Games of Wolves and Heart

Games of Wolves and Heart
The pulsing beat of music thrummed through the floor of the common area, a popular student lounge called The Den in Moonshine College.

In the middle of it all sat Ethan, sprawled comfortably on a plush chair with his legs extended and an untouched glass of whiskey in his hand. 

He looked unbothered, leaning back with that trademark smirk playing on his lips, the healing scratches on his face already fading thanks to his privileged wolf blood.

Around him, his friends were talking loudly, occasionally shooting him admiring looks. 

One of them, a lanky wolf named Seth with shaggy brown hair, was recounting the latest gossip about the Alpha twins’ humiliating arrest.

“Bro, I still can’t believe you’re sitting here with us,” Seth said, eyes wide. “I mean, after what they did to you… they could have killed you.”

Ethan raised his glass lazily. 

“Luck has nothing to do with it. It’s all strategy.”

Ethan’s phone buzzed in his pocket, and he checked the screen, his smile widening as he excused himself from the group with a casual wave.

Pressing the phone to his ear, he answered in a low, almost playful tone. 

“Lena.”

“Ethan,” came Lena’s sharp, husky voice. “I should congratulate you. You’ve thrown the Alpha twins and Graham into chaos. But I’m furious at you.”

Ethan chuckled, leaning against the wall and glancing over his shoulder to make sure no one was listening. 

“Oh? Why?”

“Why?” Lena hissed. “You didn’t tell me, Ethan! I was there, remember? I watched them beat you bloody. Then you vanished, ignored my calls and texts… you think that’s funny?”

He let out an exaggerated sigh. 

“You worry too much. I was busy making sure my plan worked.”

“Busy?!” she snapped. “You had me thinking you were dead or worse. Don’t you ever do that again.”

“Aw, Lena, were you worried about me?” he teased, a smug smile curling his lips.

“I swear to the Moon Goddess, Ethan,” she said, her voice low and dangerous. “Don’t push me. But… you did it. You got them right where you want them. Congratulations. Just… next time, keep me in the loop.”

“Point taken,” he said smoothly. “But Lena… this is just the beginning.”

Her silence was heavy, but when she finally spoke, her voice was softer. 

“Be careful.”

He hung up before she could say more, slipping his phone into his pocket and straightening his jacket. 

Ethan strode back into The Den with the confidence of a man who knew he was in control. 

Another friend, Marcus leaned forward, his eyes glittering with curiosity. 

“You really are insane, you know that? Most people would be in the hospital after what you pulled. But you’re… what, already healed?”

Ethan rolled his shoulders, relishing the way his skin felt whole again. 

“Perks of noble wolf blood. I’ll have a faint scar at most.”

“Why poke the bear, man? This is all because of Lily. Why don’t you just let her go? She’s with them. That’s the root of the problem.”

The room quieted slightly as everyone waited for Ethan’s answer.

Ethan’s eyes flicked to the dark corners of the lounge as he swirled the whiskey in his glass. His voice dropped to a low, dangerous purr. 

“Because I won’t let them ruin her. They’re poison. I’m doing Lily a favor. When they’re gone, she’ll finally be free.”

Seth let out a shaky laugh. 

“That’s… twistedly noble, I guess. But you’re playing a dangerous game.”

Ethan’s smirk grew wider. 

“I don’t mind a little danger.”

At that moment, the door to The Den swung open with a heavy creak. 

The music throbbed louder as the students near the entrance paused, heads turning toward the new arrival.

Ethan’s breath caught for a single, startled second as Lily stepped inside.

She looked breathtaking. Her hair framed her face perfectly, and even under the shifting lights, her eyes burned with fury that made them glow like emeralds. 

The mood shifted. Some students lowered their voices. Others backed out of Lily’s determined path.

Ethan sat up straighter, every nerve alive with anticipation. 

He set his drink aside and stood, a slow smile curling his lips as he watched her approach.

“Lily,” he drawled, his voice smooth as silk. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“Cut the bullshit,” she snapped, stopping a few feet in front of him. Her glare was a blade. “I’m not here to play games.”

Ethan arched a brow, shamelessly letting his gaze sweep her body before meeting her eyes again. 

“You look incredible when you’re angry.”

“Drop the charges,” she said bluntly, her voice cold and unwavering.

A hush spread through Ethan’s group. Even the students dancing near the center paused as they realized something serious was happening.

Ethan chuckled softly, shaking his head. 

“I don’t think so.”

“You exaggerated everything,” she spat. “Your noble wolf blood is healing you faster than a normal wolf. You’re practically fine already. You know you weren’t anywhere close to dying, so why keep pressing charges for attempted murder?”

He tilted his head, his eyes dark and glittering with cruel amusement. 

“Because I hate Lucas and Liam. I want to see them pay.”

Lily’s face contorted with rage. 

“You’re vile, Ethan. They may be violent idiots sometimes, but you’re worse.”

His eyes flared at the insult, but he forced his voice into an infuriatingly calm tone. 

“Lily, Lily, Lily… don’t be like that. I’m only trying to save you from them.”

She shook her head, disgusted. 

“I’m done talking to you.”

She turned to leave, but his hand shot out, catching her wrist.

“Wait,” he said, his voice low and intimate. “I’ll consider dropping the charges… if you go on a date with me.”

Her eyes widened in disbelief, then narrowed into a sharp glare.

“Only in your dreams.”

She pulled her arm free, storming past the watching students.

Ethan stood still for a moment, savoring the feel of her touch still tingling on his skin. Then he turned back to his friends, his smirk returning tenfold.

“Damn,” Seth breathed. “You’re unreal.”

“You’re either a genius or completely insane.”

Marcus let out a low whistle. 

“I can’t believe you actually told her that.”

Ethan sank back into his chair, grabbing his drink and raising it in a mock toast. 

“She’ll come around. They always do.”

As the music swelled once more and his friends erupted into laughter and disbelief, Ethan leaned back, feeling like a king surveying his kingdom. 

For now, everything was exactly as he wanted.