Chapter 16: Stalling Tactics
Chapter 16: Stalling Tactics
(Olivia’s POV)
The sleek black Maybach glided smoothly along the winding road from Moonfall Ridge. Blair sat beside me, tapping notes into her tablet while I gazed out the window. Ahead of us, Cassius Shadowcrest’s obsidian vehicle led the way, its powerful engine purring like a predator.,
“Miss Oasis, are you alright?” Blair’s voice pulled me from my thoughts.
I realized I’d been staring at Cassius’s car for several minutes. “Yes, just thinking about the commissions.”
But my mind wasn’t on fabric or designs. It was fixed on the tall, imposing Alpha who had shown such unexpected courtesy. Most Alphas I’d encountered flaunted their status, demanding deference with every gesture. Cassius Shadowcrest was different.
“The Shadowcrest Pack certainly knows how to treat guests,” Blair remarked, glancing around the luxurious interior. “This vehicle probably costs more than most wolves make in five years.”
I nodded absently. “It’s not just the wealth. It’s the respect they show. Even to someone like me.”
Blair’s expression softened. “You deserve respect, Miss Oasis.”
The driver maintained a respectful silence as we continued our journey. I found my gaze repeatedly drawn to Cassius’s vehicle ahead of us. His consideration today had been surprising. Most Alphas wouldn’t have personally participated in a fitting session, let alone shown such patience with my awkward measuring.
“If only Graham could see the Oasis for who they really are,” I murmured, then immediately regretted voicing
the thought.
Blair pretended not to hear, but her slight frown told me she had.
As we approached Riverdale, I straightened my posture and pushed thoughts of both Cassius Shadowcrest and Graham Storm from my mind. I had work to do.
Three days later, I was deep in the creative process, sketching designs for Elder Madeline’s ceremonial attire. The Shadowcrest commission represented a significant opportunity for Moonlight Designs, and I was
determined to exceed expectations.
My phone buzzed with a calendar alert. I glanced at the screen and felt my stomach tighten. Today was my scheduled appointment with Graham at the Northern Territory Registration Office to formally dissolve our
mate bond.
I set down my pencil and dialed Graham’s number. After several rings, a familiar voice answered – but it
wasn’t Graham.
“Hello?” Bella’s voice was deliberately weak, the breathy quality she affected when playing up her illness.
My jaw clenched. “Bella. Put Graham on the phone.”
“Olivia?” She coughed delicately. “Graham’s busy at the moment. Can I take a message?”
The false sweetness in her tone made my skin crawl. “Tell him to call me immediately. We have an
|||
O
1/4
Chapter 16 Stalling Tactics
appointment at the Registration Office in two hours.”
“Oh, that.” Her voice hardened slightly. “Are you really so eager to sever your connection to Graham? Or perhaps you’ve found someone new already?”
The accusation was rich coming from her. “That’s none of your business. Just remind him of our appointment.”
“You know,” Bella continued, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, “I saw you getting into the Shadowcrest Pack’s car the other day. Moving up in the world, aren’t we?”
My patience snapped. “Unlike you, Bella, I don’t measure my worth by which male wolf I can manipulate. Now put Graham on the phone.”
“He’s indisposed,” she replied, her sickly–sweet tone returning. “I’ll give him your message when he’s available.”
“Listen to me, you brainless fool,” I hissed, abandoning any pretense of politeness.” This whole thing is for you, and for us. He’s the Alpha, and it’s theoretically against the Pack’s rules for him to tag you or give you promises until Graham and I officially dissolve our mate bond.”
Bella laughed, and there was none of the usual weakness in her laugh.” Oh, Olivia. Don’t you understand? I’ve already won. Graham is mine now. Whether you release your mate or not, it doesn’t change anything. Graham is the only Alpha heir to the Storm who dares to take the pack rules and force them on him.”
I froze, and after a few moments, I sneered, “Bella, you’re not pretending this time? You’re finally showing your true colors.”
For so many years, she has been pretending to be innocent and weak and pitiful. Every time deliberately make bad let me be abused, and then every time I was scolded and beaten and severely punished, she then help me to plead for mercy, make a soft–hearted and kind–hearted appearance.
