Chapter 18
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Chapter 18
recent illegal gold mine investigation. My involvement had been minimal–more accidental than intentional–yet somehow, I’d ended up here, part of this event.
I couldn’t quite wrap my head around why I’d been invited, nor why every nerve in my body buzzed with tension. My gaze drifted away from the reporters to the reflection of myself in the window. My eyes were sharp, focused. I pulled a lipstick from my bag applying it carefully as if the act itself could bolster my defenses.
Ethan Blaine.”
The name stirred something deep within me, an ache I thought I’d buried. He was the Jest person I ever wanted to see again, yet fate seemed to have other plans. My wolf, silem unti now, gave a soft growl, urging me on. She’d been waiting for this–some part of her still longed for him, no matter how much I’d tried to bury the past.
After a solid thirty–minute pep talk from my wolf, I straightened my posture and took a deep breath, giving my reflection a final once–over. The silk blouse hugged my figure, and the lipstick brought a touch of defiance to my smile.
Just then, a voice startled me from my thoughts. “Claire, where’d you go?”
I turned to find Nick standing behind me, his expression curious. I hadn’t realized he’d followed me, but he was hardly the only one watching me now. The entire restaurant buzzed with energy: Alphas and Betas from various packs filled the tables, alongside a few
journalists.
Nick pointed discreetly towards a corner of the room. “See that guy? That’s the Alpha of the Nightwish Pack. Their influence has been expanding fast lately.”
I followed his gaze, and my heart skipped a beat. “Ethan.” He stood across the room, bis profile turned slightly away from me. His black uniform clung to him, emphasizing the strength in his shoulders and the lines of his jaw. He was sharper, stronger–looking than remembered, his once–boyish charm now replaced with an intimidating intensity.
My pulse quickened, and my wolf gave a soft, involuntary whine. Even after all this time, something within me still responded to him. Memories surged back–the warmth of his touch, the shared moments, and the raw sense of betrayal that had once shattered my
heart.
Chapter 11.
My instincts screamed at me to run, but pride held me in place for this time I wolle let him see me vulnerable. Taking a steadying breath, I crossed the room, myr segis measured, as I approached him.
As I drew closer, he turned, his gaze catching mine. For a moment, the entire room Saded away. His piercing green eyes widened slightly in surprise, then narrowed as recogurtion dawned. His face, unreadable yet filled with a quiet intensity, sent a ser do my spine
Claire,” he said softly, his voice low and steady, tinged with something I condidit que decipher. Surprise? Amusement? Regret?
I lifted my chin, meeting his gaze without flinching. “Ethan.” My vote was calm unwavering, belying the storm raging inside me
The corners of his mouth lifted, just slightly. I didn’t expect to see you here *
I gave a casual shrug, hoping my mask was as flawless as felt eher did I. Bun life has a funny way of bringing people together, doesn’t it?”
10
