Alpha King Chases Abandoned Luna novel Chapter 17

Chapter 17: False Sightings

Chapter 17: False Sightings

(Victoria’s POV)

I leaned against a tree, watching Ethan’s frantic expression with secret satisfaction. My plan

was working perfectly.

“There!” I pointed toward a dense cluster of trees. “I saw a middle–aged woman holding Lily’s hand! She was pulling her that way!”

Ethan’s eyes widened with alarm. “A woman? You didn’t mention that before.”

I forced my eyes to well with tears. “I was so shocked… I just remembered. Ethan, I think

someone has kidnapped her!”

Without hesitation, Ethan started running in the direction I’d indicated. His protective instincts

were so predictable. Now for the second part of my plan.

I waited until he was several yards away before letting out a pained cry. I fell to the ground,

clutching my knee dramatically.

“Victoria!” Ethan turned back immediately, rushing to my side.

I had scraped my knee against a rock, drawing just enough blood to make it convincing. The pain was worth it for the concerned look on Ethan’s face.

“I’m fine,” I whimpered, trying to stand. “Go find Lily!*

Ethan’s gaze darted between me and the forest path, torn between his duty to his supposed daughter and his concern for me. Just as I’d planned.

“You’re bleeding,” he said, his voice tight with frustration.

I pushed at his chest weakly. “Please, Ethan! Find her before that woman takes her away!”

Instead of continuing his search, Ethan scooped me into his arms. The feeling of being held against his powerful chest sent a thrill through me.

“Ethan, no! What about Lily?” I protested, secretly delighting in his choice.

His amber eyes darkened with anger. “Let her hide. I want to see how long Olivia Winters can

hide her!”

I buried my face against his shoulder to hide my triumphant smile. Once again, he’d chosen

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me over his mate and child.

As he carried me back to the car, I continued my performance. “But Ethan, what if that woman

really has kidnapped Lily? Shouldn’t we look for her?”

“Olivia is behind this,” he growled. “She’s playing games, and I won’t be manipulated.”

Perfect. He was exactly where I wanted him–angry at Olivia and completely blind to my deception.

In the car, I winced theatrically as I settled into the passenger seat. Ethan’s eyes softened with

concern.

“We should get you to the Medical Den,” he said, starting the engine.

This wouldn’t do. I needed him at the ceremony to see me win the competition he’d helped

secure for me.

“No,” I placed my hand on his arm. “Please, let’s go back to Lunar Tower. The award ceremony

will start soon.”

Ethan frowned. “Your knee-”

“It’s just a scratch,” I insisted, allowing my voice to tremble slightly. “Ethan, winning this

competition means everything to me. It’s my chance to prove myself as a healer… to stand

beside you as someone worthy.”

I watched his resolve weaken. “Victoria-”

“Please,” I whispered, letting a tear slide down my cheek. “I’ve worked so hard for this. And

after seeing Lily… I need something good to happen today.”

His jaw tightened, but he nodded and turned the car toward Lunar Tower. I’d won again.

Ethan remained silent as we drove, his knuckles white on the steering wheel. I needed to keep

him angry at Olivia, not questioning my story.

“I still can’t believe Olivia would lie about Lily being dead,” I said softly. “What kind of mother

does that?”

Ethan’s expression darkened further. “She knew keeping Lily from me would hurt me the

most.”

I nodded sympathetically. “She probably couldn’t bear seeing us together and used Lily as an

excuse.”

“That’s not a reason for her to curse our daughter’s death,” he snapped, his voice cold with

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rage.

I placed my hand on his thigh, squeezing gently. “But besides Lily, she has no other way to hurt you.”

Ethan’s amber eyes flashed dangerously. “I won’t listen to her nonsense again. Don’t mention her again

I fell silent, satisfied with the anger I’d stoked. By the time we reached Lunar Tower, Ethan was seething, and I was exactly where I wanted to be–by his side, with Olivia’s credibility

destroyed.

“Victoria,” I called out, my voice echoing in the concrete structure.