Chapter 7

7

CHAI TEA WITH A SHOT OF CRAZY

Wyatt

“Octavia,” I say, my voice dropping a notch, seriousness creeping in. “I have to take care of some pack business.” I can feel the weight of my words. It’s not just any business; it’s the kind of work that demands focus, the kind of work that pulls me away from her. “Dalton will be waiting for me. I’ll be just down the path from the café if you need me.”

She turns to me, her expression unreadable, but it stirs an unsettling feeling in my gut. I can’t help but smirk, trying to lighten the mood. “Okay, so we need to go over the rules, baby. You can’t wander into the woods alone. Take Harrison with you if you go.”

Her lips curl into a faint smile, but I can see the flicker of something else behind her eyes. Something that tells me she’s not entirely comfortable with the idea of me leaving her. I watch her walk out of the office door, the soft sway of her hair a reminder of the warmth she brings to my life.

Just then, Dalton strides in, a knowing smirk plastered across his face. “Caught a glimpse of that kiss, did you?” he teases, his eyes twinkling with mischief. I can’t help but feel a swell of pride at the thought of Octavia blushing, her cheeks the color of ripe cherries.

“Yeah, yeah,” I brush off, waving my hand dismissively. “How’s patrol been? Any rogue wolves spotted?”

Dalton leans against the wall, crossing his arms. “Nothing out of the ordinary, but there’s chatter among the other packs. They’re worried about you finally getting a Luna. They’re concerned about your power.”

His words hang in the air, heavy with meaning. I’ve worked hard to build our pack, to strengthen our bonds, and the thought of other packs feeling threatened is a mix of satisfaction and concern. Just as we delve deeper into the discussion, the mate bond pulls at me, a sudden tug that sends shivers down my spine. Something is wrong with Octavia.

“Dalton, we need to wrap this up,” I say, urgency threading through my tone. “I need to find Octavia.”

We step outside the office, and I scan the area. The sun is setting, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, but my focus is solely on Octavia. I catch sight of her walking up the stairs toward me, and my heart sinks. There’s a distress etched on her face, a furrow in her brow that speaks volumes.

My instinct kicks in; I need to reach her, to understand what’s going on. She halts mid-step, her eyes wide, and in that moment, everything else fades away — my pack, Dalton, the looming threats from other packs — none of it matters as much as the worry that fills me seeing her like this.

“Hey,” I say softly, closing the distance between us. “Is everything okay? I could sense you were upset and worried but needed to wrap this matter up quickly. I was coming for you baby.”

“Can we talk?” she asks, causing turmoil inside my gut.

“Of course gorgeous,” I reply, searching her gaze for any signs of distress. “What’s wrong?”

I take a deep breath, trying not to freak the fuck out because this suspense will be my damn death. “It’s about Rachel.” And there it is, my stomach drops, at the same time I see red.

Octavia

The sun filters through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground as I walk hand in hand with Wyatt. There’s a lightness in the air, an electric thrill that feels almost tangible. I’m acutely aware of every detail: the warmth of his palm against mine, the subtle scent of pine and leather that clings to him, and the way his smile can light up even the darkest corners of my mind. Yet, as we approach his office door, a sense of foreboding creeps in, like an unwelcome gust of wind.

“Octavia, I have to take care of some pack business,” Wyatt says, his tone serious but soft. “Dalton will be waiting for me. I’ll be just down the path from the café if you need me.”

I nod, trying to hide the flicker of disappointment that crosses my mind. “I’ll be fine. Just a little walk to clear my head.”

He raises an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Okay, so we need to go over the rules baby. You can’t wander into the woods alone. Take Harrison with you if you go.”

I huff, crossing my arms. “I don’t need a babysitter, Wyatt. I’m not a child.”

“I know,” he replies, his voice warm. “But it’s not just about you. It’s about the pack, and I want you to be safe.”

There’s a tenderness in his gaze that melts some of my irritation. I relent, knowing he’s right. “Fine. If I decide to go for a walk, I’ll take Harrison.”

