman who had orchestrated Lily''s

    death, and now she was getting exactly what

    she wanted-my blood to save her daughter.

    +30 Bonus

    The medical team approached, efficiently prepping me for the procedure. I remained silent as they exined the process, my mind focused on Olivia and what this would mean for her.

    As they wheeled me toward the operating room, I caught a final glimpse of Victoria''s smug expression. Her scheming had finally paid off, and there was nothing I could do about it.

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    +30 Bonus

    (Ethan''s POV)

    I watched the operating room doors close behind James, feeling hollow despite achieving my goal. Victoria immediately wheeled herself to my side, tears streaming down her face.

    "Thank you," she sobbed, throwing herself into my arms. "You saved my Emma. I''ll never forget this."

    Her scent was a mixture of relief and triumph that made my stomach turn. I felt no satisfaction in this victory, not when it came at the cost of Olivia''s pain and betrayal.

    My wolf whined uneasily within me. It recognized the wrongness of my actions even as my human side justified them as

    necessary.

    "Don''t," I said, pushing Victoria away more roughly than I intended. "This isn''t a moment for celebration."

    I turned away from her questioning gaze and walked to the emergency exit.

    The blue-tinged smoke curled around me as I leaned against the wall. What had I be? When had I started making these impossible choices?

    My Alpha Phone rang in my pocket, interrupting my dark thoughts. The moment I saw the caller ID, my lifeless amber eyes lit up with sudden urgency.

    Without a word to Victoria, who had followed me outside, I hurried away. Her questioning call echoed behind me, but I didn''t look

    back.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I woke with a gasp, my wolf immediately surging forward to enhance my senses. The pressure point strike had worn off faster

    than Ethan expected-my wolf''s healing had elerated my recovery.

    James was gone. The realization hit me like a physical blow.

    I ran through the corridors, my wolf lending me speed as I raced toward the surgical wing. My heart pounded painfully in my chest, fear and rage propelling me forward.

    When I reached the operating area, I saw Victoria waiting alone outside the room. The red light above the door signaled an ongoing procedure.

    I was toote. My legs nearly gave out beneath me as the truth sank in.

    Victoria noticed me and wheeled herself over, unable to suppress her triumphant

    smile. "You''re toote," she taunted, her voice dripping with satisfaction.

    I stared at her, my wolf rising dangerously close to the surface.

    +30 Bonus

    "James Knight''s rare blood is already flowing into Emma''s veins," she continued, relishing my pain. "I deliberately orchestrated

    your daughter''s death by redirecting that kidney donor, and now your best friend''s sacrifice benefits my daughter."

    Her words cut deeper than any knife. She leaned forward in her wheelchair, her eyes gleaming with malice.

    "Isn''t that just the kind of pain that makes you want to die? The more you suffer, the happier I am!"

    Something snapped inside me. With a growl that was more wolf than human, I kicked her wheelchair hard, sending her sprawling

    onto the floor.

    I stepped over her prone form, determined to find out about James''s condition.

    My wolf was barely contained beneath my skin,

    ws threatening to emerge from my fingertips.

    Just then, the operating light went off. Dr. Simon Harper emerged, looking tired but satisfied.

    "Is the donor alright?" I demanded, my voice hoarse with emotion. My wolf paced frantically beneath my skin, desperate for

    reassurance.

    The healer nodded, his expression softening at my obvious distress. "Don''t worry. The procedure was a sess-both donor and

    recipient are stable."

    Relief flooded through me, but it did nothing to diminish my fury. I turned as Ethan approached, his expression unreadable.

    "Olivia, let me exin-" he began, but I cut him off.

    My eyes caught sight of a Silver-Edged Hunting Knife on a nearby medical tray. Without thinking, I grabbed it and shed at

    Ethan''s arm.

    "Ethan Stone, you monster!" I screamed, watching blood gush from the wound.

    He made no move to defend himself or retaliate. He simply stood there, epting my attack as if he deserved it. His wolf seemed

    to recognize my right to express my rage.

    I struck again and again, leaving painful but non-fatal wounds across his arms

    and chest. The silver edge would slow his healing,

    making the painst longer.

    I wanted him to suffer as I had suffered. As Lily had suffered. As James was suffering now.

    Finally, my arm dropped to my side, my breathing in ragged gasps. Ethan, ignoring his injuries, looked at me with gentle

    amber eyes.

    "Have you calmed down? Can you hear me out now?" he asked softly.

    I dropped the knife, suddenly exhausted. "Where is James?" I demanded.

    Dr. Harper gestured behind him as a hospital bed was wheeled out of the operating room. I rushed forward, desperate to see my

    friend.

    But it wasn''t James lying there. It was a young female wolf I didn''t recognize.

    "Who is this?" I asked, confusion recing my anger. "Where''s James?"

    +30 Bonus

    Ethan answered hoarsely, blood still seeping from his wounds. "I was just about to

    tell you-Emma didn''t receive James''s kidney.

    He''s fine."

    I stood frozen in shock, my wolf momentarily stunned into silence.

    But it was Victoria who was struck hardest-she shoved aside the nurse in

    disbelief, her wolf howling in confusion, unable to

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 The Alpha King is unavailable 336

    (Olivia''s POV)

    "Liv, it''s true, I didn''t lie to you. As soon as I learned there was anotherpatible donor, I immediately redirected Emma''s

    treatment." Ethan''s voice was soft, almost pleading as he stood before me in the sterile corridor of the Silvercrest Pack Medical

    Den.

    Blood still seeped from the wounds I''d inflicted with the Silver-Edged Hunting Knife, staining his shirt. The silver would slow his

    healing, making the pain linger-good.

    "I never truly intended to use James as a donor unless absolutely necessary," he continued, his amber eyes seeking min¨¨.

    ¡°Emma''s situation was critical, and my wolf saw no other option at first."

    . I stared at him, my face expressionless while my wolf snarled beneath my skin.

    }

    "I''ve been searching for alternative donors since the beginning," Ethan exined, wincing slightly as he shifted his weight.

    "What I said to you and James in the medical den-those harsh words-they were just tactics to ensure his cooperation. I knew

    he would do anything to protect you."

    His voice dropped lower, more intimate. "You have to understand, Liv. I was desperate, but I wasn''t cruel without reason."

    I let the silence stretch between us, watching him squirm under my cold gaze. My wolf''s fury built with each heartbeat.

    "So what, am I supposed to be grateful you didn''t use James''s kidney in the end?"

    I finally asked, my voice sharp enough to cut

    ss. "Thank you for your mercy, Alpha?"

    Ethan flinched at my tone, his wolf visibly recoiling.

    "Don''t you dare try to justify what you did," I continued, each word precise and venomous. ¡°The only reason things yed out this way was sheer luck-ast- minute donor appeared. If no donor had been found, you would have sacrificed James without

    hesitation."

    I stepped closer, my emerald eyes boring into his. "Once again, you abandoned Lily and James''s feelings for Victoria and Emma, just like you abandoned Lily herself."

    Ethan''s face paled with each usation, the physical pain from his wounds nothingpared to the anguish in his eyes.

    "Don''t try to escape the condemnation of your own wolf''s conscience," I spat, "if you even have one."

    His wolf whined audibly within him, a sound of pure misery that gave me a sh of bitter satisfaction.

    From the corner of my eye, I noticed Victoria in her Raven-Trimmed Wheelchair, eavesdropping on our conversation. Her expression shifted from shock to panic as she processed Ethan''s words.

    The realization that James hadn''t been used as a donor clearly disturbed her. Her borate scheme to torment me had failed

    spectacrly.

    +30 Bonus

    For a moment, raw frustration shed across her face before she quicklyposed herself. A forced smile reced her scowl as

    she wheeled herself closer to us.

    "I''m just relieved everything worked out for the best," Victoria said sweetly, her wolf carefully controlling its scent to mask her

    disappointment. "Emma''s health is all that matters, and I''m grateful we found a solution that didn''t require James''s sacrifice."

    Her performance was wless-the concerned mother, the caring friend. But I knew better.

    "Are you disappointed it wasn''t me, Victoria?"

    James''s cold voice cut through the tension like a de. He stood in the doorway, his hazel eyes shing with barely contained

    rage.

    Before Victoria could respond, James kicked her wheelchair with werewolf strength, sending it skidding across the polished floor.

    His russet-brown wolf surged beneath his skin, its energy palpable in the narrow corridor.

    "James!" I rushed to his side, my hands immediately checking him for any signs of medical intervention. "Are you really okay?

    They didn''t take anything from you?"

    My fingers traced his arms, looking for needle marks or bandages, my wolf''s protective instincts in overdrive.

    "I''m fine, Liv," he assured me, gently catching my trembling hands in his. "They never got me into surgery. I was waiting in pre-

    op when they found the other donor."

    The familiarfort of his presence calmed my frantic wolf. I took a deep breath, allowing the icy resolve to rece my

    emotional turmoil.

    ¡°Let''s go,¡± I said, taking his hand firmly in mine. ¡°I don''t want to spend another second around these three wolves."

    I didn''t look back at Ethan, Victoria, or the operating room where Emmay recovering. My wolf retreated deep within me,

    protecting itself from further pain.

    (Ethan''s POV)

    I watched Olivia walk away with James, her slender figure growing smaller with each step. The physical pain from the Silver-

    Edged Hunting Knife wounds was nothingpared to the hollow ache in my

    chest.

    My wolf howled mournfully within me, sensing our mate bond stretching dangerously thin. Despite everything that had happened, despite my attempts to exin, Olivia hadn''t spared me so much as a backward nce.

    Her indifference cut deeper than her hatred ever could.

    "Ethan, are you listening to me?" Victoria''s voice broke through my thoughts, She had righted her wheelchair and moved back to my side. "I can''t believe how harshly she treated you after everything you''ve done for Emma."

    I remained silent, unable to focus on her words. All I could think about was

    Olivia''s retreating figure and the growing distance

    between us-not just physical, but emotional. (1

    +30 Bonus

    The doors at the end of the corridor swung open as Emma was wheeled out of surgery. Dr. Simon Harper approached with a

    satisfied expression.

    "The operation was aplete sess, Alpha King," he reported. "Emma''s body

    is epting the new kidney without

    I should have felt relief, even joy. Instead, I felt nothing but a profound sense of

    loss as I sensed Olivia drifting further away, our

    mate bond growing weaker by the moment.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I set the Crystal-Infused Thermal Food Container on James''s bedside table, carefully arranging his favorite dishes from the

    Moonstone Dining Hall.

    "You didn''t have to do this," James said, though his eyes lit up at the sight of venison stew and moonberry bread.

    "Of course I did," I replied, my wolf pleased to provide nourishment for pack. Even

    without an official pack, James was family to

    1. me. "You need to keep your strength up."

    James ate heartily, his wolf gratefully epting the care. For a few precious

    moments, we existed in a bubble of peace, away from

    the drama and pain of the Stone pack politics.

    The tranquility was shattered by the sharp ring of James''s Wolf-Linked

    Cellphone. He nced at the screen before answering.

    ¡°Daniel? What is it?¡± James listened intently, his expression growing more serious

    with each passing second.

    "There''s been a breakthrough in the hit-and-run case," Daniel''s voice came

    through the phone. "The driver confessed."

    My heart raced as suspicions I''d been harboring surfaced. "Was it Victoria?" I

    asked. "Did she orchestrate the

    attack?"

 The Alpha King is unavailable 337

    +15 Bonus

    (Olivia''s POV)

    "It wasn''t Victoria," Officer Daniel Brooks''s voice came through James''s Wolf- Linked Cellphone, his tone formal and detached. "It was a rogue wolf named Connor ckthorn."

    My fingers tightened around the phone as I exchanged a skeptical nce with James. His hazel eyes mirrored my disbelief.

    "The two were old acquaintances, and the driver owed ckthorn a favor," the officer continued. "ckthorn instructed him to

    target Mr. Knight."

    James shifted ufortably in his hospital bed, his jaw clenching at the mention of his attacker''s name.

    "We also interrogated ckthorn; he confessed," Officer Brooks added. "Because Mr. Knight changed his mind at thest minute and refused to donate his blood to Emma Frost, ckthorn developed a hatred for Mr. Knight, seeking revenge.''

    My wolf stirred beneath my skin, her emerald eyes narrowing with suspicion. The story sounded rehearsed, too convenient.

    "He hired a human to run him down to ensure he would suffer and miss the Crystal Competition," the officer exined. "He stated he wanted Mr. Knight to experience pain."

    I remained silent, processing this information while my wolf''s instincts screamed that there was more to this story than what we were being told.

    After ending the call with Officer Brooks, I set the phone down on James''s bedside table. My heart was already filled with

    certainty about the truth: behind everything, pulling the strings, was Victoria Frost.

    The pack investigation had wrapped the case up with confessions and motives that sounded usible. But my wolf could sense

    the deception.

    "It was her," I said quietly, my voice barely above a whisper. "Victoria orchestrated all of this."

    James didn''t argue. He simply watched me with understanding in his eyes.

    I knew the real maniptor was Victoria. To make me suffer and force James to donate his rare blood type to Emma, she would destroy his future without hesitation.

    The realization suffocated me with guilt and sorrow, especially as I looked at James''s injured hand. My own hands clenched so

    tightly that my nails dug into my palms, drawing tiny crescents of blood.

    My wolf whined with shared pain beneath my skin, feeling responsible for the suffering of our friend.

    "I need to go," I said suddenly, pulling myself together. "I''m going to visit my mother at the Healing Chamber."

    James reached out with his good hand, gently touching my arm. "Be careful on the road, Liv," he said, his hazel eyes reflecting

    genuine concern.

    +15 Bonus

    I nodded, squeezing his hand before turning to leave. Even if there was no direct evidence, I would not let Victoria off so easily. My wolf''s protective instincts drove me forward, urging me to confront the she-wolf who had caused so much pain.

    Instead of heading to see my mother, I drove straight to Rosewood Haven. I knew Victoria would return there after Emma''s sessful treatment. My wolf''s senses were heightened and alert as I navigated the familiar roads to Victoria''s residence.

    Meanwhile, Victoria Frost was consumed by jealousy and frustration. Her schemes had failed, and she had witnessed Ethan''s concern for me firsthand.

    After being sent home by Maxwell Chen, who believed she just needed rest after Emma''s sessful surgery, Victoria''s carefully constructed mask dropped as soon as she was alone.

    In the Rosewood Haven Recreation Area, she furiously smashed her carefully cultivated moonflowers, venting her rage.

    "Olivia Winters, you bitch!" she screamed, her voice echoing through the empty garden.

    Her wolf snarled and snapped beneath her skin, its agitation matching her own as she destroyed the delicate blooms with her bare hands.

    (Victoria''s POV)

    Suddenly, someone grabbed my hair from behind and yanked it hard, nearly tearing my scalp. Before I could react, a sharp pnded on my face-the force ringing in my ears.

    I turned and saw Olivia Winters, her emerald eyes zing with her wolf''s fury. Her face was contorted with rage, her chest heaving with each breath.

    "Olivia Winters, you dare hit me?!" I shrieked,shing out with my nails to scratch her face.

    Olivia quickly caught my wrist and pped me again-one after another, relentless, as if all her pent-up hatred was pouring out through each strike.

    "I wish I could beat you to death, Victoria Frost!" she snarled, her voice ragged

    with rage and pain, her wolf''s growl rumbling beneath her words.

    The force of her blows sent me stumbling backward, my cheek burning from the impact. No one had dared to touch me like this

    since I''d be Ethan''s favorite.

    "Have you gone mad?" I screamed, trying to shield my face from her assault. "Stop hitting me!"

    Olivia''s emerald eyes were wild with fury as she continued her attack. "Why do I hit you? Because you''re the one who orchestrated James Knight''s ident-you destroyed him! You''re a vicious she-wolf!"

    The usation only fueled her rage, and she kept striking as I tried to escape. Each blow carried her wolf''s strength, making them more painful than a human''s could ever be.

    I was momentarily stunned by the beating, but a realization began to dawn on me. Olivia''s depression must have rpsed. I recalled the madness she disyed two years ago when I taunted her with her daughter Lily''s ashes.

    214

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    A twisted delight grew within me. If Olivia''s condition worsened, Ethan would never choose her as Luna again. This could work in

    my favor.

    "So what if it was me?" I taunted, a sneer forming on my lips. "What can you do about it? You have no proof."

    Olivia''s hand paused mid-strike, her emerald eyes widening slightly at my admission.

    "You have only yourself to me for James Knight''s misfortune and suffering," I continued, my wolf''s scent deliberately

    projecting smugness. "If you had just let him donate his blood to Emma, none of this would have happened."

    I watched with satisfaction as Olivia''s face contorted with rage. Her hands trembled at her sides, and I prepared myself for another onught of blows.

    Yet, as I continued my cruel provocation, I suddenly noticed a change in Olivia''s demeanor. The madness in her eyes vanished,

    reced by a cold, lucid hatred.

    Realization dawned-Olivia had been feigning instability to lure me into a confession.

    Panic flickered across my face as I spotted something in her pocket. I lunged forward, trying to seize what I now recognized as

    Olivia''s Hidden Audio Recorder.

    Instead of grabbing it, I stumbled and fell to the ground, my paralyzed legs failing

    me at the worst possible moment. I cursed my weakness as I sprawled on the

    garden path.

    "Even if you have a recording, it''s useless," I scoffed, trying to maintain myposure despite my vulnerable position. "You

    can''t send me to the Shadow Hold. What can you do?"

    Olivia''s response was chillingly calm. "Maybe I can''t send you to a detention center, but if the Northern Territories know you destroyed an athlete''s career, you''ll be ruined."

    For a moment, my self-assurance wavered. The thought of losing my social standing, of bing an outcast in werewolf

    society, sent a chill down my spine.

    But I quickly recovered. Ethan would always protect me as long as I remained

    ''Little Orange'' in his eyes. Our history together was too deep, our connection too

    strong.

    "He''ll never let you destroy me," I said smugly, my wolf puffing up with false confidence.

    "Is that so?" James Knight''s voice suddenly echoed from outside the iron gate of Rosewood Haven.

    I whirled around, and my face turned pale as I saw not only James Knight but Alpha King Ethan Stone standing beside him. Ethan''s amber eyes were icy and unreadable, his wolf''s energy pulsing with barely contained rage.

    James watched with satisfaction as I realized I had been trapped, his russet- brown wolf rising triumphantly beneath his skin.

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    (Victoria''s POV)

    +15 Bonus

    My heart nearly stopped when I saw Alpha King Ethan Stone standing beside James Knight at the entrance to Rosewood Haven.

    My mind spun in panic, desperately trying to assess the situation.

    When did Ethan arrive? How much had he heard?

    I couldn''t afford to speak rashly. Years of maniption had taught me how to adapt quickly. Iposed my features,

    transforming my expression from shock to pitiful vulnerability in an instant.

    I raised my face toward Ethan, making sure he could clearly see the redness and swelling from Olivia''s ps. Tears welled in my

    eyes onmand, a skill I''d perfected over the years.

    "Ethan..." I called out, my voice breaking perfectly.

    The tears fell right on cue, streaming down my cheeks as I made myself look as fragile and heartbroken as possible. This was the

    act that never failed-my helpless sobbing always triggered his protective instincts and fed his sense of guilt.

    My wolf whimpered pathetically beneath my skin, projecting vulnerable pheromones that would reach his Alpha senses.

    As expected, Ethan stepped forward, walking straight toward me. My heart soared with triumph.

    Just one tear, and he would always feel sorry for me. That had been our pattern for years.

    I reached out my hand, anticipating his warm touch andforting words. But they never came.

    Instead of taking my hand, Ethan stopped just short of me, his amber eyes cold and distant. There was nofort, no soft words

    -only disappointment radiating from him in palpable waves.

    My wolf sensed the change immediately, whining in confusion at his unexpected response.

    I lunged forward desperately, trying to grab his hand, but the sudden movement caused me to slip from my Raven-Trimmed

    Wheelchair. Inded at his feet in an undignified heap, looking up at him expectantly.

    He didn''t help me up.

    The trust he had given me for years had turned to bitter disappointment. I could almost hear his inner wolf questioning: "Why did my Little Orange be like this?"

    He had never med me for our youthful betrayal-I was too young back then, he always said. But now, having overheard

    everything, his heart was breaking with disillusionment.

    James Knight entered the garden behind Ethan, still dressed in his hospital-

    issued Moonstone-Infused Recovery Garments with

    a jacket thrown hastily over them. Instead of approaching me, he walked directly to Olivia''s side.

    They stood shoulder-to-shoulder, a united front, watching me coldly.

    +15 Bonus

    James understood Olivia after years of friendship. He knew she was already thoroughly disappointed in Ethan. He had purposely

    brought Ethan here so he could finally hear with his own ears what kind of she- wolf he had trusted and spoiled for so many years.

    "You''ve been exposed, Victoria," James said, his hazel eyes hard as stone. "No more maniptions. No more lies."

    His russet-brown wolf bristled beneath his skin, still protective of Olivia despite his own injuries.

    I met Ethan''s disappointed amber gaze and realized he had indeed overheard everything. My carefully constructed world was

    crumbling around me.

    I dropped the act, my tears bing genuine as I broke downpletely, covering my face with my hands.

    "Ethan, don''t look at me like that," I sobbed. "You''re tearing my heart apart. You know I''m not that kind of she-wolf."

    I gestured wildly, my desperation growing. "I only said those things because I was forced-Olivia just came at me and hit me. My

    legs are disabled, I couldn''t fight back."

    I pointed to my reddened cheek. "Look at my face, Olivia hit me so hard. I was in

    so much pain, I lost control and said those

    things, but that''s not how I truly feel."

    My voice cracked with emotion. "I regret what happened to James, but I had no choice. You know, Emma is my whole world."

    My wolf projected desperate maternal pheromones, trying to trigger Ethan''s protective instincts as I had done countless times.

    before.

    "Emma is only seven-her life has just begun," I continued, painting myself as a desperate mother. "She was dying, and we

    couldn''t find a matching blood type. I watched her suffer every day."

    I clutched at my heart dramatically. "I tried everything. Olivia hates me and

    refused to let James donate. She made me kneel and

    beg in public, and I did, but she still wouldn''t help."

    My voice rose with desperation. "What could I do? I couldn''t just watch my daughter die..."

    My wolf whined pitifully, emphasizing my maternal desperation.

    Ethan''s response was cold and unyielding, his Alpha energy pulsing with controlled anger. "Even so, you shouldn''t have destroyed James! You knew he was going topete in the Crystal Competition!"

    I tried to justify myself, admitting to my selfishness while spinning it as maternal devotion.

    "I know I was selfish, but I only cared about my daughter''s life," I pleaded. "Even if

    I have to carry a lifetime of guilt, I''d do it again if it means Emma survives!"

    I had used simr excuses years ago to justify stealing Lily''s organ donor, manipting Ethan with the same line: "For my pup, I can do anything."

    My wolf''s scent carried the bitter notes of desperation mixed with calction. (Olivia''s POV)

    211

    I watched Victoria reach for Ethan again, her performance wless as always. This time, he did not avoid her touch.

    James observed this with a cold face, his hazel eyes shing with disgust.

    "Ethan Stone, you''re hopeless!" he scolded, shaking his head.

    +15 Bonus

    I could see the heartache in James''s eyes as he nced at me, guilt written

    across his features. He was thinking about all the years

    I had wasted loving a man who would never choose me.

    But I was already numb to such disappointments. My wolf had retreated deep

    within me, no longer howling with pain at Ethan''s

    betrayals.

