14. Ethan

14

ETHAN

A s I burst into the office, my heart pounding in my chest, a scene of chaos unfolds before my eyes. The air crackles with tension as a massive wolf lunges toward Grace, its snarls filling the room. Without a moment's hesitation, my shifter instincts kick in, propelling me into action.

In the blink of an eye, my transformation is complete, my human form replaced by that of a wolf. I launch myself at the menacing creature, colliding with an earth-shattering force. The impact sends us crashing into the office furniture, chaos reigning around us.

My blood surges through my veins, fueling my every move as I engage in a fierce battle with Adam. We exchange slashes and bites, each of us fighting tooth and claw for dominance. The scent of blood hangs heavy in the air, mingling with the sound of growls and snarls.

As the fight reaches its climax, I find myself with Adam's throat held tightly in my jaws. Victory seems within my grasp, vengeance coursing through my very being. But then, through the haze of my feral rage, I hear Grace's desperate plea.

Her voice, laced with pain and weariness, reaches deep within me, piercing through the darkness. I pause, my grip on Adam's throat loosening ever so slightly.

Every part of me wants to destroy him for hurting my mate. My natural instinct is destruction. Still, Grace's words pierce the haze of aggression in my mind, reminding me of the true purpose behind this relentless battle. She doesn't want more bloodshed. She just wants it all to end.

With a final act of restraint, I release Adam, my eyes locked onto his defeated form. "Get out of Pilham while you still can," I growl, my voice dripping with a mixture of warning and bitter resolve. "And this time, if I hear even a whisper of possible shifter attacks, I will hunt you down and finish the job. I have something you don't, Adam. I have a pack. And they will come for you."

Bleeding and defeated, Adam slinks away, his tail tucked between his legs. The room falls into a heavy silence as I slowly turn toward Grace. She rushes into my arms, her touch bringing me solace amidst the chaos. I check to ensure she's unharmed before she apologizes, her voice filled with remorse for ever doubting me.

She looks into my eyes, her gaze filled with love and acceptance. "I love you, Ethan," she whispers, her voice a gentle caress. "No matter what you are, no matter what you become."

Within the circle of Grace's arms, I shift back into my human form. She nestles herself deeper against me, her body trembling with relief and adoration. I hold her tightly, needing her warmth and presence to ground me.

Checking her over, I ensure that she's safe, my fingertips lingering on her skin as if to confirm that she's real, that we've emerged from this battle together. She apologizes again for doubting me, but I brush it aside, understanding the fear and uncertainty that had clouded her judgment.

What matters now is that we've come out the other side stronger, and her love and acceptance mean more to me than anything. She is mine, and I need her to know it.

"Grace, I'm turning feral," I admit. "Only you can save me. I will always have moments when my wolf side makes itself felt. Can you accept that? And if you can, will you be my mate? Because I love you, too."

Her eyes shine with unwavering devotion as she nods, a smile gracing her lips. "Yes, Ethan. I accept you, feral side and all. I want to be your mate," she declares, her voice filled with a resolute certainty.

"I love you, Grace," I whisper. "Thank you for accepting me, even the feral parts. I promise to do everything in my power to control it, to protect you."

She smiles, her eyes shimmering with unwavering devotion. "Ethan, you don't have to face this alone," she reassures me, her voice brimming with determination. "We'll face it together, just as destiny has intended.

Leaning in, our lips meet in a passionate kiss, flames of love and desire dancing between us. It's a moment of connection, of affirmation, as if our souls are intertwining, fusing together against the tumultuous backdrop of our lives.

I pull Grace into a passionate embrace, our lips meeting in a fervent kiss that speaks volumes of our love and commitment. She belongs to me, forever and ever.

As we lock our fingers together, our destinies intertwine. I know that together, we can face whatever challenges lie ahead. The path may be uncertain, but with Grace by my side, I am ready to embrace the wild, untamed future that awaits us.

I will move heaven and earth to protect my beloved mate. If Adam ever resurfaces, I will be there, with my pack by my side, ready to put an end to his reign of terror.

And the next time, I will destroy him.

Six months after that fateful fight, Grace and I are sitting on the porch swing of our new home, just enjoying the end of the day.

The back of my neck rests against the top of the upholstery, feeling the breeze against my skin. I inhale the floral scent of Grace's hair, the strands tickling my nose in the process. She's nestled against my side, her feet tucked beneath her as I use the toe of my foot to move the swing.

My feral mood swings have been tamed, and I'm better able to control them now. Grace's acceptance of my shifter identity, and her love despite the challenges of being my mate has soothed the savage side of me even better than I could have hoped.

A week after Adam left town, the Pilham Herald published her article on Adam Straker and his life of crime. Grace still published her article – but with a twist.

She did not reveal the existence of shifters. In fact, she made no mention of otherworldly beings at all. Instead, working with the police, she investigated and managed to prove that Adam had been a serial killer. Responsible for almost a dozen deaths spanning decades, she was able to connect his presence at the locations of various murders. The police and the DA couldn't help but be swayed by her persuasive argument.

Don, their boss, was livid at the chaos Adam left behind. He owes the Herald thousands of dollars in damages. So now, the police, our pack and the Herald are all on the lookout for him.

I lean down to give Grace a kiss on the head. She reciprocates by turning her head to give me a peck on the lips. Her palm is warm against my cheek.

At this moment, I can't help but feel grateful for her presence in my life. Never in my wildest dreams could I have anticipated finding myself in this place, with this woman half a year ago.

The pack has now fully accepted Grace as my mate. Her article has proven her loyalty, and has helped uphold her vow to keep the secrecy of our existence.

Grace has made her peace with Becky's death. A few months after her article came out, she finally found Becky's parents and sent them a copy. We visited them just last month.

Grace turns her body fully to give me another deep, soul-searing kiss. She wraps her arms behind my neck to hold me close.

In that embrace, I find solace and strength. With Grace, my mate, beside me, I'm no longer just a lone wolf braving the storm. I'm finally complete.

The End