Chapter 4

Olivia's POV

I froze, unable to believe what I just heard.

"Could you be more ridiculous? If it weren't for me, he would've been more severely injured, idiot," I shot back, my voice dripping with sarcasm.

Emily wrapped her arms around Marsh's waist, her head resting on his chest.

"Marsh didn't need you. They were just about to kick those nasty rogues out before you got here," she choked out, yet her gaze at me was defiant.

"I said that to you because I was worried about Marsh. Why did you humiliate me?"

I glanced over at Marsh, hoping he would defend me. After all, I had just saved him.

If I hadn't lunged at that rogue, he would be suffering from more than just a shoulder wound.

Yet, there wasn't a hit of gratitude in his eyes, only anger and disappointment.

Facing all shifters from the Dawn Pack, he snapped in a cold voice, "Olivia, you're still grounded, yet you ran out without my permission and even caused chaos during the battle."

I stared at him, rage boiling inside me.

"I did all of this for the pack, for you! How could you accuse me like that?" I shouted.

He replied icily, "For the pack? For me? Stop trying to make excuses for yourself. I don't need your sacrifice. Emily's right—without you, we could kick the intruders out just fine."

I couldn't help but give a mocking laugh.

Looking at the bleeding wound on his shoulder, I hissed, "If it weren't for my help, you would have such a wound on your neck as well."

"Enough!" he cut me off, enraged at the fact that his authority was challenged.

"Apologize to Emily, or get lost. I don't wanna see you," he snarled.

The pain in my heart intensified. I could sense our bond fading, and my attraction to him, too.

He then walked away with Emily, and the pack guards followed suit with their heads down.

A sense of helplessness and solitude washed over me as my last glimmer of hope fizzled out.

I tried to call Elara, but she gave no response.

Obviously, the further betrayal was too much for her to take as well.

I was at a loss of what to do, my mind in turmoil.

If I left the Dawn Pack now, Marsh would definitely expel me. Then, I'd end up a rogue.

As I dragged my feet toward the pack square, I could feel the burning gazes from the folks in the Dawn Pack.

But honestly, I couldn't care less, for I'd lost everything.

Just then, my phone buzzed.

With a numb look, I picked it up, and on the other end came the voice of Hannah Watson, my bestie.

"Olivia, how's everything? Sorry that I haven't reached out earlier." Her voice carried a hint of exhaustion. "I've been learning to handle pack stuff with my dad lately."

"It's okay, hon."

"How about we meet up at the Forest Bar?" she suggested.

Not in the mood for having fun, I replied, "Sorry, I'm beat today. Can I take a rain check?"

"Listen, babe," Hannah blurted out, "I've heard about what happened at Marsh's accession ceremony. I'm worried that his bias for Emily might mess with your standing in the pack."

I gave a bitter smile. "He's totally smitten with her now."

"That's exactly why I called." Hannah's voice took on a serious note. "I got big news for you. Alpha Zander Wells is about to visit some packs around the Shadow Forest. This could be your chance to turn the tables!"

My heart skipped a beat upon hearing it. Alpha Zander was quite influential. If I could get close to him during his visit, I might be able to reclaim my company with his help.

"Is the source reliable, Hannah?" I asked.

"It's a bit complicated to explain to you over the phone. How about we dive into the details when we meet? I'll be waiting for you at the Forest Bar," she replied, sounding excited.

"I'll be there in a minute," I said before hanging up.

Half an hour later, I pulled up at the entrance of the bar.

In the dim light, Hannah and I sat in a corner booth, chatting away.

After we discussed Alpha Zander's visit, we reminisced about our good old days.

Thanks to her, I could forget about the love rats temporarily.

Suddenly, she suggested, " It's been ages since we've hit the stage, right? How about doing it tonight?"

Before I could react, she had already called the staff over to set up instruments.

Then she yanked me up on stage, not giving me a chance to say no. The next thing I knew, I was right in front of the drums.

I had no choice but to sit down, picking up the drumsticks to tap a few beats.

Just then, Hannah raised her hand and whistled, "Lucky for you, guys, you're in for a treat tonight! The legendary band is back. Make some noise!"

She was always so good at enlivening the atmosphere. With a few words, she got everyone downstage clapping and cheering.

After having fun at the bar, I kissed Hannah goodbye.

The next morning, while browsing YouTube, I was shocked to find the video of my performance last night ended up as a viral hit!

As I headed out of my room, I bumped into Emily.

"Marsh got injured. Instead of taking care of him, you went out partying last night, seriously?" she spat, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

I just shot her a cold glare, remaining silent, as her provocation was the last thing worth my attention.

My current priority was to wait for Alpha Zander's visit and ask for his help.

By then, I'd be able to reclaim my company and reject Marsh.

Oddly, a day passed, and nothing happened.

I decided to head to the packhouse to figure it out on my own.

When I got there, however, I caught sight of the pack tailor walking out.

He was talking to an Omega next to him, saying, "Emily needs a dress that can showcase her elegance."

The Omega nodded. "Alpha Zander's banquet is an important occasion. She has to shine."

I was dumbfounded, fury surging up inside me.

The nerve of Marsh!!! Not only did he not notify me, his mate and Luna, but he was busy preparing a dress for Emily?!