    "Let''s go," I said softly to James, my emerald eyes dull with resignation.

    My goal had been achieved I had exposed Victoria''s true nature. Ethan''s stance

    no longer mattered to my wolf or to me.

    As James and I turned to leave, Victoria clung desperately to Ethan''s clothes, her wolf projecting frantic distress pheromones.

    "Ethan, you can''t let Olivia expose me!" she cried, her voice trembling with genuine fear. "If what I said gets out, what will happen to me and Emma?¡± Her fingers clutched at his shirt. "She just had surgery; she can''t handle such a blow! Please, Ethan, I know I was wrong, but let Olivia spare me just this once!" I didn''t bother to look back as James and I walked out of the garden. We had already reached the gate, heading toward James

    Knight''s Midnight Rider Motorcycle parked outside.

    Suddenly, I felt a strong grip on my wrist. Ethan had caught up to us, his Alpha strength evident in his hold.

    His lips were pressed tightly together as he leaned close, his voice low andmanding, his wolf''s dominance evident in his

    tone.

    "Liv, give me the audio recorder."

    His amber eyes locked with my emerald ones, silently acknowledging the truth

    he''d finally been forced to confront about the she-wolf he had protected for so

    long.

    Support

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    (Olivia''s POV)

    The parking lot outside Rosewood Haven became a battlefield. Ethan''s grip on my wrist was like an iron shackle, his Alpha strength making it impossible for me to break free.

    I fought against his hold with every ounce of strength I possessed. My wolf snarled beneath my skin, her emerald eyes shing

    with fury as revulsion toward him flooded my system.

    "Let go of me, Ethan Stone!" I shouted, my voice raw with rage. "Who do you think you are, to make decisions for me?"

    My anger was uncontained, my voice shaking as I struggled, but the Alpha

    refused to release me. His amber eyes were

    determined, his jaw set in that stubborn way I''de to despise.

    James rushed to my defense despite his weakened state. His russet-brown wolf rose protectively as he mped his good hand

    onto Ethan''s wrist, trying to pull the Alpha away from me.

    "Let her go, Stone!" James growled, his hazel eyes shing with protective rage.

    But even ourbined efforts were futile against Ethan''s superior strength. The Alpha King barely seemed to notice James''s

    attempt to free me.

    James''s face contorted with pain and frustration. I could see the regret in his eyes-regret for ever calling Ethan to this ce,

    thinking he would finally see Victoria''s true nature.

    When words failed, James resorted to throwing a punch with his uninjured hand.

    The blow was aimed at Ethan''s jaw, but the

    Alpha twisted away with supernatural speed.

    In one fluid motion, Ethan pinned me against his Midnight Maybach, using my body as a shield while maintaining his iron grip

    on my wrist.

    "Stop fighting me, Liv," hemanded, his voice low and strained. "I don''t want to hurt you."

    James stumbled backward, nearly copsing from the exertion. His recent injuries had left him weaker than usual, his breathing

    Before he could move, Victoria''s security guards appeared from nowhere. They seized James, pinning him roughly against the

    hood of the car.

    "No!" I screamed, watching helplessly as they restrained my friend. "Let him go!"

    James struggled against their hold, his wolf thrashing beneath his skin, but he was outnumbered and weakened from his injuries.

    Ethan noticed the roughness of their actions, his amber eyes shing with Alpha authority. "Don''t hurt him," hemanded

    coldly.

    The security guards immediately eased their grip, still restraining James but no longer causing him pain.

    I was beside myself with rage, my emerald eyes glowing with my wolf''s fury as I trembled in Ethan''s grasp.

    "Let go of James!" I shouted, my voice breaking with emotion. "Ethan Stone, you''ve gone too far!"

    +15 Bonus

    My protective instincts red for my oldest friend, the only one who had stood by me through everything-through Lily''s illness, through her death, through my darkest moments.

    Ethan''s gaze was conflicted, emotions swirling in his amber eyes as he looked down at me.

    "I don''t wish to pressure you this way, Liv," he said quietly. "But no matter what, she''s Little Orange, someone I promised to protect for life."

    His words only fueled my anger. Always Victoria. Always his precious Little Orange.

    "Just this once," he pleaded, his voice softening. "Let her go, just this once. Thest time."

    I could hear the warning in his voice-not just to me, but to Victoria as well. But it wasn''t enough. It would never be enough.

    "How can you excuse what she''s done to James just because she ims to love her daughter?" I demanded, my wolf howling with indignation beneath my skin. "Where''s the justice in that?"

    The scent of my anger permeated the night air, sharp and bitter.

    Ethan''s expression shifted, bing more businesslike. "Maxwell Chen will contact him tomorrow," he said, nodding toward James. "Whatever he wants, as long as it''s not too much, I''ll provide it."

    He spoke as if this offer, bundled with the previouspensation for signing the Blood Heritage Confirmation Report for Emma, would somehow make everything right.

    "I can ensure he receives the best medical care, a position in Stone Pack Enterprises, whatever he needs," Ethan continued, his tone reasonable, as if we were negotiating a business deal.

    My disgust boiled over. He thought he could buy forgiveness. That he could pacify

    us with material offerings while Victoria

    escaped all consequences.

    SURPERISE GIFT: 3850 bonus free for you,activity time is limited!

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    +15 Bonus

    Without thinking, I pped him hard across the face, my wolf''s strength behind the blow. The sound echoed in the parking lot,

    and Ethan''s head snapped to the side.

    He didn''t dodge or retaliate. When he turned back to me, his cheek bore the red imprint of my hand.

    "Can you give me the recorder now?" he asked quietly, his voice rough with pain.

    His amber eyes remained locked on mine, his wolf refusing to back down despite the stinging mark on his cheek.

    "Never!" I spat, struggling with renewed vigor.

    I fought with everything I had, fists and feet flying as my wolf lent me desperate strength. I wed at his arms, kicked at his

    shins, but it was like fighting a mountain.

    Ethan, fearing I might hurt myself in my frenzy, pinned me more firmly against the car, his body bing a cage around mine.

    "Stop fighting, Liv," he growled, his Alpha voice rumbling in his chest. "You''ll hurt yourself."

    When his hand slipped into my pocket to search for the Hidden Audio Recorder, I froze. The vition and helplessness

    overwhelmed my wolf''s pride.

    "Don''t you dare!" I hissed, shoving at his chest with all my might.

    But he was immovable, his Alpha strength far exceeding my own. His hand

    continued its search, methodical and determined.

    James, watching helplessly from under security''s hold, yelled desperately, "Stone, stop this! You''ve lost your mind!"

    His hazel eyes shed with protective rage, but the guards held him fast.

    Despite the pain it clearly caused him to see me so distressed, Ethan''s search

    was swift and determined. His fingers closed around

    the Hidden Audio Recorder in the inner pocket of my jeans.

    The moment he touched it, I erupted in even more violent resistance.

    "Ethan Stone!" I screamed, my emerald eyes zing with hatred.

    My wolf snarled and thrashed beneath my skin, desperate to protect the evidence that could finally bring Victoria to justice. But

    the recorder was wrenched from my grasp and fell into his hand.

    He hesitated for just a moment, hugging me tightly against him, unable to let go. I could feel his wolf whining with conflicted

    emotions before he finally released me.

    I lunged for the recorder, but it was already beyond my reach. My wolf howled in frustration inside me, her emerald eyes shing

    with helpless rage.

    Victoria stood just inside the door of Rosewood Haven, her wolf''s triumph evident in her posture despite her wheelchair.

    "Destroy the recorder, Ethan," she called out, her voice carrying that calcted sweetness she always used with him.

    "Don''t you dare!" I screamed, my voice breaking with desperation.

    +15 Bonus

    But I could only watch, powerless, as Ethan crushed thest shred of evidence against Victoria in his powerful grip. The stic

    cracked, the circuitry inside splintering under the pressure of his Alpha strength.

    My hatred for him calcified in that moment, hardening into something unbreakable. My fists clenched at my sides, and my lips

    trembled with frustration and despair.

    Once again, Victoria escaped unscathed, her crimes buried by Ethan''s protection. The hope of justice was crushed beneath his

    Alpha strength, just like the recorder in his hand.

    (Victoria''s POV)

    I watched from behind Ethan as he destroyed the evidence, a victorious smile

    spreading across my face. My wolf preened with

    satisfaction beneath my skin, reveling in my power over the Alpha King.

    So what if you''re really Little Orange? I thought, staring at Olivia''s defeated expression. With no proof, Ethan will never believe

    you. In his heart, I will always be Little Orange, and he will always stand by my side.

    I savored the moment, the sweet taste of triumph filling me as I watched Olivia''s hopes crumble along with that recorder. My

    wolf''s scent carried notes of smug satisfaction, barely contained beneath my skin.

    But then, as an impossible figure appeared in my line of sight, the smirk vanished from my face. My eyes widened in terror, my

    wolf cowering within me as my pale and bruised face drained of all color.

    The security of my victory evaporated in an instant as I stared at the neer,

    my body frozen with sudden, primal fear.

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    +15 Bonus

    (Olivia''s POV)

    The parking lot outside Rosewood Haven fell into an eerie silence. Victoria''s face had gone from triumphant to terrified in an

    instant, her eyes fixed on something-or someone-behind me.

    I turned slowly, following her gaze, and my heart stopped.

    There, sitting in a wheelchair just yards away, was my mother.

    Evelyn Winters looked frail but alert, her eyes clear and focused for the first time

    in weeks. Dr. Harold Bet stood behind her

    wheelchair, his expression unreadable as he watched the scene unfold.

    I couldn''t move. I couldn''t breathe. My wolf wentpletely still beneath my skin, afraid that any movement might shatter this

    moment, revealing it to be another cruel hallucination born from my desperate hope. "Liv."

    Just one word. Two soft sybles that crashed into my heart with the force of a tidal wave.

    It was real. She was awake. My mother hade back to me.

    Tears flooded my eyes as I rushed forward, dropping to my knees beside her wheelchair. My hands fluttered anxiously over her,

    checking for any sign of difort or pain.

    "Mom! You shouldn''t be out of bed!" I cried, my voice breaking. "We need to get you back to the Healing Chamber right away!"

    My wolf whined with concern beneath my skin, protective instincts overwhelming everything else. After nearly losing her, I couldn''t bear the thought of her health deteriorating again.

    Evelyn''s eyes, so like my own, were rimmed with red. She reached out with trembling hands to cup my face.

    "I''m fine, sweetheart," she assured me, her voice stronger than I expected. "Dr. Bet is with me. There''s no need to worry."

    She nced over my shoulder at Victoria and Ethan, her expression hardening momentarily before softening as she looked back

    at me.

    "I heard everything," she whispered. "I saw what she did to you."

    My mother opened her arms, and I fell into her embrace, burying my face against her shoulder. Her familiar scent enveloped me, bringingfort I''d been starved for.

    "No matter how old you get," she murmured against my hair, "you''ll always be my pup."

    James, who had been watching with relief, finally broke free from the security guards'' loosened grip. He hurried to my mother''s side, his hazel eyes bright with emotion.

    "Mrs. Winters," he said warmly, "it''s so good to see you awake."

    +15 Bonus

    His russet-brown wolf radiated relief beneath his skin. James knew better than anyone how much my mother meant to me-she

    was my pir, my foundation. If I had lost her too, after Lily...

    I couldn''t evenplete the thought.

    From the corner of my eye, I saw Ethan approaching, his amber eyes showing

    genuine relief at my mother''s recovery. Before he

    could reach us, Victoria''s voice cut through the moment.

    "Ethan..." she called weakly, her tone deliberately frail.

    I turned to see her slumped in her wheelchair, one hand pressed dramatically to

    her forehead. Her wolf''s scent carried notes of

    panic and desperation.

    "I don''t feel well," she whimpered. "Please, take me to the Healing Den."

    Her eyes darted nervously to my mother, then back to Ethan. The fear in them

    was unmistakable-not concern for her health, but

    terror at what my mother''s presence might mean.

    Ethan hesitated, torn between approaching my mother and responding to Victoria''s plea. After a moment, he turned to Dr.

    Bet.

    "Harold, please check on her," he requested, his voice calm but authoritative.

    Dr. Bet''s lips thinned with barely concealed disdain as he moved toward Victoria. He bent to check her pulse, his movements

    efficient and professional despite his obvious dislike.

    "Are you feeling nauseous because of your own behavior?¡± he asked dryly, loud enough for everyone to hear.

    Victoria''s face flushed with anger, but she maintained her act of weakness. Her wolf cowered beneath her skin as she realized she

    couldn''t escape this confrontation.

    Ethan finally reached us, stopping a respectful distance from my mother''s wheelchair.

    "Mrs. Winters," he said formally, inclining his head.

    My mother''s expression was a storm of emotions-anger, resentment, disappointment, and bitter regret. Her wolf''s scent

    carried years of suppressed fury.

    "Help me up,¡± she said suddenly, looking between James and me. "I want to stand."

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    "Mom, no,¡± I protested immediately. "You''re still recovering. You shouldn''t-"

    "Mother knows her limits," she interrupted firmly, her eyes never leaving Ethan''s face. "Some things are worth standing for."

    Reluctantly, James and I helped her to her feet. She swayed slightly but steadied herself with our support. For a moment, she simply stared at Ethan, her eyes searching his face as if memorizing every feature.

    Then, without warning, she pped him.

    The sound cracked through the night air like a gunshot. Ethan''s head snapped to the side, more from surprise than force. When he turned back, his cheek bore the red imprint of her hand.

    "Ethan Stone," my mother said, tears gathering in her eyes, "if I had known that saving you would bring so much pain to Liv, I

    never would have done it."

    Ethan stood frozen, his wolf momentarily submitting to the older she-wolf''s fury. Confusion clouded his amber eyes as he processed her words.

    Victoria''s reaction was immediate and panicked. She forced her wheelchair between Ethan and my mother, her face contorted

    with desperation.

    "What are you talking about?" she demanded, her voice shrill. "You didn''t save Ethan. My mother did!"

    She fumbled with the Jade Identity Pendant around her neck, holding it up like a shield.

    "Ethan, you gave me this jade pendant yourself," she insisted, her fingers trembling. "You told me to wait for you. I am Little

    Orange."

    Her eyes darted wildly between Ethan and my mother. "She''s lying to help Olivia! Don''t let her deceive you!"

    Jamesughed openly, the sound sharp with mockery. "If what you im is true, why are you so afraid?"

    His hazel eyes shed with amusement as his wolf recognized the scent of her deception. Victoria''s face paled further, her

    desperation growing visible with each passing second.

    Suddenly, Victoria''s eyes rolled back, and she began to slump in her wheelchair-

    a perfectly timed faint. But before Ethan could

    react, Dr. Bet was there, steadying her with clinical efficiency.

    "She''s fine," he assured Ethan, his tone dry. "Just a bit overwhelmed."

    He wheeled Victoria slightly aside, positioning himself between her and the others. His professional demeanor barely masked his

    distaste for her theatrics.

    My mother turned back to Ethan, her expression softening slightly. She didn''t argue with Victoria over the identity of Little

    Orange. Instead, she began to speak quietly, her voice carrying memories only the real Orange Mama would know.

    +15 Bonus

    "You were ten when the hunters attacked," she began. "They killed your mother

    and left you for dead. When the pack found you

    six monthster, you were blind and traumatized."

    Ethan''s face remained impassive, but I could see his wolf stirring beneath his skin, recognizing truths long buried.

    "For months after your return," my mother continued, "you would wake screaming from nightmares. You wouldn''t let anyone touch you except me."

    Her voice grew softer, more intimate. "Every night, you would run to our cottage at the edge of the territory. You would leap into my arms and call me ''Mother.'' You said I smelled safe, like home."

    Ethan''s breathing had be shallow, his amber eyes wide with dawning recognition.

    "You would only sleep if I sang to you-that luby about the moon protecting all wolf pups. And Liv would curl up beside you, her little hand in yours."

    My mother''s eyes filled with tears. ¡°You made me promise never to tell anyone that the mighty future Alpha needed someone to hold him through the night. That was our secret-yours, mine, and Little Orange''s."

    Victoria made a strangled sound of protest, but no one paid her any attention. All eyes were on Ethan, whose face had gonepletely white.

    "You called her Little Orange because of her scent," my mother said, nodding toward me. "You said she smelled like sunshine and citrus-like hope."

    Ethan''s gaze shifted to me, his amber eyes filled with a terrible, dawning realization. His wolf whined with recognition of a truth long buried.

    "It can''t be," he whispered, but his wolf already knew.

    The truth stood before him, undeniable and devastating: Evelyn was indeed Orange Mama, and I was truly Little Orange.

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    (Ethan''s POV)

    The world around me crumbled into dust. Every certainty I''d built my life upon disintegrated in an instant.

    "Orange Mom?" The words escaped my lips before I could stop them, barely a whisper.

    Evelyn Winters-the woman who had saved me,forted me, protected me when I was at my most vulnerable-stood before me. Her eyes, so like Olivia''s, held none of the warmth I remembered from my childhood.

    "Ethan Stone, don''t call me that," she said, her voice cutting through me like a silver de. "You are not worthy!"

    Each word was a physical blow. My wolf whined pitifully beneath my skin, recognizing the truth even as I struggled to process it.

    "But you..." I couldn''t form coherent thoughts. Memories flooded back-nights spent in her small cottage, trembling from

    nightmares, her gentle hands stroking my hair as she sang that luby.

    "I saved your life once," Evelyn continued, her voice cold with contempt. "And how did you repay me? By destroying my

    daughter''s."

    My chest constricted painfully. The contrast between the motherly warmth in my memories and her current indifference was

    unbearable.

    "I promised..." I whispered, more to myself than to her. "I promised to protect you both."

    The vow I''d made as a child echoed in my mind: to cherish and protect my Orange Mom and Little Orange. To love, mark, and

    spoil her for a lifetime.

    But I had failed. Catastrophically.

    My gaze shifted to Olivia-my true Little Orange-standing beside her mother, her emerald eyes filled with hatred. The scent of sunshine and citrus that had always drawn me to her suddenly made perfect sense.

    All these years, I had mistaken Victoria for my Little Orange. The magnitude of my error crushed me like a physical weight.

    Memories assaulted me in rapid session. Every time Victoria hade to me crying about Olivia. Every time I''d sided with her without question. Every time I''d dismissed Olivia''s pain, her exnations, her pleas.

    My wolf had been conditioned to believe that Little Orange was the best she-wolf in the world. That she could do no wrong.

    ¡°She can''t be lying," I''d told myself countless times. ¡°Little Orange would never lie to me."

    But it wasn''t Victoria I''d been protecting. It was an illusion. A carefully crafted deception.

    And because of that blind faith, I had hurt Olivia. Repeatedly. Cruelly.

    The pain was overwhelming-so intense it felt like I was suffocating. My wolf paced anxiously beneath my skin, desperate to

    howl its anguish.

    I had failed the woman who saved my life. I had failed her daughter-my true

    mate, my true Little Orange.

    I had failed our daughter, Lily.

    +15 Bonus

    The thought of Lily sent a fresh wave of agony through me. Our beautiful daughter, who had died while I was busy pampering

    Victoria and Emma. Who had spent her final days asking for a father who never

    came.

    Slowly, I turned to look at Olivia again. The she-wolf I had always been drawn to, even as I tried to suppress those feelings out of

    misced loyalty to my supposed Little Orange.

    Now, understanding that Olivia was the true Little Orange all along, all the

    emotions I''d kept locked away surged to the surface.

    My amber eyes gazed at her with deep, unrestrained affection, my wolf yearning to connect with its true mate.

    But I was met with icy hatred. Her emerald eyes, once so full of love for me, now held nothing but contempt.

    This coldness wasn''t unfamiliar-ever since Lily''s death, Olivia had looked at me this way-but never had it cut so deeply. The

    chasm between us felt insurmountable.

    I was paralyzed by the weight of the distance between us and the pain of my failures. My wolf whimpered with shared grief.

    Then, as the full reality of Victoria''s deception hit me, my anguish transformed into

    fury.

    I turned to Victoria, who sat pale and trembling in her wheelchair. Her eyes widened as she saw my expression-one of pure,

    murderous hatred.

    For the first time, genuine fear crossed her face. Her wolf cowered beneath her skin, sensing the danger radiating from me.

    She looked like she wanted to flee, but instead, she straightened her shoulders andposed her features. Even now, she was

    calcting, manipting.

    "Ethan," she began, her voice trembling with perfectly calibrated emotion. "Please, let me exin."

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    (Victoria''s POV)

    I could see the murderous rage in Ethan''s eyes, but I refused to give up. I had spent too many years building this life to let it slip

    away now.

    "I found the jade pendant when I was seven," I said, forcing tears into my eyes. "I didn''t know what it meant at first."

    My wolf projected distress pheromones, a trick that had always worked on Ethan before.

    "When you saw me wearing it and called me Little Orange, I was confused," I continued, my voice breaking strategically. "But

    you were so kind to me, so protective."

    I reached for his hand, but he jerked away as if my touch burned him.

    "I wanted to tell you the truth," I pleaded. "But I was afraid. And then, as time

    passed, it became harder and harder to confess."

    +15 Bonus

    I nced at Olivia, then back to Ethan. "I was always going to return the identity if the real Little Orange appeared. I swear it!"

    A coldugh cut through my performance. Evelyn Winters was staring at me with contempt.

    "Did you really mean to return the identity?" she asked, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "When you found out the truth from my

    mouth, you tried to kill me by pushing me down the Moonlit Hospital Stairwell!"

    My wolf retreated deeper within me, sensing the danger of exposure. I hadn''t expected Evelyn to recover, let alone remember

    that incident.

    "That''s not true!" I cried desperately. "I would never do such a thing!"

    I turned back to Ethan, whose amber eyes had darkened with fury.

    "Ethan, please,¡± I begged. "You know me. You''ve known me for over a decade.

    Are you going to believe a woman you barely

    remember from your childhood over me?"

    I crawled from my wheelchair to his feet, sobbing and clutching at his trouser leg. After so many years together, surely he would

    choose me over a half-year connection from his childhood.

    "I love you," I whispered, reaching up to him. "Everything I did, I did for us. For our future."

    I pulled myself up, intending to throw myself into his arms-to remind him of all the times he had held me,forted me,

    protected me.

    (Ethan''s POV)

    She reached out, her fingers brushing against my leg. The touch sent revulsion coursing through me.

    Without thinking, I lifted my foot and kicked her hard. My amber eyes zed with Alpha fury, my wolf surging to the surface in a

    protective rage for my true mate and the mother who had saved me. T

    The force of the kick sent Victoria sprawling across the parking lot pavement. Her wolf whimpered in pain and submission as she

    The gathered pack members watched in stunned silence as I finally turned against the she-wolf I had protected for so long. The pack bonds hummed with the shock of this dramatic reversal.

    ¡°Don''t touch me,¡± I growled, my voice barely recognizable even to my own ears. "Don''t ever touch me again."

    Victoria stared up at me, her face a mask of disbelief and terror. For the first time, she was seeing me as I truly was not as the Alpha she could manipte, but as the enemy she had created through her own deception.

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    +15 Bonus

    Her wolf retreated deep within her in submission and despair, unable to face the finality of my decision. The she-wolf who had

    manipted an entire pack was reduced to a broken shell at my feet.

    Thunder rumbled overhead, and the sky darkened with approaching storm clouds. The weather seemed to mirror the turbulent emotions swirling through the parking

    lot.

