Chapter 35
Olivia's POV
The morning sunlight streamed into my office as I stared at my phone, scrolling through the headlines and comments popping up across my feed. Despite the warmth in the room, I felt a chill as I doomscrolled, each one more cutting than the last.
“TOP 5 WAYS TO ATTRACT AN ALPHA – LESSONS FROM LUNA LIV!”
“ALPHA POWER COUPLE HOSTS CARNIVAL OF DRAMA.”
"OLIVIA HARTWYN: LUNA IN NAME ONLY?”
They didn’t need to say it outright; it was obvious the rumors were swirling that our union was hollow. And it was all thanks to Derek’s appearance at the carnival last night, setting tongues wagging without so much as a word.
I had to shake myself out of the daze these posts had pulled me into, feeling the weight of Derek’s influence pressing down on me.
My gaze drifted to a message I hadn’t yet opened from Mia. Finally, I tapped it, reading her text inviting me to Witches’ Brew. It was exactly what I needed.
A short drive later, I spotted Mia already seated with two mugs on the table, her expression sharp as she waved me over.
“Liv, you’ve been keeping quiet,” she said as I sat down, searching my face with that fierce look of hers.
I sank into the seat, letting out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. “It’s all-over social media. Even the Council is buzzing with rumors about our ‘fake’ bond.”
Mia’s eyes narrowed, and I could see the tension in her as she leaned forward. “And Derek isn’t helping. He’s practically fanning the flames, Liv. This is classic manipulation. He’s letting you squirm, seeing how far he can push before Ethan caves.”
Her words echoed what I had feared but hearing them from her made them real. “So, you think this is just another game for him?”
Mia nodded. “Derek’s got a reputation. He’s good at making people doubt themselves, making them dance to his tune. This is no different.” She waved a dismissive hand.
A bitter smile pulled at my lips. “So, what should I do? Play along? Keep pretending his demands don’t bother me? You know Ethan isn’t going to do it.”
Mia reached across the table, her fingers brushing mine.
“You have to decide what you want, babe. Don’t let him dictate your actions. And if he’s pushing Ethan too far… maybe it’s time to let Ethan know that you’re ready to back him up fully. Derek is banking on you to hesitate.”
A pang of uncertainty tugged at me, but I pushed it down, nodding slowly. “You’re right. I can’t let him shake me. But every time he’s near, it feels like he’s unraveling everything we’ve built.”
Mia’s expression softened. “Listen, Liv, you’re stronger than Derek is betting on. Ethan may be his son, but you don’t owe Derek shit. Remember that. And when you’re ready, show them all exactly why you’re his Luna.”
Her words settled in me like armor, piece by piece. I took a deep breath, feeling my resolve perk up.
Derek wasn’t going to push me into the shadows with his political maneuvering, and neither were the rumors he stirred up.
I squeezed Mia’s hand, grateful for her unwavering confidence. “Thank you, Mia. I needed this.”
She gave me a grin. “Anytime. Now go out there and remind them exactly who they’re messing with.”
Derek clearly had no hesitation about using people as pawns, and if his manipulations were meant to tear Ethan and me apart, he was only getting started.
I needed a new strategy to deal with whatever was coming, and I hoped a run through the park would clear my head.
My thoughts were still swirling when I spotted Aiden standing down a side path, his body angled toward the tree line. I would have turned back and avoided him altogether, but I noticed Chloe by his side.
Their voices floated over to me, low but carrying a simmering frustration. Curious, I edged closer, positioning myself behind a line of bushes just near enough to catch their conversation.
“I’m telling you, Aiden, this needs to happen soon,” Chloe whispered, her voice sharp with irritation. “Ethan’s support is growing, and if Derek keeps shielding Olivia –”
“I know, Mother,” Aiden cut in, his tone dripping with impatience. “But rushing in without a plan is just going to backfire. I’ve already lost one vote, and if we don’t tread carefully, Derek could sway others, too.”
Chloe scoffed, crossing her arms. “That’s only because Derek has been softening them toward her. Ethan may have strength, but Derek’s indulgence could push things in their favor. And then all my work to build up your influence will be wasted.”
I clenched my fists, fury building inside me as their intentions became clearer.
Chloe was every bit as conniving as I had suspected, but to hear her admit to actively working against Ethan and, by extension, me, was another thing entirely.
“You need to find a way to expose them,” Chloe continued, her tone icy. “Get the Council and the other Alphas to see how fake their bond is. If we can tear down their credibility, it’ll be easy to take away their support.”
My pulse quickened, and I forced myself to breathe evenly, hoping they wouldn’t hear me. This wasn’t just about personal vendettas or family drama; this was a power play with real, dangerous consequences for both our Packs.
Aiden let out a heavy sigh, sounding more defeated than defiant. “You don’t think I’m trying? But if Derek wants to support them, it’ll be hard to shake people’s loyalty. They’ve seen him back her; Liv has practically become untouchable.”
Chloe’s expression turned venomous. “Then you’ll have to make her touchable, won’t you? Olivia’s not invincible, and neither is her Pack. One wrong move from her, and the Council will have to step in.”
The words hung in the air, and a shiver crawled up my spine. Chloe was ruthless, willing to use whatever leverage she could to get what she wanted.
And Aiden…he was just desperate enough to follow her lead.
Chloe took a step closer to Aiden, lowering her voice but with enough venom that I still caught every word.
“If Ethan’s second Mating bond breaks, his strength will falter. The council would turn on him, and you’ll be there to take his place, as it was always meant to be.”
Every instinct in me wanted to rush out, to confront them then and there, but I held back, not knowing what they would do.
Finally, Chloe straightened, her tone filled with cold satisfaction. “Now, don’t let me down, Aiden. Find her weakness. If she falls, he’ll fall with her.”
I waited until their footsteps faded before stepping out from my hiding spot downwind.
They were determined to make me fail, to see me isolated and vulnerable. If they thought I would make this easy for them, they were in for one hell of a surprise.
