The Wolfless Contract Luna (Grace and Ethan) novel Chapter 26

**Chapter 26: Wolf’s Awakening**

**Grace’s Perspective**

A fiery surge of heat courses through my veins, stronger and more intense than ever before. It’s as if a volcano has erupted within me, and I can feel its molten energy threatening to consume everything in its path.

With a sudden burst of instinct, I push against Ethan’s chest, desperate for some space, for clarity.

He steps back, surprise flickering across his features. “Grace?”

My heart races, each beat echoing the confusion swirling in my mind. The voice that has been silent for so long—my wolf’s voice—suddenly breaks through the fog, clear and insistent. I’m taken aback; why now? What does this awakening signify?

“I don’t feel well,” I manage to say, my voice barely above a whisper.

A look of deep concern washes over his face. “What’s wrong? Should I call the doctor?”

“No. It’s just—” The lie tastes bitter on my tongue, sharp and unpleasant. “My head. It hurts. From everything. The stress.”

He scrutinizes me with those penetrating green eyes that seem to see right through my facade. For a fleeting moment, I wonder if he’ll call me out on my obvious deflection.

But instead, he takes a seat next to me, his hand enveloping mine with a gentle warmth. “I’m sorry. I pushed too hard.”

“You didn’t—”

“I did.” His thumb glides over my knuckles, a soothing gesture. “You’re still recovering, Grace. You’ve been through hell and back.”

Guilt twists painfully in my chest, squeezing my heart like a vice. “Ethan, it’s not your fault.”

“Then what is it?” His gaze locks onto mine, unwavering. “Talk to me.”

I want to scream, to let it all out, but the words stick in my throat. ‘I can’t. Not yet. Not until I understand it myself.’

“Everything,” I finally whisper, my voice cracking. “Lilith’s letter. The separation. Aurorawisp. Damien. It’s all just—it’s a lot.”

His expression softens, and he pulls me closer, wrapping his arms around me with an almost protective tenderness.

“I’ve got you,” he murmurs against my hair. “You don’t have to carry this burden alone anymore.”

His words crack something open inside me, releasing a flood of emotions I didn’t know I was holding. I inhale deeply, catching the scent of pine and smoke that clings to him. My wolf stirs within me, comforted by his presence, and the heat that had been overwhelming me begins to dissipate.

“I’ll handle Lilith,” Ethan assures me, his voice steady. “I’ll have people investigate the letter, find out who really signed it. And I’ll assign my best investigators to uncover whatever Damien is hiding about Aurorawisp. I promise you, Grace. You’ll have the answers you need.”

“Thank you,” I reply, a small flicker of hope igniting within me.

“Don’t thank me.” He leans down, planting a soft kiss on the top of my head. “Just rest. Heal. Let me take care of the rest.”

Just three minutes after Ethan leaves, the phone rings, jolting me from my thoughts.

The caller ID shows an unknown number, but I answer anyway, curiosity piqued.

“Grace!” Lilith’s voice oozes with a sickly sweetness that makes my skin crawl. “Did you get my letter?”

Rage ignites within me like a wildfire. “You mean the letter where you threatened to steal my inheritance?”

“Threatened?” She laughs, a sound devoid of any real amusement. “That wasn’t a threat. That was a promise.”

“You have no authority—”

“I have all the authority I need,” she interrupts, her tone dripping with arrogance. “I’m carrying Damien’s child. I’m the one running pack affairs while you’re off playing house with another Alpha.” Her voice takes on a smug edge. “Face it, Grace—you’re the fake here. A powerless Alpha’s daughter with no wolf, no pack, and no future.”

“Powerless?” I manage to keep my voice steady, though my insides churn with anger. “Tell me something, Lilith. What gives you the right to host a party at the Alpha’s residence? To invite pack members to Damien’s home?”

Silence stretches between us, thick and heavy.

“That’s a Luna’s authority,” I continue, pressing my advantage. “And last I checked, you’re not a Luna. You’re not even an Alpha’s daughter—you’re a Beta’s daughter. So explain to me why you’re acting like you own a position that was never yours to claim.”

“Damien gave me permission—”

“Damien doesn’t have the right to grant you Luna authority when his actual Luna is still legally his wife!” I can feel the fire in my words. “You’re overstepping, Lilith. Badly. And the only reason you’d do that is because you’re jealous.”

“Jealous? Of you?”

“Of what I was born into. What you could never have, no matter how hard you try.” I lean back against the pillows, my heart racing. “You’ll never be an Alpha’s daughter. You’ll never inherit a pack in your own right. So you’re trying to steal mine.”

“I don’t need to steal anything.” Her voice turns venomous, dripping with malice. “I’m taking everything from you. Your husband. Your pack. Your status. And there’s nothing you can do to stop me.”

“You’re right about one thing,” I say quietly, my voice steady despite the storm brewing inside me. “You’ve already taken my husband. Congratulations. I hope you’re ready for what comes with him.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Men who cheat once, cheat again.” I let the weight of my words sink in, savoring the moment. “You think you’re special? You think he won’t do to you exactly what he did to me? Good luck, Lilith. You’re going to need it.”

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