The One

Olcan Drama: Part 1

Karol strode away from the scene, her heart heavy as she entered the venue with the façade of normalcy as if nothing had transpired. She drove aimlessly away from the party, frustration bubbling within her, until she pulled into a diner's parking lot. Fumbling in her bag for her phone, she cursed under her breath, "I can't get lost now, of all time."

As she scrolled for the address to guide her home, her stomach growled audibly, a cruel reminder of her hunger. "Urgh! I'm so starving," she muttered, kicking the dashboard. "Why do these parties only serve rabbit food? It's almost midnight, and I can't just head back to Filtiarn now; it'll take over five hours. I'd be dead on my feet."

She shook her head, dismissing the idea of a long drive. "No, Karol, stay calm. What's open at this hour? Can't be much, can it?" She huffed in exasperation, her mind racing. "Should I stay here the night? Ugh, that's ridiculous! The party's probably wrapped up anyway."

"Fine," she conceded, a glimmer of resolve sparking within her. "A hotel with a 24-hour kitchen it is." After a mini-debate with herself, she finally found a nearby hotel and set off, hopeful.

Meanwhile, as Karol and Sharon parted ways, Sharon returned to the family, shaking her head disapprovingly. The atmosphere shifted as Christian rushed over, an urgent look on his face. "Has anyone seen Karol?" he asked, panic creeping into his voice.

Anna furrowed her brow, confusion evident. "She was just asking for you," she replied. William chimed in, "Yes, she was looking for you just now."

"I told her you went to the bathroom, so she probably went searching for you there," Jason added, sipping his champagne nonchalantly, glancing at Sharon, who remained silent and bewildered.

Beo, who was still trying to comprehend the situation, interjected, "Son, why did you leave her when you promised to stay with her throughout the party?"

Christian was at a loss for words, desperately trying to mask his guilt. "I... I had to take care of something in the toilet; I couldn't be with her," he stammered, his eyes darting anywhere but towards his parents or Karol's family.

"Then I'll go look for her," Beo decided, determination set in his voice. Without waiting for a response, Christian bolted away, eager to avoid drawing any more attention and to find his mate before it was too late. His mind reached out to his beta and delta.

"Where are you guys?" he linked.

"Here, Alpha. Behind you," came Arlo's voice.

"I want you to search the entire place for my mate. Bring some pack members and don't stop until you find her," he commanded.

Fifteen minutes later, disappointment echoed through the mind link as everyone relayed the unsatisfactory news. 'We can't find your Luna,' they reported.

'Where did she go?' Christian demanded, a sense of dread creeping over him.

Arlo growled back, annoyance tinging his words. "Away from your cheating ass, obviously!"

"I didn't do anything wrong, and you know that!"

"Of course I know, because I'm stuck with your stupid self, but our mate doesn't know the truth." Arlo's tone turned sharper. "Answer this: would you be angry if you saw someone hugging her while you just stood by?"

"Okay, I get it. I'm sorry," Christian replied, though his heart was heavy with Arlo's anger.

"Say that to our mate, you idiot," Arlo snapped, his patience frayed. With that, he cut off the mind link, leaving Christian in silence, acutely aware of the tension in the air. Time ticked on; it was nearly midnight, and the party would soon conclude.

As the Ethelwulf and Randale families prepared to leave, Anna glanced around, a tinge of worry in her voice. "Where's Karol?"

Sharon responded flatly, "In the toilet, fixing her makeup, I suppose."

"Very well. Get her back safe and sound, won't you?" Anna implored, glancing at Christian, who nodded vigorously, anxiety etched on his face.

"Then, bye. I'll see everyone at home," Accalia chimed in, waving as she walked away with Anna, their conversation dissipating into the night.

Defeated, Christian murmured, "Can I follow you two?" he turned slightly to Jason, his expression a mixture of resignation and worry.

Ulfred interjected quickly, "You can come with us, Alpha," causing Christian to turn with a flicker of hope.

"No need, Ulfred. You two go enjoy yourselves; it looks like you're about to score tonight," Christian teased, a smirk creeping onto his face.

Jason placed a hand on Christian's shoulder, "Let's go, buddy." His car pulled up beside them, and the trio hopped in, leaving the party behind.

After a few minutes of silence, Christian's worry resurfaced, and he couldn't help but ask, "Where is she?" The question hung heavily in the air, a reminder of his absence in her life.

"Don't know," Sharon replied, rolling her eyes with a hint of annoyance. She quickly texted her little sister, letting her know she would call her and ask about her whereabouts on speakerphone. "What did you do?" she pressed, turning her gaze sharply to Christian, whose lips were pressed tight like a held secret.

"Something stupid," Christian said, frustration creeping into his voice. "I need to apologise to her as soon as possible and clear things up."

"Hmm, then tell me what it is," Sharon insisted, the curiosity in her eyes only half concealed.

"Sorry, not gonna tell you," Christian replied stubbornly, his focus on his phone as he attempted once again to call his mate.

"Then I'm not going to help you," Sharon shot back, folding her arms across her chest defiantly.

"It's just a misunderstanding. You know, on her part and mine," he replied, glancing away to hide his growing agitation.

"About what?" Sharon pressed, unsatisfied with his vague response.

"I can't tell you! Can you just call her?" Christian's voice rose slightly, desperation creeping in.

"Why would I call her? You're the one who did something wrong," Sharon argued, raising an eyebrow.

"I did nothing wrong! It's just a misunderstanding!" he insisted, frustration bubbling over.

"If you didn't do anything wrong, why did she walk away from the party, take your car, and drive off without telling anyone?" Sharon's tone was incredulous.

"Because of the promise I made her. I told her that if I ever left her alone at a party, she could drive away anytime she wanted. So she did because I left her for a few moments," he defended his choice, looking defensively at Sharon.

"No wonder! If you hadn't promised her that, she wouldn't have dared to touch your car. You gave her your word, so of course she held onto it," Sharon replied, shaking her head. "What a diligent child. And so stubborn too," she murmured to herself, but both Jason and Christian caught her and smirked.

"Dude, can't you track your car or something?" Jason interjected, trying to lighten the mood.

"I can, but should I?" Christian responded, considering the idea.

"Yes, you should! She's your mate, and you are worried about her!" Jason replied with a grin, but Donna, his partner, shot him a glare that told him to tread lightly.

"Tsk, tsk. You think that's a brilliant idea, huh? Christian, if you do that, I can tell you she'll avoid you at all costs," Sharon warned, her expression serious.

"Then what should I do? I've tried calling her a million times, and she still won't pick up!" Christian lamented, frustration palpable in his tone.

"You still don't see it, do you?" Sharon asked incredulously, arms crossed.

"See what?" he furrowed his brows, genuinely confused.

"She doesn't want to talk to you; that's why she didn't answer your calls!" Sharon replied in a tone that conveyed obviousness, shaking her head in disbelief at the two of them. Just then, another text chimed in.