214 Can’t Leave

Olivia’s POV

I sat anxiously on my bed, my mind racing with thoughts of how to tell Gabriel that I would be leaving tomorrow. Ever since my encounter with him last night, I hadn’t been able to sleep. I felt like I was suffocating… like if I dared to close my eyes, someone would attack me. That was how terrified and panicked I had become. I couldn’t explain it, but these dark, dreadful thoughts wouldn’t leave my mind.

“Pack your things and leave… you don’t have to inform him first,” my wolf urged.

Agreeing with her, I stood to my feet, ready to pack my few belongings. But then a knock came at my door, and my heart leapt into my throat. I caught the scent instantly and knew it was Gabriel. Strange… when had I started panicking at his presence?

He knocked again, and I swallowed hard, forcing my mouth to open.

“Come in,” I whispered, my voice trembling. “The door’s open.”

The door pushed open and Gabriel stepped in, holding a massive bouquet of red roses in one hand and two elegantly wrapped gift boxes in the other. He looked calm, like nothing really happened last night.

“I came to apologize,” he said gently, closing the door behind him. “For the way I spoke to you yesterday… I was angry. But I had no right to take it out on you.”

I stared at him, my lips pressed tightly together. I was supposed to feel something… gratitude, forgiveness… but I felt nothing. Just a cold, suffocating feeling that wouldn’t lift.

He moved a little closer, holding out the roses. “These are for you.”

I didn’t reach for them. I didn’t even move.

“I need to leave,” I said quietly.

His hand froze mid-air. “What?”

“My mother wants me back in her pack,” I lied, forcing the words out without letting my gaze meet his. “She said she needs me there.”

A heavy frown carved itself deep into his face.

“You’re lying.”

My eyes met his, and my breath caught at the sight of the anger in his eyes.

“I can feel it,” he said, his voice low but filled with annoyance. I didn’t answer. I didn’t need to. The silence was loud enough.

Gabriel stepped back, the flowers still in his hand, now wilting from the way his grip tightened.

“I won’t let you leave,” he said finally, his voice colder now. “Not like this. Not while you’re angry with me. Not when I know you have nowhere else to go. You really think I’d let you run off and endanger your life?”

He walked over to the small table by the window and placed the gifts and bouquet down carefully.

“I’ll give you time,” he said without looking at me. “But you’re not going anywhere, Olivia.”

Then without another word, he turned and walked out, closing the door behind him. With a pounding heart, I stared at the door, already feeling like a prisoner.

My wolf growled angrily inside me.

“Olivia, we have to leave now… tell him you can take care of yourself.”

Nodding my head, I quickly packed my few belongings. My heart was racing, my panic was increasing… I felt that strange feeling that something wasn’t right.

I grabbed my bags and hurried down the stairs to the living room–only to freeze as I spotted Gabriel giving quiet orders to a group of men. His brows knitted when he noticed me with my bags, but before either of us could speak, I heard a soft chuckle to my right.

I turned and saw Abigail wheeling herself toward us.

“And where do you think you are going?” she asked, sounding angry. My brow furrowed. Why was she sounding this way? I thought she was supposed to be happy I was finally leaving.

“I’m leaving. I thought that’s what you wanted…” I began, but she cut me off.

“How stupid of you to think that is what I want,” she spat, her voice trembling with anger.

My brow furrowed as I tried to understand her sudden anger, but deep down, a ripple of fear twisted through my stomach. Still, I forced myself to stand tall. I wouldn’t show it. I wouldn’t let them see me afraid.

Gabriel stepped between us, his eyes filled with annoyance. “That’s enough, Abigail!” he barked. “I told you I will handle this my way.”

But she scoffed bitterly and rolled forward a few inches more, glaring up at him. “Your way? I’m tired of waiting for your way, Gabriel!” she hissed. “Look at you! You’ve already fallen in love with her. You’re weak now. A man in love is a fool.”

My heart jumped. What?

Gabriel frowned, his jaw tightening. “Stop it!”

“That is the truth,” she cut in, her eyes now wild. “She’s got you wrapped around her little finger, and you’re too blind to see it. But I see it, and I won’t let this weakness destroy everything we’ve worked for!”

My breath caught in my throat. Everything they’ve worked for? What was going on?

I opened my mouth, confused and trembling with fear. “What are you talking about-?”

“GUARDS, GRAB HER!” Abigail suddenly shouted.

Panic shot through me.

I stumbled back, but it was too late. Four guards surged forward at once. I turned to run, my instincts screaming to shift, but before I could even begin the transformation, something cold and metallic locked tightly around my neck with a sudden click.

Pain seared down my spine.

A magic collar.

My knees buckled.

My wolf let out a guttural, furious growl inside me, but then, silence. Numbness. She was gone. Muted. Disconnected. The magic worked instantly, suppressing my wolf and paralyzing the bond between us.

“No–no, no, no-” I gasped, reaching up to claw at the collar, but the enchanted metal burned against my skin.

“Stop it!” Gabriel shouted furiously, stepping toward me, but Abigail raised a trembling hand.

“This is what we should’ve done the moment she stepped into this house,” Abigail hissed.

I looked at him with wide, terrified eyes, unable to speak. Betrayed. Confused. My body trembling as the guards pinned me in place like I was some wild creature.

“Gabriel…” I choked.

He stood frozen. Our eyes locked, and then slowly, painfully, he turned away from me.