#Chapter 40 – Unfinished Bonds

Olivia's POV The butterflies in my stomach threatened to morph into a Mothra-sized nausea with the Alpha Council vote here. Slipping the earring into place, my phone buzzed with a message. Derek: “Aiden intends to use the bond (or lack thereof) against Ethan. If you won’t act, Olivia, I may have to reconsider my alliances. Consider this a friendly warning.” The words hit like a punch to the gut. I sank onto the edge of my vanity, my hand tightening around my phone. Derek wasn’t one to give idle threats. If he was hinting at switching sides, it meant he thought we were vulnerable. As much as I tried to dismiss Aiden’s threats, I knew he’d exploit any weakness if it would elevate him and undermine Ethan. He was already digging with that letter. And Derek, along with the other Alphas on the Council, would be watching for even the smallest slip. If they saw us crack, Derek’s loyalty would be up for sale. The only surefire way to protect Ethan and me was to complete the