Chapter Eighteen: Hello Ollie

ZOVADA

I smiled as the Diner goers all greeted their new Alpha like he was a king coming home after a war. Simon spoke with each pack member attentively, respectfully, and asked questions as the crowd formed around him. I excused myself to the restroom, pride on my face as I looked in the mirror. 

Now dressed down in my favorite worn-out jeans, green flats, and blouse, my wild curly hair free of her pins, I looked more like the Zovada of yesteryears to match Simon’s dressed-down look, and for the first time since that morning, I was wholly alone with my thoughts and messy emotions. Why now? Why does he want to try now? 

My heart was heavy despite my smile. My eyes were tired, but not dead. 

The stall behind me burst open, and Regina exited. It was times like this I hated not having a wolf. I should’ve sensed her as soon as I entered; then I could’ve removed myself. 

“Oh my! Zovada. I almost didn’t recognize you, dressed like…trash.” She sneered.

I smirked. “You mean comfortable? Not that you would know anything about that.” 

“I was taught to always look my best when leaving the house. Not look like a hobo.” 

“Oh? Sound miserable for you. I’d rather be comfortable. What brings you here? This isn’t the type of place you frequent. It’s almost like you are following me.” 

“I heard the new Alpha was doing his rounds. I figured I’d show my respect. But ran into you first.” She said with a smile.

“Oh? Did you miss him? He was in the center of the gaggle–might not have recognized him, though. He is also dressed as a hobo. If you weren’t so stuck up, you’d probably have gotten his attention already.” 

She gasped, but I ignored her and exited the restroom. She was hot on my heels and reached for me, just in time for Simon to grab her wrist as he hissed. “I do hope you weren’t trying to harm my Mate. I know you know better than that, Miss Sherwood.” 

She looked shocked as she took in his appearance. 

“I-um…well, of course not, Alpha Ascendant,” She stammered. “I simply wanted to book an appointment with you to discuss some issues. I didn’t want to miss the chance. So I was trying to get Miss Sage’s attention.” 

“Tell me then. Just like everyone else did.” He said and raised an eyebrow. 

“I’ll give you two a moment,” I said. Then moved toward the back of the room to look over all of the pictures on the wall. My attention was drawn over to a photo I didn’t know existed. There in black and white was a photo of Simon and me, from what felt like a lifetime ago. One of our first times in the establishment, when we dubbed the Diner as our favorite place to eat breakfast.

With my full stomach an indication of us reliving that experience, a voice came from behind me. “I knew it then; you two had something special. It's been many years since you’ve been here, and many more years since that photo.” 

I turned to see an older man as she used a cane to approach me. His wise wolf beneath the surface seemed to agree with his words. “You’ve grown into a fine woman. Will make a fine Luna if he ever gets his head out of his ass.”

“Thank you,” I said with a smile I didn’t quite feel. 

He offered a sad smile. “Yet, he might not realize it might be too late. Whatever you decide, make sure you are doing it for the right reason.” 

I nodded, and he patted my shoulder before he left my side. Simon appeared next to me. “I am sorry. I don’t know what brought her here.” 

I smirked. He couldn’t possibly be that dense?

“It’s fine. She is just another person needing your attention. Did you get some good pack ideas?”

He showed me his notes app where there was a giant list of everything the pack had discussed with him. “Yes. Some of them are actually some good ideas.” 

I beamed. “I love watching you in Alpha mode. You truly were born for this.” 

“Think so?” 

“Yes.”

He offered a sheepish grin and a furrowed brow. “This wasn’t my intention when I brought you to breakfast. I really just wanted you to have our favorite meal.” 

I placed a hand on his arm. “Simon. You are about to be Alpha. Thinking you would be able to walk around like a normal person anymore is delusional on both our parts.” 

He sighed. “Well, this next stop is for you; come with me.”     

Once outside, he grabbed a bag from the trunk and passed it to me. One of the Omegas nearby nodded and took the driver’s seat. I raised a brow and looked at Simon. He grinned at me just as his blue eyes shifted to steel grey, and his body rippled, then pulsed. He dropped to all fours as the bones cracked, then reshaped to reveal his massive honey-golden wolf form, Oliver.

Emotions welled up inside of me as I set my gaze on him for the first time in what felt like a lifetime. He stood as tall as the car. The sunlight danced along the creamy highlights in his fur which gave him the appearance of glittering. He pressed his muzzle into me and snuggled against me. “Mate…” his deep voice came out.

“Hello, Ollie,” I said and rubbed his ears. I dropped to my knees and hugged him tightly. He smelled like the outdoors and freedom. His fur was warm and soft against my face like clouds. He licked my face and bounced around. His tail wagged and thudded wildly against everything around us. 

Oliver pressed against me, nudged me onto his back, and took off running. I nearly fell off before I grasped the scruff of his neck and laughed. We raced toward the outskirts of town, into the woods and away from the buzzing city life, away from all the problems, the stress, and politics. 

For the first time in what felt like a lifetime, I felt free. Oliver’s fur in my fingers, I felt grounded, I felt safe, wind in my face; everything I had worried over melted away. I breathed in that fresh air, the trees, the birds, the plants; everything felt like it made sense again in that briefest of moments. 

I reached a hand out to some struggling plants; they blossomed at my touch. Tears streamed down my face. Why am I crying? 

As if completely in tune with my emotions, Oliver whined with me.

“I am okay, Ollie. I think…I am just overwhelmed. I don’t even know why I’m crying…” 

Oliver huffed in approval, then launched into a clearing. 

“Where are you taking me?!” I chuckled as Oliver jumped over a downed log. He bounded across a creek while he gained speed.