Chapter 45 - Ethan

I’m sitting on Ethan’s lap, Gamma Olivia and Beta Odis are standing across from us on the other side of Ethan’s desk in his office. Gabe stands by the door, unsure if he should be here.

Silence fills the room and all I want is to get away from his lap. His hands tighten around my waist as if he can hear my thoughts. He leans forward, his chest touching my back, his forehead leaning down on the top of my head.

“Beta, do we know how they gained entry onto the territory?” Ethan asks and I just know he’s trying to keep his feelings in control.

“No Alpha, they weren’t seen until they got closer to the school but I have a hunch that there’s been foul play,” Odis reports.

“As in?” Ethan asks.

“I think someone is working with the rogues but it’s just a hunch right now and I don’t have any proof. I’m sure I’ll know more after I spend some time with the captured rogues,” Odis says without breaking eye contact with Ethan.

“How’s Paul?” Ethan asks.

Odis clenches his jaw and I can see his jaw muscles flicker. 

“He’s safe, thanks to Luna,” he says.

Ethan nods. “I’m happy to hear that.”

Ethan turns to Gabe, “Why didn’t you stop her?”

Gabe bows his head, “I-… Forgive me Alpha. She couldn’t be stopped, as Luna, she had every right to be down there. I failed.”

Ethan is quiet and I wonder what he’s thinking. “We lost 5 members from our pack today. Odis, I will need you to ensure that their family is well taken care of. We will hold their burials as soon as possible and we will take care of the cost.”

“Yes, Alpha,” Odis says with a slight bow.

He looks at Olivia and Odis. “Despite the attack, you two fought well today. I’m proud to have the two of you by my side.”

I can tell by the look on Odis’ face that he’s caught off guard while Olivia is smiling. Gabe is now by Olivia’s side and is holding her hand.

“Gabe, we will need to hold a small ceremony to welcome you to the pack,” Ethan tells Gabe, and Olivia’s smile widens. She squeals and wraps her arms around his torso.

“Beta, I’ll see you in the morning for the interrogation.”

“Yes, Alpha,” Odis agrees.

“If there’s nothing else, I think we’re done for today.”

“Goodnight!” Olivia and Gabe call over their shoulders as they head back to their room.

With one last bow, Odis turns and walks out leaving Ethan and me alone in his office.

“What am I going to do with you little one?” Ethan murmurs before standing up, lifting me up with him. He carries me out of the room like I’m a sack of potatoes.

“Mm… you could… put me down?” I say and blink more times than I thought possible in a minute.

He chuckles and I decide to enjoy his arms wrapped around me. I stare up at him as he carries me, his jawline begging to be licked and his neck ready to be marked.

My eyes shutter as I’m lulled by the way my body sways as he walks. I stare at his face, thankful for his safe return as I welcome the blanket of sleep that has made its way up my body. I drift off in his arms, the most comfortable I’ve ever been in my entire life.

***

Adea

I feel like I’ve been running forever. When I get to the bottom of the stairs I push with everything I have on the door. Please please please, I think to myself. I step back and push my shoulder into the door and it opens for me.

I was blinded. All I could hear was the ringing in my ears. The wolf’s bane grenade had gone off. I squinted as the fog cleared. Everything was moving in slow motion as I tried to find him. Tried to smell him.

I couldn’t hear Mavy. I stumbled over a body and stared in shock as I found the head of the body belonged to Gabriel. I didn’t have time to mourn. I rushed past the arms, legs, and heads of familiar faces. Fumbling and moving trying to find him.

I saw movement in the corner of my eye. I turned and see a pile rise up and fall as a shape pushes up through the bodies. I can see his black hair and my heart swells as I watch him search for me. When his eyes lock on mine I see the relief flood his face.

Ethan. My mate. The love of my life. The reason I breathe lives and breathes. He’s okay. He’s alright and I can feel my heart well up inside of me and I could cry.

I know what’s going on. I know what’s happening. I’ve been here before. This has happened already. I know what’s about to happen but I can’t help but feel the excitement and need to touch him push me forward.

He stands up and I can feel the need to touch him grow and almost explode as he starts towards me. I can feel his need and his relief. I feel his shock… Shock fills his eyes and I frantically try to see what’s wrong. I look down at his chest.. his beautiful chest…

The mate bond snaps and my world is cold and I’m all alone. All I can feel is a numbing pain as I fall to the ground. I can’t breathe, the world crashes down on my shoulders but I can’t look away from my mate. I can hear his footsteps coming closer. He drops something near my head and grabs my hair. He starts dragging me and I hit my head on a rock.

The last thing I see is the empty eyes of my mate before I lose consciousness.. The last thing I feel is cold.