As Selene and Sia drove away, the atmosphere in the palace remained tense. Ethan returned to his study, his mind swirling with thoughts of Selene and the unexpected confrontation. He knew this situation required careful handling. He needed to talk to Bella, his Beta and cousin, who had always been a trusted advisor.
Bella entered the study a few minutes later, her expression serious. “Ethan, what happened? I heard there was quite a commotion.”
Ethan sighed, rubbing his temples. “Selene showed up, demanding to see me.”
Bella raised an eyebrow. “Selene? The woman from that night?”
“Yes,” Ethan admitted, his voice heavy with resignation.
Bella sat down across from him, her eyes narrowing. “What did she want?”
“She wanted answers. She’s been restless since that night, and she needed to understand why I left her a letter and money,” Ethan explained, his voice betraying a hint of frustration.
Bella frowned. “And what did you tell her?”
“I tried to explain that it was a mistake, that I have responsibilities and can’t afford distractions,” Ethan said, leaning back in his chair. “But she’s determined. She wants to talk, to try and find a way to make this work.”
Bella studied Ethan’s face, searching for any hint of his true feelings. “And what do you want, Ethan?”
Ethan hesitated, his gaze dropping to the floor. “I don’t know. Part of me feels something for her, but another part knows the risks. She could be used against me. It’s dangerous.”
Bella nodded, understanding the conflict within him. “But denying your feelings won’t make them go away. And pushing her away might not be the best solution either.”
“I know,” Ethan said, his voice barely above a whisper. “But I need to be cautious. The pack’s safety comes first.”
Before Bella could respond, the door to the study opened, and one of the guards stepped in. “Alpha, there’s a rumor spreading among the omegas. They’re saying Selene came here to ask for money.”
Ethan’s eyes flashed with anger. “That’s not true. Selene didn’t come here for money.”
Bella stood up, her expression stern. “We need to address this immediately. False rumors can cause unrest.”
Ethan nodded, his anger giving way to determination. “Gather the senior omegas and the guards. I’ll set the record straight.”
Within minutes, the senior omegas and guards assembled in the main hall. The air was thick with tension as they waited for Ethan to speak. Bella stood by his side, her presence lending him strength.
Ethan stepped forward, his voice commanding attention. “I understand there are rumors circulating that Selene came here asking for money. Let me be clear: those rumors are false.”
He paused, allowing his words to sink in. The murmurs in the crowd began to quiet down.
“Selene came here because she needed to speak with me about a personal matter,” Ethan continued. “She did not come for money, nor did she make any demands. This is a private issue that does not concern the pack’s affairs.”
One of the senior omegas stepped forward, his expression respectful but curious. “Alpha, we understand the need for privacy, but the rumors are causing concern. How can we be sure there’s no threat to the pack?”
Ethan’s gaze was steady. “I assure you, there is no threat. Selene’s visit was unexpected, but it was personal. I will handle this situation with the care it requires. Your focus should remain on your duties and the safety of the pack.”
Bella spoke up, her voice calm but firm. “As the Beta, I can attest to the truth of the Alpha’s words. Selene’s visit was personal and not related to any financial matters. We must trust in our Alpha’s judgment.”
The senior omega nodded, stepping back into the crowd. The tension began to ease, replaced by a sense of reassurance.
Ethan dismissed the assembly, his mind already racing with the next steps. As the crowd dispersed, Bella turned to him. “You handled that well.”
Ethan sighed, his shoulders relaxing slightly. “Thank you. But this is far from over. I need to find a way to address this situation with Selene without jeopardizing the pack’s safety.”
Bella nodded. “We’ll figure it out. For now, let’s focus on damage control. We need to ensure the rumors don’t spread further.”
“I agree,” Ethan said, his mind already working on a plan. “I’ll need your help to keep things under control. We can’t afford any more distractions.”
“You have my support,” Bella assured him. “We’ll get through this.”
As they left the hall, Ethan felt a sense of determination settle over him. He knew the path ahead would be difficult, but he was resolved to face it. Selene’s visit had stirred something within him, and he couldn’t ignore it any longer. With Bella’s support and his own resolve, he would find a way to navigate this complicated situation while keeping the pack safe. For now, he needed to focus on maintaining stability within the pack and preparing for the challenges that lay ahead.
