Underwater: The Silent Luna novel Chapter 64

Chapter 64

Ethan’s patience had worn thin.

It wasn’t the distance from Whitewood that gnawed at him anymore, it was the deliberate slowness of everything in Ceenas. The

endless back-and-forth on the so-called treaty had dragged on like an intentional torture, each meeting circling the same points

without ever landing anywhere solid. Even Joseph, who usually clung to diplomacy with both hands, was beginning to feel the strain

tightening around his chest.

But Alpha Malcolm?

Malcolm was enjoying every second of it.

He sat across from them like a man watching prey grow tired. He had studied them from the moment the McClouds arrived, watched

their silences, their pauses, the way Joseph leaned into words while Ethan leaned into stillness. One spoke to build bridges. The

other listened like a storm being held back by bone and patience.

And Malcolm had drawn his conclusions.

To him, they looked desperate.

Why else would the once-untouchable Whitewood Alphas be sitting in his gazebo, enduring subtle insults, soft mockery, and

delayed responses with forced politeness?

Even though Ethan barely spoke and Joseph carried the conversation with numbers, projections, and careful reason, Malcolm

couldn’t ignore what he believed to be the truth:

One Alpha was crippled.

The other… too soft.

And weakness, real or perceived, was an invitation.

“I have heard everything you’ve said, Alpha Joseph,” Malcolm began smoothly, folding his hands together as though settling into

polite contemplation. “And I must admit, your explanation is impressive. Truly.”

Joseph straightened slightly, hope flickering for the briefest moment.

“You would have thrived as a sales executive in a corporate firm,” Malcolm added with a thin smile. “You’re quite… convincing.”

Ethan caught the insult instantly.

Sales executive.

Not Alpha.

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Chapter 64

Not warrior.

Not leader.

Joseph masked his reaction well, but Ethan felt the sting as if it had been aimed at both of them. His fingers curled slightly against

the armrest of his chair. He bit down on his anger and stayed silent.

“It isn’t difficult to see what’s really happening here,” Malcolm continued casually, his gaze sliding to Ethan. “I asked your brother

to accompany you so I could determine whether the rumours were true.”

Ethan’s eyes lifted, sharp and alert.

Rumours.

Malcolm gestured to his Beta with a lazy flick of his fingers.

The man stepped forward and handed a document to Joseph.

“So here is my deal,” Malcolm said calmly.

Joseph unfolded the papers slowly, his hands stiff with caution. The sound of the pages seemed unnaturally loud in the quiet

pavilion.

“Whitewood comes under me,” Malcolm stated simply. “You retain your territory, yes, but under my authority. You gain my

protection. No one troubles your pack.”

Joseph’s chest tightened violently.

“But you will answer to me. You will pay taxes to me. And any important decisions will pass through my hands.”

The meaning was unmistakable.

This was not a treaty.

This was submission.

“I won’t trouble either of you,” Malcolm added with a smile that never reached his eyes. “But these are my terms.”

Ethan felt rage explode through his chest.

It surged fast and brutal, up his spine, into his shoulders, through his golden core where he growled in muffled fury. It took everything in him not to launch himself forward and strike Malcolm where he stood.

Joseph, however, had gone completely still.

The proposal had blindsided him.

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Chapter 64

Malcolm hadn’t come to negotiate.

He had come to conquer, without spilling blood.

With that single document, he had tossed aside every strategic point Joseph had prepared. Every benefit. Every alliance clause.

Every peaceful resolution.

Malcolm was telling them, without shame, that Whitewood was now for the taking.

And the worst part?

He was so confident.

He stood up casually, as if the matter were already settled.

“You’re excused,” Malcolm said lightly. “Take some time to think on it.”

Ethan turned his chair immediately.

“Let’s go home,” he said sharply to Joseph.

But Joseph didn’t respond.

He didn’t move.

He didn’t even look up.

And that hesitation told Ethan everything.

Joseph was considering it.

Ethan froze.

“You’re actually thinking about this?” Ethan demanded, disbelief ripping through his voice.

Joseph finally looked at him.

His eyes were tired.

“Yes,” he said quietly. “Yes, I am.”

Ethan recoiled as if he’d been struck.

“I think we can negotiate with him,” Joseph continued desperately. “If we’re calm, if we play it smart, maybe we can adjust the

conditions,

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Chapter 64

“We cannot,” Ethan cut in harshly. “This isn’t a negotiation. This is a takeover.”

Joseph rubbed his face with both hands, frustration breaking through his composure.

“You don’t have to fight if a war breaks out,” Joseph snapped. “You forget that part very easily.”

Ethan stiffened.

“Ashley and I are about to settledown,” Joseph added. “I cannot afford chaos right now.”

Ethan’s voice dropped, dangerous and low.

“And you think becoming Malcolm’s property is peace?”

Joseph looked away.

“I was never meant to be Alpha,” he whispered bitterly. “You were. And now I’m here making choices that could destroy thousands

because fate decided to break your spine instead of mine.”

The words sliced deeper than any blade.

Ethan’s heart clenched violently.

His emotions stirred faintly beneath the weight of his paralysis, angry, restless, powerful, and trapped.

“We cannot keep sitting here,” Ethan said forcefully. “We do not know what he will do if we refuse. We don’t know how far he has

already gone. This man isn’t offering protection, he’s tightening a leash around our throats.”

Joseph hesitated.

The silence between them grew thick and dangerous.

Ethan leaned forward in his chair, eyes blazing with fury and urgency.

“This bastard is not ready to sign any treaty,” Ethan said fiercely. “And the longer we stay here, the more power we hand him. We

leave. Today.”

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Underwater: The Silent Luna