Ethan’s POV“What did you say? What are you getting at?” I asked them fow what they saying.Andara smiled. There was nothing sinister in her manner or speech. I recognized that, but hearing her speak about things I didn't understand, why should I trust her?“You don't have to believe me, Alpha. However, you should know that Lady Halle's mental state worsens day by day. When she came to me today, there was no happiness on her face. Even when I told her she was pregnant, it was as if she wanted to terminate the child—”I was furious, but as I moved toward Andara to throttle her, Oscar stepped between us, preventing me from doing anything.“What do you mean by ‘terminate’?” I growled. I demanded answers for all the words they said to me.“A Luna like Lady Halle wouldn't think to argue with your fiancée, Lady Torrance, who is the daughter of an Alpha from the Western territories. I don't recommend such a course either, but if Lady Torrance learns of this before you do, the worst-case scen
Claire POVIt was the third time Agatha and Jane had dumped a bucket of something gross on my head, ruining the outfit I had planned to wear for this morning's prayer service. It was now all dirty and smelled terrible."Ha! Look at you! This is a great lesson for daring to go against Agatha's orders!" Jane laughed as she plopped the empty bucket on my head.The stench was awful. I could tell it was a mix of dishwater and whatever mop they had used.As if that wasn't enough, Jane kicked me, and I ended up on the ground, my clothes now muddy and my body aching."I really don't get it. Why didn't you just choose to disappear? Who gave you the right to stick around and waste our church's money, making our parents spend more just to feed you?" Agatha kept ranting while banging the bucket on my head. The noise was unbearable and made my ears ring.I yanked the bucket off, and the horrible smell and noise got to me. I tossed it away, making Jane and Agatha even angrier.Agatha grabbed my ha
Ethan P.O.V I kicked the blood-soaked body several times in front of me. Lying on the floor, he didn't move at all except for a moan that escaped his lips. It didn't matter if he would die if I kept doing it or not, but the upset I felt was still insatiable, as if I wouldn't stop if this man hadn't died. "Get Gilbert here." My orders. Frightened, he ran out of the room to call a man named Gilbert. While waiting, I pulled a handkerchief out of my pocket to wipe away the blood on my black shoes. It was disgusting; it was the first time my shoes had been soiled like this by someone whose life wasn't worth a penny. Finished wiping and throwing a dirty handkerchief full of blood on the man's face, I walked back to my table, poured vodka into a glass, and then drank it greedily. There were not enough glasses, so I poured another and drank it to the end. The one I had asked Gilbert to bring returned with an old man only briefly after that. His bald head was only slightly above the ear
Clare POV "Claire, can you help me clean up the prayer altar after this?" Sister Alberta said, asking for something that has become my daily routine. Nodding, I replied, "Of course, Sister, I'll do it after the cooking is finished." "You can ask Andy and Vicky to accompany you." "They must be tired. I must not interrupt their rest time after school. I'll do it myself, so just let them rest," "What a good girl, thank you, and don't forget to change the plaster on your forehead, it will heal in two days." I nodded. I was very happy when Nurse Alberta worried about me. It felt like I had a mother, although I never knew who my real mother was. After finishing lunch, I helped Sister Alberta prepare dinner. Then, I immediately did my daily duty: I cleaned the prayer altar for use the next morning. No one was in the church that afternoon, not even Hendrik, who was usually there to finish his work. I went to the priest's house, a little distance away, because Hendrik and the pries
Clare P.O.V I gasped when Sister Maria touched the scarf I was wearing. Turning around and holding the scarf, I awkwardly responded to Sister Maria, who looked at me in confusion. "Clare, did something happen when you bought the eggs earlier?" Sister Maria was curious. I shook my head, then tried to find an excuse. I smiled while tightening the scarf around my neck. "No. Nothing happened, sister. I was just a little lost and cold." Hearing that, Sister Maria felt so guilty. She apologized, took my hand, stroked it, and said, "I don't remember if you've ever been there. I'm sorry. Since I heard there's a new convenience store around the church, I thought if you knew, I would ask you to buy some eggs there." "But I managed to buy the eggs, right? Sister, needn't worry. I've also come home and feel a little warm now." I said, leaving Sister Maria to wash all the dirty dishes at the dinner table. "Clare, you can do that tomorrow, it's cold outside, don't take too long, come in and
