Ryan POVI stared at Olivia's empty hand as she walked away. A strange feeling settled in my chest, an odd mix of regret and something elseโsomething I couldnโt quite place. She was leaving, and while I felt sorry for her, there was this tiny, nagging sense of disappointment that I couldnโt shake. I had learned so much about her from the school records, how happy she was at camp, how she thrived there. It was rare, I thought, that someone like Olivia could find something they truly loved, something they excelled at. But now, that spark seemed to be fading, and I couldnโt help but feel responsible for it.I wasnโt sure how long I sat there, watching the space sheโd just occupied, but eventually, I heard the low hum of voices from the meeting still going on behind me. I turned my attention back to the screen in front of me, trying to ignore the thoughts of Olivia that lingered in the back of my mind. My friendsโwell, they couldnโt see me, thanks to the settings Iโd adjusted, but they co
Olivia POVI felt as if I had just woken from a dreamโa strange, vivid dream where I wasnโt rescued. The images were jumbled, but the fear was unmistakable. I had been running, fighting with everything I had left, trying to escape. And then, the men from the casino had found me. I had struggled against them, feeling my body weaken, the exhaustion threatening to pull me under. Just as I was about to be dragged back into their control, someone grabbed my hand, and with a sudden force, they led me away.My breath had caught in my throat as I was pulled through the maze of streets, hiding in alleys, the sounds of footsteps echoing behind us. We had found safety, or at least it felt like it. In the dim light of the alley, the stranger pulled me close, his arms wrapping around me tightly, as if to protect me from the world, from everything that was after me. His body was solid, strong, and I could feel the heat radiating off of him. He kissed me deeply, his lips pressing against mine in a w
Olivia POVThe warm water cascaded down my back, soothing and steady, as I ran my fingers through my damp hair. Each droplet seemed to wash away the haze of sleep, sharpening my senses for the day ahead. My thoughts drifted as I rubbed the soap against my skin, the faint scent of lavender enveloping me. I lingered, letting the steam fill the bathroom and momentarily forgetting the unfamiliarity of the packhouse.Pulling myself out of my reverie, I quickly rinsed off and wrapped myself in a towel. The chill of the air against my damp skin sent a shiver up my spine, urging me to hurry. I slipped on a light dress, one I hoped struck the balance between casual and presentable, and headed out.The soft clinking of utensils guided me to the dining area, where Alpha Ryan sat at the head of the table. His posture was relaxed yet commanding, a contrast that always left me slightly unsettled. โGood morning,โ I greeted softly, sliding into the chair opposite him. It was a bit silly to greet him
Olivia POVHer question hung in the air, and I struggled to find the words, my heart pounding as the weight of her assumptions pressed down on me.The rack of elegant clothes loomed in front of me, every gown, dress, and jumpsuit shimmering under the soft glow of my roomโs light. Emma, clearly proud of her display, stood expectantly, her eyes practically sparkling with excitement despite my rejection. My heart raced as I looked from the rack to her and back again."Well, Olivia?" Emma asked, holding up an emerald gown that sparkled with an almost otherworldly brilliance. "This would look divine on you. Imagine the heads you'll turn at the reunion!"I bit my lip, trying to form a coherent response. The truth swirled in my mind, too complicated to put into words. This party wasnโt some grand occasion; it was a casual farewell for my boot camp class. Showing up in a gown meant for a royal gala would be ridiculous.โI donโt thinkโฆโ My voice faltered. โI mean, the partyโs mostly for regula
Oliviaโs POVZara grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief as I teased her about her heavy padded jacket. โWhat are you hiding under there?โ I asked, folding my arms and raising an eyebrow.With a dramatic flourish, Zara unzipped the jacket and shrugged it off, revealing a stunning outfit that made me gasp. She wore a sleek black halter top that hugged her figure perfectly, paired with a high-waisted leather skirt that flared just enough to make her look effortlessly stylish. Her boots, knee-high and laced, added an edge to the ensemble. Zara twirled playfully, the fabric catching the light and shimmering slightly.โThis,โ she announced with a proud smirk, โis my real outfit. Perfect for the send-off party tonight.โI tilted my head knowingly. โAnd this wouldnโt have anything to do with Loren, would it?โZaraโs smirk turned into a wide grin, and she leaned in conspiratorially. โOkay, fine. Maybe it has everything to do with Loren. I considered it and confessed my love to him first.โ
Olivia's POVThe moment I reached the far end of the hallway, I let the tears flow freely. My chest heaved with suppressed sobs, and I clutched the straps of my bag tightly to steady myself. My flat shoes echoed faintly against the tiled floor as I hurried, my vision blurred from the salty sting of tears. I just needed to get awayโfrom the disappointment in Professor Susanโs voice, from the lingering questions I didnโt want to answer.โOlivia!โ Zaraโs voice rang out from behind me, her hurried footsteps closing the distance. She grabbed my arm and pulled me to a stop. โWhy are you crying? Whatโs wrong?โI wiped my cheeks roughly, refusing to meet her eyes. โItโs nothing, Zara. Justโฆ let it go.โHer silence was unnerving, and when I finally glanced up at her, her expression was a mixture of frustration and concern. She folded her arms, her jaw set. โLet me guess. Alpha Ryanโs been mistreating you, hasnโt he?โI blinked at her, startled by the accusation. โWhat?โZara nodded to herself,
