Olivia’s POV

May 8, 2023, my Alpha Mate, Ethan Hawthorne brought his mistress to our pack, and I decided to deceive him into divoring me.

Standing in front of his office, I took a deep breath, knocked on and stepped inside.

The polished wood door swung closed behind me with a soft click.

I clutched the file in my hands , forcing a mechanical smile to my lips as I approached his desk. Ethan didn’t glance up. His focus remained on the laptop screen.

“Are you busy?” I asked, my voice even, polite.

He looked up, his gray eyes meeting mine without any flicker of warmth.

“A bit,” he said, voice low and rough. He leaned back in his chair. I placed the folder on his desk, already flipping to the marked pages where his signature was needed.

“Just a few spots to sign.”

Without reading, he picked up the pen lying next to his laptop and began to sign, page after page, his hand moving automatically, his gaze occasionally drifting back to his screen.

I watched silently. Ethan looked…worn out. His usually sharp grey eyes were dull, and there were deep shadows under them. He had just come back from London after two weeks at the Annual Alpha Conference — a gathering of pack leaders across the globe.

But he hadn’t come back alone.

My wolf Yve stirred uneasily inside me.‘He reeks of her.’I pushed her down gently. There was no point in flaring up.Not when the papers he had just signed held the ending we both needed.

When he was finished, he clicked the pen closed and slid it across the table toward me.

“Thanks,” I said, sliding the documents back into my folder.

I paused, hesitated, then asked, “Will you be home for dinner tonight?”

Predictably, Ethan shook his head. “Got some things to wrap up here. Don’t wait.”

I nodded, plastering the same empty smile across my face. “Got it. See you around, Alpha,” I said, forcing my voice to sound like any other obedient wolf under his rule—not like the Luna and fated mate he seemed to have regretted claiming.”

I turned away, letting my smile fade once my back was to him.

My heels clicked softly against the hardwood floor as I walked toward the door.The air shifted slightly when I passed the annex lounge, and Yve immediately bristled.

‘Smell.’Sweet vanilla perfume — too sweet.I glanced sideways without thinking, my enhanced senses sharpening the image beyond what human eyes would see.

Half a box of artisanal pastries sat abandoned on the low glass table. A lipstick-smeared coffee cup beside it. And near the plush lounge chair, a black high-heeled shoe.

Yve snarled deep within me, the sound more a vibration across my bones than a true noise.‘He brought her here. Here. Not just to London. To our den. Our Pack. He stains our space.’

My throat tightened painfully.

My chest felt heavy, like something was sitting right on top of it as I turned on my heel and head back, away from this awful place that made me feel disgusted.

By the time I got back to my office, exhaustion hit me hard. I dropped into my chair, not even bothering to turn on the lights.

Slowly, I pulled out the divorce agreement from the lowest drawer—the very document Ethan had just unknowingly signed.

My fingers brushed over his perfect signature.

Firm. Bold. Unwavering.

Just like the way he had pledged himself to me during the mating ceremony years ago. Back then, Ethan had been so firm, so sure. He looked at me like I was his whole world. I had believed it, like a fool.

That familiar scent I sniffed earlier—I knew exactly who it belonged to. I’m smarter than this. I should’ve seen it coming.

I could still feel the phantom brush of his lips against the mark he placed on my neck.

I leaned back in my chair, staring blankly at the ceiling. I could almost hear Ethan’s mother Amelia’s voice again— calm, cold, and cutting. “Don’t be naive, Olivia. Men—even Alphas—always want more. They don’t stay faithful.”

A bitter laugh escaped my lips. “You were always spot on, Amelia,” I muttered.

I realized then that I had been wrong. So, so wrong.

Not only had Ethan cheated, but he had taken his mistress to our office.

‘We deserve better’, Yve whispered.

‘We do’, I agreed.

Steeling myself, I picked up my phone, snapped a clear photo of the signed divorce agreement, and attached it to a new message.

To: Amelia HawthroneSubject: Agreement CompleteMessage: Ethan has signed, as per our understanding.

I hit send without hesitation.

The previous week, Amelia had approached me in private.If I agreed to file for divorce quietly, without confronting Ethan or exposing the affair publicly, she would ensure a settlement of $150 million transferred discreetly to my personal accounts.

In the world of packs and politics, image was everything. An Alpha embroiled in a public scandal would weaken the Hawthrone Pack’s standing — something Amelia would never allow.

Neither would I, truthfully. No matter how broken Ethan had left me, I would not humiliate myself by causing a spectacle.

I had my dignity.

After a month — the grace period to finalize everything — Ethan would be free.And so would I.

I let out a slow breath, settling into my chair. That’s when a knock came at the door.

“Come in,” I said.

Ethan’s beta, Reed stepped inside, carrying a small, elegant box in both hands.

