Ryan POVI stared at Olivia's empty hand as she walked away. A strange feeling settled in my chest, an odd mix of regret and something else—something I couldn’t quite place. She was leaving, and while I felt sorry for her, there was this tiny, nagging sense of disappointment that I couldn’t shake. I had learned so much about her from the school records, how happy she was at camp, how she thrived there. It was rare, I thought, that someone like Olivia could find something they truly loved, something they excelled at. But now, that spark seemed to be fading, and I couldn’t help but feel responsible for it.I wasn’t sure how long I sat there, watching the space she’d just occupied, but eventually, I heard the low hum of voices from the meeting still going on behind me. I turned my attention back to the screen in front of me, trying to ignore the thoughts of Olivia that lingered in the back of my mind. My friends—well, they couldn’t see me, thanks to the settings I’d adjusted, but they co
Olivia POVI felt as if I had just woken from a dream—a strange, vivid dream where I wasn’t rescued. The images were jumbled, but the fear was unmistakable. I had been running, fighting with everything I had left, trying to escape. And then, the men from the casino had found me. I had struggled against them, feeling my body weaken, the exhaustion threatening to pull me under. Just as I was about to be dragged back into their control, someone grabbed my hand, and with a sudden force, they led me away.My breath had caught in my throat as I was pulled through the maze of streets, hiding in alleys, the sounds of footsteps echoing behind us. We had found safety, or at least it felt like it. In the dim light of the alley, the stranger pulled me close, his arms wrapping around me tightly, as if to protect me from the world, from everything that was after me. His body was solid, strong, and I could feel the heat radiating off of him. He kissed me deeply, his lips pressing against mine in a w
Olivia POVThe warm water cascaded down my back, soothing and steady, as I ran my fingers through my damp hair. Each droplet seemed to wash away the haze of sleep, sharpening my senses for the day ahead. My thoughts drifted as I rubbed the soap against my skin, the faint scent of lavender enveloping me. I lingered, letting the steam fill the bathroom and momentarily forgetting the unfamiliarity of the packhouse.Pulling myself out of my reverie, I quickly rinsed off and wrapped myself in a towel. The chill of the air against my damp skin sent a shiver up my spine, urging me to hurry. I slipped on a light dress, one I hoped struck the balance between casual and presentable, and headed out.The soft clinking of utensils guided me to the dining area, where Alpha Ryan sat at the head of the table. His posture was relaxed yet commanding, a contrast that always left me slightly unsettled. “Good morning,” I greeted softly, sliding into the chair opposite him. It was a bit silly to greet him
Olivia POVHer question hung in the air, and I struggled to find the words, my heart pounding as the weight of her assumptions pressed down on me.The rack of elegant clothes loomed in front of me, every gown, dress, and jumpsuit shimmering under the soft glow of my room’s light. Emma, clearly proud of her display, stood expectantly, her eyes practically sparkling with excitement despite my rejection. My heart raced as I looked from the rack to her and back again."Well, Olivia?" Emma asked, holding up an emerald gown that sparkled with an almost otherworldly brilliance. "This would look divine on you. Imagine the heads you'll turn at the reunion!"I bit my lip, trying to form a coherent response. The truth swirled in my mind, too complicated to put into words. This party wasn’t some grand occasion; it was a casual farewell for my boot camp class. Showing up in a gown meant for a royal gala would be ridiculous.“I don’t think…” My voice faltered. “I mean, the party’s mostly for regula
Olivia’s POVZara grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief as I teased her about her heavy padded jacket. “What are you hiding under there?” I asked, folding my arms and raising an eyebrow.With a dramatic flourish, Zara unzipped the jacket and shrugged it off, revealing a stunning outfit that made me gasp. She wore a sleek black halter top that hugged her figure perfectly, paired with a high-waisted leather skirt that flared just enough to make her look effortlessly stylish. Her boots, knee-high and laced, added an edge to the ensemble. Zara twirled playfully, the fabric catching the light and shimmering slightly.“This,” she announced with a proud smirk, “is my real outfit. Perfect for the send-off party tonight.”I tilted my head knowingly. “And this wouldn’t have anything to do with Loren, would it?”Zara’s smirk turned into a wide grin, and she leaned in conspiratorially. “Okay, fine. Maybe it has everything to do with Loren. I considered it and confessed my love to him first.”
