The Wolf in Sheep's Skin

Chapter 53

Maeve and I walked around the open area that was cleared for the ceremony tonight. Our mom had given us a list of things to check, such as decorations and the food. Everything had been finished being put up, but people hadn’t started arriving yet.

Thankfully, Maeve and I agreed everything looked ready for tonight. Big bouquets had been brought out, along with large leafy plants in pots, set in the corners of the room. They were familiar from the tour Alpha Ansel had Jessica give me weeks before.

After Maeve and I were reassured that our mom wouldn’t be upset at the state of things, we relaxed. A few people were dressed in suits, running around the pack house, like they were busy getting things ready still behind the scenes.

A large clock was on the wall in the room, above a big white and black marble fireplace. People would be arriving soon. Maeve and I clung to the wall opposite of the fireplace, where we could watch people coming in through the entrance.

Our dad showed up, free of younger kids who were being watched back at home by a new family friend. He gave us each a quick peak on the cheek, before hurriedly going back to the room where our mom and Quinn were at. A few other people showed up, giving us their congratulations before scattering, finding a corner to chat in.

A group came inside, and I bounced on the heels of my feet. Please make this night go by fast. I took deep breaths, trying to calm my thoughts. Maeve raised a brow at me, and I smiled at her.

Thankfully she didn’t ask me questions. Laughter and chittering voices came from the group who’d just come inside, and my blood ran cold.

She’s already here? I chew on my lip and put myself in the proper submissive position. I stared at the ground, hunching my shoulders. Olivia’s voice carried through the big empty rooms, grating on my ears.

Maeve glanced at me; her eyes wide. I’d told her of my fears for the night and that Olivia might be up to something.

She better be cordial and leave us alone. I glared at the floor, my skin prickling. Their laughter came closer, and the group of women came into the room with the two of us. I lifted my gaze just in time to see Olivia eyeing me up and down, with a fiery rage burning in her eyes.

My cheeks warmed and my heart rate picked up. Her eyes lingered on my dress as her lips pressed together. She’s jealous?

I must look better than I thought. I tried not to imagine my gown highlighting all my muscles, but the image kept flashing my head. Maeve looked at me with wide, fearful eyes and heels clicked our way.

“Congratulations.” Olivia hissed next to me. I made sure to keep my eyes low, and shoulders hunched.

“Thank you.” Maeve said, raising her chin. She glared at Olivia, but quickly dropped her eyes when Olivia let out a warning growl. Maeve flinched, staring at the floor.

My gut twisted, and I wished I could will Olivia away. Just leave us alone. Let the night go smoothly, please.

“I’m sure you’re both glad your sister’s ceremony is being held in the pack house. Not in some cheap little homely celebration. I mean, look at this grandeur.” Her eyes beamed with mischief as she raised her hands, motioning to the pack house. It was elegant, with marble flooring and crowning on the ceiling, and any other fancy décor things a rich person would have.

Quinn would rather have it home. Not here. Having it in some fancy pack house isn’t as important as being around family. I almost growled at the memory of Quinn crying in her room.

“It was very thoughtful. Thank you.” I plastered a grin on my face, willing myself not to spew hatred at her.

Her eyes dimmed and her smile faltered.

“You’re welcome. I thought you’d want your sister to be introduced to her new pack properly.” She gave me a tight-lipped smile. I nodded, keeping my eyes on the floor.

I highly doubt that’s what you were thinking. I clasped my hands together in front of me, squeezing them together so hard they ached.

“Plus, your sister won’t turn out so submissive if she has the ceremony here.” Olivia whispered and used a finger to tuck a stray hair behind my ear.

I froze at the contact and snapped my eyes up to hers. She leaned in close, her eyes big with hatred swirling them. Their corners pinched with pleasure as a smug grin spread across her face.

She was so close. Too close. Her breath was on my face, hot and revolting. I shook and everything in me wanted to reach out and grab her neck. Claw her eyes out. Rip out her tongue so she couldn’t spew anything more hatred.

But I could see the people behind her, in the distance. The group of women she’d come in with, watching us. Silent. The only sound was everyone’s heartbeats and heavy breathing. Like they could taste a fight.

I dropped my eyes, letting her win. I scowled at the ground, gripping my hands together hard. Olivia chuckled in my ear and leaned away. Why? What the h*ll is her problem?