“Luna Olivia,” he said formally, not quite meeting my eyes. “Alpha Ethan asked me to deliver this to you. He bought it for you during his trip to London.”

Reed placed the box on my desk and I flipped the lid open.

Inside, nestled on deep blue velvet, was a gleaming diamond set — necklace, earrings, bracelet. The same set I had seen in a photo...on her.

Disgust crawled up my throat.

“Alpha Ethan mentioned he... he picked it out personally. Wanted something special for you.” Reed added quickly, like the words might make it hurt less.

I forced a smile, tucking the box back into my desk drawer like it meant nothing.

“How thoughtful of him,” I said. “Even with his busy schedule and all” I said lightly, my tone dripping with sarcasm.

Reed flinched slightly. “I should get back,” He was slipping out, leaving the door swinging shut behind him with a soft thud.

My eyes dropped back to the jewelry sitting on my desk, gleaming under the harsh office lights.My stomach twisted in disgust.

Without wasting another second, I snapped a photo of it and forwarded it to a second-hand luxury dealer.Me: Donate the full amount to the werewolf orphanage fund.

I shut the box with a click, wiping my hands like I’d just handled garbage. Because, honestly, that’s what it felt like.

By five in the evening, I was wrapping up, gathering my things, and heading to the parking lot.The day had drained me, but it was the kind of exhaustion that sat deeper than muscles or bones.

As I stepped outside, the wind shifted, carrying a familiar scent.Leather. Musk. Vanilla.

My eyes narrowed instinctively.

That’s when I spotted Ethan’s car, parked near the exit.

Through the window, I caught a glimpse—Ethan, sitting in the back seat.

And right beside him, a vibrant blonde, laughing like she didn’t have a care in the world.

Reed was behind the wheel.

The second he saw me, he slammed on the brakes, hard enough that the car jolted.

For a heartbeat, everything went still.

My eyes locked with Ethan’s through the glass.

Olivia’s POV

I recognized the blonde girl sitting close to Ethan — it was Chole Windsor, the daughter of the Alpha of the second-largest pack in the United States.

She didn’t even pretend to be subtle. Her eyes found mine across the lot, but she made no move to step away from Ethan. Instead, she draped her arms over his shoulders, leaned in, and whispered something in his ear. He didn’t stop her.

I looked away. Got into my car, turned the engine, and drove off without sparing them a second glance.

I hadn’t been home for long. After slipping off my shoes at the entrance, I made my way upstairs to the walk-in closet, the quiet of the pack house settling around me.

I was standing in front of the wardrobe, picking out a necklace — something simple to go with tomorrow’s blazer — when I heard a car pull into the gravel driveway outside.

I didn’t need to look to know who it was.

A moment later, I smelled someone behind me.Ethan.

I didn’t turn around. Just clasped the necklace and set it back in its place.

“Are you upset?” he asked.

“Obviously,” I said, still not looking at him. “You should be careful next time.”

He didn’t respond right away. I heard him exhale through his nose. “The Windsor pack’s Alpha wants to collaborate with us. I’ve been talking to Felix, their eldest Alpha-in-line. Chole is his sister.”

I nodded slightly and turned to face him. “So to secure the alliance, it’s necessary to wrap your arms around his sister in public?”

His jaw flexed. He didn’t answer immediately. For a moment, he just looked at me like he didn’t expect to be questioned. Then his voice hardened.

“I'm trying to explain, Olivia. Watch your tone when speaking to your Alpha.”

I stared at him for a second.

“You don’t need to explain anything to me,” I said. “If you’re tired of me and ready to name someone else as Luna, say so. I’ll leave.”

His face darkened. “What did you just say?”

I didn’t flinch. “I said we can get a divorce and break the bond.”

I stepped past him, but he grabbed my arm. His hand shot up to my chin, gripping it just enough to hold me still without bruising.

“Don’t ever say that again,” he said, voice low.

I didn’t respond. Just met his eyes for a beat too long before pulling away.

But inside, I already knew — I wasn’t saying it for effect.

I’d been thinking about divorce for weeks. Preparing for it in quiet ways. I didn’t want him anymore.

Ethan stayed home that night. Sat in the Alpha’s private office most of the evening, didn’t eat dinner. It was well past midnight when he finally got a phone call that made him leave. I wasn’t close enough to hear everything, but I caught a woman’s voice on the other end — crying.

The next morning, my phone lit up with a message from my friend Ava — a lawyer. She had sent me a screenshot of Chole’s latest post.

It was a photo taken at sunrise, from the top of some mountain trail. Two hands clasped together, fingers interlocked.The caption read: “Enjoy the sunrise, feel your heartbeat.”

I stared at the photo.

One of those hands was Ethan’s. I’d know that scar near his thumb anywhere.

I sat holding my mug for so long the water went cold. Only when I set it down did it make a sound.

The following days, Ethan didn’t return home.

