Chapter 35: Hidden Motives
Chapter 35: Hidden Motives
(Olivia’s POV)
“It’s okay, Elder Madeline mentioned that you’re very busy with pack business, sometimes staying up all night,” I said with a smile as I looked at Cassius.
His eyes softened slightly at my understanding. “My mother tends to exaggerate my work habits.”
“Does she?” I asked, genuinely curious. “She speaks very highly of you.”
Cassius’s lips quirked into a half–smile. “She worries too much. It’s the nature of our position.”
The driver held the door of the Maybach open, waiting patiently. I hesitated, not wanting to end our conversation but aware of the time.
“I should let you get back to your duties,” I said reluctantly.
“Allow me to escort you,” Cassius replied, gesturing toward the vehicle.
As we walked the short distance to the car, I was acutely aware of his presence beside me. His tall frame moved with the fluid grace of a born Alpha, powerful yet controlled.
“I look forward to dinner,” he said as I prepared to enter the vehicle.
“As do I,” I replied, surprised by my own honesty.
The air in the car felt charged with an awkward energy as we drove away from the meeting spot. I stole glances at Cassius, trying to decipher his expression,
When we reached our destination, Cassius surprised me by stepping out first and opening my door himself rather than waiting for the driver. Such a gesture from an Alpha of his standing was unexpected.
I looked up as I exited the car, meeting his serious eyes. Something in his gaze made heat rise to my cheeks.
Taking a few steps away, I couldn’t help but look back. Cassius was smiling and waving, as if he’d known I would turn around.
That small gesture amplified the turmoil within me. I felt exposed, embarrassed by my transparency.
What was I thinking? Cassius Shadowcrest was the Alpha of the Shadowcrest pack, one of the most powerful werewolves in the Northern Territory. He had likely already chosen a potential mate from among the elite females of the territory.
His kindness was simply a reflection of his good character as an Alpha, nothing more. I needed to stop reading into every interaction.
I forced myself to walk away without looking back again, focusing on steadying my breathing and calming my racing heart.
By the time I reached my office, I had almost convinced myself that our encounter was nothing special. Cassius Shadowcrest was simply being polite to someone who had done business with his mother.
Just as I had managed to calm myself down, my phone chimed with a text message. My heart leapt when ! saw the sender: Cassius Shadowcrest.
Chapter 35 Hidden Motives
This was his first message since we’d exchanged contact information. My fingers trembled slightly as I
opened it.
“My mother is delighted with the ceremonial attire you designed. She’s already planning which events to wear each piece to. Would you be available this weekend to discuss a commission for the upcoming pack gathering at Shadowcrest Estate?”
I read the message three times, analyzing every word. Was this purely business, or was there something
more?
After careful consideration, I replied: “I’d be honored to discuss the commission. When would be convenient
for you?”
His response came almost immediately: “Saturday afternoon at Shadowcrest? I can send a car.”
“That would be perfect. Thank you,” I wrote back, trying to keep my tone professional.
The next 48 hours felt excruciatingly long. My wolf paced restlessly beneath my skin in anticipation, making
it difficult to concentrate on my other work.
I found myself checking my phone constantly, hoping for another message from Cassius, though none came. Was I reading too much into this? Probably. But I couldn’t help the flutter of excitement I felt whenever I
thought about seeing him again.
Friday arrived with agonizing slowness. As I sat in my office reviewing designs for upcoming commissions, my phone rang. The screen displayed “Ambrose Oasis.”
My father. I considered ignoring the call but knew he would only persist. With a sigh, I answered.
“Hello, Father.”
“What did you do?” Ambrose’s voice was tight with anger.
“I’m not sure what you’re referring to,” I replied calmly, though my grip on the phone tightened.
“Don’t play innocent with me!” he snapped. “Gloria and I were detained by the Territory Enforcers. I know you had something to do with it.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “Really? You think I have that kind of influence with the Enforcers?”
“This isn’t funny, Olivia!”
“No, it’s not,” I agreed, my amusement fading. “What’s not funny is you cheating on your mate with Vanessa Moore in a human hotel, causing such a scene that the Enforcers had to intervene.”
There was a moment of stunned silence on the other end of the line.
“How did you-”
“I have my sources,” I cut him off. “And for the record, Gloria is the one who reported you to Officer Caleb
Hunter. Not me.”
“You’re lying,” he hissed.
“Am I? Ask her yourself. She was furious about Vanessa.”
Ambrose’s anger seemed to escalate with each word. “You’ve always been a problem, just like your mother. I should have killed you when you were a pup!”
III
O
Chapter 35: Hidden Motives
+ Points
The words stung, but I refused to let him hear the pain in my voice. “Is that why you called? To threaten me?” He took a deep breath, clearly trying to regain control. “No. I need your mother’s moonstone healing bracelet.”
So that was the true purpose of his call.
“Why would I give it to you?” I asked coldly.
“I’ll transfer the remainder of your mother’s territorial rights to you,” he offered. “And an additional ten percent of my own pack’s share of the business.”
His sudden generosity made me suspicious. I had recently learned about his company’s financial troubles from Penelope Quinn. This was likely a ploy to shift risk onto me.
“Why the sudden interest in the bracelet?” I asked, though I already suspected the answer.
“Bella’s condition is worsening,” he admitted. “The doctors say the bracelet’s healing properties could help stabilize her.”
In the background, I heard a familiar voice murmuring something to my father. Graham Storm. Of course he would be there.
“I see Graham secured your early release from the Enforcement Station,” I observed.
Ambrose ignored my comment. “The bracelet, Olivia. Name your price.”
“It’s not for sale,” I replied firmly. “Especially not to you.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. Everything has a price.”
“Even if it did, you couldn’t afford it. The current valuation is three hundred million.”
Ambrose’s shocked gasp was audible. “Three hundred million? That’s impossible!”
“That’s what Cassius Shadowcrest paid for it at the charity auction.”
There was a long pause. “Cassius Shadowcrest? What does he have to do with this?”
His ignorance of my developing relationship with Cassius was revealing. “He purchased the bracelet and
returned it to me.”
“Why would he do that?” Ambrose demanded. “What’s your connection to the Shadowcrest Pack?”
I seized the opportunity to ask a question that had been bothering me. “Speaking of connections, why did
Cassius Shadowcrest show up at my failed mating ceremony?”
Ambrose’s tone turned dismissive. “How should know? The invitation he took belongs to Victor Tanner–heir
to another prominent family.”
This revelation deepened the mystery of Cassius’s interest in me. Why would he represent another family at a
mating ceremony?
“I have to go,” I said abruptly, needing time to process this information.
“Olivia, wait-”
I ended the call, my mind racing with implications.
The conversation had solidified my suspicion that the Shadowcrest Pack’s approach was premeditated From Cassius’s presence at my failed mating ceremony to Elder Madeline’s invitation and his extravagant
111
O
< Chapter 35 Hidden Motives
purchase of the moonstone bracelet–none of it was coincidental.
But I couldn’t understand their motives. Given my complicated circumstances within pack hierarchy, what
could they possibly want from me?
A disturbing thought crossed my mind. I had heard rumors about powerful packs seeking rare blood types for rituals or healing. My mother had once mentioned that our bloodline was unusual among werewolves.
Could that be what the Shadowcrests wanted? Access to my rare werewolf bloodline?
The realization that I might be nothing more than a resource to them sent a chill down my spine. My wolf grew increasingly agitated beneath my skin, sensing my distress.
What was Cassius Shadowcrest’s true purpose in approaching me?
H
