The Alpha’s Eternal Mate

The rooftop encounter left a bitter taste in Lyra's mouth. As she and Ethan descended the stairs in tense silence, the stranger's words echoed in her mind.

"They're coming for her. And when they do... you won't be able to stop them."

Who were they? And how much did they really know?

Ethan's jaw was clenched tight, his entire body vibrating with restrained fury. Lyra could feel it radiating off him in waves, a silent storm waiting to break.

By the time they reached the lower floors of Midnight Crest Tower, Lyra had had enough of the silence.

"Ethan," she said softly, reaching out to touch his arm.

He flinched away, spinning to face her with dark, burning eyes. "Not here."

She bit the inside of her cheek, nodding in understanding. Whatever was going through his mind, it was too dangerous to discuss in the open.

Once they reached his private quarters, Ethan locked the door behind them, turning to her with an intensity that made her pulse quicken.

"They knew," he growled, pacing the length of the room. "They knew who you were."

Lyra crossed her arms, keeping her voice even. "I've always known this wouldn't stay a secret forever."

Ethan stopped mid-stride, his gaze snapping to hers. "Don't act like you expected this."

"I did," she said, lifting her chin defiantly. "I knew the moment I stepped foot back into your world that the past would catch up to me."

His hands curled into fists at his sides. "And yet, you didn't tell me."

Lyra took a step forward, her voice softer now. "Because I didn't want to put you in more danger."

Ethan's eyes narrowed, his frustration bleeding through his composed exterior. "That's not your call to make."

She sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I know. But I thought... I thought I could handle it."

Ethan's lips curled into a bitter smile. "You think you can fight an enemy you don't even understand?"

Lyra met his gaze head-on. "I'm not the same girl you knew, Ethan. I'm stronger now."

His expression darkened, and in a few swift steps, he was in front of her, his towering presence overwhelming. "I don't care how strong you think you are," he murmured, his breath warm against her skin. "You're still mine to protect."

Her heart stumbled, a mixture of longing and frustration battling within her. "I can protect myself," she whispered.

Ethan's fingers brushed against her jaw, tilting her face up to meet his gaze. "Not from them."

The heat between them was suffocating, the tension pulling taut like a string ready to snap.

Before Lyra could say anything, Ethan stepped back, breaking the moment. "From now on, you stay close. No more sneaking off, no more solo missions."

Lyra bristled. "You can't keep me locked up, Ethan."

His gaze was ice. "Watch me."

She wanted to argue, but deep down, she knew he was right. Whoever was after her wasn't going to stop until they had her.

And Ethan wouldn't let that happen.

Midnight Crest Tower – War Room

The war room was buzzing with quiet urgency. Logan stood at the table, poring over security feeds while Amelia coordinated intel with the team. Ethan entered with Lyra close behind, the air around them thick with tension.

"What do we have?" Ethan asked, his tone sharp.

Logan glanced up, his gaze flickering briefly to Lyra before returning to the screens. "We traced the stranger's movements from the gala. He wasn't alone."

Lyra leaned in, studying the footage. Three figures followed him into the building, all masked, all moving with purpose.

"Any IDs?" Ethan asked.

Amelia shook her head. "They covered their tracks well. No facial recognition hits."

Ethan cursed under his breath, his hands braced against the table. "They're getting bolder."

Lyra chewed on her lip, her mind racing. "They know too much about me. Which means they're close—closer than we think."

Logan nodded. "We need to be ready for anything."

Ethan's eyes darkened. "We are."

Lyra glanced at him, feeling the weight of his words settle in the air. This wasn't just about uncovering a threat anymore. It was about survival.

Later That Night – Lyra's Suite

Lyra sat on the edge of her bed, staring at the city lights flickering beyond the window. The world outside seemed oblivious to the storm brewing inside her mind.

A soft knock at the door broke her reverie.

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

"Can I come in?" he asked quietly.

Lyra nodded, stepping aside. He entered the room, his gaze flicking over her like he was searching for something—reassurance, maybe.

"You should get some rest," he said.

Lyra sighed, leaning against the dresser. "Rest won't change anything."

Ethan studied her for a long moment. "No, it won't."

She looked up at him, something vulnerable slipping through the cracks. "I'm scared, Ethan."

He stepped closer, his hand lifting to cup her face gently. "I know."

Lyra closed her eyes for a brief moment, savoring the warmth of his touch, the familiarity that had once felt like home.

When she opened them, she saw the same old Ethan—the protector, the Alpha, the man she had loved fiercely.

"I won't let them take you," he murmured.

Lyra's lips curled into a sad smile. "You can't promise that."

Ethan's thumb brushed against her cheek. "I can. And I will."

Before she could respond, he leaned down, his lips hovering just inches from hers. The air between them was thick with longing, the kind that felt like a slow burn, inevitable and consuming.

But before he could close the distance, a loud knock shattered the moment.

Ethan cursed, stepping back as Lyra exhaled shakily.

Logan's voice came through the door. "We've got a problem."

Ethan opened the door, his expression hardening. "What?"

Logan's face was grim. "There's been a breach. Someone's inside the building."

Lyra's blood ran cold.

Ethan didn't hesitate. "Get her to the safe room. Now."

Lyra grabbed his arm. "I'm not running."

Ethan's eyes burned with frustration. "Lyra—"

"I'm not running," she repeated, her voice steel.

Ethan exhaled sharply, nodding. "Then stay close."

Lyra nodded, her heart pounding as she followed him into the hallway.

The hunt had begun.

And this time, she wasn't just a target.

She was ready to fight.