Chapter 8
Olivia’s POV
My thoughts were a whirlwind as I left the lounge.
Alpha Zander’s offer had caught me completely off guard.
I gotta make a choice, but it wasn’t easy.
With heavy steps, I descended the stairs and paused at the landing.
I called out to my wolf, trying to discuss with me about what had happened.
“Elara, what do you think about Alpha Zander’s offer? As long as we become his Luna for a year, we’ll get our freedom and power back,” I whispered.
After a moment, Elara’s voice sounded in my mind, sounding a bit raspy.
“I’m not sure, Olivia. Marsh is our mate. Perhaps we should figure out a way to win him back instead of leaving with someone else.”
“I used to have the same idea, and I’ve tried. But he’s clearly obsessed with Emily. And I don’t wanna waste my time on an unfaithful mate,” I sighed.
“Have you thought it through? If we reject Marsh, we might not get a second chance mate.”
Marsh’s blatant betrayal and our weakening mating bond had left my wolf
weak and insecure.
I soothed her in my mind while saying, “Yeah. It’s the best choice for our
future.”
Having made up my mind, I opened my eyes and took a step forward.
When I returned to the hall, I felt all eyes were on me.
The dress Alpha Zander had prepared was in a pure white gown, simple and elegant in design, yet exquisite in detail.
Tiny crystals adorned the neckline, sparkling like stars in the night sky, matching the pearl necklace around my neck perfectly.
The waist of the dress was cinched just right, showing off my curves, and the skirt flared slightly, graceful yet lively.
Hannah strode over, her eyes shining with appreciation. “You look stunning, Olivia. This dress is perfect for you.”
I smiled at her. “Well, I have Alpha Zander to thank for that.”
As I spoke, I scanned the crowd. Some murmured to themselves, while others cast envious, even jealous glances my way.
My gaze inadvertently swept over Marsh and Emily.
Surprise and desire flickered in Marsh’s eyes, a look I hadn’t seen since. Emily’s return.
Emily, on the other hand, wore a scowl of displeasure and envy, staring at me so maliciously that if looks could kill, I’d have been six feet under.
I pulled Hannah aside, wanting to tell her what had just happened, but Marsh suddenly cut through the crowd and appeared beside me.
“Took you long enough to change,” he spat, his tone dripping with displeasure.
Chapter
Hannah was about to step in and separate us, but I shook my head, telling her not to worry.
With a sarcastic smile, I shot back, “What are you trying to imply?”
“You’d been staying in the same room with Alpha Zander? Just the two of you?” he grilled, his eyes flashing with jealousy and possessiveness.
He had an affair with Emily, and now he had the audacity to question me?! Seriously? If it weren’t for his betrayal, I wouldn’t have sought help from another Alpha!
With that thought, I scoffed. “So what if I did? If not for your lover’s. underhanded tactics, I wouldn’t have to resort to such a solution. You should vent on her, not me!”
“She didn’t! Don’t accuse her of-”
“Olivia!” Someone cut him off.
A young Alpha approached us, smiling as he said, “You look gorgeous. Mind if I steal you for a dance?”
Before I could respond, Marsh declined on my behalf.
“She won’t dance with anyone but me. She’s my Luna.”
The guy stepped back in surprise, nodded apologetically, and left.
“Let’s dance,” Marsh said with a sullen face, grabbing my wrist with a firm hold.
I shook off his hand and stepped back. “I don’t want to.”
He immediately scowled. “You’re turning me down?”
“I’m not feeling well. I’ll head back for a rest.” I pushed past him and
Charter
walked straight toward the exit.
As night fell, I sat in my room, mulling over Zander’s offer and my future.
Suddenly, there was a knock on my door.
I opened it, only to find Marsh standing there, his eyes gleaming with that familiar longing I knew too well.
“What are you doing here?” I asked warily.
“I wanna talk to you,” he replied.
“We have nothing to talk about.” I tried to close the door, but he blocked it with his hand.
Then he forced his way into my room, pulling me into his arms.
Elara started whimpering in my mind, instinctively craving his touch.
My resistance was wearing down. And I could feel the mating bond pulling us closer.
My rational mind was fighting for control as I snapped, “Marsh, let me go. There’s nothing to say between us. Don’t expect me to screw you!”
“C’mon, Olivia!” he cooed in my ear, his voice tinged with desire. “My wolf needs you. So do I. And I know you need me too.”
His hand slipped under my clothes. I tried to break free from his hold, but he held me too tightly.
The air immediately filled with our scents.
The mating bond catalyzed the sparks between us.
Just then, Emily’s yelling snapped me back to reality. “Marsh? What are
Chapter B
you doing here?”
Marsh forgot to close the door, so she caught us making out.
She stared at Marsh and me in shock, tears streaming down her face.
“Emily, I-” Before Marsh could finish, Emily ran away.
Marsh immediately chased after her, leaving me alone in my room.
The air was still thick with Marsh’s Alpha scent, a comforting aroma that left my wolf both longing and hurting.
I, on the other hand, breathed a sigh of relief.
Soon after, pain shot through my chest again.
Elara howled in agony, while I had grown used to it.
“Elara, do you still think we should win him back now? He’s not worth our trust or love,” I soothed her in my mind.”
Elara sighed deeply, her voice echoing in my mind, “Olivia, my heart hurts. Perhaps you’re right.”
