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Olivia
Disoriented and groggy, I open my heavy eyes when I feel something brushing against my cheek. In a sudden panic, I scramble to a seated position on the couch I’m lying on. I pull the blanket that’s covering me up to my chin when I realize the man from the woods is caressing my cheek. His eyes are hooded and entranced as they meet mine.
“Where am I?”
He lays his hand on his lap. “Calm down.” He sounds irritated, but quickly adjusts his tone. “You’re in my home. Are you feeling better?”
“A little.” The ache is still there, but it’s not the gut wrenching pain I was experiencing before.
“I gave you a little something to help you relax and dull the pain.”
I back further into the corner of the couch. “What did you give me?”
“Don’t worry about that. You’re feeling better, right? That’s all that matters.”
“You said you knew what was wrong with me. How?”
His piercing blue eyes study my face. “I think you know.”
A chill runs down my spine. “So, you’re?—”
“Yes.” He crosses his arms and smirks. “So, a human mate for the Alpha, huh? Interesting.” He laughs, shaking his head.
“You know?”
He scowls, looking me up and down. “Of course, I know. His filthy scent is all over you.”
Another chill runs through my body, and a sense of doom overwhelms me at the disgust in his voice. “You know Ethan?”
He laughs a deep belly laugh. “Yep. I’m Ian Sullivan, by the way.” He gives me a smile that could charm the pants off almost any woman he wants. “Pleased to meet you, Olivia.”
“Sullivan? And, how do you know my name?”
“I’m Ethan’s cousin. I’ve heard all about his human mate.”
“Cousin? Am I back in Pinewood?”
“No. You’re in my territory now, the Stone Shadow Pack.”
“If you’re family, why are you in different packs?”
“Our fathers are brothers, and because Ethan’s father was in line to be the next Alpha of Pinewood, my father wasn’t necessarily obligated to stay within the pack. My mother is an only child to an Alpha, so when my parents discovered they were mates, my father left Pinewood to come to Stone Shadow to be with her. My grandfather prepared my dad to become Alpha here.”
“Is your dad still the Alpha?”
“Pfft, sure is.” Ian shakes his head. “He says I’m not ready yet. It’s fucking ridiculous.”
“How did you hear about me? Did Ethan tell you? He hasn’t made anything public knowledge yet.”
“Tell me? Pfft, no. I’m afraid Ethan and I don’t have that kind of relationship. Word travels, sweetheart. You being his guestdoesn’t exactly fool anyone.”
My chest fills with dread. “What kind of relationshipdoyou have with Ethan?”
“A contentious one,” he says with a serious face.
“Oh.” Isn’t that just great? “Why?”
“He’s a spoiled dick who has never had to work for anything. The world just fucking falls at his feet. But…now, there’s you.”