    Dr. Harrison Fletcher hurried to Evelyn Winters'' side, his medical instincts taking over as he assessed her condition with

    practiced efficiency.

    "It''s about to rain," he warned, ncing at the threatening sky. "You''ve just woken up-you can''t risk a chill. Let''s go back to the

    medical den and recover first."

    His professional demeanor couldn''t quite mask his concern for the elderly she- wolf. He adjusted her nket with gentle hands.

    "Ethan knows the truth now," he added, his voice softening. "He won''t let Victoria get away with this."

    Both Olivia and James Knight knelt down beside Evelyn, their faces etched with worry. Their wolves projected concern through

    protective pheromones that wrapped around the frail woman like an invisible shield.

    "Mom, please," Olivia pleaded, her emerald eyes bright with unshed tears. "Let''s get you back to the medical den. You need rest."

    I approached them with visible tension, my Alpha presence subdued by the

    crushing weight of guilt. My wolf whined with

    genuine remorse, ears ttened in submission.

    "Mother Winters," I said, my voice hoarse with emotion, "trust me, I won''t let you and Liv down again."

    The promise felt inadequate against the magnitude of my failures, but it was all I could offer in that moment. My wolf projected

    sincerity, desperate to make amends for years of blindness.

    Seated in her wheelchair, Evelyn red at me with deep resentment. Though physically frail, her aged wolf was still powerful enough to project disapproval that made even my Alpha wolf want to retreat.

    "You''d better be worthy of Lily''s spirit in the ancestral hunting grounds!" she warned through gritted teeth.

    The mention of my daughter''s name sent a fresh wave of agony through me. Lily- the innocent pup who had paid the ultimate price for my blindness.

    Exhaustion finally overtook Evelyn, and she closed her eyes. Her body had been pushed past its limits by the ordeal, her wolf retreating to conserve what little strength remained.

    Olivia''s face creased with worry as she watched her mother''s energy fade. Without another word to me, she nodded to James and

    Dr. Fletcher.

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    Together, they prepared to return to the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den, prioritizing Evelyn''s fragile health over the personal grievances that still hung in the air between us.

    I chose to remain behind. There were matters even more pressing that required my immediate attention. My wolf paced anxiously beneath my skin, urging me to act while I still had Victoria cornered.

    I watched the vehicle depart, carrying away the three people who had every right to hate me. The weight of their justified anger pressed down on my shoulders like a physical burden.

    When I turned back to Victoria, I found hope flickering in her tear-streaked eyes. The moment she realized she was alone with

    me, her wolf cautiously rose to the surface again.

    I crouched down beside her, and immediately she tried to throw herself into my arms-a desperate,st-ditch attempt to rekindle whatever she thought we had.

    My hand shot out, grabbing her by the throat before she could touch me. My grip was like iron, my Alpha strength unmistakable

    as I pinned her in ce.

    Panic and pain stretched her eyes wide as she gasped for breath. Her manicured nails wed at my hands, leaving red scratches that healed almost instantly.

    "Eth...an..." she choked out, her voice breaking. "Let go...I can''t...breathe..."

    Her wolf thrashed in panic, desperately trying to project submission pheromones. The scent was sour with fear.

    She went limp in my grasp, trying to show weakness, hoping I''d relent. But my expression remained unmoved, my grasp only tightening as I leaned closer.

    "Victoria Frost," I demanded, my voice deadly quiet, "tell me-were you the one who killed Lily and tried to kill Matriarch Evelyn on purpose?"

    My wolf''s growl rumbled deep in my chest, the sound promising violence if her answer displeased me. The question had been

    gnawing at me since the truth about Little Orange was revealed.

    Stripped of the ''Little Orange'' illusion, doubt had crept in. Could all the warnings Olivia had given me be true? Was Victoria responsible for Lily''s death? For Matriarch Evelyn''s condition?

    I waited, hoping her will might crack under the threat of death. My wolf''s senses heightened, ready to detect any deception in her

    scent.

    But Victoria, though her face was turning blue and her strength ebbing, refused to confess. Even at the edge of consciousness, her survival instinct remained strong.

    She knew that admitting guilt meant certain death at the hands of an enraged Alpha. But as long as she denied it, I had no

    definitive evidence and couldn''t destroy her without viting packw.

    +15 Bonus

    She clung to this logic with all her might, enduring even as her vision blurred and her mind began to cloud fromck of oxygen.

    Her wolf retreated deep within to preserve what little energy remained.

    My rage intensified with each passing second. My amber eyes glowed with Alpha power, the wolf within me demanding

    retribution for all she had taken from me.

    But before I went too far-before I crossed a line I couldn''t return from-I released her. Victoria copsed to the ground,

    coughing and gulping air, inwardly relieved that she had survived this round.

    I stood over her, my voice cial as I delivered my final warning. "You''d better be telling the truth. If I find out you did it, you''ll

    wish you''d never been born."

    My wolf bared its teeth in a silent promise of retribution. The weight of my threat would have crushed most wolves, sending them

    into submissive disys of terror.

    But Victoria, desperate to prove her innocence, met my gaze unflinchingly. Her wolf gathered what little courage remained to

    stand her ground against my usations.

    Realizing no confession woulde-at least not now-I picked up the ruined ckthorn''s Damning Recording from the

    ground and turned away. The evidence was destroyed, but my determination to uncover the truth remained intact.

    "Ethan, wait!" Victoria tried to call after me, her voice still raw from my grip.

    I didn''t look back. My wolf refused to acknowledge her existence any longer. She was nothing to me now-less than nothing.

    Before leaving the parking lot, I made a call to the Northern Territory Enforcers. Though the evidence against Victoria was thin, I had enough influence as Alpha King to ensure she would be detained for at least 48 hours while I investigated further.

    After the enforcers arrived and took Victoria away, I headed toward the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den. My wolf''s thoughts were consumed by the true mate I had wronged for so long-and the daughter whose death I had failed to prevent.

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    +25 Bonus

    (Ethan''s POV)

    The sleek Midnight Maybach purred to a stop beneath the patient wing of Crescent Moon Medical Center. I stepped out, clutching

    a woven basket filled with premium venison-Evelyn''s childhood favorite, ording to pack records I''d frantically searched

    throughst night.

    My wolf paced anxiously beneath my skin, desperate to see Evelyn. But even more, it yearned for Olivia-my true Little Orange,

    my mate, the woman I''d wronged so terribly.

    The elevator doors slid open on the recovery floor, and I nearly collided with her. Olivia was heading downstairs, her chestnut

    hair pulled back in a simple ponytail, her emerald eyes widening in surprise at my sudden appearance.

    "Liv!" My voice carried unmistakable longing as I strode toward her.

    I reached out instinctively, my wolf surging forward with the overwhelming desire to pull her into my arms. To reestablish our

    mate bond. To make things right.

    Now that I knew the truth-that Olivia was the real Little Orange-my emotions were a chaotic blend of rage at Victoria''s years of deception and an almost desperate joy at finding my true childhood love.

    "I need to talk to you," I said, my amber eyes searching her face. "Please, just give me a moment."

    Olivia''s reaction couldn''t have been more different from what I''d hoped.

    She physically recoiled from me, taking two quick steps backward. Her face hardened with cold rejection, her wolf retreating deep

    within her as if my very presence was toxic.

    "Ethan Stone, you''re not wee here." Her voice carried the unmistakable authority of a Luna despite our estrangement.

    It was a clearmand for me to leave. My wolf whined in distress, sensing the depth of her rejection.

    "I just want to see Orange Mom-"I began, softening my approach.

    "Don''t call my mother that," Olivia cut me off, her voice growing even colder. "You''re unworthy. Leave. She doesn''t want to see

    you."

    The pain in her eyes was matched only by her disdain. I could see how deeply I''d wounded her-wounds that might never heal.

    "Liv, please," I tried again, desperation creeping into my voice. "My wolf has always recognized only you as my true mate. Even when my mind was deceived, my wolf was drawn to you."

    Her emerald eyes shed with disgust.

    "How convenient," she spat. "Now that Victoria''s deception is exposed, suddenly your wolf ''always knew'' I was your true mate? The very words I once longed to hear from you now disgust me."

    +25 Bonus

    She crossed her arms, creating another barrier between us.

    "Your love is cheap, Ethan. Tainted by years of betrayal and neglect."

    Each word struck like a physical blow. My wolf whined pitifully, recognizing the truth in her usations.

    "Our daughter is dead because of your blindness," she continued, her voice breaking slightly. "Nothing can change that. Nothing

    can bring her back."

    Before I could respond, heavy footsteps approached from behind Olivia.

    James Knight appeared, positioning himself protectively before her. His russet- brown wolf rose to the surface, hackles raised in

    challenge to my Alpha presence.

    "You''ve got some nerve showing up here," he growled, his hazel eyes shing with hostility.

    My wolf bristled at his challenge, but I forced it down. This wasn''t the time for Alpha posturing.

    "I''m here to see Evelyn," I stated firmly. "This is between me and my mate." Jamesughed coldly. "Your mate? You mean the woman you abandoned for Victoria? The woman whose daughter died while you

    were ying daddy to Emma?"

    His words cut deep, each one a reminder of my failures.

    "And what did you do with Victoria after learning the truth?" he continued, his voice dripping with contempt. "Sent her to

    Shadowfall Detention Center for a mere 48 hours? After all her crimes?"

    He stepped closer, his wolf challenging mine despite the risk.

    "Crimes that include harming your daughter Lily and killing the beloved Matriarch Evelyn Stone," he hissed. "If you truly feel

    guilty, go find evidence and avenge Lily. Until you do, you don''t deserve to stand before them."

    Olivia''s resolve visibly hardened at James''s words. I could see it in her eyes-her wolf had given up hoping for anything from me.

    "Ethan?"

    The soft voice came from inside the ward. Evelyn Winters was calling for me.

    Olivia''s eyes widened in surprise, then narrowed with suspicion. "Mom, you don''t have to see him."

    "It''s alright, Liv," Evelyn called again, her voice weak but determined. "Let him in."

    James reluctantly stepped aside, his warning re making it clear this was a temporary truce.

    Inside the private room, Evelyn Winters looked frail against the white hospital sheets. Her face was pale, but her eyes were alert

    and focused as I approached.

    I knelt beside her bed, cing the basket of venison on the side table. My wolf whined softly, ears ttened in submission.

    +25 Bonus

    "Orange Mama," I whispered, the childhood name slipping out before I could stop

    it. "I''m sorry. I failed you and Little Orange.

    Can you give me another chance to care for you and Liv?"

    My remorse was genuine, my apology heartfelt. But Evelyn''s expression remained guarded, her aged wolf assessing me with wisdom born from years of suffering.

    "I remember when you were a boy," she said softly. "Before Victoria appeared. You were kind, protective. You would have done

    anything for Olivia."

    Her eyes clouded with memories.

    "Things might have been different if Victoria hadn''t deceived you," she

    acknowledged. "But Lily is dead, Ethan. The damage is

    irreparable."

    She studied my face, searching for something.

    "What did you do with Victoria?" she asked suddenly. "After learning the truth?"

    I hesitated, knowing my answer would disappoint her.

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    "She''s being detained for 48 hours while I gather evidence," I admitted. "Without proof of her crimes, I can''t-"

    Evelyn''s face contorted with rage. With surprising strength for someone so frail, she grabbed the basket of venison and hurled it

    at me.

    "Forty-eight hours?" she shouted, her voice cracking with fury. "After what she did to my granddaughter? To me? To Olivia?"

    Chunks of raw meat struck my chest and face, but I remained kneeling, epting her anger as deserved penance.

    "You''re still protecting her," Evelyn used, tears streaming down her wrinkled cheeks. "Even now, knowing what she is, you

    can''t bring yourself to punish her properly."

    I didn''t defend myself. There was nothing I could say that would justify my actions.

    James''s words echoed in my mind: only vengeance and justice for Lily could ever begin to redeem me in their eyes.

    After Evelyn''s strength was spent, I quietly rose to my feet. My gaze lingered on Olivia, who stood in the doorway watching the

    scene unfold.

    Her face was a mask of indifference, but I could see the pain beneath. My wolf whined with genuine sorrow at the mate bond

    damaged perhaps beyond repair.

    So many what-ifs. So many lost possibilities.

    Without another word, I turned and left, my shoulders heavy with the weight of my failures.

    Olivia, resolute, turned her attention to her mother, refusing to acknowledge me again.

    (Victoria''s POV)

    Forty-eight hours in Shadowfall Detention Center felt like an eternity.

    The memories of my previous imprisonment here haunted me at every turn. The stench of unwashed bodies, the cold concrete

    floors, the constant threat of violence-it was all sickeningly familiar.

    I tried to keep a low profile, my wolf constantly submissive to avoid drawing attention. But my reputation had preceded me.

    "Look who''s back," sneered a burly she-wolf with a jagged scar across her face. "The Alpha''s little pet."

    The other inmatesughed cruelly, their wolves projecting dominance

    pheromones that made my wolf cower deeper within me.

    "Not so high and mighty now, are you?" another taunted.

    They forced me to serve them-fetching their food, cleaning up after them, performing the most degrading tasks imaginable. At night, they made me sleep near the filthy detention bucket, its stench making me retch repeatedly.

    I desperately tried to contact Ethan through our pack bonds, sending frantic pleas

    for help. But he had blocked mepletely.

    The silence from his end was deafening.

    Each minute dragged on in misery. I counted the seconds, clinging to the knowledge that this ordeal would end.

    +25 Bonus

    When the guards finally released me, I stumbled out into the sunlight, my once- perfect appearance now a disheveled mess. My designer clothes were filthy, my hair matted, my skin bearing the marks of rough treatment.

    I couldn''t bear my own scent-a mixture of fear, humiliation, and the detention center''s filth. I needed fresh clothes

    immediately.

    The Crescent Moon Mall was my only option. I hailed a taxi, not recognizing the driver until it was toote.

    Martin Briggs-the same driver I had previously insulted-smiled coldly at me in the rearview mirror.

    "Well, well," he drawled. "If it isn''t Ms. Frost. Fallen on hard times, have we?"

    I ignored his taunts, focusing on the shopping ahead. But as we pulled up to the mall entrance, Martin rolled down his window.

    "Hey, everyone!¡± he shouted to the crowd. "Look who''s here! That vicious Victoria Frost who''s been all over the pack news!"

    Heads turned. Eyes narrowed. Recognition dawned on faces throughout the crowd.

    The pack members, already inmed by the recent scandals circting through territory gossip channels, began to gather

    around the taxi.

    "That''s her!" someone shouted. "The one who pretended to be Little Orange!" "She killed the Alpha''s daughter!" another used.

    Before I could retreat back into the taxi, someone hurled an egg that sttered against my shoulder. Then came more-food, garbage, insults raining down on me from all directions.

    ra Brown, a sanitation worker I''d once snubbed, dumped an entire bucket of cleaning waste over my head. The foul liquid soaked through my clothes, drawing howls ofughter from the crowd.

    The Mall Security Guards stood by, watching with barely concealed amusement. They knew of my fall from grace and were content to let the crowd vent their anger before finally intervening.

    Phones recorded my humiliation from every angle. Within minutes, videos were spreading throughout packmunication

    I fled, sobbing, back to Rosewood Haven.

    In my bathroom, I scrubbed myself raw, trying to erase the stench of public humiliation. When I emerged, rage overtook me.

    Ished out, trashing my room in a frenzy of anger. Vases shattered against walls. Clothes were torn to shreds. My wolf howled with rage and humiliation beneath my skin.

    "How?" I screamed to the empty room. "How could this happen?"

    +25 Bonus

    The recording of my conversation with Olivia had somehow made it online, despite Ethan destroying it. Someone had betrayed

    1. me. Someone had exposed me.

    ¡°It''s her fault,¡± I seethed, pacing the ruined-bedroom. "That bitch Olivia. She did this to me."

    My phone rang-Emma''s special ringtone. I grabbed it, desperate for the one connection I had left.

    "Mommy?" Emma''s innocent voice came through the speaker. "When are youing to see me? I miss you."

    My heart clenched. For all my maniptions, my only true remaining bond was with my daughter.

    "Soon, baby," I promised, forcing warmth into my voice. "Mommy just needs to rest a little."

    As I hung up, a cold determination settled over me. As long as I had Emma, all

    was not lost-even if I was no longer "Little

    Orange" in Ethan''s eyes.

    ÈÕ

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 The Alpha King is unavailable 348

    +25 Bonus

    (Victoria''s POV)

    I stared at my reflection, carefully covering the bruise where Olivia had pped me. My wolf purred with satisfaction beneath my

    skin. Everything was going exactly as nned.

    When my deception about being Ethan''s childhood sweetheart was exposed, I feared losing everything. But I had underestimated

    Emma''s ce in his heart.

    Even in his rage, Ethan couldn''t bear to see Emma suffer. What I thought would be my downfall had unexpectedly be my

    lifeline.

    I finished my makeup and entered Emma''s hospital room. The pack healer Ethan had assigned was checking Emma''s vitals.

    "You can leave now," I said coldly. "I''ll take care of my daughter."

    The healer frowned but eventually left. I couldn''t risk her speaking to Emma about what was happening between me and Ethan.

    I sat on Emma''s bed. She tensed as I reached out to stroke her hair. Poor thing had learned to associate my tenderness with pain.

    "Emma, darling,¡± I said softly, "Daddy will be visiting soon."

    She nodded, still rigid beneath my touch.

    "When hees, I need you to cry. Tell him that some mean wolves came into our room and attacked us."

    Emma''s eyes widened. "But that didn''t happen, Mommy."

    I pinched her arm, hard enough to leave a mark. "It did happen. You just don''t remember correctly."

    I spent the next twenty minutes coaching her, making her repeat the story until perfect. When she faltered, I''d pinch her again, leaving small bruises to support our fabricated attack.

    "Good girl," I praised when she finally recited the story wlessly. I kissed her forehead. "You''re such a smart pup."

    Emma beamed at the rare praise. I pulled out my Alpha Phone-it was time to set our n in motion.

    (Ethan''s POV)

    I sat in my Midnight Maybach outside Crescent Moon Medical Center. Through the tinted windows, I could see the entrance to

    Evelyn Winters'' ward.

    My wolf paced anxiously beneath my skin. I wanted desperately to see Evelyn-to see Olivia. But I knew I wasn''t wee.

    Maxwell Chen approached and slid into the passenger seat.

    "Alpha Stone, I''ve arranged for the premium moonlight herbs to be delivered to

    Mrs. Winters'' room," he reported. "The best

    healers are monitoring her condition."

    I nodded. "Good. And did you..."

    +25 Bonus

    "Yes, sir," Maxwell confirmed. "I made sure both Mrs. Winters and Luna Olivia know the treatments areing from you."

    My wolf rumbled with approval. It wasn''t much, but it was something-a small gesture to show I cared.

    "How did they react?" I couldn''t help asking.

    Maxwell hesitated. "Luna Olivia epted the treatments for her mother''s sake, but..."

    "But she''s still cold toward me," I finished.

    It was no surprise. Olivia''s wolf still bristled at my presence, ming both Victoria and me for Lily''s death.

    I dismissed Maxwell and continued my vigil. Suddenly, I felt Evelyn moving toward the door, toward me. My wolf perked up with

    hope.

    Before I could find out why, my phone rang. Victoria''s name shed on the

    screen.

    "What is it?" I asked coldly.

    Victoria''s voice came through, panicked. "Ethan! Please,e quickly! Emma- she''s hurt!"

    My blood ran cold. "What happened to Emma?"

    "Some wolves broke into our room! They attacked us! Please, she''s asking for you!"

    I could hear Emma crying, calling for "Daddy."

    My wolf surged forward, protective instincts overwhelming everything else. "I''ll be right there!"

    I sped toward the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den, all thoughts of Evelyn and Olivia temporarily pushed aside.

    The scent of Emma''s distress hit me before I entered her room. Her sobs tore at my heart as I pushed open the door.

    The scene inside was chaotic. Furniture overturned, medical equipment scattered. An omega cleaner was tidying up while a pack

    healer hovered anxiously.

    Emma sat in rumpled sheets, her face streaked with tears. When she saw me, she stretched out her arms.

    "Daddy..." she called hoarsely.

    I rushed to her, gathering her into my arms. My wolf whined at the sight of bruises on her face and arms.

    "What happened?" I demanded, my Alpha voice reverberating through the room. "Who did this?"

    The pack healer shrank back. ¡°I¡ªI wasn''t here when it happened, Alpha Stone."

    Victoria emerged from the bathroom looking even worse than Emma-clothes torn, hair tangled, angry scratches marking her

    skin.

    +25 Bonus

    "I''m sorry, Ethan," she said, voice breaking. "I tried to protect her, but there were too many."

    Emma sobbed harder. "It wasn''t Mommy''s fault! Those mean wolves were so cruel! They attacked Mommy and threw trash at

    her."

    Her small body shuddered against me.

    "Mommy only got hurt because she was protecting me," she continued. "They

    said awful things about her-and about me too!"

    My wolf growled protectively. I knew what had happened. The pack''s retribution for Victoria''s deception had spilled over onto

    Emma.

    "Daddy," Emma pleaded, "please help Mommy. She''s hurt, and she''s so sad. The mean wolves said you hate her now and that

    you''ll take me away."

    Her tears soaked my shirt. "Please don''t take me away from Mommy. I love her, and I love you."

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 The Alpha King is unavailable 349

    I hesitated, torn between my rage at Victoria and my love for Emma. Emma had

    just recovered from a serious kidney transnt.

    The stress couldpromise her health.

    "Please, Daddy," Emma begged, her wolf whining through our pack bond.

    I sighed deeply, then nodded. "Alright, Emma. I''ll help."

    I caught a sh of triumph in Victoria''s eyes before it was reced by grateful relief. Emma was her weapon against Olivia-

    against me.

    "Thank you, Daddy! I love you most!" Emma kissed my cheek.

    Victoria moved closer, releasing submissive pheromones to appeal to my Alpha instincts.

    I shifted away, putting Emma between us like a shield. My wolf growled softly in warning, making my cold distance clear.

    After Emma fell asleep, I stepped outside to make calls. I didn''t notice Victoria slipping her Alpha Phone onto a shelf, its

    recording function activated.

    I called James Knight. "Take down all trending topics about Victoria on the packworks. Arrange for elite enforcers to protect

    Emma."

    James was silent for a moment. "You''re protecting Victoria now? After everything?"

    "I''m protecting Emma," I corrected sharply. "She''s just an innocent pup." 2

    (Olivia''s POV)

    "That''s strange," I muttered, scrolling through my phone. "All the posts about Victoria have disappeared."

    My mother looked up, eyes narrowing. "What do you mean?"

    I showed her my screen. "The videos, the news about her detention-it''s all gone."

    Evelyn''s face darkened. "Ethan. He''s protecting her again."

    I didn''t contradict her, though I suspected Ethan was actually protecting Emma.

    Still, the result was the same-Victoria escaping

    ountability again.

    "Don''t worry about it, Mom," I said. "Focus on getting better."

    Inwardly, I steeled myself. I could no longer rely on Ethan for justice for Lily. I would have to do it myself.

    Later, I visited Connor ckthorn''s old den. Despite exhaustive searches, I found nothing proving Victoria''s involvement in

    Lily''s death.

    Outside, I found Victoria leaning against a ck car, waiting for me.

    "Still searching for evidence?" she taunted. "You won''t find any."

    I moved to walk past, but she blocked my path.

