Ethan Colins
1001 Words
**Chloe's POV**
"Yes, I'm back."
Ethan's gentle smile instantly dispels the oppressive atmosphere. So much so that I don't even notice he hasn't really answered my question.
"I haven't wished you a happy birthday yet, Chloe. I hope it's not too late."
"Of course not!" I look at Ethan's face and can't help but smile too. "I'm surprised you remembered my birthday. I was just thinking—"
"Ahem!" Alexandra clears his throat, interrupting Ethan and I with a stiff cough. "Sorry to interrupt your sibling conversation, but Alpha James and I have important matters to discuss."
"By important matters, do you mean the marriage alliance with the Colins family?" Maggie cuts in with a high-pitched voice. Judging by the eager look she gives Alexandra, she hasn't given up on marrying this young, handsome Alpha. But the moment Alexandra's eyes falls on her, a flicker of fear flashs across her face. It was clear that she was scarred by what Alexandra had done to her last night.
"Even if it is, it's none of your business, Miss Margaret." Clearly, Alexandra has no interest in engaging with Maggie. He gives her a faint glance before turning back to James. "I think this conversation is best between two Alphas, don't you agree?"
"Agreed." James nods, then waves everyone else away. "You guys heard Alpha Alexandra. Leave us!"
"Hmph!"
Maggie is the first to storm out of the study, followed by her mother, then Ethan. I am the last to leave—hoping to avoid Maggie, that madwoman, as much as possible.
But Maggie isn't about to let me off easily.
Just as I close the study door, she shoves past Ethan and grabs my wrist. Before I can react, a resounding slap lands on my face. "You shameless b***h! Having the Colins name is already an honor for you, yet you dare try to steal my fiancé and my Luna title! Damn you!"
Unsatisfied with her verbal tirade, Maggie raises her hand again, ready to strike me.
Knowing I'm about to leave the Silvermoon pack and the Colins family, I narrow my eyes, deciding not to tolerate this any longer. But before I can act, Ethan steps between us in a flash, catching Maggie's hand in mid-air and reprimanding her harshly.
"Enough! Maggie! I've told you many times, Chloe is not a servant you can beat and scold at will! She is your sister! A member of the Colins family!"
Yes, this is Ethan Colins, the only son of James and Victoria Colins, and the only person in this family who shows me any kindness. In this dreadful place, he is like the sunshine to me. Unfortunately, considered the heir to the Colins family, he has spent most of his days traveling and rarely returns. And now, the day I finally see him again is also the day I am about to leave.
"I only have one sister, Ethan. That's Catherine Colins, who is now Luna of the Nightwind pack. As for this bastard..." Maggie rolls her eyes. "I don't know her."
"Go to your room, Maggie. You're grounded from now on." Ethan's eyes flash with cold anger, clearly infuriated by Maggie's words.
"What?!" Maggie looks at Ethan in disbelief. "Just because I insulted this woman? Get it straight, Ethan! I am your sister! And she is nothing!"
"If you don't want to be grounded for even longer, I'd suggest you shut up, Maggie."
Seeing no way out, Maggie reluctantly glares at her brother, then gives me a cold, hard look. "Don't think this is over, Chloe. I'll make you pay for everything you've done!"
"Maggie Colins!" Ethan shouts angrily, staring after Maggie, but she quickly disappears from sight.
"It's fine, Ethan." I shrug indifferently. "A few words can't hurt me. You still haven't told me why you suddenly came back."
"How could I miss my dearest sister's 18th birthday?" Ethan's smile is as warm as the sun. "I brought you a gift. I think you'll like it."
He takes my hand and leads me to his room. The warmth of his palm on my wrist quickens my pulse. Watching Ethan's broad, strong shoulders from behind, I realize this stepbrother I've relied on since childhood has become a mature man, and a strange feeling stirs within me.
Stop, Chloe! This man is your brother! I shake my head, trying to dispel the chaotic thoughts. But Ethan notices and immediately looks at me with concern, "Are you feeling unwell, Chloe?"
"No." Ethan's clear blue eyes make my face flush, and I quickly look away. "So, where's my gift?"
"Here you are." Ethan hands me a beautifully wrapped small box. "Open it."
I follow his instructions and open the gift. Inside is a silver necklace, its pendant set with a glowing moonstone. No girl can resist beautiful jewelry, especially one who has never received a gift before.
I give Ethan an excited hug. "It's so beautiful! I love it!"
"That's good." After the hug, Ethan suddenly steps back. If I'm not mistaken, it seems like Ethan, he... is avoiding my eyes?
Weird.
"What's wrong, Ethan? Your face looks a bit—"
"Nothing." Ethan quickly cuts me off, then coughs a few times, changing the subject. "Actually, this necklace was left by your mother, so I can't take credit for it."
"Oh, you mean Victoria." My voice turns cold. Despite everything, I didn't expect that woman to be willing to give me her necklace instead of her own daughter, Maggie.
"No, Chloe. I mean your biological mother. This was her necklace."
"My biological mother?!" I look at Ethan, momentarily speechless. Although the Colins family has never hidden the fact that I was adopted, they have never mentioned my biological parents.
"Well, it's a complicated story actually, and sorry that I can't tell you much until I've looked into it more. Just remember, Chloe, don't tell anyone about your mother or this necklace." Ethan's expression suddenly becomes dead serious.
"Otherwise, your life could be in danger."
- Writer
