Chapter 04

Olivia’s POV

Everything in my skull feels scrambled. Opening my eyes sends a wave of nausea crashing through me with every bit of motion around me. Did Dad relocate me somewhere? I test the air cautiously, but instead of that familiar stench of despair and simmering rage, something sweet drifts toward me instead of cotton candy, almost. I attempt shifting position again, though my body stubbornly refuses full cooperation.

“Hey, easy now, you’re safe.”

That voice carries an almost musical quality. Forcing my eyelids open again, I catch sight of a man’s profile beside me. Panic immediately bubbles up, and he seems to sense it instantly, continuing to speak.

“Mason Atticus runs Pinehollow Academy, which happens to be exactly where we’re headed right now.” He glances briefly toward me before returning his attention to the road ahead. “You’re completely safe. Your father’s already been taken into custody for everything he’s done to you. Pinehollow specializes in supernatural education where you’ll encounter fellow supernaturals, potentially discover any mates waiting for you, forge meaningful connections, and establish genuine standing within our community. Essentially, it prepares you thoroughly for life as a respected member of supernatural society.”

While he continues explaining, something remarkable happens for the first time in ages: my wolf stirs, eyes opening, ears perking with genuine curiosity toward the Headmaster’s voice.

“Wait, I’m actually enrolling there?”

Pushing myself upright, I finally register that we’re traveling along some scenic country road. The scenery outside is a breathtaking sunset melting behind rows of passing trees, moonlight gradually claiming the sky. Something inside me craves rolling down the window, letting wind rush freely across my outstretched arms. For the first time in what feels like forever, genuine happiness flickers through me. My wolf sits fully alert now, and though I can’t quite explain the sudden shift, relief floods through me knowing I’m not waking up chained inside some basement like some feral creature.

“We’re nearly there. I’ll personally show you to your assigned room. Our dorm system doesn’t separate by gender here, so you might end up sharing space with one or possibly two male students. Rules remain strict overall, though social interaction is genuinely encouraged.” Something in his tone suggests he’s less than thrilled discussing potential male roommates with me. “Tomorrow morning, report to my office I’ll issue your uniforms alongside your class schedule. Once we properly classify your wolf’s designation, appropriate coursework follows, helping determine your eventual role within pack structure.”

“Honestly, I don’t even know what type my wolf is. She literally just woke up today, havingn’t seen her in roughly ten years.” I wait, watching him process that information.

“Interesting… that would certainly explain why I couldn’t detect her presence earlier.” Silence settles over the remainder of our drive, my wolf remaining fully attentive, releasing soft whimpers directed his way until I accidentally let one slip audibly myself. I swear his posture stiffens even further, impossibly rigid.

“Sorry, my wolf keeps whimpering randomly, honestly no clue why.”

“It’s fine, Olivia.” His grip tightens noticeably against the steering wheel as we approach an expansive structure I immediately recognize as the school itself.

“You know my actual name.”

“Yes, your neighbor Cormac mentioned it. We’ve arrived, let me make a quick call before heading inside.” I watch him retrieve an expensive-looking phone from his jacket.

“Claire, that’s genuinely the only available room? Nothing else open?” I wait, curious about his response. “Understood, thank you.”

When interior lighting flicks on and he turns back toward me, my eyes widen involuntarily. Cormac was certainly attractive, sure, but this man radiates something closer to perfection: entirely shoulder-length brown hair curling gently at the ends, striking golden eyes, and a neatly trimmed beard framing his jaw precisely. Mason appears to be early-to-mid twenties, hardly older than myself. A fitted red turtleneck peeks beneath his black coat. His attractively full mouth turns downward slightly, clearly noticing my obvious staring. I quickly redirect my gaze past his shoulder, desperate to avoid further embarrassment.

“You’ll be sharing dorm space with an Alpha wolf named . Unfortunately, his room happens to be the only vacancy currently available.”

“Why do you sound reluctant about that arrangement?”

“Because ’s room sits at the school’s furthest end, honestly. He’s also dealing with losing a potential mate before their bond ever fully solidifies. Occasionally temperamental, though he won’t cause you harm I simply hoped for somewhere gentler to place you.”

