Chapter 204

Olivia’s POV

The clearing was charged with the kind of tension that makes the air nearly suffocating. Alpha Casper's eyes locked onto mine, a flicker of disdain and something else—was it fear?—dancing in his gaze. I squared my shoulders, every muscle in my body coiled and ready. I would not back down.

The tension grew so strong you could almost hear it crackling in the air around us. Casper moved slowly closer, his footsteps measured and deliberate. He stopped when his face was mere inches from mine, our breaths mingling in the charged air. My heart pounded, but I stood my ground, ready for whatever he was about to throw at me.

"This is futile," Casper growled, his voice a low rumble that only I could hear. "You're lucky you aren't my mate." His breath was hot on my face, his words dripping with contempt.

A smile played on my lips, more a challenge than a display of humour. "I’d rather eat a wolf's bane-infused steak than ever have that as my fate," I shot back.

Casper growled, his t