Olivia's POV Matt’s grip on my arm was like an iron shackle, his fingers digging into my skin. I tried to yank my arm free, twisting and pulling with all the strength I could muster, but he only tightened his hold.“You’ve really sunk that low, huh?” he sneered, his words sharp and cutting like a blade. His breath was hot and heavy against my face, his tone drenched with venom. “Going after old men to pay your father’s debt? That’s pathetic. It’s disgusting, Olivia.”The words hit me hard, more than I cared to admit. My lips parted, but no words came out at first. How dare he? The audacity of this man to stand here and assume he knew anything about my life!“That’s not true,” I spat, finally finding my voice. “I don’t have some… sugar daddy, or whatever sick thing you’re imagining. You don’t know what you’re talking about, Matt!”He scoffed, his eyes narrowing as his mouth curled into a smirk that only fueled my anger. “Oh, really? Then explain why everyone keeps saying it. Why else
Olivia's POVRyan’s arm remained firmly around me as he turned toward the hallway, his voice sharp with authority. "You're safe now, Olivia. Just breathe."I wanted to reply, to thank him, to explain, but my mouth felt glued shut, my body trembling with aftershocks of fear. My heart raced like it was about to burst, and I clutched his shirt as if it was the only tether keeping me grounded.The sound of Matt’s heavy steps echoed in the hallway, and my breath hitched. He wasn’t far. I could see his shadow elongate against the walls before he appeared, disheveled, his face twisted with fury. Blood seeped from his hand, staining the sleeve of his shirt where I had stabbed him with the pen.“You,” Ryan growled, stepping forward and partially shielding me with his body. I quivered behind him, unable to meet Matt’s gaze, my mind replaying his earlier words and actions in a cruel loop.Ryan’s tone was calm but menacing. "You need to back off. Now."Matt smirked, his expression dripping with m
Olivia POVThe crowd fell silent, all eyes on the laptop, tension thick enough to cut with a knife. My heart pounded in my chest as I clung to the faint hope that whatever was on that screen might save me.And then the moment hung, suspended in unbearable suspense.Ryan’s eyes, sharp and calculating, moved over Matt. “Is there anything wrong with your explanation?” His voice carried a quiet authority that made even the most brazen shudder.Matt flinched, the sweat starting to bead on his forehead. His throat bobbed as he swallowed hard, but he managed to shake his head. “No, Alpha. My explanation… it’s the truth. She texted me last night. I met up with her and she forced herself at me.”Ryan’s lips twitched, not quite a smirk but enough to show he wasn’t buying it. “Funny,” he said, his tone deceptively calm. “There are hidden cameras in this camp. One of them caught everything.”A gasp rippled through the crowd. My heart skipped a beat, and I felt every muscle in my body tense. I tur
Ryan POVI waved my hand, dismissing the murmuring crowd as their chatter began to rise again. The weight of their gazes lingered on me, but I didn’t have the energy to respond. My attention was focused on Olivia. I turned my body slightly to face her, and that’s when I saw her.She was pale, her face stricken, eyes wide, and lips trembling slightly as though trying to hold back words she couldn’t find. My chest ached at the sight, and I closed the distance between us, steadying her as her legs wobbled under her.“Hey,” I said softly, my voice low and steady as I placed a firm hand on her arm. “You’re okay. Trust me.”Before I could even take another breath, Ric appeared at my side. His presence was calm and steady, and I quickly gave him an order before he vould say anything.“Ric,” I said, my voice sharp and unwavering. “Go get the sorceress. Stephanie. Now.”He nodded without hesitation and disappeared as quickly as he appeared. I stayed by Olivia, my eyes scanning her face. She lo
Emily POVI sat across from my father in his private room at the camp. The air felt heavy, tense, and his piercing gaze sent a chill through me. His expression was cold, his presence always oppressive, even though I knew his strength and authority were part of his nature.The office was modest—just a small desk, a laptop, and a chair on each side of the polished wooden table. Old family portraits and ceremonial photographs lined the walls, adding to the suffocating feeling of the room.My frustration grew as I recalled his words that morning: Alpha Ryan might be coming to the camp. I’d hoped it would be my chance to impress him, but all that crashed when he rejected me again. The sting still lingered, but what hurt more was that Matt couldn’t deal with Olivia. Ryan’s protection of her frustrated me, and I couldn’t shake my anger.“What is wrong with you, Emily?” my father’s sharp voice cut into my thoughts.I looked at him, startled. “What do you mean?”“You’ve been stupid and obvious
Olivia POVThe warmth of the afternoon disappearing sun seeped into my skin as I stretched, feeling light and comfortable in my body. Stephanie had been nothing but kind to me, and I could feel the effect of her soothing care, as though all the stress and burden had been swept away.I opened my eyes slowly and saw her standing at the edge of the bed, her hands clasped together as she looked at me with that gentle, concerned smile of hers.“You need to take better care of yourself, Olivia,” she said softly, her voice calm and steady as she perched on the nearby chair. “Don’t stress so much, especially with your condition. You’ve been through a lot in just one day.”Her words lingered in my mind as I sat up on the bed, stretching my arms. I looked at her and gave her a small, heartfelt smile. “I know,” I said quietly. “Thank you, Sorceress. For everything.”She nodded, her eyes shining with understanding.After taking a moment to gather myself, I decided it was time to get outside. I st
Olivia POVI froze, my mind racing. The thought of going to boot camp filled me with a mix of excitement and nervousness, but his words lingered. A private tutor? My heart beat faster at the prospect, but I wasn’t sure if this was an opportunity or a test.Learning has always been my sanctuary. It’s not an easy path—sometimes it feels like trudging uphill in the rain—but it offers me solace. A brief escape from the harsh reality of being bullied, whispered about, and judged. When I bury myself in textbooks or lose myself in problem-solving, the noise of the outside world fades. In that quiet realm of knowledge, I feel equal to others, untethered from the chains of scorn. Learning is my lighthouse in a stormy sea, stabilizing the chaos in my soul.Still, as I stood beside Ryan, his piercing gaze fixed on me, curiosity itched at the edges of my mind. Why was he offering this? What was driving him to care about my education?“Yes,” I finally said, my voice softer than I intended.He stu
Olivia POV The sight of him froze me in place, my heart lurching painfully in my chest. Panic gripped me first, the kind that clawed at my throat and made my breaths come shallow. My father had no business being here—not in this camp, not in this life I was barely holding together. How had he found me? Who had let him in? This camp was designed to be impenetrable for outsiders.For a moment, confusion took over. The camp's layout was intricate and heavily guarded. He shouldn’t have known where to go, let alone how to find me. It didn’t make sense. But the answers didn’t matter right now. What mattered was the dangerous glint in his eyes, a mix of desperation and menace that I had learned to fear.“Well, well,” he said, his voice laced with contempt. “I already know what you’ve been up to, Olivia. Don’t think you can fool me. Word travels fast. Your sugar daddy must be paying you well to live like this.”“No—”“Don’t test my patience any longer, you wretch!” he snapped, his voice risi
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,