Ch. 4

Olivia’s PoV.

The next morning, I woke up first. Damian was still holding me in his arms. Unable to push him, I stare into space at the first rays of light drifting through the curtains. Then I felt him stirring. I did not want to talk to him, so I pretended to be asleep. He had shattered all my expectations and there was truly nothing left to talk about between us anymore.

My heart pounded, but I kept my breathing steady until I heard the shower running.

Damian quietly left the room after showering, still thinking I was asleep. Only then did I breathe out and get up. My heart ached. My chest fell hollow. I tried to reach Vanilla again, to no avail. She was truly gone. The hollow void in my chest felt even bigger now. I’ll figure it out Vanilla. I will. I held to that frail hope.

It took me tremendous effort to shower and change. It was also an ordeal to get dressed, but I managed without help. I still wanted to hold to that bit of dignity I had left, now that Damian has taken everything from me. I decided to go downstairs to eat. If not for me, for my child. Walking down the stairs was agonizing and it took me longer than I anticipated. My brow was sweaty when I finally made it downstairs.

“Luna your breakfast.” One of the omegas placed the trade on the table and left as quickly as she had come. They all pity me and did not know how to act around me.

Eggs, bread, and bacon, which once would have made my mouth water, now tasted rubbery. I forced myself to eat. I placed a hand on my stomach and endured it for the baby. We will get through this; your father will not destroy us.

After I was done eating, I made sure Damian wasn’t around before calling my brother. I needed to plan my escape before Damian found out I was pregnant.

I took my phone from where I left it and called my brother’s number. We talked at least once a month just to check in. But his phone rang and rang without luck.

My chest tightened. My hands trembled. When I was hesitant about whether I should try again now. Suddenly, a voice interrupted my spiraling thoughts.

“I will let the Luna know.”

“You don’t need to announce me.” An entitled voice drifted from the hallway as a maid entered nervously and informed me that I had a visitor.

A visitor?

Vivian let herself in as if she owned the place. She looked radiant.

She was completely recovered. Gone was the grieving widow, giving way to her usually flagrant personality. But the reason for her glow was not only the pregnancy; it was also my very essence running through her, fueling her body and spirit. Honestly, Vivian was one of the most beautiful she-wolves I've ever seen. Men would bow down at her feet and offer her their most precious treasures. But her personality is sharp, like a rose with thorns. In the past three years of our interactions, the only person I knew who could tolerate Vivian's temper was her mate, Alpha Levi. But then Levi had been a saint, among us.

“Well, well Luna Olivia. Don’t you look dreadful?” She said with a smirk. She gave me a once-over, and then she started to look around the house as if checking the décor, scrunching her face when she saw something she didn’t like. She checked for dust with her fingertips on the furniture. She always felt the need to prove her worth around me, always measuring herself against me. She must feel triumphant to see me like this.

“What do you want Vivian?” I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

“I’m simply paying a visit.” She said wiping her hands, without looking at me.

“I’m not in the mood for visits.” I really wasn’t. In fact, I could never stand on my feet at this moment.

“You’d better get used to me, dear Olivia.” A sly smile crept across her face. “Because very soon, I’ll be the new Luna of Red River Pack. Once I marry Damian, of course.”

The words struck like lightning. My pulse thumping in my ears. “Come again? Are you even serious right now? You’re his sister-in-law. And he’s married to me. How could you possibly marry Damian?” My voice shook with disbelief.

I was utterly confused.

Vivian looked at me with pity.

“You arrived just three years ago that’s why you don’t know, but before I married Levi, I was Damian’s girlfriend.” She smirked.

That revelation shocked me. Indeed, I never knew much about Damian’s past, but I never would’ve thought about this.

I felt sick.

Could this be why? Could this be the real reason he had sacrificed me? Not loyalty to his brother. Not guilt. But love. Love he had never let go of.

“I know what you are thinking, Olivia, and yes, yes to everything you are thinking. Damian chose me the minute my mate was gone.” Her words mocked me; her presence was boastful.

The room spun. My stomach plummeted, bile rising in my throat. My heart shattered all over again.

Vivian’s smile widened as if she could really read my thoughts. “Something to think about, isn’t it?” She let out a light laugh, the sound cruel and mocking, and left me alone, nailed to the ground.

I pressed a trembling hand to my stomach, tears burning my eyes. For my baby’s sake, I couldn’t crumble now. But the truth was undeniable. My mate had not only betrayed me—he had chosen her. I can’t stay here. They will not only destroy me, but my child as well. Who’s to say her child is not Damian’s? I need to run far away from them and protect my pup, but I will come back and when I do, they will regret it.