8. ETHAN

Some might see me as the rebellious son, the one who marches to the beat of his own drum. But beneath that fa?ade was a deep-seated understanding of the responsibilities that came with being the Alpha"s heir.

It wasn"t just about power or authority, it was about guiding and protecting those under my care, even if it meant making tough decisions and facing the consequences.

As I mulled over my next steps, I reflected on my father"s legacy. He was still very much alive, a formidable leader revered by many for his wisdom and strength. And while I still had much to learn, I would honor his memory and uphold the values he'd instilled in me.

It was my day off, so I was lounging on my sofa, catching up on business emails, and scrolling through the latest news articles on my phone. The large screen TV in my living room served as the perfect companion, displaying the world"s happenings in vivid detail as I relaxed.

But right now, I needed to go out.

As I entered my closet, the scent of freshly polished leather mingled with the subtle hint of cedarwood greeted me. The closet was a sight to behold, with rows and rows of meticulously organized shoes lining the walls. From sleek leather loafers to rugged boots, each pair showed my penchant for quality craftsmanship.

In the center of the room stood a large mahogany wardrobe, its doors adorned with intricate carvings. Inside, an array of power suits hung neatly on sturdy wooden hangers, mostly in shades of charcoal and navy, ready to convey authority and command respect.

Adjacent to the suits were rows of crisp dress shirts, neatly folded and arranged by color, with a selection of silk ties in various patterns and shades adding a touch of sophistication. At the far end of the closet was a full-length mirror that offered a final appraisal before I stepped out into the world.

As I was selecting the perfect ensemble for the outing, my phone buzzed with an incoming call from Robert. With a sigh, I answered, knowing that my plans for the day were about to change.

"Hey, Rob," I greeted him, trying to sound upbeat despite the interruption. "What"s up?"

"Hey, Ethan," came Robert"s voice through the line. "I know we had plans to meet up later, but I was wondering if I could swing by your place instead. There"s a document I need to go over with you, and it"s kind of urgent."

I hesitated, glancing around my closet at the neatly arranged suits and shoes. "Yeah, sure, Rob. No problem. I"ll be here."

"Awesome, thanks, man. See you soon," Robert replied before ending the call.

With a resigned sigh, I finished dressing and headed downstairs to find Denny, before he got too far in preparing for dinner.

"Denny, change of plans," I said, catching his attention as he bustled about the kitchen. "Robert"s coming over, so you"ll need to make plans for him as well."

Denny nodded, his expression calm and collected as always. "Of course, sir. Shall I prepare the usual menu?"

I shook my head, considering the implications of having Robert over. "Actually, let"s make it a bit more special. How about we start with some hors d"oeuvres, followed by a main course of steak and roasted vegetables? And don"t forget the wine."

"Very well, sir. I"ll get started right away," Denny said with a slight bow before disappearing into the depths of the kitchen.

As I waited for Robert to arrive, I couldn"t help but think of Aria and how the light twinkled in her eyes when she looked out at the city. The night on the rooftop was never far from my mind. I played out hundreds of versions of that night, but I longed for just one more chance with her.

***

The brief meeting with Rob was exactly what the doctor ordered, with the exceptional food Denny had prepared and laughs I shared with Rob before we got down to business.

Rob brought out the numbers, which were promising, but the deal still hinged on Aria signing over the land and not allowing it to fall into anyone else's hands. I needed more information, so I went to the Aria encyclopedia, my sister.

Driving to my parents" house didn"t take long.

The house stood proudly, a grand structure that exuded elegance and comfort. If I had chosen to stay there, I"d still be living like a king. But sometimes, a man needed to strike out on his own.

As I stepped through the front door, the familiar scent of home wrapped me in a warm embrace. "Home sweet home," I murmured, a nostalgic smile tugging at my lips.

The living room was spacious and tastefully decorated. Soft cream-colored walls provided a neutral backdrop for the vibrant artwork on them.

The cool evening sun rays streamed in through the large windows, casting a golden glow over the room. Plush chairs and sofas were arranged in a cozy seating area, inviting relaxation and conversation.

My parents were already seated in the living room. We exchanged pleasantries, their faces lighting up with smiles.

"Hello, Ethan! It"s so good to see you," my mother exclaimed, rising from her seat to give me a warm hug.

"Dad, you"re looking well," I said, shaking his hand firmly.

"Good to have you back, son," my father replied proudly.

After catching up with my parents, I made my way upstairs to find Elinor. Nothing could have prepared me for what awaited me.

There, in the room, was Elinor, cradling a crying Aria in her arms. The sight tugged at something deep within me, and I could feel a lump form in my throat as I took in the scene.

I moved closer, drawn by the tears falling from her eyes. As I approached, a rush of emotions flooded over me that I had purposefully shut out.

"What the hell happened?" I demanded, my voice laced with concern.

Elinor glanced up, her expression fraught with worry. "It"s a long story, Ethan," she began, her voice trembling slightly. "Aria was attacked earlier today. Some thugs targeted her. The wolves connected to her father's death."

My heart sank. "Wolves? What do they want with Aria?" I asked.

"It seems they came to threaten the store." Her words echoed in my mind.

The hateful thought that my hired thugs were the cause of this attack began to plague my conscience.

No, it couldn"t be my fault. Jack was human, and he didn"t know any wolves.

Elinor sighed, her gaze flickering to Aria before meeting mine. "They identified her as the daughter of the slain Alpha," she explained. "It seems they see her as a threat or a bargaining chip to gain leverage over our pack."

I clenched my fists in anger, my protective instincts kicking into overdrive. "We can"t let them get away with this," I declared.

Before I could stop myself, I found my hand reaching out to gently wipe away Aria"s tears. I had an overwhelming urge to comfort her, ease her pain, and make everything okay.

At that moment, I vowed to put an end to Aria"s suffering. Starting with her business, I would do whatever it took to ensure her safety and happiness. It was time to step up and be the protector she needed.