Chapter 4 Alpha Ethan's POV Five Years Later I woke up to the early morning sun streaming through my window . Slowly , I opened my eyes , got out of bed , and drew the curtains closed . My gaze drifted to the sleeping Olivia , and I sighed . It had been five years since we were mated . Five long years . I walked into the bathroom , brushed my teeth , and took a cold shower . When I stepped out , a towel wrapped around my waist , I returned to the room , only to find the bed empty . Olivia was already gone . Shaking my head , I went to my closet , pulled out a heavy blue suit , and slipped it on . The fabric fit perfectly , accentuating my broad shoulders and muscular frame . I adjusted my tie , ran a hand through my slightly damp hair , and stepped out of the room As I descended the stairs , the rich aroma of food filled the air , making me pause . This wasn't the usual scent of meals prepared by the maids . My mind immediately went to Olivia . Could she be the one cooking ? The thought almost made me laugh . Olivia never cooked . She never cared whether I had breakfast or not . Curiosity got the best of me , and I decided to check the kitchen . Maybe she had changed . But as soon as I stepped inside , my hope was crushed . Elisa stood at the stove instead . I sighed . She turned at the sound of my footsteps , a warm smile on her face . " Good morning , brother . " I frowned . " You didn't tell me you were coming back . " Elisa chuckled . Chill , big brother . I wanted to surprise you , and I did , didn't I ? " I smirked . " So , tell me , how did you do it ? " " You should already know . Didn't you come here because of my cooking ? " she teased, flipping an omelet onto a plate . voice . A brief silence settled between us before I broke it . " I thought she was the one cooking , " I admitted , frustration lacing my " She ? " Elisa asked , her brow raised , but I didn't respond . " Olivia ? " she guessed . " Who else ? " I muttered . Elisa sighed , shaking her head as she turned off the stove . " You should know by now that Olivia has never been the type to cook , " she said , disappointment evident in her voice . I ran a hand down my face , exhaling sharply . " I know , " I admitted , taking a seat at the kitchen counter . " It's been five years , Elisa . Five damn years , and I still don't feel the mate bond the way I'm supposed to . I thought it would grow , that maybe , with time , I'd feel something stronger . But every day , I wake up , and it feels ... forced . Like I'm just going through the motions . " Elisa placed the plate in front of me , her expression unreadable . " Then why are you still holding on ? " she asked , crossing her arm I scoffed , picking up my fork but barely touching the food . " Because the bond is supposed to be sacred . Rejecting her after all these years would make me look weak . I thought maybe I was the problem . Maybe I wasn't trying hard enough . " I clenched my jaw . " But regardless of what I do , Olivia is still the same . Cold . Distant . And when she does speak me , it's with nothing but irritation or demands . She barely acknowledges me unless she needs something . " Elisa sat across from me , her blue eyes filled with sympathy . " I've noticed , " she admitted . " She treats the pack like they're beneath her , Ethan . Even the omegas fear her . She acts entitled , as if being Luna means everyone should serve her , but she gives nothing in return . You deserve more than that- I let out a humorless chuckle . " Tell that to the elders . They believe Olivia is the perfect Luna . That she's strong , independent , and exactly what this pack 10:52 . Thu 17 Ju có lau , R Chapter 4 needs . If I go against that , I'll have to justify rejecting my own mate . And honestly ? I don't even know where to start . " Elisa tapped my shoulder . " Then don't force it . " Her words hit harder than I expected because deep down , I knew she was right . I had spent five years convincing myself that love would come , that the be forced . And whatever I had with Olivia - it was nothing like the stories I had mate bond would eventually make everything right . But love couldn't I grown up believing . I sighed , pushing my plate aside . Elisa hesitated before speaking again . " Be honest with yourself . And with Olivia . If she's truly your mate , then ask yourself - why does she make you feel so empty ? " I stared at my sister , her words settling deep into my bones . Olivia and I were bound by a mate bond , but it felt more like a chain than a connection Every day with her was a reminder of what we lacked - what I lacked . Passion . Warmth . Love . Before I could respond , the sharp sound of heels clicking against the floor echoed through the hallway . A moment later , Olivia stepped into the kitchen , dressed in an elegant black dress that hugged her figure perfectly . Her hair was styled to perfection , and her makeup was flawless . She looked every bit the Luna the pack admired . But to me , she was nothing more than a stranger . Her sharp brown eyes flickered to me , then to Elisa . " What are you two talking about ? " she asked , suspicion laced in her tone . I scoffed . " Is that how you greet your husband ? " I spat in anger , my wolf silent but angry at her . Elisa , however , decided to speak . " We were just discussing how the mate bond is supposed to bring two people closer , not push them apart . " Olivia scoffed , flipping her hair over her shoulder . " The mate bond is what it is . We don't have to be sickeningly in love , like some foolishly believe . We have an understanding , Ethan . That should be enough . " I clenched my jaw . " An understanding ? " My voice was sharp , my patience thinning . " That's all you have to say ? " She crossed her arms . " Yes . You lead the pack . I stand by your side . We don't need to pretend to be something we're not . " f Oice , I slammed my palm against the counter , making both Olivia and Elisa flinch . My wolf growled inside me , my dominance radiating through the room . dangerously low . " You are my mate , and you should act like it , " I snapped , my For five years , I had sacrificed my own happiness , waiting for her to change . But hell no - she only got worse . For the first time in a long while , Olivia hesitated . A flicker of nervousness crossed her face , but it vanished as quickly as it came . " Then that's your problem , " she said smoothly , reaching for a cup of coffee . But I was faster . I grabbed her wrist , pulling her back . " You don't walk out on me , " I growled . " I'm not just your mate - I'm your Alpha . And you will respect that . " I released her hand , making her lose her balance . She stumbled back and fell to the floor . Jus rds on p " All Comment Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!