#Chapter 72 – The Bigger Picture

Ethan's POV The phone buzzed on my desk, the screen lighting up with Derek’s name. My wolf growled low, a mix of irritation and apprehension coursing through me. Calls from my father rarely meant good news. I picked up, bracing myself. “Derek.” “Ethan,” he began, his tone sharp enough to cut through steel. “Do you have any idea what kind of mess you’ve allowed to fester under your watch?” My grip on the phone tightened. “If this is about Matthew –” “This is absolutely about Matthew!” Derek snapped, his voice icy with restrained fury. “He’s been working his way into Rogue circles for months, and you’ve let him get close to Olivia. Do you have any idea the kind of influence he’s building? Or how dangerous that makes him?” “I’m well aware of what Matthew is capable of,” I said through gritted teeth. Derek barked a bitter laugh. “You should have crushed this the moment you sniffed out his intentions. Instead, you let him toy with your Luna and give her reason to question you