Chapter 23 Alpha Ethan's POV i sat at my office desk , my mind to occupied to get any work done . I stared blankly at the papers in front of me , the words blending into a meaningless blur . No matter how hard I tried , I couldn't stop thinking about her . What if she was innocent ? The question had been gnawing at me for hours now , refusing to leave me in peace . But she couldn't be , could she ? Wolves don't just develop deep , magnetic attractions to others - especially not Alphas - without reason , Thad heard of cases where a wolf was unnaturally drawn to another , even when the bond shouldn't exist , ha most of those cases , the explanation had been one thing : witchcraft . The word itself made my blood run cold . It was a serious accusation , one that could shatter lives , tear apart packs , and lead to punishments no wolf would want to imagine . Still , the possibility lingered in my mind , whispering doubts i didn't want to acknowledge . Just then , a knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts . " Come in ," I called out , sitting up straighter and clearing my throat to sound composed Within moments , the door creaked open and Mathew , my Beta and most trusted confidant , stepped inside . His arms were loaded with files and scrolls- most likely the documents it had asked him to prepare for today . He walked in with his usual calm demeanor , placing the stack of papers on my desk with a soft thud . " Here are the reports from the border patrol , last month's financials , and the records you requested on the rogue activity near the southem territory . " I gave a small nod , barely glancing at the files . " Thanks , Mathew . " He tilted his head , studying me with a hint of concern . Tou alright ? You look ... distracted . " I waved a hand dismissively frm fine . Just didn't get much sleep " He didn't push further - at least not yet . Instead , he picked up one of the scrolls and began explaining . " This one contains the historical punishments for rogue attacks that resulted in civilian injuries . I added a few annotations on the council's usual response and precedents from nearby packs . " I nodded again , though my attention dried almost immediately . My eyes flickered toward the thicker parchment he held in his other hand . " What's that one ? " " This ? " he said , litting it . " That's the revised pack law ledger , the one you wanted to be updated with the older Alpha's decrees . It includes everything from Land disputes to " he paused briefly , " -to the sections on forbidden practices . Including witchcraft . " At the mention of the word , something in me tensed . It was as if he'd spoken the name of an ancient enemy that still haunted us from the shadows . " What does it say ... about punishment ? " I asked slowly , keeping my voice as neutral as I could manage , ous now . " For witchcraft ? " Mathew narrowed his eyes , curious now . I gave a short nod . He flipped open the parchment , skimming through the dense writing . " If a wolf is found guilty of using witchcraft , especially to manipulate another's will or emotions .... the punishment is exile at best . Death in severe cases . It depends on the Alpha's judgment and the severity of the manipulation " leaned back in my chair , my jaw tightening Mathew set the scroll down and crossed hy arms . " Why are you asking ? " My eyes flickered up to meet his . For a second , I thought about telling him . About how I felt this impossible pull , this confusing connection that made no 1/3 Chapter 23 "mymething " I said , bronching i sitt with a drop Mathew didn't leek endivinend . He choilled We both fell inte allance . He bound beamants , butt could beat the questione ctill lingering in the air between us , Fénové Mathew well enough to understand he'd keep watch , even if he didn't presenter . I turned my gare to the window , caring out at th but persistent . distant treetops swaying gently in the If she was using something against me if this connection wasn't real ... I'd have no choice but to net . And yet .... every instinct in ime screamed to protect her . I didn't know what scared me more - the idea that she might be guilty .... the possibility that she wasn't I stood up from my chair , unable to work , walked out of the office building and instructed my driver to take me home , temple . Within minutes . Farrived at the pack house . I got out of the car and immediately called , " Raven ! The maid , for me I stood outside the pack house , the weight of doubt still pressing heavily on my shoulders . The guard at the door nodded briskly " Tell Raven to come to my study , Immediately ." I didn't wait for confirmation . I strode into the pack house , the echo of my boots sharp against the polished floors . My mind was spinning with thoughts each one more confusing than the last . I needed answers , and I needed them now . When reached my study , I closed the door behind me with a soft but firm click . The silence inside was almost suffocating . My hand lingered an handle for a moment before I walked over to the desk and sat down , staring at the dark wood as if it held the answers , I couldn't find . door Minutes passed . broke the quiet . Then , aso knock broke the " Enter , " I said , my voice low and commanding The door creaked open , and Raven stepped inside . She looked calm , composed even , but I didn't miss the slight hesitation in her behind her , then slowly made her way toward me . " You asked for me , Alpha ?" she said , her voice pleady but quit She shut the door I studied her for a moment , Raven - praceful , confident , mysterious . Ever since she arrived , something about her had unsettled my wolf. Or was it something in her ? The pullet - interse , suffocating wasn't natural, it couldn't ba , I stood up slowly , walking around the desk was just a few feet in front of her . She tilted her head slightly see the flicker of emotion in her eyes - cautiyn , mannins ... maybe even fear . ing for a command , but could " I want you to tell me the truth , Raven , " I paid fumly , wach word deliberately chosen " Right now . Numere dancing around it . No more deflecting Chapter 23 Her brow furrowed slightly . " Truth about what ? " My gare hardened . " About whether you used anything on me , Her lips parted , but no sound came out . " pid you . " " I continued , Stepping even closer , " use witchcraft ... or anything unnatural ... to influence me ? My thoughts . My wolf . My attraction to you fell me now , Raven , because if you lie , and I find out Ister - the consequences will be far more severe than you can imagine ." Raven's eyes widened ever so slightly . " Alpha- " Don't . Don't call me that like everything's normal , " I snapped , my voice a sharp edge . " Answer me " She swallowed , but her posture didn't falter . " No I didn't use anything . I haven't done anything to you , I swear it ." I studied her face closely . Her words were confident , but my instincts were at war . One part of me believed her . The other haunted by stories , byrumors , by pack law - demanded proof . " You understand what it means if you're lying to me ? " I said , voice low , almost a growl . " Witchcraft is forbidden . If I find even a trace of manipulation , the council will demand justice . And I will have no choice but to deliver it . " " I know the laws , " Raven said firmly . " I know what's at stake . And I'm telling you the truth - I haven't used anything . Not potions , not spells , nothing . Whatever you're feeling , it's not because I made you feel it . " I paced away from her , my hands clenching into fists . My woll was restless beneath the surface , growling with equal parts suspicion and desire . It was maddening . I had always trusted my instincts , but this time ... this time they were clouded . Twisted by something couldn't name . " You can leave , " I told her , which she did immediately Now I was left alone with my own thoughts , unanswered questions , and also a mate bond I was trying to feel A Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!