Olivia POV
I sat in the cell, closed my eyes and couldn't escape the torturous sounds of water dripping in the distance. The sound echoed through the damp, dimly lit room, intensifying the feeling of isolation and despair that enveloped me. As I clenched my fists, I couldn't help but wonder how much longer I would be trapped in this nightmarish place. I knew that I hadn’t been there long but the time I was here was too long. I hoped that the Alpha of the pack would release me and give me a place here. Suddenly, the heavy metallic door creaked open, and a tall shadowy figure stepped into the hallway.
My stomach did a flip as my heart jumped into my throat. I was nervous until the most delectable scent filled my senses. The hint of rosemary and cedar filled my senses. I inhaled the scent, standing up from the floor. I moved to the door, wanting to find where the smell was coming from.
“This can’t be… Can it?” Autumn said, in a confused voice.
“What is it?” I asked her.
“Our mate.” She responded.
“It’s Elijah?” I inhaled the scent.
I couldn’t believe it. His scent changed but he came after me. He changed his mind. He wants me back. Do I want him back? No, I don’t think I do. I put on my best angry face and scowled, ready to reject him.
Suddenly, the owner of the scent appeared before me. It wasn't Elijah. It was a tall, muscular, broad-shouldered, and astonishingly handsome man. His piercing blue eyes bore into mine, and I found myself unable to look away. "Why the scowl, little wolf? Not who you were expecting?" He asked me, the last part through clenched teeth.
As I gazed up at the man, my scowl gradually transformed into a slow but broadening smile, "You're not who I was expecting. Actually, much better.”
"Unlock the door," his voice reverberated with authority. I observed as one of his subordinates swiftly approached the cell, ready to comply with his instructions.
Though every fiber of my being, including Autumn, urged me to throw caution to the wind and surrender myself to his embrace, I remained motionless. My heart raced as he stepped into the cell. It suddenly felt suffocating and overwhelmed by his imposing presence. I instinctively moved backwards, creating distance between us. My unwavering gaze stayed fixed on him. His piercing eyes bore into mine, filled with a turbulent mixture of longing and uncertainty. As the seconds stretched into eternity, I fought the urge to reach out and touch him, to bridge the divide between us.
His gaze shifted away from mine as I observed his eyes scanning me from head to toe. He reached out his hand towards me. I hesitated, examining him momentarily, pondering the choice of taking his hand. Finally, when I made up my mind to grasp it, and our hands made contact, an indescribable sensation washed over me. It felt as if a spark had ignited between our fingertips, and I couldn't help but be drawn further into his world. The warmth of his touch sent a shiver down my spine, and I knew this was the beginning of something extraordinary.
He drew me near, his right hand sliding to the side of my face. His fingertips gently traced the contours of my cheek. I closed my eyes, savoring the warmth of his touch, and leaned into his hand, feeling a sense of comfort wash over me. I couldn't help but be captivated by the tenderness in his touch, as if every trace of his fingertips carried an unspoken promise of affection. When the pad of his thumb traced along my bottom lip, my lips parted.
“Beautiful.” He said, barely above a whisper.
I opened my eyes, gazing up at him. His piercing blue eyes, I am sure his gaze was intimidating to everyone else, but to me, they were like windows to his soul, revealing vulnerability and kindness hidden behind their icy exterior. His gaze held mine, and I felt a warmth spread through me.
“Mate.” He withdrew his hand and embraced me tightly, holding me close to him. I clung to him, afraid that letting go would result in rejection, much like Elijah had done.
Pressing his face against my neck, he inhaled deeply, immersing himself in the moment. We stood there together, enveloped in an intense silence that seemed to stretch on. Abruptly, he withdrew, casting a quick glance around our dimly lit prison cell. "Join me," he whispered gently, grasping my hand with his own firm touch. Leading me out of the claustrophobic space, we ventured into the poorly illuminated corridor. I glanced over my shoulder, tightening my grip on his hand, and noticed the warriors vigilantly tailing us.
We entered the elevator together, with a familiar face by our side - the man who had found me in the forest. I smiled at him, and he nodded back at me.
“I know you already know River.” My mate said to me.
“Yeah, he found me in the forest.” I told him honestly. “He brought me here to meet the Alpha. Are we on our way to meet him now? What is going to happen when he learns that I am a mate to one of his men? Are you his beta?” I looked up at him. I knew he held some type of authority the way he commanded the men back there. “Sorry I know that is a lot of questions back to back without giving you the chance to answer them. I am just nervous.”
He chuckled and brought me closer to him. “I am sure that the Alpha will not have a problem with you, little wolf.” He grinned at me.
“So you are the beta then.” I said and smiled up at him. I heard River chuckle behind me, turning my head to look at him. I frowned. “What’s funny?” I asked.
“Ezra is not the beta of this pack.” He said with his brow raised, and a goofy looking grin plastered on his face.
“Ezra.” I paused for a moment, looking up at my mate. The name was familiar, but I only knew one, Ezra. Alpha Ezra of the Crimson Shadow Pack. My eyes went wide when I made the connection, causing them to both chuckle.
I stared up at Ezra, my mind filled with confusion and uncertainty. How was I, a weak Omega, suddenly mated to an Alpha? And not just any Alpha, but the Alpha of the most dominant pack in the United States and Canada. The reality seemed unreal; even the fact that Elijah, a beta, was previously mated to me was hard to grasp. Now, the most powerful Alpha was my mate, and he had chosen not to reject me? It left me questioning everything, wondering what on earth was happening.
“She’s speechless, Ezra,” River told him.
"I see," Ezra chuckled, lightly touching my cheek. "Little wolf, are you alright?" he asked tenderly. I could only nod in response, and he smiled warmly at me. "What is your name, little wolf?" he inquired softly.
"Olivia," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.
"Olivia, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm curious to learn more about you and how you ended up here in Crimson Shadow," he said with a warm smile.
Upon hearing the elevator chime, River took the lead with confidence, followed by Ezra and me. As we strode down the hallway, Ezra never let go of my hand, guiding me to an office. The office had a sleek, modern design, with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a breathtaking view of their pack.
“Please have a seat.” Ezra motioned to the leather chair in front of his desk.
I sat down and felt extremely nervous. I knew that he was about to ask me questions about my past. I was scared that he would reject me once he found out I was an orphaned Omega from the Crystal Blood Pack. The Alpha of the strongest pack would never settle upon a weak Omega.
"Why did you abandon your pack, Olivia?" Ezra inquired, his voice soft as he sank into the plush leather chair beside me. My gaze shifted past Ezra, catching River's sturdy figure against the wall, arms folded. Suddenly, he extended his hand and gently clasped mine.
As I glanced down, I marveled at the contrast between our hands. His were strong and robust while mine appeared delicate and petite. "There's no need to fret, Olivia. You are protected here. This is your sanctuary, your rightful place, should you accept me. You are home," he reassured me with a comforting smile.
“We are home.” Autumn repeated in my head, bringing a wave of serenity as I gazed at the handsome face before me.