Chapter 45: Predators and Protectors–1


    Chapter 45: Predators and Protectors


    (Olivia’s POV)


    “Alpha Connor…” The name escaped my lips in a breathless whisper as I found myself


    safely enveloped in his strong arms.


    Behind me, heavy footsteps pounded to a sudden halt. I turned slightly to see Harold ckwood and Dous Thornton frozen in their tracks, their earlier predatory expressions melting into shock and fear.


    Harold’s mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water. The vulgar threats he’d been shouting moments ago died in his throat as he took in the imposing figure


    holding me protectively.


    “You’re… Rivers… President Rivers?” Dous stammered, his face draining of color as


    recognition dawned.


    Connor’s four bodyguards nked him like a wall of muscle, their expressions promising violence. The two businessmen seemed to shrink before my eyes, their earlier swagger evaporating into trembling panic.


    I felt <i>Connor’s </i>chest rise against mine as he drew a deep breath. His ice–blue eyes had turned cial, radiating an oppressive aura that seemed to drop the temperature


    in the entire lobby.


    “P–President Rivers,” Harold forced out a sickening attempt at a smile, sweat beading on his forehead. “Do you know this Miss Winters?”


    Connor didn’t bother responding to their pathetic groveling. His jaw tightened as he shot a meaningful nce toward his bodyguards.


    Without a word, the four men moved forward with practiced efficiency. They seized Harold and Dous, who offered no resistance as they were effortlessly restrained.


    “They tried <i>to </i>force me to drink something suspicious,” I exined quietly, looking up at Connor. “When I refused and tried to leave, they became aggressive. They were going to… to teach me a lesson.”


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    Chapter 45: Predators and.


    Connor’s expression remained dangerously calm as he gently took my hand. His touch was warm despite the coldness in his eyes.


    “I’ll take you home,” he said simply, his voice leaving no room for argument.


    +15 Points>


    I nodded and followed obediently, but couldn’t help ncing back at the two men being dragged away. A knot of anxiety formed in my stomach.


    “What will you do with those two?” I asked softly.


    Connor’s reply was measured yet somehow more frightening for its calmness. “Let


    them learn a lesson.”


    Though he didn’t borate, I understood the implication. The Rivers pack didn’t tolerate those who threatened their own, and Harold and Dous had made a grave


    mistake.


    Inside the club, the bodyguards roughly shoved the two businessmen into a private


    room. The door mmed shut behind them with an ominous finality.


    Harold immediately copsed to his knees, his earlier arrogancepletely


    shattered.


    “Please, I was wrong!” he sobbed, sping his hands together. “I didn’t know Miss


    Winters was President Rivers‘ woman! Please spare me!”


    Dous’s legs trembled violently as he backed against the wall. “We meant no


    disrespect to the Rivers family! It was just a misunderstanding!”


    The bodyguards exchanged cold nces, unmoved by their pleas. Without warning,


    the first blownded–a sickening crunch followed by a howl of pain.


    More blows followed, methodical and merciless. The men’s screams grew louder,


    then hoarser, until finally, there was only silence.


    The message was clear; no one touched what belonged to the Rivers pack.


    The next morning, I felt the change as soon as I walked through the doors of Moow Legal Services. Conversations halted abruptly as I passed. Colleagues averted their eyes or stared with undisguised curiosity.


    The whispers followed me down the hallway like persistent shadows.


    < Chapter 45: Predators and…


    “Did you hear what happened?”


    “They say she’s being kept by someone powerful…”


    “No wonder she drives that expensive car…”


    +15 Points>


    I kept my head high, refusing to acknowledge the gossip swirling around me. Gregory Thompson’s desk remained empty–he was still recovering from his injury–leaving


    me alone in our shared office.


    I had barely settled at my desk when a sharp knock interrupted my thoughts. Heather


    Phillips stood in the doorway, her expression severe.


    “Come to my office,” shemanded, her tone leaving no room for refusal.


    I followed her silently, already anticipating what wasing. The tension in her shoulders told me everything I needed to know.


    Once inside her office, Heather closed the door with unnecessary force. Her gaze


    was sharp with barely contained anger.


    “I heard you and Keh Westfield went to meet clients, but you got into a conflict <i>and </i>assaulted them?” Her usation hung in the air between us.


    I met her gaze steadily. “I went to discuss the case, but those two men were only interested in filthy things. They assaulted me. I was defending myself.”


    Heather’s <i>face </i>darkened further. “I know you’re skilled, but violence doesn’t solve anything! <i>You </i><i>cost </i>us two major clients.”


    The unfairness of her usation stung. My voice cooled several degrees. “I was polite at first, but they were obscene and aggressive. Supervisor Phillips, I’m awyer, not a ything. Such disgusting clients–we don’t need.”


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