Claire P.O.V"Why do you keep looking at me like that?" I'm getting fed up with what that guy next to me has been up to. He paid for all the food that Jane and Agatha ordered, then took off with Hendrik, leaving me hanging at the restaurant.I even tried to find them at the beach, but surprise, surprise, they weren't there, and Agatha's car was gone too. They might pull something like this, but I wanted to tag along. Am I just being naive? That's not what they had in mind. They put me in a tough spot and made me look like a fool in front of everyone."Hey! Stop staring at me like that!" I shot him a glare because he wouldn't stop."Do you even realize who I am and where you stand?"My heart skipped a beat when he said that. I stared at the sand under my feet, noticing a few grains stuck in my shoes. It took me back to when I first met him and how my body reacted.Thinking about guys like Hendrik is different. Whether we touched hands or not, there was never any spark. But with this g
Ethan P.O.VI was swinging the chair back and forth, playing my hand. My thoughts were a bit hazy; so much was going on that it felt overwhelming, like I couldn't catch my breath."Alpha, how much longer are we going to hang out here? We wrapped up our deal last night, and Alonso in Rome is already on the move. They've got hundreds of millions ready for a contract with Sir Chen Lien.""Come on, Danny, give it a rest! Can't you see I'm deep in thought?" I replied without looking at him, but I caught him shaking his head out of the corner of my eye.Danny shook his head. "Nah, all I notice is you fiddling with your chair."I shot him a glare, stood up, and faced him. "I was reflecting on that woman we spotted last night at the deal. Can't you get that this goes beyond just cash?""What are you saying, Alpha? She's not your Mate, so why are you even thinking about her over money?""Yes, she is.""W—what?""I didn't invite you over just to make fun of me messing around with my chair. But
Ethan P.O.VI walked over to the parking lot, hopped in my car, and drove to the only spot I knew in this tiny town—a little church at the edge of it all.I ran into him this morning, intrigued by what he mentioned about living in a church. I dropped her off last night, but I couldn't determine if she was honest with me.So, I decided to swing by the church this morning to check things out. When I spotted her among the church officials, it hit me that he wasn't a smooth talker.At first, I thought she'd be just like that other woman, but she turned out to be more like her dad. I realized that the genes of Jacob Wensiker were way better than that jerk who had already taken half of what I owned.From the car, I noticed the church was shrouded in darkness, with only the glow from the outside lights breaking through. Honestly, there's nothing remarkable about a church. It's just a spot for those with faith to gather, while I'm just a guy who's knee-deep in chaos daily.Not too far from th
Ethan’s POV“What did you say? What are you getting at?” I asked them fow what they saying.Andara smiled. There was nothing sinister in her manner or speech. I recognized that, but hearing her speak about things I didn't understand, why should I trust her?“You don't have to believe me, Alpha. However, you should know that Lady Halle's mental state worsens day by day. When she came to me today, there was no happiness on her face. Even when I told her she was pregnant, it was as if she wanted to terminate the child—”I was furious, but as I moved toward Andara to throttle her, Oscar stepped between us, preventing me from doing anything.“What do you mean by ‘terminate’?” I growled. I demanded answers for all the words they said to me.“A Luna like Lady Halle wouldn't think to argue with your fiancée, Lady Torrance, who is the daughter of an Alpha from the Western territories. I don't recommend such a course either, but if Lady Torrance learns of this before you do, the worst-case scen
Ethan’s POVSince 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 ag
Claire's P.O.V"Why do you seem much gloomier than the last time we met, Lady Halle?" Andara Spencer handed me a cup of warm tea.It was the same question that had been asked by several people I had met recently. Am I really that gloomy? Do I really show my jealousy so clearly on my face for everyone to see?I shook my head. "I've just been feeling a bit more tired than usual lately," I replied."Oh, have you consulted with a doctor at the mansion?" This time Andara looked worried.The woman who indirectly became the mediator and leader of the Rogue Wolves in this neutral forest area had openly shown her concern for me since we first met, when I was kidnapped to this place.I had heard that Andara was a former Elder who held power in The Moon Fall Pack, but unable to endure the cruelty of Christopher Gale, the false Alpha, Andara fled and eventually joined the Rogue Wolves."Lady Halle prefers to rest in her room rather than call a doctor. And she always insists that she is fine," Oct
Ethan's P.O.VI saw her walking away with Danny. She looked quite thin compared to the last time I saw her. I'm not sure if she lost a lot of weight or not. The servants also said she’s been eating too little lately—much less than when we were in the Philippines.I still remember how she bought so much food that it drained quite a bit of my savings account just to fill her belly during those days in the Philippines."Ethan, you remember our meeting with Sir Huggess is in an hour, right? Why don’t we hurry?" Lucy's voice shattered my focus.I quickly shifted my gaze from Claire. I knew Lucy would be furious if she realized I was being too excessive."I get it. What about the preparations?" I asked to her."My assistant will handle what Danny was supposed to do."Ah, holy crap! I should’ve just sent Gilbert along with the strongest Warriors to guard Claire and that old woman in the forest, not Danny, so I wouldn’t make Lucy this angry."Danny has far better skills than Gilbert. If the R