At work, we saw each other only during meetings. He sat at the head of the table, and I stayed on the side with the executives. We barely made eye contact. I didn’t go upstairs to his office, and he didn’t come down to mine.

In the evenings, I started browsing house listings — somewhere small, outside the city. I also started clearing out the closet. Anniversary gifts. Jewelry. Even the wedding ring. All of it went to resell platforms or donation. They didn’t mean anything to me anymore.

One evening around 11 p.m., Luna Kate from SilverFang pack texted me out of the blue, inviting me to join her at a club. We were not very familiar—I'd only met her a few times when I attended the Pack Summit with Ethan. She was very good at greeting anyone with her fake smile. Her Alpha husband was frequently caught up in scandals, and now she started to be a social butterfly as well.

I almost said no. But then I remembered — if I really left the Hawthorne Group, I’d have to build something on my own. Might as well start moving.

“Sure,” I texted back.

When I got to the Moonfell, Kate met me near the entrance. She linked her arm through mine like we were best friends.

“Glad to see you Olivia,” she kissed my face. No one but our inner circle knew Ethan and I were married. They always called me Olivia and thought we were just a rumored couple with mate bond.

“Me too,” I tried to fake smile.

She led me upstairs and into a large room that was divided by a decorative wooden screen.

There were people on the other side — laughing, drinking, talking loud — but Kate brought me to this side, quieter, with just one woman sitting alone. I recognized her vaguely. Mate of someone in Ethan’s circle. She smiled at me — tight, awkward.

I took off my coat, sat down, and Kate disappeared a moment later.

I picked up a drink, sipped it once, and then I heard it.

My name.

From the other side of the screen.

“She hasn’t been seen with Alpha Ethan much lately, huh?”

“Well, of course not. He takes Chole Windsor everywhere now.”

“She’s the daughter of the second biggest Pack Alpha in the country. Obviously, she’s a better fit. Makes the Pack look stronger.”

“Still, Olivia and Alpha Ethan were together what — eight years? He’s probably tired of her even though they are mates.”

There was a pause. Then a chuckle.“Shame. She wasted her best years. I’d still take a go at her, though.”

The cup froze in my hand.

I recognized the voices. Two of them belonged to the sons of the Gamma and Delta.

The woman beside me shifted uncomfortably.

I stood up. She looked startled, maybe thinking I was going to leave.

Instead, I cleared my throat, picked up my drink, and stepped around the screen.

The laughter faded when they saw me.

I leaned casually against the edge of the divider, my drink in hand. I looked at the one who’d spoken last.

“Isn’t it a bit unfair?” I asked. “You make it sound like I’ve been living off him.”

They blinked.

I took a sip.

“Ethan was a virgin before we got together. So if I’ve been using him to satisfy my needs for eight years without paying — sounds like I got the better deal, doesn’t it?

Silence. The whole room had gone still.

Most of them just stared— and then widened when they looked at someone behind me.

Olivia’s POV

I smelled it. I turned around, and there he was.

Alpha Ethan.

I glanced at him, then looked past him to the low velvet sofa behind. Chole Windsor sat there, legs crossed, glass in hand.

Her smile was gone. The way she stared at me —her eyes flashing with the territorial aggression of a she-wolf ready to defend her claim — made it clear she would've ripped my throat out if she could get away with it.

That’s when it clicked.

This wasn’t some coincidence. They were here together. Chole, Ethan, and their usual circle — people I once thought of as allies. This was their private little gathering. From the way they talked earlier, it clearly wasn’t their first. They didn’t even care to hide their relationship. Maybe they never had.

Ethan walked toward me.

Behind him, the group scrambled back to life. One of them stepped forward quickly. “Olivia, we were just messing around—none of it was serious. We were just talking nonsense.”

Another added, “Really sorry. We didn’t mean anything by it.”

I didn’t respond.

Ethan reached for my wrist.

“Let’s go,” he said, already trying to pull me out of the room.

I didn’t fight.

Instead, I grabbed my drink and threw it in his face, a clear challenge in the presence of his pack.

The room fell into complete silence again. Someone gasped. I could hear the ice clink against his cheek as the liquid ran down his jawline.

I smiled faintly, “Please, Alpha, continue enjoying yourself with your beloved. I won’t interrupt again.”

Then I lowered my head, tried to pull my hand back from his.

His grip only tightened.

His face had gone dark. Without another word, he bent down, grabbed me, and threw me over his shoulder like a sack.

I kicked instinctively. “Ethan—put me down!”

He didn’t respond.

We walked into the hallway, and I struggled on his back, but Ethan didn’t loosen his grip.The elevator had just arrived on the floor. As he stepped inside and turned around, my upside-down view caught a pair of polished black leather shoes. Then black suit pants, long legs, and pale hands — each finger slender, the joints sharp and defined.

