Chapter 20
Olivia’s POV
Hannah and I arrived at a small alley downtown, known for its cheap yet delicious food.
It was also a popular hangout for the homeless and gangsters.
But as werewolves, we didn’t fear them.
We took a seat, ordered our food, and chatted while we waited.
Soon, the tasty snacks arrived.
Hannah and I were both a bit hungry and started to eat.
After a while, the sound of brakes squealing near the street caught our
attention.
I looked up and saw Marsh getting out of a car.
I smiled at Hannah and said, “This is probably my least favorite kind of coincidence.”
Marsh came over, looked at me, and said, “Come back to the Dawn Pack with me.”
“I don’t understand your meaning.” I turned my head, not wanting to continue the topic.
Marsh persisted, “You are still my mate and the Luna of the Dawn Pack.”
I put down my cutlery and said to Hannah, “Are you done eating? Shall we take off?”
Chapter 20
Hannah wiped her hands and said, “OK.”
We got up and headed out, deliberately ignoring Marsh.
We walked deeper into the alley since another exit would take us closer to my apartment.
Suddenly, a group of people emerged from a dark corner.
They were clearly a bit drunk and eyed us as potential targets for mugging.
Marsh came over and looked at us, who had been halted by the unexpected situation.
He raised his eyebrows. “Come back with me. I’ll take care of these guys for you.”
Hannah laughed out loud at his words.
I glanced at Marsh with a smile; he was just as arrogant as ever.
It then occurred to me that I was stopped by some rogues back in school.
At that time, I couldn’t shift and hadn’t yet discovered my
my wolf.
To my surprise, after more than ten years, I encountered a similar situation again.
One of the men leered at us and said, “Beauties, want to have some fun?”
Emily was taken away earlier tonight, which bugged me particularly.
And now, they were bold enough to block our way.
I glanced at the man in front of me. Instead of getting angry, I smiled, “What are you gonna do if I say no?”
Marsh stood aside, sneering as if he were looking forward to the show.
“No? Then don’t blame us for being violent!” the man threatened.
I stopped smiling. As the man reached out, I grabbed his wrist, twisted it, and heard his howl of pain pierce the night air.
Seeing this, his lackeys all rushed forward.
It had been quite a while since my last fight, and I wasn’t in a good mood tonight, so I took them down mercilessly.
In just about five minutes, I had them all on the ground without even needing to use Elara’s power.
I glanced back at Marsh who was shocked, and then turned to Hannah. “Let’s go.”
Hannah looked at Marsh and sneered, “Now, do you still think we need your help?”
We walked away, ignoring his sour expression.
As we walked out of the alley, I found the night in LA particularly charming.
Marsh’s sudden appearance undoubtedly spoiled my mood.
Hannah and I hurried toward my apartment, eager to put the day’s unpleasantness behind us.
Just as we neared the apartment, my phone rang.
It was Lillian, a friend from Hannah’s pack. Her voice brimmed with energy. “Olivia, Hannah, what are you doing? Let’s hang out! I’m waiting for you at Moonlight Bar.”
I looked at Hannah, who raised her eyebrows, clearly interested.
“OK, Lillian. We’ll be there soon.”
I ended the phone and turned to Hannah, “Let’s hit the bar.”
We headed to Moonlight Bar, a lively spot where werewolves and humans mingled.
The music was deafening, and the lights were flashing.
We found Lillian waving at us from the bar counter.
We joined her, chatted, and enjoyed a much–needed relaxing time.
Despite the bar’s noisy atmosphere, I couldn’t fully relax, I still sensed curious eyes around us.
Then, I saw Zander.
Holding a bouquet, he approached with a determined stride.
I was momentarily stunned, unsure of his intentions.
Elara in my mind said, confused, “I feel the presence of our mate.”
Scanning the room, I was surprised to see Marsh and Jeffrey across the bar.
Had Marsh been following me the whole time? Wasn’t he concerned about Emily?
“Elara, Marsh is here,” I said, but her response only added to my confusion. She told me, “It’s not just him. I sense two mates.”
I frowned, trying to make sense of it.
“Gee! Roses! He’s so romantic!”
–
Zander reached me, and the crowd’s excited whispers grew louder.
He presented the large bouquet of roses with a smile. I took it and said, “Thank you.”
Zander smiled, “Roses suit you. Care to join me for a meal later?”
I paused for a moment before handing the roses back.
“I’m sorry, but I’m a bit allergic to pollen,” I explained apologetically.
Zander clicked his tongue and shrugged, “My bad.”
He tossed the roses away. “Won’t happen again.”
I glanced at him. “And I don’t usually eat this late.”
“Then shall I give you a lift home?” he offered.
I realized for the first time how assertive Zander was.
I was about to decline when Hannah suddenly nudged me.
Whispering in my ear, she said, “Marsh and Jeffrey are here. I suggest
you say yes.”
