Chapter 234

Olivia

The forest around us was dense and foreboding, with the heavy scent of freshly overturned earth and spilt blood. Birds that had scattered during the confrontation now tentatively returned to their perches, their chirping forming a soft, mournful backdrop.

“Come on,” Nathan said gently, brushing a strand of hair out of my face. “Let’s get home.”

Pain shot through my leg as I tried to stand. A wince escaped my lips, and in an instant, Nathan was back at my side. His own face was grimy, sweat and dirt mixed with scratches from the fight.

Yet, even in his battered state, his concern for me overshadowed his own discomfort.

“Let me help you,” he whispered, bending down and carefully lifting me to my feet. I winced again, the jolt of pain reminding me of the harsh blows I had taken during the car crash.

“Can you walk?” Nathan asked, peering into my eyes, searching for any signs of a more serious injury.

I tried to take a step and stumbled, a sharp sting in my ankle making it clear that walking any distance would be a challenge. Nathan noticed, and before I could protest, he stooped, allowing me to climb onto his back for a piggyback ride.

The closeness, the feel of his steady heartbeat against my chest, was a much-needed comfort.

As we made our way through the maze of trees, the sun’s rays peeking through the gaps, I noticed a dark stain on Nathan’s shoulder, slowly spreading and turning his shirt a darker shade.

“You’re bleeding,” I whispered, alarmed.

Reaching out, I tried to examine the wound, but Nathan gently pushed my hand away. “Don’t worry about it. It’s just a scratch.”

“But—”

“Liv,” he interrupted softly, “you’re the main focus right now. I’ll be fine. We need to get you home.”

I sighed, feeling both frustrated and helpless. I felt so utterly useless, leaning on Nathan for support. Yet, I also recognized the deep love and protectiveness that emanated from him. It was a feeling that was mirrored in my heart for him.

The rustling of leaves underfoot turned to the familiar crunch of gravel as we finally reached the car. Gently, Nathan set me down, holding onto me until he was sure I had my balance. I sank into the passenger seat, relief flooding me at being out of the forest and its haunting reminders of the battle.

Nathan closed the door softly behind me, his gaze lingering on my face for a moment before he walked around to the driver's side. As he started the car, the events of the forest slowly faded, replaced by the ominous feeling of what awaited us at home.

…

The late afternoon sun finally beat the storm clouds, casting a warm golden hue over our home. It was a sight I had always found comforting.

Nathan and I were returning, weary and bruised from the confrontation with Ryan’s pack, hoping to find solace within these walls.

Yet, as we stepped through the arched doorway, the familiar sounds of home were replaced by hushed murmurs and tense voices.

Nathan paused, a frown forming on his brow. We shared a silent glance, and then, inching closer, we took tentative steps inside, trying to pinpoint the origins of the unfamiliar voices.

“No!” I heard Angela’s voice say. “Don’t do this! Please!”

The living room, usually adorned with the simple comforts of family life, had been transformed. The hand-woven rug was askew, evidence of a scuffle. Framed family pictures on the mantle had been knocked over, replaced with the looming presence of the Elders.

I felt a shiver run down my spine as my gaze met that of Elder Corbin, his fingers delicately wrapping around Elliot, holding him like a treasured artifact rather than a child.

Angela was near the window, her posture defensive as she tried to wrench her arm free from Elder Amara’s iron grip.

“Angela!” My voice was shrill with panic, echoing in the tense room. “What’s happened?”

Angela, her blue eyes shimmering with tears, tried to come forward, but Elder Mingan held up a hand, stopping her in her tracks. “Stay,” she ordered, her voice deep and commanding.

“What is the meaning of this?” Nathan growled, taking on a protective stance. “Release my son at once.”

Elder Mingan then stepped forward, her gray eyes glinting with something unreadable. The silver streaks in her hair, a mark of her age and wisdom, seemed to shimmer in the dim light.

“Nathan,” she began, her tone stern and accusing, “your recent... escapades have not gone unnoticed.”

Before Nathan could reply, Angela, gathering courage, burst out, “They came out of nowhere, Olivia! They demanded Elliot, saying it was the only way to ensure peace!”

“Peace?” Nathan’s voice dripped with venom, his eyes darting to where Elliot lay in Elder Corbin’s arms. “By barging into my home and taking my son while my men were engaged in battle?”

Elder Mingan’s face remained impassive, but her voice conveyed her authority. “Your reckless behavior, Nathan, has brought us to the brink of war. To ensure the safety of the pack and avoid further conflict, we’ll see to it that the child is handed over ourselves.”

Nathan's anger was palpable. His body tensed, the familiar ripple beneath his skin showing the beast that lurked beneath. “You walk into my home, threaten my family, and now you dare to take my child? Over my dead body,” he growled, revealing the faintest hint of fangs.

But with a raised hand, Elder Mingan signaled Nathan to hold. “It doesn’t have to come to that, Nathan.” Her tone was calm, but her words carried an undercurrent of threat. As she spoke, the atmosphere grew thick, her aura casting a shadow over the room.

Her form began to waver, the air around her shimmering as if warning of the colossal wolf she could become.

“Do you truly believe your rage can protect your family? Look around you. We’re in your home, holding your son. Do you want to challenge us, knowing the odds? Would you risk leaving Olivia without a mate and your remaining child without a father?”

Nathan’s snarl lessened, his posture still defensive but less aggressive. The weight of the situation seemed to dawn on him, the very real risk of confronting the Elders pressing upon his shoulders.

I could see the internal struggle in Nathan’s eyes—the need to protect, to lash out, warring with the reality of the situation. But he didn’t move. He couldn’t; Mingan had him magically frozen to the spot with powers that I didn’t anticipate.

And as a mate and a mother, I couldn’t just stand by.

Swallowing hard, I stepped forward, placing myself between the Elders and Nathan, my gaze meeting Mingan's. “I’ve stood silently by for too long, letting the traditions of this world dictate our fate. But this is where I draw the line.”

Mingan’s eyes bore into mine, trying to intimidate, to assert her dominance. But I held firm, my voice unwavering. “I respect our traditions, our ways. But my son, our home, is where I refuse to budge,” I said.

Elder Corbin shifted, a hint of discomfort visible. He whispered something to Elder Amara, but I didn’t let myself be distracted.

“Our world is changing, Elder Mingan,” I continued, “and the old ways won’t always serve us. Nathan has always stood by the pack, and all he/s done is to protect us, protect Elliot and our pack. To paint him as a troublemaker now is not just unfair but also blindsighted.”

Mingan studied me, her face unreadable. “Your loyalty to your so-called ‘mate’ is commendable, but this is bigger than just Nathan. We have an entire pack to consider.”

I took a deep breath, mustering every ounce of courage. “Elliot is innocent in all this. He’s just a baby. If you have issues with Nathan, deal with him. But leave my son out of your politics.”

The room was thick with tension. Every breath felt heavy, every second stretching into eternity. Angela looked from me to the Elders, her fingers fidgeting, while Nathan seemed poised on a knife's edge, ready to react at the slightest provocation.

Finally, with a voice that reverberated with a lifetime of battles, heartaches, and decisions, I pulled my shoulders back and spoke up.

“I’ve had enough.”