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 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 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 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
I stepped out of the stuffy hall, my mind a jumble of thoughts. The warm sunlight greeted me like a silent reprieve, though it did little to ease the storm brewing inside. My footsteps faltered as I approached my friends waiting outside.“Olivia!” Lola exclaimed, a wide smile breaking across her face. She stepped forward, wrapping me in a brief but firm hug.“Lola…” I murmured, pulling back just enough to see Tina and Lydia, who were close behind.“Hey, Liv.” Tina gave me a soft smile and a pat on the back, while Lydia fanned herself dramatically with her hand.“Why…why are you all here?” I asked, my voice cracking slightly from both surprise and the overwhelming emotions bubbling beneath the surface.Lola was the first to respond, her tone light but tinged with something serious. “Mr. Colton—you know, who manages our slums—came to see us. He told us that Alpha Ryan is taking the hearing very seriously. He even gave us special documents to keep us safe if things…you know, got messy.”
Olivia POVThe hearing resumed with an air of tension so thick I could almost feel it pressing against my skin. The room was quiet, save for the soft shuffling of papers and the occasional cough. My friends sat a row behind me, their presence a silent source of strength, though I could feel the weight of everyone’s eyes on me.When Lydia was called upon, she walked to the front confidently. “I have known Olivia for years, and I can tell you she’s always been passionate about her work. She didn’t just stumble upon this formula—it’s her life’s work.”Tina stood next, surprising everyone by pulling a small, worn diary out of her bag. “This is Olivia’s childhood journal. Inside is the earliest version of the formula she discovered.” She flipped it open, showing pages filled with scribbled notes.Matt’s lips twitched into a smirk as he rose to speak, his voice laced with faux disbelief. “Interesting evidence, but it doesn’t quite add up.” He turned toward the panel of decision-makers, his
Olivia POVThe room was unnervingly quiet. I stared at the marketing director, watching his unease grow as he fumbled for a response. His silence was telling, and the tension in the air was thick enough to choke on. My heart raced, but outwardly, I maintained my composure, casting a sidelong glance at Matt. His smug expression faltered, and for the first time, I saw a flicker of doubt cross his face. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat before turning to Beta Marcos, his last hope for salvaging his argument.“Beta Marcos,” Matt began, his voice strained, “you were there during the trial tests. You know the protocol we followed. Tell them.”Beta Marcos rose slowly, his presence commanding attention. I could feel my pulse in my ears, hoping that even a man like him would choose truth over deceit, if only to preserve a shred of dignity. He cleared his throat and addressed the room.“Yes,” he said, his tone measured. “I am aware of the trial tests conducted back then. The marketing direc
Olivia’s POVThe hearing had finally ended, and as the tension in the room dissipated, I turned to my friends, who had stood by me through every grueling second of it. Zara gave me a small, encouraging smile, her hand resting lightly on my arm. Benjamin looked relieved, his usual composed demeanor softening as he leaned against the wall.“Thank you,” I said, my voice thick with emotion. “I don’t know how I could’ve faced all this without you two.”“Don’t even mention it,” Benjamin said, his expression firm. “You did the hard part, Olivia. You stood your ground.”“And you crushed it,” Lydia added, her voice bright with pride. “Seriously, I think I’ve got a girl crush on you now.”I laughed, the sound surprising me after such a stressful day. “You’re ridiculous, Lydia.”“You love me for it,” she said with a wink.“But she loves me more," Zara chipped, feigning jealousness and we all laughed.We walked out of the hearing hall together, their presence a reassuring weight on either side of
Ryan’s POVThe whiskey burned its way down my throat, the heat doing little to numb the tension curling in my gut. I slammed the shot glass onto the table, the sound sharp against the low hum of bar chatter. Across from me, Luke and Andrew stared, their expressions ranging from amused to intrigued.Andrew leaned forward, swirling the amber liquid in his glass. “Well, damn. You’re really throwing them back tonight.”Luke arched a brow. “Did something happen? It’s not every day our dear Alpha comes to drink his problems away.”I exhaled through my nose, rolling the empty glass between my fingers. The bar’s dim lighting cast flickering shadows, but it did nothing to erase the image burned into my mind—the way Olivia had looked in the tower earlier. Half-dressed, eyes wide with innocence. It had almost messed with my control. The goddess knew I was just a tiny bit close to losing it and grabbing her to kiss the hell out of her. I just had to leave the room at the moment to ease off a bit.
