Chapter 64
Ethan's POV
Derek’s arrival was inevitable. His black SUV pulled up to Storm Haven’s gates with a quiet authority that was just like the man himself.
I stood waiting, arms crossed, Marlus at my side. My wolf stirred uneasily as Derek stepped out, his expression calm and controlled, ever the politician. It frustrated me to no end.
“Ethan,” he greeted, his tone infuriatingly even. “I trust you’ve prepared Aiden for transfer.”
My jaw tightened. “We’re holding him because he’s a threat, Derek. Neutral ground won’t change that. If anything, it gives him more opportunities.”
Derek’s gaze didn’t waver as he approached. “The Alpha Council has made its decision. Aiden will remain under our custody until the tribunal can assess the accusations against him. Keeping him here risks a claim of bias, especially given the situation.”
I stepped forward, my voice low and firm. “This isn’t bias. Aiden’s actions speak for themselves. He attacked Olivia’s Pack with Rogues! One of his Rogues broke in here and tried to attack me. This isn’t about the vote, he’s a threat.”
Derek sighed, his patience clearly tested. “And if the Alpha Council sees him as a danger, they’ll handle it accordingly. But justice, Ethan, must appear impartial. That’s the price of leadership.”
The words grated, but I knew better than to argue with Derek when his mind was set. “Fine,” I bit out. “Take him. But don’t pretend this is about justice. You’re playing politics, and you know it.”
He arched an eyebrow, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Politics and justice often overlap, son. You’ll learn that in time.”
Behind us, Marlus brought Aiden forward, his hands bound behind his back. Despite his disheveled appearance, Aiden’s smirk was intact, and it took all my restraint not to wipe it off his face with my fist.
“Well, this is a lovely family reunion,” Aiden drawled as he was handed over. “Dad, you always did have a soft spot for me. Can’t say I’m surprised.”
Derek didn’t respond, his grip firm as he took custody. But his silence only emboldened Aiden, who cast a smug glance my way.
“You should thank me, Ethan,” Aiden continued. “After all, I’m the reason you’re finally stepping up. Wouldn’t want to disappoint our Mate, would we?”
My wolf surged, and it took Marlus’s steady hand on my arm to keep me from lunging. I forced myself to focus on Derek instead.
“Don’t let Chloe’s games blind you to the truth,” I said, my voice sharp. “She’s behind this, Derek, pulling strings you can’t – or won’t – see. Her involvement won’t stay hidden forever.”
For a moment, something flashed in Derek’s eyes, doubt, maybe, or recognition. But he quickly masked it, his tone measured as ever.
“Accusations are meaningless without proof, Ethan,” he said. “Focus on what you can control. Strengthen your alliances, prepare for the Council’s decision. And leave Aiden to the Council.”
As he turned to leave, Aiden shot me one last taunting grin. “Don’t miss me too much, brother.”
I didn’t respond, my hands clenched into fists as I watched them drive away. Derek’s parting words repeated in my mind as I tried to pick them apart for the hidden meaning.
“Well, that could have gone worse.” Marlus broke through my thoughts with a strained laugh.
I looked over at my Beta, my best friend, and raised an eyebrow. “Aiden is alive, that is worse,” I said in all seriousness.
Marlus nodded in agreement, but I could see the wheels turning in that genius mind of his. After a few moments, he nodded towards the SUV had driven off.
“I think Derek is buying you time. He basically told you to use politics to get your justice. The question is: what can we control, what alliance can we call on, and how can we make it seem like it’s the Alpha Council’s decision what happens next?”
Marlus was my Beta for a reason, and it wasn’t his physical strength, though he had that in abundance. “He said ‘justice must appear impartial’.” It dawned on me then and my wolf bristled at the idea.
“Derek wants me to use Olivia to tease out information. It’s only impartial when there’s no emotion involved. Derek thinks we can use that against Aiden and Chloe. Or the whole fucking Alpha Council.”
A low whistle came out of Marlus. “I’d be impressed if it wasn’t so damn manipulative.”
I stared at Marlus, the absurdity of Derek’s veiled hints sinking in. “Not fucking happening” I muttered.
This all started as a way to secure the Alpha Council seat for my Pack. Now it was about keeping Olivia, and our Packs, safe.
Olivia’s emotions might actually be the key to making both happen.
The Pack House was quiet, but comfortable. Aiden was finally out of my territory, but the weight of the Council’s involvement only added to the tension thrumming through my veins.
I knew Olivia deserved to know what had happened, but I wasn’t sure how much she wanted to hear it from me.
I found her in the sitting room, curled in an armchair with papers spread across her lap. Her eyes flicked up as I entered, and for a moment, I saw the walls she always kept firmly in place.
“Aiden’s gone,” I said without preamble, standing just inside the doorway. “Derek took him into Council custody. Neutral ground, their rules.”
Her lips tightened, but she didn’t speak immediately. She set her papers aside, smoothing them unnecessarily before finally meeting my gaze.
“And now what?” she asked, her tone carefully neutral. “Does this mean the attacks stop? Or does it just give him more time to plan his next one?”
I stepped closer, the frustration in her voice tugging at something deep within me. “It’s a temporary reprieve at best,” I admitted. “But he’s under watch. Whatever moves he makes now will only dig his grave deeper.”
Her eyes narrowed slightly, skepticism creeping in. “And Chloe? Or Isabella? You don’t think they’ll try to pull strings while he’s locked away?”
“They’ll try,” I said, my voice low. “But they’re running out of leverage. The Council will only tolerate so much before it turns on them.”
The tension between us felt like a thread pulled too tight. I wanted to say more, to reassure her that I’d do whatever it took to protect her, but the words felt inadequate.
“Olivia,” I said softly, stepping closer. She didn’t move, her gaze locked on mine, and I could feel my wolf stretch at the proximity. “I’m not going to let him, or anyone, hurt you. You know that don’t you?”
Her breath hitched, and for a fleeting moment, I thought she might reach for me. But instead, she pulled back, crossing her arms tightly over her chest.
“I don’t know what to believe right now,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “Every time I think we’re on the same page, something else happens to make me question it.”
The words sliced into my chest like claws. I closed the remaining distance between us, my hand brushing against hers as I crouched down in front of her.
“We are on the same page,” I said firmly. “Even when it doesn’t feel like it.”
Her eyes searched mine, and I could see the battle waging within her. Slowly, she nodded, her fingers twitching as though she wanted to touch me but couldn’t quite believe I would welcome it.
My wolf pushed forward, urging me to close the gap, to make her understand how much she meant to us. I leaned in, the heat between us crackling like a live wire.
I tucked my thumb beneath her chin and tilted it up gently, brushing my lips against hers, just a whisper of a touch. I felt Olivia soften, her mouth parting with invitation.
But just as her breath mingled with mine, she pulled away, standing abruptly.
“I…” she murmured, her voice tight. “I need… I’m sorry.”
I stayed where I was, my wolf howling in frustration as I watched her retreat. “Olivia,” I started, but she shook her head, her back to me.
“Goodnight, Ethan,” she said softly, leaving me alone with an ache in my chest.
