Chapter 2

Ethan’s Point of View

The rainy clouds rolled in. Making the air cold and moist. The sound of sobbing echoed through the air.

“It can’t be. Please tell me it isn’t so.” Mace started to sob.

“She needs to be around here somewhere,” I responded. “Roman, go and check the bottom. See if you can find anything.”

“Currently.” Roman nodded and headed towards the side of the cliff and started climbing down the edge.

“We will find her. I promise.” I tried to comfort Mace.

The cold breeze of the air made our faces numb. Everyone is trying to hold back the tears, hoping for a miracle.

After a minute or two, holding their breaths. Roman made his way back up the cliff with something in his hands. Everyone’s eyes scanned to identify what he was holding.

“Only one of her shoes was down there. Nothing else.” Roman stared toward the ground.

“No!” Mace yelled out, falling to the ground crying.

Raven joined her. Holding her.

“Why her? Who would do something like this?” Mace asked.

“I don’t think anyone had something to do with this. Did she maybe have any signs of not wanting to live anymore?” Roman asked.

“No! Why would you even say something like that? My little girl will never take her own life.” Mace replied with sobs.

“I apologize,” Roman said while making his way to the ledge.

Silence filled the air. No one is saying anything. Not a single peep except for sobs in the background. Ethan made his way towards the cliff, finding a seat. Roman joined him not long after.

“What do you think?” Roman asked.

“I don’t know. I rejected her. Maybe that is the reason she jumped.” I said with hesitation in a whispering tone.

“You what?” Roman said with shock.

“Nothing.” I shook his head. “Nothing, I’m just rambling.”

“Okay, if you say so.”

We stared out at the ocean. Trying to make sense of everything.

“Can you still smell her?” Mace asked with her voice shaken.

Staring at Mace with tears in his eyes. Ethan made his way to his feet. Stood still and started smelling the air.

Nope. Nothing.

He stared down towards the ground and then fell to his knees.

“If only you were a wolf, Mia.” I said as my voice quivered by these words.

As Ethan fell to his knees, Mace saw this and shook her head.

“No!” Mace screamed, continuing her cries.

Her scent was gone. That rosy sent.

Just gone.

The air got colder as the rest of the pack stood closer. At the edge of the cliff, the pack transformed into their wolf forms. The howling of wolves echoed over the waters of the sea.

Plunging waves crash against the rocks, making the howling of the pack deafening.

***

After a while, almost all members of the pack had left.

Ethan sat on the ground staring into the abyss, wishing Mia would jump up from the waters. Laughing at him, not believing that he fell for her prank. Joking like she always did.

“Mia!” He screamed knowing she wouldn’t answer him. “Mia, please. Come back.” His voice softened.

Silence filled the air with only the sound of waves crashing. Even for the bond that was broken between them, she was still his mate. He could still sense her.

The alluring scent of roses became weaker and weaker. Until there was nothing.

Gone.

Roman made his way towards Ethan and found a spot next to him.

“Come on, let's go home. There is nothing more that we can do.” Roman said with his hand placed on Ethan’s shoulder.

Ethan and Roman stood up from the ground. Dusting themselves off. Making their way towards their homes.

Ethan stood still for a moment before entering the front door.

An uproar of regret instantly filled Ethan’s heart.

Ethan made his way to his room falling onto his bed. Regretting what he had done. Not because he denied their bond, and rejected Mia as his mate, but because he feared his father. What he might do if he found out. Denouncing him as the next alpha in line.

He can simply not allow that to happen.

Making his way into his room Ethan stared towards the giant chandelier that is hanging on the roof in his room. His mind exaggerates. Thinking that the pack almost found out what he had done.

“Fuck Ethan! You almost made yourself lose your title.” He muttered to himself. “What the fuck is wrong with you?”

He made his way to the shower. Turning on the hot water to run. Steam fogging up the glass of the shower and the mirror. Undressing himself and climbing into the shower. Standing. Staring towards the ground as the water drips from his body.

Ethan’s black hair dangled over his face. Covering his forehead. He turns off the water holding the shower knob. Keeping his eyes closed. His body froze, as if someone had just pressed the pause button on a remote.

Coming back to reality he makes his way out of the shower grabbing a towel. Wrapping it around his waist. His v-line showing. His chest hair was just enough for it to dry quickly. Grabbing another towel to dry off his hair.

A knock on his bedroom door startled him. Making Ethan flinch.

“Yes?” His voice stuttered.

“Honey, sweety are you okay?” Aurelia asked with a sad tone. “Can I come in?”

“Yeah, sure.”

The door slowly opens as Aurelia makes her way into Ethan’s room. Aurelia is dressed in a beautiful pink dress. Her hair loosened, is long blond curls.

“Honey, are you sure you are, okay?” Aurelia asked with a concerned tone.

“I’m fine mom. You will pick a new mate for me. My crowning will just have to wait for a while. -no biggie-.” He responded with a touch of sarcasm.

“You will not disrespect me. I am your mother and I only want what is best for you, because I love you.” She said with anger filling her heart.

“Oh, really? Is that what you call it, love? Wow, if it was love you would have asked what I wanted. Not what you wanted. Please get out of my room, I want to get dressed.” Ethan said to Aurelia while making his way to his feet.

“If that is what you want. Fine. I think your father would be pleased to hear what you have to say.” Aurelia stormed out in anger and frustration.

***

Waves crashing. The heat of the sun makes it unbearable to be outside on the beach. Unfortunately, Mia didn’t have a choice but to lie here. Trying to open her eyes, it was difficult. Her eyes were heavy. Mia turned around to lie on her back. The sun shone in her eyes making them more difficult to open. She released a growth of pain as she tried to figure out where she was.

A sound came from a distance. Mia tried opening her eyes to figure out what it could be, but all she could see was a figure standing right in front of her. Giving up trying and staying awake. Mia passed out.

Almost two hours had passed when Mia eventually came to. Being able to open her eyes and being able to completely focus on what was around her. The clinging of plates and utensils. She noticed that she was in a white tent. A tray next to her with medicine and other objects. She tried to pace her breathing to not panic.