Chapter 20
1069 Words
My hand shot out like a coiled snake, and before Claire could react, my palm connected with her cheek in a stinging slap.
The impact echoed through the silent hallway, and her expression twisted into a mask of pure fury.
With Alpha Sean nowhere in sight, her sweet facade crumbled, and she raised her hand to strike back.
But I was quicker.
I grabbed her wrist, my grip vice - like, and shoved her away.
"Claire, instead of wasting your energy on me, why don't you keep Alpha Sean in line? Tell him to stop harassing me!"
I hissed, glaring at her with all the hatred I could muster.
Then, I spun on my heel and walked away, my heart pounding in my chest.
After finishing the discharge paperwork, I headed for the elevator.
As I passed the nurses' station, their hushed whispers caught my attention.
Nurse A, who'd witnessed my confrontation with Claire, was chatting with Nurse B.
"No wonder some wolves can be so heartless—turns out it's a rival thing."
"What?" Nurse B mumbled, focused on sorting files.
"You remember Ellie? That adorable little pup, so sweet and well - mannered."
At the mention of Ellie's name, I froze mid - step, my entire body going rigid.
Nurse B nodded, her voice soft.
"Of course I remember. Such a lovable pup."
Her eyes glistened with unshed tears.
Even in a place like this, where life and death were daily occurrences, Ellie had been special.
Her bright smile had lit up the room during every visit, and she'd always said she didn't want to worry me. She was so thoughtful, so kind—no wonder everyone adored her.
"That's the one," Nurse A continued.
"The day that pup passed, her mom was sobbing her heart out. And Claire? Standing at the corner, smiling. That grin still gives me chills."
"Talk about a venomous she - wolf…"
"She's got a pup of her own, sick too. Isn't she afraid of karma?"
Their words hit me like a sledgehammer.
Claire had known. She'd known Ellie was gone and still had the audacity to act innocent around me.
My fists clenched so tightly that my nails dug into my palms, drawing blood.
"Olivia, you trying to ruin your hand?"
Ethan's voice snapped me out of my thoughts.
He grabbed my wrist, stopping me from hurting myself further. He was here to take me to secure Ellie's burial ground.
I jolted, instantly loosening my grip.
"Did you mess up your wound? Come on, we're seeing a healer."
Ethan's voice was thick with worry.
I didn't argue.
I let him lead me to get checked.
Once the healer confirmed my hand was okay, Ethan finally relaxed.
"What was that back there? What's on your mind?" he asked, eyeing me curiously.
"Nothing. Just zoned out," I lied, brushing it off.
I couldn't tell him the truth.
Ethan was fiercely protective of me, and he'd loved Ellie like his own child.
If he knew what Claire had done, he'd storm off to confront her, and I couldn't risk that, not with Claire being Alpha Sean's chosen mate.
As we walked out together, Ethan asked, "Have you picked a day for Ellie's burial?"
"Next Monday," I replied.
We stepped into the elevator, the doors sliding shut.
Unbeknownst to us, Claire emerged from behind some plants, her eyes glinting with malice.
At Rosewood Hollow, Alpha Sean strode through the moonlight. Lillian, full of excitement, threw herself into his arms, shouting, "Daddy, Daddy! I've got huge news!"
"What's that, pup?" His icy demeanor would have melted away, his voice warm and affectionate.
"Today at the pack's youngling games, I got third in the race!" Lillian's eyes would have sparkled with pride. "Isn't Lily awesome?"
"Beyond awesome!" He'd have ruffled her hair, his eyes soft with pride for his healthy pup.
"Daddy, I'm so happy! It was my first time racing with the other pups!" Lillian would have snuggled into his chest, giggling with joy.
"Our Lily's a star. Don't we need to celebrate?" Claire teased, stepping out from the kitchen.
"Really? A celebration for Lily? Can I invite all my packmates from the youngling ?" Lillian's eyes would have lit up with hope.
Claire tapped her head lightly, smirking. "You little schemer, taking it seriously!"
Then Lillian turned to Alpha Sean, batting her eyelashes. "Daddy, please?"
"Alright," he'd have agreed, his voice indulgent.
"Yay! Love you, Daddy!"
Lillian planted a kiss on his cheek.
"Alpha Sean, you spoil her rotten," Claire said, shaking her head.
"She's healthy again. That's worth celebrating," he'd have replied firmly.
Claire let it go, a subtle, victorious smile curving her lips.
Before I knew it, Monday arrived—the day of Ellie's burial.
Ethan stayed by my side throughout the entire ceremony, a silent pillar of support.
When it was over, my eyes were red and swollen from crying.
I turned to Ethan, my voice hoarse.
"Ethan, I want to stay with Ellie a bit longer. Alone."
Ethan had training that afternoon—he'd taken time off just for this.
"Go home early, Olivia. Look forward. Ellie would want you to be happy," he said, crouching down to give me a hug.
"Yeah," I whispered, feeling a fresh wave of tears well up.
After Ethan left, I knelt before the gravestone, pressing my cheek against the cold stone.
I traced Ellie's carved face with my fingers, over and over again, as if I could bring her back to life.
Lost in my grief, my phone buzzed in my pocket.
Assuming it was Ethan checking on me, I pulled it out.
But it wasn't him. It was Claire.
I had no patience for her games.
I went to hang up, but my trembling fingers fumbled, and I accidentally hit the answer key.
Then, Claire's voice came through the phone, "Olivia, Lily took third in the pack's youngling games. Alpha Sean and I are throwing a party for her at the Grand Haven Lodge today. Lily wants Ellie to come. Should I send Alpha Sean to pick you and Ellie up?"
The moment she mentioned Ellie's name, my blood turned to ice.
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