#Chapter 36 – Loyalties

Olivia's POV The entire day, Ethan's attention lingered on me like a presence in the room. His wolf seemed closer, too, watching me with an intensity I hadn’t felt before. It was the small things: how his gaze seemed to follow me as I moved, and the tension in his jaw whenever I spoke to someone else. Yet when I tried to talk to him directly, he’d withdraw, leaving me frustrated. I’m done with this dance, and I deserve answers. Which is how I ended up here, eavesdropping once again outside Ethan’s office. “...Derek’s ultimatum,” Ethan said, his tone tight with anger. “Pressuring me to complete the bond – it’s a power play, plain and simple.” Marlus sighed. “Maybe so, but the council doesn’t respect incomplete bonds. You know how they are. For them, appearances are everything, and Derek expects you to follow through.” “I’m not about to let him dictate my bond with Olivia,” Ethan replied, a fierceness in his tone that both thrilled and worried me. “It’s… complicated.” I