The air felt still. Quiet but awkward.

Ethan walked out of the elevator just as I looked up — and met a pair of deep, steady eyes.

Sharp and captivating.

They held mine for a second too long. I looked away, suddenly embarrassed to be seen like that. Slung over Ethan’s shoulder like some helpless object.

Suddenly, Yve stirred inside me, her instincts sharpening, the primal awareness of another strong wolf nearby sparking her curiosity.

I didn’t know why I felt that way. But I didn’t like it. It unsettled me.

Ethan dragged me out of the club and down the steps to his car. He opened the back door, tossed me in, and climbed in himself.

My head spun. Being carried upside down and then thrown like that.

He grabbed a wet wipe from the glove compartment and began wiping his face silently.

Then he finally spoke. “Why were you there? You came to catch me, didn’t you?”

As he wiped his cheek, I noticed something just behind the tissue box.

A foil wrapper — gold, neatly tucked behind the tissue box.

A condom.

The sight of it made my stomach turn. I looked away immediately and reached for the door handle.

“I’m not staying in this car,” I said.

He pulled me back roughly. “Where do you think you’re going?”

“Home,” I said, my breathing uneven. “I want to go home.”

“Stop making trouble, Olivia. My patience is running out.”

I didn’t answer. Just sat there, breathing hard.

“Harold!” Ethan called out toward the club. “Drive.”

Harold came out a minute later, nodded, and got into the front seat.

The ride was silent. I stayed pressed against the farthest side of the car, arms crossed, staring out the window.

By the time we reached the house, I opened the door and got out before the engine had fully stopped.

Inside, I went straight to the kitchen and poured a full glass of ice water. I drank all of it in one go.

Only then did I feel something close to normal.

When I walked back out, Ethan was sitting in the living room. I didn’t ask why.

I sat down across from him.

It was quiet for a while. Then he said, “I was there to talk business. A new project.”

I said nothing.

“You showing up and making a scene like that — it embarrassed me.”

He kept going. “You looked ridiculous. Screaming, throwing drinks. Like a jealous shrew.”

I stared at him.

He looked back at me, like he expected me to deny it.

“Is that all?” I asked.

His brows drew together. “If you want our relationship to work, you need to stop being paranoid all the time. I don’t have time for your insane suspicions.”

I nodded. “Got it. Anything else?”

He stared at me. “Do you know how annoying you are right now?”

I stood up slowly.

He won’t be annoyed much longer.

I went upstairs, changed into pajamas, and got into bed without another word.

He came up about an hour later and found me already asleep.

After showering, he got into bed quietly. I turned my back to him and inched closer to the edge, making sure our bodies wouldn’t touch.

That didn’t stop him.

He hugged me from behind and yanked me back into his arms, rough and without a word. He was tall, his Alpha strength undeniable, the raw power of a pack leader. With barely any effort, he held me in place, his grip unyielding, making it clear that resisting would be pointless.

I spent the night stiffly, barely moving.

By morning, I hadn’t slept at all. I went downstairs and made breakfast for myself — toast, boiled eggs, a glass of milk. I sat alone at the dining table and started eating in silence.

Ethan came down a little while later, dressed for work. He glanced toward me but didn’t say anything at first. He walked halfway to the door, then stopped. A few seconds passed before he turned around and walked over.

He leaned in close to my ear.

“This weekend,” he said gently, “let’s go out to sea. Just the two of us. Clear our heads a little.”

I took a sip of milk and replied without looking at him. “Hmm.”

That was it.

On Friday, he broke the promise.Said he had to fly to Washington for a project. An urgent meeting, supposedly.

I wasn’t surprised. I didn’t feel anything — no disappointment, no anger. Just nothing.

Maybe he hasn’t noticed we haven’t shared a meal in weeks. We don’t talk. We don’t go anywhere. We don’t spend time like people in a marriage — not even like people who live under the same roof.

He says divorce is out of the question, but I already feel like someone who doesn’t exist to him.

If I disappeared tomorrow, I genuinely doubt he would even notice.

Over the weekend, I started moving books out of the study. Stacked them into a suitcase and took them to my new apartment. The place was smaller. Simpler. But it felt like mine.

While I was organizing the shelf, my phone rang.

Melina.

I hesitated, then picked up. “Hello, Luna Melina.” Ever since I married his son eight years ago, she still asks me to call her luna.

She snorted arrogantly. “Come over now. We need to put down in writing what we discussed earlier.”

I paused. “Is that really necessary?”

She didn’t hesitate. “If I say so.”

"Fine. I'll go back this afternoon," I answered.

Yet, she wasn't satisfied. "Come back at noon."

Olivia’s POV

I arrived atHawthorne Manoraround 11 AM.

As I approached the main entrance, a sweet, overly cheerful voice drifted out through the partially open windows.

