Olive's POV
“ANSWER ME, OLIVE. Are you going to turn me in?”
My mouth opened and closed several times, wanting to argue with him, but failed to do so. I looked at my phone in his hand. Vincent hung up the call, and without Grandma’s encouragement to choose the right path, telling Vincent what we had to do, felt like swallowing thousands of needles.
I was muted while staring into his solemn eyes, sorrowful and gloomy, as if he was already betrayed when I hadn’t done anything yet.
“Please, Olive. Can you just think about me?” Vincent asked, clutching my phone tightly as he stepped closer.
I stepped backward. My emotions were in stormy clouds, I drowned in water that was only up to my ankle. Oh, how hard it is to agree to something very wrong and vicious!
“She was Lycan’s girlfriend. Do you have any idea what will happen to me if you turn me in?”
He grabbed my arm and pulled me closer. With a looming gasp, I looked up. His sardonic face was colored black and white. It is an expression of someone who would not entertain any logical reason. What mattered the most was his opinion and his goal.
‘And that is to come clean in this homicide case.’
Another tear rolled down my cheeks before a gruff voice, like the creaking of the gallows chain slipped out of my quivering lips.
“W-What about Vera? Don't you feel guilty for her?”
“THAT’S THE POINT, OLIVE! Who Vera “is” mattered in this case the most! Since she’s Aaron’s girlfriend, his vengeance could wipe out our pack in just a blink of an eye. I felt guilty. I do! I have emotions too, Olive. Do you really see me as the bad guy?”
“N-No,” I disagreed, shaking my head. “I know you’re not a bad guy and that’s why I fell in love with you. But hiding like this after killing someone, that is…”
“Cowardice?”
Vincent eyed me as if I suddenly became a stranger in his eyes.
“F*ck that. If this is cowardice, then what the hell am I supposed to do? What about our pack?”
He gripped my shoulders, his voice tinged with anger.
“Lycan Aaron is the most ruthless guy. I swear with all my sagacity. Without a second thought, he would destroy a pack, including OUR PACK.”
I don’t want to bring harm to our pack either. However, these “black-and-white thoughts” could not mend the guilt in my heart.
“I’ve got you back, Vincent,” I firmly said. “I will be you Luna and I will do everything to my Alpha. Absolute loyalty, and unwavering support. I'm with you till the end."
“What will that loyalty do? Weren’t you thinking of turning me into the cops?”
“I will plead for the Lycan’s forgiveness.”
“SHUT…”
Unable to finish his words, Vincent shook his head and sighed.
“You know what, it’s beyond our control now.”
“V-Vincent.”
“Olive. Just…”
He held my hand, leaned closer, and wiped the tears on my cheek with his thumb. His action was warm, but his eyes were icy cold.
“I think we should talk to my parents. They can help.”
Vincent’s parents. They are the least people I am thrilled to meet with today. Didn’t I just overhear his conversation with Vincent? They berated me. In their eyes, I am nothing more than a weed. If I talk, will they listen to a talking weed who has no Alpha blood and isn’t worthy of respect?
“No matter what they say, don’t argue back. Let them handle it. I am sure they know a way to protect us,” Vincent said the most unimaginable thing to happen.
‘Why would they protect me?’
I knew that painful truth and yet, I followed Vincent and stood outside Alpha’s room.
Perhaps, love and loyalty have a knack to make someone stupid.
“Stand tall, no slouching on one leg. My mom isn't a fan of that. Lastly, wipe away those tears. They're not fans of tears either,” Vincent reminded me.
I could not believe I have to show etiquette even in this urgent situation. But well, it is Vincent’s parents, and I knew more than anyone else how they value etiquette in their family’s rules. So, I nodded my head and walked in beside him.
The atmosphere was incredibly grim. I couldn't even bring myself to look Alpha George and Luna Rose in the eyes. Their gaze locked onto me like hawks, making me feel uneasy all over. My headache worsened.
