Chapter 10
1214 Words
His deep, soulful eyes met mine, a playful smirk dancing across his face.
"Hey, gorgeous, hop on. Let's go for a ride."
Ethan Walker.
The name alone brought a rush of memories.
He was more than just a friend—he was my savior, my rock.
Back when we were kids at the orphanage, he'd saved me from a nightmare.
I was eight when the director tried to sell me to a sick predator.
Ethan didn't hesitate.
He charged in, fearless, and knocked that creep out cold.
Then, he whisked me away to safety.
To protect me, he risked everything, drawing our pursuers away while hiding me.
When I saw him again, brought back to the orphanage by Eleanor, he was battered and bleeding, but he never once gave up my hiding spot.
"Ethan, feeling extra cool today, huh?" I rolled my eyes, feigning nonchalance.
"Olivia, watch your words. I don't just feel cool—I'm drop-dead gorgeous!"
He flipped his bangs in a dramatic flourish.
I didn't respond, just crooked my finger at him.
When he leaned down, I grabbed the back of his head and turned his face toward the bike's mirror.
"Yeah, real drop-dead," I said flatly, eyeing his helmet-mussed hair that stuck out in every direction, like a bird's nest.
"s**t!" Ethan's curse echoed as he caught sight of his disheveled appearance.
His attempt at being suave crumbled in an instant. He slapped the helmet back on, muttering about ruining his image.
Despite everything, a small smile tugged at my lips.
It was comforting, this familiar banter with Ethan.
"Get on," he grumbled, reaching for a helmet for me.
But his hand froze mid-air.
Under the pink adult helmet, there sat a smaller one—a tiny, pink helmet for a pup.
My chest tightened as I watched his expression change.
His nose reddened, and his eyes grew glassy.
I knew exactly what he was thinking.
It was the birthday gift he'd planned for Ellie.
He'd been swamped with training and missed her special day.
Instead of giving up, he'd had the helmet custom-made, hoping to take her on a ride once she recovered from surgery. But that day never came.
"Ellie would've loved this gift," I said softly, placing a hand on his shoulder.
Grief was a familiar shadow, but I couldn't let it consume me.
I remembered my little girl's second birthday, when she'd looked up at me with those wise eyes and wished for my happiness. She wouldn't want me to drown in sorrow.
Ethan took a shaky breath and handed me the helmet.
As I was about to put it on, he muttered, "Damn dogs."
I paused, following his gaze across the street.
Alpha Sean's car was parked outside the hospital.
Through the window, I saw him leaning in, his lips meeting Claire's. A pang shot through me.
Ethan saw Alpha Sean and Claire too, and I could feel the rage radiating off him like heat from a bonfire.
“That bastard Alpha Sean—Ellie’s not even been gone a week, and he’s cozying up with that snake Claire? Screw it, I’m gonna knock his teeth out!”
His voice was a low growl, filled with barely - contained fury.
I grabbed his arm tightly, my fingers digging into his leather jacket.
“Ethan, I’ve already broken our bond with him,” I said, my voice firm.
I knew he didn’t stand a chance against Alpha Sean.
The alpha was powerful, and I couldn’t bear to see Ethan get hurt.
“Didn’t you say you’d take me for a ride? Let’s go!”
Reluctantly, he let out a frustrated huff and climbed onto the bike.
I could tell he wanted to lash out, to defend my honor, but he held back for my sake.
I knew how much he’d watched me suffer over the past years, humbling myself for a love that was never truly reciprocated.
As Alpha Sean pulled away from Claire and looked our way, Ethan flipped up his visor with a sharp snap and shot him a death glare.
Then, as I put on my helmet, he grabbed my hand and wrapped it firmly around his waist.
“Hold tight,” he said, and I knew he was trying to make Alpha Sean jealous, to help me save face.
But I didn’t care what Alpha Sean thought anymore. His opinion meant nothing to me now.
Ethan revved the engine, swerving close to Alpha Sean’s car.
As we passed, he spat a loud “Pfft!” at the couple inside, then sped off.
I didn’t even spare them a second glance.
Instead of a joyride, Ethan took me to the supermarket.
We picked out all of Ellie’s favorite ingredients.
I wanted to make a stew at home to celebrate my win, in a way, to honor Ellie.
At Maple Grove Haven, Ethan carried the groceries to the kitchen.
“I’m gonna go talk to Ellie for a bit. Leave the shrimp and crab to me,” he said, and I nodded.
I was in the middle of chopping vegetables when the doorbell rang.
I assumed it was a delivery, so I opened the door still wearing my apron.
But the sight of Alpha Sean made my blood run cold.
My faint smile disappeared instantly, and I moved to slam the door shut.
“Alpha Sean, you’re not welcome here. Get out,” I said, my voice cold and hard.
But he blocked the door with his hand, his gaze fixed on me like a predator.
“Not welcome? Then who is?”
His voice was laced with anger and something else I couldn’t quite place.
With a sudden, powerful shove, he pushed the door open and stepped inside.
I stumbled back, caught off - balance by his strength.
Before I could fall, he caught me by the waist.
“Let go!” I shouted, trying to break free.
But he didn’t listen.
Instead, he kicked the door shut and pinned me against it.
Then, he gripped my jaw and pressed his lips against mine in a brutal, unwanted kiss.
I struggled, my muffled protests filled with anger and disgust.
But the more I fought, the harder he kissed me.
I felt my breath being stolen, my legs growing weak.
I hated myself for the traitorous way my body was reacting, for the way the familiar scent of him was making me dizzy.
The commotion drew Ethan’s attention.
When he saw Alpha Sean forcing himself on me, I could see the years of pent - up anger in his eyes.
I knew he’d held back for so long because of me, but now, all the pain Alpha Sean had caused Ellie and me came flooding back.
Ethan stormed over, grabbed Alpha Sean’s collar, and yanked him back.
He threw a punch at Alpha Sean’s face.
The two of them started fighting, and I was frozen in place, too shocked to move.
When the door to the side room swung open, revealing Ellie’s photo and urn, I finally found my voice.
“Alpha Sean, stop it!”
I shouted, my voice filled with desperation.
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