The Wolfless Contract Luna (Grace and Ethan) novel Chapter 28

**TITLE: Glass Gardens Falling by George Orwell**
**Chapter 28: Red Intrusion**

**Ethan POV**

“Is Alpha Ethan here?”

The voice that drifts into the room is sweet and melodic, cutting through the tension like a gentle breeze. I glance toward the doorway that I had neglected to lock, and my heart skips a beat.

Grace’s eyes widen, a mixture of surprise and concern flickering across her face. I don’t release her; instead, I turn my head slightly to assess the situation.

A woman stands framed in the entrance, her vibrant red hair cascading in waves down her shoulders, hand still poised mid-air as if caught in the act of knocking on the already ajar door. Her expression is one of pure shock, her eyes darting between us.

“I—oh my goddess, I’m so sorry!” she exclaims, her voice laced with embarrassment. She begins to retreat, her steps hesitant. “I didn’t mean to intrude—the door was open, and I thought—”

I gently lower Grace to her feet, my hand lingering on her waist to provide support. Her face is flushed, lips slightly swollen, and her collar is askew, a testament to the moment we were just sharing.

“It’s fine,” I say, my voice steady as I straighten Grace’s shirt, smoothing the fabric with deliberate care. My fingers linger on her collar for just a moment longer than necessary, brushing a stray strand of hair back from her face.

The woman watches us intently, her wide eyes reflecting a mix of curiosity and surprise.

“Can I help you?” I inquire, my tone firm yet polite.

“I’m Alice. Alice Brown?” she replies, stepping cautiously into the study. “From the White Rock Pack. We met at the Elder Council assembly.”

A flicker of recognition ignites in my mind. She’s the she-wolf who approached me at the ball, her presence a distant memory now. “I remember,” I respond, nodding.

“My father—Alpha Henry—sent me to check on you. We heard about the rogue attack.”

At the mention of the attack, my jaw tightens involuntarily. “How did you hear about that?”

“Word travels fast in our circles,” she offers with an apologetic smile, her concern palpable. “Are you all right?”

“I’m fine,” I reply curtly, not wanting to divulge more. The attack was meant to be kept under wraps, a secret shared only among those who needed to know. If White Rock is aware, it raises a troubling question: who else has been informed?

Beside me, Grace shifts slightly, an unsettling silence enveloping her.

“This is Grace,” I say, my hand sliding protectively to the small of her back. “My Luna…”

The declaration is intentional, a clear assertion of my claim.

But Grace, seemingly oblivious to the weight of my words, shakes her head. “His Luna guest—just Grace is fine.”

Alice’s smile brightens at the introduction. “It’s lovely to meet you, Luna Grace.”

Grace’s voice is steady and polite as she responds, “Thank you for your concern.”

“Of course,” Alice replies, visibly relaxing. “I hope I didn’t interrupt anything too important.”

You interrupted everything, Ellen snarls in my mind, her irritation palpable.

“Not at all,” Grace says smoothly, her composure unwavering. “Would you like some tea?”

“Oh, that would be wonderful!” Alice exclaims, her enthusiasm infectious.

An omega enters, carrying a tray laden with tea. Grace pours with practiced grace, her movements fluid and confident. They begin chatting about the weather, the pack grounds, and other trivial matters, the kind of small talk that fills the air but doesn’t carry much weight.

I find myself half-listening, my mind racing as I try to piece together how White Rock got wind of the attack.

“Alpha?”

Beta Niel suddenly appears in the doorway, his presence a welcome distraction. “The Elder Council meeting starts in ten minutes.”

I straighten, the urgency of the situation pulling me back to reality. “I need to go.”

Grace sets her tea down, her expression understanding. “Of course.”

“Niel,” I gesture for him to stay. “Stay here.”

A flicker of understanding passes between us. “Yes, Alpha,” he replies, his loyalty evident in his eyes.

I meet Grace’s gaze, and in that moment, something unspoken passes between us—reassurance, perhaps, or a silent promise.

I crave to kiss her again, to finish what we had started in that fleeting moment of intimacy.

But instead, I turn and leave.

—

The Council meeting drags on, a tedious affair filled with reports, disputes, and bureaucratic nonsense that feels as heavy as the air in the room.

“Increased rogue activity near the eastern borders,” Grandfather announces, his voice resonating with authority.

“Not just eastern,” I interject, my tone sharp. “Three incidents this month. All coordinated. Masked scents. Strategic timing.”

“Coordinated how?” Elder Marcus questions, brow furrowed in thought.

“They’re not acting like typical rogues. I recommend increasing patrols.”

After a lengthy debate, the motion finally passes, but I can’t shake the feeling that it’s merely a bandage on a much deeper wound.

“One more thing,” I say, waiting for the room to quiet down. “Luna Grace’s separation petition. When can we schedule the hearing?”

A heavy silence blankets the room, tension palpable.

“These things take time,” Elder Marcus replies carefully, his tone measured.

“It’s been weeks,” I counter, frustration creeping into my voice.

“The situation is delicate—”

“A Luna seeking legal separation from an abusive mate,” I press, keeping my tone neutral but firm. “How much time does justice require?”

Grandfather studies me, his gaze piercing. “Two weeks. Preliminary hearing.”

It’s not enough time, but it’s something.

I return just past noon, the study empty and quiet.

Papers from earlier are still scattered across the desk, tea cups abandoned like forgotten memories.

‘Niel. Report.’

‘Having lunch with Miss Brown in the main dining room. Over an hour now. Getting along well.’

Something cold settles in my chest. ‘Alice is still here?’

‘Yes, sir. Luna Grace offered to show her the gardens after.’

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