"Vincent has filled me in on the situation. I was planning to send the car to a secret auto shop and have it dismantled, so no one would ever know what happened," Alpha George lit his cigar. "But that's what regular folks do when they're the victims. Clearly, you're quite the troublemaker. You caused everything."
Even though I wasn't the one driving, I was still an accomplice. I was in the passenger seat, and I didn't notice Vera, let alone save her. I'm willing to take responsibility for all my faults. But dismantling the car to cover up the evidence is something I can't agree with.
"I'm sorry, Alpha George, I..." I tried to retort but was stopped when Vincent grabbed my hand. He gave me a look, silently telling me not to speak. Protocol—never defy your alpha. I could only remain silent.
"You shouldn't have been at the mating ceremony, Olive," Luna Rose spoke up. "You clung to Vincent and made him take you there, right?"
Luna Rose's low growl frightened me, and I lowered my head. "Yes, I'm sorry..."
"You've always wanted him to take you for a joyride. And when he finally agreed, he took you to Westford, didn't he?" Luna continued, her aura suffocating me, causing me to bury my head even deeper.
"Yes, I..."
"Shut up! You caused all of this! You hurt Vincent! How dare you stand before me like this?" Luna Rose exclaimed.
"Mom, it's not Olive's fault. She..."
"Vincent! You're supposed to be the alpha-to-be! How can you be so consumed in your love games? I told you ages ago to break up with her, and you refused. Tell me, if it wasn't for her, would you have driven to the mating ceremony? Would you have gone to Westford?" Luna's questioning felt suffocating, more than any prosecutor in court.
"No, I wouldn't, but..." Vincent's voice noticeably weakened.
"Don't make excuses for her! You're supposed to be the next alpha, but you're even more foolish than I thought. You're just as reckless as this underage girl," Alpha George scolded with anger.
Vincent bowed his head in silence. Meanwhile, I couldn't bear it any longer. My eyes felt like they were being pricked with needles, and the tears started flowing again. "I'm sorry. Please don't blame Vincent. It's my fault. I beg you. I'm willing to do anything to make amends. We'll turn ourselves in, I'm willing to bear the consequences with him."
At that instant, my phone rang.
Silence settled between us, and the ringing sound echoed like ambulance sirens.
Holding my breath, I glanced at Alpha, who gestured for me to answer and put it on speaker.
"Hello, this is the pack's police. We'd like to ask you some questions regarding the traffic incident in Westford last night. Is this Miss Olive Smith speaking?"
At that moment, everyone grew tense, and three pairs of eyes locked onto me. There was no choice but to respond, "Yes, it's me. How can I assist you?"
"We noticed you placed an emergency call around 12:36 a.m., wherein you mentioned Westford. Is that correct?" the police officer inquired.
"Yes, I... did make the call," I confessed, unable to fabricate a lie.
"May we inquire about your current location? We need you to come down to the police station to provide further information."
After furnishing them with Vincent's home address, I ended the call, knowing that the police would soon be knocking on my door. It seemed that Alpha George and Luna Rose had resolved to make me take the fall. Once again, they resumed their discussion, rehashing the same arguments.
"The police noticed it. I knew it!" Luna Rose said.
"Vincent can't turn himself in. If he does, the whole pack gets dragged into it. But you, you're just a small fry, nameless and insignificant. Plus, you're underage, so if you turn yourself in alone, you won't be having a hard time," Alpha George finished his cigar, and I watched the fire on the tip die out, just like the flicker of hope in my heart.
"This is the only way. Do you want the entire pack to pay the price for your foolishness? If my pack goes down, your grandmother will be caught in the crossfire," Alpha George continued, his words dripping with determination, "Even though you've been nothing but a naive girl, I hope you've got some sense left in you this time. After all, you were planning to turn yourself in, weren't you?"
"I..." My gaze shifted to Vincent, panic gripping me, unsure of my next move. Were they really asking me to shoulder the blame for Vincent?