    +25 Bonus

    "Don''t think that just because Ethan knows you''re Little Orange, he''ll be biased toward you,¡± she said venomously. "We have

    Emma. You just weren''t as lucky; your daughter died so young."

    She showed me a video of Ethanforting Emma. "See how much Ethan loves Emma?"

    The tender scene was exactly what Lily had always longed for but never received. My heart clenched painfully.

    Victoria watched my reaction with satisfaction. "Emma will alwayse first for him. Not you, not your dead daughter-"

    The p caught her off guard, sending her stumbling backward. My emerald eyes shed dangerously. 1

    "If you ever act shameless in front of me again," I warned, "I''ll hit you every time."

    I walked away, but the encounter haunted me. Those tender moments between Ethan and Emma were a painful reminder of what

    Lily had been denied.

    Behind me, Victoria rubbed her cheek, a triumphant smile spreading across her face. Her wolf purred with satisfaction-she had

    sessfully wounded me emotionally.

    At the medical center, I found Lucas ckwood sitting beside my mother. He rose when I entered, his wolf projecting warm

    greeting pheromones.

    "You''re back early," I said. "How was the Twin Bridges Territory?"

    "Productive," he replied. "But I cut the trip short when I heard about Evelyn''s condition."

    The silent understanding between us reminded me of his promise-I owed him an answer about joining his pack.

    Evelyn watched with approval. "Why don''t you two go out for a while? I''m feeling better today."

    I hesitated, but nodded. "That sounds nice."

    My wolf weed the distraction from thoughts of Ethan and Victoria.

    (Lucas''s POV)

    I took Olivia to her favorite restaurant in neutral territory, then to the Moonlight Cinema.

    During a scene where a mother and child were separated, Olivia began silently crying.

    I wrapped an arm around her, my wolf projecting calming pheromones. The scene had clearly reminded her of losing Lily.

    As I held her, I thought about what I''d seen in Twin Bridges Territory¡ªa young she-wolf who looked remarkably like Lily. Older, no longer sweet and smiling, but the resemnce was unmistakable.

    My wolf urged me to tell Olivia, to give her hope.

    +25 Bonus

    But I hesitated. What if I was wrong? Giving Olivia false hope would devastate her

    all over again.

    I decided to keep this secret until I had more certainty. My wolf whined softly at keeping secrets from the she-wolf I hoped would one day ept my courtship.

    After the movie, I offered to get Olivia some hot moonberry tea.

    While I stood in line, Olivia wandered into a wolf cub toy store. I watched her pick up a limited edition Ice Princess figurine, her expression softening with bittersweet memory.

    Just as she turned to pay, a small figure darted over and snatched it from her hand.

    "This is

    mine."

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    (Olivia''s POV)

    My face instantly turned cold when I saw that the young pup snatching the toy was Emma Frost. My wolf''s protective instincts red immediately.

    "Give it back to me!" I said in an icy voice, reaching out to take the figurine back. Emma immediately hid the toy behind her back, her expression smug.

    "Why should I give it back to you? You didn''t pay for it," she said as if it were only natural. "Whoever takes the Ice Princess figurine to pay is the owner! I''m going to find my Alpha to buy it for me!"

    She then imitated Victoria''s tone perfectly, deliberately trying to provoke me.

    "Luna Olivia, you know that my Alpha will choose to give me whatever I like. What do you have topete with me?"

    As she spoke, Emma''s eyes were full of smugness, emphasizing the words "my Alpha." This was what she was proud of-a

    tant disy in front of me. She believed that even if Lily was her Alpha''s biological daughter, she would always be more important in Ethan''s heart.

    "Didn''t your mother teach you what ''firste, first served'' means? Give it back!"

    Lucas had returned with our hot moonberry tea and witnessed Emma snatching the toy. He stepped forward, his face cold, his Alpha presence subtly asserting itself.

    I knew Lucas wouldn''t normally bother arguing with a pup over a toy. However, he was well aware of Emma''s character. His

    upbringing simply wouldn''t allow him to say harsher words; otherwise, he would have called Emma ill-bred.

    Emma seemed a bit intimidated by the coldness emanating from Lucas, but then her expression changed. She remembered that

    Ethan was nearby, and suddenly she wasn''t afraid anymore.

    She knew that as long as she cried out, her Alpha woulde to protect her. It was all for her mother. Victoria had told her that I

    was a bad she-wolf who had seduced her Alpha, preventing her parents frompleting their mate bond.

    "Luna Olivia, why are you helping Lily Winterspete with me? Don''t you know there''s no good end topeting with me?" Emma asked, revealing the wickedness she had learned from Victoria.

    My blood ran cold at her next words.

    "Two years ago, shepeted with me for my Alpha, for a kidney, and she died. Now you''re helping herpete for things. Aren''t you afraid her spirit will be dragged to the Shadonds and never be reincarnated?"

    These were clearly Victoria''s wordsing from Emma''s mouth. Whenever Victoria was neglected by Ethan, she would curse,

    saying that I would be dragged to the Shadonds with the "little mutt" I gave birth to.

    +25 Bonus

    "Competing with me, you should see if that little mutt Lily Winters is even worthy!" Emma finished, her seven-year-old face

    twisted with malice.

    Hearing these malicious words directed at Lily, I was overwhelmed by fury. My wolf erupted in a wave of rage as I lost control of

    my emotions.

    I raised my hand and pped Emma across the face with werewolf strength.

    "p!" The crisp sound echoed through the store.

    This was clearly the first time Emma had been pped by someone other than Victoria. She looked shocked, but not remorseful.

    In her heart, she believed Lilycked self-awareness and shamelessly tried topete for her Alpha''s love.

    "Wah! Alpha..." Emma cried out, bursting into loud sobs, her wolf pup whimpering pitifully.

    Not far away, Ethan, who had just finished selecting a pile of toys, heard Emma''s cries. His expression changed instantly, and he

    immediately followed the sound.

    He first saw me, his amber eyes lighting up slightly. Then, he noticed Lucas standing beside me, shoulder to shoulder, our scents

    mingling. His brow furrowed, and I could see the difort in his eyes, his Alpha wolf bristling.

    Emma noticed him and ran into his arms.

    She embraced his waist affectionately, looked up at him with her small face, revealing the red and swollen mark from my p.

    "Luna Olivia hit m Emmy hurts so much," she said aggrievedly, her wolf pup projecting distress.

    Seeing the clear handprint on Emma''s face, Ethan''s expression changed. He couldn''t hide the heartache in his amber eyes as he

    stroked her head with hisrge hand,forting her gently, his Alpha scent calming her.

    Then he looked up at me and asked, "Liv, did you p Emmy''s face?"

    "Like mother, like daughter. It''s letting her off easy with just one p!" I replied coldly, my wolf snarling silently.

    It wasn''t that I didn''t want to repeat what Emma had just said about Lily, but there was no point. Ethan was convinced that Emma wouldn''t lie and was a well- behaved pup. Otherwise, he wouldn''t still be so loving and protective of her even after seeing through Victoria.

    The videos Victoria had deliberately shown me revealed just how much Ethan loved Emma. I didn''t want Emma to get her way. Lily had already been robbed of too much when she was alive.

    I snatched the Ice Princess figurine and turned to leave with Lucas.

    "Liv!" Ethan immediately reached out to grab my wrist, his Alpha instincts kicking

    in.

    I quickly dodged, and Lucas simultaneously blocked him, his own Alpha presence

    a subtle challenge. Ethan''s hand missed. Seeing

    our coordinated movements, his amber eyes darkened.

    He guessed that the conflict had arisen over the Ice Princess figurine. Looking at

    it, his expression changed slightly.

    +25 Bonus

    "Liv, two years ago, the Ice Princess gown I promised to give to Lily, Emmy mistakenly thought was for her and wore it. The one I sent to Maple Grove Cottage for Lily was a newly custom-made one, not the one Emmy had worn," Ethan exined, his wolf

    projecting a hint of pleading.

    After exining, he changed the subject, his voice firming. "Emmy is still a pup, Liv. No matter how angry you are, you shouldn''t

    hit her."

    Lucas''s expression turned cold, his gray eyes narrowing.

    "Ethan Stone, before you use Olivia of hitting Emma Frost, why don''t you ask what Emma Frost said that made Olivia hit

    her?"

    Hearing this, Ethan looked at me with confusion. He seemed to think we were

    fighting over the figurine because of Lily''s birthday

    gift. He knew I didn''t like Emma because of Victoria.

    "Emmy, what did you say?" Ethan looked down at Emma, who was looking at him with aggrieved eyes.

    "Emmy didn''t say anything. Emmy just liked this Ice Princess, Emmy wanted it, so she took it," she lied smoothly.

    ¡°Luna Olivia said it was what Lily liked and told me to give it to her. But Emmy also liked it, Emmy didn''t want to, and Luna Olivia

    suddenly got very angry and hit Emmy..."

    Lucas, watching Emma lie through her teeth in Ethan''s arms, looked shocked at how a seven-year-old pup could lie so

    effortlessly.

    "Alpha, Emmy saw it first, Emmy wants it..." After lying, Emma stared at the Ice Princess figurine in my hand, determined to get

    what she wanted.

    Did she think I would just give it up? As long as she wanted it, her Alpha would definitely help her get it back.

    "Emma Frost, do you know about pack surveince cameras?" Lucas suddenly spoke up, his voice calm but carrying an

    underlying authority.

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    (Emma''s POV)

    I froze when I heard Alpha ckwood mention pack surveince cameras. Panic shot through me like lightning.

    Mommy had taught me how to lie, how to get what I wanted, but she never told me what to do about cameras! They would show

    everything-all the mean things I said about Lily Winters. If Daddy saw that...

    My heart pounded so hard I thought it might burst through my chest. Daddy thought I was a good pup. He loved me because I was

    sweet and well-behaved. If he heard what I said about his real daughter........

    I couldn''t look at him. My eyes darted around the store, looking anywhere but at Daddy''s face. My hands tightened around his

    waist. Mommy had warned me so many times-I had to make Daddy love me more and more. Everything depended on it.

    If Daddy hated me, Mommy would be so angry. And worse, I might lose my Daddy forever.

    I felt his eyes on me, studying my reaction. I was just a pup, and I couldn''t hide my fear.

    "Pull up the pack surveince footage from this area," Daddy suddenlymanded.

    My fingers dug deeper into his waist. I wanted to beg him not to look, but that would only make things worse. What could I say?

    How could I stop this?

    "Yes, Alpha King," the store manager replied immediately, calling over a staff member.

    The woman approached us nervously, ncing between her manager and my Daddy. Under Daddy''s intense amber gaze, she

    finally spoke.

    "I''m sorry, Alpha King, the pack surveince here has been broken for two days."

    Relief flooded through me so intensely I almost copsed. No cameras! No evidence! I was safe!

    I watched Alpha ckwood''s face fall. Without proof, he couldn''t convince my Daddy of anything. He just gave me a cold look

    before taking Luna Olivia''s hand and walking out.

    Daddy''s eyes followed their joined hands, and I felt the air around us grow heavy with his displeasure. The staff members stood

    frozen, not daring to speak.

    Just as I was starting to feel smug about my escape, Daddy looked down at me.

    "Emmy, why were you so nervous when I said I was going to check the pack surveince?"

    My heart skipped a beat. He had noticed! Of course he had-he was the Alpha King. I needed to think fast.

    Taking a deep breath, I decided on a new strategy. Partial truth was better than being caught in aplete lie.

    "Daddy, I''m sorry," I said, my voice small and contrite. "Emmy lied just now."

    His eyebrows rose slightly, waiting for me to continue.

    +25 Bonus

    "The Ice Princess figurine wasn''t seen by Emmy first, but by Luna Olivia,¡± I

    admitted, careful to only confess to the smaller

    offense. "Emmy liked it, so Emmy took it first."

    I sniffled dramatically, adding tears for effect.

    "Luna Olivia saw Emmy take it and was unhappy, asking Emmy to give it back to her. Emmy really liked it and couldn''t bear to give it to Luna Olivia, so she refused. Luna Olivia was angry for a moment and hit Emmy."

    The tears were flowing freely now, and I didn''t have to fake them. I was genuinely terrified of losing Daddy''s love.

    "I''m sorry, Daddy. Emmy was panicking because she was afraid Daddy would find out Emmy was lying and wouldn''t like Emmy

    anymore."

    I held out my small hand, offering it for punishment.

    "Emmy lied for the first time. Emmy was very scared... Daddy, Emmy knows she was wrong, and she won''t dare to lie again next

    time. Daddy, hit Emmy. Emmy is willing to ept the punishment."

    Daddy looked at me for a long moment, his amber eyes searching mine. I kept crying, letting the tears stream down my face.

    Finally, his expression softened.

    "Don''t let it happen again, Emmy," he said firmly. "Daddy doesn''t like pups who lie.

    If it happens again, Daddy will be very

    angry, understand?"

    I nodded vigorously, relief washing over me.

    "Daddy, Emmy understands. Emmy will never dare to lie again. Emmy was so

    scared just now, afraid Daddy would find out and be

    angry and wouldn''t like Emmy anymore..."

    I threw my arms around him, pressing my face against his chest.

    "Daddy, you don''t hate Emmy, do you?" I asked in a small voice.

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    +25 Bonus

    "No," he replied, patting my head gently.

    The store manager approached cautiously. "Alpha King, do you still need to pack the things you picked out just now?"

    "Yes," Daddy nodded.

    With the crisis averted, my energy returned. I peeked around Daddy to see what he had chosen.

    When the staff brought out piles of beautifully wrapped packages, my eyes widened with excitement. I broke away from Daddy

    and rushed over.

    "Daddy, are these all bought for Emmy?" I eximed, bouncing on my toes. "Emmy likes them all so much, thank you, Daddy!

    Emmy loves you the most!"

    I was already imagining how jealous my packmates would be when they saw all my new toys. Daddy hadn''t even let me pick

    anything out, and he''d already chosen so many wonderful gifts for me!

    "Emmy, these are for Lily," Daddy said quietly. "Go pick out what you like yourself."

    The smile froze on my face. For Lily? The dead pup?

    I remembered now-he''d told me this when we entered the store. I could choose my own gifts, while he selected things for Lily.

    I turned away quickly so Daddy wouldn''t see my expression. Jealousy burned in my chest. Why did he need to buy things for a

    dead pup? Why did Lily Winters still matter so much?

    I stomped over to the shelves to pick out my own toys, my back to Daddy so he wouldn''t see me squeezing a stuffed wolf until its eyes bulged. Even dead, Lily Winters was stillpeting with me.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I knelt before Lily''s grave at Sacred Moonlight Cemetery, carefully arranging the new toys I''d purchased. Lucas knelt beside me, helping to wipe dust from her tombstone.

    The pain never lessened. Two years without my daughter, and sometimes I still woke up reaching for her, expecting to feel her

    small body curled against mine.

    "Lily, Mommy brought you some new toys," I whispered, touching her portrait on the tombstone. "The Ice Princess figurine you

    always wanted."

    Lucas watched me with gentle eyes. After I finished speaking to Lily, he cleared his throat softly.

    "Liv, do you have an answer for what I said to you at the airport that day?"

    I knew why he''d chosen this moment to ask again-here, before Lily. It was his

    way of including her in this important decision,

    of seeking her approval as well as mine.

    +25 Bonus

    I turned to face him, my heart conflicted but warming to his consideration. Just as

    I opened my mouth to respond, a figure

    appeared between us.

    Ethan stood there, armsden with beautifully wrapped gifts. He rudely used the packages to block Lucas from my view, his

    amber eyes shing a warning at the other Alpha before turning to me with a gentleness that made my wolf bristle.

    "Move," I said coldly.

    "Liv, these are what I specially bought for Lily," Ethan said, cing his offerings before her grave.

    I felt rage bubble up inside me. After years of neglecting her when she was alive, now he thought he could buy her affection in

    death?

    "Lily doesn''t need them," I snapped, sweeping his gifts aside with one angry motion. "Take these to your Emma Frost. Don''t use

    them to disgust my Lily."

    Ethan''s lips pressed into a thin line as he watched his carefully selected presents scatter across the ground.

    "Alpha King Stone, Lily doesn''t need you to worry about her. I''ll buy her what she likes," Lucas said firmly, standing beside me.

    "Lily is my daughter. I don''t need you to worry about her," Ethan growled, his eyes darkening as he looked at Lucas.

    "Alpha King Stone, you finally know Lily is your daughter?" Lucas''s voice dripped with sarcasm. "If I didn''t know better, I''d

    think Emma Frost was your biological daughter!"

    Ethan had no response. He moved silently to retrieve the scattered gifts while I

    prepared to leave. I couldn''t stop him from

    visiting Lily, but I didn''t have to witness it.

    "Lucas, let''s go back," I said, turning away from Ethan.

    Lucas helped me to my feet. I reached out to touch Lily''s portrait onest time.

    "Lily, Mommy is going back," I whispered.

    Lucas added, "Lily, don''t worry about your mommy. Uncle Lucas will help you take good care of your mommy."

    The words were meant for Lily, but also for Ethan to hear. I didn''t contradict Lucas, and from the corner of my eye, I saw Ethan

    crush a gift box in his hand.

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    As we walked away, Lucas deliberately put his arm around my shoulders. I could feel Ethan''s intense gaze following us until we

    disappeared from sight.

    Behind us, I heard Ethan''s broken whisper to our daughter: "Lily, tell Daddy what you want in your dreams. As long as it''s what

    you want, Daddy will fulfill it for you."

    "I only ask that youe to see Daddy in a dream, even if it''s just once!"

    His pain meant nothing to me now. It was two years toote.

    Lucas drove me back to my cottage in Maple Grove. The encounter with Ethan

    had left me emotionally drained, and Lucas was

    considerate enough not to press me about his proposal again.

    When we arrived, I didn''t immediately get out of the car. I looked at Lucas, struggling to find the right words.

    He was everything Ethan wasn''t-kind, considerate, patient. But the scars from my first mating ran too deep. Loving Ethan had

    cost me everything, including my precious daughter. The thought of risking my heart again terrified me.

    "Olivia, don''t feel pressured," Lucas said softly. "I was too impatient. As long as you''re willing to consider me, I''m willing to wait

    as long as it takes."

    "Lucas..." I began, but couldn''t continue. His kindness only made me feel worse.

    "Go upstairs and rest early. Don''t think too much," he said, leaning over to help unfasten my seatbelt.

    I pushed open the car door and got out. Lucas walked me to my door, waiting until

    I was safely inside before leaving.

    I leaned against the closed door, my thoughts in chaos. Was I hesitating because Lily''s revenge remained unfulfilled? Or had Ethan''s betrayal damaged me sopletely that I couldn''t trust anyone with my heart again?

    A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts. Assuming Lucas had returned, I opened it without hesitation.

    ¡°Lucas-"The name died on my lips. "How is it you?!"

    Ethan stood in my doorway, his amber eyes intense. I immediately tried to m the door shut, but he was faster.

    He pushed his way inside, closing the door behind him with one hand while the other hooked around my waist. He pressed me against the door, trapping me between his arms.

    "Liv, did Lucas ckwood propose to you?" he asked, his voice low and urgent.

    I red at him, struggling against his hold. "Ethan Stone, let me go!"

    I kicked and punched him with all my strength, not holding back. I''d stopped restraining myself around him after Lily died. Every blow carried my grief and rage, but he barely seemed to notice the pain.

    "Liv, did you agree to him?" he persisted, his eyes never leaving my face.

    +25 Bonus

    "Let go!" I shouted, hitting him harder. ¡°Ethan Stone, can''t you understandmon tongue? I told you to let me go! Did you

    hear me, let go!"

    "Liv, answer me. Did you agree to him?"

    I finally stopped fighting, leaning against the door as I caught my breath. The

    metallic scent of blood filled the air-I''d reopened

    one of his wounds from our previous encounter.

    Still, his expression remained unchanged. "Liv, did you?"

    "Yes!" I snapped, too exhausted to fight anymore. "Ethan Stone, listen clearly.

    There''s no possibility between you and me in this

    lifetime. I can be with anyone, but I can''t be with you."

    I met his gaze with cold finality. "Leave my house immediately!"

    My future with Lucas might be uncertain, but my feelings about Ethan were crystal

    clear. He was responsible for Lily''s death.

    There could never be anything between us again.

    Pain shed across his face. "Liv, you can''t be with Lucas ckwood. I won''t allow it!"

    His voice carried a slight tremor despite hismanding tone.

    "Ethan Stone, you''re nothing to me," I hissed. "I don''t need your permission to be with anyone! Get out of here!"

    I looked at him like he was a madman, which he surely was to think he had any say in my life after what he''d done.

    "What do I have to do for you to not be with Lucas

    ckwood?"

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    (Ethan''s POV)

    "Liv, I beg you, don''t give Lucas a chance, don''t be with him, give me another

    chance, okay?" I softened my tone, humbling myself before her.

    My wolf whined pitifully inside me. The arrogant Alpha I once was had

    disappeared the moment I discovered she was my Little

    Orange. Pride meant nothing now. All that mattered was keeping her from Lucas ckwood.

    "Please, Liv," I whispered, my voice breaking. "I''ll do anything."

    Olivia stared at me with those emerald eyes that once held such warmth. Now they were cold, distant-looking at me like I was a

    stranger.

    "Anything?" she repeated, her voice hollow. "Can you bring Lily back?"

    The question hit me like a physical blow. I had no answer that could satisfy her.

    "I can''t bring her back," I admitted, my voice thick with regret. "But I can spend the rest of my life making it up to you. Please,

    Liv."

    I dropped to my knees before her, something no Alpha would ever do. My wolf howled in distress, but I silenced it. Nothing

    mattered except winning her back.

    "Hit me," I begged, taking her hand. "Scold me, punish me however you want. Just don''t reject me."

    I pressed her palm against my cheek, then used it to p myself hard across the face. Again and again, I struck myself with her hand until her palm was red and stinging.

    Despite the pain, I gently brought her hand to my lips and blew on it softly. "I''m sorry, Liv:"

    Olivia yanked her hand away, her expression unchanged. "My love for you died with Lily."

    The words cut deeper than any physical wound. I surged forward, wrapping my arms around her slender frame, holding her

    against me.

    "You''re mine, Liv," I dered desperately. "Only mine. I won''t let you go."

    She remained stiff in my embrace, unresponsive. Her heart was as still as a frozenke against my chest. I felt her stillness and

    trembled, yet I couldn''t release her.

    The sudden ringtone of my phone shattered the silence between us. Maxwell''s name shed on the screen.

    I hesitated, not wanting to break this moment, but I couldn''t ignore my Beta. I answered on speakerphone, making no effort to

    hide the call from Olivia.

    "What is it, Maxwell?" I asked, my voice rough with emotion.

    "Alpha Stone," Maxwell''s voice came through clearly. "Victoria Frost is on the line. She says it''s urgent-about Emma."

    +25 Bonus

    Before I could respond, Victoria''s voice reced Maxwell''s. "Ethan! Thank

    goodness. Emma''s having a terrible nightmare. She''s

    calling for you, and I can''t wake her up."

    I heard Emma''s distressed cries in the background. Victoria switched to a video

    call, and the screen showed Emma thrashing in

    her bed, tears streaming down her face.

    "Alpha! Alpha!" Emma cried out, her small body shaking with sobs.

    Victoria''s face appeared on screen, her expression frantic. "Please, Ethan. She''ll listen to you. I''ve tried everything."

