Olivia's Point of View
The mansion loomed ahead like something out of a dark fairy tale—elegant but eerie. I followed Alpha Jaden into the massive entryway, unsure whether I had just stepped into safety or danger. The silence that wrapped around us was thick, almost suffocating.
He didn't say a word as he led me up the grand staircase. I trailed behind, my heart still racing. My shoes clicked softly against the polished wooden floors, echoing down the long hallway. At the very end, he opened a door to a dimly lit room.
"You'll stay here," he said firmly. "Don't leave this room unless I come for you."
My brows furrowed. "Am I a prisoner now?"
He turned slowly, his eyes flashing gold in the dim light. "You're not ready to understand what's out there. This is for your own safety."
I wanted to argue—but how do you argue with a werewolf alpha who carried you through the woods like you weighed nothing? I bit back my words and nodded instead. The door closed with a soft click behind him.
The room was surprisingly cozy. A plush bed, a fireplace, a bookshelf filled with old novels. But none of it could settle the storm in my mind. I had questions—too many. What exactly had attacked me in the woods? Why did Jaden rescue me? And why did I feel this strange pull toward him, like something inside me recognized him?
I didn't sleep that night.
---
Morning light filtered through thick velvet curtains. I finally stepped out of bed, drawn to the window. From this angle, I could see the vast stretch of the forest beyond the property—wild and endless. My heart tugged at the memory of those glowing red eyes from the night before.
There was a knock at the door.
"Come in," I called hesitantly.
A woman entered with a tray of food. She looked human, maybe in her fifties, with soft eyes and a warm smile.
"My name's Martha," she said, setting the tray down. "I help around the estate. Alpha Jaden asked me to check on you."
I gave her a polite smile. "Thank you... Martha, do you know what's going on? Why I'm really here?"
She paused. "I think it's better if the Alpha tells you himself. But I will say this—he's never brought anyone here before. You must be special."
Special. That word sent chills down my spine. I didn't feel special. I felt trapped in a mystery I never asked to be a part of.
---
Later that day, I couldn't resist the urge to explore. I cracked open the door and peeked down the hallway. Empty. Quiet. I stepped out cautiously.
The mansion was like a museum—rich wooden walls, paintings of ancestors, and chandeliers that looked centuries old. I followed a narrow hallway, drawn toward the sound of voices. I stopped when I heard Jaden's voice behind a half-open door.
"She doesn't know what she is yet."
My breath caught.
Another voice answered—deep, unfamiliar. "She'll find out soon enough. The signs are already there."
What was I?
Suddenly, the door creaked open wider, and Jaden appeared, eyes narrowing. "You shouldn't be out here."
I took a step back, flustered. "I heard voices... I was just—"
"Curious?" His voice was low, controlled. "Curiosity gets people killed in our world, Olivia."
I clenched my fists. "Then explain! Tell me what's happening, why I'm here! Don't just lock me away like some secret."
He stared at me for a long moment. Then, unexpectedly, he softened. "You're not a secret. But you are... important. And not just to me. Others are watching."
He moved closer. "You asked me last night if you were a prisoner. You're not. But if you keep walking through these halls without knowing what's lurking in the shadows, you won't live long enough to learn why you matter."
Before I could reply, a shadow passed the window.
Jaden tensed instantly. "Get back to your room. Now."
"Why—"
He growled. Not loudly, but it rumbled through the floor beneath my feet.
"Now, Olivia. That wasn't one of mine."
I bolted.
---
Back in the safety of my room, I tried to catch my breath. My hands trembled.
What did he mean by one of mine?
Was I in the middle of some kind of supernatural war?
And more importantly...
Why did it feel like I'd just walked straight into the center of it?
To be continued...