Echoes of Doubt

Alpha Seth's POV

Seth walked the big Nightwish Pack headquarters, his ideas trapped in a web of uncertainty and grief. Once a tribute to his success and ability, the large hall seemed odd and cold. He looked out the floor to-celly windows, the city lights below flickering like broken parts of his ideas.

His head was a guilt storm. Neither could he ignore the unpleasant flutter in his breast every time he tried to convince himself that his actions were appropriate nor could he shake the image of Rashel's tear-streaked face from the gala. The years of marriage and trust, the knowledge of a new spouse did not easily replace the relationship he had created with Rashel.

Deep down the truth was less clear, but he had told himself it was a fated relationship, something outside his influence. He missed her, the coziness of her presence to which he had been used, the way she had softly balanced his desires with her grace. Still, realizing he missed her would make him less proud. He tried to persuade himself that Viola's presence would be enough to hide the void Rashel left behind, therefore controlling his feelings.

Viola showed up and cut off Seth's meditation; her eyes glowed with a sliver of gratification mixed with concern. She approached him, her words slanted with fake sympathy.

"Are you fine, Seth?" She lightly laid her palm on his arm, leaning in with a gentle touch that went against the hardness in her eyes. You seem split.

Seth glanced at her, the conflicting emotions spinning inside him exactly. "It is not anything. Just worried over Rashel. She still disappeared, and I can't get rid of the feeling that I should have done more.

Viola's eyes softened, and she grasped to his side while her voice sank to whisper. "We have to go ahead; I know you care. I have lately started to feel unwell. Maybe stress or maybe something else. I ought to visit the hospital.

Seth's protective instincts sprang out. We will naturally have you checked right away.

Viola leaned in as he set her hospital visit in order, her voice almost audible. "I have something to share with Seth. I think I could be expecting.

The news to Seth was like a flashbulb. His ideas had consequences, his feelings over Rashel now subordinated to the prospect of a fresh life with Viola. The conflicting emotions left him battling the weight of his decisions.

Rashel

With Dawn's light streaming through the opulent drapes, the chamber where Rashel was reclining glowed pleasantly—her head resting on a plush cushion. She blinked awake, her surroundings sharply different from the cold, wet dungeon she had fled. The accommodation was luxurious, with well chosen furniture and a breathtaking view of the large outside landscape.

Disoriented and perplexed, Rashel's palm moved automatically to her abdomen, reassured by the subtle motions of her kid. Her frantic flight, the hunt, and Alpha Jethro's unexpected intervention returned her to the evening before. Thoughts of his commanding presence and expert handling of her adversary grabbed front stage.

Rashel sat up and looked around in surprise while a robe draped over her shoulders. The suite was amazing with minute details and beautiful furniture. Her heart hammered with terror and hope at once.

"Where am I?" She asked loudly, her voice hardly steady.

Jethro grinned and sat in an armchair close by seeing her. Here with my pack and me, you are protected. You exactly point to where you should be.

Emotions in Rashel were a whirl. She was conflicted; part of her felt happy she was off the route of damage. She adored Seth, the man raising her son even though she felt betrayed. Jethro's unease was only heightened by her clarity of conviction set against the turbulence of her earlier experiences.

" You know who I am?" Rashel enquired, her voice full of distrust. " Why do you help me?"

Jethro fixed his eyes firmly. "I know you, Rasher, somewhat vaguely. The renowned Pack Nightwish Luna. I knew of your brains and courage. And about your help, let's assume fate had a part.

Rashel's consciousness spun with questions. "Why not have you attended one of Alpha Seth's events? Why do you not now identify with his pack?

Jethro's face relaxed just a little. "I stand apart from Alpha Seth. In particular with relation to events unconnected to my pack, I have no reason to support his initiatives.

Rashel became agitated. You misunderstand. I have someone else mated with me already. Still, I have something for Seth in spite of all. Not everything can be straightforward..."

Jethro's gaze stayed riveted and his attitude unyielding. "I have no basis for rejecting you. You are a notable individual, hence having you here would help my pack flourish. I am not allowing you to leave lightly.

The degree of frustration Rashel felt peaked. I ought to return. Unresolved personal relationships and business that cannot be disregarded rule me.

Jethro continued on talking with an intensity that both captivated and terrified her, ignoring her shout. You are not only Luna, Rashel. You are a strong person, hence we both will benefit from your presence.

Discovering she was in a smaller, more private chamber, Rashel ran from the room in an effort to break up the tense argument. Her eyes locked on a file on a nearby desk. Her own initiative—a project proposal including ideas for Alpha Seth's pack on strategies and improvements—with suggestions for

Confusion and bitterness blended as Rashel reached for the file. Her voice was a mix of incredulity and rage, "How did this get here?

Jethro's voice trailed her into the room, his tone laid-back. Viola forward the stuff to me. She has actually started to find your work really appealing.

The revelation came to Rashel like a gut-reversing blow. Her rival Viola had been involved in more than just marital betrayal. She had scheduled Rashel's project for Jethro, therefore augmenting the site she was surfing with still another layer of dishonesty.

Rashel's flaming gaze caught both treachery and resolution. She lifted her head to Jethro, standing at the door, his face invisible. Viola has therefore been regulating more than merely my life. She participates in everything, including my work.

Jethro stared deliberately and exuded both will and mystery. Indeed, and this is only starting. You still don't know a great lot more.

As Rashel turned to meet him, uncertainty crept into her head. Her horrible uncertainty grew as the walls of the room started to close in. Her past, present, and future were whirled in a complex ballet; the stakes were higher than she had ever imagined.

With the file in her hands, Rashel's pulse is pounding; the horrible realization that her life—as well as the lives of others she loves—are linked in a dangerous and convoluted network.