Chapter 30
Olivia's POV
Ethan and I had been avoiding each other the last couple of days. The hot and cold treatment between his possessive episodes was starting to muddle up my feelings more than before.
The phone call came just as I was settling in, the caller ID brought a jolt of tension shooting through me.
Derek’s name loomed on the screen, a reminder of the way I had challenged him at the Alpha Council. My heart raced as I picked up the call.
“Olivia,” he said smoothly, as if we were old friends. “I hope I’m not catching you at a bad time.”
“Derek,” I replied, keeping my tone as neutral as possible. “I wasn’t expecting to hear from you. But I think I owe you an apology.”
“Accepted. I’d like to meet,” he said, his voice dripping with casual confidence. “I believe we have some matters to discuss regarding Ethan and the Council vote.”
A knot tightened in my stomach, that was too easy. “What about it?”
“Let’s just say that I have a unique perspective on the situation. You might find my insights… beneficial.”
I hesitated, instinctively distrusting his motives. Before I could respond, he was speaking again.
“Perhaps not,” he said, his tone shifting, “but you might consider the stakes involved. I can offer support to Ethan, and I think you might find that appealing.”
“Support?” I scoffed. “Why not do that at the first vote then?”
“Because the Council is a game of power and alliances. Aligning with me could help secure your position, and Ethan’s, in the hierarchy of Packs.”
His words hung in the air, tempting in their promise. I felt a mix of anger and intrigue stirring within me. “What do you expect in return?” I asked, knowing there was always a catch.
Derek’s tone became sharper, more persuasive. “Come to dinner. We’ll discuss it then.”
The call ended, leaving me staring at the phone in disbelief. I had known Derek was a master of manipulation, but this might be out of my league.
Yet, he wasn’t wrong about the stakes. My thoughts drifted to Ethan, the tension between us shifting unpredictably every day.
Aligning with Derek could help us both, but at what cost?
The restaurant buzzed with the low murmur of conversation and the clinking of silverware, a far cry from the eerily quiet atmosphere of our first meal.
Tension coiled in my stomach around me as I sat across from Derek. The soft glow of candlelight flickered between us, casting shadows on his face, emphasizing the calculating glint in his eyes.
“Thank you for meeting me, Olivia,” Derek began, his tone deceptively cordial as he gestured for the waiter. “I trust the atmosphere is to your liking?”
“It’s fine,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. I wasn’t here for pleasantries. “What did you want to discuss?”
He leaned back, a smug smile playing on his lips. “Very well. The Alpha Council votes again soon, and the stakes have never been higher for Ethan. I want to ensure you both come out on top.”
I narrowed my eyes, wondering what angle he was playing. “And what’s your price? I know you have one.”
“True,” he admitted, leaning in slightly. “I’m proposing a partnership. Support for you in exchange for a favor – solidifying your Mating with Ethan.”
I felt my heart drop. “We’re already Mated.”
“No, you’re not. But it would strengthen your positions and give the Packs a sense of stability,” he said, his tone persuasive. “You’re smart enough to see the opportunity here.”
I took a moment to gather my thoughts. The idea of Mating with Ethan in truth was a personal decision, and I wasn’t sure I should tie myself to Derek’s ambitions.
“Derek,” I said, forcing my voice steady. “This isn’t just about politics for me.”
“Isn’t it?” he countered, his voice dripping with mockery. “This is an opportunity, Olivia. Don’t let emotions cloud your judgment.”
The frustration surged within me. “I’ll think about it,” I said.
“Of course,” he replied, his tone softening. “Take your time. Just remember, the next vote is approaching.”
And if I didn’t have a mating mark on display, Ethan – and the support and protection he offered my Pack – would be gone.
The thought of a forced Mating bond left a sour taste in my mouth. Even if it was in our contract.
Ethan had hesitated to mark me, and we hadn’t done more than make-out for the paparazzi since. Something told me he wasn’t going to like this offer from Derek.
When I found Ethan, he was in the training room, sparring with a few younger members of the Pack. His focus was razor-sharp, every movement fluid and precise. Watching him, I felt my thighs clench together.
But it wasn’t just his physical prowess; it was the way he commanded respect and exuded confidence.
“Ethan,” I called, stepping into the room.
He paused mid-fight, his eyes narrowing as he wiped sweat from his brow. “Olivia. What’s wrong?” Ethan excused himself and jogged over to me.
I could see the way his muscles coiled in anticipation. “I just spoke with Derek,” I said, trying to keep my tone casual.
His expression shifted, becoming more guarded. “What did he want?”
I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts. “He offered to support you in the next vote. He said he could help secure your position.”
Ethan’s posture stiffened. “I don’t need Derek’s support,” he snapped, anger flickering in his eyes. “He’s not to be trusted.”
“I know,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. “But the others are still deadlocked. Derek proposed something that might be worth considering.”
“What did he want?” Ethan repeated, his voice a low growl.
“He wants me to complete the Mating bond with you,” I said quietly, watching his reaction closely. “He thinks it would solidify our standing in the Council.”
The anger in his eyes flared brighter, Ethan drew me farther away from the others and out of the training room for privacy. He crowded my space, a fierce protectiveness radiating from him.
“And you think that’s a good idea?”
“I don’t know!” I hissed, my frustration spilling over. “If it helps the Pack sand secures your position, shouldn’t we consider it? It’s in the contract.”
“Olivia,” he said, his tone dropping to something raw, “I won’t let him manipulate us. This isn’t just a political game, my father doesn’t want to help me.”
“I get that, Ethan. I do. But the Pack’s safety is my priority. It should be yours too.”
He reached for me, his fingers brushing against my arm. “We can figure something else out. I won’t playing into Derek’s hands.”
My heart raced at the intensity in his gaze. “But what if he’s right and Mating is the only way to secure our Packs’ future?” I asked, feeling vulnerable at his silence.
“Is the idea of Mating with me so repulsive to you?” The words flew out before I could stop them.
Ethan’s expression softened, and I could see the conflict in his eyes. “What do you want, Olivia? I need to know where you stand.”
In that moment, I wanted to protect my Pack. I also wanted to protect whatever was growing between us. The idea of Mating with Ethan felt like surrendering a piece of myself I’d never get back.
But I would do what was necessary, as any Luna should.
“I want to protect the Packs. If that means making this marriage a Mating, so be it. We’ve already slept together, so I know you’re capable.” My attempt to lighten the mood fell flat.
His body pressed into mine briefly, the hardness of his arousal proving my point. Then suddenly he tore himself away.
“I can’t. You don’t know what you’re asking.” The strain in Ethan’s voice tore at my heart.
He turned and fled back into the training room, leaving me standing alone questioning how much longer I could do this.