“Yay! I won again!” The girl’s tone was playful, but there was a flirtatious edge to it, the kind meant to tease a lover. “Are you letting me win on purpose, Ethan?”

I paused, my hand hovering over the door handle. I didn’t need to see her to know who it was.

Chole Windsor.

I realized the real purpose of Melina, she wanted to humiliated me.

I took a slow breath, letting Yve’s quiet growl settle in my chest, then pushed open the door and stepped inside.

Ethan was in the living room, his head turning sharply when he caught sight of me. For a moment, his eyes flickered with surprise, quickly masked by a flash of annoyance. “What are you doing here?”

I walked in, slipping my sunglasses off and tucking them into the pocket of my loose white T-shirt. I hadn’t bothered with makeup today, just jeans and a comfortable shirt. I met his eyes,“Your mom didn’t tel you? She called me.” I continued, “Didn’t know you were back from London so soon. Or are you a magician now, managing to be in two places at once?”

His jaw tightened, a flicker of guilt flashing in his eyes. He didn’t respond.

Before he could recover, Chole stood up from the plush velvet sofa. She brushed an invisible speck of dust off her thigh, showing off her perfectly manicured fingers.

“Hi,” she extened her hand, stepping closer with a bright smile. “I’m Chole Windsor. It’s nice to meet you.”

I looked at her outstretched hand for a second, then deliberately ignored her.

Melina entered the room. She wore a tailored black dress, her hair swept back in a flawless chignon, a perfect image of power and control. Her eyes moved over me briefly before settling on Chole.

“Chole, darling,” she said, taking Chole’s hand in both of hers,“I hope you’re having a good time today. Make yourself at home. This is your house too.”

I felt a muscle in my jaw tighten, but I kept my face neutral.

Melina’s eyes flicked to me, her expression cooling instantly.“Ah, Olivia. You’re here.”

She turned back to Chole, her tone still warm.“This is Ms. Hawthorne, the manager of the Hawthorne Group. She’s here on business.”

It took every ounce of self-control not to roll my eyes. She made it sound like I was just another employee, someone here to deliver a report, not the Luna of the pack or her son’s wife. It was a subtle dismissal, a deliberate way to tell Chole that I was no threat.

I ignored her, my eyes drifting back to Ethan. He didn’t even try to defend my position.

“Didn’t you say we had business to discuss? Let’s get it over with.”

Melina’s smile tightened slightly.“We can discuss it another day. You’re here now, so why not join us for a meal?”

I exhaled slowly, already tired of this charade.“I’m not here for a meal, Melina. I have other things to do.”I turned to leave, my back already to them.

Her voice sharpened,“I am still the pack luna, Olivia, and I have asked you politely to stay. What is this attitude of yours? No manners at all.”

I paused, my hand stilling on the back of a leather chair. I turned slowly, meeting her icy stare with one of my own.“Fine. I’ll stay for a meal.”I met her gaze without blinking.“Just make sure you don’t regret it.”

Chole, sensing the tension, quickly tried to lighten the atmosphere,“Oh, that’s perfect. I was just telling Ethan how much I enjoyed winning our little game of Silver Moon Toss earlier. I’d love to keep playing.”

I glanced at the balcony where a polishedSilver Moon Tosstarget stood, several delicate gold rings stacked neatly beside it. I hadn’t even noticed it before. Clearly, it was something new — probably Chole’s idea.

Silver Moon Tosswas a light social competition often played atwerewolf gatherings. The rules were simple — players took turns tossing three golden rings, trying to encircle the movingMoon Pillarfive meters away. It required precision and rhythm, often used to showcase coordination between couples.

Chole’s eyes lit up when she saw me looking at the ring toss setup.“Oh, Olivia, do you know how to playSilver Moon Toss?”

I met her gaze, catching the hint of challenge behind her bright smile.“Only a little,”I replied, letting my eyes linger on her for a beat.“Wanna play?”

Ethan’s jaw tightening as he shot me a warning look.

“Of course. Shall I go first, or would you like the honor?” Chole adjusted one of the gold rings on the table, her confidence flaring.

“Go ahead. I’ll watch.” I stepped back, casually folding my arms.

Chole’s smile widened, clearly pleased with herself. She stepped into position, her posture perfect, each movement precise. She took a steadying breath, then flicked her wrist. The golden ring sliced through the air, narrowly missing the Moon Pillar, landing just a few centimeters off.

She turned back to me,“Almost nailed it.”

Behind her, Melina’s eyes followed the ring,“Chole. So graceful.”

Chole gave a appreciative nod, clearly loving the praise.

I didn’t bother with any of the theatrics. I stepped forward, picked up a ring, and tossed it without much thought. The ring cut through the air cleanly, glinting in the sunlight before slipping perfectly around the Moon Pillar with a clear, satisfying clink.