Olivia’s POVThe cool air kissed my skin, sending shivers down my spine as I stood there, half-naked, my body exposed under the dim bedroom light. My breath hitched as Ryan’s gaze darkened, his eyes scorching a slow path over my body—from my bare feet, up my trembling thighs, lingering at my curves before stopping at my shoulders.He swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing.A slow burn spread in my chest, warmth coiling deep inside my belly. My breath turned shallow. I knew that look.And then my gaze dropped—just for a second.My lips parted in shock.There, straining against his pants, was a sight I had no business staring at. A pulse of heat rushed between my thighs, and my heart pounded against my ribcage.Ryan stiffened. His jaw clenched like he was holding back something—something perilous. But instead of acting on it, he swiftly turned around and walked to the door.His voice, when it came, was shaky but firm. “Put on some clothes before you catch a cold.”The door shut behind
Olivia’s POVThe afternoon sun spilled through the wide windows of The Silver Oak, a clean, cozy bar that Zara had suggested. We sat around a polished oak table, its surface gleaming under the warm light. Zara was animated, chatting with Lydia, Tina, and Lola. It was great but surprising how she’d recently gotten acquainted with them since the hearing. Benjamin leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed, looking mildly amused at their excitement.While they discussed trivial matters, I discreetly reached into my bag and pulled out the album I had decided to gift Zara. It was a limited edition featuring her favorite band, X Band. The glossy cover displayed their group photo, each member looking effortlessly cool and rebellious. My heart warmed with anticipation at Zara’s reaction.“Zara,” I said, stretching the album toward her. “I’m gifting this to you.”The moment the girls saw the album, they gasped in unison, their eyes widening.“Is that—?” Lydia’s voice hit a higher pitch.“The X
Olivia POVThe next morning, Ivy and I began packing my things. The room was a battlefield of half-opened boxes, ribbons, and paper. There were so many presents that even looking at them made my head spin. Some were still sealed, their contents a mystery, while others were fragile—vases, crystals, or delicate jewelry that demanded careful handling.“This is insane,” I muttered, shaking my head as I folded a delicate shawl into a box.Ivy, with a clipboard in hand, glanced at me. “I’m going to get the full list of gifts from the butler. It’ll make it easier to check for missing items and classify them. Some of these things need to be bubble-wrapped.”“Good idea.” I nodded, still trying to figure out how to pack the jewelry case without damaging it.When Ivy left, I stood amidst the chaos and let my mind drift. My thoughts wandered back to yesterday’s discussion with Ryan’s mother. Moon Lake Pack had been mentioned again, and something about it felt off. I couldn’t shake the feeling tha
Alex POVI did well to return home first before heading to the camp that evening. The plan was simple: grab my books and slip out quietly. As I pushed open the door, I immediately regretted not being more careful. My father’s booming voice echoed through the house.“Wow, our son is back, Maria!” He hollered from the living room. “Our dear spy.”I stiffened. I hated when he called me that, but arguing about it would only make it worse. My mother sat beside him, a stern expression already plastered on her face.“Oh, what took you all day?” my father pressed. “Did that family trap you there because they were receiving Olivia?”“No. I left after our meal,” I said, hoping to keep the conversation short.“Good. So, fill us in,” he demanded impatiently. “What happened there? How’s Olivia?”“She’s good.”“Good?” His eyebrows shot up. “That’s all you’ve got? Good?”Before I could respond, my mother interjected. “David, let him breathe.” She turned to me. “Did you see Diana? I heard she tested
