Chapter 16: Episode 16: A Heart's Awakening

Briar’s POV

It’s strange how life can shift overnight. Just yesterday, I thought Olivia was intimidating, distant, even untouchable in some ways. But after our date, something about her feels... closer, warmer. Her smiles seem softer now, and the memory of her laugh keeps playing in my head.

As I walk into college, I see Tara waving at me from our usual spot in the courtyard. Ethan is sitting next to her, as usual, scrolling through his phone. Tara’s eyes light up when she spots me, and I know I’m not escaping her interrogation.

“Look who’s glowing!” Tara exclaims the moment I sit down.

“I’m not glowing,” I mutter, pulling out my notebook, trying to appear busy.

“You so are,” she insists, leaning closer. “So? How was the date? You can’t just leave me hanging like this!”

Ethan smirks. “I bet Olivia swept you off your feet.”

“She didn’t sweep me anywhere,” I grumble, though I can’t stop the small smile that creeps onto my face.

“See! That’s the smile!” Tara shouts, pointing at me. “Tell me everything! Where did you go? What did she say? Did she look at you with those intense alpha eyes and make your heart race?”

I groan, burying my face in my hands. “Why do I even tell you anything?”

“Because you secretly love how invested I am in your love life,” she says smugly.

Ethan chuckles and nudges Tara. “Alright, let her breathe. Briar will share when she’s ready.”

“Thank you,” I say to him, grateful for the reprieve.

Tara huffs. “Fine. But don’t think I’m letting you off the hook completely. I’ll get all the details eventually.”

We shift the conversation to our classes, and I feel myself relaxing. It’s moments like these—sitting with Tara and Ethan, laughing over nothing—that make me grateful for their friendship.

---

Olivia’s POV

Back at the packhouse, I’m in my office, going over territory reports when Caleb walks in unannounced. He doesn’t knock anymore—it’s a privilege he’s earned as my beta and best friend.

“You look... distracted,” he says, dropping into the chair across from my desk.

“I’m fine,” I reply automatically, not looking up from the papers in front of me.

“Uh-huh,” he says, unconvinced. “Let me guess—Briar?”

I sigh, leaning back in my chair. “Is it that obvious?”

“Painfully,” he says with a grin. “So, how’s it going with her? Did the date help?”

“It went well,” I admit. “Better than I expected, actually. She opened up a little, and I think... I think she’s starting to trust me.”

“That’s good,” Caleb says, nodding. “But you know it’s going to take time, right? She’s young, and this whole mate bond thing is new to her.”

“I know,” I say, rubbing my temples. “I just want her to feel safe with me. Like she can rely on me completely.”

Caleb gives me a thoughtful look. “You’re already doing a good job, Olivia. But maybe it’s time to show her more of yourself. Let her see you not just as her alpha, but as a person—someone she can laugh with, talk to, lean on.”

I nod, taking his words to heart. “You’re right. I’ll figure something out.”

“You always do,” he says with a small smile. “Now, stop stressing and come join the pack for dinner tonight. They miss seeing their alpha outside of meetings and patrols.”

I chuckle. “I’ll think about it.”

Training Grounds

Later that evening, Briar and I meet at the training grounds for our usual session. She’s focused today, her moves sharper, more precise than ever. I can see the fire in her eyes, the determination that makes her who she is.

“You’re improving,” I say as we take a break.

She grins, wiping sweat from her brow. “Thanks. I’ve been practicing.”

We sit on the edge of the mat, the cool evening air brushing against our skin. Briar leans back on her hands, gazing up at the sky.

“It’s beautiful tonight,” she says softly.

“It is,” I agree, though my eyes are on her, not the sky.

She catches me staring and raises an eyebrow. “What?”

“Nothing,” I say quickly, looking away.

She smirks. “You’re a terrible liar, Olivia.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “You’re the second person to tell me that today.”

Briar’s expression softens, and for a moment, we sit in silence. Then, she speaks.

“Why did you choose me?” she asks quietly.

I turn to her, surprised. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, you’re this powerful alpha. You could have anyone you want. So why me?”

I take a deep breath, choosing my words carefully. “I didn’t choose you, Briar. The bond did. But if I could choose, I’d still choose you. Because you’re strong, kind, and unapologetically yourself. You challenge me in ways no one else ever has. And I know that, together, we’ll be unstoppable.”

Briar looks at me, her eyes wide and filled with something I can’t quite place. For the first time, she doesn’t look away.

“Thank you,” she whispers.

“For what?”

“For seeing me,” she says simply.

I smile, reaching out to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “I’ll always see you, Briar.”

She blushes, looking down at her hands, but I can see the small smile on her lips.

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a HUGE thank you for 1.50k views on the book! I’m so grateful for all the love and support. It means the world to me, and I can’t wait to bring you more of Briar and Olivia’s journey. Stay tuned—there’s so much more to come!