The Alpha’s Eternal Mate

Lyra sat in the infirmary beside her mother's bed, her hands trembling as she held onto the frail fingers wrapped around hers. The woman who had once been the strongest figure in her life now looked so fragile, so vulnerable. The weight of it settled heavily in her chest.

"They want Ethan," her mother's voice rasped, barely more than a whisper. Her pale eyes, though tired, still held that fierce maternal instinct that Lyra had always admired. "They know his strength, Lyra. They'll break him if they get the chance."

Lyra's heart pounded in her chest. "I won't let that happen."

Her mother squeezed her hand weakly. "You need to be stronger than before. The Blood Pact doesn't just want you for your power anymore. They want to control the both of you."

Lyra swallowed hard, pushing down the wave of fear rising inside her. She knew the Blood Pact was ruthless, but the thought of them coming after Ethan, of using him against her, sent ice through her veins.

The door creaked open, and Ethan stepped inside, his dark eyes scanning the room before locking onto Lyra's. He approached silently, his presence filling the space with an air of command and unwavering strength.

"How is she?" he asked quietly, his gaze flickering to the woman lying in the bed.

Lyra sighed, exhaustion evident in her voice. "She's holding on."

Ethan crouched beside her, resting a hand gently on her back. "We need to talk."

Lyra glanced at her mother, who nodded weakly. "Go," she whispered. "I'll be here."

Reluctantly, Lyra followed Ethan out of the infirmary, her legs feeling heavy as if carrying the weight of her newfound knowledge.

Midnight Crest Tower – War Room

The air inside the war room crackled with tension. Logan leaned against the far wall, arms crossed tightly over his chest, while Amelia sat at the table, typing furiously on her laptop. The entire team was on edge, the looming threat of the Blood Pact hanging over them like a dark cloud.

Ethan stood at the head of the table, his expression hardened with determination. "Lyra's mother confirmed what Damien hinted at. They're not just after her anymore. They want me."

Logan let out a low whistle. "Guess you've pissed off the wrong people."

Ethan's lips twitched slightly, but his eyes remained cold. "We're a threat to them together. Alone, we're vulnerable."

Lyra's eyes met Ethan's. "So what do we do?"

Amelia turned the screen around to face them. "I've been tracking their movements since our escape from the fortress. They're mobilizing, gathering more forces. It's only a matter of time before they make their next move."

Logan pushed off the wall. "We hit them first."

Ethan nodded. "Agreed. But we need a plan. Something they won't expect."

Lyra's mind raced, her pulse quickening. "They expect me to run or hide. But what if I don't?"

Logan frowned. "You're suggesting what? Walking straight into their trap?"

Lyra squared her shoulders. "No. I suggest we turn their trap against them. Let them think they have the upper hand—then we take it away."

Ethan's brow furrowed. "It's risky."

Lyra met his gaze with unwavering determination. "Everything about this has been risky. We can't sit back and wait for them to come knocking."

Ethan studied her for a long moment before nodding. "Fine. But we do this on our terms."

Lyra smirked slightly. "Wouldn't have it any other way."

Later That Night – Ethan's Suite

The room was quiet, save for the sound of rain tapping against the windows. Lyra stood by the fireplace, staring into the flickering flames, lost in thought.

Ethan watched her from across the room, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. "You're thinking too much again."

She turned to face him, a tired smile tugging at her lips. "It's hard not to."

Ethan pushed off the wall and crossed the distance between them, stopping just inches away. "You don't have to carry this alone."

Lyra sighed, resting her forehead against his chest. "I know."

Ethan wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. "We'll get through this. Together."

Lyra closed her eyes, savoring the warmth of his embrace. For a moment, the weight of everything disappeared, and she allowed herself to believe that they could come out of this whole.

But deep down, she knew the fight was far from over.

Ethan's voice was a whisper against her ear. "I won't let them take you."

Lyra pulled back slightly, meeting his gaze. "And I won't let them take you."

Ethan's lips curled into a soft smile before he leaned in, capturing her lips in a slow, lingering kiss. The world outside faded, and for that brief moment, all that mattered was them.

When they finally pulled apart, Ethan pressed his forehead against hers. "Get some rest. We have a long fight ahead of us."

Lyra nodded, stepping back and allowing herself one last look at him before heading toward the bedroom.

As she lay down, staring at the ceiling, she whispered to herself. "I won't lose him."

And with that thought, she drifted into uneasy sleep, knowing that tomorrow would bring them one step closer to the final confrontation.