Chapter 295

I watched the sun dip below the horizon, casting a deep, vibrant orange hue across the sky.

A week had passed since Nathan had chosen to stay at the cabins, and every sunset that went by without him being home seemed to amplify the growing chasm between us.

“Olivia,” Angela’s voice pulled me from my thoughts. “You’ve been staring at that horizon for the past half hour. Come sit down.”

Reluctantly, I turned away and joined her on the porch. “I’m sorry. I can’t help it,” I admitted. "”It’s been a week, Angie. I thought we’d have sorted things out by now.”

She gave a gentle smile, placing a reassuring hand on mine. “Don’t worry too much about Nathan. You two are fated mates, remember? Things will work out. Besides, he’s a man. They’re not exactly known for having the most… sophisticated emotional control.”

The mention of our bond—and Angela’s light humor—should’ve provided comfort, but instead, it stung. “But it’s not just about us,” I muttered. “It’s about the witch, finding out a way to protect Aurora from this deal that I made. It’s all a mess, and I don’t know how to stop it.”

Angela leaned back, her eyes searching mine. "”Hmm,” she said. “It sounds like you’ll have to do some research on how to take her down. That way, if Nathan decides to man up and get back on the horse, you’ll be prepared.”

She paused for a moment, chewing her lower lip as a glass of iced tea lingered in front of her lips. “Oh, have you heard? Layla’s coming to stay for a while and help. You can ask her. She knows all about history and mythology, right?”

“Layla?” The surprise was evident in my voice. “But… she just had a baby, didn’t she? And she’s engaged, right?”

Angela’s expression darkened, her lips forming a thin line. “Yes, she had the baby. But I’ve heard through the grapevine that things with her fiancé might not be going so well. There’s been a lot of gossip.”

I felt a tug in my chest. “Like what?”

Angela shrugged. “I don’t wanna start any more rumors than what’s already out there. But apparently, the baby might not be hers.”

My eyes widened slightly. “Well… Whose could it be?” I asked.

With a shrug, Angela looked away. I could feel the implications practically wafting off of her. But Nathan and Layla hadn’t been able to conceive a baby. Or so I thought. Unless…

“And why is she coming here?” I asked, swallowing.

Angela hesitated. “Nathan invited her. He’s arranged for her to stay at a posh hotel in town, too.”

A strange mix of emotions welled up inside me. Confusion, surprise, and an undeniable twinge of jealousy. “Why would he do that? Why invite his ex to come and stay? We have experts here.”

She sighed. “From what I’ve heard, it’s about the library. Nathan wants her expertise.”

I bit the inside of my cheek, trying to quell the rising tide of insecurity. “But he could’ve spoken to me first. Especially when he’s been distant and Layla... well, Layla and her fiancé aren’t doing well.”

The implications were not lost on me, and they left a bitter taste in my mouth.

Angela leaned closer, her voice gentle. “Olivia, I know how you feel. But maybe Nathan just thought Layla was the best choice for the library. It doesn’t necessarily mean anything about you two.”

I shook my head. “I know. It’s just... everything’s been so off since the Ancient Wolf. I sometimes wonder if our bond has changed. Maybe it’s not as strong as it once was.”

“That’s not true,” Angela snapped, her voice sharp. “Your bond is unbreakable. This is just a rough patch. Every couple goes through them.”

“But inviting Layla? Now?” I countered, frustration edging my voice. “It feels like a slap in the face, Angie. We’ve not even sorted our issues, and he’s bringing her back into the picture.”

She sighed. “I get it. But Layla’s always been a part of this pack, regardless of her relationship with Nathan. Maybe he’s just trying to do what’s best for the town. Layla’s expertise is unmatched, even if we have our own experts.”

I leaned back, crossing my arms. “It just feels... underhanded. If he was being open about it, he would have spoken to me.”

Angela reached out, grabbing my hand. “Then speak to him. Talk about how you feel. You can’t expect him to read your mind.”

I glanced at the horizon, where the last traces of sunlight were disappearing. “Maybe. But right now, I don’t even know if I want to.”

Angela gave a resigned sigh. “Alright. Just remember, Olivia, relationships need communication. If you don’t talk to him, things will only get worse.”

I nodded, taking a deep breath. “I’ll think about it.”

She gave my hand a reassuring squeeze. “That’s all I ask.”

…

The sun was high and shining bright, a gentle warmth kissing the bustling square. I was at a table, organizing cans and handing out bags for the food drive. The sense of community and charity flowed like a gentle current through the gathered crowd, but every few moments, someone would break it with their unrelenting curiosity.

“Olivia, where’s Nathan? Isn't the Alpha usually with you for these things?” Mrs. Carter, the tailor’s wife, asked, raising an eyebrow inquisitively.

I plastered on a smile, my practiced response slipping out. “Oh, he’s busy with Alpha duties. You know how it is.”

She nodded, but I could see the flicker of suspicion in her eyes before she moved along.

That was the third time someone had asked, and my heart grew heavier with each time it happened. What was supposed to be a joyous occasion, a chance for everyone to come together in our town, was becoming a subtle reminder of the rift between Nathan and me.

I continued handing out food, chatting with familiar faces and doing my best to steer conversations away from Nathan.

Then, just as I thought I was getting the hang of it, I spotted Mrs. Fletcher, the oldest resident in our town, hobbling towards me. With her sharp eyes and insatiable thirst for gossip, she was one encounter I wasn’t looking forward to.

“Olivia, dear,” she greeted with a gleam in her eyes. “I haven’t seen Nathan around lately. Is he alright?”

Before I could craft another excuse, I felt a warm arm drape over my shoulder. I glanced up, startled, to find Nathan’s familiar face smiling down at me. “I’m doing well, Mrs. Fletcher. Just busy serving our pack.”

The elderly lady chuckled, tapping Nathan’s arm playfully. “You two are such a sweet pair. Takes me back to my younger days.”

We both smiled politely, waiting until Mrs. Fletcher shuffled off with her bag of goods. As soon as she was out of earshot, Nathan’s smile vanished, and he quickly dropped his arm.

I could feel the anger bubbling up inside me. Without a word, I grabbed his hand and pulled him away from the crowd to a more secluded corner of the square.

“Nathan,” I started, my voice dripping with frustration. “You… You can’t just do that. You can’t act all lovey-dovey in public and then ghost me in private. It’s been a week since I’ve felt your presence by my side. I want you to come home.”

He looked at me, pain evident in his eyes, and shook his head. “I’m sorry, Liv. But I can’t. I’m not ready.”

The hurt from his distance was enough, but his evasiveness was like salt in the wound.

“Oh, really?” I asked, my voice quivering. “But you’re ready to invite your ex back to town?”