Chapter 10 : Territorial Boundaries Chapter 10 : Territorial Boundaries ( Samantha's POV ) I pushed against Ethan's chest , trying to create space between us in the cramped confines of our walk - in closet . My back pressed uncomfortably against the hanging clothes . " Ethan , stop ," I said firmly , turning my face away from his seeking lips . He didn't listen . His hands tightened around my waist , pulling me closer despite my resistance . His breath was hot against my neck , eyes darkened with a possessive hunger I recognized all too well . " Sam , please , " he murmured , his voice rough with desire . " Let me show you how much I've missed you . " My struggles only seemed to fuel his determination . His fingers dug into my hips , his body caging mine against the wall of hanging clothes . In our tussle , my ceremonial dress - a midnight - blue silk creation with delicate silver embroidery - slipped from its hanger . The expensive fabric cascaded down , draping over Ethan's head and shoulders like a shimmering curtain . He barely noticed , his mouth finding my neck beneath the collar of my robe . His teeth scraped against my sensitive skin , followed by a bruising kiss that was more claiming than affectionate . " Ethan , you're hurting me ," I cried out , genuine pain in my voice . He froze instantly . The predatory gleam in his eyes faded , replaced by confusion , then dismay . He stepped back , the ceremonial dress sliding to the floor between us . " I'm sorry ," he said , running a hand through his disheveled hair . " I didn't mean to- " " But you did ," I cut him off , pulling my robe tighter around me . " You always do this . Push and push until you get what you want . " He looked at me for a long moment , his expression unreadable . Then he turned and walked to the bathroom without another word . I heard water running as he washed his hands . When he emerged , he deliberately used my personal towel to dry them- another small act of possession . His gaze fell to the ceremonial dress on the floor . He bent to pick it up , his fingers caressing the expensive fabric . " This is new , " he remarked , his tone deceptively casual . " I don't remember buying it for you . " Before I could respond , he pulled out his phone and snapped a picture of the dress . His thumbs moved rapidly across the screen , no doubt sending the image to James Quinn with orders to investigate . " You don't need to inventory my wardrobe , " I said coldly . His eyes met mine , calculating and intense . " I want to know who's been buying you gifts , Sam . " I descended the grand staircase of Blackwood Manor , my hand trailing lightly along the polished banister . The marks on my neck throbbed slightly - physical evidence of Ethan's possessiveness . Ms. Thompson bustled out from the kitchen , her face lighting up at the sight of me . Her smile faltered when she noticed the reddened skin at my throat . " Oh , Luna Reed ," she said quietly , reaching up to adjust my collar to better hide the marks . " I'm so glad you're back . The 1/4 < Chapter 10 Territorial Bound Alpha has been beside himself with worry . " +15 Puntos > She guided me toward the kitchen , her motherly concern evident in every gesture . " You two just need to talk things through . Every couple has rough patches . " " It's more than a rough patch , Ms. Thompson ," I replied gently , not wanting to hurt her feelings . She'd always been our biggest supporter . " Nothing that can't be fixed with a good meal and honest conversation ," she insisted , setting a steaming bowl of moonlight herb soup before me . " Eat . You look too thin ." I took a few spoonfuls to please her , but my appetite had vanished . The weight of what I needed to do pressed heavily on my chest . When Ethan entered the kitchen , Ms. Thompson quickly made herself scarce , no doubt hoping we would reconcile in her absence . " We need to talk , " I said , pushing the soup away . Ethan nodded , his expression carefully neutral . He sat across from me at the kitchen island , his attention focused on October , who had trotted in behind him . He pulled out a small pair of clippers and began trimming her claws . " I want a divorce ," I said directly , watching his face for a reaction . His hands remained steady as he continued grooming October . " Is that what you really want , Sam ? " " Yes , " I replied firmly . " Our issues go far beyond Rebecca's pregnancy , Ethan . " He looked up then , his amber eyes intense . " Explain . " " You've systematically dismantled my healing career , " I said , the words spilling out after years of silent resentment . " You used your influence to redirect potential patients to other healers . You filled my schedule with Luna duties that kept me too busy