As they walked back to Ethan’s study, Bella glanced at him. “Ethan, you know this isn’t just about the rumors. The pack is watching you closely. Any sign of weakness or distraction can be exploited.”
Ethan nodded, his expression grim. “I’m aware. That’s why I need to handle this carefully. Selene’s presence complicates things, but I won’t let it compromise my leadership.”
Bella stopped, placing a hand on Ethan’s arm. “If you truly care for her, you need to find a way to balance both your duty and your personal feelings. The pack will respect you more if they see you handling this with integrity.”
Ethan sighed, the weight of his responsibilities pressing down on him. “You’re right, Bella. I’ll talk to Selene again, but I’ll make sure it’s on my terms. The pack’s safety comes first.”
Bella nodded, a supportive smile on her face. “I’ll be here to help you every step of the way. We’ll get through this together.”
Ethan nodded, appreciating Bella’s unwavering support. “Thank you, Bella. Your counsel means a lot.”
“Always, cousin,” Bella replied, squeezing his arm gently. “We’ll navigate this together, and come out stronger for it.”
Ethan took a deep breath, ready for the challenges ahead.
As Selene and Sia left the palace gates, the tension in the car was palpable. The driver, sensing the gravity of their mood, drove silently, glancing occasionally in the rearview mirror.Selene stared out the window, her thoughts swirling. “I can’t believe I actually saw him,” she finally said, breaking the silence.Sia sighed, her worry evident. “I can’t believe you pushed past the guards. That was reckless, Selene.”“I know,” Selene admitted, her voice soft. “But I had to see him. I needed to understand.”Sia shook her head, her expression a mix of concern and frustration. “And did you? Do you understand now?”Selene nodded slowly. “He’s conflicted. He didn’t expect any of this. I could see it in his eyes. He’s trying to protect the pack.”“And what about you?” Sia asked, her tone softer now. “What are you going to do?”“I don’t know,” Selene said, her voice trembling. “I feel something for him, but I don’t want to cause trouble for him or the pack.”Sia reached over and took Selene
Ethan sat in his study, staring out the window at the sprawling grounds of the palace. His thoughts were interrupted by the sight of a woman strolling through the garden below. She was one of the pack members, a healer named Lila, who had always caught his eye. Her grace and poise were captivating, and for a moment, he allowed himself to be lost in admiration.“Ethan,” Bella’s voice cut through his reverie, pulling him back to reality. She entered the room with a determined look. “We need to talk about Selene.”Ethan’s expression hardened. “There’s nothing to talk about, Bella. What happened with Selene was a one-time thing. It meant nothing.”Bella frowned, clearly not convinced. “It meant nothing? Ethan, she stormed the palace just to see you. You can’t dismiss her feelings like that.”He stood up, his frustration evident. “I don’t have time for this, Bella. I have responsibilities, a pack to lead. Selene is just a distraction.”Bella stepped closer, her eyes searching his. “You’re
As Selene's days grew more complicated, her body began to betray her secret. It started with nausea in the mornings, but soon she found herself rushing to the bathroom at all hours. The sickness was relentless, and it wasn't long before her parents noticed.One evening, as she sat at the dinner table, her mother’s concerned eyes met hers. “Selene, you haven’t been yourself lately. Are you feeling alright?”Selene hesitated, her fork hovering over her plate. “I’m fine, just a little tired,” she lied.Her father, always the more observant, narrowed his eyes. “This tiredness, is it why you’ve been so sick in the mornings?”Selene's heart pounded. She had hoped to keep her symptoms hidden until she figured things out with Ethan, but now it seemed impossible. She swallowed hard and nodded.Her mother’s face softened with worry. “Selene, if there’s something you need to tell us, you know we’re here for you.”But it was her father’s voice, stern and unyielding, that cut through the air. “Who
