Soraya's POV
I sat stiffly opposite him, my hands tangled in my lap, trying to make sense of the last few hours. It all felt like a dream. First, I was just his secretary, sorting files, booking appointments, nervously trying to survive the intimidating aura of Ethan Vander. Then suddenly… this.
"You belong by my side," he had said, his voice smooth and certain, like he had carved my fate with those words.
But how could he say that? How could he sound so sure when I didn't even know where I belonged?
The thought gnawed at me, twisting in my chest as I stole a glance at him. He was so dangerously charming, the kind of man who could ruin you with just a look. The way he carried himself, the power in his silence, even the calm curve of his mouth all screamed control. And yet here I was, utterly confused, swept into his world without even a chance to breathe.
His world.
Because this wasn't mine.
I had never set foot in a pack before, never dared to. And now, I was on my way to his home—his pack's land. Every nerve in my body screamed with terror at the thought. What if he discovered my secret, just like Kael had? What if this was all a plan, a carefully arranged plan? What if all these has anything to do with Blackwood pack?
My thoughts tumbled faster than I could catch them, words spilling before I realized I was speaking aloud.
"This doesn't make sense sir… I don't understand any of it."
He didn't answer, just gave me a glance that was so unreadable it made my stomach twist tighter.
The silence stretched between us until the sprinter slowed, finally pulling to a stop. I lifted my gaze, expecting a mansion, maybe some hidden estate surrounded by guards. But instead...
An open field stretched wide before us, the wind tugging at the grass in restless waves. And in the middle of it, resting like a bird of steel, was a helicopter. Its blades were still, but its presence was loud enough to drown out my breath.
Of course.
That explained it.
Their existence was a secret. Moving openly through highways and airports wasn't just impractical—it was dangerous. Air travel, secluded and quiet, made more sense. For all I knew, we could be heading toward some hidden island, far from the eyes of the world. My stomach knotted at the thought.
The doors of the sprinter slid open automatically, and guards moved first, their sharp suits and colder eyes giving no hint of who they truly were. I swallowed hard as Ethan stepped out with unshakable composure. His hand didn't reach for me, but somehow, I still followed. My feet moved before my mind caught up, as if disobeying him wasn't even an option.
The guards flanked us as we crossed the open ground, their presence silent but heavy. I didn't dare ask questions—not here, not now. Not when the air already hummed with unspoken rules.
We climbed into the helicopter, the polished interior gleaming with quiet luxury. I slid into my seat, fastening the belt with trembling fingers, keeping my eyes low.
And then, with a whir that shook through my bones, the blades began to spin. The ground slipped away, shrinking beneath us until the world looked small, powerless, like it could never touch us again.
Ethan leaned back in his seat, calm, unreadable, every inch the man who commanded without words. I clenched my hands tighter, heart racing as I stared out the window.
Wherever he was taking me, whatever happens thereafter... I was about to find out.
The terrifying thing about the whole situation was Ethan's silence. He barely said anything, his expression unreadable, and though he sat so close, it felt like he was worlds away. He behaved as if something weighed heavily on him, something I couldn't place my hand on. That silence was louder than any words he might have spoken, and I found myself shrinking into it, afraid that if I dared break it, I might uncover a truth I wasn't ready for.
So I remained quiet as the helicopter cut through the clouds for hours. My heart pounded faster with every second. Part of me expected… I don't know, maybe to pass through some kind of hidden veil or magical portal, the way stories always whispered about places no human was supposed to see. My imagination ran wild, and yet, when I leaned closer to the window, what I saw stole the very breath from my lungs.
Ahead, rising with breathtaking grandeur, was a castle. Not a mansion—but a castle, like something pulled straight from a forgotten century and set against the endless horizon. Its towers glimmered faintly in the fading light, its walls stretching wide, strong, unyielding.
I froze, my mouth parting in shock. This is real?
The castle loomed closer, beautiful and terrifying all at once, and for the first time since stepping into Ethan's world, I realized just how unprepared I truly was.
The helicopter touched down in the center of the castle courtyard, its blades stirring the air as if announcing our arrival. Already, I could see several figures lined up a few meters away, their posture rigid, their eyes sharp and assessing. I guessed they were here to welcome us.
The moment the engine quieted, servants moved swiftly, opening the door with practiced grace. One offered me a steadying hand as I stepped down, and another did the same for Ethan. He emerged behind me, tall, composed, and commanding.
I could sense it. The weight of authority he carried wasn't that of a CEO sitting in a boardroom—it was heavier, more primal. He wasn't just a billionaire CEO. He was a prince. And the respect he drew from those before us was absolute, almost reverent.
As we approached the waiting group, something else struck me—an invisible thread humming in the air, brushing against my skin. The aura of each individual seemed distinct, layered, almost tangible. Wolves. Not just one or two, but wolves of different ranks, their power resonating like hidden currents beneath their poised exteriors.
My heart raced. This was no ordinary gathering. This was a world I had never belonged to, yet one I was suddenly standing in the center of.
Then I noticed her.
Among the faces watching us, one stood out—a woman, stunningly beautiful, her aura sharp and radiant. Yet her expression wasn't welcoming. If anything, she seemed… displeased. Her eyes lingered on me, and for a moment I wondered if she thought Ethan and I were together. The look in her gaze was enough to send a chill crawling down my spine.
Before I could dwell on it, Ethan's voice broke through the tension.
"Lila?" he said, his tone laced with something I hadn't heard from him before—surprise.
The woman's gaze snapped to him, her expression faltering as though she hadn't expected to hear her name spoken. For a heartbeat, silence stretched between them, thick and unsettling.
Then, without a word, she turned abruptly and walked away, her departure pulling every gaze after her.
I blinked, confused, my pulse thrumming in my ears.
Who was she? And why did Ethan sound so shocked to see her?