Chapter 11

Olivia and Helen were returning from their last-minute shopping. The streets were quiet, with only a few cars passing by and the occasional pedestrian strolling along the sidewalks.

Olivia had been living with Helen and Veronica for a week now, their bond growing stronger with each passing day. But tomorrow, they would be leaving this quiet town behind, flying to Alaska to start a new Chapter of their lives. Helen had been talking excitedly about their destination, describing the beauty of Wolf Creek, where her grandfather's lakefront house and café were nestled among the towering trees and rugged wilderness.

"You'll love it there, Olivia," Helen said as they walked towards the motel where they were staying. "The lake is beautiful, and the café—it's like something out of a storybook. My grandfather used to tell me stories about the wolves that roamed the forest nearby. He always said they were guardians of the land."

Olivia smiled at Helen's enthusiasm, though a part of her couldn't help but feel a twinge of anxiety. She had grown fond of Helen and Veronica, but the fear of her secret being discovered always lingered in the back of her mind. Yet Helen's kindness and warmth had made her feel more at ease than she had in years.

As they approached the motel door, Olivia heard a strange noise from inside. A sense of unease settled in her stomach, and she exchanged a worried glance with Helen. Without hesitation, Helen quickly unlocked the door and pushed it open.

The scene that greeted them made Olivia's blood run cold.

Veronica was backed into a corner, her face pale with fear as a large, burly man loomed over her, his hand gripping her arm tightly. His eyes were wild with anger, his voice a low growl as he spat threats at Veronica.

"You think you can just leave me? Take my daughter away." The man snarled, tightening his grip on Veronica's arm. "You're mine, Veronica. You and Helen both. How dare you try to run?"

"Dad, stop!" Helen shouted, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and anger as she stepped forward. "Let her go!"

But the man, too consumed by his rage, barely registered Helen's presence. He turned his head slightly, his eyes narrowing as he took in the sight of Olivia standing behind Helen.

"And who the hell are you?" he demanded, his voice laced with venom.

Olivia stood her ground, her expression unwavering as she replied, "I'm Olivia, and I won't let you hurt them." The man's grip on Veronica tightened even more.

"How dare you interfere in my family's business?"

Olivia's heart raced as she felt her wolf stir within her, the primal instinct to protect flaring to life. She stepped forward, trying to remain calm despite the growing tension. "Let her go," she said, her voice firm.

The man's expression twisted into a sneer. "Or what? What are you going to do, huh?"

Before Olivia could respond, the man lunged at her, his rage-fueled strength propelling him forward. But Olivia was ready. Her wolf surged to the surface, and before she could stop it, her eyes glowed a fierce golden, and she half-shifted into her hybrid form. Her hands became claws, her muscles rippling with the power of her transformation. She caught his neck and held him in a vice-like grip, her growl sending shivers down his spine. The man's eyes widened in fear as he realised he had severely underestimated her.

The man's bravado crumbled instantly as he stumbled back, terror etched on his face. "What, what are you?"

But Olivia's wolf wouldn't let him get away so easily. She moved with lightning speed, knocking him to the ground with a single blow. The man's head hit the floor with a dull thud, and he lay there unconscious.

As the adrenaline slowed, Olivia realised what she had done. She looked up, her golden eyes fading back to their usual green as she turned to see Helen and Veronica staring at her in shock, their faces pale.

Olivia's heart sink. She hadn't meant for them to see her like this—to reveal the part of herself she had kept hidden for so long. She quickly shifted back into her human form, her breathing uneven as she tried to find the words to explain.

"I'm sorry," Olivia stammered, her voice thick with emotion. "I didn't mean to scare you. I'll leave—I don't want to cause you any more trouble."

But before she could turn to go, Helen rushed forward, grabbing her arm. "No, Olivia, wait!" she said, her voice urgent. "You don't have to go."

Olivia blinked, confusion and fear swirling within her. "But you saw what I am."

Helen nodded, her grip on Olivia's arm tightening. "I did. And it doesn't change anything."

Olivia searched Helen's face, trying to understand. "How can you say that? You should be afraid of me."

Helen shook her head, her expression softening. "I've known you were different for a while, Olivia. Your superfast healing and that day in the forest, I saw an injured wolf run into the woods, but when mum and I reached the spot, we found you instead."

Olivia's breath caught in her throat. She had been so careful, so guarded. How had Helen figured it out?

Veronica, who had remained silent until now, stepped forward, her eyes filled with a mix of gratitude and understanding. "Olivia, you saved us today. You saved my life. Whatever you are, it doesn't matter. You're family now."

Olivia was speechless, her heart swelling with emotion.

"Your secret is safe with us," Helen added softly, her voice full of sincerity. "We'll protect you, just like you protected us."

Tears welled up in Olivia's eyes as she realised she didn't have to run anymore. For the first time in years, she felt truly accepted and truly safe. With shaky breath, she nodded, a small smile breaking through the storm of emotions within her.

"Thank you," Olivia whispered, her voice filled with gratitude.

"Mom, what about dad ?" Helen asked, while staring at her father's limp body.

Veronica moved to check on her ex husband. She stepped cautiously towards the crumpled figure, her breath catching in her throat. Kneeling beside him, she hesitated for a moment before placing trembling fingers on his neck, searching for the pulse that should have been there.

Veronica's face turned ashen as she withdrew her hand, her fingers shaking uncontrollably. She opened her mouth to speak, but for a moment, no sound came out. When she finally found her voice, it was barely a whisper.

"He, he's dead.”