Chapter 9

OCTAVIA

After a moment, he finally looked away, turning back to Vanessa.

Then came the final blow.

“Keep an eye on her, Vanessa,” he finally spoke, glancing at me like I was nothing more than a passing thought.

“She’s not to wander off alone. Make sure she's always within your line of sight whenever she's not inside the pack house. Do I make myself clear?”

I frowned. What the... Is he kidding me??

Did he just...

Just like that. Like I was invisible. Like I wasn’t standing right here.

My stomach twisted with annoyance.

Seriously? Who the hell do you think you are, Dorian Lysander? I screamed in my head.

The arrogant, stone-faced, ice-hearted bastard.

Just because he walks around like some carved god doesn’t mean he gets to talk over me like I’m not even here.

Still, my face stayed calm. I didn’t let it show. But inside, I was boiling.

Vanessa bowed awkwardly. “Yes, Alpha.”

And just like that, Dorian turned and walked away like nothing happened.

Not even a word to me, not even as much as a goodbye. Not even a second glance.

I stood there with my mouth slightly open, stunned.

My plan to get into his head? Completely ruined.

It was like trying to seduce a rock. Too bad though. I wasn't the kind to give up so easily. If that were the case, I wouldn't have survived this long. I would have been long dead. Alpha Dorian may be cold and emotionless but he had no idea who he was dealing with. He had no idea what was coming for him. I was here on a mission and not even him could stop me from archiving it.

The sound of low and mocking laughter met my ears, causing me to frown.

I turned and saw the cold-eyed warrior from the training ground earlier.

She stepped out from a corner with a smug look on her face and her arms folded across her chest.

“Well, that was painful,” she said. “The stare, the act, the whole mysterious thing. You really thought that would work?”

She gave me a fake pout. “Oh, poor thing. Maybe he just doesn’t like desperate.”

My jaw clenched, but I said nothing.

I didn’t know what her deal was, but she was clearly itching for a fight. Unfortunately for her, she couldn’t stand me on one.

“Selina, stop,” Vanessa snapped. “You don’t have to be rude every time you open your mouth.”

Selina raised an eyebrow. “I’m just telling the truth, Vanessa. Didn’t you see what just happened here? Do you want me to lie and pretend she didn’t embarrass herself just now?”

“She didn’t do anything,” Vanessa argued. “Maybe stop projecting your jealousy onto other people.”

Selina’s eyes narrowed. “Careful, Vanessa. Just because you’re the Beta's sister doesn’t give you the right to speak to me in that manner. Watch your mouth.”

“No, you watch your mouth, Selina,” Vanessa shot back. “You don’t get to act like a b*tch and expect other people to respect you.”

The tension between them was thick, like a storm about to break.

I stood there, still quiet, still thinking about Dorian.

His coldness and his dismissal.

It wasn’t even rejection. It was worse.

I didn’t exist to him.

Vanessa sighed and reached for my hand. “Come on, Octavia, let’s go.”

I didn’t move. My eyes were still on the hallway where Dorian had disappeared.

Vanessa tugged my arm. “Seriously, let’s go. Ignore her. This is a pack house, Octavia, she has no authority here. We all have equal rights,” she said, clearly misunderstanding my hesitation for something else.

This time, I let her pull me away.

When we were out of Selina’s earshot, I asked, “What’s her problem with me?”

Vanessa sighed. “Honestly? It’s not just you, Octavia. Selina’s got issues no one can solve but herself. She hates any female who even looks at Alpha Dorian.”

I frowned. “Wait. Are they together or something?”

Vanessa snorted. “She wishes. She’s had the biggest crush on him for years. Thinks she’s going to be his Luna someday.”

“And he hasn’t picked a mate yet?” I asked, wanting to make sure.

Vanessa shook her head. “He hasn’t even looked at anyone. Ever. No flings, no rumors.”

Then she paused, her brows pulling into a frown as she lifted a finger like she was excusing herself.

“Actually, there is one rumor. Well, not really a rumor—more like a history. Something terrible happened years ago... but it’s really not my story to tell, so... yeah. I guess we’ll just have to leave it at that.”

I stayed quiet after that.

But inside, my thoughts were spinning.

Interesting.....