Ethan pov
The dining table was prepared for the joint dinner with our guest, Alpha Lucas. I felt the need to keep an eye on him, especially since my Harper is his rejected mate, and it’s surprising that he wants to stay with my pack for a few days.
I glanced over at Amelia, Lucas’s fiancee. “Are you enjoying the meal?” I asked, smiling.
“She should be,” Sarah replied sharply, my childhood friend. I knew better than to argue with her at that moment.
“Being rude to guests doesn’t make you any smarter, Sarah,” my sister Alessia interjected angrily, as they continued to eat.
I observed the interaction with interest, my gaze shifting between Sarah’s frown and Amelia’s startled look. The atmosphere was tense.
“Amelia, please disregard Sarah’s… enthusiasm,” I said with a laugh, trying to lighten the mood. “She’s just very passionate about… everything.”
Sarah shot me a glare, but I raised an eyebrow, challenging her to say more.
Amelia’s attention turned to Lucas, who was watching the scene unfold with a neutral expression. “It’s perfectly fine, Ethan,” she replied calmly. “I’m really enjoying the meal. Your chef has done a fantastic job.”
Lucas’s eyes then moved to Harper, who was quietly focused on her plate. For a brief moment, I thought I detected a hint of regret in his gaze, but it vanished quickly.
Alessia, still fuming, faced Amelia. “So, how did you and Lucas first meet?” Her voice sounded innocent, but I could sense the underlying tension.
Amelia’s smile wavered for just a moment before she began recounting a well-rehearsed tale about a charity gala. Lucas listened closely, his gaze fixed on her.
I observed Harper’s reaction, noting the slight clench of her jaw. She was still in pain, and Lucas’s presence was only making it worse.
Sarah, never one to hold back, chimed in again. “That’s interesting. What do you think about Lucas’s… past with Harper?” Her voice was laced with venom.
The atmosphere at the table grew tense.
Lucas’s gaze turned to Sarah, a warning flickering in his eyes. Amelia’s smile started to fade.
“Sarah, that’s enough,” I said firmly, keeping my voice low.
Harper pushed her chair back, her complexion pale. “I need some air,” she said, before quickly leaving the table.
As she walked away, Lucas’s eyes followed her, his face a mix of guilt and desire.
Clearly, she’s uncomfortable with the questions, so keep quiet, Sarah, Alessia snapped, glaring at her fiercely.
“I’m not addressing you, Alessia,” Sarah shot back, her fist tightening on the table.
Alpha Ethan, I didn’t realize you had animals around, Amelia remarked.
I turned to her, relieved by the shift in conversation. “Yes, we have a few wolves on the property. They’re part of our pack.” I smiled, noticing Amelia’s genuine curiosity.
“Really? I’ve always been intrigued by wolves. Can I see them?” Amelia inquired.
Lucas narrowed his eyes slightly but remained silent.
“Absolutely,” I responded. “After dinner, I’ll take you on a tour.”
Sarah scoffed, still clearly annoyed. “Fantastic, because nothing screams ‘relaxing evening’ like a pack of wild animals.”
Alessia’s eyes flashed with anger, but before she could say anything, Harper returned to the doorway, her composure restored.
“Apologies for that,” Harper said softly as she took her seat. “I just needed a moment.”
Lucas’s gaze lingered on Harper, his expression softening.
I cleared my throat to ease the tension. “Amelia, would you like some more wine?”
As I poured her a glass, Amelia leaned closer, her voice barely a whisper. “Thank you for being understanding, Ethan.” Her eyes flicked to Lucas, who was watching her with an intensity that made me curious about the secrets they might share.
The rest of dinner passed in a haze of small talk and forced smiles. Yet beneath it all, tensions simmered, ready to boil over.
As the evening came to an end, I stood and pushed my chair back. “Shall we go on that tour now, Amelia?”
Amelia nodded, her eyes shining with excitement.
Lucas stood gracefully. “I’ll come with you.”
“We all should join the tour; it’s amusing how the guests and Lucas seem to want an unwelcome experience in the pack house.” Sarah said, and I glanced at Alessia, knowing this would be tough for the two of them. Meanwhile, Amelia had her own issues.
I could only imagine the chaos with three troublemakers among us, while Harper remained the calm, peaceful, and loving mate I cherished.
Sarah’s words lingered in the air, challenging everyone present. Lucas shot her a warning glance, but Amelia maintained her cheerful demeanor.
“What a fantastic idea!” Amelia declared, her voice overly sweet. “The more, the merrier.”