    I looked at Olivia, torn between my duty to Emma and my desperate need to fix things with Liv.

    "I''ll be right there," I said finally, my voice heavy with concern.

    Olivia scoffed, stepping away from me. "Of course you will. Your precious Emma needs you.''

    "Liv, she''s just a pup-"

    "And what was Lily?" she cut in, her voice sharp as a de. "Your kindness to

    Emma is a disservice to Lily, especially after the

    lies Emma told today."

    Her eyes shed with anger. "Get out. Now."

    "Liv, please, let me exin-"

    "There''s nothing to exin. Leave!"

    I stood frozen, caught between two impossible choices. Emma''s cries continued

    from the phone, while Olivia''s cold rejection cut

    through me like ice.

    "I have to go,¡± I said finally. "But I''lle back. We''re not finished, Liv."

    "We were finished the day Lily died," she replied, her voice devoid of emotion. "Now get out."

    I moved toward the door, pausing with my hand on the knob. "I''ll exin everythingter."

    "Don''t bother," she said, turning away from me.

    (Third person''s POV)

    "Get out!" Olivia shouted, unable to bear the sight of him any longer.

    Ethan, his heart torn between the two females who needed him, finally left. Olivia mmed the door shut behind him and locked

    it with trembling hands.

    She touched the crystal pendant around her neck, the one containing Lily''s

    ashes. ¡°It''s okay, baby,¡± she whispered. "Mommy''s

    here."

 The Alpha King is unavailable 355

    +25 Bonus

    Fakes were fakes. Emma might be able to act for a while, but Olivia wanted to see if she could maintain the charade for a lifetime.

    One day, Ethan would discover that Emma, whom he believed never lied, was vicious to her core.

    His debt to Lily was far greater than he imagined. How could he have the audacity to ask for reconciliation? Victoria was guilty of

    heinous crimes, but Ethan was equally unforgivable. The person who should apologize with death was not only Victoria but also

    Ethan.

    Ethan sped to Rosewood Haven, his tires screeching as he pulled into the driveway. He rushed inside and took the stairs two at a

    time to the second floor.

    Victoria, hearing his arrival, called out to Emma. "Your Daddy''s here, Emmy! Wake up, sweetheart!"

    Ethan found Victoria sitting by Emma''s bed, her face streaked with tears, her attention focused solely on the distressed pup.

    Emma, hearing her Daddy''s name, opened her swollen eyes.

    "Daddy?" she whimpered, her voice small and uncertain. "Is that really you? Am I dreaming?"

    Ethan moved to her bedside, his expression softening. "It''s really me, Emmy. You''re not dreaming."

    Emma threw herself into his arms, clinging to him desperately. "Daddy! I''m so sorry I made you angry today. I promise I''ll never

    lie again. Please don''t hate me!"

    Ethan stroked her hair gently. "I''m not angry, Emmy. Don''t worry about that now."

    Victoria added softly, ¡°She''s been so upset, Ethan. She felt guilty about lying and was afraid she''d lost your trust."

    Ethan''s face remained impassive as he looked at Victoria, his animosity evident in his amber eyes. He focused his attention back

    on Emma, deliberately ignoring Victoria''s attempt to engage him.

    Victoria, desperate for his attention, caught Emma''s eye and gave her a subtle signal, reminding her of their n. Emma

    immediately understood.

    "Daddy," she said, rubbing her stomach. "I''m hungry."

    Victoria eagerly seized the opportunity. "I''ll have Martha warm up some food right away."

    She struggled to move into her wheelchair, wincing slightly, hoping Ethan would notice and offer assistance. But he remained by

    Emma''s side, not sparing Victoria a nce.

    Victoria''s face fell, but she quickly masked her disappointment. She was confident she could win him back. It was just a matter of

    time and strategy.

    Following Victoria''s earlier instructions, Emma clung to Ethan''s arm. "Daddy,

    please stay and have dinner with me," she begged,

    looking up at him with pleading eyes. "Please?"

    +25 Bonus

    Ethan hesitated, then nodded. "Alright, Emmy. I did promise to have dinner with you earlier."

    He worried that she hadn''t eaten properly since they returned from the mall. She needed to eat well to maintain her strength,

    especially after her recent health issues.

    Ethan retrieved a coat for Emma from her closet and helped her put it on. He escorted her downstairs while Victoria took the

    elevator.

    Once in the dining room, Emma immediately went to pour Ethan a ss of water.

    "Be careful, Emmy," Victoria cautioned, watching her closely. "Don''t spill."

    Ethan waited at the table, his posture stiff and ufortable. Emma brought him the water with both hands, careful not to spill

    a drop.

    ¡°Thank you, Emmy,¡± he said, taking the ss and drinking deeply.

    Emma sat beside him, visibly relieved that he had drunk the water. Victoria had instructed her to make sure he drank it, though

    Emma didn''t understand why.

    "Mommy, what kind of water was that?" Emma asked innocently.

    Victoria gave her a cold look. "Emmy, don''t you want your Daddy to always be with us? Don''t you want to make sure Olivia Winters doesn''t snatch him away?"

    Emma nodded eagerly. "Yes, of course!"

    "Then trust me," Victoria said, her voice softening. "As long as your Daddy drinks that water, he''ll forgive me. We can go back to the way we were before. Daddy will mark me, be good to me, and even better to you. We can be a real pack."

    The temptation was too great for Emma to resist. She desperately wanted Victoria''s words toe true, for them to be a real family. She unhesitatingly believed Victoria, dreaming of the day her words would be reality.

    Emma, genuinely hungry after the emotional day, began eating the dishes Martha Wilson had prepared. Ethan, though not hungry himself, patiently kept herpany.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 356

    "She really said that?"

    Keh was fuming as he listened to Wendy''s words.

    He couldn''t believe it.

    After all the years of friendship between him and Lucas, Aurora still dared to treat

    his sister like she meant nothing.

    If things continued this way, was that bond he had with Lucas going to bepletely worn down?

    Keh couldn''t afford to lose someone like Lucas as an ally. Just the thought of it made him uneasy.

    He and Wendy were thinking the same thing-Aurora hade into the picture muchter.

    There was no way Lucas would disregard years of brotherhood for a woman, especially not to the point of choosing her over his

    oldest friend.

    After all, women came and went-friends were for life.

    Keh believed that, and he was sure Lucas understood that too.

    Trying to shake the difort from his chest, Keh pushed the question. "So, what did Lucas say?"

    Wendy hesitated, unsure how to respond. The truth was, she hadn''t exactly been treated kindly either.

    Keh narrowed his eyes as she dodged the question. He didn''t like what her silence implied.

    "Why aren''t you answering me? Don''t tell me... Lucas took Aurora''s side?"

    Wendy still avoided giving a straight answer.

    Instead, she said tly, "If you have time, you shoulde back and see for yourself. It''s not something I can exin in just a

    few words."

    Keh frowned deeply. Something felt off about all this.

    "I''m swamped right now. It''s not easy for me to leave."

    "Then when will it be?" Wendy pressed.

    She was done waiting.

    Maybe she didn''t mean as much to Lucas as her brother did, but she couldn''t stand watching Aurora strut around like she owned the ce any longer.

    Hearing her insistence, Keh sighed and began thinking things through.

    It was true that he couldn''t just drop everything and fly home.

    +40 Bonus

    His responsibilities abroad were heavy, and their aging parents relied on him. Thepany was practically resting on his

    shoulders.

    Wendy was far too impulsive-he couldn''t possibly leave things in her hands.

    If he were to return, he''d need to get everything in order first.

    "Don''t worry. When I have time, I''ll give you a heads-up before Ie back. But

    for now, don''t go head-to-head with Aurora.

    Keep a low profile and know your ce."

    Wendy''s heart sank.

    She never expected her own brother to speak to her like that, telling her to keep her head down and "know her ce"?

    The words stung more than she wanted to admit.

    Still, she didn''t have much of a choice. As long as she could stay in the house and remain close to Lucas, she still had a shot at

    winning him over.

    She didn''t know when, or even if, that opportunity woulde, but staying gave her hope.

    "Alright, I get it. Just make sure you call me first if you decide toe back." Keh gave a brief "Mm" before hanging up without another word.

    Wendy stared at her now-ck screen, stunned into silence.

    With even her brother taking that stance, she knew she had no room to act out. For the next few days, she needed to behave

    herself.

    After all, who knew what Aurora might do if she stepped out of line again? She had cried so hard earlier, practically begged to be

    allowed to stay.

    And she wasn''t about to risk being thrown out again.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 357

    +25 Bonus

    (Victoria''s POV)

    I watched Ethan struggle against the drug, a smile ying on my lips. Seven years ago, Su Tingwan had managed to capture

    Ethan''s heart despite all the misunderstandings and my interference. She''d earned the Alpha''s love and devotion, even for that

    little mutt Lily. 1

    If she could do it, why couldn''t I?

    I was certainly no less capable than Su Tingwan. I was more beautiful, more

    cunning, and I understood Ethan far better than she

    ever did. Tonight would prove it.

    I backed away from Ethan, feigning innocence as his amber eyes burned with usation.

    "I won''t touch you," I promised, raising my hands in surrender. "Emmy had no idea about the Savage Moon Elixir in the water.

    She''s innocent."

    His expression remained cold, unmoved by my words. I needed to try harder.

    "Ethan, I did it because I love you so much," I said softly, my voice breaking with emotion. "I''ve wanted you for so long. Can''t

    you understand? I had no choice."

    I wheeled closer, my eyes pleading. "Just one night, Ethan. That''s all I ask." (Ethan''s POV)

    I ignored Victoria''s pathetic pleas, focusing solely on escaping this trap. The drug was spreading through my system rapidly, heating my blood and clouding my judgment.

    Seven years ago, I''d lost control under the influence of drugs. That mistake had given me Lily, but it had also caused years of

    misunderstanding between Olivia and me. I wouldn''t repeat that error.

    If I touched Victoria tonight, I would lose any chance of reconciling with Olivia forever. The thought hardened my resolve.

    I turned abruptly, heading for the door. My steps were unsteady, but my

    determination was unwavering.

    Victoria didn''t try to stop me. Instead, she called to Emma.

    "Emmy, go upstairs to bed now."

    Emma hesitated, her eyes wide with worry. "But Mommy, what about Daddy? Is he mad at me for giving him that water?"

    "Go upstairs, Emmy. Now," Victoria ordered, her voice leaving no room for argument.

    Emma reluctantly obeyed, climbing the stairs slowly. From the top, she watched me struggle with the front door.

    My fingers fumbled with the lock, but it wouldn''t budge. Rage surged through me as I realized Victoria had locked me in.

    12

    +25 Bonus

    Victoria appeared behind me in her wheelchair, her eyes gleaming with possession.

    "Ethan," she purred, her voice low and seductive. "Haven''t you ever wanted me? Even a little?"

    She wheeled closer, her scent making my stomach turn.

    "I can satisfy you in ways she never could," she whispered. "I have... experience in these matters."

    Her eyes zed over as she seemed to recall something. "Connor taught me so much. It''s been so long since I''ve been with anyone... not since our fallout."

    The drug pulsed through my veins, but it wasn''t Victoria I wanted. My body burned for Olivia, only Olivia.

    I punched the door in desperation, the pain in my hand momentarily clearing my mind. Blood dripped from my knuckles, but the rity was worth it.

    With a swift kick, I sent Victoria''s wheelchair flying away from the door. She screamed as she crashed into a side table, the wheelchair toppling over.

    I didn''t look back. I broke the window beside the door with my elbow and climbed through, ignoring the ss cutting into my skin.

    Victoria''s voice followed me into the night. "Ethan! Don''t leave me like this!"

    As I staggered to my car, I heard her gasp of shock. "I can... I can feel my legs!"

    I didn''t care. I had to get away.

    I drove recklessly, constantly squeezing my injured hand to stay alert. The pain kept the worst of the drug''s effects at bay, but I knew I couldn''t fight it forever.

    I should go to the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den. They could give me something to counteract the Savage Moon Elixir.

    But that wasn''t where I headed. My car turned toward Maple Grove, toward Olivia''s cottage.

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 The Alpha King is unavailable 358

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    As the drug took stronger hold, my mind filled with images of Olivia. Her emerald eyes, her soft skin, the way she used to whisper

    my name.

    My rational mind faded, reced by primal instinct. I needed Olivia. I wanted to have another pup with my true mate.

    If Olivia carried my child, she would be mine again. Lucas ckwood would never touch her.

    I gripped the steering wheel tighter, my knuckles white. I couldn''t lose Olivia. Not to him. Not to anyone.

    The drug whispered that I should take advantage of this situation. Force myself on her if necessary. Once we reconnected, her love for me would return. I was sure of it.

    I parked haphazardly outside her cottage, stumbling to her door. My eyes were bloodshot, my breathing ragged.

    The password lock glowed in the darkness. I didn''t knock. Instead, I punched in Lily''s birthday.

    The lock clicked open.

    She still used Lily''s birthday. She still remembered. She still cared.

    The unlocked door confirmed my resolve: I must have Olivia. Our Lily may yet return.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I had just finished showering when I heard a noise at the front door. Wrapping a towel around myself, I grabbed the silver dagger I kept for protection.

    My heart nearly stopped when I saw Ethan standing in my bathroom doorway. Before I could react, he pulled me into his arms, his mouth descending toward mine.

    I leaned back quickly, avoiding his lips. His kissnded on my ear instead, his hot breath burning my skin.

    ¡°Olivia,¡± he whispered, his voice deep and hoarse with need. "Olivia, Olivia..."

    The raw emotion in his voice was impossible to ignore. But I wouldn''t be swayed.

    "Ethan Stone, what are you doing? Let me go!" I shouted, struggling against his iron grip.

    Something was wrong with him. His eyes were dted, his skin feverish. I remembered this look from seven years ago, when we first met.

    I didn''t want to be with him again. Not after everything he''d done.

    I tried to kick him where it would hurt the most, but he anticipated my move, trapping my leg between his.

    I found myself pinned between him and the sink, his strong arms like bars around me. His Alpha scent overwhelmed my senses, making my wolf stir despite my hatred.

    +25 Bonus

    "Olivia, I''ve been tricked! I''m so ufortable, I need you. Please," he begged, his voice thick with desire but still seeking my

    consent.

    "Olivia," he whispered against my neck, his hot breath scorching my skin.

    I realized he was under the influence of a drug, likely Victoria''s doing. Memories

    of our first night together flooded back-the night he''d been drugged and mistaken me for Victoria.

    I forced down my anger, trying to think clearly.

    "Ethan, calm down. I''ll take you to the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den," I said, attempting to create distance between us.

    "Olivia, I don''t want to go to the medical den. I just want you," he replied, closing the gap I''d created.

    His words enraged me. I took a deep breath, fighting to control my temper.

    "Ethan, you im to love me. How can you force me? Let me go, and I''ll get my phone and call for help."

    I hoped to coax him into releasing me so I could escape.

    "Olivia, I don''t want to go to the medical den," he repeated, his breathing

    bing morebored.

    The hand around my waist tightened painfully.

    "Ethan, don''t! Stop!" My voice rose in panic.

    His eyes werepletely bloodshot now. As he looked at me, I could see he was

    no longer in control.

    A shiver ran through me as he lowered his head to kiss me.

    "Ethan, if you force me, I will hate you forever!" I cried out desperately.

    He froze, his dark eyes searching mine. His lips moved against mine as he spoke.

    "If I don''t touch you, will you forgive me and give me another

    chance?"

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    I could hear the hope in his voice. This was what he wanted most-my

    forgiveness.

    "Impossible!" I spat. "Ethan, I will never forgive you in this lifetime!"

    His eyes darkened with hurt. He couldn''t believe that I, who once loved him so deeply, now had no ce for him in my heart.

    He closed his eyes, overwhelmed by emotion. When he opened them again, I saw determination rece the hurt.

    He refused to believe my love was truly gone. He would win me back, no matter what.

    He hugged me tightly, hisrge hands pinching my waist. His tall body leaned over mine, no longer giving me a chance to refuse.

    He lowered his head and kissed me.

    My eyes widened in shock. I watched helplessly as his face grew closer, and I screamed.

    "Ethan, how dare you!"

    As his lips imed mine, I tried to turn my head, but he anticipated my move. His hands sped the back of my head, trapping

    1. me.

    I couldn''t escape. My body resisted, but he was too strong.

    I felt like a knife was piercing my heart. He trembled but didn''t let go.

    ¡°Olivia, let''s have another pup,¡± he murmured against my lips. ¡°Lily is so lonely, she will definitelye back."

    He couldn''t control himself. Even as I resisted, he followed his instincts.

    He remembered my body perfectly. He lifted me easily, carrying me into the bedroom and pressing me onto the bed.

    "Ethan, if you touch me today, I will kill you!" I threatened, trapped in his arms.

    He had tied my hands behind my back with his belt. I couldn''t resist. My legs were pinned beneath his.

    I cursed and fought with all my strength, but eventually, he seeded in removing my towel. I panicked as his hands explored my body.

    When he sped my waist and pulled me closer, I cried out in desperation. "Ethan, don''t!"

    His eyes were bloodshot, but when he saw my tears, rity seemed to return. He stopped suddenly, his body going rigid.

    I could see the battle raging within him. One voice telling him that having me

    again would create a new bond between us. Another voice asking how he could force himself on me.

    +25 Bonus

    I was his Little Orange, the girl he had sworn to protect.

    Sweat beaded on his forehead as he looked down at me. My mind had gone nk. I felt nothing but cold emptiness.

    Then, a gentle kissnded on my tear-soaked eyes. It was full of emotion, making me feel cherished despite everything.

    I opened my eyes and met his deep, cold gaze.

    "Olivia, I was wrong. I won''t force you. Don''t cry," he said, his voice full of pain.

    With what seemed like hisst bit of strength, he released me. He got out of bed and rushed into the bathroom.

    "Bang!" The door closed, and I heard water running.

    Iy motionless on the bed. It took me a moment to realize he had truly let me go.

    Hearing the water, I knew he was taking a cold shower, but I feared he would return. Even though my legs were weak, I forced myself out of bed.

    As my feet touched the ground, I staggered and fell forward. My knees hit the makeup stool, and pain shot through me.

    Ignoring my injuries, I stumbled toward the closet. I couldn''t leave like this-I needed clothes.

    With trembling hands, I opened the closet and grabbed whatever I could find, listening intently to the sounds from the bathroom.

    I was tense, like a frightened bird. Finally dressed, I grabbed my phone and ran toward the door.

    Just as I reached the bathroom door, I heard a click. Ethan opened the door.

    We looked at each other. I met his bloodshot eyes, still full of lust. My face drained of color.

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    (Olivia''s POV)

    The harrowing events in the master bedroom reyed in my mind like a nightmare on loop. I had almost been... vited by the man I once loved. If I fell into Ethan''s hands again, I would definitely not escape. I absolutely couldn''t let that happen.

    At this moment, I was truly like a frightened doe. Just being in the same space as Ethan made me terrified beyond reason.

    I looked at Ethan with frightened emerald eyes and screamed almost instinctively, "Don''te over!" As soon as the words fell, I

    ran outside.

    Ethan had just taken a cold shower to regain some sanity and was about to get ice from the refrigerator to alleviate the effects of the Savage Moon Elixir. When he saw my terrified face, something changed in his expression.

    I didn''t even bother to put on shoes as I rushed out. I heard him chasing after me, but I didn''t look back. I couldn''t face him again.

    Not even waiting for the elevator, I stumbled towards the stairs. My feet pped against the cold steps as I fled, the sound of my

    chaotic footsteps growing fainter and fainter as I put distance between us.

    (Ethan''s POV)

    I stood at the door, myrge hand pressed against the door frame. The wounds on my body and hands were swollen from the cold

    water, but I barely noticed the pain.

    All I could see was Olivia''s appearance moments ago. That look of fear and unease. I had really frightened her. I felt extremely

    remorseful.

    Was my wolf out of its mind? Why would I treat my Liv like that?

    I thought about what had happened in the bedroom. Liv in my arms, from scolding me angrily to pleading with a trembling voice

    to stop. From a strong attitude to a crying voice. She was so scared. But my wolf turned a deaf ear.

    Still stubbornly wanting to possess her again, wanting another pup together. How was I any different from Victoria Frost who

    drugged me? Equally despicable!

    I suddenly raised my hand and punched the wall. The wounds that had just

    stopped bleeding reopened. But with the Savage Moon

    Elixir taking effect, the pain couldn''t suppress the desire at all.

    I staggered into the bedroom, took out my Alpha phone from my pocket, and called Maxwell Chen.

    "Liv just left Maple Grove, find her and make sure she''s safe," I ordered before hanging up.

    Next, I called Dr. Harold Bet, the Stone family doctor. "Dr. Bet, I''ve been drugged with Savage Moon Elixir, bring the

    antidote over immediately."

    After giving Olivia''s Maple Grove cottage address, I hung up. In my current condition, I couldn''t make it to the Silvercrest Pack

    +25 Bonus

    Medical Den on my own. Too many unexpected things could happen on the way.

    I was afraid ofpletely losing my mind, so I forced myself to take ice from the refrigerator and put it in the bathtub, then submerged myself in it. The water with ice was bone-chillingly cold.

    The flush on my face faded a little, but soon the drug''s power would bring my body temperature back up. Enduring this torment of ice and fire, I felt like every second was an eternity.

    After what felt like a long time, the doorbell rang. I opened my still scarlet amber eyes, got up from the bathtub, and grabbed Olivia''s bathrobe to wrap around my waist.

    Carrying a chill, I walked to the door. After confirming it was Dr. Harold Bet, I opened the door.

    Dr. Bet looked at my miserable state, at a loss for words. He reached out to support me and went to the sofa.

    After determining the type of drug I had been given, Dr. Bet opened the first aid kit he brought. ¡°Alpha Stone, who gave you such a heavy dose? They were determined to get you!"

    This Savage Moon Elixir was thetest type. Most pack medical dens didn''t have the antidote. If he didn''t happen to have it, would probably explode and die just from soaking in ice water.

    As soon as I left the ice water, my body heated up again. Ice water could only temporarily relieve the symptoms and couldn''t really detoxify me.

    But my amber eyes were extremely cold. As the antidote was injected into my body, Iy on the sofa with my eyes closed.

    As time passed, my rapid breathing gradually became steady. My scarlet amber eyes also gradually returned to normal. But I was extremely exhausted. Completely powerless.

    After Dr. Harold Bet helped me re-bandage the wounds on my hands and body, he got up and poured a ss of water for me. As I was drinking, Maxwell Chen called. "Alpha Stone, Luna Winters has been taken home by Alpha ckwood."

    When I heard that Olivia had gone to Lucas ckwood''s Moonstone Pack territory, the hand holding the cup tightened. In that situation, Liv didn''t go to James Knight, her beta friend, but to Lucas ckwood.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 361

    Was Lucas ckwood''s position in Liv''s heart already that important?

    "Alpha Stone, be careful of your wounds." Dr. Bet watched as the newly treated wound reopened and quickly reminded me.

    I acted as if I didn''t feel the pain. The pain in my body was nothingpared to the pain in my heart.

    Dr. Bet re-treated my wounds. "Alpha Stone, get some rest, I''ll go back."

    After Dr. Bet left Olivia''s Maple Grove cottage, Iy on the sofa to rest, but I couldn''t fall asleep. One moment I was thinking about what I had done to Olivia tonight, and her frightened appearance. The next moment I was thinking about Maxwell Chen saying that Olivia had gone to Lucas ckwood.

