Chapter 34: A Rushed Return
Chapter 34: A Rushed Return
(Olivia’s POV)
With my personal matters settling, I turned my attention back to my professional commitments. Madeline Shadowcrest’s birthday celebration was approaching, and I had two more ceremonial outfits to complete.
A week before the event, I contacted Russell Parker to arrange delivery.
“Miss Oasis,” his voice came through the phone with formal warmth. “Elder Shadowcrest will be pleased to
hear the garments are ready.”
“I’d like to deliver them personally,” I said, surprising myself with the request.
There was a brief pause. “Of course. When would be convenient for you?”
We arranged a time, and the next day I found myself driving toward Moonfall Ridge. I told myself it was respect for Madeline Shadowcrest that motivated my personal delivery, but I couldn’t deny a subtle desire to
see other members of the Shadowcrest Pack as well.
The security checkpoint at Shadowcrest Estate was as imposing as I remembered, but this time the guards recognized me immediately.
“Miss Oasis,” one nodded respectfully. “Beta Parker is expecting you.”
Russell Parker met me at the main entrance, his dignified bearing a perfect reflection of the Shadowcrest
Pack’s reputation.
“Elder Shadowcrest is quite excited to see your work,” he informed me as we walked through the grand
hallways.
Madeline Shadowcrest was waiting in a sunlit sitting room, her elegant posture making her appear much
younger than her years.
“Olivia,” she greeted warmly. “How thoughtful of you to deliver these personally.”
I carefully unpacked the garments, explaining the traditional elements I had incorporated into each design. Madeline’s eyes lit up with appreciation.
“These are exquisite,” she said, running her fingers over the intricate embroidery. “Would you mind if I tried
one on now?”
“I’d be honored,” I replied truthfully.
When she emerged from the adjoining room wearing the midnight–blue ceremonial dress, I felt a surge of professional pride. The garment complemented her perfectly, enhancing her natural grace while honoring
traditional pack symbolism.
“You have a remarkable gift,” Madeline said, examining her reflection. “The Shadowcrest Pack is fortunate to
have access to your talents.”
“Thank you,” I said, genuinely touched by her praise.
“You must stay for lunch, she insisted. “I’ve Invited Vincent Hayes today, knowing your fondness for his
< Chapter 34: A Rushed Ret…
cuisine.”
I blinked in surprise. “How did you know I enjoy Chef Hayes’s cooking?”
A small smile played at her lips. “Cassius mentioned it. He speaks quite highly of you, you know.”
I felt a flutter in my chest at her words.
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“Did you know Cassius is called the Second Alpha because of his older adopted brother?” Madeline asked conversationally as we walked toward the dining room. “His brother holds a high–ranking position in our
territory’s military forces.”
I shook my head, fascinated by this glimpse into the Shadowcrest family structure.
“Perhaps you’ll meet him someday,” she continued. “Though he travels frequently on pack business.”
The implication that I might become further acquainted with the Shadowcrest family wasn’t lost on me. I felt myself preening slightly at being welcomed, however temporarily, into their inner circle.
As we entered the dining room, the delicious aromas of Vincent Hayes’s cooking filled the air.
When I saw those exquisite dishes, emotion and surprise welled up in my heart.
“Oh my goodness, are all these prepared for me?” I couldn’t hide my surprised expression as I looked at Elder
Madeleine.
I felt my cheeks flush with embarrassment as I realized how my reaction might have appeared to Madeline
Shadowcrest.
“I’m sorry if I seemed distrustful,” I said quickly. “It’s not that at all.”
Madeline’s eyes crinkled with amusement. “You can check with the kitchen staff if you don’t believe me.” “No, no, I didn’t not believe you,” I replied, shaking my head emphatically. “I just feel that you, Elder Madeline, are too good to me. To be honest, I’m terrified and uneasy.”
It wasn’t an exaggeration. The Shadowcrest Pack was legendary throughout werewolf society, their bloodline one of the oldest and most powerful. Their military strength alone made them formidable, but their business connections extended throughout the Northern Territory and beyond.
“Why would someone of your standing be so kind to someone like me?” I asked, genuinely perplexed.
Madeline tilted her head slightly. “Someone like you?”
“A mere werewolf costume designer,” I clarified. “Even if you appreciate my ceremonial attire, with your connections, you could invite countless designers more talented than me.”
The Shadowcrest matriarch’s expression softened. “Don’t be nervous,” she said, her energy radiating warmth as she reached out to pat my hand. “I just find you pleasing to the eye. I simply like you.”
Her directness caught me off guard. In my experience, powerful pack members always had ulterior motives. Yet Madeline’s words seemed genuine, her amber eyes clear and honest.
“Thank you,” I said sincerely. “That means a great deal coming from you.”
She smiled, seemingly satisfied with my response. “Now, shall we proceed to lunch? Vincent has prepared something special.”
