"You've been gone too long, Ethan. The pack is starting to talk," Marcus, Ethan's Beta, said, his voice low but heavy with accusation.
Ethan's jaw tightened as he stood in the clearing, eyes fixed on Marcus. "I haven't abandoned the pack, Marcus. I'm doing what needs to be done."
"Are you? Because from where I stand, it looks like you've lost sight of your priorities," Marcus shot back, crossing his arms. "The pack is growing restless. They think you're more focused on her than on protecting them."
Avery, standing just behind Ethan, shifted uncomfortably but said nothing. She knew this conversation had been brewing for some time.
Ethan glanced over his shoulder at her, then back to Marcus. "This isn't about Avery. This is about preparing for the real threat—Liam. You know that."
