Chapter 1

Olivia's POV

My vision blurred as I staggered through the hotel hallway. My legs felt like lead, but I had to keep moving. I needed to get out.

Unaware of which room I’d stumbled into, I collapsed onto the bed, desperate for rest. My eyes had barely closed when a muscular body hovered over me. My limbs felt heavy and numb.

“What… what are you doing?” I managed to whisper, my head pounding.

He didn’t answer. Instead, his large hands pinned my shoulders down as he tugged at my clothes.

“Don’t ask questions,” he said, his voice low and commanding.

I tried to protest, but he silenced me with a kiss. The moment his lips touched mine, something inside me melted. His rich, intoxicating scent—something like cedar and spice—clouded my senses. I felt him skillfully working my dress down my body.

Though my sight was still hazy, his striking grey eyes burned with raw desire as they locked onto mine. I swallowed hard and shut my eyes as I felt a sharp pressure between my legs. A low, fervent moan escaped my lips when he pushed inside me.

He thrust slowly at first, growling possessively against my ear. Every movement sent sparks through my body. He kissed my neck, my breasts, my stomach—claiming every inch of me—until his rhythm grew deeper. With a final, powerful thrust, he came inside me, his chest pressed tightly against mine.

For a brief moment, his face came into focus: golden-brown hair, a sharp jawline, and full red lips I suddenly wanted to kiss again.

He pulled out and collapsed beside me, then drew me into his arms. I knew I should panic, but the warmth and safety of his embrace made me forget everything. I curled into his chest and let my eyes finally close.

◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇

The vibration of my phone jolted me awake. I groaned, shielding my eyes from the harsh sunlight streaming through the windows. When I reached for the nightstand, my phone wasn’t there.

Flashes of last night hit me all at once. I sat up quickly, scanning the unfamiliar luxurious room. A chill brushed my bare skin, and I yanked the duvet up to cover myself.

*What did I do?*

“Great, you’re awake.”

I flinched at the deep voice. The grey-eyed man stepped out of the bathroom, water still glistening on his skin, with only a towel wrapped low around his waist.

“What the fuck? Who are you?!” I half-yelled, forcing my eyes away from his sculpted chest.

He let out a dry chuckle. As I glanced back, he casually dropped the towel and began dressing, giving me a full view of his toned back and ass.

“Do you girls always act shy the morning after?” he asked, watching me through the mirror.

I tried to make sense of the situation, but then I saw my dress crumpled on the floor… and the bloodstain on the sheets.

“Oh my God…” I gasped, horror flooding through me.

“No… no, this can’t be happening. What did you do to me?!” My voice shook as I clutched the duvet tighter.

He scoffed, buttoning his shirt. “Here. This is more than your usual rate,” he said, tossing a cheque onto the bed. “Be grateful.”

“You’ve got it all wrong! I don’t want your money. How did I even get here?!” I cried, throwing the cheque back at him.

He smirked coldly. “The drama’s for more cash, right? Greedy little thing.” With that, he grabbed his jacket and walked out, slamming the door behind him.

I sat frozen, palms pressed to my temples. *What have you done, Olivia?*

My phone rang again. I snatched it up.

“Hello?”

“Where the hell were you last night, Olivia?!” Ethan’s angry voice boomed. “Weren’t you supposed to be at the airport?”

“Ethan, I’m so sorry! I’m coming right now, I swear—”

“Don’t bother. I know exactly what you’ve been doing while I was in Spain. So much for saving your virginity for me,” he spat bitterly.

“Ethan, please! I don’t know what’s going on. Just tell me where you are—”

“Enjoy your time with your lover. We’re done. Don’t call me again.”

He hung up.

Tears stung my eyes. *How did Ethan know?*

I rushed to get dressed, but the moment I opened the door, I froze. My father and stepsister, Emma, stood there with furious expressions.

“Father…” I stepped back, heart hammering.

“Where is he?” he growled, eyes scanning the room with pure venom.

“W-who?”

“The bastard who defiled you,” he snarled. “What were you thinking, bonding with a man who isn’t your mate? Do you have any idea what you’ve done?!”

“I… I don’t remember anything! I think I was drugged or something—I don’t even know him!”

Emma smirked and shoved her phone in my face. “Save the excuses, Olivia. Your little sex tape is everywhere. You’ve ruined Father’s reputation.”

My stomach dropped as I watched the video. Tears spilled down my cheeks.

“You’ve broken the sacred laws of the pack,” my father said coldly. “For bonding with someone who isn’t your chosen mate… the punishment is death by hanging. ”