Adeline POV

I sat as still as I could in the packhouse living room, but I was a total nervous wreck.

Like magic, I’d actually managed to sink that basketball. And per our deal, Oliver had to get me a meeting with his dad. So here we go. I’m officially in the Blue Moon Packhouse living room.

“Your dad is doing just fine with me, Adeline,” Alpha Caleb said.

He sounded so calm, like there was nothing to worry about.

“If that’s the case, then let me see him, Alpha.”

He grunted. He glanced over at Oliver, who was sitting in a chair to the west, looking way too elegant for his own good while he watched us talk.

“Sure. You can see your dad, but not just yet.”

I held my breath, trying to wrap my head around this. “Why did you have to take my dad in the first place, Alpha?”

“You’ve got it all wrong, Adeline,” Oliver cut in suddenly. “My dad didn't take him. We welcomed him and gave him a privilege.”

“A privilege?” I was getting even more confused. “What kind of privilege?”

“I know what’s going on.”

Alpha Caleb smiled at me, but it totally gave me the creeps.

“I know why you and your dad keep moving around. I’m offering protection, and as it turns out, your father agreed,” he said.

I looked at Oliver, trying my best not to fall for whatever this trap was.

“But you and your father have to stay here. Your dad is in a safe place. He even agreed to let you become my son’s Beta.”

“Beta for your son?” I am so fucking shocked.

Oliver smirked at me. Then he pulled up a video showing my dad in a super fancy, comfortable room. He actually looked like he was enjoying himself. We’ve never had luxury like that before. Seeing him look so relaxed made me feel a weird mix of guilt and relief.

“My son is going to be Alpha one day. I haven't found anyone worthy of being his Beta yet. You’re the perfect fit.”

“Me? Why? I mean, I literally just got to this pack.”

“Your blood. This pack needs it. You won’t have to run anymore, and your dad will be safe. I know he needs medical attention because of his health.”

In all our time on the move, I’d never told a soul about my dad’s condition. His health had been pretty shaky, but I couldn't do anything about it. We were moving too much to ever get him real help. This was a real chance, but can I actually trust these guys?

“I can also guarantee no one will bully you at school anymore,” Oliver added.

Which was rich coming from him, considering he’s the one who’s always starting drama with me.

“Oliver, take Adeline to see her father. She clearly needs to see him. I’ll be waiting for your answer after you talk to your dad, Adeline.”

Oliver stood up, but I was still totally torn on what to do.

“Come on.”

Oliver looked at me. Even though I was freaking out, I didn't have a choice. I had to see my dad. I got up.

He just cruised out of the room without waiting. Alpha Caleb gestured for me to follow him, so I hurried to catch up.

“Wait up!”

His legs are so long, his stride was basically a sprint for me. We walked through this massive hallway. Even just the hallway furniture and the architecture were completely insane.

“Where are you hiding my dad, Oliver?”

“Shut up and just follow me.”

I huffed. Even in a situation like this, he’s still such a jerk. And what? I’m supposed to be his Beta? I have to serve this empathetic-less, annoying, total idiot? Oh, fucking no.

“Get in,” Oliver said, opening a door to one of the rooms.

I froze. He just stood there, expressionless.

“Move it!”

His bark made me jump, and I walked into the room. But as soon as I turned around, Oliver stepped in too and locked the door behind him.

“Oliver, what are you doing?”

I tried to get to the door, but he blocked me. He actually grabbed me and pulled me back. He’s like twice my size, so I had zero chance of breaking free.

“Oliver, let me go!”

He didn't budge. He just stared at me, his chest heaving as his breathing got all ragged.

“Your scent is driving me crazy, Hybrid.”

“What are you even talking about? Let me go, Oliver. You’re supposed to take me to my dad.”

He smirked. “You think it’s that easy? You were stupid to just trust my dad like that.”

My jaw dropped. Why would Oliver say that? Was I being set up?

“Your dad is hiding something about you, Adeline. And my dad knows exactly what it is.”

“Oliver...” I was totally speechless.

“And this damn mate bond.” He closed his eyes, and I could feel the frustration coming off him in waves.

His hands slid around my waist. I could feel his touch everywhere. Even though I still didn't feel the bond on my end, my body was definitely reacting to the way he was looking at me and touching me.

“Let me go, Oliver. I don't know what you’re talking about. My dad isn't hiding anything.”

I tried to fight him off with everything I had, but that just made him go feral. He shoved me onto the bed and pinned me down.

“Help!”

“You’re calling for help? Who’s gonna help you, Hybrid? No one’s gonna stop me. I’m the Alpha’s son. You just need to listen to me.”

“In your dreams,” I snapped back.

His eyes bled into red. His jaw tightened. He looked at me like I’d just committed a crime.

“Why can’t you be like other girls?”

“Why? Is your ego bruised because I’m not obsessed with you? You’re using your power to hold me captive. You kidnapped my dad and used him as bait. You’re a total coward, Oliver.”

“You need to learn who I am, Hybrid.”

Oliver pinned my wrists above my head so I couldn't move, locking my body down with his legs. He looked at me like he was about to hunt me down.

“Damn it!”

He kissed me so hard, with this burning passion. I felt this crazy sensation shoot through my whole body. My lips were totally his target, and since I couldn't move, I was just stuck there. Part of me was pissed that he was stealing a kiss, but another part.

“Stop, Oliver. Please.”

He pulled back for a split second, then dove back in, devouring my lips again. What was happening? He’d totally lost control. I was burning up.

At first, I tried to resist, but after a few seconds, I couldn't stop myself. Oliver let go of my hands, giving me a chance to escape, but instead of pushing him away, I wrapped my arms around his back and let myself drown in that brutal, desperate kiss.

I was completely breathless as I stared into Oliver’s eyes. I felt something inside me I’d never felt before.