“I don’t need to pretend with you anymore,” she replied, her voice suddenly sharp and clear. “You’re irrelevant
now.”
“Fine, I don’t want to argue with you. Remember to tell Graham to be on time.” I didn’t want to waste more words with this i***t and lower my own intelligence. I was about to hang up when Bella called me back again.
“Olivia, has Graham been to see you these days?” Her voice suddenly turned stern, full of gunpowder and
aggression.
I could immediately sense the tension between them, feeling a bit gleeful, “Yes, he did look for me, so what?”
“Olivia, you b***h! He is my mate, are you trying to become his mistress now?” Bella suddenly exploded with
rage, cursing out loud.
I laughed from anger at her and fired back: “Did a wild dog eat your brain? The documents proving our mate
bond are still in the pack council’s office right now. Don’t you know that you’re the mistress? You’ll die from
your own stupidity sooner or later.“/
“Olivia, how dare you curse me! May you not die a good death! I know you…”
Bella was breathing heavily on the phone, and I couldn’t be bothered to pay attention to her anymore. “Get Graham to complete the process of ending our relationship as soon as possible, so you can get rid of your inappropriate status. Do you understand?”
Without hesitating anymore, I immediately hung up the phone, Moon Goddess, why do you want me to
|||
O
<
2/4
Chapter 16 Stalling Tactics
endure such torment.
An hour later, my phone rang. Graham’s name flashed on the screen.
“Olivia, my dear,” he greeted, his voice carrying that false warmth he’d perfected. “How are you?”
“Don’t ‘my dear‘ me, Graham,” I replied flatly. “Are you coming to the Registration Office today or not?”
+15 Points)
He sighed dramatically. “About that… I’m afraid I’m swamped with pack business today. Can we reschedule for next week?”
“This is the third time you’ve postponed,” I reminded him, struggling to keep my voice level. “The appointment has been on the calendar for days.”
“I know, I know,” he placated. “But these things happen. You understand how demanding pack leadership can be.”
I bit back a scathing retort about his selective dedication to duty. “Graham, it has to be done. Don’t you think about Bella?”
Talking about Bella, Graham suddenly asked, “Did you have a fight with her this morning when you called?”
“Is she playing the victim and complaining to you again? Are you going to seek justice for her?” I retorted sarcastically.
“Not… this morning I left my phone in the hospital room, and I didn’t expect her to answer my call. She seemed very sad,” Graham said, his tone implying that I was at fault. “You know how fragile her body is, and arguing is not good for her health.”
My patience evaporated. “Her ‘condition‘ didn’t stop her from stealing my mate or wearing my ceremonial
gown. Somehow she finds the strength for what matters to her.”
“That’s unfair, Olivia,” Graham chided. “Bella can’t help her illness.”
“And I can’t help noticing that you’re taking her side without question,” I countered. “Just like always.”
Graham’s voice hardened. “I’m not taking sides. I’m simply concerned about her wellbeing.”
“Meet at the registration desk at three o’clock,” I said firmly. “This matter has dragged on long enough. Don’t
let things get more complicated.”
“Olivia-”
I cut him off. “Three o’clock, Graham. Don’t be late.”
At 3:30, I sat alone in the waiting area of the Northern Territory Registration Office. The clerk behind the desk gave me a sympathetic look as I checked my watch for the tenth time.
Graham wasn’t coming.
A surge of anger rose in my heart.couldn’t understand what Graham wanted to do. He had established a
relationship with Bella, and our mate bond bond was completely severed. Why wouldn’t he just process the
paperwork?
I pulled out my phone and scrolled through my contacts. I dialed Gloria’s number. Maybe Gloria was the only one who could pressure Graham to get the paperwork done sooner now.
Before I could speak, however, Gloria’s scream pierced my eardrums.
O
3/4
< Chapter 16 Stalling Tactics
+15 Points
“Olivia you b***h have the nerve to call me! What the hell are you trying to do? Bella’s body is already so weak and you even called her in the morning to argue with her, are you trying to force your sister to die? I knew you white wolf wanted to get back at me, come to the hospital now if you can, I’m going to s***h your face with my claws.”
Comments
Watch videos get points (0/10) >
H
Vote
1