His lips brush against mine in a soft kiss that makes my heart flutter. Then, with a playful smack on my ass, he nudges me toward the door. Heat rushes to my cheeks, and I glance over my shoulder as I step out. Just in time to catch Beta Dalton rounding the corner, his expression a mix of curiosity and something else I can’t quite place.

I leave the office, the warmth of Wyatt’s kiss lingering on my lips. My heart is buoyed by the affection we share, but it’s quickly grounded as I make my way to the tiny town nestled within the protective walls of the Waterton Pack. The quaint, historic feel of the place tugs at my heartstrings, a sense of belonging washing over me. I can see why Wyatt loves it here, and why he is so dedicated to protecting it. It’s the alpha’s job, afterall.

The café is just a few steps away, a cozy little spot with a rustic charm that beckons me inside. As I push open the door, a small bell jingles overhead, and I step into a world filled with the rich aroma of coffee and baked goods. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, but as I approach the counter, everything shifts.

The blonde woman standing behind the counter scowls at me, and her blue eyes narrow as if I’ve just committed the gravest of offenses. “What do you want?” she snaps, her tone clipped and laced with disdain.

I’m taken aback, momentarily speechless. “Um, just a chai tea with oatmilk, please,” I manage to reply, trying to keep my voice steady.

She rolls her eyes, clearly unimpressed. “You think you can just waltz in here, don’t you? You’re the new mate, right? Octavia?”

I swallow hard, my heart sinking. “Yes, I am Wyatt’s mate if that’s who you’re talking about.”

“Good for you,” she sneers, her lips curling in a derisive smile. “But let me clue you in on something. You can’t satisfy Wyatt like I can. I know he likes it rough and sometimes wants you to play submissive. You should pack your ratty clothes and leave. He deserves someone who can really be with him, not someone like you.”

With each venomous word, the air feels thicker, suffocating. My wolf stirs inside me, whimpering in response to the hurtful remarks. I want to stand tall, to defend myself, but my voice falters. Doubt slithers into my mind like a serpent, and I begin to question everything — the bond I share with Wyatt, the love that once felt so certain.

I force a smile, though it feels brittle on my lips. “That’s not true,” I say, trying to sound confident. “Wyatt and I are meant to be together. We are fated.”

This has to be her. Rachel— her name comes to me like a punch to the gut—cackles at my declaration. “You really think so? Just because the Moon Goddess made you his mate doesn’t mean you’re right for him. You’re not even worthy of standing in this café, let alone by his side.”

The sting of her words cuts deep. I can feel the tears welling in my eyes, the burn of humiliation creeping up my cheeks. I turn on my heel, heart racing, and dash toward the bathroom in the back, desperate to escape the suffocating atmosphere.

As I splash cold water on my face, I try to steady my breath. My reflection stares back at me, eyes wide and filled with uncertainty. The wolf inside me howls in distress, and I can’t help but wonder if Rachel is right.

I focus on my wolf and ask, “ What if I’m not enough for Wyatt? What if the Moon Goddess made a mistake?”

“You can’t be serious. Wyatt loves us. He wants us. The Moon Goddess didn't make a mistake, Tavia.”

I take a deep breath, steeling myself. I can’t let Rachel get to me. I won’t. I’m stronger than this.

Just as I’m about to step out of the bathroom, I hear hushed voices in the hallway. I freeze, instinctively pressing myself against the wall to listen.

“I can’t believe she’s here,” a voice hisses, low and furious. It’s unmistakably Rachel. “She doesn’t belong with him. We need to do something about it, before it’s too late. I refuse to let her have what should be mine.”

“What do you mean?” a second voice asks, laced with curiosity. “She’s already his mate. Didn't you see the mark? What can we do?”

“There’s always a way,” Rachel replies, her tone dripping with malice. “If we play our cards right, we can make sure she never stands by him again. It’s time to remind him of what he’s missing.”

A chill runs down my spine. Fear and anger swirl inside me, a tempest of emotions that nearly overwhelms my senses. I take a step back, my heart pounding in my chest as I process what I've just overheard. It shouldn’t surprise me, given Rachel’s hostility, but the idea that she’s plotting against me — against Wyatt — sends a shiver of dread coursing through my veins.

I can’t let her win. I won’t let her tear apart what Wyatt and I have built together in this short time.