    Putting on my clothes, I hailed a cab and went to Lucas ckwood''s private residence.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I ran out of the house, out of the Maple Groveplex, and was about to call James Knight when my phone suddenly rang. It was Lucas ckwood''s call. I answered it right away.

    As soon as the phone connected, I called out, ¡°Lucas." I tried my best to suppress the trembling in my voice, not wanting Lucas to know what I had just experienced.

    But Lucas immediately noticed something was wrong and asked anxiously, "Liv, what''s wrong?"

    "Lucas, I''m fine." I tried to brush it off.

    But Lucas, who always agreed with everything I said, was uncharacteristically assertive for the first time, saying in a deep Alpha voice, ¡°Liv, don''t make me worry, tell me where you are now? I''lle pick you up right away!"

    "If I don''t see you, I can''t rest assured."

    My tone, even though I tried to hide it, still revealed that my voice was abnormally hoarse, clearly from crying for a long time.

    How could he not be worried?

    At Lucas''s insistence, I told him that I was at the entrance of the Maple Groveplex. Lucas didn''t let me hang up. He was not far from my ce and rushed out immediately.

    I could even hear Lucas bumping into something in his haste, and something falling to the ground and breaking.

    Lucas arrived very quickly. It was clear that he had sped all the way over. When he reached the ce I had mentioned, he parked his car and immediately got out.

    He saw me by the side of the green belt. It was veryte now, and there were not many pedestrians on the road. I was squatting on the ground, curled up and hugging myself, without shoes, my feet frozen red.

    (Lucas''s POV)

    +25 Bonus

    I strode up to Olivia, "Liv!" I took off my overcoat, wrapped it around her, and picked her up in my arms.

    Olivia was still in a daze. Still shaken. She hadn''t recovered from what she had just experienced.

    After getting into the car, I turned up the temperature inside. I didn''t drive right away, but leaned over and took Olivia''s feet, not minding the dirt and dust on them.

    I lifted up my shirt and put Olivia''s feet inside. The action was too intimate, and Olivia''s body stiffened visibly. She subconsciously wanted to pull her feet back.

    But I held her ankles tightly, looking at her with gentle gray eyes. My gaze was too warm, and Olivia''s struggling movements gradually stopped.

    Her frozen feet slowly regained warmth. When her body warmed up and she wasn''t so tense, I released her feet. I used my coat to wrap her feet, warming them.

    After doing all this, I started the car. "Sleep at my ce tonight, I''ll sleep on the couch."

    Olivia''s condition was obviously not good, and I didn''t want her to stay at a hotel alone.

    Olivia originally wanted me to take her to James Knight''s ce, but now that she had calmed down, she didn''t want James to worry.

    Olivia looked at my gentle profile and softly agreed, "Okay." She knew in her heart that I wouldn''t take advantage of her. I wasn''t Ethan Stone.

    When we arrived at my private residence, I stopped Olivia from getting out of the car herself; I went to the passenger seat, opened the door, and picked her up in my arms again.

    Olivia reached out and wrapped her arms around my neck, resting her head on my shoulder. I tightened my arms.

    The first thing I noticed when I got out of the car was that something was wrong with Olivia. Because she had rushed out so quickly, Olivia''s hair was disheveled, and as she looked up, her exposed neck had obvious red marks on it.

    All of them had been left just now. Thinking about Liv''s voice when she answered the phone. The only one who could do that to Liv was Ethan Stone.

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    (Olivia''s POV)

    When we arrived at Lucas ckwood''s home, Lucas carried me inside. He put me down on the shoe stool at the door.

    He opened the shoe cab and helped me get shoes. He took out two pairs of shoes, one of his own and a pair of women''s

    slippers, a couple''s style.

    He put on the men''s pair and ced the women''s slippers next to my feet. I was visibly stunned when I saw the women''s slippers.

    Ever since I had known Lucas, he had always presented himself as single. I wasn''t surprised that an Alpha of Lucas''s status would

    have femalepanions to satisfy his physical needs.

    Although he was pursuing me, I had never made my position clear. We weren''t even really in a rtionship. It was normal for

    Lucas to have femalepanions.

    But, for some reason, I felt a little ufortable. I paused as I was about to put on the shoes. For some reason, I didn''t want to

    wear shoes that another she-wolf had worn.

    Even, had other she-wolves slept in his bed?

    "What are you thinking about?" Lucas reached out and tapped my forehead.

    "No other she-wolf has ever been to my house, all the women''s items in the house are prepared for you, although I don''t know

    when you''ll be willing toe to my house."

    Lucas had actually prepared these things a long time ago. It wasn''t that he wanted to bring me back and do something with me.

    He

    I wanted to have a set of my things in his house.

    He looked forward to the day when I would be willing to step into his home and be able to use them.

    "Prepared for me?" I was visibly stunned.

    "Besides you, who else is worth me putting in this much effort for?" Lucas turned to look at me. His gray eyes were filled with

    undisguised affection for me.

    My heart skipped a beat when I saw Lucas''s gaze. I turned away shyly, lowered my head, and muttered hypocritically, "I wasn''t thinking about anything!"

    I didn''t admit that I had been overthinking just now.

    "Yeah, you weren''t." Lucas said with a smile, repeating my words.

    My ears turned slightly red. I quickly got up after changing my shoes, using this as an excuse to avoid Lucas''s gaze.

    (Lucas''s POV)

    +25 Bonus

    I followed her and went into the bathroom to draw hot water for Olivia. "Take a hot bath first."

    When the hot water was almost ready, I took out Olivia''s favorite Moonlight Herb infused essential oil from the cab. I opened the new package and dripped a few drops into it.

    Olivia sent the clothes she had bought on the way to be washed and dried. She walked to the bathroom door and found that I had thoughtfully prepared everything.

    "The towels and bathrobes are clean." The pink and blue wolf-fur lined bathrobes and towels were clearly prepared especially for

    her.

    I watched Olivia go in to take a bath. I went to make some calming Moonflower tea for Olivia.

    While brewing the Moonflower tea, I received a call from the pack security outside, saying that someone was downstairs. I went to the window and looked down. I saw Ethan Stone.

    My pupils suddenly darkened. The scene of seeing Olivia tonight shed through my mind again.

    "Liv, I''m going downstairs to buy something." I said to Olivia at the bathroom door, and after hearing her respond, I opened the

    door and walked out.

    When Ethan Stone saw me, he said coldly, "Where''s Liv?"

    He couldn''t possibly let Olivia Winters spend the night here. I didn''t say anything, but raised my hand and punched Ethan hard in

    the face.

    Ethan was weak and didn''t react quickly enough, so he took the punch head-on. Ethan''s face turned even colder.

    He raised his hand to wipe away the blood from the corner of his mouth and punched back. The two of us were exchanging blows,

    each punchnding hard.

    If it were normal, Ethan wouldn''t be at a disadvantage. But today, he was physically exhausted, and he took more punches than I

    did.

    It wasn''t until Ethan''s face was bruised and he staggered backward that I stopped. I had taken a few hits on my face and body as

    well, but not as badly as Ethan.

    Our strength was too different, and I didn''t take the opportunity to deliver a fatal blow, but I taught Ethan a lesson and vented my

    anger for Olivia.

    Just as I was about to go back, I saw Olivia hurrying downstairs.

    "Lucas, are you okay?" Olivia hade down after taking a bath and finding that

    I hadn''t returned.

    She had changed her clothes, poured a cup of Moonflower tea, and sat on the balcony, drinking tea and watching the night view.

    She saw us fighting downstairs.

    The ce where we were standing was dimly lit, and as we fought, she only knew that one of us was me and the other was Ethan.

    +25 Bonus

    But she couldn''t see who was winning.

    She was worried that I would suffer, so she hurried downstairs.

    "Liv,e with me, I''ll take you home. I promise you, I won''t force you again." "I was wrong tonight, I scared you, I''m sorry." Ethan stepped forward.

    Olivia looked at my swollen mouth and turned to look coldly at Ethan, "Get out!" "Ethan Stone, what right do you have to ask me to forgive you?" As long as Olivia thought about what had happened tonight, she hated Ethan to death.

 The Alpha King is unavailable 363

    Forgive him? How was that possible!

    "Get as far away as possible, don''t appear in front of me again!"

    "Lucas, don''t pay attention to him, I''ll go upstairs and help you treat your wounds." Olivia stopped looking at Ethan and pulled me upstairs.

    "Liv!" Ethan Stone wanted to pull Olivia, but I blocked him!

    "Ethan Stone, can''t you see that Liv is not feeling well right now, she needs to rest?" My words made Ethan, who wanted to chase

    after us, stop in his tracks.

    Olivia and I walked in together, leaving Ethan outside. After going upstairs, Olivia asked me where the first aid kit was, and she helped me treat my wounds with healing moonlight herbs.

    While treating my wounds, she said to me, "Why did you bother with him?"

    "I was worried about you." I looked at Olivia and said softly. Because I was worried about her, I wanted to help her vent her anger.

    Olivia paused in her application of the moonlight herb salve, unable to say anything more to me. She gently and carefully continued to treat the bruises and swelling on my face.

    "It doesn''t hurt, really." I looked at Olivia''s serious face and teased her.

    Olivia red at me. The cotton swab suddenly applied more pressure. I "hissed."

    Olivia immediately reduced the pressure, but still said maliciously, "Didn''t you say it didn''t hurt?"

    "I was wrong!" I apologized immediately! In front of her, I wasn''t tough at all. Olivia applied the moonlight herb salve even more gently, carefully treating me.

    Her phone, which she had ced to the side, kept receiving messages. It was from Ethan Stone. He was apologizing to her.

    After treating the wounds on my face, Olivia picked up her phone, didn''t look at Ethan''s apologies, and directly blocked him.

    "I''ve changed the mattress and wolf-pelt bedding for you, get some rest." I took Olivia to the master bedroom. I thoughtfully changed everything to brand new.

    "Good night."

    "Good night."

    Olivia was truly exhausted. I lit some calming and sleep-aiding Moonpetal incense in the bedroom, and Oliviay down in the

    warm bed.

    It started to rain outside the window. The rain grew heavier. She thought that after being frightened, it would be difficult to fall

    asleep tonight.

    +25 Bonus

    But listening to the sound of the rain, she fell asleep without realizing it. I stood on the balcony, looking at the Alpha who seemed

    to have never left.

    He just stood there in the rain, looking up at the window with the lights on. (Ethan''s POV)

    Lucas ckwood didn''t tell Olivia Winters. He just watched me get soaked in the rain.

    Until my wounds became infected, causing a high fever, and I finally couldn''t hold on any longer, my body went limp and I fell in

    the rain.

    Only then did Lucas call Maxwell Chen and ask him toe and take me away. I had a high fever all night and didn''t wake up until the afternoon of the next day.

    When I found myself in the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den, I couldn''t hide the joy in my amber eyes. Myst memory was of being downstairs at Lucas''s, where I had fainted in the rain and lost consciousness.

    And Liv was upstairs. I looked around the room, but couldn''t find Olivia, only Maxwell was there, and the light in my eyes dimmed visibly.

    But soon, I rekindled my hopes and looked at Maxwell, who was walking over after seeing me wake up, and asked. ¡°Did Liv call youst night?"

    If it was Liv, it meant that Liv still cared about me, that she still had me in her heart.

    "It was Alpha ckwood." Maxwell knew what I wanted to hear, but he couldn''t lie.

    As soon as the words fell, the light in my amber eyes instantly dimmed. Maxwell looked at me and really wanted to say, why didn''t you think about this yesterday? Last night, after being drugged with Savage Moon Elixir, I could have gone straight to the medical den, but I insisted on going to

    see Luna Winters.

    Knowing that Luna Winters only hated me because of the death of our pup Lily, I still went to my death. My actions would only make Luna Winters hate me even more,

    He just couldn''t understand, I was clearly a very shrewd Alpha in the business world, and had never made a wrong decision. But when it came to rtionships, I always made the wrong decisions.

    "Daddy." Emma Frost suddenly appeared at the door of the ward. Her hands were clutching her clothes, and she called out to me timidly.

    Victoria Frost had sent her over. She told her to apologize to her father and ask for his forgiveness.

    I looked at Einma. I remembered that she had poured me that ss of waterst night. Although Victoria said that she had asked

    +25 Bonus

    Emma to do it, and that Emma didn''t know anything, I didn''t want to see Emma right now, thinking about how because of that ss of waterst night, I had almost done something that Liv would never forgive me for in her life.

    I didn''t know if it was because I was in a bad mood. When I thought about what happenedst night, I felt like Emma had deliberately helped Victoria call me over, so that Victoria could drug me with Savage Moon Elixir.

    This thought only shed through my mind, and I immediately rejected it. I really couldn''t associate scheming with Emma.

 Chapter 364

    (Ethan''s POV)

    Emma knelt on her bed, her young face twisted into an expression I''d never seen before. Gone was the sweet, obedient pup who gazed at me with adoration. In her ce was something unrecognizable - her features contorted with malice that no seven-year-old should possess.

    In one hand, she clutched a small figure. In the other, a silver needle glinted in the moonlight streaming through her window. With vicious precision, she stabbed the doll repeatedly while spitting venomous words.

    "Stupid Lily," she hissed, driving the needle into the doll''s chest. "Even dead, you still take my Daddy away. I hope your spirit suffers forever!"

    My wolf roared beneath my skin, nearly breaking free with rage. This was my daughter she was cursing - my true daughter whose death I couldn''t prevent, whose love I''d squandered. The daughter I''d failed sopletely that my only hope was that she might be reborn, that Olivia might forgive me enough to give us another chance.

    And here was Emma, cursing Lily''s very soul.

    I kicked the door fully open, unable to contain my fury. "Emma Frost, what are you doing?!"

    Emma froze mid-stab, her head whipping toward me. For a split second, her face remained twisted with hatred before recognition dawned. Panic shed across her features as she realized I''d caught her.

    "Daddy?" she gasped, quickly trying to hide the doll under her moonlight thermal nket.

    In her haste, she identally drove the silver needle into her palm. She winced, tears immediately springing to her eyes. I watched as calction reced pain in her expression.

    "Daddy, you''re finally here!" she cried, crawling toward me with outstretched arms. "Emma waited for you all day! I thought you forgot my birthday!"

    Her tears flowed freely now as she reached for me, expecting thefort I''d always provided. But I remained rooted in ce, my amber eyes fixed on her bleeding palm before returning to her face.

    "I asked you, what were you doing?" I repeated, my voice dangerously low.

    Emma''s eyes darted nervously. "Daddy, I wasn''t doing anything! I was just bored and ying with a doll while waiting for you!"

    She spotted the Moonstone Bracelet gift box in my hand and lunged for it, clearly hoping to distract me. "Is that for Emma? Thank you, Daddy!"

    I tossed the gift aside, stepping closer to the bed. My Alpha presence filled the room as I demanded, "Take it out."

    More tears streamed down Emma''s face as she clutched at my ck Alpha Overcoat. "Daddy, you''re scaring me! Don''t look at me like that, I''m scared."

    I recognized the act - the same innocent, frightened pup routine that had always worked on me before. But the image of her cursing my daughter was burned into my mind.

    Losing patience, I pushed her aside and reached for the nket myself.

    "Daddy, don''t look!" Emma cried, desperately trying to stop me.

    Her small hands were no match for my determination. I yanked back the nket, revealing what she''d tried to hide.

    Emma knelt on the bed, trembling, her eyes wide with terror as she watched my reaction.

    The doll was crudely made but unmistakable in its intent. Lily''s name was scrawled across it in childish handwriting. Photos of my daughter - photos I''d never seen before, likely stolen from surveince footage - were pasted to its face and body. The doll was riddled with countless pinholes, evidence that tonight wasn''t the first time Emma had performed this ritual.

    My heart clenched with anguish and rage. Even in death, Lily had suffered torment from this child I''d favored over her.

    "What kind of monster have I been coddling these past few years?!" My wolf snarled beneath my skin, furious at this betrayal.

    My hand shook as I picked up the doll, a storm of emotions overwhelming me. Pain for Lily. Anger at Emma. Disgust at myself for being so blind.

    Before I could stop myself, my handshed out, striking Emma across the face. I barely restrained my wolf''s strength, but the impact was enough to send her reeling.

    "Emma Frost, why would you do this?!" I demanded, my amber eyes burning.

    Memories flooded back, pieces

    falling into ce. The first time Lily and Emma met. Emma''s fall into the Moonlit Reflection Pool, which she med on Lily. I''d believed her without question, punishing my own daughter and causing her to develop a high fever.

    I remembered watching security footageter - Lily crying in Olivia''s arms, insisting she hadn''t pushed Emma. Her heartbroken question echoed in my mind: "Why doesn''t Daddy believe me?"

    How many other lies had Emma told? How many truths had I overlooked because of my misced faith in this child?

    "Daddy..." Emma whimpered, clutching her reddened cheek.

    The p hadn''t been particrly hard - I''d seen Victoria hit her much harder - but Emma looked genuinely shocked. Her wolf pup cowered deep within her, projecting distress pheromones.

    I could see her struggling to find an exnation, but with the evidence in my hands, she resorted to tears and pitiful nces. Her young wolf

    attempted to project submit ne

    pheromones, trying to triggermy protective instincts.

    "Emma Frost, don''t call me Daddy anymore! I don''t have a pup like you!" I dered, my voice cold and merciless.

    My wolf rejected herpletely, no longer recognizing her as pack. The bond I''d thought we shared shattered like ss.

    "Daddy, don''t say that!" Emma wailed, desperate now. "You promised you''d

    always be my Daddy, that you''d never abandon me!"

    Her wolf frantically tried to reestablish our pack bond, but I felt nothing but revulsion.

    "My promise was to the obedient, kind Emma," I replied icily. "Emma Frost, is that you?"

    The question made her weep harder, but no words came. For once, she had no maniption ready, no act to perform.

    Suddenly, the sound of wheels on hardwood broke the tense silence. Victoria appeared in the doorway, her face a mask of concern as she propelled her Raven-Trimmed Wheelchair into the room.

    Without hesitation, she threw herself at my legs, clinging to me desperately. Her wolf projected frantic pheromones, but they only disgusted me further.

    I kicked her away instinctively, as if she were something repulsive. My wolf growled in disgust at her touch.

    Victoria winced at the rejection but quickly recovered, her focus unwavering. "King, you''ve misunderstood Emma!"

    "It''s all my fault!" she continued, her voice quivering with what seemed like genuine emotion. "I was jealous of Olivia being your true mate and upying your heart for so long, so I foolishly directed my anger at Lily."

    She crawled closer, her eyes pleading. "I made the doll, and Emma just imitated me. She doesn''t understand anything, I led her astray."

    Victoria reached for Emma, pulling her close protectively. "You know she''s inherently good. I, as her mother, failed to teach her properly. It''s my fault, don''t me Emma."

    Her wolf projected what appeared to

    be sincere remorse as she

    ff

    continued her plea. "She admires you so much, she listens to you, if you formally adopt her into the Stone Pack and keep her by your

    side, teaching her, she''ll be as upright as you."

    Victoria''s eyes glistened with tears. "King, Emma is only seven years old, she''s a nk te. Give her another chance, you can guide her."

    She pushed Emma toward me, her intentions transparent. Even if she couldn''t have me, she wanted Emma to remain connected to the Stone Pack - to me.

    "Please, King," Victoria begged, her wolf purring with satisfaction as she saw my hesitation. "For Emma''s sake."

 Chapter 365

    (Ethan''s POV)

    Upon hearing Victoria''s plea, I turned my amber gaze toward her. Was she iming it was all her fault, and that Emma was innocent?

    "Could it really be unrted to Emma?"

    If I hadn''t seen it with my own eyes, perhaps I would have believed Victoria Frost''s words. But just now, I had witnessed how sinister and vicious Emma''s expression was when she was cursing Lily. I also heard the curse words she spoke. Every word sent chills down my spine.

    A normal adult wouldn''t utter such venomous words, yet Emma Frost was only seven years old. What I found even more terrifying was that the moment she turned to face me, she instantly transformed back into the well-behaved and sensible Emma.

    Switching between bad and good so effortlessly. It was just like Victoria''s two faces, one for when she was with me and another when she was behind my back. It truly lived up to the saying that the upper beam is not straight, the lower beam is crooked.

    Why hadn''t I realized this sooner? With a mother like Victoria, who was so skilled at acting, Emma had been by her side since birth, and under her influence, how could Emma''s character be upright?

    "Adopt Emma?" I asked in a low voice, my amber eyes revealing nothing of my emotions.

    Seeing me respond, Victoria immediately saw hope and nodded repeatedly, her wolf projecting desperate pheromones. "Yes, Ethan, as long as you adopt Emma and keep her by your side, under your influence, she will definitely be very, very good. That way, I can also rest assured."

    I interrupted Victoria''s incessant chatter with a coldugh, my wolf growling beneath my skin. "Is she worthy?"

    Victoria was stunned, momentarily doubting her ears. "What do you mean? Emma has always been your favorite. Why is she unworthy now?"

    She tried to tug at my pants, wanting to know what I really meant.

    "Get out!" I frowned slightly and kicked Victoria away, my Alpha authority pulsing through the room.

    Looking down at the disheveled Victoria on the ground, I curled my lips into a mocking arc and said in a cold voice, "Convincing me to adopt Emma, just so you can sessfully disgust Olivia, is that it?"

    My amber eyes shed with disgust. "Victoria, as long as you can upset Olivia, you really won''t let go of any opportunity!"

    Victoria''s eyes widened in shock,

    wondering how I knew what she was thinking. She quickly denied it, her wolf attempting to project sincerity. "Ethan you misunderstood, I didn''t think that way. I just sincerely want Emma to be better, that''s why..."

    "Shut up!" I lost my patience with Victoria''s lies, my wolf snarling with frustration.

    Now, every word she spoke made me realize that she was being deceitful, realized that I had been ignoring her true nature because of the filter of "Little Orange". Without that filter, Victoria''s true colors were revealed.

    Her subtle expressions were now clear to me. I knew I was right. Tonight, after discovering Emma''s true nature, it was as if I had found a loose thread that unraveled many past events.

    Those things I had believed to be true were now questionable. I felt a heavy weight in my heart, making it difficult for me to breathe. My wolf paced restlessly beneath my skin.

    I didn''t want to see this mother and daughter any longer. I picked up the paper figure with Lily''s name on it and turned to leave, my wolf''s protective instincts surging at the thought of my deceased daughter being cursed.

    (Emma''s POV)

    "Daddy!" I cried out, having been struck dumb by his words "Is she worthy?". I panicked and wanted to stop him as he turned to leave.

    This cry of "Daddy" was filled with my love for him. My feelings for Ethan were indeed not pure, but I did genuinely love him. Therefore, this cry of "Daddy" was especially sincere.

 Chapter 366

    Ethan paused in his steps, his wolf momentarily hesitating. I looked at him with my swollen eyes, but I was met with coldness, his amber eyes devoid of their usual warmth.

    "I''ll say it onest time, don''t call me Daddy again, do you hear me?" Ethan''s voice carried the unmistakablemand of a dominant wolf rejecting a pack member.

    I had only seen Ethan look at Olivia and Lily that way. I never imagined that one day, Ethan would look at me with such eyes.

    My small body trembled like a willow catkin in the wind, my wolf pup cowering within me. My lips moved, wanting to call out "Daddy," wanting to continue to act spoiled as before.

