Chapter 146: Muddle–headed
Chapter 146: Muddle–headed
(Victoria’s POV)
“Mother, Matthew wouldn’t hide things from us,” I said into the phone, trying to keep my voice steady.
But my mother was unconvinced. Her sharp voice cut through the line like a blade.
“Matthew wouldn’t lie, but can you guarantee Olivia Blackwood won’t? Men, once they’ve been with a she–wolf, their minds get muddled. Don’t underestimate a she–wolf whose ex–mate would chase after her so desperately.”
My heart sank. The old lady already knew about Olivia’s past with Theodore Redgrave.
“I have a plan,” Elder Fenris continued, her tone brooking no argument. “Simon will deliver the gift tomorrow and handle it without anyone knowing. Once the results are out, if it’s Matthew’s pup, the mating ceremony can proceed as planned. But if it’s not, then this bond doesn’t need to happen.”
Barrett, who had been listening from across the room, shook his head vigorously. He mouthed the words “invitations
sent” to me.
But I had always been respectful to my mother. The weight of her expectations pressed down on me.
“Alright, Mother,” I agreed quietly. “But please, don’t let Matthew find out.”
After I hung up, Barrett immediately came to comfort me. His strong arms wrapped around my trembling shoulders.
“Victoria, you know our son. You know his character,” he said gently. “Your mother is just being over–cautious. Once the
results come back, this will all be settled.”
I nodded, but the doubt had already taken root in my heart.
(Olivia’s POV)
Four days until the mating ceremony. I woke to find Matthew’s side of the bed empty.
Relief washed over me. After last night’s intimacy, facing him this morning would have been unbearably awkward.
I had a busy day ahead. A promised trip to the fairgrounds with Elara, and a healing session appointment in the afternoon.
As I went to change, I caught sight of myself in the mirror. The white silk nightgown clung to my curves in ways that
made my cheeks burn.
Heat washed over me as I wondered what Matthew might have seen in the darkness. Had he noticed how the fabric outlined my figure?
I quickly suppressed the thought and pulled on a simple white shirt and jeans.
When I emerged from the bedroom, the small living room was bustling with people. Beta Tristan approached me immediately.
“Luna, the Alpha King is busy today,” he explained professionally. “He will try his best to join you for your healing follow–up. Elara and Beta Frost are waiting for you in the gathering hall, but the Alpha King hopes you’ll take your moonlight herb
before you go.”
I nodded, agreeing to his request. My gaze drifted past the crowd to find Matthew engrossed in conversation with a
guest.
As if sensing my stare, he looked up. Our eyes met for a fleeting moment.
Chapter
Idle–headed
+15 Points
A wave of shyness crashed over me, and I quickly looked away.
At breakfast, the mood was light as I chatted happily with Gina Frost and a cheerful Elara. The little girl’s laughter filled the
air like music.
“Olivia, can we ride the Ferris wheel today?” Elara asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
“Of course, sweetheart,” I replied, reaching over to smooth her hair.
The peace was shattered by the arrival of Seraphina Kane. She looked exhausted, dark circles under her eyes, and was clearly in a foul mood.
Seeing my affectionate rapport with Elara, she lashed out with venom in her voice.
“You don’t care for your own pup, but you treat someone else’s like your own. Do you even deserve to be a mother?”
The words hit me like a physical blow. My chest tightened with pain.
Gina immediately leaped to my defense, her voice sharp as steel. “Is a pup good just because he came from your own womb? He knew his mother was pregnant, yet he listened to the mistress and her mother’s instigation to push his own mother, trying to make her miscarry. A pup who does that, it’s a wonder his mother didn’t beat him to death.”
Seraphina’s eyes widened in shock at this revelation. Her gaze snapped to me, and I felt the blood drain from my face.
The memory of Leo being instigated by Ophelia to want to push me down from behind flashed through my mind.
“Gina, please stop,” I said quietly, not wanting to create more of a scene.
As we prepared to leave, Elara innocently remarked, “Daddy says mommy looks better when she’s a little chubbier.”
I saw Seraphina’s face twist with renewed anger at the child’s innocent words.
(God’s POV)
At the Sunstone Fairgrounds, Olivia and Elara were having a wonderful time. The little girl’s delighted squeals echoed across the grounds as they moved from ride to ride.
While they were ascending on the Ferris wheel, Gina discovered numerous missed calls from Killian Vance on her phone. She frowned and headed toward the entrance.
She found him being blocked by security guards. A staff member was speaking to him politely but firmly.
“I’m sorry, the fairgrounds have been exclusively booked today to host Miss Blackwood and the pup.”
The realization dawned on Gina immediately. Killian’s expression darkened as understanding hit him.
It was Matthew’s doing. A clear strategy to prevent him from meeting with Olivia.
A heavy pressure settled on Killian’s chest as he watched the Ferris wheel ascend into the sky. A shadow of doubt clouded his eyes.
How could he compete against the Alpha King for Olivia’s heart?
(Olivia’s POV)
After a fun–filled day, I announced reluctantly, “I have to leave for my healing appointment.”
Elara’s face fell with disappointment, but she nodded.
Killian seized the opportunity immediately. “Actually, Elara needs a healing treatment for a small scrape she got yesterday.
We should come with you.”
I looked at the tiny scratch on Elara’s knee and smiled. “Of course, let’s go together.”
At the Infirmary, however, we were separated. Beta Tristan’s personnel led me away to a private healing room.
“It’s just a routine check–up,” I told Killian and the others, not wanting them to worry.
Inside the quiet room, I settled into a comfortable chair. The healer’s gentle voice began guiding me into a state of deep
relaxation.
“Close your eyes, Miss Blackwood. Let your mind drift…”
I felt myself floating on the edge of a dream. The tension in my muscles began to melt away.
Suddenly, I felt a familiar presence near my ear. A low whisper broke the healing silence.
“My love…”
My eyes snapped open with a start. I found myself staring directly into Theodore’s amber–colored eyes, filled with deep, desperate emotion.