Olivia’s POVI frowned, my fingers clenching slightly against my dress as I looked between Sarah and standing before me.Diana.I didn’t know her, had never even heard of her name before today. Yet, Ryan's mother's look sold off that Diana seemed like one to cause problem.Before I could ask any questions, Sarah turned to Ivy. “Go report back to Grandfather Moore.”Ivy gave a respectful nod and left the environment, her presence replaced by a weighted silence.“Who's Diana?" I asked her.She sighed. “She's Grandfather Moore’s granddaughter.“What? She's your….”"No. She's not my daughter. She's Kelvin’s elder stepbrother’s daughter.”"Huh?” I blinked.Sarah exhaled slowly before turning back to me. “Olivia, I think it’s time you learned more about the family.”My brows knitted. “More?”She nodded. “Grandfather Moore had some illegitimate children before he officially married Kelvin's mother. That, unfortunately, led to too many people trying to compete for the Alpha position.”I stiff
Olivia’s POVI hadn’t expected to run into Eva at the flower shop that day, and I certainly hadn’t expected to run into her here again. The last thing I wanted was another pointless argument, so I decided to ignore her and walk past as if she wasn’t there.But, of course, Eva wouldn’t let me go so easily.“Well, well, look who we have here,” she sneered, stepping in front of me to block my path. “The lowly omega who used a Gamma to cheat her way out of trouble.”I frowned, glancing around. Her guards now stood at a distance, they seemed uninterested in intervening. Maybe for now. I sighed and met Eva’s glare. “I didn’t cheat, Eva. And I certainly didn’t ‘escape’ anything. I didn’t do anything wrong.”Eva scoffed and took a step closer, her eyes flashing with barely contained fury. “Oh, really? Then why don’t you apologize for what happened that day?”I stiffened. “I have nothing to apologize for. I didn’t push you. I was trying to help you.”Eva’s lips curled in a twisted smirk, and b
Maid’s POVI stepped forward, firmly blocking the path as Diana halted in front of me. Her golden hair gleamed under the disappearing sun, and despite the gentle smile on her face, there was an underlying sharpness in her gaze.“I need to see my grandfather, Acacia,” she said, folding her arms. “Move away." I remained unmoved. “I’m sorry, Miss Diana, but you can’t go in right now.”Her eyes narrowed slightly. “Why? I walked despite my legs hurting to get here, and now you’re stopping me?”I met her gaze steadily, keeping my voice calm. “I have no personal reason to stop you, Miss. But your grandfather is receiving a special guest today—Alpha Ryan’s girlfriend.”Her lips parted slightly in surprise, then pressed into a thin line. “I heard Ryan was bringing her over today,” she muttered, more to herself than to me. “I think her name is… uhh, Olivia.”“That’s right, Miss Diana,” I confirmed, shifting my weight slightly.Her face twitched, and for a moment, she seemed genuinely concerned
Olivia's POVGrandfather Moore’s gaze was warm as he gestured toward the young woman standing beside him. "Olivia, this is Ivy. She’s one of the strongest female Gammas in our pack."Ivy gave a small nod, her short hair swaying slightly with the movement. She had sharp eyes, the kind that seemed to see everything without trying too hard. Yet, there was something calm about her—a quiet strength that didn’t demand attention but couldn’t be ignored either."It’s nice to meet you," I said with a smile. "You look really capable."Ivy smirked, crossing her arms. "I try."Grandfather Moore continued, "Given Celia’s… pregnancy experience, we thought it’d be easier for you to have a woman around rather than a man. Ivy’s one of our best, and she’ll be by your side to help when needed."I nodded. Now, I didn’t mind. In fact, I liked being around strong women like Ivy and Zara. There was something admirable about them—the way they carried themselves, the way they never seemed shaken.Ivy stepped