Olivia’s POV
I could feel the tension in the air as they stared down at each other. The anger in their eyes was glaring, and every muscle twitched with violent anticipation.
“I think I should be able to cover it for you, considering the slum that you crawled out from.”
I had never heard Andre speak so hatefully.
I felt the gravity in the room become six times heavier. I could barely breathe, and the longer I watched, the more nervous I became.
Andre stood his ground, and Jonas stared back at him with anger and a little bit of provocation.
Nima seemed to be the only one enjoying the tension.
“I’m glad the Moon Goddess didn’t give us a silly, wimpy, whiney, weak mate. You should be happy he’s defending you. The last few events show how terrible you are at defending yourself. I can bet that if you went to Elvis Pine, you’d be dead before you started anything meaningful.”
Nima’s voice filled my head, and her words offended me. Ever since we got connected, she had been sassy and unhelpful. How could she say that about me?
I scowled and turned my attention to the two huffing males in the room. One, my mate, the other, my guardian angel.
I caught Pierre jittering, and it wasn’t difficult to see that he was also uncomfortable. I had to break this up.
I walked up to both of them and stood in the middle.
“I think both of you really need to calm…”
“I’m still waiting. State your price, and we can get this over with. I have more important things to do than stay here and have you waste my time.”
Andre cut me off, and the intensity of his glare had increased. I was suddenly scared for Jonas. What if he tried to…
“I’ll have you know, Mr. Hotshot, that I didn’t do any of this for a reward. What do I look like? A beggar? Fuck you and your money, and let me out of here. For all I know, Olivia was a helpless girl, new in the city, who needed assistance. Assholes like you are the reason there are few good people in the world.”
I watched as Jonas took a step closer and stared Andre in the eye, unafraid of the consequences.
“You talk big for someone who is outnumbered and could be killed with a finger snap. Don’t test me,” Andre threatened.
Jonas seemed not to care and gave a defiant scoff.
“You know what? Who could have known that she had a man and he would be so careless as to allow her to wander off all on her own,” he said acidly.
I felt my cheeks go red with embarrassment. He didn’t let wander off. I chose to leave.
“Actually,” I started, trying my best to clear the air. “I think you’re…”
Jonas cut me off again, and I fell silent.
“The next time your big scary hands are slippery with her, you should trust that I’ll be there to get her, and I promise you”
His lips turned upwards in a sinister smirk.
“I won’t let her go so easily. So I suggest that you watch out.”
I saw Andre’s nostrils flare, and a glint of fire ignited in his olivine eyes. I could feel his wolf pushing out of him violently as his aura fanned all over the room.
“What the fuck did you say? I dare you to say it again.”
Andre took a step forward, and now, he and Jonas were toe-to-toe and almost nose-to-nose.
“I’m not scared of you. Learn how to take care of your woman, or else I’d be happy to do it for you.”
I saw Jonas’s muscles twitching and a vein in Andre’s forehead bulging, threatening to pop.
My breath was erratic, and I could feel my breath being cut off.
I wished Nima could help, but she was beside herself with joy. I could feel her feeding off the tension gleefully and rooting for Andre to win. Everything was abject chaos.
This would end badly if I didn’t do something soon.
I touched Andre lightly on the arm and tried to appeal to his soft side. There was no need to be this aggressive.
“Andre, please. Let Jonas go. He has been helpful to me, but he’s just a friend. You are being too sensitive about this.
I felt my blood run cold as Andre turned his acid glare to me. I could feel his eyes bore into my soul, and I suddenly began to wish that I could take back what I had said.
I could tell that he wanted to scold me, but he said nothing and turned back to Jonas with a tick in his jaw.
He glowered at him, but Jonas stood his ground, unafraid and ready to tussle. I wasn’t sure how long I could manage and watched them wage a psychic war on each other.
Thankfully, after what felt like an eternity, he spoke.
“Men. Release him.”
In a flash, Andre’s guards sliced the ropes that bound him, and Jonas massaged his wrists as he stared daggers at Andre.
“Thank you for taking care of Olivia. I don’t believe in your piety, so I will do my best to pay you handsomely for your troubles. Olivia is mine, and I will be responsible for her.”
“And what about my car? It was rented from a friend. Your men trashed it up. It’s in less than ideal conditions,” complained Jonas.
I looked at Andre in horror. He destroyed his car? Why?
“My men will place an order for the exact make. You can expect it in less than a week.”
I felt relief rain all over me, and I could finally breathe properly.
There was still slight tension, but it was better than it had been a few minutes before.
I felt Andre slip his arms around my waist and pull me close to him, possessively.
Jonas’ face fell into a frown, but he said nothing more.
I wanted to apologise for Andre’s behaviour. It was uncalled for and brash. Jonas had been so good to me. However, Andre pulled me along, and we headed to the door.
“We better start heading home now.”
“Home? Do you mean like your ‘pack’? Is it close by?”
“It’s not too far from here. Let’s say, six hours, at most.” I replied while turning to look at him,
I saw his lips turn upward at the corners. “Really? Would you mind an additional visitor?”
“You mean ‘only’ visitor?” Andre corrected from the side.
“Whatever you say,” Jonas shot back, rolling his eyes.
I could tell Andre was about to turn him down, so I spoke up.
“Of course, you can come. Why not?”