Olivia's POVThe moment I reached the far end of the hallway, I let the tears flow freely. My chest heaved with suppressed sobs, and I clutched the straps of my bag tightly to steady myself. My flat shoes echoed faintly against the tiled floor as I hurried, my vision blurred from the salty sting of tears. I just needed to get away—from the disappointment in Professor Susan’s voice, from the lingering questions I didn’t want to answer.“Olivia!” Zara’s voice rang out from behind me, her hurried footsteps closing the distance. She grabbed my arm and pulled me to a stop. “Why are you crying? What’s wrong?”I wiped my cheeks roughly, refusing to meet her eyes. “It’s nothing, Zara. Just… let it go.”Her silence was unnerving, and when I finally glanced up at her, her expression was a mixture of frustration and concern. She folded her arms, her jaw set. “Let me guess. Alpha Ryan’s been mistreating you, hasn’t he?”I blinked at her, startled by the accusation. “What?”Zara nodded to herself,
Olivia POVThe air felt stifling as I stared at Matt instead of giving him an answer to his request. I hadn’t expected to see him tonight, not after everything that had happened. A part of me had convinced itself that whatever fragile thread still connected us had been severed long ago.“Olivia,” Again, his voice was soft but carried a weight that made my chest tighten. “Can we talk? Just for a moment. Alone, please.”I wanted to say no. The words were right there, ready to escape my lips, but they caught in my throat when Zara gripped my arm and leaned close, whispering, “You should go. He looks like he really needs to talk to you.”I shook my head, panic bubbling beneath my calm facade. “Zara, I can’t—”“Of course, you can,” she interrupted, her tone light but firm as she began nudging me toward the door. “Don’t make the poor guy wait. Besides, it’s obvious he cares about you.”If only she knew the truth.I glanced back at Zara, trying to convey my desperation without words, but her
Ryan's POV The morning’s work was long and tedious, but my thoughts constantly drifted to Olivia. I tried to focus, yet the idea of her at the camp reunion gnawed at me. I wasn’t worried for her safety; Ric was with her. He was the best warrior I had, and I trusted him implicitly to protect her. But there was something unsettling about the idea of her being there, surrounded by her past, while I was here.Needing a change of scenery, I decided to head to the training camp. Maybe I could convince myself it was just routine inspection, but deep down, I knew it was more than that.As I stepped out of my car at the campgrounds, the crisp air filled my lungs, bringing with it a wave of memories from my own time here. The hum of activity from trainees and instructors echoed around me, but being in this environment only intensified my yearning to see her. I shook my head, pulling myself together. The superintendent of the camp and his staff rushed to greet me, their voices full of reverence
Olivia's POV I looked away as the moderator continued, oblivious to the turmoil brewing within me. “The accused will now present her opening statement.”The room felt colder than it had any right to be. My palms were damp as I stood before the jury, their gazes drilling into me like lasers.I stepped forward, my palms sweaty as I tried to gather my thoughts. But the only thing I could focus on was Matt, his gaze boring into me like he was daring me to falter. I inhaled deeply, keeping my composure intact. Losing my temper here would only give my detractors more ammunition. Calm, Olivia. Calm.“I’d like to start by presenting some testimonies,” I began, my voice steady, though my heart raced like a runaway horse. I reached into my folder and pulled out the stack of signed documents Ryan and I collect—each one bearing witness to the legitimacy of my work.“These are written statements from individuals who were part of the initial testing phase of my project. They’ve documented their e
Olivia's POVThe morning light poured through the bedroom window, casting a soft glow across the room. I stood before the mirror, adjusting the lapels of my blazer. The reflection staring back at me was composed, polished, but beneath the surface, a storm brewed. My fingers trembled as I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.This is it, Olivia, I thought, meeting my own gaze. Today is the day.My chest tightened as the enormity of the hearing weighed on me. I leaned closer to the mirror, whispering to myself, “You’ve got this. You’re strong, you’re capable, and you’re not alone. They won’t break you.”The door creaked open, and Ryan stepped inside, his presence filling the room with a calm I didn’t know I needed. His sharp eyes softened as they landed on me. “Nervous?”I smirked, though my voice betrayed me. “What gave it away?”He chuckled, stepping closer. “The way you’re gripping that blazer like it’s going to run away. Loosen up, Olivia.”I let out a shaky laugh and dropped my ha
Olivia's POV The phone felt heavy in my hand as Ryan’s voice filtered through the line, calm and steady. “Olivia, take a deep breath,” he said softly. “Just come home. I’ll meet you there soon.”His reassurance was a lifeline, but it wasn’t enough to hold back the ache in my chest. My throat tightened as I fought to keep my tears at bay. “Okay,” I managed to whisper, my voice trembling. I nodded to myself before hanging up.When we got to the house, I slipped out of the car and walked inside, numb and silent. My steps were unsteady as I headed to the guest room, a space tucked just far enough from the rest of the house to feel secluded.The door clicked shut, and I let go. I sank onto the edge of the bed, burying my face in my hands as sobs wracked through me. Every bit of frustration, confusion, and helplessness poured out, raw and unfiltered.Minutes blurred together until I heard the faint sound of a car pulling up outside. I hastily wiped at my face, but the tears wouldn’t stop.
