Ethan's POV

I stepped into Gideon’s office, the air heavy with the scent of leather and old cigars. Gideon sat behind his wide mahogany desk, hands folded, an unreadable look in his eyes.

“Ethan,” he greeted, voice rich and smooth, though I detected a sharpness beneath it. “I trust you’ve been busy.”

I forced a smile. “As much as any Alpha trying to secure his position.”

Gideon’s lips curved into something that could’ve been a smile or a smirk. “And yet, here we are, still tied in votes. It seems your confidence might need some… reinforcement.”

“Which is why I’m here,” I replied evenly. “I’m looking to discuss your support in the next vote.”

He gave a slow, thoughtful nod, his eyes gleaming with a predatory interest. “I’m glad you’re direct. Let’s skip the niceties, then. You know what I want in exchange for my support.”

“Olivia’s formula,” I stated, my voice hardening.

“Precisely.” He leaned back, fingers steepling as he watched me with that greedy look. “As I said, a creation like that could change the influence of any Pack fortunate enough to hold it.”

“Olivia’s formula isn’t just a trade item. It’s her life’s work.”

“Then perhaps you shouldn’t have used her as a political tool,” he replied smoothly, eyes glinting with a challenge.

I took a steadying breath, pushing back the impulse to slam Gideon against the desk and into submission. This was the Council’s game, to push me, test me.

“There are other things I can offer,” I said. “Assets. Resources. Information. If you want a stronger position within the Council, I can make sure you have it.”

Gideon chuckled, his amusement tinged with offense. “I have information, Ethan. I have assets. What I don’t have is the influence a groundbreaking formula like that would bring.”

“Influence?” I echoed, trying to keep my frustration from bleeding into my voice. “Then let me offer something just as powerful: land rights in the eastern territories. Your Pack would be the only one able to develop and secure resources there.”

Gideon’s eyes narrowed slightly, as if considering the proposal. “Interesting. Those lands are under your Pack’s control, are they not?”

“Yes. And I’d relinquish a share of control to you and your Pack in exchange for your vote.”

For a brief moment, I thought he might consider it. But then he looked at me with a pitying smile.

“Tempting, but no. Land can be lost, resources depleted. Olivia’s formula, however, that’s power that endures.”

A flicker of desperation ignited within me. I couldn’t allow him to possess Olivia’s work.

“Then what about physical support?” I pushed. “Access to my warriors against your challengers. I know Alpha Kade has been eyeing more than your women.”

He chuckled again, a low, knowing sound. “Your offers are creative, but none have the permanence or potential of what I’m asking.” He held my gaze, unflinching.

“You know, Ethan, sometimes we have to make hard choices for our Packs. If you’re not willing to give her work to me, maybe it’s because you aren’t as serious about securing your position as you claim.”

The words were a challenge, one I’d heard from others who doubted my commitment. Still, I couldn’t let him think he’d gotten to me. “I’ll take your demand into consideration,” I replied curtly, feeling the tension settle in my shoulders.

Gideon’s face softened with something almost resembling pity. “You have a few days, Ethan. Don’t take too long. Strength sometimes means letting go of pride. And attachments.”

He reached into his desk and dropped a thick document in front of me. “This will help you consider. I think you’ll find it a fair offer: a reasonable buy in and stock options.”

It was a fucking contract for the purchase of Olivia’s formula.

With that, he dismissed me, the paperwork hanging in the air between us. I grabbed the offending document and left his office, my mind racing.

Every offer I’d made had been turned down, leaving only Olivia’s formula as the cost for Gideon’s vote.

The thought of giving in, of betraying her trust, made me sick. But if the formula was the only way to secure my position and protect the Packs, could I afford not to?

---

I clenched my fists, pacing back and forth, unable to shake the gnawing jealousy from hearing about Olivia’s visit to the hospital. Without me.

The fact that Matthew was there, by her side, made something primal twist inside me. I couldn’t stop picturing his smug smile, his hand resting on her shoulder, his words coaxing her into trusting him.

My wolf paced too, clawing at the edges of my mind, pushing me to act, to go to her, to remind her that she was ours.

But it was complicated. More complicated than it should’ve been.

I’d forced myself to keep a measured distance with Olivia, knowing that completing our bond wasn’t just a matter of instinct; it was a declaration. A promise.

And I wasn’t sure if she felt it. I also wasn’t sure I was capable of giving it to her.

“Ethan?” Marlus’s voice broke through my thoughts, pulling me back to the present. He stood by the door to my rooms, his brow furrowed, the tension evident on his face. “You’re tracking a hole in the floor with that pacing.”

I let out a long breath, trying to relax. “I’m fine,” I said, though it sounded less convincing out loud than it had in my head. “Just…frustrated.”

Marlus crossed his arms, leaning against the wall as he studied me. “Is it because of Olivia’s visit to the hospital?” His tone was probing, but it carried a note of understanding.

My jaw clenched, and I nodded, reluctantly admitting it. “Matthew is involved, and he’s…too close for comfort.”

Marlus let out a slow breath. “I don’t blame you for feeling possessive. But, Ethan, the fact that you haven’t completed the bond might be giving her mixed signals. You know that, right?”

I glanced at him, feeling a pang of irritation rise up. But I couldn’t dismiss his words because as much as I hated to admit it, he was right; delaying the bond only left the door open for doubt, both in her mind and among our allies.

“I don’t want to force her into anything,” I replied, voice low. “But there’s a line between what I can give her and what’s necessary for the Pack.”

Marlus nodded slowly, gaze sharp. “You’re not forcing her if the bond is mutual. I get the hesitation, I do, but Olivia is not Isabella.”

The thought sent a chill down my spine. “I don’t doubt her loyalty,” I said defensively, though a flicker of uncertainty crept in. “But every time I get closer to marking Olivia, there’s…”

“Fear?” Marlus interjected, his tone firm yet understanding. “I know it’s complicated. I know what happened with Isabella left scars. But you’re not just risking your seat on the Council; you’re risking Olivia, too.”

A heavy silence settled between us, my wolf twitched restlessly in the back of my mind, irritated and frustrated by my indecision.

“She deserves clarity,” Marlus continued, his voice gentler now. “If not for you, then for herself. A Mate bond isn’t just about politics. You know that.”

I met his gaze, feeling the truth of his words pressing down on me. I wanted Olivia, wanted her in ways that went beyond any alliance or Pack duty.

But it wasn’t as simple as just wanting her. If she didn’t feel the same? If I pushed too hard and she pulled away…

Marlus gave me a small, understanding nod, as if reading the struggle in my expression. “Ethan, if you want her, make it clear. Because if you don’t, someone else will. Maybe not Matthew, but someone. And you don’t want to lose her over fear.”

I looked away, my jaw tightening. Marlus was right, and I hated how deeply it stung.

Maybe it was time to put my pride aside and be completely honest with her.