"Olive, I'm lost, not knowing what's right anymore. I've screwed up, but I can't bear to see my pack suffer because of my mistakes. Can you understand?" Tears welled up in Vincent's eyes as he stared into mine.
It was a side of him I'd never witnessed before. In a state of frenzy, I looked back and forth between him and the Alpha couple, feeling utterly alone. All I wanted was to take responsibility for our wrongdoings. Why did even redemption require deceit?
"There is no time. And you have no other choice. Think about your grandma." The icy tone of Alpha George made me tremble.
"I...” I mumbled, clenching my fists, and shutting my eyes firmly.
Memories flashed back.
The warm soup my Grandma cooked every morning. The laughter I shared with my friends in our pack. Vincent’s love and kisses. If sacrificing myself will protect those memories, then…
“I will take the blame for Vincent.”
Olive's POVThe clouds were dark when the cold handcuffs slapped around my wrists.I looked up at the sky.‘Did I imagine getting arrested by the cops with a crime I never committed?’ Everything seemed surreal when I found myself sitting on the back seat of the police cruiser. Houses, cars, and people outside window, I cherished each of them knowing that it would be a long time before I would see those sights again. Having these thoughts, the answer to my question came clear.‘I wasn’t born a rule breaker. But for the man I love, I broke my own rule.’ “Get out.”My mind was hazy when the door of the police cab opened. What waiting before me was a gloomy concrete building for people seeking forgiveness for their sins. And I had to go through with it. For Vincent, for the pack, and for my grandma.‘Vincent will take care of my grandma.’ His promise, a solace for my flickering hope, gave me courage to step in and enter the police station.Walking into the bustling lobby of the police
Olive's POVI am not heading to prison, but to a place worse than that. **“Ahh!”The police pushed me behind, I stumbled forward inside the car. When the door closed and the car started moving, I gazed out the window. The courthouse faded in my sight. I felt my heart in booming thunder as I bewilderedly looked back at Aaron.“W-What is the meaning of this?” I asked.I crawled backward into the very corner with my hands still together, handcuffed.Sneering, Aaron responded with sarcasm and contempt.“It is what you can see. I am giving you the right punishment. Serving two years for killing Vera? That’s b*llshit. The Juvenile protection laws are too merciful. Don’t you think so?”I bit my lip until the fishy taste lingered on my tongue. Despite feeling hatred towards Aaron, I couldn’t bring myself to scorn him.‘Why would I? I killed her girlfriend. I am nothing but a murderer in his eyes.’ Vincent was right. Spending years in prison would not comfort a Lycan like Aaron. He might ha
Olive's POV‘Grandma. You gave my name ‘Olive’, right? Why did you choose Olive?’ “Because the word ‘Olive’ is another way to love someone without having to say love.”“Really? Then, if I want to say I love you too Grandma, I can just tell you ‘Olive you’?” “Oh my silly pumpkin. Who taught you to be this adorable? Of course, dear.”“Olive you, Grandma. Thank you for giving me the sweetest name.” “Olive you too, baby. I pray to the Goddess Moon to give you a life apparent to your name.” Notwithstanding being a half-breed, my grandma treated me like the most wonderful person ever. For that, I had promised to live up to the name she bestowed on me. But one day, the name I have been treasuring ages ago vanished. Four digits replaced the meaningful “Olive”, only to remind me of the crime I witnessed that rainy night.“0315! Are you listening?!”Physically incapable, I looked at the maid who called me with the inmate number, showcasing my position as Vera’s murderer.Absolutely grimace,
Aaron's POV“Take off your clothes.”Her widened eyes showcased perplexity at my request. When I saw that reaction, and the way her snow-like skin blushed like a ripened tomato, there was a turmoil inside of me.I could not help but watch how her brown hair fell beautifully despite getting tousled. Her green eyes, round shape, and downturned corners evoked a strong sense of gentleness, and they complement her glass skin.Her appearance, and small stature – she barely reached my chin – made her look more ethereal than anyone I laid my eyes on. And her strong odor, f*ck, it was like a mixture of nectarines, freesia, and roses. I had never smelled anything like this before, and I was entranced.My wolf, Zack, was so excited that he kept on urging me to pull her closer and kiss her right away.‘I can’t resist her smell, Aaron. Go and get her!’ Damn it. What a great irony that the Alpha Lycan’s partner was his girlfriend’s murderer!‘Shut the f*ck up, Zack. You know how much I detest thi
