Ethan pov

I stood frozen beside my car, my eyes locked on the young lady holding a basket of what appeared to be cotton materials. Our gazes met, and I felt the unmistakable jolt of recognition-the spark of connection that only comes with finding one's true mate.

"Miss..." I started to call out, but she hastily retreated, leaving me perplexed and longing.

Clark, my trusted Beta, noticed my distraction. "Alpha, are you okay?" he asked, his voice laced with concern. "You seemed entranced by the lady with the basket of clothes."

I smiled wistfully, my heart still reeling from the encounter. "Yes, Clark. She's our mate. I felt the bond, the connection. It's undeniable."

Clark's eyes widened in surprise, but before he could respond, Alpha Lucas's booming voice cut through the air. "Greetings, Alpha! Welcome to our pack!"

I turned to face him, my mind still reeling with the revelation. Our mate ishere, and I am determined to find her again, to claim her, and to make her mine. But for now, I had to play the role of a courteous guest and hide my true intentions... for the time being.

"Alpha Ethan, oh my goodness! It's a pleasure to have you in our pack!" Amelia exclaimed, her excitement bordering on frenzy.

I smiled graciously, but my attention was elsewhere. My eyes scanned the surroundings, searching for the mysterious woman who had captivated me.

Lucas's grip on Amelia's arm tightened, his eyes narrowing with skepticism. "Excuse me, Alpha," he said, pulling her away from me.

I shrugged, my mind racing with possibilities. "Clark, what do you think? Should I ask them for permission to have the girl all to myself for a night... as a token of compensation?" I whispered, my eyes darting around suspiciously.

Clark's expression turned determined. "Yes, Alpha Ethan. I'll find out what her duties are in the pack and gather more information about her. Leave it to me."

His voice was laced with assurance, and I nodded, my anticipation growing.

With that, Clark excused himself, leaving me alone with Alpha Lucas and his woman. Lucas's gaze lingered on me, his eyes gleaming with a hint of curiosity. "Where's your Beta, Alpha Ethan?" he asked, his voice low and smooth.

I hesitated, my mind racing with a plausible excuse. "He went to the restroom," I lied, trying to sound nonchalant.

Lucas's eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze piercing through me. "I see," he said, his tone dripping with skepticism.

Amelia's eyes darted between us; her expression was uneasy. "Let's get you settled in, Alpha Ethan," she said, her voice sweet but laced with tension.

Lucas's grip on her wrist tightened; his smile was bright, but his eyes were gleaming with a hint of possessiveness. "Yes, let's get you settled in," he echoed, his voice low and husky.

I nodded, my heart racing with anticipation. "Would you like to visit my pack for a yacht ride?" I asked, trying to sound casual despite the tension building inside me. " If you don't mind, I sighed, waiting for their response.

Amelia's eyes lit up, and her face was radiant with excitement. "Alpha, you're the best! I love yachts! Since I left Phoenix for America here, I haven't had one for months," she gushed, her enthusiasm genuine.

I smiled, my eyes locked on hers. "Wow, maybe I should invite you for a ride then," I said, clearing my throat to mask the subtle signal to Clark, my beta, to get his attention.

As we strolled down, my hands wrapped behind my back, I could feel the weight of Lucas's gaze on me, his eyes piercing through my facade. I knew I had to keep up the chart, but my mind was racing with the truth-Clark was missing, and I had to find him before Lucas discovered the truth. The yacht ride was just a distraction, a mere ploy to buy me time.

"Are you sure your Beta might not lose his way here?" Lucas anticipated, his eyes narrowing with concern.

I waved my hand dismissively. "I don't think so; maybe he just got engrossed with the dynamics of the pack and wanted to explore," I replied, trying to sound nonchalant.

Amelia rolled her eyes. "Lucas, stop being a boring Alpha," she teased, her voice laced with playfulness. "I'm sure Clark can handle himself."

I chuckled, trying to hide my relief. "That's what I'm saying; Ethan's not a boring dude," Lucas said, just as Clark rushed up to us, looking flustered.

"Oh no, I almost lost my way here!" Clark exclaimed, his eyes wide with panic.

My heart skipped a beat as our eyes met, a silent understanding passing between us. Clark's message was clear: he had found something, and it wasn't good. My mind raced with possibilities as I smiled calmly, trying to keep up the charade. "Glad you found your way, Clark," I said, my voice steady. "Let's get moving, shall we?"

We were ushered into a golden-decorated room, the bright chandelier light illuminating the space with a warm glow. The air was thick with the aroma of exotic foods and fresh fruits, spread out before us like a feast. We ate in silence, the only sound being the clinking of silverware against fine china.

But the tranquility was shattered when the Alpha brought out three stunning girls, their beauty on full display. "Choose one, Alpha Ethan," he said, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

But before I could respond, the lady from earlier walked in, carrying a bottle of expensive wine. Her eyes were sunken, her face was pale, and her hair looked dull and lifeless. Yet, there was something about her that drew me in.

"I want this lady for the night," I declared, my voice firm and resolute.

The room fell silent, all eyes fixed on me in shock and disbelief. The Alpha's face darkened, his eyes narrowing in disapproval. "You can't be serious, Alpha Ethan," he growled. "She's a slave, a mere servant."

But I stood my ground, my gaze locked on hers. "I'm dead serious," I said, my voice low and husky. "I want her."

"No, you can't have her."