CHAPTER 33 You're Quite The Challenge

  Ethan

  "Didn't I instruct you to provide me with the precise locations of the packs seeking an alliance?" I queried, my tone laced with thinly veiled frustration as I observed him nervously biting his lower lip.

  "Yes, I apologize. I couldn't bear the thought of Autumn roaming the forest alone, and I assumed Kiev could handle the tasks-" Jared began to explain, but I interjected.

  "I'm more than capable of accompanying her," I asserted, redirecting my gaze to Autumn with a reassuring smile, noting the flush that colored her cheeks once more.

  "I see my mistake," Jared conceded. "It won't happen again," he promised.

  "Very well," I acknowledged.

  An awkward silence settled between us as we exchanged glances.

  "Could you give us some privacy, Jared?" I commanded, dismissing him with a gesture.