Claire's P.O.VIt's been a week since I last talked to Chen Lien. Ever since our fight, everything has felt awkward. It's as if I'm trying to cover up my own anger, and then I take it out on someone else.It's really embarrassing, maybe I should apologize to him when we meet again later.However, since that day I haven't seen Chen Lien, I have been spending more time in my room, and even my appetite has gotten worse since returning from the Philippines. Almost no food can go into my mouth, and everything I smell seems really bad, even though it looks delicious."This is horrible, how am I supposed to get my revenge on Christopher Gale if I can't even get food into my body?" I mumbled while lying down and hugging my bolster pillow.The smell of this mattress has completely become my own, nothing left. I had hoped there would be some of Ethan's scent left, but there's absolutely nothing I can smell from Ethan.Oh, my God... What was I thinking? Hasn't Ethan not come here ever since Lucy
Claire's P.O.V"Are you alone waiting for dawn in this place, my lady?"Chen Lien startled me as I sat and looked at the forest, which seemed much calmer than my mind. I'd heard he had returned from work but hadn't seen him at the dining table. So I chose to wait for him here instead of asking Ethan.I don't know why, but I felt he would come if I waited, as if he knew I was thinking about him and hoped to chat with him."What took you so long?" I said, making him jump."Were you waiting for me?""Of course, I hoped to talk to you about a few things, but you took so long I forgot what I wanted to say.""Oh, woe is me for not arriving sooner. Should I turn back time?"I chuckled. "Why would you want to turn back time? It wouldn't be fun because you wouldn't get the same surprise after I told you I forgot what to say.""Oh, crap! I'd still have to pretend to be surprised."I couldn't stop laughing. It felt like I was chatting with my best friend, even though Chen Lien was merely Ethan R
62. Truth & SaveEthan P.O.VShe eats very little. Since we returned from the Philippines, she seems much quieter than before. Is it because she's still thinking about what I said, about explaining everything to her after a week?Honestly, I didn't want to say this, but seeing her like this, I feel like I have no choice. But of all the things I've learned, one thing still baffles me—the bodies of the orphans and the nuns.Because, of all the bodies that should have been there, only Sister Maria's remained. She was the nun killed by the Shadow Warrior back then. Nothing else was left."What are you thinking about?" Chen Lien snapped me out of my reverie. "Has something happened?""It's about Claire," I said."What's wrong with her now?" he looked worried.Of course, Chen Lien would be worried. The last time I remember, he declared that he liked Claire right in front of me. And because of that, he never strayed too far from this place, just to make sure Claire was still okay in my hands
Claire's P.O.VAfter getting back from the Philippines, I barely saw Ethan. He was mostly buried in work, though he didn’t need to travel overseas like before. Danny mentioned that his duties in the Pack were keeping him busy enough, so no more far-flung trips.Naturally, Danny stuck to me like glue, always around as if Ethan had ordered him not to leave me alone for a second.Besides that, I hardly ever saw Lucy Torrance hanging around the packhouse. No clue what went down with them, but since we returned, things seemed a bit off between Ethan and Lucy."Anything else you need, Lady Halle?" Danny asked, ever so polite.What did I just hear? It's quite unpleasant, although I can't outright refuse, but to be honest I don't have much confidence in myself to get all these things full of manners."You gotta stop treating me like that," I said to him. "Just treat me like you did when I first arrived. No need to be so formal with me, and don’t make me feel like I deserve special treatment."
Christopher Gale P.O.VThis is fun. I have to keep smiling at someone I really can't stand. All this time, Ethan Randall's just sitting there, sipping champagne that I painstakingly ordered. There's a feast in front of him, and he's treating it like it's invisible."Our deal was clear, wasn't it, Alpha Ethan?""There's no reason to change it."Arrogant. Conceited. Pompous. Look at him, talking without even saying my name. Cold-hearted. Even though I have always been kind to him by not making him do dangerous things, I even gave him more markets. Gosh, look at him now, he's really pissing me off."What if I upped the stakes?""Wasn't I clear, Alpha Christopher? I'm not handing over My Luna just like that, and you can't make me repeat myself." He put his empty glass on the table.Look at him. he chuckled, laughing at me that he thinks I'm the loser here. Yeah, maybe he's right. I am the loser here because I keep giving in to an asshole like him.Should I kill him? No, it wouldn't sound