Chapter 58: A Slap and a Promise
Chapter 58: A Slap and a Promise
(Olivia’s POV)
I stepped out of Matriarch Evelyn’s villa, inhaling the crisp morning air. The weight of the conversation about potential suitors still hung heavily on my mind. I had promised to consider them, but my heart wasn’t in it.
A sleek black Maybach waited at the bottom of the steps, its engine purring softly. The driver–one of the pack’s most trusted–stood beside it, opening the door as I approached
“Matriarch Evelyn arranged for your transportation to Canis Enterprises, Luna,” he explained with a respectful
bow.
I nodded my thanks and slid into the luxurious interior. As my eyes adjusted to the dimmer light inside, my heart stuttered. Ethan sat on the opposite seat, an unlit cigarette dangling between his fingers, his amber eyes fixed on me with an intensity that made my skin prickle.
“What are you doing here?” I demanded, immediately reaching for the door handle.
Before I could escape, Ethan’s hand shot out, his fingers encircling my wrist in an iron grip. He pulled me back inside with surprising strength.
“Drive,” he commanded the pack driver, his voice leaving no room for argument.
The driver hesitated, clearly uncomfortable with my obvious reluctance, but Ethan’s Alpha authority won out. The door closed with a soft thud, sealing me in with my estranged mate.
As the Maybach pulled away from the curb, I tumbled forward from the sudden movement. Ethan caught me against his chest, his arms wrapping around me in a familiar embrace that felt both foreign and dangerous.
“Let go of me,” I hissed, struggling against his hold.
His grip tightened, his face inches from mine. “Why did you agree to meet with the Alpha from Twin Bridges
Territory?”
The jealousy in his voice was unmistakable. I pushed against his chest, creating a small space between us. “What right do you have to question who I meet?” I challenged, my voice trembling with indignation.
His eyes flashed dangerously. “You are my mate, Olivia. My Luna. I forbid you from seeing other men.”
A bitter laugh escaped me. “Forbid me? That’s rich coming from you. Where were you last night, Ethan? With Victoria, I presume?”
His jaw tightened. “That’s different.”
“How is it different?” I demanded, my voice rising. “You spend every night with her, parade her around at pack functions, treat her daughter like your own, and I’m supposed to just accept it?”
“You are my Luna,” he repeated, as if that explained everything. “Not her.”
The hypocrisy of his words ignited a fire within me. “You find time for Victoria, for Emma, for everyone except me and our daughter. And now you have the audacity to dictate who I can see?”
His fingers dug into my arms. “I won’t allow you to dishonor our bond.”
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Chapter 58. A Flap and
“Dishonor?” I repeated incredulously “You’ve been dishonoring our bond for years! You locked me in a basement with rats, Ethan. Rats! You knew my fear, and you did it anyway
His face darkened at the reminder. “That was a mistake.
“A mistake?” Lechoed, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “Is that what you call it when you believe Victoria’s lies without question and punish me without proof?”
His grip on my arms loosened slightly. “I’m trying to protect you
“Protect me?” I scoffed. “From what? The possibility of finding someone who might actually care about me?”
His amber eyes narrowed dangerously. “You are mine, Olivia. And you will not meet with that Alpha or any
other.”
The possessiveness in his voice made my blood boll. After years of neglect, after choosing Victoria over me time and again, he had the nerve to claim ownership over me?
“I find you disgusting!” I spat, unable to contain my rage any longer.
His expression hardened, his eyes flashing with fury. “Watch your words, Olivia. Don’t forget who I am.”
“How could I forget?” I retorted. “You remind me every day with your arrogance and cruelty.”
His hand moved to my throat, not squeezing but resting there as a warning. “You will obey me in this, or face
the consequences.”
I met his gaze unflinchingly. “More basement time with rats? Or perhaps snakes this time?”
A flicker of shame crossed his features before his expression hardened again. “You will not meet with him.
Say it.”
The intensity in his eyes told me he wouldn’t back down. Despite my defiance, I knew pushing him further would only make things worse.
“Fine,” I conceded, my voice tight. “I won’t meet with him.”
Satisfaction gleamed in his amber eyes. “Good. Remember, Olivia, you belong to me. No other Alpha will ever touch what’s mine.”
His voice dropped to a possessive growl that once would have sent shivers of desire through me. Now it only made me feel trapped.
Exhausted by the confrontation, I closed my eyes and leaned back against the seat, deliberately turning away. from him. The rest of the journey passed in tense silence, the space between us charged with unspoken
accusations.
When the Maybach finally stopped a block from Canis Enterprises, I gathered my things, ready to escape his oppressive presence.
Before I could reach for the door handle, a surge of anger rose within me–for Lily, for myself, for every Injustice I’d endured at his hands. Without thinking, I swung around and slapped him hard across the face.
The sound echoed in the confined space of the car. A red mark bloomed on his cheek, his expression transforming from shock to rage in an instant.
“You dare-” he began, reaching for me.
I slammed my Crystal Studded Designer Handbag onto his outstretched hand with all my strength. The unexpected weight of the bag made him recoil just long enough for me to fling open the door and jump out.
“Olivial” he roared behind me, but I was already hurrying away, my heart pounding in my chest.
By the time I reached Canis Enterprises, my anger had cooled, leaving me feeling drained. I smoothed my clothes and fixed my hair before entering the building, determined not to let my personal drama affect my professional life
The office was unusually quiet when I arrived. A small crowd had gathered near Victoria’s desk, their voices hushed and concerned. Sophia Hughes spotted me first, breaking away from the group to approach me.
“Where were you yesterday?” she asked, genuine concern in her voice. “We were worried when you didn’t show
up.”
I forced a smile. I wasn’t feeling well. Nothing serious.”
I deliberately avoided mentioning my ordeal in the Shadowcrypt Dungeon. The less people knew about pack politics, the better.
From across the room, Victoria’s eyes met mine briefly before she looked away. Unlike her usual confident self, she seemed subdued, her movements hesitant. The trauma of her night with the snakes was evident in her pallor and the slight tremor in her hands.
For once, she didn’t attempt to antagonize me or draw attention to herself. She worked quietly at her desk, flinching at sudden movements and keeping to herself throughout the day.
As evening approached, most of my colleagues packed up and left. I remained at my desk, immersed in my crystal designs. The prospect of returning home to face Ethan after our confrontation this morning was
unappealing.
My phone rang, breaking my concentration. I answered without checking the caller ID.
“Olivia,” Matriarch Evelyn’s voice came through clearly. “Have you met with Alpha Blackwood yet?”
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