"Yes," Asher said simply. "If I'm going to help you destroy James Grant, I want something permanent in return. Not money. Not shares. You. A true mate bond."

"But I'm already bonded—"

He interrupted. "And you'll break it soon. Think about my offer, Mrs. Grant. You have my number."

The call was disconnected.

I stared at my phone, my mind spinning. Become Asher Storme's mate? The alpha who was James's worst enemy?

I shook my head. No. I didn't need him. I had the evidence. I had the shares. I could handle this myself.

I would make sure James lost everything, the same way he'd taken everything from me.

Olivia's POV

I didn't waste any time. I went straight to the bedroom and began packing my things. I needed to leave this pack, and find a safe territory as soon as possible.

I moved mindlessly, pulling clothes from hangers, emptying drawers as I arranged them all in my bags.

"Olivia?"

I froze.

James's voice came from the doorway. "What's going on? What are you doing?"

I turned slowly to face him. My wolf snarled in my head, all she wanted to do was claw his eyes out.

His expression changed instantly when he saw my face. My eyes were red and swollen from crying, and my cheeks stained with tears.

"What's wrong?" Panic flashed in his eyes as he stepped closer. "Are you okay? What happened?"

The concern in his voice made my stomach turn. He was so good at pretending. He sounded so convincing.

I shook my head. "Nothing." I croaked.

He stepped closer even more, looking worried. "Come on, it can't be nothing, you've been crying."

I knew James wouldn't drop it anytime soon, so I lied.

"It's Alice," I whispered, my voice breaking.

He furrowed his brows. "Your foster mother? The same one who's been in a coma since the attack?"

I nodded. "The clinic called. She's getting worse. Her wolf is fading. They said... they said she might not make it."

For a split second, I saw something like relief flash in his eyes.

Then it was gone, replaced by fake sympathy.

"Oh, Olivia." He stepped forward, pulling me into his arms. "I'm sorry. I know she means a lot to you."

My skin crawled at his touch. The hands that had murdered my pups were now holding me, comforting me. My wolf growled.

I wanted to scream. I wanted to shift and tear his throat out.

But I forced myself to stay still, to let him hold me.

"James?" Mia's voice called from the doorway.