“I think you and I need some privacy. Let’s go someplace quiet.” Olivia said, crossing her arms. I glanced up at her, knowing it wasn’t a question. She turned on her heel, and walked away, her heels clicking. The group watched us with big wide eyes, and my heart clenched in my chest.

Bridget was amongst them. Watching me with a smug look on her face. F*ck. Did she say something to Olivia? To the group?

I glared at Olivia and followed behind her. Fine. She obviously isn’t going to give up. If she wants to talk, we will. My family worked too hard to get here for her to stomp all over us. I won’t her anymore.

I glared at her back, willing myself to pretend to be submissive. My body wanted to straighten out, to tower over everyone. To dominate them, make them cower. No. Just Olivia. So she’ll stop messing with us.

Olivia led us upstairs, where the halls were empty. Most of the guests still hadn’t arrived, and the ones who did remained downstairs. I stalked behind her as she led me beyond Jessica’s door and stopped at an open door. She motioned for me to go in with a wide grin. Her eyes were huge, dilated, and I could almost taste her excitement.

She shut the door behind us, locking it. Inside was a big, long table with office chairs around it. Must be some kind of meeting room.

Olivia slowly walked around to my front and leaned against the table. She looked confident, grinning, her hair over her shoulder. I can’t wait to take that smug look off her face. I almost bounced on the balls of my feet in excitement.

She scanned her eyes over me while I stared at the ground. If I was a submissive wolf, it would’ve been uncomfortable. Being pinned, trapped, observed. Like I was an animal in a cage waiting to be eaten.

What’s her game? She going to fight me? No. It’s too risky, there’d be marks left, she wouldn’t be able to hide it. I stayed still, keeping myself calm, planning what to do and say.

“This room has lots of insulation. No one can hear us here. Thankfully, we won’t be interrupted this time.” She titled her head, and grinned so wide her cheeks could split. Good. Then I can say whatever I want, and you won’t have any proof. “You should’ve listened to me when you had the chance. I warned you not to talk to Jay, but I can still smell you on him.”

All my muscles tensed, and a wave of heat rolled over me, and I bristled with anger. How? I haven’t been near him in days.

I grimaced, recalling the note and ribbon still tucked under my pillow.

“My mate worked to hard to be one upped by someone like you. Climbing the ranks by sleeping with people. It’s bad enough he’s lower than Jay. He doesn’t even have a title, yet he gets all the privileges and status? No wonder you went after him.” She squinted at me and I shuffled my feet.

Harsh words hung on the tip of my tongue, but I pressed my lips together to keep them inside. Jay warned her about talking like this. Didn’t she get the hint then? Who does she think she is? Is she doing this to other pack members? Stopping them from being with people, ordering them around?

“I’m the Beta’s mate. The only female who should be above me is the Luna. Not some weak little submissive.” She growled and my jaw clenched. “I’m sure you’re thinking about how Jay came in and rescued you, poor little submissive thing. But he isn’t here right now, is he?” She whispered, leaning in.

I shook, keeping control of myself. Someone in her position, with so much power, shouldn’t be hungry for it. Shouldn’t hate submissives or think they’re worthless. She’s really picking on me because she thinks I’m some weak little submissive, who shouldn’t dare have any power in the pack? Shouldn’t be with someone high rank like Jay?

It took all my willpower to remain silent. But I knew if I waited, I could report her. She can’t be allowed to treat people like this, and she obviously isn’t going to stop. Not if she’s still doing it after Jay’s warning.

“Jay’s never going to find out about this conversation, because you’ll never tell him. I gave you a chance before to do things your way. To break it off smoothly. But now, I order you to stop talking to him. You may not tell him, or anyone else in the pack about this conversation. If anyone asks why you broke things off, tell them he’s dangerous.”

Olivia gave me a wide smug grin as she finished, adjusting her hair.

I couldn’t stop shaking. I breathed heavily out my nose, squeezing my eyes shut. Is that why she’s telling everyone Jay’s dangerous? To ruin him, get people in the pack to hate him? That must be her plan. To knock me down and have me take him with me.

My skin burned, heat radiating through me. I threw my head back and let out a bellowing cackle, unable to contain myself. The sound was wicked, making Olivia’ eyes widened and her face pale.

I reveled in it, pleasure building in my chest as her fear became evident as we locked eyes.

“You must be a st*pid f*cking c*nt.” I laughed out, my throat rumbling with growls.