Chapter 27

Grace

I gently untangle myself from Dylan, trying to slip out of bed, but his strong arms pull me back. He kisses my forehead softly, and I already know what it means before he speaks.

“When are you leaving?” I asked, even though I didn’t want to hear the answer.

“In an hour,” he sighed, the weight of it in his voice. “I’m sorry, darling. Ethan sent me on another mission.”

I let out a frustrated breath. “I need to give Ethan a piece of my mind for always sending my husband away.”

“Grace,” Dylan said, his tone gentle but firm, “he’s the Alpha. And our future Luna is in danger. We have to help, and you know it.”

“I know,” I said, my voice quieter now. “I just… I miss you so much when you’re gone.”

Dylan pulls me closer, his arms enveloping me in a warmth I don’t want to lose. He kisses me deeply, and for a moment, I can pretend like he’s not about to leave again. But reality comes back too quickly. After what feels like both an eternity and not enough time, we pull apart, and the moment passes.

An hour later, we headed downstairs. I kiss him farewell again as Dylan and Nathaniel head to the car that will take them to the airport. I wave goodbye, my heart heavy as the car disappears down the road. When I turn back, Ethan is standing behind me, watching.

“I’m sorry, Grace,” Ethan said, his voice filled with genuine regret. “I know how hard it is for you and Dylan to be apart so much. But it has to be done.”

I shook my head, though I couldn’t be angry with him. “It’s not your fault, Ethan. I can’t blame you for this. But,” I added, my tone shifting, “I can blame you for this ridiculous game you’ve been playing with Mer for the past 3 months. What’s going on?”

Ethan takes a deep breath, then another. I can see the weight of his thoughts pressing on him.

“Honestly, Grace, I don’t know what to do,” he admits, and that vulnerability in his voice tugs at me.

I took his hand and led him into the conference room, closing the door behind us for some privacy. “Sit, Alpha,” I said, gesturing to a chair. “Tell me what’s really going on.”

He hesitates, looking down for a moment before meeting my eyes. “I don’t know what she’s told you already.”

“Nothing,” I said, shaking my head. “She hasn’t said anything.”

I see the pain flicker across his face, and it’s clear how much this is eating at him. Whatever it is between him and Mer, it’s affecting him deeply.

“She’s my mate,” he began, his voice low, “but she doesn’t feel the pull of the mate bond like she’s supposed to. At least, not as strongly as I feel it. We slept together when she first arrived, but since then… nothing. I barely see her, even though she’s living right here, under my roof. I miss her. And I don’t think she misses me.”

His words hang in the air, heavy with frustration and doubt. I can’t help but feel for him. He’s the Alpha, but even with all his strength and control, he’s vulnerable when it comes to her.

“Ethan,” I said gently, leaning forward, “she’s your mate. Of course, she misses you. She might not realize it fully yet, but she can feel the bond. It’s not as strong for her because she hasn’t shifted yet, but it’s there. She’s afraid. You’re the only one who can help her through that fear. So stop feeling sorry for yourself and be the Alpha I know you are. Do something about it.”

Ethan closes his eyes, taking in my words. I can see the internal struggle, the war between his need to protect her and his fear of pushing her away.

“You’re right,” he finally said, his voice barely above a whisper. “I understand that. But I’m not sure if she will. Sometimes, it feels like she’s an outsider, like she doesn’t fully understand what’s happening in our world. I don’t want to overwhelm her with the mate bond, especially when it’s not something she grew up believing in. For her, love and destiny… they’re just things from fairy tales. What if she rejects it? What if she breaks my heart?”

I reached out and placed a hand on his shoulder, grounding him. “Do you think Dylan doesn’t break my heart every time he leaves, going who knows where? That’s what relationships are. They’re full of risks, of heartbreak. But they’re also full of love and growth. With time, you and Mer will find your way. It’s worth the pain.”

Ethan stands abruptly, nodding once as if my words have ignited something in him. “Do you know where she might be right now?”

“She’s probably in the storage room you gave her, painting,” I said.

He pauses at the door and turns to me, his expression softening. “Thank you, Grace. You’re a good friend. And I promise I’ll try to leave Dylan at home more often.”

I smiled at that, appreciating his effort, even if we both knew it was not entirely in his control. “I’d be grateful for that.”

He gives me a small, thankful smile before walking out of the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I sigh, hoping that whatever happens between Ethan and Mer, it’s something that will bring them closer - something that will heal them both.