Chapter three

Olivia’s POV

My head spun wildly, my heart slamming hard against my ribs as I ran without looking back. I was leaving the pack. I knew Damien had ordered me to stay. He was the Alpha, and no one was meant to defy him, but I had reached my breaking point. Between obeying a man who betrayed me and destroying my unborn child, I chose to run.

I pushed myself forward, rushing deeper into the forest. My feet struck the earth again and again, my lungs burning as each breath came out uneven and strained. I ran with everything left in me. The trees blurred together, branches scraping past my skin like bony hands reaching to stop me. I refused to turn around, terrified of what might be waiting behind me.

Damien’s voice echoed in my head. “You will stay at the safe house outside the palace tonight.” But I knew I could not do that. Not after what he demanded of me. He did not want this pregnancy, and I understood why. As Alpha, having a child with me would stain his image and weaken his rule.

But I could never bring myself to end this life, no matter how coldly he had spoken. No matter how hard he tried to force the decision on me. This child was part of me, part of my future, and I would protect it.

As I ran, the forest thickened around me, shadows stretching and darkening into something threatening. My legs screamed in pain with every step. I tripped once, then again, my foot snagging on a hidden root, but I caught myself just before hitting the ground.

I was exhausted. I needed to stop. But time was against me. Every second that passed meant Damien was closer. I knew I could not slow down. I had to keep moving, no matter how weak my body felt.

Suddenly, the ground beneath me seemed to vibrate. Footsteps followed. Voices murmured faintly through the trees. My heart lurched painfully as I realized the truth. I was not alone. I was being tracked.

I tried to steady myself and stay quiet, but sweat soaked my skin, my scent spilling everywhere. Whoever followed me would have no trouble tracing my path.

Panic clawed at me. I knew it was over if I did not act fast or find another way out. My pulse raced uncontrollably as I searched the forest for an escape, my eyes darting from shadow to shadow. There was nothing.

Just when I thought I had managed to lose them, I slammed into something solid. Strong arms caught me instantly. Damien stood before me, his face dark with fury, his eyes burning.

“How did you…” I started, struggling to catch my breath.

Damien’s gaze hardened. “You truly thought you could outrun me, Olivia?” he said coldly. “You are not even equal to my weakest warrior.”

“How did you find me?” I asked, still stunned, fighting against his grip.

A cruel smile curved his lips. “Did you really believe you could escape me?” he said confidently. “I know this forest better than anyone. I knew you would try to run. You are predictable.”

“But how did you know which path I would take?” I demanded, disbelief shaking my voice.

Damien chuckled darkly. “You only know one way out, Olivia. I knew you would choose it. As Alpha, I know every hidden route. I took a shortcut and cut you off. It was simple.”

I struggled again, but his hold tightened. His fingers dug painfully into my arms as he dragged me back. A groan escaped me as pain shot through my body. The other men arrived moments later, their expressions blank and emotionless.

“Take her to the safe house,” Damien ordered, his voice distant and cold.

The men nodded, their eyes briefly meeting mine before they seized me. Damien handed me over without meeting my gaze as I cried, screamed, and begged.

“Please, Damien, let me go,” I pleaded desperately. “I will disappear. I swear you will never see me again.”

Damien did not soften. “You will obey,” he said flatly, without mercy.

My strength faded as they dragged me away. I was drained, hurting, and desperate for rest, but not here. I was thrown into the safe house, the door slamming shut behind me and locking tight. I collapsed onto the floor, my body shaking as sobs tore from me.

As the night stretched on, I cried until sleep finally claimed me, my thoughts racing endlessly with one question.

How would I escape again without being caught?