Olivia's POV I threw myself deeper into work, trying to shake off the strange fog that seemed to follow me after Ridgecrest. I kept playing it over and over in my mind. Everything seemed to remind me of the way Ethan’s gaze felt almost… genuine. My hand stopped mid-movement as flashes of the n
Olivia's POV A whisper of dread sunk into the back of my stomach. I wondered if Derek could see right through me; could he see the secrets I was desperate to keep? What if he’s already figured it out? What if all of this – dinner, the charm, even the rented-out restaurant – was to corner me and
Olivia's POV As Ethan and I entered the grand hall for the Alpha Council meeting, an air of tension crackled like electricity. So much power in one room could be oppressive. Alphas from various packs filled the room, their sharp gazes assessing everyone who dared to cross the threshold. I could
Ethan's POV The weight of the Alpha Council’s stalemate loomed over me as I stared out the window at the darkening sky. Tension crackled around me, my power leaking out with my frustration. There were ten days until the next round of voting, and every second felt like a countdown to a confrontat
Olivia's POV I settled into my office, finally ready to dive into the Lunera Beauty books. My life had felt so out of control lately, it was like a breath of fresh air to be back, in control of my own space. I had barely opened my laptop when Mia knocked and slipped in, her expression hesitant,
Olivia's POV Mia appeared in my office doorway, a familiar glint in her eye that meant only one thing: she had a proposition. She didn’t even need to say a word; the look on her face already had my nerves bristling. I hadn’t completely recovered from Aiden’s last ‘proposal,’ and I wasn’t eager t
“Good luck,” Ethan said, his hands on the wheel as he glanced at me. “You’ll call me if something happens.” I gave him a quick nod, flashing a faint smile that I hoped looked convincing. “Thanks. I’ll let you know how it goes.” With one last look, I stepped out of the car and watched him pull aw
Olivia's POV Shock rippled through me. I swallowed hard, hoping my expression was neutral, but inside, my mind reeled. How much did Aiden really know? Ethan and I were married, but we weren’t officially Mated—not technically. If that knowledge spread, it could mean the end of Ethan’s bid for the
Aiden’s words circled like vultures, picking at every insecurity I had. You’re the placeholder. He’d said it with such smug certainty. I clenched my fists, hating how those words lingered despite my resolve to dismiss them. As I rounded the side of the house, I spotted Amelia sitting on a low ston
Olivia's POV The woods at the edge of my Thorne Ridge lands were quiet, save for the occasional rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze. I walked the narrow trail alone, hoping the solitude would clear my mind. The fresh air usually helps, but so far today, I was still tense. I paused, inhaling de
The thought of giving in, of betraying her trust, made me sick. But if the formula was the only way to secure my position and protect the Packs, could I afford not to? *** I clenched my fists, pacing back and forth, unable to shake the gnawing jealousy from hearing about Olivia’s visit to the ho
Ethan's POV I stepped into Gideon’s office, the air heavy with the scent of leather and old cigars. Gideon sat behind his wide mahogany desk, hands folded, an unreadable look in his eyes. “Ethan,” he greeted, voice rich and smooth, though I detected a sharpness beneath it. “I trust you’ve been b
Olivia's POV I leaned over my desk at Lunera Beauty, meticulously arranging the new ingredients. Each scent was another piece of the puzzle, something I could control. Unlike… everything else in my life right now. This project – this formula – was my grounding force, something truly my own, and
Ethan's POV The memory of Isabella’s arrival lingered. Her face, her words – everything about her felt like a ghost coming back to haunt me. I couldn’t deny she had once been a part of my life, but everything had changed. Even knowing that, her presence stirred a strange unease within me, one I
Olivia's POV Every instinct warned me that tonight would bring me closer to a line I wasn’t sure I was ready to cross. As I entered the dimly lit room, Derek’s commanding presence filled the space. "Olivia," he greeted, watching me closely, his gaze too knowing. "I admire your resolve. Not many
Olivia's POV I needed a breather. A single moment alone to collect myself and try to make it out of here without passing out. I splashed water on my face trying to wash away the anxiety that had been building the entire meeting. I knew Isabella had a history with Ethan, he confessed as much. Sh
Her gaze softened as she looked at Ethan, and I felt like a third wheel – out of place and unwelcome. “I wanted to see you,” she murmured, her voice filled with a longing that was impossible to ignore. “I’ve… I’ve missed you, Ethan.” Her words were quiet, but loud enough for those nearby to hear