    But under those cold eyes, I couldn''t utter a single word. I could only watch as Ethan turned and strode away, leaving my room, going downstairs, his footsteps fading into the distance.

    My body trembled even more violently. Was Daddy really abandoning me, did he not want me anymore? The moment this thought surfaced in my mind, I suddenly shook my head vigorously.

    No! Daddy couldn''t abandon me! I couldn''t lose Daddy!

    "Daddy!" I rolled out of bed, not bothering to put on clothes or shoes, and ran out.

    By the time I reached the door, Ethan was already out of the iron gate, opening the door to his Shadow Ghost and getting in. The car started, ready to drive away.

    I was a clever child. If I wasn''t clever, I wouldn''t have been able to cooperate with Mommy and act so well in front of Ethan, never raising his suspicions over the years.

    So, I knew very well that Daddy was truly angry this time, and if I didn''t soften his heart today, I would really lose this Daddy.

    At this moment, I realized that even if Ethan couldn''t give me a luxurious life, couldn''t satisfy my vanity, as long as Daddy was mine, I would be willing.

    "Daddy!" I ran out barefoot. In the cold winter night, the wind was biting.

    Wearing only a thin nightgown, I was immediately struck by a shiver as I stepped out of the door, my wolf pup whimpering from the cold. I flinched. But I didn''t retreat.

    I rushed out regardless. If I didn''t go all out, I wouldn''t be able to soften Daddy''s heart.

    "Daddy, don''t leave Emma." I had been spoiled by Ethan with money these past few years.

    My tender feet ran on the cold ground, and soon, the soles were worn. Blood seeped out from the bottom of my feet, leaving bloody footprints, the scent of my blood sharp in the night air.

    But I never stopped. Taking advantage of the fact that Ethan''s car wasn''t going

    fast in the neighborhood, I desperately chased after the car.

    While chasing, I cried out, "Daddy, Emma really knows she was wrong."

    "Daddy, please forgive Emma this once, please, Daddy!"

    "Daddy, please look back at Emma, Daddy, please give Emma another chance."

    "Daddy, Daddy!" In the quiet of the night, my sad cries pierced the night sky, clearly reaching Ethan''s ears with his enhanced werewolf hearing.

    I cried so sadly and helplessly, like an abandoned little wolf pup, begging her Daddy not to abandon her.

    From the moment I chased out, Ethan had seen me in his rearview mirror. Watching me barefoot,

    wearing thin clothes, chasing after

    his car while crying.  fo

    Ethan''s eyes deepened significantly, his wolf whining with conflicted emotions.

    Suddenly... I, who was chasing the car from behind, stumbled and fell to the ground. My body crashed heavily on the ground.

    My chin hit the ground, drawing blood, the scent of it mingling with the blood from my feet. Iy on the ground, raised my head, and@ried out desperately, "Daddy!"

    I couldn''t get up anymore. But I didn''t give up chasing, calling out "Daddy" while crawling on the ground.

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 367

    (Third person''s POV)

    This scene was too visually shocking. Seeing Emma''s desperate pursuit, Ethan''s foot on the elerator involuntarily loosened, and the Shadow Ghost noticeably slowed down.

    Emma saw a glimmer of hope, her wolf pup stirring beneath her skin. Her Daddy still loved her. He wouldn''t abandon her.

    She believed her dedication would surely move him. Even if Lily was his biological daughter, she was dead and could do nothing. She, however, was alive and could still win her Daddy over with sweet words and affection.

    The thought gave her renewed strength. Despite the pain shooting through her small body, Emma pushed herself up from the cold ground.

    Blood trickled from her chin where it had struck the pavement. Her nightgown was torn and dirty, stained with patches of crimson. But none of that mattered.

    All that mattered was reaching her Daddy before he changed his mind again.

    Emma crawled towards the car, crying out in pain, ignoring the scrapes and blood on her hands and knees. She focused on getting closer to Ethan''s Shadow Ghost.

    "Daddy... look at Emma... Emma hurts so much... Daddy..."

    As the distance closed, Ethan could clearly see Emma''s injuries through his enhanced werewolf vision. Her knees were scraped raw, leaving bloody trails on the pavement. Her palms were torn from dragging herself forward.

    She stretched out her bloodied hands, like a wounded wolf pup seeking protection from its Daddy.

    "Please... Daddy... Emma is sorry... so sorry..."

    Emma knew that to gain Ethan''s sympathy and forgiveness, she needed to appear pitiful. She remembered her mother''s sessful attempts to get Ethan''s attention by feigning illness or injury.

    This time, she didn''t need to pretend. The pain was real, searing through her small body with each movement.

    Despite the agony, she endured, hoping to regain his favor, her wolf pup whimpering beneath her skin.

    "Daddy... please don''t leave Emma alone... Emma will be good..."

    Inside the car, Ethan''s feelings wereplicated. His wolf paced restlessly beneath his skin, torn between protective instinct and righteous anger.

    He had genuinely cared for Emma over the years, appreciating her sweetness and attentiveness. The way she would wait for him after long pack meetings, her face lighting up when he entered a room.

    However, this affection was challenged by the sight of the paper figure with Lily''s name on it, now sitting on the passenger seat beside him. The memory of Emma''s room and her hateful words about Lily flooded back, extinguishing any sympathy.

    "I hope your spirit suffers forever!" The venom in her young voice had been unmistakable.

    He felt only coldness towards someone who could curse his daughter so viciously. Seeing and hearing it firsthand was the truth.

    No amount of tears or blood could erase what he had witnessed tonight.

    He regretted his past indulgence and vowed not to repeat the mistake. He couldn''t afford to be soft, not after knowing her true nature, not when it came to honoring the memory of the deceased Lily.

    Ethan hardened his expression, steeling his heart. He would not pity Victoria or her daughter.

    The brief moment of sympathy disgusted him. Anypassion for them was a sin against his true mate and daughter.

    He stepped on the elerator, the Shadow Ghost speeding away, leaving Emma''s cries behind. He didn''t even nce in the rearview mirror.

    The car sped back to Rosewood Haven. Leaving theplex, Ethan elerated again, and the car disappeared into the night, his wolf finally settling into grim resolve.

    Abandoned, Emma copsed on the ground, watching Ethan leave. Her body grew cold, her eyes filled with panic and helplessness.

    "Daddy..." she whispered, her voice barely audible now. The word that had once been filled with love and expectation now carried only despair.

    Her wolf pup curled into itself, sensing the loss of its Daddy''s protection. She wondered if her Daddy had truly given up on her, the bond she thought unbreakable now seemingly severed forever

    The night wind blew mercilessly, chilling her to the bone. But the coldness in her

    heart was far more painful than any physical difort.

    For the first time in her life, Emma felt truly abandoned.

    (Ethan''s POV)

    I drove to Olivia''s Moonlight Cottage. I had bought the properties surrounding hers

    for her protection, ensuring no one could disturb her without my knowledge.

    It was almost 3 a.m., and the area was quiet, but my mind raced with chaotic thoughts.

    At Rosewood Haven, the exposure of Victoria''s deceit had shaken me to my core.

    Not for Victoria''s sake, but for my own blindness.

    I had been deceived by Victoria''s pretense of being Little Orange. The joy of

    reunion had blinded me to her maniption.

    I had given her the love meant for both Little Orange and her deceased mother. Victoria had repeatedly manipted me into believing that Olivia was bullying her, using our childhood connection to twist my perception.

    For five years, every instance was a betrayal of Olivia. I wrongly favored Victoria,

    causing Olivia immense pain.

    I knew how much Olivia hated

    Victoria and resented Emma after Lily''s death. Yet, I had consistently

    sided with Victoria, repeatedly

    testing Olivia''s patience and adding

    wolfsbane to her wounds.

    I saw Olivia''s helplessness as I defended Emma, dismissing her usations and telling her not to me the innocent Emma.

    Furthermore, I knew that James had registered for organ donation because Lily died of kidney failure. Still, I had used Olivia to pressure James into donating a kidney to Emma.

    Even if I didn''t mean to harm Olivia, the very act of coercing James made me feel like a rogue wolf.

    My wolf growled beneath my skin, disgusted by my own actions. I had be the very thing I was supposed to protect my pack from - a threat to my own mate.

    I sat in the car, clutching the little figure with Lily''s name. My amber eyes were bloodshot, filled with remorse.

    I felt overwhelmed by guilt and shame. I had failed Olivia and Lily.

    The weight of my mistakes crushed me. How could I have been so blind? So easily manipted?

    I pped myself, the sound sharp in the quiet car. The sting did nothing to ease my self-loathing.

    "He really was not worthy of being an Alpha." The thought echoed in my mind.

    I was a monster. Not the Alpha protector I was supposed to be, but a source of pain for those I should have cherished most.

    I abruptly got out of the car and walked towards the cottage, my wolf''s scent announcing my presence. The night air was cold against my skin, but I barely noticed.

    Each step felt heavier than thest. What right did I have to approach Olivia after everything I had done?

    I reached Olivia''s door, stopped, and knelt down before it. The hard ground

    pressed against my knees, a minor difortpared to the agony in my

    heart.

    My head bowed in shame, I remained there, a broken Alpha at the doorstep of the mate he had failed.

 Chapter 368

    (Ethan''s POV)

    This night was extremely long.

    I knelt before Olivia''s door, my Alpha pride cast aside as each passing second became an agonizing torment. My wolf whined beneath my skin, exhausted and remorseful.

    The cool night air carried Olivia''s scent from inside the cottage. So close, yet unreachable. My mate was just beyond this door, but the distance between us felt infinite.

    My knees ached against the hard ground, but the physical difort was nothingpared to the weight of my guilt. I deserved far worse for what I had done to Olivia and Lily.

    Hours passed. The moon traveled across the sky, casting shifting shadows around me. Still, I remained, head bowed in shame.

    Dawn approached, painting the horizon with pale light. Birds began their morning songs, oblivious to my suffering.

    I had been here since 3 AM, and now the sun was rising. My body was stiff, my muscles protesting, but I wouldn''t move. Not until Olivia acknowledged me.

    My wolf, usually so proud and dominant,y subdued within me. We both knew we deserved this penance and much more.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    I woke to the soft ping of my phone. A message from Lucas ckwood.

    Rubbing sleep from my eyes, I opened it to find a video. The timestamp showed it was fromst night.

    The footage showed Ethan''s Shadow Ghost parked outside Victoria Frost''s residence at Rosewood Haven. Despite myself, I felt a pang seeing his car there.

    Today was both Lily''s death anniversary and Emma''s birthday. Of course he would be with her.

    The video continued. Ethan''s car pulled away from the house, engine revving as he elerated down the private road.

    Then something unexpected happened. Emma appeared in the frame, wearing only thin nightclothes, barefoot in the cold night.

    She was chasing after Ethan''s car, her desperate cries clearly audible through Lucas''s enhanced recording device.

    "Daddy! Please don''t leave me! I''m sorry!" Emma''s wolf''s desperate whines echoed in the night as she begged for forgiveness.

    Ethan didn''t stop. Even when Emma fell, her knees scraping against the gravel, he kept driving.

    The video ended with Emma crying on the ground, blood staining her nightgown,pletely abandoned.

    I understood Lucas''s intent in sending me this. He wanted me to see Emma''s downfall, to witness her suffering as I had suffered.

    A cold satisfaction settled in my chest. This was retribution. Victoria and Emma deserved every moment of pain for what she had done to Lily and me.

    Losing Ethan''s protection and her ce in his pack was the ultimate punishment for Emma. Without him, she was nothing in werewolf society.

    Before I could reply to Lucas, another notification appeared on my phone. The security system alerted me to someone lingering at my door.

    I checked the notification history and froze. Multiple alerts from as early as 3 AM showed Ethan kneeling outside my cottage for almost four hours.

    His Alpha scent was strong enough that even the security system had registered it. I wasn''t moved by this disy.

    He must have discovered the truth about Emma. Perhaps he finally saw through her maniptions.

    I quickly typed a message to Lucas, thanking him for the video and inviting him for breakfast. Then I prepared to confront Ethan.

    If Lucas wasn''ting, I would have ignored Ethanpletely. He could kneel until his wolf surrendered to exhaustion.

    I would not forgive the harm he and Emma had caused me and Lily. No amount of kneeling could erase that pain.

    With steady hands, I unlocked the door and pulled it open.

    Ethan looked up at me, his face gaunt, amber eyes bloodshot. He looked like he hadn''t slept in days.

    "Liv, I''m sorry," he croaked, his voice rough from disuse.

    His wolf''s scent projected genuine remorse as he continued, "I was blind. I trusted Victoria and Emma. I believed their lies."

    He swallowed hard, his shoulders slumped in defeat. "I let them use me to hurt you and Lily. I was a fool."

    Tears welled in his eyes, something I''d never seen before. The mighty Alpha King, crying at my doorstep.

    "I have sinned," he whispered. "I am so sorry to you, and even more sorry to Lily."

    Tears streamed down his face as he recalled the past. "I remember how Lily would wait for me at the

    Moonlight Fair. How she made that coffee mug for me at the Howling y Pottery Studio."

    Each memory seemed to deepen his regret. "I was never there for her. I chose Emma over my own daughter."

    His wolf whined pitifully, recognizing the damage done to our mate bond. "I know I

    can spend a lifetime trying to make it up to you, Liv. But Lily..."

    His voice broke. "Lily is beyond my reach now. Her spirit has already passed to the Moon Goddess."

    I remained unmoved by his remorse. My emerald eyes were cold as I stared down

    at him, my wolf unnaturally still within me.

    I had anticipated this moment since Ethan''s betrayal with Lucas''s kidney. His realization came toote.

    "Ethan Stone," I said, my voice devoid of emotion, "what''s the use of you kneeling here? Until Lily''s revenge is taken, you don''t even have the right to say sorry to

    her!"

    Ethan staggered at my words, unable to speak. He knew he wasplicit in Lily''s death, having prioritized Emma''s ess to a kidney.

    "Liv..." he began, but I cut him off.

    "Ethan Stone, if you haven''t thought about avenging Lily, then don''t act like you love Lily so much and feel so guilty about her. This appearance of yours will only disgust me and Lily."

    My words were harsh, but they were the truth. His tears meant nothing without action.

    Ethan looked up at me, his amber eyes filled with desperation. "Liv, is it only if I die for my sins that you and Lily can forgive me?"

    I frowned, my wolf bristling beneath

    my skin. "Ethan Stone, what''s the use of you dying for your sins now? If you want to die, first bring Victoria, the murderer who killed Lily, to justice, and avenge Lily, then go and die in front of Lily''s Moonstone Tombstone!"

    Only after helping avenge Lily would I allow him to die, should he still wish to. Ethan''s brow furrowed, noticing something amiss in my tone. "Liv, why do you keep saying that Victoria is the murderer who killed Lily?"

    My animosity toward Victoria seemed different from what he''d expected. "Why? Because the kidney Lily was waiting for didn''t match Emma at all, she couldn''t use it at all!" I revealed, my voice rising with suppressed rage. Ethan''s amber eyes widened in shock. This was clearly news to him.

    "Victoria clearly couldn''t use it for Emma, but she stole Lily''s kidney when Lily''s condition worsened and she needed immediate surgery," I continued, watching realization dawn on his face.

    I reminded him of Connor ckthorn''s words: "She deliberately stole the kidney

    donor in order to kill your daughter. What''s more, in order to hide this matter, she paid for murder."

 Chapter 369

    (Ethan''s POV)

    Connor ckthorn''s words echoed in my mind as I knelt before Olivia''s door. The rogue wolf had confessed under extreme werewolf torture methods - techniques that even Alpha-trained wolves might not withstand.

    Connor hadn''t changed his story despite the agony. I had believed Victoria''s version of eventspletely.

    ording to what Connor revealed, Victoria Frost hated Olivia because Olivia had given Emma''s kidney donor to Lily. This would have allowed Lily to live while Emma died. That''s why Victoria supposedly bought off Connor to frame Olivia.

    But if what Olivia just told me was true - if the kidney Lily needed didn''t match Emma at all - then everything Victoria imed was a lie.

    Victoria''s story about selfishly choosing to let Emma live because she loved her too much wasplete fabrication. She had never been in a position to save Emma with that kidney.

    "Ethan Stone, from the beginning, Victoria Frost never wanted Lily to live," Olivia said, her emerald eyes growing redder as tears welled up.

    Her wolf whimpered beneath her skin with renewed grief. The pain in her voice cut through me like silver ws.

    "She not only deliberately stole Lily''s kidney donor, causing Lily to have nopatible donor avable during the emergency surgery, but also deliberately ignored my calls for help on the day Lily was critically ill."

    Olivia''s voice cracked as she continued. "If you had received my call, even if you didn''t care for Lily at the time, you wouldn''t have ignored her and watched her die."

    "You might have taken back the kidney donor and given it to Lily first, giving her a chance at life. But Victoria cut off Lily''s path to survival."

    Upon hearing Olivia mention the phone call, I was stunned. My amber eyes widened in realization.

    "Liv, I didn''t see your call," I mumbled, the truth hitting me like a physical blow.

    Victoria had deleted the call record from my Alpha Phone. I recalled receiving a call from Victoria on the way to Moonlight Fair that day.

    She said Emma had been admitted to the Silvercrest Medical Den, diagnosed with kidney failure. Hearing Emma was in the medical den and Victoria sounding panicked, I thought Emma''s condition was severe.

    I chose to go to the medical den to see Emma, thinking I could always spend time with Lilyter. I didn''t realize that Lily, wanting to spend time alone with me, had lied to Olivia about where she was going.

    Victoria deliberately called me, knowing Lily was in urgent need of a kidney donor, waiting for me to save her life. Then she stole the kidney donor and blocked Olivia''s call, letting Lily die on the operating table.

    If this was the truth of Lily''s death, then my trust and protection of Victoria over the past two years was a great harm to Olivia and Lily. I had been protecting Lily''s killer.

    I knelt on the ground, feeling overwhelmed by guilt. My wolf howled in anguish inside me as I looked at Olivia, wanting to say I didn''t know.

    I wanted to say that if I had known Victoria was maliciously killing Lity and not acting for Emma''s sake, I wouldn''t have protected her. Even if I didn''t know she wasn''t my true mate at the time.

    However, I knew I had chances to discover the truth. My distrust of Olivia prevented her from telling me, or perhaps she just didn''t want to tell me anymore. (Olivia''s POV)

    I understood what Ethan wanted to express. My emerald eyes also reddened as my wolf grieved anew for Lily.

    "Ethan Stone, I told you countless times. If you had listened even once, my Lily''s spirit wouldn''t be unable to rest with the Moon Goddess even now."

    For over two years, I hadn''t had a good night''s sleep, haunted by the thought of Lily''s unavenged death. All of this was Ethan''s fault.

    This statement felt like another stab to Ethan''s heart. Seeing me in tears, Ethan felt even more heartbroken.

    "Liv, don''t cry, I''m sorry to you and Lily. It''s my fault, not listening to you, not believing you, don''t cry."

    He stood up, wanting to embrace me. But Lucas ckwood, who hade to

    have breakfast with me as promised, was faster.

    He had arrived before we revealed

    the truth about Lily''s kidney donor but hadn''t shown himself, intending to wait until we finished speaking However, when Ethan suddenly wanted to embrace me, he immediately stepped forward.

    His gray eyes shed with possessiveness as he moved between us.

    Lucas ckwood embraced me, letting me bury myself in his arms. His Moonlight Henley quickly soaked with my tears.

    Lucas looked at Ethan and said,

    "Ethan Stone, what you owe Olivia and Lily is more than just this. Do you know what else Victoria Frost did to Lily and Olivia under your protection and indulgence?

    "Do you remember the date of the celebration feast you held for Emma for getting

    third ce in the Crescent Moon Training Denpetition?"

    Ethan couldn''t recall the date. Lucas sneered, "I''ll tell you, it was December

    22nd..."

    Ethan didn''t understand why Lucas was bringing up that day. His wolf bristled with confusion and growing dread.

    I suddenly looked up from Lucas''s arms, my emerald eyes red, shouting hoarsely, "What are you bringing up that day for?! That day was the day Lily was buried!"

    (Ethan''s POV)

    I was shocked, my amber eyes widening in horror. I had never thought about it in detail before, not knowing Victoria had deliberately killed Lily.

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 370

    Now, with Lucas revealing it, I remembered Victoria''s invitation to Olivia to bring Lily to Emma''s celebration feast. She wanted me to see Lily.

    I didn''t believe Lily was dead at the time, and I did miss her, looking forward to hering. But only Olivia came, and she ruined the celebration feast.

    Victoria called the Northern Territory Enforcers, and I didn''t stop it, letting Olivia suffer. Even that night, I didn''t see Lily''s Moonwood Ceremonial Urn in the next room and was furious, hurting Olivia again.

    My eyes grew redder, looking at Olivia, wanting to say sorry. My wolf whined with remorse.

    Lucas hugged Olivia tighter, his wolf''s protective instincts surging as he continued, "Do you know why Olivia rushed into Victoria''s house two years ago, hating her so much that she wanted to kill her?"

    I also remembered that day. I wanted to have another child with Olivia so that Lily might be reborn as our pup.

    Olivia reacted strongly, insisting on Victoria paying with her life. After we broke up unhappily, Emma called me, saying Victoria was bleeding a lot.

    I rushed over and saw Victoria with a head injury. Because Olivia had said those words to me, my first reaction was that Olivia had really hurt Victoria like that.

    Afterward, Olivia rushed into Rosewood Haven covered in blood, wanting to kill Victoria. I stopped her, fearing she would kill someone, and had James Knight inject her with a sedative and take her back to Maple Grove.

    "Why?" I asked, dreading the answer.

    Lucas patted Olivia''s back,forting her, and said, "That night, Victoria secretly took wolfsbane-infused blood and a silver talisman that would prevent a werewolf''s spirit from finding peace to Lily''s grave."

    "Victoria wanted Lily''s spirit to never find rest with the Moon Goddess. Olivia tried her best to stop her, but Victoria still poured the wolfsbane blood on Lily''s Moonstone Tombstone."

    "Olivia wiped it clean all night."

    I trembled, imagining Olivia''s despair as she wiped the poisonous blood from her daughter''s resting ce. Her hands burning from contact with the wolfsbane.

    "Olivia, go inside and check on the venison stew," Lucas said, excusing Olivia, not wanting her to relive the rest of the painful memories.

    Olivia nodded and entered the cottage without looking at me. Lucas closed the door in front of me.

    "And Victoria''s paralysis, do you know why Olivia pushed her?" Lucas asked.

    I was overwhelmed, my wolf cowering beneath my skin.

    "Victoria knew Olivia had severe moon sickness, and she threatened Olivia to see her with Lily''s ashes. She used Lily''s ashes to threaten Olivia to kneel and submit to her, humiliating Olivia, trampling on her dignity."

    Lucas''s gaze at me turned cold. "She wanted to push Olivia to the extreme, to make her take her own life."

    "Olivia was pushed to the extreme by Victoria, that''s why she acted against her and pushed her down the mountain. Ethan Stone, do you

    understand? Victoria''s legs artone

    paralyzed, it''s her just desserts, it has nothing to do with Olivia!"

    (Olivia''s POV)

    Lucas didn''t intend to let Ethan off the hook. He wanted him to know the depth of the harm he had caused me.

    He wanted Ethan to know that he didn''t deserve my forgiveness and should spend the rest of his life in regret and guilt.

    Lucas finished speaking and knocked on the door. I opened it, wearing an apron, my face cleaned of tears.