I’m genuinely taken aback. “He’ll be fine, Headmaster. Honestly, nothing could possibly compare to my father.” When his fangs suddenly extend, fear doesn’t register whatsoever quite the opposite, actually. Leaning closer toward his face with obvious fascination, I blurt,

“Wow, an actual vampire! Never met one before. Mind if I touch them?”

“I’m sorry, what?” He retreats immediately, putting maximum distance between us within the car’s confines, looking thoroughly scandalized. Deep crimson floods his cheeks, oddly endearing despite everything.

“Sorry, that came out wrong, I genuinely never encountered a vampire before, at least not that I remember clearly.” I fold my hands back into my lap, embarrassed.

“It’s fine, Olivia. Let’s head inside Claire’s holding the dorm key for us.” Following him from the car, I stare upward at the sprawling academy looming ahead, though darkness obscures most architectural details. We pass through the main double doors together, immediately greeted by a waiting woman.

“Here you go, Mason.” She hands over a set of keys, briefly touching his shoulder in the process. Suddenly, low growling erupts somewhere nearby, and I glance around confused, searching for its source. Both Mason and Claire are staring directly at me, though.

“Olivia, is everything alright?” Mason steps deliberately away from Claire’s touch, and that’s precisely when realization strikes that the growling originated from me entirely.

What on earth, Olivia, seriously? Why am I randomly growling now? Clearing my throat awkwardly, I refocus entirely on Mason.

“Sorry, genuinely no idea why that happened. My wolf's just resurfacing after roughly a decade dormant, probably explains the edginess.” He clears his throat too, deliberately avoiding eye contact momentarily.

“Please, follow me, Miss Arthur.” He pivots immediately, walking briskly ahead. I hurry to match his pace, the silence stretching somewhat awkwardly between us, though my wolf practically wags her tail with unrestrained enthusiasm regardless.

“Truly sorry about earlier, the Headmaster still doesn't understand the growling thing.” He glances toward me, head tilting slightly, clearly working through some internal puzzle himself.

“It’s perfectly fine, Olivia. This academy exists specifically to help you understand yourself better, and I’m confident you’ll learn plenty during your time here.” We continue winding through seemingly endless corridors, turning corners randomly throughout the building.

Mostly, I’m simply grateful for his presence nearby, and thrilled at the prospect of finally sleeping somewhere resembling an actual bed after so long. Eventually stopping before a particular door, he unlocks it, stepping inside first.

The dorm itself is a stunning main living space featuring a sleek black sectional couch centered around a vibrant red rug, television mounted above an elegant fireplace. A compact kitchen tucks behind toward the left, while an open bathroom door reveals itself on the opposite side.

“Your room’s positioned to the right, occupies the left. You'll likely meet him sometime tomorrow morning. Here’s your bag for now; get some proper rest. Someone will collect you tomorrow and escort you directly to my office.”

“Goodnight, Headmaster, and genuinely, thank you for absolutely everything.” He offers a brief smile before exiting the room entirely.

Making my way toward the right-hand door, my heart practically stops entirely upon entering. Centered within the room sits a gorgeous queen-sized four-poster bed, black metal frame designed with intricate vine-like details climbing each post. Pure white bedding looks impossibly soft and inviting. I retrieve the bag Mason left behind, and the instant I open it, Cormac’s scent hits me immediately. Tucked inside, I discover an envelope bearing my name.

Olivia, hey love.

Relieved beyond words knowing you’re finally free from that man. I was actually preparing to rescue you myself, had this bag packed and ready, but the school’s Headmaster beat me to it. Included some jeans and other clothing for you.

Please forgive me. I genuinely attempted freeing you multiple times, Olivia, I swear that’s the truth.

In a couple months’ time, I’d love to visit, assuming you’re willing to see me. There’s quite a bit I need to explain properly.

For now, included a few of my shirts, something familiar to remember me by.

Cormac

Cormac actually wrote me a letter… even attempted rescuing me previously, apparently. Wondering exactly when and how those attempts unfolded, though it seems those particular answers would arrive eventually, a couple months down the road.

I pull free a black shirt still carrying his familiar scent, carrying it with me toward the bathroom, scrubbing away accumulated blood, grime, and sweat thoroughly. Sliding the borrowed shirt over my body afterward, I return to my new room, finally settling down to properly rest for the night.