Chapter 16

• Olivia’s POV
• I was sparring with Bianca when the new recruits were brought in, their footsteps heavy as they marched onto the training grounds. Bianca landed a punch to my shoulder, and I grunted in response, more out of surprise than pain. I barely registered her next move because my eyes were drawn to the newcomers.
• "Eyes forward, Olivia," Bianca warned, though her tone was more amused than stern.
• I returned my attention to the sparring match, blocking her next attack and countering with a swift jab to her side. But even as we continued, my mind was elsewhere. Among the group of recruits, there was one figure who stood out—someone I could’ve sworn I recognized.
• The rest of the session passed in a blur. My mind was too preoccupied, distracted by the woman who looked so familiar that just passed. I had only seen her side view but I could swear I knew her. When we finally wrapped up for the day, Bianca noticed my lingering gaze toward the recruits and smirked.
• "You're distracted. See someone you know?" she teased, wiping the sweat from her forehead.
• "Maybe. I’m not sure yet," I replied, keeping my tone casual, though I felt anything but calmnessbevause if it was truly the woman I knew then I was in trouble.
• As Bianca headed off to cool down, I took a deep breath and made my way toward the recruits' camp. The sun was already beginning to set, but there was enough light for me to see clearly as I approached their tents. The scent of fresh sweat, leather, and pine lingered in the air, typical of a long day of training.
• And then I saw her. Kim.
• My heart clenched, and an icy wave of dread washed over me. Kim, the alpha who had tormented me before, was standing tall and authoritative in front of the other female warriors. She was the leader of the She-wolves. Of course she was. Fate had a cruel sense of humor.
• Kim’s turned to me almost immediately, as if she’d been expecting me, her lips curling into a cold, predatory smile. She hadn’t changed much since the last time I’d seen her—same sharp features, same piercing gaze that made my stomach twist. She looked even more confident now, radiating the kind of dominance that only an alpha could possess.
• “Well, well, well,” Kim said, her voice dripping with condescension as she stepped forward, leaving the other She-wolves behind. “If it isn’t little Olivia. Come to say hello?”
• I stood my ground, though every instinct in me screamed to turn around and walk away. Kim had always had that effect on me, making me feel small, insignificant. But I wasn’t that same girl anymore. I couldn’t be.
• “Kim,” I acknowledged her, keeping my voice steady. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”
• She chuckled, folding her arms across her chest. “Clearly. But then again, you never were good at expecting the inevitable, were you?”
• I narrowed my eyes at her, unwilling to rise to the bait. Kim had always known how to push my buttons, but I wasn’t going to let her get under my skin this time. I couldn’t afford to.
• “What do you want, Kim?” I asked, trying to keep the conversation as brief as possible. “Are you here to train or to cause trouble?”
• Her smile widened, and she took a step closer. “I’m here to lead, darling. Just like always. The real question is, what are you doing here? Playing soldier with the big boys? Does Bustan know you’re out here pretending to be a warrior?”
• I bristled at her words, but I didn’t let it show. “I’m not pretending anything. I belong here just as much as anyone else.”
• Kim’s eyes glittered with amusement. “Oh, is that so? You’ve come a long way from the scared little wolf I used to know. But don’t fool yourself, Olivia. You’re still not cut out for this life. You never were.”
• Her words struck a chord, but I swallowed the hurt and forced myself to stay calm. “You don’t know me anymore, Kim.”
• “Don’t I?” She tilted her head, feigning curiosity. “I know exactly who you are. You’re the weak link. The one who always needed saving. I’m surprised Bustan hasn’t thrown you to the wolves yet.”
• I clenched my fists at my sides, my nails digging into my palms. “I’m not the same person you used to know. I’ve grown stronger, and I won’t let you intimidate me.”
• Kim raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying the exchange. “Stronger, huh? We’ll see about that.” She took another step closer, her voice lowering to a menacing whisper. “But don’t forget, Olivia, strength isn’t just about muscles and fighting. It’s about power. Influence. And you? You’ve got none.”
• I felt a surge of anger rise within me, but I kept it in check. “I’m not afraid of you anymore, Kim. You don’t have power over me.”
• For a moment, she just stared at me, her expression unreadable. Then she laughed, a cold, mocking sound that echoed in the twilight. “Oh, sweetheart, you’re adorable. But don’t worry, I’m not here to make you afraid. I’m here to remind you of your place.”
• I stared at her, my heart pounding in my chest. “And what place is that?”
• Her smile faded, replaced by a look of disdain. “Beneath me.”
• My wolf growled inside me, but I forced myself to stay still. This was what Kim wanted—to get a rise out of me, to provoke me into doing something reckless. But I wouldn’t give her the satisfaction.
• “You’re wrong,” I said quietly but firmly. “I’m not beneath anyone.”
• Kim’s eyes flashed with something dark, and for a moment, I thought she might lash out. But instead, she took a step back, her expression turning smug once again.
• “We’ll see about that,” she said, her voice dripping with malice. “The She-wolves follow me now. And if you think you can stand in my way, Olivia, you’re in for a rude awakening.”
• I met her gaze, refusing to back down. “I’m not standing in your way, Kim. But if you threaten me or anyone I care about, I won’t hesitate to stop you.”
• Her eyes narrowed slightly, and for a moment, I saw a flicker of something like doubt cross her face. But it was gone as quickly as it had appeared, replaced by her usual arrogance.
• “Big words for someone who’s always been a coward,” Kim said, her voice low and dangerous. “But don’t worry, Olivia. You won’t have to wait long to prove yourself. The next time we’re on the battlefield, we’ll see just how strong you really are.”
• Without another word, she turned and walked away, I watched her go, my heart still pounding in my chest, my mind racing.
• Kim was back. And she was as dangerous as ever.