The Alpha King is unavailable 35

A piercing scream shattered the evening quiet of the Stone Estate gardens. I whirled around to see Emma's small body plunging into the Moonlit Reflection Pool, water splashing violently as she disappeared beneath

the surface.

For a split secChapter 32: A Taste of Revenge

Chapter 32: A Taste of Revenge

(Victoria's POV)

Where had Ethan disappeared to? I had only turned away for a moment to discuss the seating arrangement with Eleanor, and he'd vanished.

I smoothed my designer dress, irritation flickering across my features. This was supposed to be my night- the celebration of my triumph over Olivia at the Howling Moon Grand Hotel. Yet Ethan had wandered off

again.

"Have you seen Alpha Stone?" I asked a passing servant, my voice sweet but commanding.

The young wolf lowered her eyes respectfully. "I believe he went toward the kitchen, Mrs. Frost"

The kitchen? Understanding dawned on me. That's where Eleanor had sent Olivia

A malicious smile curved my lips as I gestured for Isabelle to follow me. “Let's go find our Alpha, shall we?"

Isabelle matched my stride, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. "I can't believe that woman had the audacity

to touch Ethan like that in front of everyone."

"Desperation," I replied with a dismissive wave. "She knows she's losing him."

As we approached the kitchen, I slowed my steps, hearing the low rumble of Ethan's voice from within. Perfect. I wanted to catch them together-to see Olivia put in her place.

Inside the kitchen, Ethan's enhanced werewolf hearing picked up our approaching footsteps. His body tensed

against Olivia's as he recognized my scent.

Victoria's coming," he growled, his amber eyes flashing with warning.

Olivia's emerald gaze locked with his, defiance radiating from her slender frame. "Let her

Ethan released his grip on her arms, stepping back just enough to create distance between them. Olivia swayed slightly from the sudden loss of his support, her hand reaching for the counter to steady herself.

My heels clicked against the marble floor as I drew closer to the kitchen door. Just before I reached it, Olivia

made her move.

With deliberate slowness, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Ethan's muscular torso, pressing her body against his. His jaw tightened, eyes darkening with anger and something else-something that made my blood boil,

"Olivia Winters, don't mess around," he growled, the warning in his voice unmistakable.

But she didn't release him. Instead, her arms tightened around him as the swung open, reveang

kitchen door

their embrace to my shocked gaze.

I froze in the doorway, Isabelle gasping behind me.

Ethan's hands moved to Olivia's shoulders, pushing her away with barely contained frustration. His expression was thunderous as he turned to face me.

"Victoria," he said, his voice carefully controlled. "I was just leaving"

+RD

- Chunter 12 & Taste of He

Olivia quickly turned back to the cutting board, resuming her work as if nothing had happened. But I wasn't fooled. I noticed how Ethan's shirt was partially unbuttoned, revealing a small red mark on his collarbone

My eyes narrowed to dangerous slits. That mark hadn't been there earlier.

Isabelle noticed it too, her face contorting with rage. "You shameless woman!" she exploded, storming past me toward Olivia. "How dare you try to seduce the Alpha King right under our noses!"

Olivia continued chopping venison, her movements precise and controlled. "I don't know what you're talking

about, Isabelle."

"You worthless woman” Isabelle snarled, stepping closer. "Everyone knows he doesn't want you anymore.

You're just embarrassing yourself!"

of salt directly into Isabelle's open

you needed something to go with all

a

the scene unfold with an unreadable expression. Then, without

walked out, brushing past me in

The tension between us crackled like electricity in

perfect composure slipping. "But we

by the meal preparation. The dismissal only fueled

anger.

continued, my voice dropping to a venomous whisper. "He's

striking the floor like punctuation marks to my

the kitchen, Olivia finally paused in her work. She raised trembling fingers to her lips, wiping away the lingering presence of Ethan with the back of her

(Olivia's POV)

platter of venison, my movements deliberate and precise. The tender meat was perfectly seared, complemented by a reduction of moonlight

instructions, I didn't join the family at the dining table. I couldn't bear to watch Victoria simper at Ethan

out to Matriarch Evelyn Stone's garden. The elderly former Luna had always shown me kindness, teaching me about the rare healing plants she cultivated here. Though

knelt beside a patch of moonlight herbs, gently removing weeds

delicate plants. The familiar scent of the herbs

gardener now?

moment of tranquility. I didn't look up, continuing my careful

An

2

A Taste of

among the plants.

herbs need attention," I replied evenly "Unlike some people who

into the soft garden soil. That little display in

focusing on a stubborn weed with unusual

dripping with disdain. "Everyone knows

stilled among the herbs, but I kept

woman who couldn't even

snapped up, emerald eyes meeting

say?"

smile. "You heard me. Poor little Lily, gone because

rose slowly to my feet, my entire body trembling with barely contained rage. Roland Warner's dying words echoed in my mind: "Victoria didn't want to save her own daughter... She wanted

dangerously quiet. Victoria stepped closer, emboldened by my restraint. "It's almost

your

thrives under Ethan's protection. The daughter he

slap echoed through the garden like a thunderclap, the force

manicured hand flew to her reddening cheek, shock written

but I cut her off by stepping closer, my emerald eyes

ice.

I warned, my voice barely above a

stunned in the

impact, but satisfaction coursed through my veins. It was a small victory, but

me, I heard small footsteps running toward

Emma's childish voice called

back, but I could imagine

child

and weapon.

her voice carried to me on

mean lady hurt Mommy, but don't worry. We'll

quiet for me to hear, but I felt a chill run down my spine nonetheless. Victoria was dangerous enough, but I'd learned that her

(Emma's POV)

the mean lady walk away from my mommy. Her red handprint was

cheek, and it made my tummy

to hurt my mommy.

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III 0 <

Chapter 32 A tanker

tight. Til make her cry like she

cry."

hair, her fingers gentle. "Emma, darling,

such things"

really mean it.

did when she told me to practice my sad face for

to do," I said, pulling away from her embrace. Til go

my arm, her eyes suddenly worried.

planning?"

smile, the one that always made Daddy give

"Nothing bad,

hesitated, then released my

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