Upon returning home from the palace, the tension in the air lingered within Ethan's pack. Everyone couldn't help but feel that the king knew something about how Ethan got poisoned.
They gathered at the Pack hall to strategize how to obtain the remaining artifact that could heal Ethan. Olivia broke the silence with a question, "What if the artifact in Grendor has already been used, just like the one in the palace?"
Lucas spoke up, "We can't make assumptions, especially if it's the only way to free the Alpha from this poison."
Laura supported Lucas's statement, if the only way to save Ethan is going to Grendor, then so be it. A secret mission to Grendor it is.
Laura also offered to embark on the journey with Ethan. She understood the risks, but saving Ethan was paramount.
Olivia and Michael also offered to join the expedition, but Ethan insisted they stay behind to lead the pack in his absence.
"I won't lead my pack into another kingdom, definitely not Grendor Dynasty, it may be seen as an invasion," Ethan declared firmly.
He didn't want to provoke unnecessary tensions by taking the pack to their greatest rival's kingdom.
"Emily will have to embark on this journey with you," Lucas suggested, drawing Ethan's attention.
I wondered why Lucas will suggest that I go with Ethan. What if Ethan repeat what he did at the training site earlier today, who will stop him then?
Ethan raised an eyebrow, skeptical about the idea. "Why does she have to come with me? I don't need distractions on this journey," he stated.
Lucas explained, "The effect of the poison will easily surface if your spirit wolf is not close to his other half."
Ethan was puzzled. He didn't understand what Lucas was saying, when did his spirit wolf have another half? "What other half are you talking about?"
Of course it was definitely me again. I was convinced that Lucas was deliberately escalating my suffering. From a sex pawn to a carrier of Alpha's powers, making me a false mate to Ethan, and now I've also become a spirit wolf other half?
Lucas clarified, "Emily's spirit is now connected to your spirit wolf. Your spirit wolf granted her the Alpha's powers for reasons, and bringing comfort to your spirit wolf was one of them. I'm afraid you need her by your side on this journey; we can't afford any risk."
Ethan seemed reluctant, but Lucas' reasoning made sense. However, I wasn't ready to go unless Ronald was set free.
"I'm not going if Ronald is not released." I proclaimed with a serious tone.
"It's not like you have a choice in this anyway. You're nothing but a pawn," Ethan retorted coldly.
I later learned from Michael that Ronald had already been released before we headed to the palace. Knowing this, I quickly ran off to see him, relieved that he wasn't punished.
Even after I left the pack hall, I could still hear the discussions from the hall. The words were clearer this time around and I could easy tell which directions the whispers were coming from.
As the evening approached and darkness enveloped the sky, I arrived at Ronald's quarters. His puppy face lit up with a warm smile as soon as he saw me. I leaned in for a friendly hug, feeling a sense of comfort and familiarity in his presence. I shared with him all the discussions and events that had unfolded in the hall, at the palace, and back again. We discussed and laughed till it was completely dark.
Soon, I started feeling the change of tension in the atmosphere. Was it because I'm now becoming a werewolf?
I could feel Ronald's heartbeat, beating faster than usual, have he always been like this around me and I'm just noticing because my senses are getting more heightened?
Before I could fully process the situation, Ronald's lips gently claimed mine. I was taken aback, surprised that he had summoned the courage to make such a move. As much as I wanted to reciprocate the kiss, fear gripped me. If Ethan found out about this, he will definitely not let it slide.
"I'm sorry, I have to take my leave," I stammered, quickly getting up from the spot and leaving the room.
Ronald seemed equally startled by his own actions, but he couldn't hold back anymore. I couldn't afford to stay as tempting as it was. The potential consequences were too great, and I needed to protect both myself and Ronald from the wrath of the Alpha.
As I entered my chambers, I found myself gazing out of the small window in my enormous quarters. A sense of anticipation gripped my heart, and for some reason my mood for sex set high as I silently yarned for Ethan's touch.
"What am I even thinking... No, no, no...!" I shook my head and buried my face in the pillow, trying to suppress the lustful thoughts that threatened to consume me.
Soon, it started raining, adding to my igniting fire. It seems nature doesn't get it; I'm alone, Ethan is angry at me, and I'm equally upset with him, there will be no bitter-sweet moment tonight.
In that moment, as I contemplated on masturbating, I heard a single knock on the door. The sound was strange and gave me pause; for a second, I wondered if I had imagined it or heard something from afar once again.
My attention was fixed on the door, and I anxiously awaited another knock before deciding what to do. As if in response to my thoughts, another knock resounded through the room. Could it be Ronald? I wondered. I knew that if I let him in and he made any advances, I might not be able to resist.
"It's me, Emily," the voice outside the door sighed.
"Huh! What is he doing here?" I asked myself in surprise, contemplating whether to open the door for Ethan. Was he no longer angry with me? Or did he just wanted to claim his sex pawn once again? Regardless of the reason, I felt compelled to let him in.
As soon as I unlocked the door, Ethan stumbled into my arms. He was nearly unconscious, barely able to support himself just like that fateful night after his battle with the wolves.
"What's wrong!" I cried out, my voice thick with panic. All the resentment I had felt for Ethan throughout the day evaporated and was replaced with concern for his well-being, just like that unforgettable night.
I helped Ethan walk, guiding him to my bed. His words were mumbles, making it hard to identify their meanings. It was evident that Ethan was in immense pain, but it baffled me why he chose to come here instead of seeking the physicians, or why he didn't alert anyone else.
"It's the poison, I think. Let me go call the Physicians right away," I said, already moving to rush out of the room for help. But just like that unforgettable night, Ethan grasped my hand, pleading for me not to leave him.
"Stay... with me. I'll be fine," Ethan groaned.
It felt as if time was folding back on itself, repeating the events of that night from days ago. However, I still chose to remain by Ethan's side, but one thing I knew wouldn't repeat tonight was allowing myself to let my guard down and kissing Ethan on my own accord. This time, I vowed to keep my emotions in check and stay focused on helping him recover.
I gently arranged Ethan properly in the bed while I made plans to spend the night on the couch.
"Join me. I already promised not to force myself on you ever again, and I mean it. Earlier today, I was only mad because I discovered that the last thing I shared with Maya was given to someone else. But then I realized that letting go of those memories saved my life. I never got the chance to thank you, so thank you, Emily," hot tears glistened in Ethan's eyes as he spoke.
I managed to hide my tears from him, but there was a sentence I was waiting for him to say. It didn't take long before Ethan uttered those words.
"I can't ask for your forgiveness, but I promise to make it up to you," Ethan added.
As soon as I heard those words, I knew it was the perfect chance for me to find out about what really transpired between Ethan and the late Luna, Maya.
With a trembling voice, I inquired, "Tell me what happened to Maya, please. After all, I need to know why I was treated the way I was earlier today. And I want you to know that by telling me this, you've made up for your previous actions towards me."
"Are you sure you really want to know?" Ethan asked.
I nodded my head in reply.
Finally, the long-hidden and top-secret mystery of Maya's death would be disclosed at last. I greatly wondered what really transpired.
To be continued... Maya's Death