The afternoon sun cast long shadows across my sitting room as I paced back and forth. Olivia was three
hours late for our w****y tea–something that had never happened before.
“Bernard,” I called sharply. Any word?”
My faithful butler appeared, his face showing concern. “No, Matriarch. Alpha Ethan’s phone remains
unanswered”
A knot of dread tightened in my chest. Olivia was always punctual, especially for our meetings.
“Get Maxwell Chen on the phone,” I ordered. “Immediately.”
When Maxwell answered, I didn’t waste time with pleasantries. “Where is my grandson?”
“Alpha Stone is in a pack meeting, Matriarch. Shall I have him call you when he’s finished?”
I’d lived too many years to be fooled by such an obvious lie. “Don’t insult my intelligence. Where is Ethan?”
After a pause, Maxwell finally admitted, “Alpha Stone is at the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den with Victoria Frost and her daughter.”
My grip tightened on the receiver. “And where is Olivia?”
His silence spoke volumes.
“I will ask you once more. Where is my grandson’s mate?”
His response was barely audible. The basement of Rosewood Haven, Matriarch.”
The word ‘basement‘ hit me like a physical blow. I remembered finding eight-year–old Olivia huddled in that same basement, covered in rat bites, her eyes wide with terror.
“Get my grandson on the phone,” I demanded, my voice trembling with fury.
“I can’t. He’s with the doctors and has given orders not to be disturbed.”
“How long has Olivia been in that basement?”
“Since early this afternoon,” Maxwell admitted.
“Bernard! Have my car brought around immediately. And summon my bodyguards.”
The drive to Rosewood Haven seemed endless. When we finally arrived, I marched toward the house, my bodyguards flanking me.
“The basement,” I commanded, and they moved ahead, forcing open the heavy door.
The darkness was absolute. One guard found a light switch, illuminating the stone staircase.
“Olivial” I called. “Olivia, dear, are you there?”
A faint whimper answered me, so weak I might have missed it.
I descended the stairs as quickly as my aging body allowed. At the bottom, I found a small form huddled
Chapter 51 The Matiarch
against the far wall, curled into a tight ball.
“Not hospital food,” Olivia added, “Real food. Venison, if possible.”
Her expression grew serious. “I need to ask you for a favor, Grandmother.”
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