The Alpha’s Eternal Mate

The streets outside Midnight Crest Tower pulsed with life, but inside, the atmosphere was thick with tension. Lyra moved through the corridors with careful, measured steps, her heart pounding beneath the calm façade she wore like armor.

She needed answers.

The message on her phone had been a clear threat—one she couldn't ignore. Someone within Ethan's inner circle was watching her, and if she didn't act fast, they'd strike before she was ready.

Slipping into the dimly lit archives on the lower floors of the building, she scanned the rows of neatly labeled files, searching for something—anything—that would give her a lead.

Footsteps echoed behind her, making her heart leap into her throat.

She turned sharply, only to find Logan leaning casually against the doorway, arms crossed over his broad chest. "Working late again?"

Lyra exhaled, regaining her composure. "I didn't realize I needed a curfew."

Logan smirked, stepping inside. "When you're in Ethan's territory, everything you do is under scrutiny."

Lyra ignored him, focusing on the file in her hands. Logan watched her closely, his blue eyes glinting with curiosity. "You know," he said, his tone shifting, "I've been around long enough to know when someone's hiding something."

Lyra stiffened but didn't look up. "Is that so?"

Logan took a slow step forward, closing the space between them. "And you, Lyra… You're one big question mark."

She forced a small smile, slipping the file back onto the shelf. "Mystery keeps things interesting."

Logan's gaze didn't waver. "It also gets people killed."

A tense silence hung between them before Logan finally stepped back, his smirk returning. "Don't stay down here too long. You might not like what you find."

Lyra watched as he disappeared into the hallway, leaving her alone with the weight of his words. She exhaled slowly and turned back to the files.

She had to be careful.

The Next Morning – Ethan's Office

Lyra stood in front of Ethan's desk, watching him skim through the latest report she had compiled. His expression was unreadable, but she could see the tension in his jaw, the subtle way his fingers tapped against the polished wood.

"You've been busy," he said without looking up.

Lyra shifted slightly. "You told me to find answers."

Ethan's eyes lifted, pinning her in place. "And yet, I get the feeling you're still holding something back."

Lyra swallowed hard, forcing herself to meet his gaze. "I'm giving you what I find."

He leaned back in his chair, studying her. "Then why do I feel like you're lying?"

A knot tightened in her stomach, but she kept her voice steady. "I don't lie."

Ethan's lips curved into something that wasn't quite a smile. "Everyone lies."

Lyra held her ground, refusing to let him see the cracks forming beneath her cool exterior. "What do you want from me, Ethan?"

He stood abruptly, rounding the desk until he was inches from her. The heat of his presence sent shivers down her spine, but she stood firm.

"I want the truth," he said, his voice dangerously soft. "Who are you, Lyra? Really."

Her heart pounded, but she didn't flinch. "You already know the answer to that."

Ethan's jaw clenched, frustration flickering in his dark eyes. For a moment, it felt like he might push further, demand more. But instead, he exhaled sharply and stepped back.

"Find out who's behind the theft," he said, his tone cold once more. "Before I lose my patience."

Lyra nodded, turning on her heels and leaving the office.

The truth was closing in, and she didn't know how much longer she could keep it at bay.

Midnight Crest Tower – Underground Parking Lot

Lyra leaned against one of the black SUVs parked in the dimly lit lot, scrolling through the encrypted files she had managed to access earlier.

The stolen funds were only the tip of the iceberg. There were deeper secrets hidden within Ethan's empire—secrets someone didn't want her to uncover.

A sudden movement caught her attention. She looked up, just in time to see a shadow slip behind one of the concrete pillars.

Her heart leapt into her throat.

"Who's there?" she called, stepping forward cautiously.

Silence.

Lyra's instincts screamed at her to run, but she stood her ground, her fingers curling into fists at her sides.

A low chuckle echoed through the lot, and a man stepped into the dim light. Tall, lean, with a predatory smirk that sent chills down her spine.

"You shouldn't be snooping, sweetheart," he drawled, his voice laced with danger.

Lyra forced herself to stay calm. "I don't know what you're talking about."

The man took a step closer, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Oh, I think you do."

Lyra braced herself, ready to fight if she had to. "What do you want?"

He tilted his head, as if considering her. "A warning. Stop digging. Walk away while you still can."

Lyra lifted her chin defiantly. "And if I don't?"

His smirk widened. "Then you won't live long enough to regret it."

Before she could react, he disappeared into the shadows, leaving her heart pounding in her chest.

She stood there for a long moment, trying to steady her breathing.

Ethan needed to know about this.

Even if it meant exposing herself more than she was ready for.