Chapter 38 Alpha Ethan Pov I walked out of the room and made my way outside the study . Just as I was about to turn to the other side of the hallway , I bumped into sontban It was Olivia What the hell was she doing out here at this time of night ? Her eyes widened slightly when she saw me , but she quickly masked her expression with a carefully composed smile . " Ethan ? " she said softly , brushing a few strands of her auburn hair behind her ear . " What are you doing awak I didn't like the way she asked that question - as if I was the one out of place . My jaw clenched , and I stepped back just enough to put some distance between us . Her scent hit me , sweet and familiar , but not comforting . Not anymore . " I could ask you the same thing . " I replied , keeping my tone neutral . " It's nearly two in the morning . Shouldn't you be in bed ?" She gave a small shrug , her eyes glinting in the dim light from the wall sconces " I woke up and couldn't find you . Your side of the bed was cold . I got worked That part , at least , might be true . But I still didn't trust her completely . " I had something to take care of ," I said simply . " Nothing to worry about ." Olivia tilted her head slightly , scrutinizing me as though trying to read between the lines of my words . " Ethan ... is something going on ? " There it was the question I had expected , the one I needed to avoid . I couldn't tell her the truth , Not yet . Not until I knew exactly what we were dealing with at the border . Loffered her a small smile and gently reached out , brushing her arm as wild past . " Go back to sleep , Olivia_171 be back soon . " And without giving her a chance to ask more , I turned on my heel and walked away . Fast . I didn't look back , My heart pounded with unease as I strode through the halls and out into the cold night air . The scent of pine and earth hit me instantly . The moon was half - hidden behind a veil of clouds , casting an eerie glow over the pack grounds . The wind carried a sharp , metallic scent - faint , but unmistakable . Blood . By the time I shifted into my wolf and raced toward the southern border , I already knew something was wrong . The mind - link buzzed with tension . Warriors were alert and unsettled . Theard murmurs - words like attack , rogue , and casualties . When I arrived , the scent of blood was stronger , thick in the air . The grass was stained dark in patches , and several warriors stood in a loose circle near two motionless bodies . Ishifted back , and walked toward them , my steps heavy , my chest tight . " Report " ordered , my voice like ace Beta Matthew stepped forward , his face pale and his eyes haunted . " They were already gone when we got here . A rogue patrol passed through - fast and brutal . Two of our warriors were killed instantly . We think they were targeted . It doesn't look random . " I looked down at the fallen warriors - Cpleb and Jensen Loyal . Strong , Brave . Now lying in silence , blood still pooling beneath them . 1/3 Chapter 38 They didit'liland a chance ? "" Lasked , my voice tough with angor . " No , " Matthew sold quietly . " They were ambushed . We think the rogues are testing our defenses maybe preparing The implications sank in like a one in my put Ropes didn't operate like this . Not unless they were organized . Not unless they had a leader . And were preparing for war , " We're not dealing with just regues , " I marmured , more to myself than to anyone else . " toite's pulling the strings . " . Matthew nodded grimly . " We need to get ready , Alpha . This ... this might be the beginning of something bad . Something big . " My eyes scanned the trees , the shadows beyond the clearing , my instincts screaming . " I want a full sweep of the border . No one gets in or out without my say . Put everyone on high alert . And call the council together - at first light- I stood there for a long moment after Matthew left , staring at the bodies of my fallen pack members . My fists clenched at my sides . They deserved justice . And I would make sure they got it . Even if it meant war . I went back to the pack house , anger bubbling over . My hands were balled into fists , and I barely registered the familiar corridors as I stormed through them . I didn't want to talk to anyone . I didn't want to see Olivia's watchful eyes or feel her fake concern . el I needed something to take the edge off . Something- or someone to remind me I was still in control . When reached my office , I slammed the door shut and leaned against it for a moment , inhaling deeply . The scent of blood still clung to me . I needed to wash it off , but more than that , I needed to burn off this fury . " Call Raven , " I told a guard through the mind link . Tell the maid to bring me a cup of coffee.Now . " Within minutes , a soft knock came at the door . " Come in , " I said gruffly . Raven stepped inside with her usual quiet grace , a steaming cup of coffee in her hands . Her long black hair was tied back , and her eyes - those haunted gray eyes - flicked up to mine before quickly lowering again . She placed the coffee on my desk and started to turn away . " Stay , " I said . She frone , then slowly looked back at me . " Is there something else you need , Alpha ? " I didn't answer immediately , I just watched her , noting the way her hands twitched slightly at her sides . Her presence calmed something in me - but it also ignited something darker . An idea formed . A twisted , cruel one . " You look too tense , Raven , " I said , walking toward her . " Too stiff . I need to be entertained . " Her brows furrowed . " Entertained ? " I stepped closer . " Yes . Like a stripper would . Take off your clothes . Slowly . Dance " 2/3 20:41 Fri , 18 Jul 5 A Chapter 38 Her eyes widened in horror , " Wpha , Fu the Luna's personal maid , not yours . " I smiled coldly . " Then maybe you shouldn't have used witchcraft on my will She stiffened , her eyes flickering with fear I had her . That secret was the only leverage I needed . I didn ' " Oh , but you did . And unless you want Olivia and the entire council to know what you really are , you'll do exactly as i say She hesitated , her lips parting in silent protest , but I could see her will starting to crack . With slow , reluctant steps , she reached for the folders elambats kept in the cabinet behind me - things I'd never had a reason to use . Until now . She took them without a word . Her hands trembled as she held the sheer , black lace fabric " Now , " I said , taking a seat in the leather armchair , my voice low and commanding the swallowed hard , turned her back , and began to undress Piece by piece , her clothes hit the floor with soh , defeated sounds. She slipped on the outfit I gave her - something t anything When she turned back to face me , I saw the shame burning in her eyes . But I also saw her defiance flickering beneath the " Dance ," I said , my voice like steel . She moved slowly , hesitantly , her body responding to the command even as her spirit recoiled . Her movements weren't perfect - stiff , at first - out she forced herself through it . Her hands glided over her skin in practiced gestures , her hips swaying gently , then more confidently . The room was silent except for the faint rustle of fabric and the sound of my own breathing . My anger hadn't wanished - but it had twisted , transformed Into power . Control . She danced for several long minutes , eyes fixed just over my shoulder ach couldn't bear to meet my gaze . It had gone cold .. When she stopped , chest rising and falling with shallow breaths , she spoke in a strained voice . " is that enough ? " " For now , " I said , leaning back . " But you'll stay here I might need more ... entertainment later " " You're doing better than expected , Imurmured , taking a sip of the coffee she had brought , i She gave a single nod , her jaw clenched tight , and sat down at the far end of the room , as far from me as possible . I watched her for a moment , then turned back to my desk , the grim satisfaction of dominance lingering in the air . But beneath it all - under the heat and power and control - there was something else . Guilt Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!