"My Lord," Debra greeted as she entered Ethan's private chambers. He was engrossed in reviewing paperwork for the upcoming trial. Debra felt a mix of apprehension and determination. She had expected to meet with Lily before Ethan, so she was surprised when Ethan requested to speak with her first.
Ethan's brow was furrowed in concentration, but he looked up as she approached. His expression softened at the sight of her, and a warm smile touched his lips. "Luna Debra," Ethan greeted her warmly, standing to welcome her. "Thank you for coming. I know that you really want to see your granddaughter first, but I need to take precautions before I allow you to do that."
"Completely understandable," Debra responded, returning his smile. Her presence carried weight, and she couldn't ignore the unease that had been gnawing at her since she'd heard troubling rumors about Kenneth's plans for the day of Lily and Garrett's trial. "Then, in a show of good faith, I wish to tell you what I have heard about the Blue Creek Pack and Alpha Kenneth. It is actually why I am happy that you requested me to come here instead of inviting me. It would look less suspicious."
Ethan's expression darkened at hearing Kenneth's name. He had his wolves watching him. So, if there was information he was not privy to, he needed to know it immediately. "Tell me everything you've heard," Ethan requested, gesturing for her to sit down.
Debra took a deep breath, her gaze steady. "Kenneth contacted me about a week ago. He requested to meet with me in person. He wanted me to convince Lily to go back to his pack."
"Did you agree?" Ethan asked, and Debra looked flabbergasted.
"Of course not!" Debra exclaimed. "I'd rather cut out my tongue before sending her back there. He threatened her if I didn't comply. He implied that Lily would end up like her mother. I think he has something planned for the trial. He didn't say it, but I felt it. He's going to do whatever it takes to have Lily back under his control."
Ethan's eyes narrowed as he absorbed this information. The trial was a critical event; Brandy and Mandy's crimes would be brought to the surface, and it was paramount that it proceed without interference. Ethan felt that Kenneth was more involved than he led everyone to believe.
Debra's voice trembled with concern as she continued. "Ethan, I fear for Lily and Garrett's safety. I always felt that he did something to cause the death of my poor Abigail, and I don't want to lose Lily too after just connecting with her."
Ethan reached out and gently squeezed Debra's hand. Debra stared in shock, as the Lycan King was not known to be so kind. "I understand your concerns, Luna Debra, and I share them. But I want you to know that I will not allow anything to happen to Lily and Garrett. They will be protected, and the trial will proceed as planned."
Debra nodded, her gratitude evident in her eyes. "I trust you, my King. I know you will do everything you can to keep them safe."
"I will increase security around the castle and the trial proceedings," Ethan declared. "We will be vigilant and not underestimate Kenneth's capacity for treachery. However, I would like your opinion."
"Excuse me?" Debra sputtered.
"Luna Debra, you have maintained control of your pack and protected your land for years without an Alpha. It is unheard of. I would love to get your advice from such an experienced and successful individual," Ethan explained.
Debra beamed, and her eyes shone with gratitude. "You do me a great honor. Now, I did notice a few things when I crossed over to your territory, so let's start there."
"But, father! You promised me the position of Alpha. How could you embarrass me like that and go back on your word?" Matthew exclaimed.
"I did what was best for our pack. You are not fit to be Alpha," Jack answered calmly as he cut a piece of his steak and ate it.
"And Garrett is? He wanted nothing to do with the pack. He purposely made moves against us. He..."
"Enough! You will stop slandering your brother!" Jack snapped at Matthew, who had interrupted Jack and Kelly's dinner to spew his nonsense at them again. "Yes, Garrett was estranged, but not once did he do anything to harm us or our pack, unlike you."
"I have done nothing to harm our pack. Everything I have done is to make sure we remain strong. This is your fault; things got out of hand." Matthew started accusing again, and Jack slapped his cutlery onto the table.
"This is your fault and your fault alone. You chose to sleep with Brandy Bray and betray Lily. Your mother raised you to understand the Moon Goddess and her ways. You are being punished. Learn from this and move on," Jake said.
"How? How can I? We are still connected. I can feel his filthy hands on her," Matthew growled in anger.
Kelly gasped in horror. "Your wolf did not accept her rejection? Why are you putting yourself through this torture? Accept her rejection."
"No, she belongs with me. I can win her back," Matthew refused.
"You are a fool. Her heart belongs to someone who will cherish it now. You have a mate, and her name is Brandy. Make your peace with it. Or perhaps you'll be lucky that Brandy will be imprisoned for her crimes, and you will have to choose someone better," Jack stated dismissively.
"You went along with Alpha Kenneth's plan. You could have stopped it like you always did," Matthew argued.
"You are no longer a child. My job to protect you in that matter is over. You are Alpha Kenneth's problem now," Jack said.
"Honey, I am sorry that you feel loss for your fated mate, but these are the consequences of your actions," Kelly stated, not knowing how to reassure her youngest son.
In a fit of rage, Matthew tossed the dining table before leaving. Jack rolled his shoulders before standing to go after Matthew to put his foot in his ass, but Kelly grabbed his wrist.
"Kelly," Jack growled, "don't stop me from disciplining him. We have coddled him enough."
"No, he needs to be punished, but not tonight," Kelly said. "Let's enjoy our dinner and handle this in the morning."