The Alpha’s Eternal Mate

Lyra stood outside Ethan's office, her fingers clenched tightly around the flash drive in her pocket. Her heart pounded against her ribs, a relentless reminder of the risk she was about to take. She had the evidence—the proof of betrayal—but bringing it to Ethan meant stepping even deeper into the dangerous game she was playing.

Taking a deep breath, she knocked once before pushing the door open.

Ethan stood by the window, his tall frame bathed in the glow of the city lights. He didn't turn as she entered, but she knew he was aware of every move she made.

"You're persistent," he said, his voice cold but laced with something else—something darker.

Lyra stepped forward, placing the flash drive on his desk. "I have proof."

Ethan finally turned, his dark eyes scanning her with a slow, deliberate intensity. He picked up the drive, rolling it between his fingers before meeting her gaze. "Proof of what?"

She swallowed, keeping her voice steady. "Vivian is involved in the money transfers. I found surveillance footage of her in the underground parking lot, meeting with an unknown man."

Ethan's expression didn't change, but she could sense the tension radiating off him. He inserted the drive into his computer, the screen lighting up with the footage she had copied. Lyra held her breath as he watched, his jaw tightening with each passing second.

When the video ended, Ethan leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers together. "You're thorough."

Lyra shifted uncomfortably under his gaze. "I told you I'm not like the others."

A muscle ticked in his jaw. "No, you're not."

Silence stretched between them, thick and suffocating. Lyra's mind raced, trying to anticipate his next move. Would he confront Vivian? Use her as a pawn? Or was he already ten steps ahead?

Finally, Ethan spoke. "I'll handle it."

Lyra frowned. "That's it?"

Ethan's gaze darkened, and for a brief moment, she caught a glimpse of the man he used to be—the man who once would have burned the world for her. "You've done your part. Now stay out of it."

Lyra bristled. "I didn't come here to sit on the sidelines."

Ethan stood abruptly, his presence overwhelming. He towered over her, his voice dropping to a low, dangerous whisper. "You came here because they sent you. Don't forget your place, Lyra."

Her breath hitched at the way he said her name, as if testing its weight on his tongue. She lifted her chin defiantly. "I make my own place."

Ethan's lips curled into something that wasn't quite a smile. "Careful. You might not like where you end up."

Lyra held his gaze for a moment longer before turning on her heels and walking out, her heart hammering in her chest.

Midnight Crest Tower – Training Room

The rhythmic sound of fists slamming into a punching bag echoed through the empty training facility. Lyra focused on each strike, letting the physical exertion drown out the chaos in her mind. Sweat trickled down her brow, her muscles burning with exertion, but she didn't stop. She couldn't afford to.

The memory of Ethan's warning lingered, but it only fueled her determination.

She wasn't here to be pushed aside. She was here to reclaim what was once hers.

"Impressive."

Lyra spun around, her breathing ragged as Logan stepped into the room, his arms crossed over his chest.

"You always lurking in doorways?" she asked, wiping the sweat from her brow.

Logan smirked. "Only when I'm curious." He stepped closer, his eyes assessing her. "You fight like someone with something to prove."

Lyra shrugged, unwrapping her hands. "Maybe I do."

Logan watched her for a long moment before nodding. "Ethan's keeping you on a short leash."

She scoffed. "He thinks he is."

A low chuckle rumbled from Logan's chest. "You're playing a dangerous game, Lyra."

"I don't play games," she said firmly.

Logan's smirk faded, and his expression turned serious. "Then maybe you should start."

Lyra narrowed her eyes. "What's that supposed to mean?"

He stepped closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "If you want to survive in Ethan's world, you have to be smarter than him."

Lyra met his gaze, her resolve hardening. "I don't just want to survive."

Logan's lips twitched in amusement, but his eyes held a warning. "Then don't get caught."

Midnight Crest Tower – Ethan's Private Quarters

Later that night, Lyra found herself standing outside Ethan's private quarters, her heart pounding in her chest. She hadn't seen him since their confrontation earlier, but something inside her pulled her here.

She knocked lightly, half-expecting no answer.

But the door opened.

Ethan stood there, shirtless, his toned body illuminated by the dim lighting inside. His hair was damp, and for a brief second, Lyra was transported back to a time when they shared moments like this—when his touch was gentle, his eyes filled with something other than suspicion.

He said nothing, simply stepping aside to let her in.

Lyra hesitated for a moment before crossing the threshold.

The room was nothing like she had imagined. It was sparse, devoid of any personal touches—just like the rest of Midnight Crest Tower. She turned to face him, feeling the tension between them thicken.

"You shouldn't be here," he said, his voice low.

Lyra swallowed hard. "Maybe I should."

Ethan's dark eyes searched hers, and for the first time, she saw a crack in his carefully built walls. "What do you want, Lyra?"

She took a step closer, her voice barely above a whisper. "The truth."

Ethan's jaw clenched, and for a moment, she thought he might push her away. But then, he reached out, his fingers grazing her wrist, sending a jolt of heat through her veins.

"The truth," he murmured, his voice like a dangerous caress. "Is that I don't trust you."

Lyra swallowed past the lump in her throat. "Then why did you let me in?"

Ethan's lips parted slightly, his gaze flickering to her lips before snapping back to her eyes. "Because I can't seem to stay away."

Her heart hammered against her ribs as she whispered, "Neither can I."

A charged silence stretched between them, and for a fleeting second, Lyra thought he might close the distance between them. But instead, Ethan pulled away, stepping back into the shadows.

"Get out," he said, his voice raw.

Lyra's breath hitched, but she nodded, turning on her heels and leaving the room without another word.

As she walked down the empty corridor, her chest ached with the weight of everything unsaid.

She was in deeper than she had ever planned to be.

And she wasn't sure if she could survive it.