Olivia's POV

Every instinct warned me that tonight would bring me closer to a line I wasn’t sure I was ready to cross. As I entered the dimly lit room, Derek’s commanding presence filled the space.

"Olivia," he greeted, watching me closely, his gaze too knowing. "I admire your resolve. Not many would call a meeting with me, especially under the circumstances."

I met his gaze, holding my head high. "I’m here because I care about my Pack’s future. This alliance is important to me; and, from what I understand, to you as well."

A glint of approval flickered in his eyes, and he nodded, folding his hands thoughtfully.

"Indeed. Our interests align more than you may realize. But," he added, leaning forward, "true alliances require more than words. They require commitment, sacrifice."

I braced myself, knowing where this was going. "What are you asking of me?"

Derek’s smirk deepened, though he kept his tone level, almost cordial. "To truly secure my support, your bond with Ethan must be completed. The Council respects actions over intentions, Olivia. They need to see that this union is more than a temporary arrangement."

My pulse quickened, "So that’s your only price? Complete the bond, or you won’t stand behind us?"

"Consider it an investment in your future. This isn’t only about securing my vote. It’s about demonstrating strength. If Ethan and you are divided, it will only make the Council question your stability."

I swallowed, his words hitting far too close. The Council wasn’t just concerned with titles, they wanted assurances. They needed a true partnership. And in their eyes, a Mating Bond was the ultimate proof.

"Do you realize what you’re asking me to do?" I asked, my voice wavering despite my best efforts.

"More than you know," he replied, his voice smooth, almost gentle. It set my nerves on edge. "A union without unity is a weakness, Olivia. Ethan may be… distracted by other matters, but that’s no excuse to leave yourself vulnerable."

I clenched my fists, forcing myself to stay calm. "You’re suggesting that I surrender completely to something I’m not certain of."

Derek tilted his head, regarding me with a quiet, unreadable expression. "Or you take control of your future, ensure the stability of your Pack, and secure the respect that you and Ethan both need. It’s your choice."

The words echoed in my mind. It’s your choice. Yes, it is my choice.

"I’ll… consider it," I finally managed, steeling myself with what I about to do. “But I have a counteroffer.”

Derek’s lips curved in a slight smile, and he inclined his head. "Intriguing. What else could you possibly offer greater than a bond with my son?"

"My… services," I replied carefully, weighing each word carefully. “I can offer something beyond a bond, a skill, if you will. I can read people, their intentions, their fears. It’s… useful.”

Derek’s smirk slipped ever so slightly, his gaze sharpening as he leaned in. "Interesting," he murmured, though his voice betrayed the smallest flicker of curiosity. His eyebrows lifted just a fraction, but his eyes narrowed, testing, as though calculating the implications of what I’d said.

"Right now, you’re curious," I said, studying him with my own steady gaze, “but skeptical. You don’t quite believe me yet. You’re wondering what game I’m playing, what angle I have. Am I bluffing? Am I merely attempting to impress you?”

I paused, watching him closely. "But you’re also wondering how much I could uncover about you if I tried."

The faintest hint of surprise broke through Derek’s mask, his eyes widening almost imperceptibly before he schooled his features once more. "Impressive," he replied, his voice lowering as he regarded me with a newfound intensity. "You’ve certainly piqued my interest, Olivia. And here I thought I had seen every angle."

I leaned forward, mirroring his posture. "You’re considering the risks right now," I continued, keeping my tone even, "but I sense you’re also pleased. You’re seeing the potential in working with someone who… sees things others might miss."

A glint of admiration flickered in his gaze, but he kept his response measured, as if enjoying the reveal while maintaining control. "So, you’d offer this… perceptiveness to secure our alliance? Your… loyalty, Olivia?"

“If it means securing my Pack’s future and preserving my own autonomy," I said. “You value loyalty above all, I can tell. But you also know it’s hard to come by.”

His nod was slow, his smile returning, laced with a hint of respect. "A rare quality indeed," he murmured, a gleam in his eyes. "Perhaps you’re more suited to this game than I originally thought."

With that, he rose, his gaze lingering on me. “We’ll meet again soon, I expect, and… explore the details of this offer.”

As the door closed behind him, I let out a shaky breath, feeling the energy settle back around me. For once, I had managed to disrupt Derek’s control—a small victory, but it felt monumental.

And now Derek knew my secret.

---

Matthew’s call came as I was driving home, and I immediately changed direction and came straight here. The hospital halls were dimly lit, quiet and sterile as I walked towards my mother’s room.

I turned a corner and saw Matthew leaning against the wall just outside her door, a somber expression shadowing his usually calm face.

“Matthew,” I whispered, my voice tight.

He straightened and moved towards me, his gaze soft. “I wanted to be here when you arrived,” he said, his voice low, almost comforting. "The treatments... they’re not… I’m sorry they’re not working as we’d hoped.”

My heart twisted painfully, knowing my time with her was short. The news wasn’t unexpected, but hearing it out loud made it real, and it hurt more than I’d prepared for.

Matthew reached out, his hand resting lightly on my shoulder, grounding me. “I’m here for you, Olivia. Whatever you need.”

I met his eyes, the warmth there a balm against the cold dread creeping in. "Thank you, Matthew," I managed, feeling a strange comfort in his presence. He didn’t offer empty reassurances; he just gave silent support; and that meant more than words could say.

As we stood there, he studied me quietly, his hand lingering on my shoulder. "You’re always so strong," he murmured, his gaze intense. “But you shouldn’t have to be alone in this. You need someone who’s there for you. Not just for alliances or votes, but for you.”

His words made something in my chest tighten. I’d been so focused on protecting my Pack, on this endless game of alliances, that I’d almost forgotten what it felt like to be seen as a person and not a pawn.

“Maybe I do,” I replied, my voice barely a whisper. "But sometimes it’s hard to tell who’s here for me and who’s here for what I represent.”

Matthew’s hand drifted down my arm, his fingers lightly tracing the length of it before he pulled away. "You deserve someone who knows the difference, Olivia.”

His words lingered in the air, unsettling and yet strangely grounding. I managed a small nod, glancing toward my mother’s door. “I should go in,” I said, struggling to keep my voice steady.

“Of course,” he replied softly. "If you need anything, I’m just a call away."

I pushed the door open, feeling his gaze on my back, and took a deep breath before stepping into the room.