Olivia POVThe air felt stifling as I stared at Matt instead of giving him an answer to his request. I hadnโt expected to see him tonight, not after everything that had happened. A part of me had convinced itself that whatever fragile thread still connected us had been severed long ago.โOlivia,โ Again, his voice was soft but carried a weight that made my chest tighten. โCan we talk? Just for a moment. Alone, please.โI wanted to say no. The words were right there, ready to escape my lips, but they caught in my throat when Zara gripped my arm and leaned close, whispering, โYou should go. He looks like he really needs to talk to you.โI shook my head, panic bubbling beneath my calm facade. โZara, I canโtโโโOf course, you can,โ she interrupted, her tone light but firm as she began nudging me toward the door. โDonโt make the poor guy wait. Besides, itโs obvious he cares about you.โIf only she knew the truth.I glanced back at Zara, trying to convey my desperation without words, but her
Ryan's POV The morningโs work was long and tedious, but my thoughts constantly drifted to Olivia. I tried to focus, yet the idea of her at the camp reunion gnawed at me. I wasnโt worried for her safety; Ric was with her. He was the best warrior I had, and I trusted him implicitly to protect her. But there was something unsettling about the idea of her being there, surrounded by her past, while I was here.Needing a change of scenery, I decided to head to the training camp. Maybe I could convince myself it was just routine inspection, but deep down, I knew it was more than that.As I stepped out of my car at the campgrounds, the crisp air filled my lungs, bringing with it a wave of memories from my own time here. The hum of activity from trainees and instructors echoed around me, but being in this environment only intensified my yearning to see her. I shook my head, pulling myself together. The superintendent of the camp and his staff rushed to greet me, their voices full of reverence
Ryanโs POVThe whiskey burned its way down my throat, the heat doing little to numb the tension curling in my gut. I slammed the shot glass onto the table, the sound sharp against the low hum of bar chatter. Across from me, Luke and Andrew stared, their expressions ranging from amused to intrigued.Andrew leaned forward, swirling the amber liquid in his glass. โWell, damn. Youโre really throwing them back tonight.โLuke arched a brow. โDid something happen? Itโs not every day our dear Alpha comes to drink his problems away.โI exhaled through my nose, rolling the empty glass between my fingers. The barโs dim lighting cast flickering shadows, but it did nothing to erase the image burned into my mindโthe way Olivia had looked in the tower earlier. Half-dressed, eyes wide with innocence. It had almost messed with my control. The goddess knew I was just a tiny bit close to losing it and grabbing her to kiss the hell out of her. I just had to leave the room at the moment to ease off a bit.
Oliviaโs POVThe cool air kissed my skin, sending shivers down my spine as I stood there, half-naked, my body exposed under the dim bedroom light. My breath hitched as Ryanโs gaze darkened, his eyes scorching a slow path over my bodyโfrom my bare feet, up my trembling thighs, lingering at my curves before stopping at my shoulders.He swallowed hard, his Adamโs apple bobbing.A slow burn spread in my chest, warmth coiling deep inside my belly. My breath turned shallow. I knew that look.And then my gaze droppedโjust for a second.My lips parted in shock.There, straining against his pants, was a sight I had no business staring at. A pulse of heat rushed between my thighs, and my heart pounded against my ribcage.Ryan stiffened. His jaw clenched like he was holding back somethingโsomething perilous. But instead of acting on it, he swiftly turned around and walked to the door.His voice, when it came, was shaky but firm. โPut on some clothes before you catch a cold.โThe door shut behind
Oliviaโs POVThe afternoon sun spilled through the wide windows of The Silver Oak, a clean, cozy bar that Zara had suggested. We sat around a polished oak table, its surface gleaming under the warm light. Zara was animated, chatting with Lydia, Tina, and Lola. It was great but surprising how sheโd recently gotten acquainted with them since the hearing. Benjamin leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed, looking mildly amused at their excitement.While they discussed trivial matters, I discreetly reached into my bag and pulled out the album I had decided to gift Zara. It was a limited edition featuring her favorite band, X Band. The glossy cover displayed their group photo, each member looking effortlessly cool and rebellious. My heart warmed with anticipation at Zaraโs reaction.โZara,โ I said, stretching the album toward her. โIโm gifting this to you.โThe moment the girls saw the album, they gasped in unison, their eyes widening.โIs thatโ?โ Lydiaโs voice hit a higher pitch.โThe X
