Olivia
As I arrived at Moon Stone, I went straight to see Aunt Emma. Her condition was worse than I expected. She looked frail, her usual spark dimmed by the weight of grief and exhaustion. I sat by her side, holding her hand as we talked, just like old times. We reminisced about the past, shared stories, and for a brief moment, it felt like we were back in simpler days. I assured her that if she ever wanted to leave the pack and come stay with me, my door was always open.
After some time, a maid approached us, her expression nervous. "Alpha Aiden wants to see you," she said quietly.
I frowned, confusion and annoyance bubbling up. Why would Aiden want to see me? I was just here to check on Aunt Emma and planned to leave before evening. I wasn't interested in any interactions with the so-called Alpha. My purpose was clear—to ensure Aunt Emma was okay and to offer her a way out if she wanted it. Whatever Aiden wanted, it couldn't be good, and frankly, I had no desire to entertain his whims.
As I reached Alpha Aiden's office, I knocked lightly. "May I come in?"
"Come in," he responded casually.
I pushed the door open, and the sight before me was utterly ridiculous. An omega was perched in his lap, passionately kissing him as if the world outside didn't exist. My eyebrows shot up in disbelief. Seriously? This was the so-called Alpha everyone feared?
Aiden noticed me but didn't bother to stop. He continued his little show until it was over. Finally, he pushed the omega away and looked at me with a smug expression. "So, you're Olivia," he said, as if nothing out of the ordinary had just happened.
Turning to the omega, he commanded, "Get out."
The omega hurriedly left, and Aiden turned his attention back to me, his eyes scanning me from head to toe. "You've grown into a beautiful woman," he remarked, his voice dripping with a mix of arrogance and something else I couldn't quite place.
I crossed my arms, unamused. "Let's skip the pleasantries. What do you want, Aiden?"
Aiden's eyes narrowed slightly, clearly not used to being spoken to like that. "Who gave you permission to call me Aiden?" he sneered. "Call me Alpha."
I couldn't help but smile, a small rebellious glint in my eyes. "You're not my Alpha, and for your kind information, I'm not an animal. I'm just human. You called me here, remember? So, what's your point, Mr. "
He leaned back in his chair, that infuriatingly smug smile never leaving his face. "I'll get straight to the point. You're going to work for me, taking your aunt's place."
I let out a dry laugh, shaking my head. "You've got to be kidding. I'm not here to be one of your playthings or your servant. If you think I'm going to take orders from you, you're sorely mistaken."
His expression hardened, but I stood my ground, unwavering. "I'm here for Aunt Emma, not to be your employee or your pawn. So if that's all you have to say, I'll be on my way."
Aiden's eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he leaned forward slightly. "You know, Olivia, your aunt will never leave this pack. She needs treatment here, within the wolf community, not in your human world."
I felt a pang in my chest. He had found my weakness, and he was exploiting it without hesitation. "Are you threatening me, Aiden?" I asked, my voice low and dangerous.
"Did you feel that way?" he replied with a sly smile. "I can't say anything for certain."
I clenched my fists, trying to keep my composure. "Fine," I said, my voice firm. "I'll work here, but on my conditions. I'll stay for one month, and during that time, you'll provide the best treatment for Aunt Emma."
Aiden leaned back, seemingly pleased with my response. "Deal."
I crossed my arms and added, "For your kind information, I don't know how to clean an entire mansion or cook for more than 150... animals. So, don't expect miracles."
He chuckled softly, clearly amused. "I'm sure you'll manage, Olivia. Welcome to the pack."
I gave him a sharp glare before turning on my heel, leaving his office with a mix of frustration and determination. This wasn't over—not by a long shot.