The Alpha’s Eternal Mate

Lyra lay awake in her bed, staring at the ceiling as the events of the night replayed in her mind like a haunting melody. Ethan's words echoed through her thoughts, intertwining with the unspoken tension that hung between them.

"I don't trust you."

Those four words felt heavier than she anticipated, but what unsettled her more was the admission that followed.

"Because I can't seem to stay away."

She squeezed her eyes shut, frustration coiling deep within her chest. This wasn't supposed to happen. She had come back to protect him, to uncover the threats lurking within his pack—not to get caught in the gravitational pull of their past.

But no matter how much she tried to remind herself of her mission, Ethan's presence always left her breathless, unraveling every carefully constructed wall she had built over the centuries.

With a deep sigh, Lyra rolled onto her side, determined to get at least a few hours of sleep before facing the next day.

But sleep never came.

The Next Morning – Midnight Crest Tower

Lyra stood in the elevator, watching the numbers climb as she prepared herself for another encounter with Ethan. The air inside felt suffocating, each second dragging longer than it should. She adjusted the lapels of her blazer, masking the nervous energy thrumming beneath her skin.

The elevator dinged, and as the doors slid open, she stepped out with a confidence she didn't quite feel.

Ethan was already in his office, leaning over his desk as he reviewed reports, his eyes sharp and calculating. He didn't acknowledge her immediately, which gave her a chance to study him—the way his jaw tightened, the faint furrow in his brow. He was troubled, though he'd never admit it.

Finally, he looked up.

"You're early," he said, his tone impassive.

"I didn't sleep much," Lyra replied, approaching the desk and placing a fresh stack of reports in front of him.

Ethan's gaze lingered on her for a moment longer than necessary, his eyes searching hers as if trying to find something hidden beneath the surface. "Still thinking about last night?"

Lyra didn't flinch. "I'm thinking about Vivian."

His jaw ticked, and he leaned back in his chair. "She's being dealt with."

Lyra frowned. "And by 'dealt with,' you mean?"

Ethan's dark eyes held an edge of finality. "It's not your concern."

Frustration bubbled beneath Lyra's calm exterior. "It is my concern. I found the proof, Ethan. I should at least know what's going to happen."

Ethan's lips curled into a half-smirk, but there was no amusement in it. "You think you have a right to demand answers?"

Lyra crossed her arms. "I think I deserve them."

He stood abruptly, his towering presence instantly suffocating. "Deserve?" He stepped closer, his gaze locking onto hers. "You don't deserve anything, Lyra. You're here because I allow it."

Lyra's chest tightened, but she refused to look away. "I'm here because I want to be."

A long silence stretched between them, the tension crackling like a live wire. Ethan's eyes darkened, his expression unreadable. "Then stop testing me."

Lyra swallowed hard, feeling the invisible weight pressing down on her. "I'm not testing you."

Ethan tilted his head, a shadow of something dangerous flickering in his gaze. "Aren't you?"

Before she could respond, the intercom on his desk buzzed. He pressed a button without breaking eye contact.

"Yes."

"Alpha, Vivian is here," came Amelia's voice.

Ethan's gaze didn't waver. "Send her in."

Lyra stiffened. This was it. The confrontation she had been waiting for.

The door swung open, and Vivian walked in with the same arrogance she always carried, her blonde hair swept into an elegant bun, her sharp blue eyes scanning the room with calculating precision.

Lyra expected her to falter under Ethan's intense gaze, but Vivian merely offered a tight-lipped smile. "Alpha," she greeted smoothly. "You called for me."

Ethan said nothing at first, simply watching her with an eerie stillness that made Lyra's skin crawl. Then, finally, he gestured to the seat across from him. "Sit."

Vivian complied, but Lyra didn't miss the slight hesitation in her movements.

"I'm sure you know why you're here," Ethan said, his voice deceptively calm.

Vivian's smile didn't waver. "I can't say I do."

Ethan opened the file in front of him—the one containing the damning evidence Lyra had found. He slid it across the desk toward Vivian, watching her reaction closely.

For the briefest of moments, Lyra saw it—the flicker of fear in Vivian's eyes. But it was gone just as quickly, replaced by well-practiced indifference.

"I see you've been busy," Vivian murmured, flipping through the pages with feigned curiosity. "I assume you think I had something to do with this."

Ethan's voice was ice. "I don't think. I know."

Vivian leaned back in her chair, her smile growing wider. "And what exactly do you plan to do about it?"

Lyra's fists clenched at the sheer audacity in Vivian's tone, but Ethan remained as composed as ever.

"That depends," Ethan said smoothly. "Tell me, Vivian—was it worth it?"

Vivian's expression hardened, but she remained silent.

Ethan leaned forward, his voice lowering to a dangerous whisper. "Because if it wasn't, you're about to find out what betrayal costs."

The silence in the room was deafening.

Vivian's lips parted slightly, as if she were about to speak, but before she could, Ethan turned to Lyra. "Leave us."

Lyra's eyes widened. "But—"

"Now," Ethan cut in sharply, his gaze never leaving Vivian's.

Lyra hesitated, wanting to protest, but she knew better. Nodding stiffly, she turned and walked out of the office, feeling Ethan's presence lingering behind her like a dark cloud.

Once outside, she exhaled a shaky breath, leaning against the wall.

She had done her part.

But something about Vivian's expression unsettled her.

This wasn't over. Not by a long shot.

Midnight Crest Tower – Lyra's Suite

Later that night, Lyra sat on the edge of her bed, staring at the city skyline through the window. The confrontation with Vivian had left her shaken in ways she didn't expect.

She had always known Ethan to be ruthless, but seeing him in action reminded her just how much he had changed. The man she had once loved, the man who had held her close beneath the stars, was now a shadow of his former self.

A knock at the door made her jump.

She opened it to find Ethan standing there, his expression unreadable.

"Can I come in?" he asked quietly.

Lyra swallowed hard and stepped aside, letting him enter. He walked to the window, staring out at the city in silence before finally speaking.

"You did well today," he said.

Lyra blinked. "I wasn't expecting a compliment."

Ethan's lips twitched, but his eyes remained distant. "You should expect the unexpected."

Silence stretched between them, thick with things unsaid.

Finally, Lyra spoke. "Did you... handle Vivian?"

Ethan's gaze darkened. "She won't be a problem anymore."

Lyra nodded, unsure if she should feel relieved or horrified.

Ethan turned to face her, stepping closer until there was barely any space between them. "You keep surprising me," he murmured, his voice softer than usual.

Lyra's breath hitched. "I'm full of surprises."

His eyes lingered on her lips, and for a moment, she thought he might close the distance between them. But instead, he reached up, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Be careful, Lyra," he whispered. "Because the next time you surprise me… it might not end well."

And just like that, he was gone.

Lyra stood frozen in place, her heart pounding.

She was playing with fire.

And she wasn't sure if she'd make it out unscathed.