Chapter 29
Olivia's POV
The voicemail came through while I was still sorting through Pack paperwork. Seeing Dr. Calder’s name light up my phone, I felt a pang of worry.
“Olivia, hi. It’s Matthew – er, Dr Calder. I think you should come down to the hospital. Your mother’s health has taken a bit of a turn, and I’d like to talk about it. I’m sure seeing you would give her a boost too.”
I stood frozen, my phone clutched in my hand as Matthew’s words sunk through me.
The familiar ache of responsibility, the one I’d been carrying since stepping into the Luna role, suddenly felt like a crushing weight. I was supposed to be strong – for my mother, the Pack, for everyone. But right now, I just felt… alone.
My mother’s condition had worsened. She might not have much time left.
A shadow fell across me, and I looked up, startled to see Ethan standing there. His brows were drawn, concern in his eyes.
“Everything alright?” he asked, his voice gentler than usual.
I wanted to tell him I was fine, to brush it off as just another responsibility I could handle. But the words caught in my throat, and something in his expression made it impossible to lie.
Without thinking, I looked away, struggling to keep my emotions in check.
Ethan stepped closer, silent, but solid. He didn’t ask any more questions, he just stood there, as though he knew that words wouldn’t fix anything.
Somehow, his nearness alone calmed the storm of emotions surging inside me. Which was in itself cause for concern. We were a business arrangement, nothing more.
“I just… my mom isn’t well,” I finally murmured, hearing the vulnerability in my voice. “She’s getting worse.”
He gave a slow nod, his face softening. “I’m sorry, Olivia.” His voice was so genuine, it surprised me.
I forced a thin smile, looking down. “I know I shouldn’t dump this on you. We’re just… an arrangement, and I’ve got a Pack to lead. I just…”
“Everyone needs someone sometimes,” he interrupted, his voice low and steady. “You’re not a lone wolf.”
The warmth in his words touched something in me I’d ached for and buried deep.
Ethan – the man I’d needed to keep at a distance, for the sake of my heart – was the one offering me comfort. Against my better judgment, I found myself wishing again I could still have a real Fated Mate.
We lingered in silence, but it felt anything but empty. His presence, at least for this one vulnerable moment, made me feel less alone.
I glanced up, almost wanting to reach out, but stopped myself, unsure of what it would mean. “Thanks,” I managed, my voice barely above a whisper.
For the first time, I saw his gaze soften in a way that felt… almost tender. I couldn’t bring myself to look away, wondering if he felt it too, this unexpected moment between us.
Matthew’s office was quiet, filled with the distant sounds of beeping machines and the telltale hospital scent of antiseptic and fear. As he reviewed my mother’s latest tests, I watched him with a strange mix of apprehension and gratitude.
There was something reassuring about his calm, methodical presence; he made it a little easier to keep myself glued together.
“So, what does this mean for her?” I asked, my voice steady but strained.
He looked up, his gaze filled with empathy. “It means we need to keep a closer eye on her. I’ll adjust her medications, and we’ll see how she responds. I wish I could give you better news, Luna.”
“It’s Olivia. Just Olivia.” I responded automatically. “Thank you, Matthew. Really.”
He offered a small, reassuring smile. “You’re welcome, Olivia. And remember, you’re not alone in this. We’re all here to support her.”
A piece of hair had fallen over my eyes, and Matthew gently reached out to tuck it behind my ear. “I – we’re here to support you, too, Olivia”
The way he said it made me feel strangely comforted, like I could let someone else care for me and not be forced to be the strong Luna I was for everyone else.
Just then, the door opened behind me, and I turned to see Ethan standing there, his face tense as his eyes swept over Matthew’s lowering hand before landing on me.
“Didn’t realize you were bringing backup,” Matthew said, glancing between us.
Ethan’s jaw tightened, and he gave the doctor a curt nod. “Olivia left her phone in her mother’s room. I thought she might need it.”
I blinked, taken aback by the unexpected possessiveness in his voice. The tension between the men was sudden, thickening the air, and it threw me off balance. I’d never seen Ethan react like this over something so trivial.
“Ethan, Matthew’s been taking care of my mother.” I said quickly, hoping to diffuse the awkwardness.
Ethan gave a terse nod but didn’t respond, his gaze lingering on me, his jaw still set. I could feel the weight of his attention, a fierce protectiveness that surprised me, and I wasn’t the only one.
Matthew shifted uncomfortably under Ethan’s intense scrutiny.
“Well,” Matthew said, his voice breaking the silence, “if you need anything, Olivia, don’t hesitate to call.” He gave me a reassuring smile before heading down the hall, leaving me alone with Ethan’s glare.
As soon as Matthew was out of earshot, I rounded on Ethan, a mix of confusion and irritation bubbling up inside me. “What the hell was that?”
Ethan’s eyes met mine, unflinching. “I don’t trust him,” he replied, his tone sharp. “Something about the way he looked at you.”
I crossed my arms, eyebrows raised. “He’s my mother’s doctor, Ethan. He’s just… being supportive.”
Ethan’s gaze softened slightly, but his expression remained guarded. “Maybe. But lusting after your patient’s daughter isn’t fucking professional. He touched you. We’re getting a new doctor.”
For a moment, I couldn’t think of a response, struck by the realization that his concern wasn’t just about the pack, or even about duty. It was about me.
“Ethan…” I trailed off, unsure of what to say. My heart thudded in my chest, confusion and a strange warmth swirling within me.
He took a step closer, his eyes bored into mine with the challenge of an Alpha who demanded submission.
For a long moment, we stood there in silence, our gazes locked with a fierceness that made my pulse race.
He might be a powerful Alpha, but I was Luna and wouldn’t be pushed around.
