He Doesn't Love You Anymore (Amber and Ethan) novel Chapter 27

Sooner or later He’s Gonne fall Apart

Sooner or Later He’s Gonna Fall Apart

(Lucas’s POV)

OUT

The Wolf Moon Festival was finally winding down. Uncle Dominic had already left with Amber, and Grandfather William Alpha King–had retired to his chambers, signaling the official end of our celebrations. The older wolves were still mingling, maintaining pack harmony with idle chatter and moonlight wine, but us younger wolves had better plans.

I jingled my car keys, eager to head to the Moonlight Club where my friends were waiting. The thought of showing off my new Lamborghini–Uncle Dominic’s gift—had ne practically vibrating with excitement.

When I reached the garage, I stopped dead in my tracks. Ethan was sitting in the passenger seat of my new car, running his fingers over the leather interior with an appreciative look.

“Nice ride,” he said, not bothering to look up as I approached. “Unicle Dominic has excellent taste.”

I couldn’t help the smug smile that spread across my face. “Of course he does. It’s a limited edition–only fifty made worldwide.”

Ethan finally turned to me, his expression unreadable. I glanced around the garage, expecting to see Melissa lurking nearby.

“Need a ride home?” I asked, hoping the answer was no. “Where’s your mate?”

“She’s getting changed,” Ethan replied, still not moving from my passenger seat. “Olivia found her something more suitable to wear.”

I snorted. “Well, she’s not welcome in my car. I don’t want her stink contaminating my new leather.”

The words had barely left my mouth when Ethan’s hand shot out, slapping me hard across the face. The sting was immediate, and I felt my wolf bristle with indignation.

“That’s my mate you’re talking about,” Ethan growled, his eyes flashing with anger. “Your sister–in–law now. Show some respect.”

I rubbed my cheek, glaring at him. “Sorry, I forgot I was Amber’s friend, not yours.”

Ethan’s jaw tightened. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means I remember how Melissa was bullied in high school,” I said, leaning against the car door. “I remember how Amber stood up for her, helped her with homework, even gave her clothes when Melissa couldn’t afford them. And how did Melissa repay that kindness? By stealing Amber’s fiancé.”

“That’s not how it happened,” Ethan protested, but his voice lacked conviction.

I raised an eyebrow. “No? Then enlighten me, cousin. Because from where I’m standing, Melissa is the most ungrateful person I’ve ever met.”

Ethan sighed, suddenly looking tired. “I didn’t come here to argue about the past. Let’s go to your place for a drink.”

I considered telling him to get out of my car, but curiosity got the better of me. Why was Ethan seeking me out when he should be celebrating his wedding night?

As we drove through the quiet streets of Silvercrest City, Ethan stared out the window, lost in thought.

“Amber seems different,” he finally said, breaking the silence. There was an uneasiness in his tone that caught my attention.

I remembered how he’d been at the bar on New Year’s Eve, drunk and calling Amber’s name. “You said the same thing when you were wasted on New Year’s. You’re just jealous that she’s with Uncle Dominic now.”

“That’s ridiculous,” Ethan scoffed, but his scent betrayed him–a sour note of envy that my wolf could easily detect.

“Is it? You abandoned Amber for Melissa, and now you’re upset because she’s moved on with someone better than you.” I gripped the steering wheel tighter, feeling protective of Amber. “Uncle Dominic is the most powerful Alpha in the Northern Territory. He can give Amber everything you couldn’t.”

1/3

Sooner or later He’s Gonne Fall Apart

+25 BONUS

Ethan’s face darkened. “Like what?”

“Protection, for one thing,” I replied. “Did you see how he took care of her tonight? How he made sure she was comfortable? How he kept refilling her water glass because he noticed she was thirsty? When was the last time you paid that much attention to anyone but yourself?”

Ethan remained silent, his jaw clenched.

“Face it, cousin. You’re weak,” I continued, enjoying the way my words made him flinch. “You let Aunt Olivia control your every move. You let her slap Melissa in front of everyone. Uncle Dominic would never allow anyone to treat Amber that way.”

“Amber’s just being arrogant,” Ethan muttered. “No one can put up with her temper for long.”

I laughed. “That’s where you’re wrong. Her audacity comes from knowing Uncle Dominic has her back. Only an Alpha like him can give Amber the happiness and security she deserves.”

(Amber’s POV)

Standing before my bedroom mirror, I admired how the white gown hugged my curves, the diamond embroidery catching the light with every movement. Cora, my wolf, purred contentedly inside me, reveling in the memory of Dominic’s appreciative gaze.

“He liked the dress,” I whispered to my reflection, a small smile playing on my lips.

Iremembered Paige’s excited explanation of how she’d acquired this gown. After overhearing Melissa discussing her ceremonial dress with a friend, Paige had rushed to Mrs. Howl’s tailor shop on Howl Avenue.

“You won’t believe this,” Paige had told me earlier that day, her eyes gleaming with mischief. “Mrs. Howl still had the gown she made for your marking ceremony with Ethan. I had her modify it–added more diamonds, changed the neckline to show off your collarbones. Dominic won’t be able to take his eyes off you!”

She’d been right. Throughout the evening, I’d felt Dominic’s gaze following me, his blue eyes darkening whenever our eyes met.

My phone buzzed with an incoming video call from Paige. I quickly changed into my pajamas and settled on the bed before answering.

“Tell me everything!” Paige demanded, her face filling the screen. She was wrapped in a fluffy robe, her hair wet from a shower.

“You missed the ultimate wolf showdown,” I said, laughing at her eager expression. “I put Ivy Reed in her place tonight.”

Paige’s eyes widened. “What did you do?”

I recounted the evening’s events, from Ivy’s snide comments about my matching gown with Melissa to my cutting remarks about werewolf menopause.

“You didn’t!” Paige gasped, then burst into laughter. “Oh my god, can’t believe I missed this! But be careful, Amber. Ivy doesn’t forgive easily.”

I shrugged, unconcerned. “What’s she going to do? She’s all bark and no bite.”

“She’s had a feud with Lucas’s mother for years,” Paige warned. “After that heated dispute in the pack meeting, Ivy blamed Lucas’s mother for her miscarriage. She’s vicious when crossed.”

I felt Cora stir protectively within me. Lucas was like family to me, and the thought of Ivy targeting him or his mother made my blood boil.

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