Gathering my courage, I push open the bathroom door and step back into the café, determined not to let Rachel’s words shatter my spirit. I keep my head high as I stride toward the door, ready to confront my doubts and reclaim my place at Wyatt’s side.

As I step outside, the cool air hits me like a refreshing wave, and I take a moment to breathe deeply. The path ahead beckons, and I know that I need to find Wyatt. I need to tell him what I heard, to share my fears and insecurities. He deserves to know, and I can’t let Rachel’s poison seep into our relationship.

With a newfound resolve, I head down the path, my heart racing with both fear and determination. I can’t let jealousy and betrayal dictate my fate. I am Octavia Bellmont, soon to be Octavia Saltman, and I will fight for my love.

The café fades behind me, and the trees whisper secrets as I walk. Each step feels heavier as I replay Rachel’s words in my mind. I can’t shake the feeling of inadequacy that clings to me like a shadow. What if Wyatt believes her? What if he sees me as she does — a mere placeholder that fate stuck him with rather than the true mate he would pick?

But then I remember Wyatt’s touch, the way he looks at me, as if I’m the only one who exists in his world. I hold onto that thought as I approach the pack house, my heart pounding with anticipation and dread.

The door swings open as I near, and I catch sight of Wyatt, deep in conversation with Dalton. His brow furrows with concentration, and I can’t help but admire how he carries himself — confident and commanding. But as I step further into the room, their conversation halts, and all eyes turn to me.

“Octavia,” Wyatt says, his expression shifting from businesslike to concerned in an instant. “Is everything okay? I could sense you were upset and worried but needed to wrap this matter up quickly. I was coming for you baby.”

I hesitate, the weight of Rachel’s words pressing heavily on my chest. But I know I can’t hide from Wyatt. Not now. Not ever.

“Can we talk?” I ask, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me.

“Of course gorgeous,” he replies, his gaze searching mine for any signs of distress. “What’s wrong?”

I take a deep breath, summoning every ounce of courage I have. “It’s about Rachel.”

His expression darkens, and I can see the protective instinct rise within him. “What did she say to you?”

I feel a lump forming in my throat, but I push it down. “She… she said some terrible things to me at the café. About how I can’t satisfy you and how I should leave. I wish you would have told me she works there.”

Wyatt’s jaw tightens, and I can see the fury simmering just beneath the surface. “I’ll deal with her. You don’t have to worry about Rachel. I didn’t think it would be an issue seeing her because she’s usually in the kitchen, not out front. I’m sorry baby.”

“No,” I interject, my heart racing. “I don’t want you to fight my battles for me. I just… I just need you to know how I feel. I’m scared, Wyatt. Scared that I’m not enough for you.”

He steps closer, his expression softening. “You are enough. You are everything to me, Octavia. Don’t let her words get to you. She’s bitter and jealous, and she’ll say anything to hurt you. But you and I — we’re fated. That’s not something she can change, baby girl.”

Tears prick at the corners of my eyes, and I feel the weight of his words settle over me like a warm blanket. “But what if she’s right? What if I can’t be what you need?”

Wyatt takes my hands in his, his touch grounding me. “You are my mate. No one else can take your place. I chose you, Octavia, and I will always choose you. You are strong, and you are worthy. You are everything I need and so much more. Don’t let anyone make you doubt that.”

His conviction washes over me, and for the first time since Rachel’s cruel words, I feel a flicker of hope. “I love you, Wyatt,” I whisper, my voice trembling with emotion.

“I love you too,” he replies, his thumb brushing gently across my knuckles. “And I will do whatever it takes to protect you. Rachel won’t come between us. I won’t let her.”

As the tension in the room eases, I feel a sense of clarity blossom within me. I won’t let jealousy or betrayal dictate my fate. I will fight for my love, for my place beside Wyatt.

With renewed strength, I lean into him, feeling the warmth of his embrace wrap around me like a shield against the world. Together, we can face whatever challenges await us. Together, we are unstoppable.

And as I look up into his mesmerizing eyes, I know that nothing — even Rachel’s spiteful schemes — can sever the bond we share. This is just the beginning of our journey. This is fate.