Alessia glared at Sarah, frustration evident in her eyes. “Sarah, you really need to learn when to hold back.”
Harper looked down, her body tense.
I stepped in, keeping my tone steady. “Let’s try to keep the tour respectful, okay?”
As we left the dining room, the atmosphere was thick with tension. Lucas and Amelia moved ahead, their posture signaling solidarity. Sarah lagged behind, her muttering barely audible but her displeasure clear.
Alessia walked next to me, her voice low. “Ethan, I don’t trust them. Especially her.”
I nodded slightly, observing the group. Harper was beside me, her hand brushing against mine.
When we reached the enclosure, the wolves’ eyes sparkled in the dim light. Amelia gasped, her awe sincere. “They’re stunning!”
Lucas’s attention was fixed on Harper, who stood tense, her gaze locked on the wolves.
Sarah scoffed. “Yeah, until they tear you apart.”
Alessia turned sharply, her face close to Sarah’s. “That’s enough.”
The atmosphere was thick with unvoiced threats and suppressed feelings.
Out of nowhere, one of the wolves howled, breaking the stillness. Harper’s gaze fixed on the creature, a profound sorrow evident in her eyes.
Amelia spoke softly, “It’s so… hauntingly beautiful.”
Lucas turned sharply to Amelia, his face unreadable.
I could feel the underlying tensions Harper’s anguish, Lucas’s remorse, Amelia’s concealed motives, and Sarah’s hostility.
This tour had transformed into a volatile situation, ready to explode.
“Why would anyone want a night tour, like a witch?” Sarah whispered, nudging Amelia. I quickly moved to where Harper stood, quietly observing the wolves. “Hey mate,” I murmured, brushing my fingers against her skin, and noticed Lucas watching us.
Harper’s eyes fluttered shut as my fingers glided over her skin. She spoke softly, “I don’t like this, Ethan. Something feels wrong.”
I wrapped my arm around her, drawing her closer. “I’ve got you,” I murmured.
Lucas’s gaze remained on us, his expression contorted. Amelia’s eyes narrowed, her smile wavering.
Sarah’s nudging of Amelia became more urgent. “Hey, Amelia, you’re not one of those… creatures, are you?”
Amelia’s laughter sounded forced. “What do you mean, Sarah?”
Alessia stepped in, her tone low. “Sarah, stop.”
But Sarah continued, “You know, the ones who come out at night, casting spells?”
Amelia’s eyes flashed with fury, but she quickly regained her composure. “How quaint. You still believe in fairy tales.”
The wolves, sensing the rising tension, began to move restlessly. Harper’s hand found mine, her grip tightening.
Suddenly, a wolf lunged at the enclosure, its gaze locked on Amelia. Lucas instinctively moved forward, his motion smooth.
“Don’t!” Harper urged, her voice filled with urgency.
But Lucas was already at Amelia’s side, his body acting as a shield.
The wolf’s growl intensified, its teeth bared.
Amelia’s gaze was fixed on the wolf, her face a mask of shock.
Then, something strange occurred.
The wolf’s hostility faded, replaced by a curious sniffing. Amelia’s stare remained steady.
“What the…?” Sarah’s voice trailed off.
Alessia’s eyes widened in surprise. “How did you manage that?”
Amelia’s smile returned, enigmatic. “Perhaps I’m just fond of animals.”
Lucas narrowed his eyes, his expression unreadable.
Harper tightened her grip on my hand. “Ethan, I think we’ve seen enough.”
As we began to leave, I caught Lucas’s eye. A silent understanding passed between us.
Walking back to the pack house, the tension was thick. Amelia’s strange bond with the wolf had everyone on edge.
Sarah muttered, “There’s something off about her.”
Alessia shot her a warning look. “Sarah, that’s enough.”
Harper’s hand remained firmly in mine, her grip a source of comfort.
Lucas and Amelia lagged behind, their conversation low.
We stepped into the pack house, the warmth and light a sharp contrast to the darkness outside.
Amelia’s eyes swept the room, lingering on each person. “Thanks for the… enlightening tour.”
Her tone dripped with sarcasm, yet her smile stayed intact.
I nodded curtly. “Glad you liked it.”
Lucas’s gaze returned to Harper, his expression twisted.
“Lucas,” Amelia murmured, placing her hand on his arm.
He turned, his focus snapping back to her.
“Time for bed,” I declared, cutting through the tension.
As the group broke apart, Harper’s grip on my hand tightened.
“Ethan,” she whispered, “I don’t trust her.”
“I know,” I replied, pulling her closer.
Neither do I.