Aaron’s POV“0315!”As I called out the name of my prisoner, an eerie silence permeated the room, causing a growing sense of unease within me.My wolf, Zack, intuitively picked up on my agitation as he grew anxious deep in me. Despite my attempts to stay rational and composed, my body betrayed me, and I found myself impulsively rushing towards the bathroom door to investigate the unsettling silence.It was then that I realized why my mate’s scent got weaker. 0315 was lying on the ground and was unconscious. She didn’t even finish wearing the clothes I prepared for her to wear. Holding the shirt with one hand, she’s lying on cold ceramic tiles with only her brassier and undergarment.I shouldn’t feel empathy towards my girlfriend’s murderer. But when I saw that delicate woman looking so weak, I let out a massive roar with my Alpha voice.I rushed over and quickly held her in my arms. She felt like she would snap like a twig if I were careless.“Angelica! Angelica!”Upon my summons, the
Griffin’s POVI am a General Surgeon who has been practicing medicine for 7 years, and high rated in 37 conditions. My top areas of expertise are Pancreatic Cancer, Familiar Pancreatic Cancer, Pheochromocytoma, and Splenectomy. I chose this path and even studied abroad to fulfill my promise to a friend.‘I will be the best Pack’s Doctor so I can treat my friend’s Grandmother.’ Therefore, I planned to search for my friend and visit her soon as I returned to my country and went home. However, I received an urgent call from Alpha Lycan’s castle.[“We need the best Pack’s doctor to treat the Lycan’s prisoner! Come quick!”]The Pack’s hospital recommended I take over the situation as they believed I could satisfy the Alpha’s needs. The other doctors told me I should be careful dealing with the Alpha because he’s not in the right state.The Lycan’s Alpha’s girlfriend died recently together with their unborn baby. Alpha Aaron was holding his prisoner in his castle, and it was said that he t
Aaron’s POVThe opulent beam of moonlight cascaded through the ajar window of the guest chamber. I stood by the window, enraptured by the full moon's radiance, reminiscing about the nights I spent admiring the celestial splendor with my beloved Vera.Wasn’t it three months ago?We ventured into the guest room and spent a pleasurable night together. After that, we stood beside the window and discussed our dream future.“It was three months ago. And Vera was three months pregnant when she died,” I said to myself before grinding my teeth in madness and pain.Reflecting on the tragic event, my heart ached with empathy for Vera and her loved ones. Vera's life was cut short three months ago, and she was three months pregnant at the time. The thought of her untimely passing filled me with a deep sense of sorrow and anguish. And yet, I wanted to remember all the memories I have with her to remind myself whom I should seek revenge for. But then, I couldn’t stop thinking about my prisoner, 0315
Griffin’s POVThe resplendent rays of the sun danced off the window, casting a luminous glow throughout the room. My gaze fell upon Olive, who lays in a peaceful slumber upon the opulent bed. Her once feverish state had subsided, and her complexion was now calm and serene.“Thank the Goddess, you’re finally okay,” I said as I sat on the bed beside her.I stared at her face, which seemed like a work of art made by the Goddess of the Moon. I knew she was already cute when we were just kids, but calling her “beautiful” right now was an understatement.Every curve from brow to ankle was precisely to match my dream desire. Even her gentle expression while sleeping tugged another string in my heart. Watching her punched the mute button on my thoughts, and any words to say flew from my mind. I could only gawk at her, rapt and speechless.“Why did you grow up so gorgeous, Olive?”Looking at her, I felt an overwhelming urge to reach out and touch her cheek. But then I remembered that Olive was