I fought against the overwhelming temptation, my voice betraying a hint of vulnerability. "We can't let personal feelings distract us. We have a project to complete, and that's our priority."

Liam's eyes softened, and he took a step closer, his voice filled with sincerity. "Before we work on this project, there's something I have to ask you. Would you... go to the ball with me?"

My heart skipped a beat, torn between the longing to say yes and the knowledge that it was a path I couldn't pursue. I plastered a fake smile on my face. "Liam, I appreciate the offer, but as I said, it wouldn't be appropriate for us to attend as a couple. You are my stepbrother."

"I understand. If you're not interested, I'll find someone else to accompany me."

Every word he spoke pierced through me, intensifying the pain in my chest. I desperately wanted to tell him how I truly felt, to confess the jealousy that gnawed at me, but I couldn't. "Thank you for understanding, Liam. I'm sure you'll find someone amazing to go with you."

I watched as a flicker of disappointment flashed across his face before he masked it with a smile. "Yeah, I hope so too. We should focus on the project, then. Let's give it our best shot."

I nodded, my voice trembling slightly. "Absolutely, let's do that."

~~~~~~~~

Ethan's mind was racing, trying to make sense of the situation. Ilonka was one of the strongest and most skilled wolves in their pack. How could she have been taken so easily? It didn't make sense. The thought gnawed at him, fueling his anger and frustration.

As he paced back and forth in his office, his pack members gathered around him, offering words of support and reassurance. Everyone was trying to help bring Ilonka back safely, but deep down, Ethan couldn't shake the nagging feeling of guilt.

As Ethan's thoughts swirled with worry, a bittersweet memory tugged at his heart. He remembered the day he had shared his joyous news with Ilonka, the day he had told her that he had finally found his mate. She had been ecstatic for him, her eyes sparkling with genuine happiness. They had spent hours talking and laughing, sharing stories and dreams for the future.

Now, his sister was gone and she was in danger. He wondered if he had inadvertently let his guard down, focusing too much on his own newfound love and neglecting the potential dangers that lurked around them. He should have been there, by her side, protecting her.

"Alpha Ethan, it's not your fault," Elena, the mate of his gamma, spoke up, her voice filled with empathy.

"I know... I just can't help but feel responsible," he admitted, his voice laced with a mix of frustration and sorrow. "Ilonka has always been there for me, protecting and supporting me. And now... I couldn't do the same for her."

Elena stepped closer, her presence a comforting anchor. "You are doing everything you can, Ethan," she reassured him, her voice steady. "None of us could have predicted this. We are a pack, and we will rally together to bring Ilonka back. Blaming yourself won't help her. We need your leadership and strength now more than ever."

Ethan took a deep breath, allowing Elena's words to penetrate his troubled mind. He nodded, gratitude flickering in his eyes. "You're right, Elena. We can't afford to dwell on what-ifs. We must focus on finding Ilonka and stopping those who have taken her."

Just as Ethan was about to resume his restless pacing, the door to his office swung open and Ivan entered. His face was grim, and Ethan's heart skipped a beat, bracing himself for the news Ivan was about to deliver.

As Ivan approached, Ethan's tension heightened. He could see the gravity of the situation reflected in Ivan's somber expression. Ivan's hand extended, holding out his cellphone to Ethan, who took it quickly.

Ethan's fingers trembled slightly as he unlocked the phone and opened the message from Lucas. His eyes scanned the screen, and his heart sank as he read the chilling words:

"Dear Ethan, my old friend, it seems you've underestimated me. I have your precious sister Ilonka, and she's quite the spirited one. She puts up quite a fight, but she won't stay unharmed for long unless you comply. I've been watching you closely. I know all about your newfound mate, Maya. She's a lovely young woman, isn't she? But here's the thing, my friend. You can't have it all. You have a choice to make. It's either Maya or your precious sister Ilonka. Choose wisely, for one of them will suffer the consequences. But time is not on your side, Ethan. You have a mere 24 hours to make your decision. Fail to choose, and I promise you that Ilonka will suffer. I'll break her arms, one by one, until you comply. The clock is ticking, my friend."

Ethan's grip on the phone tightened, his knuckles turning white. How could Lucas be so cruel, so merciless and how did he know about Maya?

"Ethan, I understand your anger and desperation, but rushing in blindly to fight Lucas's pack may only put Ilonka in even greater danger. They have the advantage right now, and they know it," Ivan said.

Ethan's jaw clenched. "I can't just stand by and let them hurt Ilonka or Maya. There has to be a way to save them both."

Ivan nodded. "And we will find that way, Ethan. But we must think strategically. Lucas is using Ilonka and Maya as leverage to manipulate you. He wants to divide and weaken us. We cannot play into his hands."

Elena stepped forward, her voice filled with cautious determination. "Ethan, Ivan is right. Acting hastily could jeopardize Ilonka's safety even further. However, there may be another way to approach this. We could try to act as if we're complying with Lucas's demands, at least initially. It could give us the opportunity to gather more information, to understand his motives and plans. We can use this time to devise a counterstrategy and exploit any weaknesses we uncover."