Autumn

　　"Autumn?" Ethan's voice was laden with yearning, his gaze intense as he awaited my response. There was a pleading look in his eyes, silently acknowledging the falsehoods but seeking my reaction nonetheless.

　　I struggled to collect my thoughts, taking a deep breath to steady myself. Words jumbled in my mind, unable to find their way out.

　　"Alpha, why are you doing this?" Jared interjected, his voice tinged with concern as he stepped forward, his ...