Olivia's gaze lingered on the vials resting in her drawer. Should she listen to a man who had made her life a living hell? Or protect another man who would likely make it worse?
Would she ever taste freedom? Her fingers closed around the vials. One was a bright red, unmistakably poison. The other, green and serene, promised to suppress his inner beast forever.
She chose the green vial, tucking it carefully into the folds of her dress. The red one she hid securely. She wasn't ready to commit, but she wouldn't risk her safety either.
It was time to start her day serving Devon. She hurried to his chamber. He lay on his bed, eyes locking onto hers as soon as she entered, as if he'd been waiting.
She bowed respectfully, hands clasped. His expression hardened at the gesture. She got it now. He resented being reminded of her as his mate and her inability to speak.
Maybe if she were different, he wouldn't resent her so much. She tried to smile, but it faltered, so she gave up.
"Prepare my bathwater," he ordered. She bowed again and turned to the adjoining room. Carefully, she set the temperature, laid out his bathing supplies, and hung his towel within reach.
Returning to him, she gestured towards the bathroom and bowed again.
"Can't you at least try to speak for once?" His voice cut through, tinged with frustration.
"M... m... ah," she stammered. He raised his hand, stopping her. With a sigh of frustration, he left.
"Prepare something for me to eat," he ordered sharply. She nodded and left for the kitchen. As she worked, her thoughts turned to the vial in her dress. Would he make her taste the food? If so, what would she do? Was there an antidote?
Thinking it through, she decided against slipping the vial into his meal. When the dish was ready, she served him in the dining area. He watched her closely as she stood beside him, waiting for further instruction.
"What are you waiting for?" Devon demanded sharply. "Taste the food."
Olivia shook her head, gesturing vehemently. "I could never poison you."
"I don't care, taste the food," he insisted. Reluctantly, Olivia took two spoonfuls, as she had done countless times before. "Drink the water."
She sipped from his glass, knowing he wouldn't want to share hers.
"Get me another glass. Get me my bottle of wine," he ordered brusquely.
Feeling a surge of anger, Olivia left the room. So, he suspected her of poisoning him and yet commanded her to taste the food and drink the water. Did he find her so repulsive now? If he wanted her dead then she has no choice than to kill him first!
She thought he could stand to lose some of his pride when his Wolf was gone.
Grabbing his wine bottle, Olivia discreetly added the contents of the green vial before sealing it back up.
Returning to Devon, she was met with an icy stare. "What took you so long?" he snapped.
"I wasn't sure what you'd like," Olivia gestured nervously. He waved her away dismissively.
Retreating to her room, guilt gnawed at Olivia. Maybe she shouldn't have done it. No, she definitely shouldn't have.
Pacing back and forth, she prayed nothing would happen to him. She didn't want him to suffer or worse.
After what felt like an eternity, Olivia returned quietly to check on him. He had finished his meal and was leisurely sipping the wine. Trying to remain unnoticed, she was startled when he called her name.
"Olivia," he said softly, "don't hide. Come and take the dishes away."
She hurried to clear the plates, wanting desperately to ask if he had enjoyed the meal.
"Did... you... like... the... food?" she managed to stammer out.
He turned to look at her, and unexpectedly, he smiled. It was a genuine smile, devoid of his usual mockery.
"You just spoke," he remarked, surprise flickering across his face.
"It happens occasionally," Olivia gestured awkwardly. His smile faded, replaced by a contemplative expression.
"Have you trained today?" he asked abruptly.
She shook her head, silently explaining that she had waited for him to finish eating.
He nodded once she finished arranging everything. "When you're done with that, you can go and begin your training."
Olivia acknowledged his directive with a nod before quietly leaving the room. Devon poured himself more wine, noting there wasn't much left in the bottle before he finished it off. He stepped out onto the training grounds where Olivia was vigorously practicing her routines. Observing her dedication, a slight smile played on his lips.
Did her father give her some kind of love potion to serve him? Why else would Devon be smiling at her? Shaking off the thought, Olivia disregarded his presence and focused intently on her training. Despite her attempts to concentrate, she couldn't help but steal glances at Devon, who eventually approached her and offered a few tips.
As he spoke, Olivia noticed he seemed drowsy. "Are you okay?" she gestured, concern lacing her voice.
"Yes, just feeling a bit drowsy. I think I drank too much," Devon replied with a faint chuckle.
She nodded, urging him gently, "You should go and rest."
Devon nodded in agreement and turned away, making his way steadily back to the house. Olivia watched him go, her mind racing with worry. What would she do if he started feeling unwell? He would certainly suspect her and what she had done.
Returning to her training, Olivia tried to bury the guilt that weighed heavily on her. Sweat poured down her face as she pushed herself harder, hoping to rid herself of the overwhelming remorse. Lost in her exertions, she suddenly felt a presence behind her. Before she could react, a voice spoke from the shadows.
"I know what you did."
Startled, Olivia's eyes widened in fear and surprise at the unexpected accusation.
Her heart pounded hard, and all the blood in her body rushed to her head.
Oh no!