As the days stretched into weeks, Selene's attempts to reach Ethan grew more desperate. Each time she and Sia approached the palace gates, they were met with the same unwavering refusal from the guards.“We told you before,” one of the guards said firmly, “the Alpha has made it clear. You are not to enter.”“But it’s important,” Sia pleaded, frustration evident in her voice. “She needs to speak with him.”The guard shook his head. “I’m sorry. The orders are strict. No visitors.”Selene clenched her fists, fighting back tears of frustration. “Please,” she implored, “just let us in. It’s urgent.”The guard’s expression softened slightly, but his resolve remained firm. “I can’t. I’m sorry.”Defeated once again, Selene and Sia turned away, their hearts heavy with disappointment. They walked back home in silence, the weight of their situation pressing down on them.---Meanwhile, in his study, Ethan listened as the guards reported the latest attempt by Selene and Sia to gain entry. His jaw
As the days turned into weeks, Selene's condition worsened. Her werewolf nature began to affect her pregnancy in ways she hadn't anticipated. Waves of nausea were accompanied by bursts of uncontrollable anger, her emotions swinging wildly from one extreme to the other. It was as if the wolf inside her sensed the turmoil and responded with aggression.One evening, as she sat at the dinner table, the anger bubbled up unexpectedly. Her father, ever the stern figure, pushed her again for answers. "Selene, I won't ask again. Who is the werewolf responsible for this? You can't keep hiding the truth from us."Selene's eyes flashed with a golden hue, a sign of her werewolf side coming to the surface. "I told you, Father, I need time," she snapped, her voice tinged with a low growl."Time? You've had enough time!" her father retorted, slamming his fist on the table. "You're putting this family in danger with your secrecy."Her mother stepped in, her tone soothing but firm. "Henry, please, she'
Back at Alpha Ethan's palace, tensions were running high. Ethan had grown increasingly irritable and unpredictable, his frustration boiling over into his interactions with those around him. His cousin Bella, who had been persistently questioning him about Selene, found herself on the receiving end of his anger."I don't want to hear another word about Selene," Ethan growled, his eyes blazing with barely controlled fury. "You are forbidden from seeing me until I say otherwise. Guards, ensure that Bella does not enter my study or my room under any circumstances."The guards exchanged uneasy glances but nodded in compliance. Bella, shocked and hurt, stared at Ethan, unable to comprehend his drastic change. "Ethan, this isn't you. You're pushing everyone away."Ethan's gaze hardened. "Leave, Bella. Now."Reluctantly, Bella turned and walked away, her heart heavy with worry and confusion. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was deeply wrong with Ethan, something beyond his frustr
Back at Alpha Ethan's palace, tensions were running high. Ethan had grown increasingly irritable and unpredictable, his frustration boiling over into his interactions with those around him. His cousin Bella, who had been persistently questioning him about Selene, found herself on the receiving end of his anger."I don't want to hear another word about Selene," Ethan growled, his eyes blazing with barely controlled fury. "You are forbidden from seeing me until I say otherwise. Guards, ensure that Bella does not enter my study or my room under any circumstances."The guards exchanged uneasy glances but nodded in compliance. Bella, shocked and hurt, stared at Ethan, unable to comprehend his drastic change. "Ethan, this isn't you. You're pushing everyone away."Ethan's gaze hardened. "Leave, Bella. Now."Reluctantly, Bella turned and walked away, her heart heavy with worry and confusion. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was deeply wrong with Ethan, something beyond his frustr
Selene paced back and forth in her room, her thoughts consumed by worry and uncertainty. It had been weeks since Ethan had banned Bella from seeing him, and Selene hadn't seen him either. The news of the human attack on the palace only added to her anxiety. She knew Ethan was capable of defending himself and the pack, but she couldn't shake the fear that something might go wrong.Her werewolf nature surged within her, a primal force that gave her strength even as her pregnancy continued to challenge her. Waves of nausea and bouts of anger still plagued her, but she found solace in the deep woods surrounding the pack's territory. The moonlight filtered through the canopy, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor as she moved with a grace that belied her condition.Meanwhile, her father's persistent questioning about the identity of the father weighed heavily on her. Henry Reynolds, ever the stern figure, confronted her again one evening at the dinner table."Selene, you can't keep a