to maintain my practice . " His jaw tightened , but he didn't deny it . " You planned to trap me with a child , " I continued , my voice growing stronger . " To ensure I'd never leave you , never outgrow you . " " Is that what you think ? " he asked quietly . " I know it, " I replied . " And I won't be controlled anymore . I want three - quarters of your assets and 10 % of your shares in Blackwood Enterprises as settlement ." ( Ethan's POV ) I set down the clippers , giving October a gentle pat before turning my full attention to Samantha . Her demands were steep but not unexpected . She'd always been intelligent , strategic . " I'll transfer all my assets to you if you stay , " I offered , watching her eyes widen in surprise . " Everything I own can be yours , Sam . Just don't leave . " She shook her head , unmoved by my offer . " This isn't about money , Ethan . It's about freedom . " The word stung more than I cared to admit . Had I truly made her feel so trapped ? " I propose we start living separately , " she continued . " You can move out while we sort through the legal details . " I studied her face - the determined set of her jaw , the clarity in her eyes . This wasn't an impulsive decision made in anger . She'd thought this through . 214 < Chapter 10 Teritorial Bound … " Alright , " I agreed , surprising her . " I'll leave tonight . " +16 Puntos > I rose from the table and headed upstairs without another word . In our bedroom , I packed a suitcase with mechanical efficiency - just the essentials . Clothes , toiletries , my laptop . Everything else could be replaced . When I returned downstairs , Samantha was waiting by the front door , her arms wrapped around herself as if she were cold . " I've taken care of the Rebecca situation ," I said , setting my suitcase down . " She's been removed from the picture ." Samantha's expression didn't change . " It's too late for that . " I nodded , accepting her response . " I'll have James bring the divorce papers tomorrow . You should rest now . You look tired . " I reached out instinctively to touch her face , then stopped myself . She wasn't mine to touch anymore - not if she didn't want to be . " Goodnight , Sam , " I said , picking up my suitcase and walking to my SUV . As I drove away from Blackwood Manor , I glanced in the rearview mirror . Samantha stood in the doorway , a small figure framed by the grand entrance of our home . My home . The one I'd built for her . I pulled out my phone and dialed James . " I need everything you can find on that dress ," I said without preamble . " And I want round - the - clock surveillance on Blackwood Manor . Discreet , but thorough . " " Understood ," James replied . " What about the Rebecca situation ? " " Handled ," I said shortly . " She's been compensated and relocated . " " And the pregnancy ? " I gripped the steering wheel tighter . " Terminated . " ( Samantha's POV ) I watched Ethan's SUV disappear into the night , its taillights growing smaller until they vanished around a bend in the driveway . ran through me despite the warm evening air . Ethan had agreed too easily . He'd been too accommodating , too It wasn't like him to surrender without a fight . October sat beside me , her warm body pressed against my leg . I stroked her soft fur , finding comfort in her simple affection . " Sorry , " I murmured to her . " Mother has a baby in her belly now , so I can't hold you like I used to … But it will be leaving soon . " My hand rested protectively over my stomach . Tomorrow's appointment with Dr. Miller couldn't come soon enough . I needed to be free of all ties to Ethan before moving forward with my plans . I turned and went back inside Blackwood Manor , the heavy door closing behind me with a resonant thud . Without Ethan's commanding presence , the house felt cavernous and empty . The vastness of the entrance hall struck me anew . High ceilings , marble floors , priceless artwork - all symbols of Ethan's success , his power . I'd once found comfort in these luxurious surroundings . Now they felt like the walls of a beautiful prison . Had I done the right thing ? The sudden doubt made me pause at the foot of the grand staircase . 214 Chapter 10 Territorial Bound 415 Funtos > I pulled out my phone , needing a distraction from my thoughts . The screen lit up with notifications - dozens of them . Frowning , I opened the first one , a news alert . My breath caught as I saw the trending topic : " #Ethan Blackwood , Alpha King of the Northern territories , Picks Up His Mate at the Airport with High Profile . " The article featured multiple images : Ethan waiting with the glowing Moonbloom roses , his face lighting up as he spotted me , him embracing me while I stood stiffly in his arms .