Chapter 101
“Wouldn’t you?” I interrupted, turning my back on him as I moved to the door. “It’s clear to me now. You’re not here out of any concern for my well–being. Go home, Arman. You’re not welcome here.”
I didn’t need to look back to know he was fuming.
I could almost feel his frustration simmering in the air.
Memories stirred, remnants of a former life where I’d been blind to Arman’s intentions.
Back then, he’d been Ryan’s most vocal supporter, pushing for our marriage while Ethan resisted.
Every time Ethan expressed doubts about Ryan, Arman would swoop in, advocating on Ryan’s
behalf.
He’d practically insisted that I marry a penniless boy with no power and a head full of lofty ideals. Why? Because, in doing so, he would tie me down, ensuring I’d have no influence, no real power to threaten his ambitions for leadership.
Arman’s ambitions had always been well–hidden under layers of false loyalty and brotherly affection.
And back then, I’d believed him, thought he was the supportive sibling while Ethan was standing in the way of my happiness.
I’d been naive, foolish.
But not anymore.
Arman’s voice broke the silence, his tone laced with irritation.
“Sophia, you’re acting out of line. You’ve changed–become so…. unbelievable. This isn’t the Sophia I knew. Hand over the responsibilities of the pack, and stop pretending they’re yours to keep. Remember, you’re going to marry out of this pack eventually, and then nothing here will concern
you ”
His contempt sent a flash of anger through me, but before I could respond, a firm voice interrupted.
“Who says that?”
Ethan strode in, his mere presence filling the room with authority. He stood tall, shoulders squared,
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his gaze piercing as he looked directly at Arman.
The aura he carried was one of quiet power, a reminder of why he was Alpha.
“Moonshadow belongs to Sophia just as much as it does to me,” he declared. “Our parents fought for this pack, laid down their lives to keep it safe. Moonshadow is their legacy, and Sophia is every bit entitled to it as I am.”
“Brother!” I ran to Ethan, wrapping my arms around him, feeling a surge of relief. His presence was a comfort I hadn’t realized I needed. He placed a gentle hand on my head, looking down at me with a softness that contrasted with his earlier severity.
Arman’s face twisted in outrage.
“Alpha, you’re spoiling her too much! Can’t you see what she’s become? She’s changed–she doesn’t respect her elders anymore, doesn’t know her place!”
I stood beside Ethan, feeling the weight of his words sink in. “Sophia is my sister,” he repeated firmly, his gaze fixed on Arman with unyielding intensity.
“Who else would spoil her if not me? Besides, she’s just fine as she is now. In fact,” he added with a faint smile in my direction, “I like her better this way.”
Ethan’s tone shifted abruptly as he turned his full attention back to Arman, his voice turning sharp and unrelenting.
“But you, Arman, as her brother too–you’re supposed to support her, not undermine her. And yet, here you are, siding with outsiders, trying to make her life difficult. Don’t think I’ve forgotten about what you pulled at the celebration banquet.”
Arman’s face flushed with anger. His eyes flashed dangerously as he spat out, “Are you seriously taking her side over mine? I’m your comrade in arms, Ethan! Your brother, an a“set to this pack! I’ve fought beside you, worked to strengthen this pack, and this is the thanks I get?”
Ethan raised an eyebrow, unimpressed by Arman’s indignation.
“You’ve let your ambition get the better of you, Arman. You want more and more–yet you refuse to see what you already have.”
“Arman’s expression turned from anger to a cold glare as he crossed his arms. But Ethan wasn’t finished.
“You need to start treating Sophia with the respect she deserves,” he said, his voice like ice. “And yes, be perfectly fine with her becoming Alpha, if that’s what she wanted. I’d even serve as her Beta if
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Chapter 101
that’s what it took.”
that’s what it took.”
