Chapter 2 WHISPERS OF DOUBT

**Point of View: Lila**

Outside, I overheard Clara disparaging someone. "Get rid of her," she said. I believe she's referring to me. Behind a cloud, the moon has gone black, and my stomach is twisted. What if Ethan doesn't believe me? I want to tell him. I tighten my blanket and pay close attention. I can't sleep even after the voices have stopped.

The light peeps through my tent as morning arrives. I attempt to feel bold while I massage my eyes. Perhaps I misheard. Ethan adores me, but Clara has always been a little cruel. He is my friend. I get up and go outdoors after putting on my shoes. The Silver Moon pack has a lot going on. Children are giggling as they run about as others carry baskets of food. Clara's words are stuck in my brain, but I want to feel as pleased as they do.

By the cooking fire, I see Sarah. Her dark hair is pulled back while she stirs a saucepan. I approach, attempting to smile. "Hello, Sarah," I say.

Her eyes are gentle as she glances up. Good morning, Lila. Are you alright? You seem anxious.

I give a shrug. "Just didn't get much sleep."

She nods as if she's aware of a problem. "Want to have some breakfast?"

It tastes like nothing when I eat a bowl of oats. I can't seem to find Ethan. He normally checks the camp first thing in the morning. I see him conversing with Elder John near the training field. Clara is also present, standing beside him. Too near. It feels like someone is crushing my chest.

I hold my dish tightly as I approach them. Ethan waves when he sees me. He says, "Come here, Lilia."

I grin artificially and go to join them. Clara has keen eyes, similar to a hawk observing a mouse. She says, "Good morning, Lila," but her tone is unpleasant.

I say, "Hello," glancing at Ethan. "Is it possible for us to speak?"

Elder John scowls. "Lila, we're talking about pack business. Ethan has a lot of work to do.

Ethan gives a nod. "All right, later?"

I return the nod, but my heart sags. For me, he's never too busy. I feel Clara's gaze on my back as I turn to go. I pick at my breakfast while sitting near a tree. Sarah approaches and takes a seat next to me.

"Lila, what's wrong?" She queries. "You are not who you are."

I'm afraid, but I want to tell her about Clara. What if I'm not believed by her? Instead, I remark, "Ethan is acting strangely." "Now he's with Clara all the time."

Sarah surveys the training area. Yes, I did notice. Clara has been conversing with the elders often. She wants to be significant.

I bite my lip. "Do you believe Ethan has feelings for her?"

Sarah gives a headshake. "Lila, you are loved by him. Everyone is aware of it. But it's hard to be alpha. Perhaps he is just under stress.

I nod, but my condition remains unchanged. I go to the brook to wash my bowl after finishing my porridge. I'm a little awakened by the chilly water. I gaze at my image. My chestnut hair is disheveled, and my green eyes seem exhausted. Today, I don't feel like Ethan's mate.

I notice Ethan exercising with several wolves back at camp. He wields a wooden sword and is powerful. Clara is observing him and applauding when he succeeds. My feet feel heavy, yet I want to go over. Rather, I assist Sarah in chopping lunchtime veggies. I feel in charge of something when I hold the knife.

Sarah chuckles as she remarks, "Lila, you're chopping fast." "If you don't slow down, we won't have any carrots left."

It's phony, but I chuckle too. I can't stop thinking about Clara's comments from last night and her grin. I must speak with Ethan. When training is over, I find him cleaning his face with the water barrel.

"Ethan," I remarked as I approached. "May we speak now?"

His hazel eyes are distant yet kind as he stares at me. Yes, Lila. What's going on?

I inhaled deeply. "You're unique. You don't speak to me as often as you used to since you're usually with Clara.

He scowls. "I'm simply occupied." I have to cooperate with everyone, even Clara, since I am alpha.

I responded, "But she doesn't like me." "Last night, I heard her saying negative things."

Ethan narrows his gaze. "What was it she said?"

I take a deep breath. "Someone needs to leave because they are not good enough," she stated. I believe it to be me.

He gives a headshake. "You're dreaming, Lilia." Clara is just assisting with packing. You are my friend.

I should feel better after hearing his words, but they don't. He seems to be attempting to persuade himself. My heart heaving once again, I nod and turn to go. I go to the camp's outskirts, where there are many trees. I look at the earth while perched on a rock. The sound of a bird chirping does not lift my spirits.

I assist with the pack meeting setup later. The elders will discuss Ethan's transition to alpha tonight. I try to keep active by hanging lanterns. Clara passes with a basket full of flowers. She pauses and gives me a glance.

She responds, "Lila, you're working hard," in a kind but icy tone. "Ethan is fortunate to have you."

Nothing comes out of my mouth. Her statements seem deceptive. I see her whisper to Elder John as she leaves. His expression is stern as he looks at me. Once again, my stomach turns.

The pack congregates around a large fire during the gathering. Elder John gets to his feet. He declares, "Ethan will soon be our alpha." However, an alpha needs a powerful partner. Someone who can take the lead alongside him.

Thinking about Ethan and myself makes me grin. Clara, however, advances with a proud stance. She replies, "I've been assisting Ethan with his planning." "I am aware of the needs of the pack."

I feel like I'm becoming smaller as the pack whispers. Nothing is spoken by Ethan. He only gazes at the flames. My voice is trapped when I want to yell that I'm his mate.

Ethan is alone by the fire after the meeting. "Why didn't you declare me to be your partner?" My voice trembles as I ask.

He lets out a sigh. It's difficult, Lilia. Clara is seen as powerful by the elders. They're pressuring me to choose her.

My heart stops. "Select her? However, I'm your friend!

He looks aside and adds, "I know." "I simply need some time to reflect."

Tears well up in my eyes, but I force myself to hold them back. My chest aches as I turn and sprint to my tent. I cuddle up on my bed inside. The moon is back and beaming brightly, but it no longer seems welcoming. I consider what Clara said, how far away Ethan was, and how the elders seemed. I sense that something negative is about to happen.

Outside, I hear footsteps. I peer through the flap of the tent. Clara is speaking to an unknown guy once again. He has a scar on his face and is tall. "Tomorrow evening," Clara murmurs. "Verify that Lila has left."

My hands tremble. What if Ethan doesn't believe me? I want to rush to him. With a nod, the guy vanishes into the shadows. Clara seems to be aware that I am observing her as she glances at my tent. Her teeth are as sharp as a wolf's. I retreat, my heart pounding. Something horrible is going to occur tomorrow night.