The dining room was bathed in natural light from floor–to–ceiling windows that overlooked the Shadowcre
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estate’s meticulously maintained gardens. The table was set with elegant simplicity, the fine china bearing subtle engravings of the Shadowcrest Pack symbol.
Chef Vincent Hayes himself emerged from the kitchen to present the first course. “Miss Oasis, Elder
Shadowcrest,” he greeted with a respectful bow. “I’ve prepared venison carpaccio with juniper berries and wild herbs gathered from the Shadowcrest territory.”
The dish was exquisite, the flavors perfectly balanced. As we ate, I found myself relaxing into conversation
with Madeline, yet part of me remained alert, listening for footsteps in the hallway, hoping for Cassius
Shadowcrest’s arrival.
He didn’t appear.
“Cassius sends his apologies,” Madeline said, noticing my occasional glances toward the door. “He intended to join us but was called away on urgent pack business.”
I tried to hide my disappointment. “Of course. I understand he has many responsibilities.”
Madeline sighed, a hint of frustration crossing her elegant features. “That boy works too hard. Always has,
even as a child.”
“It must be challenging, being Alpha of such a powerful pack, I ventured.
“Indeed,” she agreed. “The Shadowcrest name carries expectations. Cassius feels them perhaps more keenly
than most.”
I thought about the pressure he must face daily–managing pack affairs, overseeing their military industries, maintaining alliances. My respect for him deepened.
“He’s very dedicated,” I observed.
Madeline’s eyes twinkled. “Yes, he is. Perhaps too dedicated at times. I keep telling him there’s more to life than work and pack duties.”
We continued through several more courses, each more delicious than the last. Chef Hayes had outdone himself, incorporating traditional werewolf ingredients that enhanced our natural senses without overwhelming them.
After lunch, we moved to a sunlit sitting room for tea. The conversation flowed easily, but eventually, I knew I needed to leave.
“Thank you for your hospitality,” I said, rising from my seat. “This has been lovely.”
“Must you go so soon?” Madeline asked. “Cassius might return shortly.”
The temptation to stay was strong, but I had other commitments. “I’m afraid I have appointments this afternoon. Please extend my regards to Alpha Shadowcrest.”
“Of course,” she nodded. “Let me see you out.”
“There’s no need,” I insisted. “I’m sure you have matters to attend to.”
After warm goodbyes, I was escorted to the waiting Shadowcrest Pack vehicle–a custom Maybach that had been sent to transport me down Moonfall Ridge. The luxury of it still made me uncomfortable, but I was learning to accept the Shadowcrest Pack’s generosity with grace.
As we descended the winding road, the driver suddenly slowed. “Miss Oasis,” he said, glancing in the rearview
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< Chapter 34 A Rushed Ret
mirror. “Alpha Shadowcrest’s vehicle is approaching.”
My heart skipped a beat. Through the tinted windows, I could see an obsidian Audi A8 making its way up the ridge, its distinctive headlights unmistakable.
The Maybach pulled to the side of the road as the Audi stopped alongside us. The driver’s window lowered, revealing not Cassius but his secretary, Jason Miller.
“Miss Oasis,” Jason nodded politely. “Alpha Shadowcrest would like a word, if you have a moment.”
Before I could respond, the rear door of the Audi opened, and Cassius Shadowcrest emerged. Even in casual business attire–a navy suit that complemented his powerful frame–he commanded attention. His dark hair was slightly tousled, as if he’d been running his fingers through it in frustration.
My disappointment at missing him during lunch evaporated as he approached my vehicle. The driver quickly opened my door, and I stepped out to meet him.
“Olivia,” Cassius said, his voice gentle yet commanding.
The use of my first name rather than the formal “Miss Oasis” sent a small thrill through me. His face was
noble and calm as he approached, but I could see tension around his eyes.
His tall figure blocked some of the sunlight, and when I looked up at him, I squinted slightly, frowning instinctively. The Alpha’s presence seemed more radiant than the sun itself.
“I’m really sorry,” Cassius continued, his expression showing genuine regret. “I was going to return for lunch, but something urgent came up at the last minute.”
He seemed genuinely disappointed to have missed our meal together. The thought that he might have rushed back specifically to see me was both flattering and bewildering.
“It was at the Shadowcrest Pack Military Research Facility,” he explained. “An unexpected development that
required immediate attention.”
“I understand,” I assured him. “Your responsibilities must always come first.”
He studied my face for a moment. “My mother tells me you delivered the ceremonial garments personally.
That was thoughtful of you.”
“It seemed appropriate,” I replied. “The pieces are quite special.”
“As is the designer,” he said, his intense gaze making my wolf stir beneath my skin.
I felt heat rise to my cheeks. What qualities did I possess, I wondered, to deserve such treatment from a
powerful Alpha like Cassius Shadowcrest? It was as if he had rushed back just to have a meal with me, just
to see me…
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Chapter 35 Hidden Motives
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Chapter 35: Hidden Motives
