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🌙 Episode 6: Shadows That Follow
The next morning, Lila woke with dark circles under her eyes. Sleep had been impossible. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw golden eyes glowing in the dark, heard the echo of Ethan's growl, felt the searing press of his lips against hers.
It wasn't just attraction anymore. It was something deeper. Something she couldn't name.
And she was tired of not knowing.
By the time her shift ended that afternoon, Lila had made up her mind. She was going to find answers.
Instead of heading home, she slipped out the staff entrance and crossed the street, her eyes scanning the towering glass and stone of the Blackthorn Grand. Ethan had to be here. He owned the place. Somewhere inside those upper floors, behind tinted windows and guarded doors, he was keeping secrets.
She'd just have to get closer.
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From across the street, Ethan watched her.
He leaned against the sleek black SUV parked in the shadows, arms crossed, his wolf pacing inside him.
"She's restless," Marcus said quietly from the driver's seat. "She's looking for you."
Ethan's jaw clenched. "She's supposed to be safe, not searching for danger."
"Safe?" Marcus arched a brow. "You've kissed her twice now, Ethan. You think she'll just forget? The bond doesn't work like that."
Ethan's golden eyes flickered, dark with frustration. "I'm not dragging her into this world. She deserves normal. Peace."
His wolf snarled in protest. She's ours. She deserves the truth.
Ethan ignored it, pushing off the SUV. "Stay close. If the rogues show themselves again—"
"They will," Marcus interrupted grimly. "They can smell what she is to you."
Ethan didn't reply. He was already moving, shadowing Lila from a distance as she circled the hotel, searching for an entrance that wasn't meant for guests.
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Lila's heart raced as she slipped into a side hallway she wasn't supposed to use. She'd seen staff go this way before—maybe it led to service elevators, maybe even higher floors.
She pressed on, keeping her footsteps quiet.
The hall was dim and silent, lined with closed doors. She reached for the handle of one when a sudden chill swept over her.
She froze.
It wasn't just a draft. It was the unmistakable feeling of being watched.
Turning slowly, she saw him.
Not Ethan.
A man stood at the end of the hall, half-hidden in the shadows. His smile was too sharp, his eyes glinting inhumanly.
"Lost, little human?" he drawled.
Lila's stomach dropped. Her instincts screamed at her to run. She bolted back toward the exit—but he was faster, cutting her off in a blur of motion.
Her back hit the wall, fear clawing up her throat. "Wh—what do you want?"
The rogue leaned in, his grin widening. "The Alpha can't hide you forever." His breath was hot against her cheek. "Soon, you'll beg us to take you."
Before she could scream, a snarl ripped through the hall.
Ethan.
He appeared in a blur of movement, slamming the rogue so hard into the opposite wall the plaster cracked. His golden eyes burned, his voice a lethal growl.
"I warned you."
The rogue hissed, but before he could strike back, Ethan's fist connected with his jaw, sending him crashing to the floor.
The man scrambled away, retreating into the shadows with a furious glare.
Ethan stood over him until he was gone, his chest heaving, the wolf inside him clawing for release.
Then he turned to Lila.
She was trembling, pressed against the wall, wide-eyed.
"Are you hurt?" His voice was rough, urgent.
"I—I don't know," she stammered, clutching her chest.
In two strides he was in front of her, his hands skimming over her arms, her shoulders, her face—searching for injuries, for any sign of harm. His touch was both careful and desperate.
Her breath hitched. "Ethan… what's happening? Who are these people? Why are they after me?"
For a moment, he couldn't answer. His wolf howled inside him, demanding he claim her, tell her, keep her.
But Ethan forced the words down, shaking his head. "You don't need to know."
She grabbed his wrist, her eyes blazing despite her fear. "Don't you dare say that again. I almost—" Her voice broke. "I deserve the truth."
His chest tightened painfully. He wanted to tell her. He wanted to pull her into his world and never let her go.
Instead, he cupped her face, his thumb brushing her cheek with aching tenderness. "All you need to know is that I won't let anyone hurt you."
Her lips parted, and for a heartbeat, she leaned into his touch. The bond flared, hot and consuming, and Ethan almost lost control.
Almost.
He stepped back abruptly, dragging in a ragged breath. "Go home, Lila. Now."
She stared at him, hurt flashing across her face. "You keep saving me and then pushing me away. Why?"
His eyes burned, the wolf in them clear now. "Because once I stop pushing you away, there's no going back."
And with that, he turned and disappeared down the hall, leaving her trembling, furious, and more determined than ever to uncover his secret.
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But in the shadows outside, the rogue wasn't alone anymore.
Two more figures emerged from the darkness, watching Lila leave the hotel.
"She's the key," one of them murmured. "The Alpha can't resist her."
The other smirked. "Then we'll make sure he doesn't get the chance to."
Far above, Ethan stared out his office window, fists clenched. He could feel the rogues circling closer.
And he knew—no matter how hard he tried to resist—keeping Lila safe meant keeping her close.
Whether she was ready or not.
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✨ End of Episode 6