Chapter 346
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(Ethan’s POV)
The sleek Midnight Maybach purred to a stop beneath the patient wing of Crescent Moon Medical Center. I stepped out, clutching
a woven basket filled with premium venison–Evelyn’s childhood favorite, according to pack records I’d frantically searched
through last night.
My wolf paced anxiously beneath my skin, desperate to see Evelyn. But even more, it yearned for Olivia–my true Little Orange,
my mate, the woman I’d wronged so terribly.
The elevator doors slid open on the recovery floor, and I nearly collided with her. Olivia was heading downstairs, her chestnut
hair pulled back in a simple ponytail, her emerald eyes widening in surprise at my sudden appearance.
“Liv!” My voice carried unmistakable longing as I strode toward her.
I reached out instinctively, my wolf surging forward with the overwhelming desire to pull her into my arms. To reestablish our
mate bond. To make things right.
Now that I knew the truth–that Olivia was the real Little Orange–my emotions were a chaotic blend of rage at Victoria’s years of deception and an almost desperate joy at finding my true childhood love.
“I need to talk to you,” I said, my amber eyes searching her face. “Please, just give me a moment.”
Olivia’s reaction couldn’t have been more different from what I’d hoped.
She physically recoiled from me, taking two quick steps backward. Her face hardened with cold rejection, her wolf retreating deep
within her as if my very presence was toxic.
“Ethan Stone, you’re not welcome here.” Her voice carried the unmistakable authority of a Luna despite our estrangement.
It was a clear command for me to leave. My wolf whined in distress, sensing the depth of her rejection.
“I just want to see Orange Mom-“I began, softening my approach.
“Don’t call my mother that,” Olivia cut me off, her voice growing even colder. “You’re unworthy. Leave. She doesn’t want to see
you.”
The pain in her eyes was matched only by her disdain. I could see how deeply I’d wounded her–wounds that might never heal.
“Liv, please,” I tried again, desperation creeping into my voice. “My wolf has always recognized only you as my true mate. Even when my mind was deceived, my wolf was drawn to you.”
Her emerald eyes flashed with disgust.
“How convenient,” she spat. “Now that Victoria’s deception is exposed, suddenly your wolf ‘always knew‘ I was your true mate? The very words I once longed to hear from you now disgust me.”
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Chapter 346
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She crossed her arms, creating another barrier between us.
“Your love is cheap, Ethan. Tainted by years of betrayal and neglect.”
Each word struck like a physical blow. My wolf whined pitifully, recognizing the truth in her accusations.
“Our daughter is dead because of your blindness,” she continued, her voice breaking slightly. “Nothing can change that. Nothing
can bring her back.”
Before I could respond, heavy footsteps approached from behind Olivia.
James Knight appeared, positioning himself protectively before her. His russet–brown wolf rose to the surface, hackles raised in
challenge to my Alpha presence.
“You’ve got some nerve showing up here,” he growled, his hazel eyes flashing with hostility.
My wolf bristled at his challenge, but I forced it down. This wasn’t the time for Alpha posturing.
“I’m here to see Evelyn,” I stated firmly. “This is between me and my mate.”
James laughed coldly. “Your mate? You mean the woman you abandoned for Victoria? The woman whose daughter died while you
were playing daddy to Emma?”
His words cut deep, each one a reminder of my failures.
“And what did you do with Victoria after learning the truth?” he continued, his voice dripping with contempt. “Sent her to
Shadowfall Detention Center for a mere 48 hours? After all her crimes?”
He stepped closer, his wolf challenging mine despite the risk.
“Crimes that include harming your daughter Lily and killing the beloved Matriarch Evelyn Stone,” he hissed. “If you truly feel
guilty, go find evidence and avenge Lily. Until you do, you don’t deserve to stand before them.”
Olivia’s resolve visibly hardened at James’s words. I could see it in her eyes—her wolf had given up hoping for anything from me.
“Ethan?”
The soft voice came from inside the ward. Evelyn Winters was calling for me.
Olivia’s eyes widened in surprise, then narrowed with suspicion. “Mom, you don’t have to see him.”
“It’s alright, Liv,” Evelyn called again, her voice weak but determined. “Let him in.”
James reluctantly stepped aside, his warning glare making it clear this was a temporary truce.
Inside the private room, Evelyn Winters looked frail against the white hospital sheets. Her face was pale, but her eyes were alert
and focused as I approached.
I knelt beside her bed, placing the basket of venison on the side table. My wolf whined softly, ears flattened in submission.
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“Orange Mama,” I whispered, the childhood name slipping out before I could stop it. “I’m sorry. I failed you and Little Orange.
Can you give me another chance to care for you and Liv?”
My remorse was genuine, my apology heartfelt. But Evelyn’s expression remained guarded, her aged wolf assessing me with wisdom born from years of suffering.
“I remember when you were a boy,” she said softly. “Before Victoria appeared. You were kind, protective. You would have done
anything for Olivia.”
Her eyes clouded with memories.
“Things might have been different if Victoria hadn’t deceived you,” she acknowledged. “But Lily is dead, Ethan. The damage is
irreparable.”
She studied my face, searching for something.
“What did you do with Victoria?” she asked suddenly. “After learning the truth?”
I hesitated, knowing my answer would disappoint her.
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