Chole’s smile froze for a second, her fingers tightening around the ring she still held. She forced a thin, strained smile.“Lucky shot.”

I let a careless smile spread across my lips, leaning back slightly.“Maybe.”I shrugged,“Last time I played this was at the Alpha Foundation dinner with Ethan.”

The remark hit its mark. Chole’s face tensed, her grip on the ring tightening as she prepared for the next throw.

Melina stepped in quickly,“Dear, it’s just a game. The important thing is to have fun.”

I shrugged, stepping back.“Of course. But some people get carried away too easily.”

I didn’t miss the way Melina’s eyes flicked to Ethan, a silent accusation in them.

In the next few rounds, I almost hit every ring, each one sliding smoothly around theMoon Pillarwith a clear, satisfying clink. Meanwhile, Chole’s throws grew increasingly off-target, her rings clattering against the base or falling short entirely.

I noticed the slight tremble in her fingers as she reached for another ring, her forced smile tightening with every miss, her eyes flashing with barely concealed frustration.

Melina’s expression grew more strained with each missed attempt, her jaw clenching tighter every time I hit my mark. She glanced at Ethan, as if hoping for some intervention, but he remained silent.

I stepped back, dusted my hands lightly, then walked to the nearby sofa. I set my final ring down on the polished side table, folding my hands neatly in my lap, my eyes meeting theirs without flinching.

“Want to keep playing?”I asked, my tone light, almost bored.

Chole’s hand curled tightly around the last ring, her knuckles turning pale, lips pressed into a thin, strained line.

Melina shot me a sharp, furious look, her eyes narrowing into thin, dangerous slits.

Olivia’s POV

“Come on, one more,”Chole said, trying to hide the frustration in her eyes.“I’m just getting warmed up.”

I glanced at her, then at Ethan, who still hadn’t said a word. Melina watched from the side, clearly annoyed but not stepping in.

“Sure,”I replied, picking up another ring, my tone casual.“Let’s keep going.”

We kept playing. I hit the pillar again. And again. Chole’s throws grew wilder, her aim less precise, her confidence visibly cracking. Melina’s eyes darted between us, her polished exterior slipping as her face twisted into an increasingly sour expression. She glanced at Ethan, clearly expecting him to intervene, but he just stood there.

I picked up my final ring, tossed it with a casual flick of my wrist, and it spun neatly around theMoon Pillaronce more.

Chole’s forced smile finally shattered. Her eyes filled with tears, and a small, broken sound escaped her throat. She clutched the last ring tightly, her fingers shaking, then let it clatter to the ground as she stumbled toward Ethan.

Ethan stepped forward, his face hard, eyes cold. He snatched the gold ring from my hand, his jaw clenched.

“That’s enough,” he said, his voice low but sharp.

Chole threw herself into his arms, her shoulders shaking as she buried her face in his chest. Ethan’s expression softened, his arm coming up to hold her gently, fingers stroking her back in slow, comforting circles. Melina quickly stepped in, wrapping an arm around Chole, whispering something I couldn’t hear.

“Really, Olivia?”Melina’s eyes snapped to me, sharp and furious.“It’s just a game. Was it necessary to take it so seriously?”

I didn’t respond, just slowly stepped back, setting my last ring down on the side table.

Melina’s eyes bored into me,“You come from an ordinary family. You think being competitive is the only way to gain respect?”

Her words hit like a slap.

I glanced at Ethan, expecting... what? Defense? Support? But his eyes were distant, his face like a faded photograph, all the vibrance I once admired now washed out and cold.

Forget it. There are only twenty days left. I shouldn’t care.

I stood up, ready to leave, my pulse still racing.

“Stop, you are hurting us,” Yve’s voice echoed in my mind.

I glanced down at my hand, my fingers curled so tightly that my nails had broken the skin. I hadn’t even noticed.

Then, I turned on my heel and walked toward the door.

“Olivia—”Ethan’s voice followed me, sharp and angry.

I didn’t stop.

I pushed through the grand double doors of theHawthorne Manor and got into my car, my chest heaving as I gripped the steering wheel.

My phone buzzed beside me. Ethan. I ignored it and finally, I blocked his number.

My hands still shook as I pulled out onto the road, the tires crunching against the gravel as I sped away from the mansion.

I reached for my phone, typing out a message to Melina with one hand.

“$250 million. Not a penny less. Or I’ll make sure you and your family pay the price.”

I hit send without hesitation, tossing the phone onto the passenger seat, my pulse still racing.

The sky had grown darker, thick gray clouds rolling in, the first few drops of rain splattering against my windshield.

Suddenly, a flash of yellow blurred past my peripheral vision, followed by the sharp, whining roar of a motorcycle engine.

A red bike cut in front of my car, swerving wildly, its rider dressed in dark leather, helmet glinting with water droplets.

