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
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’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
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 POVMy heart pounded wildly as I felt the weight of him pressing me against the wall, his hands gripping my wrists with a strength that was both terrifying and oddly mesmerizing. I tried to squirm free, calling out for help, but my voice barely came out, muffled by his possessive kiss. His lips were demanding and feverish, and each touch seemed to awaken something deep within me. I tried to push him away, but he was unmovable, a wall of muscle and strength.My mind raced, searching for a way out. I managed to kick the mop, letting it clatter loudly onto the floor. The noise was enough to startle him, but not enough to make him release me. Someone knocked on the door, and a rush of hope surged through me. But his growl – low, deep, and filled with a warning – sent them away. My heart sank as I heard their footsteps retreat. Why did they leave? Couldn’t they sense my distress?“Please… let me go,” I whispered, my voice trembling.But he didn’t respond. Instead, he lifted me eff
Olivia’s POVI clutched the broom and packer in my hands, my knuckles whitening as I heard the murmurs in the store from the people around me. Customers and workers alike were abuzz with excitement, whispering about the pack's Alpha, Ryan, and the strange job advertisement that had just been announced. My heart hammered as I strained to pick up details, anything I could catch from their hushed tones."Can you believe it?" one woman muttered, her voice brimming with excitement. "An opportunity to work directly for Alpha Ryan! The pay is higher than anything around here, and they’re even offering free accommodations in the estate. It’s a chance of a lifetime."I felt a shiver run down my spine, and something deep within me stirred—a flicker of hope I hadn’t felt in years. I could barely believe the words I was hearing. A high-paying job, free housing… benefits that could change everything for me and my sister. For a moment, I let my mind wander, imagining a life where we weren’t scrapin
Ryan’s POVStanding before the mirror, I pulled at the collar of my shirt, unable to shake the irritation gnawing at me. This suit, the polished shoes, even the faint cologne—all of it felt wrong. My scowl deepened as I adjusted my cuff links. Behind me, the woman kneeling on the bed, dressed in nothing but a silk sheet, watched me with pleading eyes."Alpha Ryan," she said, her voice soft yet desperate. "Is there…something I can do to make this easier?"Her words grated on me. I’d tried—really tried—to force some kind of connection with this surrogate. She was here because of duty, because of responsibility, not because I felt anything for her. But every attempt to interact with her, to reach for her, only fueled my frustration. And deep down, I knew why.The surrogacy arrangement wasn’t about attraction, nor was it about wanting an heir for the sake of family. No, it was about stability. Tensions between packs were rising, and as Alpha of the Silver Claw, the strongest pack, I neede
Olivia's POVWhen I opened my eyes, the world came into focus slowly, hazy and unfamiliar. I blinked a few times, trying to orient myself. The room I was in was unlike any I’d ever seen—a blend of elegance and comfort. Black, white, and gold dominated the decor, from the silk sheets beneath me to the intricate patterns on the wallpaper. Soft floor lamps cast a warm glow, and the faint scent of lavender hung in the air. My body felt stiff, and as I looked down, I noticed my palms and knees were carefully bandaged, evidence of wounds I barely remembered getting. The events before I fainted rushed back to me—my father, the chase, and collapsing on the road. Anxiety tightened my chest. Where was I? Who had brought me here? The door creaked open, and I instinctively tensed. A plump, kind-looking woman entered, carrying a tray laden with food and a glass of water. Her face lit up when she saw me awake. “Oh, good! You’re awake,” she said, setting the tray down on the bedside table. Her vo
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