4

The man entered the office before her and Stacie’s evil smile was the first thing she saw. 

“This is the bitch that stole my diamond earring.”

Olivia was alarmed and stunned by the accusation. 

“No Alpha I didn’t-“

She froze when finally had a look at him. Alpha Xander. She had heard so much about him, things that were enough to make her sure that this man was a devil. She had been told he killed without mercy, anyone that he disliked no matter the reason was killed. He was brutal, wicked and evil. The only person that got very close to him was Stacie which is why she was sure that Xander would put Olivia to death when she told him what she did.

While Stacie was happy, Olivia and Xander got lost in another world of their own. The two had just found each other. Mates. Soulmates. Xander had thought this would never happen. After he lost his family, he never thought he had a chance to be loved again. He had given up the search and decided that he’d just mark Stacie and get her pregnant with his heir. 

Now with Olivia standing in front of him, he didn’t know what to do. Neither of them moved, Olivia’s mind filled with confusion. Her mate was the notorious Alpha. What did that mean? Was he going to still punish her? 

“Xander.” Stacie’s voice snapped him out of his thoughts.

“You had the audacity to steal. Not just from anyone from Stacie.” 

Olivia didn't know how she was going to tell this story but she had to defend herself. 

“No, I didn’t steal anything. I swear. I mistakenly walked to the second floor but I didn't take anything. I didn’t even enter a room.”

Xander didn’t say anything. He couldn’t concentrate on what was going on because of what he had just found out. There was no way in hell he was going to punish her. He knew how Stacie could be so he didn't even believe her side of the story. 

“Get out. I need to think.”

Olivia didn’t waste anymore time in that office. As soon as she got out, she took a deep breath to calm her nerves. 

When she had thought of finding her mate, she had thought it would be special. She had thought it would be on her birthday and it would be a double celebration for her. But no. She had spent her birthday cleaning floors and washing clothes. 

Inside, Stacie fumed at Xander but she knew she had to watch her tongue. 

“What the hell is going on, Xander? What was that all about? Why did you freeze?”

Xander didn’t want to tell her he knew she would keep bitching about it if he didn’t. 

“She’s my mate, Stacie. The girl is my mate.” 

Stacie froze, just as he expected her to. She couldn’t believe she finally found his mate after all these years and it was because of her. She had helped him find his mate. There wasn't way she was going to let her take Xander away from her. Not after all these years of hard work and trying to keep Xander to herself. 

“You’re not thinking of accepting her, right?” She asked with hope. 

Xander frowned. “What are you talking about? Were you deaf? I just said she is my mate.” 

“I heard you but don’t forget what happened with your mother, Xander.”

He almost snapped Stacie’s neck for that statement. From the look on his face, she knew she had touched a soft spot. 

“I'm sorry but it's true. She may not be an Omega but she is still a slave. Do you think your people or the Elders are going to accept her? You need a strong woman by your side. Someone who is worthy of your status.”

Xander knew she was right. He saw what his mother’s rejection did to his family and at most, his mother. Now that he still had time, he could reject her and he wouldn’t feel it. Yes, things were better this way. There was no place for feelings and emotions. After his mother left and his father got news that she married someone else, he was raised to hate women, to have no emotions and show no care at all.

Power, that was the only thing that mattered. Women and family and love, those were all distractions. 

“Send her in.” 

Stacie smiled as she saw the look on his face. She knew he had taken his decision and that it was going to favor her. She had successfully chased away another woman from his life. 

Olivia was called back in and she stared at Xander with wide eyes filled with expectations. Hope that he will do the right thing. He sent Stacie out of the room, he wanted to be able to think properly. She was always around him. 

“I don’t know what happened between you and Stacie but I'll forget it.” 

Olivia felt her heart rate come down but she was worried because he was not looking at her. She wanted him to, maybe he will feel the connection between them. She didn't feel scared around him or tremble in his presence like people said. Infact, there was this peace she felt and she never knew what it felt like for everything to finally be still. To be at peace. 

“You should know that we can never be together. If you were stupid enough to imagine it, kill the thought. You are a slave. My slave for that matter and it can never happen."

Olivia knew what he was trying to say but she didn't want to believe it. She didn't want to let go so easily. 

With a deep breath, Xander said the words that caused her legs to almost give way. 

“I Alpha Xander Adams, reject you Olivia Stone as my mate." 

The tears she had been looking for suddenly came, gushing down her face like a river. Was she surprised? No. But she had thought maybe there was a chance. 

“I won't keep you here. You're freed from me, you can return to your pack today and never come back. Else, you will never get to leave again. Get out." 

That was it. That was all she was left with. Was she supposed to be happy that she had just been set free? She fell to the floor as she told Lucy everything that had happy and for the first time in her life, Lucy saw her best friend cry and physically break down.