I slammed on the brakes, my body jolting forward, the seatbelt cutting into my shoulder as my tires screeched against the wet asphalt.

“Careful!”Yve’s voice snapped in my head.

Before I could fully process what happened, a deafening crash shook my car. My head slammed into the steering wheel, a sharp, hot pain exploding behind my eyes.

I groaned, blinking rapidly as my vision blurred, red and dark, the world spinning slightly.

Immediately, I grabbed a tissue from the console, pressing it against my temple, wiping away the blood that blurred my vision.

Through the cracked windshield, I saw the red motorcycle disappearing into the distance. Then I checked my rear view mirror to find a black Maybach that had rear-ended me. Its front bumper was dented, the polished surface marred by the impact.

Before I could gather my thoughts, a firm knock sounded against my window.

A man in his forties, dressed in a crisp black suit, glasses perched on his nose, stood beside my car, a black umbrella in one hand, his expression polite but concerned.

I rolled down the window, wincing as the motion sent another wave of pain through my skull.

“I’m terribly sorry, ma’am,”he said, his voice calm and steady.“I rear-ended your car. I’ll take full responsibility.”

I caught the faint scent of another wolf on him — not a threat, but unfamiliar.

“My boss has some urgent matters to attend to,”he continued, nodding toward the back seat. I caught a glimpse of a tall, broad-shouldered figure in a dark suit, sunglasses hiding his eyes, his posture relaxed but radiating a quiet, dangerous energy.

“I’m Mike,” the man added, adjusting his glasses. “Can we exchange numbers? I’ll make sure all your expenses are covered.”

I took a deep breath, still feeling the sting at my temple. “I’d prefer to leave this to the police,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. “I’ve had enough surprises for one day.”

I pushed open the car door and stepped out, my shoes splashing in the shallow puddles forming on the wet road. I walked to the back of my car, my heart sinking when I saw the dent. The rear bumper was crumpled, the paint scraped off, and the tail light cracked. I frowned, took a quick photo for the insurance, then pulled out my phone and called the police.

A few minutes later, I heard another car door open. I glanced back, and the man in the back seat of the Maybach stepped out. Mike quickly moved to his side, holding a black umbrella over him, his posture respectful and hurried.

The man straightened, his suit perfectly tailored, sharp creases running down his pant legs, his shoes polished enough to reflect the gray sky. His presence was striking — tall, broad-shouldered, and the kind of face that commanded attention even in a crowd.

He took off his sunglasses, revealing deep-set eyes that met mine for a brief second. I felt my heart skip a beat. Something about him seemed... special, though I couldn’t place it.

I turned to the approaching officer, quickly explaining what had happened.

When I turned back, Mike was standing beside me, holding out a dark suit jacket. “Ma’am, your shirt is soaked,” he said politely, eyes slightly averted. “Please, put this on.”

I glanced down and felt my face heat up. My white shirt was clinging to my body, rainwater making the thin fabric almost transparent. I nodded and took the jacket from his hands, slipping it on quickly.

It was warm, the lining still carrying the faint heat of the man who had just worn it, along with a subtle, expensive cologne — something woody, clean, with a hint of smoke. It made my pulse quicken, and Yve stirred within me, her curiosity flaring.

“Thank you,” I mumbled, feeling awkward. “I’ll wash it and return it to your boss.”

Mike gave a small smile, shaking his head. “No need. My boss won’t mind.”

I looked up, but the man was already getting back into the Maybach. The door shut with a soft, expensive thud, and the car eased back onto the road, the engine barely making a sound as it disappeared into the rain.

I stood there for a moment, clutching the warm jacket around my shoulders, the lingering scent still teasing my senses, making Yve restless.

Olivia’s POV

I sat on the edge of the padded examination table with the faint smell of antiseptic clinging to the air. Healer Rosa gently tilted my chin up, examining the cut on my forehead.

“Your temple region took the most damage,” she said, wiping the area with a damp cloth. “What happened?”

I hesitated, not wanting to get into the messy details of the accident. “It’s nothing. Just some reckless driver and bad luck. Yve has already handled most of it. I just came to make sure it heals without a scar.”

Rosa reached for a small jar on the counter, scooping a bit of herbal salve onto her fingers. “Hold still.”

I closed my eyes, letting the coolness of the cream soothing the faint sting.

The door burst open suddenly, crashing against the wall. Rosa flinched, her hands freezing mid-air.

Ethan stormed in. He took a few quick steps toward us.

Rosa’s eyes darted between us, her nervous fingers tightening around the jar. I offered her a reassuring nod. “It’s fine. That’s my... boss.”

Ethan centered his focus entirely on me. “Is it serious?” he demanded.

Rosa straightened, adjusting her glasses. “It’s just a superficial wound. Nothing too serious. She’ll be fine.”

He let out a breath. Rosa gave me theointment, then hurried out of the room.

