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< Chapter 36: Building Walls
Chapter 36: Building Walls
Chapter 36: Building Walls
(Olivia’s POV)
I couldn’t sleep that night. My thoughts kept circling back to the Shadowcrests and their sudden interest in
- me.
Why would Cassius Shadowcrest, Alpha of one of the most powerful packs in the Northern Territory, go out of his way to attend my failed mating ceremony? Why would his mother invite me to their heavily guarded estate? Why would he spend three hundred million on my mother’s moonstone bralet?
None of it made sense unless they wanted something from me.
My wolf paced restlessly beneath my skin, agitated by my growing paranoia. I tried to calm her, but memories of past betrayals kept surfacing.
I remembered how my father had used me as a pawn in his political games. How Graham had courted me for years only to abandon me for my half–sister. How Gloria had systematically stripped me of everything that mattered.
Trust didn’t come easily anymore.
I got up and paced my bedroom, the moonlight casting long shadows across the floor. Madeline Shadowcrest’s words echoed in my mind: “Our bloodlines are more connected than you might realize.” What had she meant by that? Was she referring to my rare
d type?
My mother had once mentioned that our lineage carried unusual properties. She’d been vague about the details, saying only that it was both a blessing and a curse. I’d never given it much thought until now.
Could the Shadowcrests be after my blood? There were ancient werewolf rituals that required rare blood types. Some packs still practiced them in secret, despite the territorial laws against such things.
Graham’s warning suddenly seemed less self–serving: “Be careful of the Shadowcrests. They’re not what they seem.”
I shuddered, remembering how isolated Shadowcrest Estate was. How heavily guarded. How easy it would be for someone to disappear there.
The moonstone bracelet gleamed on my nightstand, its soft glow mocking me. Had it been nothing but bait? A three–hundred–million–dollar lure to draw me in?
And I’d fallen for it. I’d been so pathetically grateful for Cassius’s attention, so flattered by his interest. So naive.
My cheeks burned with embarrassment. I’d been reading romance into what was likely a calculated business transaction. The thought made me sick.
By morning, I’d made my decision. I would distance myself from the Shadowcrests Immediately. No more visits to Shadowcrest Estate. No more private car rides with Cassius. No more foolish daydreams.
I would be polite but firm. Professional but distant. I would complete my existing commissions for them but accept no new ones.
< Chapter 36: Building Walls
My phone rang at precisely 9 AM. Cassius Shadowcrest.
I let it ring three times, steeling myself before answering. “Hello?”
“Olivia.” His deep voice sent an unwelcome shiver down my spine. “I hope I’m not calling too early.”
“Not at all,” I replied, keeping my tone neutral. “What can I do for you?”
There was a brief pause. “I wanted to discuss the ceremonial attire designs for my sister’s upcoming performance. Are you still available to meet tomorrow?”
+ Points
I swallowed hard. “I’m afraid something’s come up. My half–sister’s condition has worsened, and I need to be
at the hospital.”
It wasn’t entirely a lie. Bella’s health had deteriorated according to my father, though had no intention of
visiting her.
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Cassius said, sounding genuinely concerned. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
“No, but thank you for offering.” I kept my voice cool, professional. “Perhaps we could discuss the designs over the phone instead?”
Another pause. “You seem… different today.”
My heart raced. Was I that transparent? “I’m just preoccupied with family matters.”
“Is that all?” he pressed. “Because it feels like you’re suddenly keeping me at arm’s length.”
I gripped the phone tighter. “I’ve heard some concerning rumors.”
“What rumors?” His voice had sharpened.
“About the Shadowcrest Pack’s interest in rare bloodlines,” I said carefully. “About ancient rituals that require… specific blood types.”
The silence that followed was deafening.
“I see,” he finally said, his voice unnervingly calm. “And you believe these rumors apply to our interactions?”
“I don’t know what to believe,” I admitted. “But I need to focus on my family right now.”
“Olivia.” The way he said my name made my resolve waver, “I think we should discuss this in person.”
