Chapter 8: An Encounter with Power
Chapter 8: An Encounter with Power
(Olivia’s POV)
The hall was in chaos, with guests hiding behind tables or pulling out their cell phones to capture the unfolding drama as flashbulbs flashed incessantly.
I dodged Ambrose’s attacks, and after taking two punches from me, he went completely insane, his eyes had changed to those of a wolf.
“You ungrateful little-” he snarled, lunging toward me again.
I braced myself for the impact, but it never came. Katherine Storm, Graham’s mother, had inserted herself
between us, her elegant frame somehow managing to block my father’s advance.
“Alpha Oasis! Alpha Oasis!” she pleaded, her voice carrying the authority of a Luna. “This is the children’s
mating ceremony, with so many packs watching! Stop it!”
My father’s face contorted with rage. “Don’t stop me! I’m going to discipline this unfilial daughter today! A
curse! She’s been a blight on the Oasis Pack since she was born!”
He tried to push past Katherine, but Alpha Storm joined his mate, creating a barrier between us.
“Ambrose,” he said firmly, “control yourself.”
My father was beyond reason. His wolf was too close to the surface, his eyes glowing with unrestrained fury. I’d seen this before–when he’d attacked my mother.
“She’s just like her mother!” he spat. “Defiant! Ungrateful!”
I felt my own wolf stirring in response, ready to defend us both.
Suddenly, Gloria’s shrill voice cut through the commotion. “Stop hitting her! Bella fainted! Someone! Help!”
The hall fell silent. All eyes turned to where Bella had collapsed dramatically into Graham’s arms, her face
pale as moonlight.
My father froze, his rage momentarily forgotten as he turned toward his precious daughter. The crowd’s attention shifted from me to the collapsed bride–to–be.
Graham’s face contorted with panic as he scooped Bella into his arms. “Bella, hold on! You must hold on! I’ll take you to the Northern Territory Medical Center right now!”
He rushed toward the exit, cradling her as if she were made of glass. Gloria followed close behind, shooting me a venomous glare over her shoulder.
Left alone in the aftermath, I felt a strange sense of liberation. The beast I’d kept caged for years–my anger, my resentment–had finally been unleashed. And it felt good.
“Turns out letting the beast out feels so good!” I thought, a smile playing at the corners of my bruised lips.
I spotted the microphone lying abandoned on the floor. With deliberate steps, I walked over and picked it up.
“I apologize for the spectacle,” I addressed the bewildered guests, my voice steady despite the throbbing pain in my cheek. “The dishes at this ceremonial feast were carefully chosen by me, and they are quite good. I
|||
O
<
1/3
Chapter 8 An Encounter
wish everyone a pleasant meal and good luck always!”
With that final barb, I turned and walked out of the hall, head held high.
+15 Points >
Back in my car, I examined my injuries in the rearview mirror. My cheeks were red and swollen from my father’s blows, but thankfully the skin wasn’t broken. My hair was disheveled but easily smoothed back into
place.
I’d endured worse from Ambrose Oasis over the years. His Alpha temper had always been volatile, especially when directed at me–the daughter who reminded him too much of the mate he’d betrayed.
My thoughts drifted to Graham. Once, he had been my refuge from my father’s cruelty. Now, he was the
source of my deepest pain.
Something soft brushed against my fingers as I reached into my pocket for a tissue. I pulled out the
handkerchief the stranger had given me during the ceremony.
It was even more exquisite than I’d initially realized. The silk–wool blend felt impossibly soft against my skin, and the embroidery was unlike anything I’d ever seen–intricate patterns forming what I now recognized as
the Shadowcrest Pack crest.
I brought it to my nose, inhaling the distinctive scent of forests and wild herbs. That’s when it hit me–the stranger my father had addressed asAlpha Shadowcrest was likely Cassius Shadowcrest, the heir to the
Shadowcrest Pack.
My heart raced. The Shadowcrest Pack was legendary–powerful, wealthy, and incredibly private. They rarely attended events outside their territory, let alone something as mundane as a mating ceremony in the Oasis
Pack.
Why would Cassius Shadowcrest be there? And why had he shown me kindness?
My phone rang, pulling me back to reality. Lily’s name flashed on the screen.
“Those disgusting, treacherous wolves!” she exploded the moment I answered. “I almost smashed my phone watching the live feed! It’s a good thing you didn’t back down, Livvy. You put them in their place so well that those two treacherous wolves were left speechless!”
I sighed, leaning back against the headrest. “I guess it has already spread all over the territory comms, right?”
“You think? This kind of once–in–a–century pack scandal is hard to come by, even the pack sagas can’t make this up. The gossip channels are now divided into two factions, and the flame war is raging.”
The thought of being at the center of a territory–wide scandal made my stomach churn. I’d spent years arefully building my reputation after my mother’s death, trying to distance myself from pack politics.
Little Livvy, are you okay? I saw Ambrose hit you,” Lily’s voice softened with concern.
It’s okay, just a few slaps,” I replied/trying to sound nonchalant.
“Your father is too much! How dare he strike you, his own daughter, in front of so many packs! It’s simply unforgivable! I should have been there, at least I could have helped you fight back!”
I gently touched my swollen cheek.” It’s okay, I punched him hard too. Sooner or later I’m going to cut ties with him and the Oasis pack.”
“I’m with you!” Lily shouted “It’s insulting to admit that such a beastly Alpha is your father.”
|||
O
2/3
< Chapter 8 An Encounter…..
+15 Points >
I gazed out the window at the darkening sky.” I’m just thinking about how to calm this storm of public opinion. I don’t want this to affect Moonlight Design’s business or my position.”
As co–owner of the company, I had responsibilities that extended beyond my personal grievances. The scandal could impact our stock prices, client relationships, and my standing in the business community.
“Don’t worry,” Lily reassured me. “I know some Pack PR experts. I’ll ask them how to handle this.”
Before I could thank her, my phone beeped with another incoming call. Shannon Hayes, another friend and business investor.
“I need to take this,” I told Lily. “I’ll call you back.”
Shannon was equally outraged on my behalf. “That backstabbing Graham! And your sister–I can’t believe they would humiliate you like this!”
After Shannon, several other friends called, all expressing similar sentiments. Overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and unable to repeat the story anymore, I posted a brief message on my PackNet Feed assuring everyone I was fine, then turned off my phone.
Back at my residence, I showered, letting the hot water wash away the day’s events. My body ached from the tension I’d been carrying, and exhaustion weighed heavily on my limbs.
Despite my fatigue, sleep eluded me. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Graham’s face as he cradled Bella, my father’s rage, the pitying glances from the guests.
Finally, I resorted to a mild Moonlight Herb sedative, something I rarely used. As the herb took effect, my thoughts drifted to the mysteriousAlpha Shadowcrest and his unexpected kindness in my moment of
humiliation.
I don’t know how long I slept, but I was jolted awake by the blaring of the estate’s security system and
Ranger’s frantic barking. My loyal canine companion was at my bedroom door, his hackles raised as he
growled at whatever threat had triggered the alarm.
Groggy and disoriented from the sedative, I stumbled downstairs, following Ranger’s lead. The intercom by
the gate was ringing insistently.
I pressed the answer button, wincing at the harsh static.
“Olivia Oasis did you do this on purpose? Your phone is off and you won’t open the door, do you realize
someone almost died because of you? Graham’s voice shouted through the speaker.
Comments
Watch videos get points (0/10) >
Vote
3/3
|||
O
<Chapter 9 Forced to Save.