    Lucas entered, taking out his Moonwood Guest Slippers from the shoe cab and putting them on before closing the door.

    Ethan stood outside, bitter, jealous of Lucas and my closeness. He couldn''t say that I was his mate.

    After standing there for a while, Ethan turned and left. A coldness returned to his amber eyes as he got into his Shadow Ghost and made a call on his Phone.

    Inside the cottage, Lucas looked at my red eyes, feeling sorry. "Liv, I''m sorry, I reopened your wounds."

    I shook my head. "I know you wanted Ethan to know how wrong he was, you''re standing up for me and Lily, you want him to suffer."

    I understood Lucas''s intentions and wouldn''t me him. My wolf appreciated his protection.

    "Liv, not only that, but I also want

    Ethan to understand that he was the

    one who failed to recognize his true mate, he was the one who misunderstood you, and he was the one who indulged Victoria and her daughter to harm you and Lily."

    "Even if he has now awakened and realized his mistakes, the harm he has done

    to you over the years is irreversible, he doesn''t deserve to have you anymore."

    (Third person''s POV)

    "Lucas, in this lifetime, I will never forgive Ethan Stone, nor will I everplete our mate bond with him," Olivia said.

    "Indeed, Victoria killed Lily, but

    without him, how could Victoria el

    have had the opportunity to kill Lily? Victoria is extremely guilty, and Ethan is equally unforgivable."

    She hated Victoria and equally hated Ethan. Her wolf rebelled against the very thought of epting Ethan as her mate again.

    Lucas looked at Olivia''s resolute face. He knew that the main reason why Olivia was so ruthless to Ethan now was because of her hatred for him over Lily''s death.

    That was why she resolutely said she would not forgive Ethan.

    "What if...?" Lucas thought of the little wolf pup who looked very simr to Lily in the Northern Packs.

    He hoped that the little girl could really be Lily.

 Chapter 371

    (Lucas''s POV)

    The words almost escaped my lips before I caught myself.

    "What if Lily isn''t dead?"

    But I swallowed the question back. I was still investigating the mysterious young wolf pup in the Northern Packs who bore a striking resemnce to Lily.

    Without conclusive results, I couldn''t mention this possibility to Olivia. The risk of giving her false hope and watching her emotional copse was too great.

    Olivia noticed my hesitation through our growing bond. Her emerald eyes searched my face.

    "If what?" she asked softly.

    "Nothing," I replied, forcing a gentle smile.

    I needed to shift topics before she pressed further. Gently pushing her toward the sofa, I suggested, "You should rest. Let me make breakfast."

    She shook her head stubbornly. "I want to help."

    Together, we prepared a simple meal of venison and herbal tea. The domestic routine felt natural between us, our wolves content in each other''s presence.

    After breakfast, I reluctantly prepared to leave for Moonstone Pack business. Olivia mentioned her ns to visit Shadow Creek Mall.

    "I need outfits for my mother''s release from the medical den," she exined. "And a birthday gift for Sophia."

    I kissed her forehead gently before departing, my wolf already missing her warmth.

    (Olivia''s POV)

    At Shadow Creek Mall, I moved with purpose through the boutiques. I selected severalfortable outfits for my mother''s homing, choosing soft fabrics that wouldn''t irritate her healing skin.

    For Sophia ckwood''s birthday gift, I searched the jewelry section carefully. She was Lucas''s free-spirited artist sister, preferring unique pieces over famous brands.

    I found the perfect moonstone pendant at an independent artisan''s stall. The

    stone caught the light beautifully, its surface shimmering with ethereal blue fire.

    "This one, please," I told the shop assistant, reaching for my card.

    "I want that pendant."

    The familiar, provocative voice made my wolf bristle beneath my skin.

    bu:

    Victoria Frost sat in her wheelchair

    behind me, her pale face twisted with malicious satisfaction.

    I ignored herpletely, quietly handing my card to the assistant.

    The young woman looked between us nervously. Her hands trembled as she recognized Victoria''s status as Ethan Stone''s former favored mate.

    "I''m sorry, Miss Winters," the assistant stammered. "Perhaps I could offer you a discount on other items instead?"

    She refused my card, intimidated by Victoria''s presence and the special privileges once bestowed upon her.

    Victoria''sugh was sharp and cruel. She produced a ck card from her purse, waving it triumphantly.

    "My unlimited VIP card," she announced loudly. "Granted by Alpha King Ethan Stone himself."

    Her voice carried across the store, drawing stares from other

    customers. "While you once begged Ethan for money for your bastard pup''s medical bills, I enjoyed unlimited spending and luxury."

    Despite knowing Ethan now

    despised her, Victoria''s bravado was fueled by dangerous confidence. As long as Emma was with her, she believed Ethan''s protective instincts would never truly abandon them.

    "Clear the store," Victoria ordered the assistant imperiously. "I want to shop in private."

    The staff exchanged ufortable nces before approaching me apologetically. "Miss Winters, we''ll need to ask you to leave."

    The humiliation burned through me like silver poison. My wolf snarled silently as I prepared to walk away with whatever dignity remained.

    Suddenly, the store''s entrance burst open. James Knight stormed in, his amber- flecked eyes zing with fury.

    He grabbed Victoria by the cor of her designer jacket, yanking her forward in her wheelchair. His phone was already dialing, the speaker crackling to life.

    "Ethan Stone," James''s voice was deadly calm. "Do you see what she''s doing? Even now, you let her unt your power in front of Olivia."

    Victoria''s arrogance copsed instantly. Fear reced her smug satisfaction as she recognized the dangerous edge in James''s tone.

    "How will you face the spirit of dead Lily?" James continued, his words cutting like silver des.

    Ethan''s face appeared on the video call, his amber eyes cold and furious. The temperature in the store seemed to drop several degrees.

    Maxwell Chen''s nervous voice came through the speaker. "Sir, Victoria''s card was frozen an hour ago. All her privileges have been revoked."

 Chapter 372

    The assistant''s face went white with horror. "Her presence in the store is due to staff negligence, not your continued indulgence," Maxwell exined quickly.

    The store manager rushed in, sweat beading on his forehead. "Remove her immediately," he barked at security.

    "Get her out of my sight," Ethan''s voice was arctic through the phone.

    James and I shared a moment of silent camaraderie as security approached Victoria''s wheelchair. I pulled out my moonlight-infused sanitizer, carefully disinfecting the hand James had used to touch her.

    The gesture was subtle but stinging-a clear message of contempt for the woman who killed my daughter.

    Ethan''s voice came through the call again, softer now. "Olivia, I''m sorry¡ª"

    James hung up coldly. The message was clear: I didn''t want to hear from him.

    (Victoria''s POV)

    This couldn''t be happening. I fumbled for my ck card with shaking hands, trying to process the transaction myself.

    "Declined," the machine beeped mockingly.

    The staff who had once bowed to me now watched with barely concealed satisfaction. Security guards nked my wheelchair, their expressions

    professionally neutral but their eyes cold.

    "Ma''am, you need to leave," one of them said firmly.

    "You can''t do this to me!" I shrieked, but my voice cracked with desperation.

    They wheeled me toward the exit despite my protests. Other shoppers stared as I was forcibly removed from the store.

    Outside Shadow Creek Mall, they unceremoniously dumped me wheelchair and all¡ªon the pavement. The wheels caught on the curb, nearly tipping me over.

    A passing Good Samaritan approached, offering help. Ished out at him in my humiliation, screaming obscenities until he backed away in shock.

    I was left to crawl and beg for assistance, my pride shattered. Olivia and James emerged from the mall with their purchases, witnessing myplete degradation.

    Their eyes held no pity, only cold satisfaction. They walked past me as if I were invisible.

    I managed to call a taxi, my hands still trembling with rage and shame. At least I still had Rosewood Haven and my umted luxuries.

    The vi would be my sanctuary until I could figure out how to regain Ethan''s favor.

    But when arrived at Rosewood

    Haven, horror awaited me. Moving

    trucks fined the driveway, and

    workers carried my possessions out in boxes Content bngs

    Maxwell Chen supervised the operation, his expression professionally detached. He looked up as my taxi pulled in.

    "You are not the owner," he said tly when I demanded an exnation. "The vi''s ownership has been transferred to Olivia Winters."

    "You''re nothing now," he added with brutal honesty.

    I was evicted from my own home, left with nowhere to go but the shabby old apartment I''d once rented for Connor ckthorn. The contrast between my former luxury and current destitution was crushing.

    My phone rang as I sat in the dingy apartment, staring at the peeling wallpaper. Crescent Moon Academy''s number shed on the screen.

    "Mrs. Frost, Emma has been badly beaten by other wolf pups," the teacher''s voice was carefully neutral.

    Initially, I felt nothing but irritation. Then realization struck-this could be an opportunity.

    At the school, angry parents surrounded the principal''s office. Their voices rose in unified demand: Emma''s expulsion.

    "She terrorized our children for years," one mother dered. "We only tolerated it because of Alpha Stone''s protection."

    "That protection is gone now," another parent added coldly.

    The other children had finally retaliated against the girl who once bullied them merejilessly. Emma sat in the nurse''s office, her face swollen and her uniform torn.

    I took my injured daughter away in silence, my mind already calcting. At Stone

    Pack Enterprises, I instructed Emma carefully.

    "Go to your Daddy," I whispered. "Show him how much you need him."

    Emma threw herself at Ethan''s feet in his office, her small body wracked with sobs.

    "Daddy..." she cried, the word a desperate plea that might soften even the hardest heart.

    Especially one that had truly loved her.

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 Chapter 373

    (Third person''s POV)

    As Ethan Stone hesitated, just as Victoria Frost expected, he was moved by

    Emma''s tearful pleas and stopped to look down at her. Seeing his attention,

    Emma''s tears intensified, her swollen red eyes filled with longing and dependence

    as she clung to Ethan''s leg.

    She reached out to him with her small hands, her voice breaking with desperation.

    "Daddy, Emma really knows she was wrong, please don''t abandon Emma."

    "Without Daddy, my ssmates bully me. Look, they beat me all over. Daddy, it

    hurts so much." Her wolf pup whimpered pitifully beneath her skin, projecting

    distress pheromones that would normally trigger any Alpha''s protective instincts.

    The scent of her fear and pain filled the air around them. Emma''s small body

    trembled as she pressed closer to Ethan''s leg, seeking thefort and protection

    she had always received from him.

    When Ethan did not immediatelyfort her, Emma pulled open her jacket with

    shaking hands. She revealed the tattered Crescent Moon Academy uniform

    underneath and the bruises and welts marring her pale skin.

    These visible wounds were her trump card. She remembered how, in the past,

    whenever she was bullied, her father figure would defend her fiercely.

    He would punish those who hurt her and their families through his Alpha authority.

    She recalled the tenderness with which he had once soothed her after an incident

    at the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den.

    He had promised to acknowledge her as his true daughter despite theck of

    blood bond. Having truly experienced Ethan''s fatherly love and protection, she

    simply could not believe he would cast her aside.

    The grave desecration incident was just a childish act of jealousy against Lily, who

    was already gone. She convinced herself her Alpha father was only acting out of

    anger, and he would soften upon seeing her hurt.

    "Please, Daddy," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Emma needs you."

    Ethan''s amber eyes darkened as he took in the severity of her injuries. His wolf

    stirred with conflicted protective instincts, the sight of a wounded pup triggering

    ancient Alpha responses.

    He asked in a low, controlled voice, "Why did your ssmates beat you?"

    Without hesitation, Emma replied, "Because they saw that Emma had no daddy to

    protect her, so they bullied me for no reason." Her voice carried the practiced

    innocence of a child who had learned to manipte adult emotions.

    His gaze turned frigid, his Alpha aura growing cold. He realized that she was

    his sympathy.

    She was ignoring the fact that she herself was also a perpetrator. With a cold

    expression, Ethan pulled his leg away, his wolf rejecting the false bond.

    Emma copsed to the ground with a small cry of pain. The marble floor was cold

    and unforgiving beneath her bruised body.

    "Daddy..." she looked up in

    confusion, her wolf pup''s distress

    calls going unanswered. She was

    unable to understand why he

    showed no concern for her injuries

    and did not help her up.

    Ethan''s perception of her had fundamentally changed since the previous night.

    When he learned the truth about Lily''s death and the grave desecration,

    everything shifted.

    He now saw that his past indulgence had made him the unwitting shield for her

    bullying. She had tormented her ssmates with impunity using his Alpha status.

    She, once a victim herself, had turned into someone who would tear apart others''

    umbres rather than offer shelter. The ounts he heard from her teachers

    haunted him now.

    How she had beaten ssmates bloody, forced them to kneel and submit like

    omegas. How she made them crawl under her legs, and even shoved someone''s

    head into a toilet.

    He realized he had enabled a little monster. The more he hated himself for his

    past leniency, the more he loathed Emma standing before him.

    She was so skilled at pretense, just like her mother Victoria. The maniption

    came as naturally to her as breathing.

    Coldly, Ethan ordered the Silvercrest Security Guards, "Don''t let these two appear

    at thepany entrance again. I don''t want to see them."

    His Alphamand carried the weight of absolute authority. The guards

    straightened immediately, recognizing the finality in their Alpha''s tone.

    He turned and strode away, his powerful presence radiating rejection. Each step

    echoed through the marble lobby like a death knell.

    Emma, panicking, tried desperately to grab his leg again. Her wolf pup howled in

    abandonment, the sound piercing and desperate.

    "Daddy... Daddy!" she cried, but could not catch up to the Alpha''s long strides. Her

    small legs couldn''t match his pace, and her injuries slowed her further.

    The guards, who remembered how

    Ethan used to dote on Emma,

    hesitated to act roughly against a

    pup. They feared future

    repercussions from their Alpha if his

    feelings changed again.

    Their uncertainty was palpable as they watched the small girl chase after the

    retreating Alpha King.

    Maxwell Chen, receiving a subtle

    signal from Ethan through their pack

    bond, returned with purposeful

    steps. He instructed the guards with

    clear authority that brooked no

    argument.

 Chapter 374

    "These two are the ones Alpha Stone despises most¡ªdon¡¯t be gentle with them."

    His voice carried the weight of the Alpha¡¯s will, removing any doubt about their

    orders.

    With clear orders from the Alpha¡¯s Beta, the guards seized Emma by the cor.

    They dragged her away as she screamed for her father figure, her wolf pup¡¯s cries

    echoing pitifully through the building.

    ¡°Daddy! Please! Don¡¯t leave me!¡± Her voice cracked with desperation, but Ethan

    did not look back.

    His wolf hadpletely severed any protective instincts toward the child who had

    desecrated his true daughter¡¯s grave. The bond that had once seemed

    unbreakable was now nothing but ash.

    Victoria, seeing that Emma¡¯s injuries had failed to move Ethan, took matters into

    her own hands. She pushed her Raven-Trimmed Wheelchair forward with

    determined strokes.

    She was nning to appeal to him for mercy, at least to secure a better ce to

    stay. Her frozen ounts left her with nothing, and she could not ept living in

    squalor.

    She believed herself entitled to the luxury she had enjoyed as his favored

    pheromones.

    ¡°Ethan, I know you¡¯re still angry about Lily, and you want to punish us,¡± she

    pleaded, her voice carefully modted to sound broken and repentant.

    ¡°But I¡¯ve already paid a terrible price for Lily¡¯s death.¡± She pressed her hands to

    her paralyzed legs, using her disability to gain sympathy.

    She waspletely unaware of the murderous look in Ethan¡¯s amber eyes as she

    mentioned Lily¡¯s death with such casual dismissal. The temperature in the lobby

    seemed to drop several degrees.

    ¡°Two years ago, Olivia pushed me down the stairs at Silvercrest Pack Medical

    Den, leaving my legs crippled¡­¡± Before she could finish, Ethan¡¯s wolf exploded

    with rage.

    He suddenly grabbed her throat, his ws partially extending. His eyes zed

    with Alpha fury as his wolf howled for vengeance.

    ¡°Victoria Frost, how dare you mention your legs!¡± he snarled, his voice carrying

    the full weight of an enraged Alpha King.

    The sound caused nearby pack members to instinctively submit to his

    overwhelming dominance, their wolves cowering beneath the force of his rage.

    Chapter 213: Victoria¡¯s Reckoning

    (Victoria¡¯s POV)

    "Why did Olivia push you down the

    mountain?" Ethan Stone¡¯s grip

    tightened around my throat, his

    amber eyes zing with his wolf''s

    fury. "If you hadn''t known Olivia was

    suffering from severe moon

    sickness and deliberately used Lily''s

    ashes to trigger her wolf, would she

    have lost control and pushed you

    down the mountain?"

    His Alpha strength was so overwhelming that I was suffocating, my wolf

    whimpering pathetically beneath my skin. The air was being crushed from my

    lungs as his ws pressed against my windpipe.

    ¡°This is your retribution, and you still dare to me Olivia, you are truly courting

    death!¡± His voice carried the full weight of an enraged Alpha King.

    The feeling of approaching death filled me with terror. I desperately tried to speak,

    to exin that Olivia was framing me and that Lily¡¯s ashes were safely in the

    Silvercrest Pack Memorial Grounds.

    But no words could escape my constricted throat. My vision began to blur as

    darkness crept in from the edges.

    Ethanpletely distrusted me, remembering how I had lied in the past when

    pretending to be Little Orange. His wolf snarled beneath his skin, convinced of my

    guilt and ready to exact pack justice.

    I attempted to defend myself with my eyes, pleading silently for mercy. But Ethan

    was deaf to my pleas, already condemning me in his heart.

    Fueled by the revtion that I had

    deliberately stolen Lily''s moonlight

    herb treatment, causing the pup''s

    death, Ethan''s hatred intensified. His

    wolf pushed dangerously close to

    the surface, demanding retribution

    for the loss of his daughter.

    I was helpless against Ethan''s

    increasing force, my grip weakening,

    tongue protruding, and pupils

    dting as I struggled to breathe.

    The world was fading to ck when

    suddenly Maxwell Chen''s voice cut

    through the haze.

    "Alpha Stone, killing her would be a crime against packw and not worth

    sacrificing yourself and the pack''s future," Maxwell reminded him, his beta wolf

    projecting calming pheromones.

    Ethan, with immense effort, suppressed his murderous rage and released me. I

    copsed, gasping for air, tears and mucus streaming down my face.

    The sweet taste of oxygen flooded my lungs as I coughed violently. Maxwell,

    disgusted by my presence, kicked my wheelchair away from Ethan, preventing

    further violence.

    He recalled Ethan''s murderous demeanor earlier that day when he''d discovered

    the truth about Lily''s death, his Alpha''s wolf barely contained beneath his skin.

    My wheelchair crashed into a flower bed, and I fell to the ground, coughing and

    utterly humiliated. The expensive leather seat cushions were now stained with dirt

    and my own saliva.

    Maxwell ordered the pack security guards to drag me away. "Remove this filth

    from Alpha Stone''s sight immediately."

    With Ethan''s clear disdain, the guards treated me roughly, dragging me like a

    rogue wolf, hoping to please their Alpha. Their ws dug into my arms as they

    hauled me across the concrete.

 Chapter 375

    Emma Frost, banished from pack activities, witnessed Ethan strangling me from afar, her cries unheard and unheeded as her wolf cowered in fear. She had been watching from behind a pir, too terrified to intervene.

    I was dragged to where Emma stood, my expensive shoes lost, designer socks torn, and manicured nails broken. The pain was excruciating, my wolf howling internally from the rough treatment.

    The guards dumped me and my wheelchair beside Emma, warning us to stay away from Silvercrest Pack territory. "If either of you steps foot on packnds again without Alpha Stone''s permission, we won''t be so gentle," one guard growled, his eyes shing with werewolf warning.

    Emma rushed to my side, tending to my injuries with tears streaming down her young face. "Mommy, are you okay? You''re bleeding!"

    Ignoring her daughter''s concern, I pped Emma, berating her for being useless. "You couldn''t even warn me in time!"

    Despite my anger, I realized Emma''s usefulness in my current helpless state and decided against further abuse. I coldly demanded to be helped back into my wheelchair.

    Emma''s small wolf whimpered but obeyed, still loyal despite the mistreatment.

    (Ethan''s POV)

    Back in my Alpha Vehicle, I struggled to contain my rage. My wolf paced restlessly beneath my skin, wanting to inflict unimaginable pain on Victoria without killing her, making her suffer for her crimes against my daughter and mate.

    The leather steering wheel creaked under my grip as I fought for control. Maxwell sat silently beside me, knowing better than to speak when my wolf was this agitated.

    I thought of getting evidence from Connor ckthorn to bring Victoria to pack justice through proper channels rather than vignte violence. Legal retribution would be more satisfying than a quick death.

    Remembering Olivia''s usations and Connor''s initial ims of having evidence of Victoria''s involvement in James Knight''s murder, I questioned Connor''s sudden retraction. Something had changed his mind about cooperating.

    I recalled seeing Connor with Victoria at the Moonlight Manor and Connor''s protectiveness towards Emma. The way he had shielded the young girl from harm was telling.

    I realized that Emma was Connor''s weakness, the key to making the imprisoned wolf cooperate. His paternal instincts toward her could be leveraged.

    Arriving at the Northern Territory Detention Facility, I learned that Connor refused to see anyone. The guard informed me he had beenpletely uncooperative since his arrest.

    I asked to speak to Connor through the inte, threatening to make Emma''s life miserable if he didn''t cooperate. "Connor ckthorn, if you don''t see me, I''ll ensure Emma suffers for your stubbornness."

    Connor''s agitated response, his wolf''s distress evident even through the electronic system, confirmed my suspicions about his attachment to the young girl. "You bastard! Leave her alone!"

    Connor was brought to meet with me. Maxwell stayed with the facility guard to monitor the conversation.

    I offered to temporarily care for

    Emma until Connor''s release in

    exchange for the evidence against

    Victoria I''ll ensure the pup is

    well-treated and protected within the

    pack I promised, my Alpha voice

    carrying the weight of an

    unbreakable vow.

    (Third person''s POV)

    Meanwhile, Victoria and Emma were

    in a taxi near the detention facility.

    Victoria realized that Olivia had

    revealed her secrets to Ethan,

    including her role in Lily''s death and

    her malicious actions towards the

    true Luna.

    Fearing Ethan''s retribution, she rushed to the facility to silence Connor before Ethan could reach him. Her wolf, though weakened from the earlier confrontation, was driven by desperation.

    "Driver, hurry!" shemanded, her voice hoarse from Ethan''s assault.

    Inside the detention facility, Ethan

    assured Connor that he would honor

    his promise to care for Emma,

    emphasizing that it was a minor

    matter for an Alpha of his standing.

    "The pup will want for nothing while

    in my care," he stated firmly, his

    wolf''s scent conveying sincerity

    despite their adversarial history.

    Connor studied Ethan''s face, searching for deception. The Alpha''s amber eyes held steady, showing no signs of falsehood.

    Connor, torn between trusting Ethan and protecting Emma, requested a day to consider the offer. "I need time to think about this arrangement."

    Ethan and Maxwell left the facility, with Maxwell optimistic about obtaining the evidence and bringing Victoria to pack justice, believing it would pave the way for Ethan''s reconciliation with Olivia.

    As they walked to the car, Ethan received a call from Maxwell, informing him that Evelyn Winters was being discharged from the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den early.

    Ethan asked. "Have the arrangements for the purchase of moonlight herbs been made?"

    "I will be right over," he promised, his thoughts turning to Olivia and her mother''s recovery.

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

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