Ethan's POV
The meeting with Marlus had been productive, though the Alpha Council vote loomed heavily over us. As we crossed the threshold into the Pack House grounds, I caught a familiar scent.
Isabella.
She stood near the edge of the courtyard, silhouetted by the setting sun. As soon as her gaze met mine, her expression softened into a mixture of vulnerability and nostalgia. My stomach twisted, and I felt Marlus stiffen beside me.
“I’ll handle this,” I told him quietly. He nodded, though his eyes lingered on her with wariness before he left.
“Ethan,” Isabella said softly, stepping closer. Her voice carried that same wistful tone she’d always used when she wanted something from me.
“What do you want, Isabella?” My voice was calm but guarded. My wolf growled low in my chest, the di