Olivia POVThe next morning, Ivy and I began packing my things. The room was a battlefield of half-opened boxes, ribbons, and paper. There were so many presents that even looking at them made my head spin. Some were still sealed, their contents a mystery, while others were fragileโvases, crystals, or delicate jewelry that demanded careful handling.โThis is insane,โ I muttered, shaking my head as I folded a delicate shawl into a box.Ivy, with a clipboard in hand, glanced at me. โIโm going to get the full list of gifts from the butler. Itโll make it easier to check for missing items and classify them. Some of these things need to be bubble-wrapped.โโGood idea.โ I nodded, still trying to figure out how to pack the jewelry case without damaging it.When Ivy left, I stood amidst the chaos and let my mind drift. My thoughts wandered back to yesterdayโs discussion with Ryanโs mother. Moon Lake Pack had been mentioned again, and something about it felt off. I couldnโt shake the feeling tha
Alex POVI did well to return home first before heading to the camp that evening. The plan was simple: grab my books and slip out quietly. As I pushed open the door, I immediately regretted not being more careful. My fatherโs booming voice echoed through the house.โWow, our son is back, Maria!โ He hollered from the living room. โOur dear spy.โI stiffened. I hated when he called me that, but arguing about it would only make it worse. My mother sat beside him, a stern expression already plastered on her face.โOh, what took you all day?โ my father pressed. โDid that family trap you there because they were receiving Olivia?โโNo. I left after our meal,โ I said, hoping to keep the conversation short.โGood. So, fill us in,โ he demanded impatiently. โWhat happened there? Howโs Olivia?โโSheโs good.โโGood?โ His eyebrows shot up. โThatโs all youโve got? Good?โBefore I could respond, my mother interjected. โDavid, let him breathe.โ She turned to me. โDid you see Diana? I heard she tested
Oliviaโs POVI frowned, my fingers clenching slightly against my dress as I looked between Sarah and standing before me.Diana.I didnโt know her, had never even heard of her name before today. Yet, Ryan's mother's look sold off that Diana seemed like one to cause problem.Before I could ask any questions, Sarah turned to Ivy. โGo report back to Grandfather Moore.โIvy gave a respectful nod and left the environment, her presence replaced by a weighted silence.โWho's Diana?" I asked her.She sighed. โShe's Grandfather Mooreโs granddaughter.โWhat? She's yourโฆ.โ"No. She's not my daughter. She's Kelvinโs elder stepbrotherโs daughter.โ"Huh?โ I blinked.Sarah exhaled slowly before turning back to me. โOlivia, I think itโs time you learned more about the family.โMy brows knitted. โMore?โShe nodded. โGrandfather Moore had some illegitimate children before he officially married Kelvin's mother. That, unfortunately, led to too many people trying to compete for the Alpha position.โI stiff
Oliviaโs POVI hadnโt expected to run into Eva at the flower shop that day, and I certainly hadnโt expected to run into her here again. The last thing I wanted was another pointless argument, so I decided to ignore her and walk past as if she wasnโt there.But, of course, Eva wouldnโt let me go so easily.โWell, well, look who we have here,โ she sneered, stepping in front of me to block my path. โThe lowly omega who used a Gamma to cheat her way out of trouble.โI frowned, glancing around. Her guards now stood at a distance, they seemed uninterested in intervening. Maybe for now. I sighed and met Evaโs glare. โI didnโt cheat, Eva. And I certainly didnโt โescapeโ anything. I didnโt do anything wrong.โEva scoffed and took a step closer, her eyes flashing with barely contained fury. โOh, really? Then why donโt you apologize for what happened that day?โI stiffened. โI have nothing to apologize for. I didnโt push you. I was trying to help you.โEvaโs lips curled in a twisted smirk, and b
Maidโs POVI stepped forward, firmly blocking the path as Diana halted in front of me. Her golden hair gleamed under the disappearing sun, and despite the gentle smile on her face, there was an underlying sharpness in her gaze.โI need to see my grandfather, Acacia,โ she said, folding her arms. โMove away." I remained unmoved. โIโm sorry, Miss Diana, but you canโt go in right now.โHer eyes narrowed slightly. โWhy? I walked despite my legs hurting to get here, and now youโre stopping me?โI met her gaze steadily, keeping my voice calm. โI have no personal reason to stop you, Miss. But your grandfather is receiving a special guest todayโAlpha Ryanโs girlfriend.โHer lips parted slightly in surprise, then pressed into a thin line. โI heard Ryan was bringing her over today,โ she muttered, more to herself than to me. โI think her name isโฆ uhh, Olivia.โโThatโs right, Miss Diana,โ I confirmed, shifting my weight slightly.Her face twitched, and for a moment, she seemed genuinely concerned
Olivia's POVGrandfather Mooreโs gaze was warm as he gestured toward the young woman standing beside him. "Olivia, this is Ivy. Sheโs one of the strongest female Gammas in our pack."Ivy gave a small nod, her short hair swaying slightly with the movement. She had sharp eyes, the kind that seemed to see everything without trying too hard. Yet, there was something calm about herโa quiet strength that didnโt demand attention but couldnโt be ignored either."Itโs nice to meet you," I said with a smile. "You look really capable."Ivy smirked, crossing her arms. "I try."Grandfather Moore continued, "Given Celiaโsโฆ pregnancy experience, we thought itโd be easier for you to have a woman around rather than a man. Ivyโs one of our best, and sheโll be by your side to help when needed."I nodded. Now, I didnโt mind. In fact, I liked being around strong women like Ivy and Zara. There was something admirable about themโthe way they carried themselves, the way they never seemed shaken.Ivy stepped