“I can’t,” I said quickly. “As I mentioned, Bella needs me.”
“The half–sister who stole your mate?” His tone was skeptical. “The one whose mother tried to have you
arrested?”
I flinched at his bluntness. “Family is complicated.”
“Indeed.” Another pause. “You’re avoiding me.”
It wasn’t a question. I closed my eyes, gathering my courage.
“Yes,” I admitted. “I think it’s best if we maintain a strictly professional relationship going forward
“May I ask why?” His voice was carefully controlled.
“I’ve been through a lot recently,” I said, the understatement of the century. “My failed mating the public humiliation, my family’s issues… I need to focus on rebuilding my life without complications
< Chapter 36: Building Walls
“And I’m a complication?” There was a hint of something in his voice hurt? Anger? I couldn’t tell.
“Your pack is,” I clarified. “The attention, the rumors, the speculation… it’s too much right now.”
He was silent for so long I thought he might have hung up.
“I understand,” he finally said, his voice formal. “I respect your decision, Olivia.”
te Points
The conversation ended shortly after, leaving me feeling hollow despite my conviction that I’d made the right
choice.
Throughout the day, I kept expecting him to call back, to demand a better explanation or try to change my mind. But my phone remained silent.
By evening, a strange mixture of relief and disappointment had settled in my chest protected myself from potential exploitation, but at what cost?
The next morning, my phone rang again. I tensed, expecting Cassius, but the caller ID showed “Russell Parker” – the Shadowcrest Pack’s Beta and estate manager.
“Miss Oasis,” he greeted me formally. “I’m calling regarding the ceremonial attire orders for the Shadowcrest
females.”
“Yes, Mr. Parker?” I kept my voice steady.
“Alpha Shadowcrest mentioned you might be unavailable due to family matters,” he said. “He wanted me to assure you that we understand if you need to postpone or even decline the commissions.”
The consideration in the offer only made me feel worse. “That’s very kind, but I don’t abandon commitments.”
“I expected as much,” Russell replied, and I could hear the approval in his voice. “In that case, shall we proceed with the original timeline?”
“Yes, with one adjustment,” I said, “I’ll waive the remaining fees as an apology for any inconvenience.”
“That’s unnecessary-” he began.
“I insist,” I interrupted. “It’s the professional thing to do.”
After a moment’s hesitation, he agreed. “Very well. I’ll inform the ladies.”
—
As I ended the call, I calculated the financial hit I’d just taken nearly fifty thousand dollars in lost revenue. It was a significant sacrifice for my small business, but my principles mattered more than money.
I couldn’t shake the feeling that Cassius had instructed Russell to make the call. It seemed like something he would do- respecting my boundaries while ensuring I didn’t feel pressured to fulfill obligations I might
regret.
The thought brought an unexpected ache to my chest. What if I was wrong about his intentions? What if the Shadowcrests‘ interest in me was genuine?
But then I remembered all the times I’d given people the benefit of the doubt only to be betrayed. My father. Graham. Gloria. Even Bella, whom I’d once tried to protect despite her jealousy.
Trust was a luxury I could no longer afford.
I spent the rest of the day immersed in work, focusing on the intricate details of the ceremonial garments l was creating for the Shadowcrest females. Each stitch was perfect, each embellishment placed with
<Chapter 36: Building Walls
precision. They would get my best work, even if they never commissioned me again.
+8 Points
As night fell, I found myself standing by my bedroom window, gazing at the distant silhouette of Moonfall Ridge where Shadowcrest Estate perched like a fortress against the sky.
Had my intuition protected me from harm, or had it driven me to reject genuine kindness? I would probably
never know.
The moonstone bracelet caught the moonlight, its soft glow a bittersweet reminder of what might have been. I slipped it onto my wrist, feeling its comforting warmth against my skin.
Whatever Cassius Shadowcrest’s true intentions had been, our brief connection was over. I had made sure of
that.
The thought filled me with a profound sadness, but I pushed it aside. I had survived worse. I would survive
this too.
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