Olivia’s POVAfter we entered, the door swung close behind us, but no one looked up. Their eyes remained locked on the man in the grainy video on the wall. Beta Marcos stood tall in the recording, his crisp suit gleaming under the studio lights. His voice carried a weight that made people nod in agreement, almost as though they’d been rehearsed for this very moment.Zara, Benjamin, and I ignored their glances, though, truthfully, most didn’t even bother looking at me. I was invisible to them—just another face passing by. Their murmurs filled the air like background noise.“…he’s right. Omegas don’t need to make noise about things they don’t understand,” one older man whispered to his companion.Another voice chimed in, a younger woman. “If we just do our part, we won’t have problems. That’s all he’s saying.”“Yeah,” another grunted. “Better than stirring trouble and making enemies.”Their words clung to me like dust. I glanced at Benjamin, who had his hand on my elbow, guiding me to a
Olivia’s POV The Trench bar buzzed faintly with chatter, a stark contrast to the uneasy silence between me and my three childhood friends before me—Tina, Lola, and Lydia. Their faces, once familiar and comforting, now held expressions that felt foreign: hesitation, avoidance, and something close to guilt.My voice wavered despite my efforts to stay composed. “I’m not asking for much—just your support at the hearing. You all know me. You know I wouldn’t do what they’re accusing me of.”Tina glanced at Lydia, who then exchanged a look with Lola. The air felt heavy, suffocating even, as if the weight of their unspoken thoughts pressed down on me. Finally, Tina spoke, her tone cautious but firm. “Olivia, it’s not that we don’t believe you… but this whole thing feels complicated. We don’t want to get involved.”Complicated? My chest tightened. I had thought they’d understand, that they’d stand by me as they always had. “Complicated how?” I asked, my voice trembling but laced with disbeli
Olivia POV The ride to the east side of the pack brought back a flood of memories. The smell of pine and damp earth was heavy in the air, I gazed out the window as the car bumped along the uneven roads, the familiar sights flashing past like fragments of my past. The sprawling woods surrounding the area always made me feel like I was stepping into a hidden world. The Trench Bar wasn’t far now, just a couple of turns away, when my phone buzzed in my hand. Ryan’s name lit up the screen.“How are you doing?” he asked the moment I answered, his overprotective tone managed to sound both endearing and infuriating all at once.“Ryan,” I said for what felt like the hundredth time, rolling my eyes even though he couldn’t see me., “I left home fifteen minutes ago. Nothing has happened. I’m fine.”“Are you looking both ways before crossing the street?” he asked, completely ignoring my reassurance.I blinked in disbelief, then let out a small laugh. “Ryan, your Gamma is driving me. Unless he de
Olivia POVMoments later, we were sitting in the living room, a heavy silence hanging in the air. My eyes darted between Stephanie and Ryan. Stephanie sat forward on the edge of her seat, her hands folded, while Ryan leaned back slightly, one hand resting on his thigh. His expression was guarded, but I could see the tension etched in the tight set of his jaw.Stephanie broke the silence first. “Olivia,” she began softly, “I heard about the circulating rumors. People are claiming your project—the one that won you the scholarship—was fake.”My stomach twisted, and I fought the urge to fidget. So that was it. That’s why she had pushed me to make the cure today.My gaze shifted to Ryan. For a moment, I studied him. He must have known. He must have learned about the rumors earlier this morning. That would explain why he’d been so distant, why his usual comforting presence had felt muted. He didn’t want me to know, I realized.“Ryan,” I said, my voice quiet but sharp. “You knew about this,
Olivia POV The silence in the house was almost deafening. Although Ryan and Stephanie hadn’t said anything before retreating to the study, I couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that something wasn’t right. My mind raced with possibilities, and instead of waiting for an explanation, I decided to take matters into my own hands.I slipped quietly back to my room, closing the door behind me with a soft click. My hands moved instinctively to the small drawer where I had stashed my broken phone. It was cracked, slow, and barely functioning, but right now, it was my only option.“Come on,” I muttered under my breath, pressing the power button repeatedly. Nothing. The screen remained dark.Frustration bubbled inside me, and I yanked the charger from the nightstand, plugging it into the phone. The screen flickered to life, dim and unsteady, but it was enough.I started surfing the internet, my fingers trembling slightly as I typed. The loading circle on the browser seemed to taunt me as second
Olivia POVThe room was again quiet after Stephanie's words. The earthy aroma of freshly ground roots and flowers filled the air as I carefully ground basil leaves with a mortar and pestle, the rhythmic motion steadying my nerves. On the wooden countertop in front of me sat a vial of shimmering liquid—the cure I had worked so hard to create.It felt almost alive, like it held the weight of everything I’d been working toward. My hands trembled slightly as I picked it up, careful not to spill a single drop.The mice in their cages chittered softly, their tiny noses twitching as if sensing the change in the air. I adjusted my gloves and took a deep breath. This was it—the moment to see if my work would pay off.I poured the potion into a sterilized dropper, watching as the liquid slid down the narrow tube. The precision of my movements felt like a lifeline. There was no room for error. I opened the cage of the first mouse, a small white one with bright, curious eyes. It looked up at me,