"Just know that it's going to sting... a lot," Candice, the nurse who had flirted with Devon, said with a smirk, causing Olivia to gasp in apprehension.
"Come on, Candice. You don't have to scare her," Dr. Susan interjected, folding her arms across her chest.
"I'm not trying to scare her, Susan. Just stating the facts. Suppressants can be quite painful," Candice chuckled casually, a hint of mischief in her tone.
Suppressants? Olivia's heart raced with panic. Why were they giving her suppressants? She shot a desperate look at Dr. Susan, hoping for an explanation.
"Don't be frightened, okay? This is for your safety. As a Stealer Wolf, it's risky for you to be out there, especially with unmated and widowed wolves potentially after you. These suppressants will mask your scent and keep you safe. Do you understand?" Dr. Susan explained gently, trying to reassure Olivia.
Unable to speak, Olivia nodded nervously, her mind reeling with confusion and fear.
"Can't she talk, or is she just too terrified?" Candice taunted, earning a reproachful glare from Dr. Susan.
"She's mute," Dr. Susan replied firmly, taking the syringe from the tray.
"What!" Candice burst into laughter, earning a sharp rebuke from Dr. Susan.
Ignoring Candice's mockery, Dr. Susan approached Olivia with a warm smile. "It's going to sting a bit, okay?" Olivia nodded, closing her eyes tightly in anticipation.
As the needle touched her skin, Olivia winced and bit her lip, trying to endure the sharp pain that followed.
"There, all done. You're very brave," Dr. Susan praised, gently pinching Olivia's cheek before stepping away. "I'll be right back."
Alone in the ward, Olivia glanced around nervously. Her eyes locked with Candice's, who had a mischievous glint in her eye as she approached Olivia.
"The Alpha is mine. Run away and don't ever come back."
presence commanding and unwavering as he seized Olivia from her place on the floor.
"Now that you're no longer a distraction to wolves, you can stay in the pack as my maid. You will be training with the warriors as well. Since you can't shift, you might as well learn to fight," his voice resonated with authority, laying out her new role without room for objection.
Olivia met his gaze with a nod of reluctant acceptance. "Follow me," he directed, leading her out swiftly. They soon entered a waiting car that whisked them through the dense forest to the imposing pack house.
Nestled deep in the woods, the pack house blended seamlessly with its natural surroundings. Inside, the energy was palpable, filled with the essence of the werewolves who called it home. Wooden beams above bore symbols of honor and trophies of past hunts, while the air carried the comforting scents of pine and woodsmoke mingled with the faint musk of the pack.
The main hall served as the heart of communal life, centered around a majestic stone fireplace that cast flickering shadows across the spacious room. Here, pack members gathered for meetings and celebrations, surrounded by comfortable seating areas crafted from sturdy oak and adorned in earthy tones.
Branching off from the main hall, private chambers offered sanctuary to each werewolf, personalized with wolf pelts, weapons, and personal relics that spoke of individual journeys. Beds were cozily adorned with furs and woven blankets, providing comfort and solitude amidst the bustling community.
Adjacent to the main hall, a bustling kitchen buzzed with activity, countertops cluttered with fresh herbs and forest-gathered ingredients. Nearby, a large dining area facilitated camaraderie during shared meals, fostering unity among the pack.
Beyond the living quarters, a sprawling training ground extended into the forest. Marked by targets, obstacle courses, and sparring circles, it was where werewolves honed their physical prowess under the watchful eyes of seasoned mentors.
Discreet yet formidable, security measures were integrated seamlessly into the architecture. Hidden passages and silver-lined traps safeguarded against intruders, ensuring the pack's safety in times of threat.
At the heart of the pack house lay a sacred grove, where under the moon's watchful gaze, ancient rituals strengthened the bonds between werewolves, grounding them in their primal instincts and honoring their ancestors.
Ascending stairs to the second floor, Olivia followed Alpha Devon to his chamber. The room she entered was immaculate and commanding, a reflection of his status and power within the pack.
"This is where you're to work every day. No one will serve me except you from now on. Now, go into the kitchen and prepare something for me to eat. Make it tasty," Alpha Devon instructed. "Go now!" he commanded, harshly.
When Olivia entered the bustling kitchen of the pack house, the atmosphere shifted palpably. Pack members and cooks scattered like leaves in the wind, avoiding eye contact with her and hastening their tasks as if the mere presence of the Alpha's new maid sent a ripple of unease through them.
Do they know I am a stealer wolf? Or is this how they treat everyone new?
Unfazed by their avoidance as she was used to it already, Olivia plunged into her duties with practiced efficiency, her movements fluid and precise. Years of tending to her family had honed her skills, and she swiftly prepared the scheduled meal, following the kitchen's timetable to the letter.
With everything meticulously arranged on a tray, Olivia navigated to the living room where Alpha Devon sat engrossed in paperwork. She cleared her throat to announce her arrival, drawing his attention away from the documents that commanded his focus.
He looked up, his gaze piercing as he gestured for her to place the tray on the table. Olivia complied silently, setting it down with careful precision before stepping back, waiting for his verdict on her meal.
Alpha Devon rose from his seat, his tall frame imposing as he approached her. With a deliberate motion, he opened the dishes and then turned his intense scrutiny upon Olivia. "Taste it," he ordered abruptly, catching her off guard.
Surprised, Olivia hesitated for a moment before shaking her head vigorously. "What? Are you scared? Were you trying to poison me?" His tone was accusatory, his suspicion stark.
Panicking slightly, Olivia shook her head vigorously.
"Taste it then," folding his arms across his chest in expectation.
Rushing back to the kitchen, Olivia retrieved a fork and returned to the table where Alpha Devon waited. He nudged the plate closer to her, his gaze unwavering as she took a tentative bite. The seconds stretched into an eternity as she chewed, feeling his eyes bore into her.
"Take another one," he instructed sharply, and Olivia complied, her nerves jangling with every heartbeat. When she finished, he made her wait for what felt like an eternity, before finally pronouncing, "You can go to the training ground now."
Relieved and perplexed by his earlier suspicion, Olivia bowed respectfully and exited the room.
"Everyone hates me," Olivia thought, tears welling in her eyes, when a familiar voice called out to her.
"Olivia!"
She froze, instantly recognizing the voice. Turning slowly, she faced her father's hurried approach with a guarded expression.
"Come on, Olivia. Don't be like this. I'm your father. I heard the news that you've been mated to the Alpha. I know you've always wanted to make me proud, so I need your help with something urgent," her father continued.
Olivia knew all too well that her father harbored more hatred towards her than anyone else in the world. He had even tried to kill her twice before, driving her own mother and brother to despise her as well. Any lingering hope of his love had long since faded.
However, he was still her father so she nodded quietly, indicating she was willing to listen, but her cautious demeanor revealed her reluctance. Her father glanced around nervously, then leaned in close, his voice barely audible as he revealed his shocking request.
"We need you to poison Alpha Devon and disable his wolf," he said quietly, his words hitting Olivia like a sudden storm. Her eyes widened in disbelief, struggling to comprehend the treachery her father had just proposed.