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 the large 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 displays.

"We suffered for five years in the Moonstone Pack territory, Ethan," she whispered, setting down a plate 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 uncomfortable in my chest. Victoria had left the territory pregnant with Emma, claiming she needed space. I'd later 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 my lack 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 vanilla – 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 – 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's laughter, her small hand in mine, her brave smile even as she lay in the hospital bed. My beautiful, well-behaved, lovely daughter who had been taken from me far too soon.

"I'm going to win that competition," 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 both comfort 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. The competition deadline was approaching quickly, and I needed to perfect my design.

Three days later, 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 accelerating werewolf healing.

I'd poured everything I knew about healing crystals into this design. Years of study under Elder Willow's guidance, combined 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 Competition committee," 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 be competing for the final spot in our competition."

"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 place.

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 black 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 playfully. "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 glanced at them with envy – the picture-perfect family. The Alpha King with his beautiful companion 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 relationship 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 the competition 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 display.

"You're an irresponsible mother," Ethan accused, his grip tightening on my arm. "How could you leave Lily by herself?"