Ethan’s POV
Since my return, I still haven’t seen Claire or the others. Even the warriors I assigned to protect her are nowhere in sight. Are they really okay?
No. I’m worried. Ever since Lucy came back, something feels off. She’s way more sensitive than before-edgy even-and has gotten harsher and more arrogant compared to what I remember.
Not that I mind her attitude. Honestly, I’ve been worse, especially when it comes to how she’s been treating Claire. One thing’s crystal clear: Lucy’s acting this way because she wants Claire gone from the packhouse.
It’s obvious. No woman wants another woman hanging around her man. Even though Lucy isn’t my Luna, we’ve been together long enough for her to know me better than most-though maybe not all the way to my core.
Back from work, I’m on the back balcony, staring at the massive yard and the door leading to the forest beyond.
I used to leave that area unguarded. But after Claire was kidnapped, I couldn’t afford to make that mistake again. Now, I’ve stationed extra guards-inside the gate, behind it, and watching the forest edge where those rogue wolves roam.
Sure, we’ve got a truce going, but no way am I letting them-or anyone-pull another stunt like that. Especially with Claire being my real Luna.
Checking my watch, it’s already ten at night, and there’s still no sign of them. Should I go fetch them? Nah. If I do, Lucy will lose her mind, and she’ll take it out on Claire. I can’t risk that.
Just as I’m lost in thought, staring at the gate marking the boundary between my packhouse and the rogues’ neutral zone, I see movement. A few flashlight beams cutting through the trees. That’s gotta be them.
“Oh, so they’re finally back,” Lucy’s voice cuts through the silence, startling me.
I turn to find her standing a few feet away. Damn, how did I not sense her? Was I so wrapped up in my thoughts that I didn’t notice?
“Yeah, looks like it,” I reply, trying to mask my nerves.
“I’ll let you greet her this time. But after that, don’t see her again,” she says before turning on her heel and walking away.
What the hell was that? Is she seriously trying to control what I can and can’t do? This is insane. Why should I take orders from someone who isn’t my Luna or even my second-chance mate?
I smirk bitterly, mocking myself for not standing up to her. Just because she’s my fiancee, does she think she can call the shots? Oh, she’s good at it, though-I’ll give her that.
The sound of the gate opening pulls me back. It’s Claire, finally, with Octa and the warriors I sent with her. But there are two extra people with them, and I recognize them right away.
“Alpha, should we do something about them?” one of the warriors asks, clearly uneasy about the unexpected guests.
I raise my hand to stop him. “No. Treat them as my guests. Don’t cause a scene. Remember, we’ve got a truce with the rogues,” I say, heading down to meet them.
By the time I reach the ground floor, Andara Spectra greets me with a respectful nod, standing beside Oscar-the tall, broad-shouldered man who once kidnapped Claire.
“They only escorted me back,” Claire says sharply. “If you’re planning to start trouble with them, I’ll gladly leave with them instead.”
What? I get that she hates me, but does she really think I’d attack them for no reason?
“Danny, take her to her room. I need a word with our guests,” I instruct, not taking my eyes off the duo.
Andara Spectra… Once an Elder of the Moon Fall Pack and Christopher Gale’s lapdog, now a rogue.
“Are we interrupting your rest, Alpha?” Andara asks with fake politeness.
“Let’s discuss this in my office,” I offer, but she shakes her head.
“There’s no such thing as a truly private place, Alpha. Even walls have ears,” she says with a sly smile.
I’m not sure who she’s hinting at, but I know enough to suspect someone’s always listening.
“Fine. Where do you want to talk?”
“Outside these walls,” Andara says, glancing toward the gate.
Is this really the smartest move? Maybe not, but it’s worth it to avoid drama. Besides, I’ve got plenty of guards here. What could they possibly do?
I follow them just past the gate into the forest, about two hundred meters-close enough for my warriors to keep watch.
“What do you want?” I ask bluntly.
“Straight to the point. I like that, Alpha Ethan,” Andara chuckles, clearly enjoying the moment.
“If you’ve got something to say, just say it.”
“With that attitude, do you think Lady Halle will ever truly like you, Alpha?”
“What’s your point?”
“To be mates, shouldn’t you at least like each other?”
I furrow my brows, exhale slowly, and bite back the anger bubbling inside me. Why am I even entertaining this?
Octa once told me Andara fled the Moon Fall Pack because she couldn’t stand Christopher’s tyranny after he became a fake Alpha. Now she’s with the rogues, supposedly seeking protection under my rule.
I can’t be sure of her true motives. But her push for a truce after Claire’s arrival has brought some peace to the packhouse-a peace I haven’t felt in years.
“She’s just my Luna in title. You already know that,” I reply coldly.
“Giving Lady Halle to Christopher won’t solve anything.”
I smirk. “Problems are my bread and butter. One more won’t kill me.”
“It won’t kill you, Alpha. But it’ll destroy your bloodline when your children pay the price for their father’s mistakes.”