Page 59 of Alpha's Rejected Warrior
The Moon Goddess might have revealed something to the seers through their spiritual link. Even fragments might provide the missing piece we need.
I straighten, my mind made up. “We need every advantage we can get. I’ll visit them next.”
“I can speak with Dr. Olcan,” Ethan says, drawing my attention back to him. “Like Branson suggested, if Jayme has any type of condition that could explain his memory loss or a sudden loss of control, Dr. Olcan would know about it.”
“Good idea,” I agree. “Olcan’s treated every wolf in this pack at some point. If anyone knows something about Jayme’s condition that we might have missed, it’s him.”
Ethan moves toward the door, then pauses. His green eyes meet mine with that quiet intensity I’m learning to recognize. The look that means he wants to say more, but can’t because we’re not alone.
“Rhiannon...” His voice drops lower, more intimate despite Akila and Conan standing nearby. “That wound needs proper healing time. Even twenty minutes of rest would help.”
The concern in his tone spurs a quiet flutter in my chest. He’s trying to take care of me without overstepping boundaries in front of my guards.
“I’ll rest when we find answers,” I reply, but my voice lacks its usual edge.
He nods, understanding me well enough not to push further. “I’ll report back as soon as I learn anything from the doctor.”
After Ethan leaves, the room becomes as still as a held breath. Akila shoots Conan a pointed look, her chin jutting slightly toward me. Conan responds with a subtle shake of his head, his jaw tightening as he glances away.
She tilts her head in my direction again, clearly trying to communicate something urgent that Conan seems reluctant to address with me directly. Their awkward glances bounce between each other and me, a silent conversation I’m not privy to.
“Just spit it out.” I level them both with a glare. “What’s going on?”
Akila clears her throat. “Commander, we’ve noticed a change in how you and the human interact. The two of you seem different.”
Every muscle in my back stiffens. “Different how?”
Conan steps forward, his expression serious. “Are you having a relationship with Ethan?”
The question hovers in the air like a guillotine blade waiting to fall. I open my mouth to deny it, to deflect with rank and authority, but the words won’t come.They deserve honesty, or at least, not an outright lie.
The silence stretches on too long, and I watch understanding dawn in their eyes.
“Rhiannon,” Conan says, using my name instead of my title, something he rarely does even as my cousin. “I can’t believe you’d do this. What has gotten into you?”
“Your reputation within the pack is already under scrutiny.” Akila sits next to me on the bed and places a hand over mine. “The nobles whisper about your loyalty, about your past with Xander. This will only give them more ammunition.”
Heat flares in my chest. My wolf threatens to emerge. “My personal life—”
“Affects all of us,” Conan interrupts, his tone gentle yet stern. “You’re not just breaking the law. You’re our Commander. If you’re compromised, the entire pack suffers. And what about Alpha Xander? He’s already walking a tightrope with the Alpha King by harboring a human for his Luna. If word gets out that his right hand is fraternizing with the human...”
“You’re putting our Alpha’s position in jeopardy,” Akila finishes.
“And Ethan,” Conan continues. “Even if the Alpha King grants him sanctuary in Clarion, what kind of life could he have here? The pack will never truly accept him. All it would take is one single misguided whisper into the Alpha King’s ear. Ethan will always be a simple decree away from death.”
“He’ll be in constant danger here,” Akila adds with genuine concern. “He’ll be perpetually vulnerable in this world without Lycan abilities to protect himself with. This is no place for a human at the end of the day.”
“I understand—” I start.
“Do you?” Conan interrupts, holding my gaze. “Because from where we’re standing, it looks like you’re willing to risk everything — your position, your pack, even Ethan’s life — for something that can’t possibly end well.”
Their words sting because they echo every fear I’ve been trying to suppress, every logical argument against letting myself care about Ethan like I do.
“Both of you have my appreciation,” I say. “And I know it comes from a place of compassion.”
Conan sits down on the other side of me. “We just want what’s best for you, cousin. We’ve watched you build yourself into one of the finest Commanders this pack has ever seen. Don’t throw that away for—”
“I know,” I cut him off. “I have a lot to think about. But right now, I need to focus on this investigation. Jayme’s life depends on it.”