Ethan stepped aside, but the moment I reached the doorway, he grabbed the small bottle of ointment from my hand. I paused, raising an eyebrow at him.

“I’ll handle this,” he muttered, tucking the bottle into his coat pocket as if it were some grand gesture of care.

I didn’t bother stopping him. If he wanted to play the part of the attentive husband, I wasn’t going to waste my breath arguing.

I pulled out my phone, intending to call a cab, but Ethan snatched the phone from my hand, his grip firm.

“Let’s go,” he said, already steering me toward the hospital exit.

“Hey—” I tried to pull my arm back, but his grip tightened.

He led me to the parking lot, not releasing my wrist until we reached his car. He opened the passenger door, practically shoving me inside before slamming it shut behind me.

He rounded the car quickly, slipping into the driver’s seat and shutting the door with a rough, final thud.

The ride was silent. I didn’t wish to speak anything to him, either. But, Ethan was gripping the steering wheel way too tightly after we parked the car. I knew something was going to come from him.

“Were you trying to punish me?” he asked. “First, you blocked my number and then you almost tried to take your life. Why did you do that?”

I blinked at him, taken aback. Then, before I could stop myself, I burst out laughing.

His eyes narrowed. “What the hell is so funny?”

“You think I’d try to punish you by crashing my own car? You clearly think of yourself a little too much, Ethan.”

He flinched, his fingers twitching against the wheel.

“Give me back my phone,” I said, holding out my hand.

He ignored my outstretched hand, leaning back against his seat, his eyes narrowing. “Look, maybe I lied about the business trip. Fine. But that doesn’t mean you get to make things difficult for Chole. She ended up crying because of you. Don’t you feel guilty at all?”

“Guilty? For what?”

“Chole is alpha’s daughter... she’s sensitive, a bit spoiled” he said, his voice softening. “She’s not used to being treated that way. Why can’t you be a bit more... generous?”

For a moment, I just stared at him. The way he talked about her, the softness in his tone, the protectiveness. It made my skin crawl.

I leaned back against the cool leather seat, closing my eyes for a second, feeling Yve stir inside me.

“Fine,” I said quietly, opening my eyes to meet his. “I won’t make things difficult for her. But keep her in check. Make sure she stays out of my way.”

Ethan’s brow furrowed. “Chole is like my sister. You’re completely misunderstanding this.”

I felt my jaw clench, the urge to throw the evidence in his face nearly overpowering. Instead, I forced a tight, bitter smile. “Oh? Well, then congratulations. Must be nice to have a new sister.”

He went quiet, his eyes darkening, but he didn’t say another word.

I pulled the blazer tighter around my shoulders, the warm, woody scent still clinging to the fabric. It felt out of place, almost comforting in a way that made me uneasy.

Ethan’s eyes flicked over to me, his nose twitching slightly. He frowned, his jaw tightening as he stared at the jacket. This was the first time he noticed that I was wearing a high-quality light grey men’s suit, clearly custom-made.

“Whose suit is that?” he asked, his tone sharp.

I looked out the window, not bothering to meet his eyes. “My new brother’s.”

Ethan went quiet for a moment. Then, without warning, he reached over and yanked the jacket off my shoulders. Before I could grab it back, he rolled down the window and tossed it out into the rain-soaked street.

I stared at him, shock turning quickly into anger. “What the hell, Ethan?” I reached for the door handle, my pulse racing. I had promised the return the suit to that butler.

He grabbed my arm, his grip tight, yanking me back into my seat. His face was close, his breath hot against my cheek.

“Don’t test me, Olivia,” he said, his voice low and cold. “Don’t provoke me like this. I still am the Alpha here, and don’t you dare forget that.”

I tried to pull my arm free, but his grip only tightened. He leaned in, his mouth crashing against mine, rough and forceful. I clenched my teeth, refusing to let him in, but he shoved his tongue past my lips, the kiss more of a warning than anything else.

My mind went blank. I pushed against his chest, but he finally pulled back.

I turned my head away, my breath shaky, my pulse still racing. I didn’t say a word. Neither did he.

When we got home, I got out of the car without looking back. I headed straight to the bathroom, ripping off my clothes and stepping into the hot shower, letting the water drop against my skin. I scrubbed at my arms, my lips, trying to wash away the feeling of his hands, his mouth, his breath.

Later, when I slipped into bed, I kept my back to him, my eyes closed, my body tense. I heard him come in, the soft creak of the mattress as he sat down beside me. He leaned over and kissed my forehead, before he lay down, his back to me.

I tried to clear my mind, to block out the day, the fight, the way he had kissed me like I was something he owned.

Then his phone buzzed on the nightstand.

My eyes snapped open. I turned my head slightly, just enough to catch the glowing screen.

1:35 AM.

The name on the screen was just three letters.

Cho.

My stomach twisted. What a cute couple, so intimate.