Chapter 60
Ethan's POV
Marlus and one of Olivia’s warriors, Kerrick, entered my office with a quiet urgency that set my wolf on edge. Between them, Amelia hovered nervously, her hands wringing together, her expression pinched.
“We have something,” Marlus began, his tone grave as he handed me a folder. “Amelia’s been talking, and Kerrick helped us verify it.”
The tension in the room thickened by the knowledge that every new piece of information seemed to expose another layer of just how deep Chloe and Aiden’s schemes ran.
I opened the folder, my eyes scanning the contents. The documents detailed phone records and financial transfers; Chloe’s signature glaring back at me, and communications linking her to Rogue factions.
My stomach churned as I read further, seeing Aiden’s name peppered throughout the notes. He had reached out to Chloe, asking for access to the Pack’s resources.
It was here in black and white: Aiden, with Chloe pulling the strings, had been using the Rogues to undermine my Pack, and Olivia’s, from behind the scenes.
Amelia stepped forward, her voice shaky. “I…I didn’t know the full extent. But Aiden likes to brag. He’s promising to free my cousin from you if I help him onto Thorne Ridge Lands.”
I clenched my fists, a growl rumbling low in my chest. “How do you know this?”
“He… he called me,” Amelia stammered, her eyes wide. “But Aiden… he’s desperate. He’s reaching out to anyone who might help him, and he doesn’t care who gets hurt.”
I turned to Kerrick, needing confirmation. “You’re certain about all this?”
Kerrick nodded. “We traced the transfers and matched them to Chloe’s accounts. And Amelia came to me when Aiden called. I heard the end of his offer. It’s all here, Alpha.”
Rage burned hot in my veins. My stepmother had always been manipulative, but this was beyond anything I’d expected. She was no longer just undermining me, she was endangering the Pack. And Olivia.
I snatched my phone from the desk and dialed her number, pacing the room as it rang.
“Ethan,” Chloe answered smoothly, her voice saccharine. “To what do I owe this pleasure?”
“Cut the act,” I snapped. “I know what you’ve been doing, Chloe. And I wonder what dear old dad would think of you using his Pack funds for your personal war.”
There was a brief pause before she laughed lightly, the sound grating. “Oh, Ethan, you’ve always been dramatic. Do you honestly think anyone will believe such wild accusations without concrete evidence?”
“I have enough to bring this to the Council,” I growled. “And when they see how far you’ve gone to destabilize the Packs, they’ll strip you of everything.”
Her tone turned icy. “You’re bluffing.”
“Try me,” I said, my wolf pushing against my control. “Keep denying it, Chloe. See how far that gets you.”
She hung up and the line went dead. I tossed the phone onto my desk, the urge to destroy something near overwhelming.
Marlus stepped forward, his voice calm but edged with determination. “She won’t back down easily, Ethan. And Aiden’s not going to stop.”
I met his gaze, my wolf snarling for action. “We set the trap. With Amelia as bait.”
Amelia flinched slightly but lifted her chin. “I’ll do it. I’ll get him to come out of hiding.”
“Be sure.” I said, narrowing my eyes at her.
“I owe it to the Pack,” she said, her voice steadier now. “To make things right.”
Marlus nodded. “We’ll make sure it’s airtight. Aiden’s been slippery, but this time, he won’t get away.”
I forced myself to focus on the task ahead. Chloe had underestimated me for the last time. This wasn’t just about exposing her; it was about protecting my Pack and my Mate.
And for that, I’d wage war on the entire Council.
The night air was thick with anticipation, the kind that set my wolf on edge. I stood at the border of the Thorne Ridge Pack lands, surveying the dark expanse ahead.
Amelia stood a short distance away, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. Her unease was visible, but she’d agreed to play her part without hesitation.
“She’ll draw him out,” Marlus said beside me, his voice low and steady. “He won’t be able to resist if he thinks he’s still in control.”
“He won’t see it coming,” I replied, my tone sharper than I intended. My wolf prowled restlessly within me, eager for action.
Kerrick approached from the shadows, his expression grim. “Our warriors are in position. If he moves into the clearing, we’ll cut off his escape routes.”
Marlus nodded, his calculating gaze scanning the area. “Storm Haven warriors are ready too. We’ve got him boxed in.”
Amelia stepped forward, taking a deep breath before looking at me. “He’ll come. I know he will. But… Alpha, if things go wrong –”
“– They won’t,” I interrupted firmly, meeting her gaze. “Just do your part and get him on Pack Lands. We’ll handle the rest.”
She nodded, her determination flickering through the fear in her eyes. Without another word, she walked into the clearing, her figure illuminated by the moonlight.
Marlus moved closer, his voice barely above a whisper. “You think he’ll take the bait?”
“He’s desperate,” I replied, watching Amelia closely. “Desperation makes people reckless.”
Minutes felt like hours as we waited. Then, the faint sound of movement reached my ears. My wolf perked up instantly, and I tensed, signaling to Kerrick.
Aiden’s silhouette emerged from the tree line, his posture confident but cautious. He approached Amelia, his voice carrying a smugness that made my blood boil.
“Amelia,” he drawled, his tone thick with condescension. “You called, and here I am. What could be so important that you’d risk meeting me here?”
Amelia’s voice wavered just slightly as she responded, “I needed to talk. This isn’t working, Aiden. I… I’m worried we’ll get caught.”
I could see Aiden’s smirk from where I stood, hidden in the shadows. “Oh, sweetheart,” he said mockingly. “You’re doubting me now? After everything?”
He stepped closer, and I signaled to Marlus. The warriors began to move into position, their movements silent and precise.
Amelia turned as if to pace, tempting Aiden to follow. One more step and he’d be in Thorne Ridge territory.
Just as he crossed the line, Aiden’s head snapped up suddenly, his instincts kicking in. His gaze darted around the clearing, and he took a step back. “This is a trap,” he hissed, his voice losing its arrogance.
Amelia moved away, fear flashing across her face as she retreated toward safety. Aiden turned, his eyes scanning for an escape.
“Not this time,” I muttered under my breath before stepping into the clearing.
Aiden froze, his eyes locking on mine. “Ethan,” he spat, his voice laced with venom. “I should’ve known.”
“You should’ve known better than to cross me,” I replied coldly, my wolf snarling just beneath the surface.
He lunged, trying to slip past me, but I was faster. I tackled him to the ground, the force knocking the wind out of him. Aiden struggled, clawing and thrashing, but I pinned him down, my fingers extending into claws, digging into his shoulders.
“This ends now,” I growled, my voice more wolf than human.
Aiden’s eyes widened as he realized the gravity of his situation. “You don’t have the guts,” he sneered, though his voice trembled.
My wolf roared for vengeance, the urge to end him here and now nearly overwhelming. But before I could deliver the final blow, Marlus’s voice cut through the haze.
“Alpha! Wait!”
I hesitated, my claws poised around Aiden’s throat. Marlus stepped closer, his expression wary. “He’s beaten. Killing him now won’t help your case with the Council… or Olivia.”
At the mention of her name, my wolf pulled back slightly, the red haze clearing from my vision. I released Aiden with a shove, watching him collapse in a heap at my feet.
“This isn’t over,” Aiden muttered weakly, his defiance flickering even in defeat.
“No,” I said, my voice ice-cold. “But for you, it’s damn close.”
Marlus and Kerrick secured Aiden, dragging him to his feet. As they took him away, I stood in the clearing, my chest heaving.
For now, the hunt was over. But the battle was far from won.
