Silver Rain

Chapter 33

The recreation hall was decorated to the highest degree of caliber Felix could ever imagine. Every year he thought the same thing, and yet the members of his pack continuously seemed to surprise him.

The entire room had been transformed into a shimmering, elegant wonderland. Silver and gold draped from the high ceilings, chandeliers casting a soft glow over the tables adorned with lush centerpieces. The intricate details of the decor—the delicate twinkling lights, the rich velvet curtains—created a stunning atmosphere, one worthy of royalty.

It truly felt like the epitome of autumn in the room.

Felix stood near the stage in the enormous recreation hall. The music was playing in the background as he greeted guests, the elders, young families, and other alphas from other packs. He played the part of the alpha well, something his dad taught him.

Felix adjusted his collar, forcing himself to focus on the pleasantries of the evening, though his mind was elsewhere. He was supposed to be reveling in the event, engaging with the other pack members, and making the rounds as the Alpha of Brookside, but every smile he offered felt hollow.

His mind was back in the hallway with Olivia.

The conversation had replayed over and over in his head since they parted ways, each moment tightening the knot of frustration and confusion in his chest. He couldn't shake the image of her standing there, vulnerable, conflicted, and—worst of all—distant. The Olivia he knew had always been open with him, even when they argued. But tonight... something had changed. Something he couldn't place.

She had gone to see Ethan, of all people.

Just the thought of it made his blood boil again. Why him? Why now? Ethan had always been trouble, and Felix didn't trust him as far as he could throw him. It was one thing for Olivia to want answers, but Ethan? What the hell could he offer her that Felix couldn't?

He clenched his jaw, trying to keep his frustration from showing in front of the guests. His wolf stirred restlessly inside him, pacing, urging him to go find her, to fix things between them before they got worse. But Felix had obligations tonight—an entire pack to lead, guests to entertain.

"Alpha Felix." One of the elders, a woman named Marianne, touched his arm, pulling his attention back to the present. Her silver hair gleamed under the soft light, and she smiled warmly. "You've done a wonderful job with the preparations. The ball is quite the success."

Felix nodded, offering a tight-lipped smile. "Thank you, Marianne. The pack deserves it."

As she walked away, he scanned the room, his eyes drifting over the crowd. The murmurs of conversation, the clinking of glasses, the soft laughter—all of it seemed like background noise compared to the storm brewing inside him. He knew what this ball meant for the pack, especially with the elders and visiting alphas watching. It was a display of unity, strength, and tradition.

But none of it mattered if Olivia wasn't by his side.

Where is she?

He hadn't seen her since Mira had dragged her away. He hoped she would show up soon, but a part of him dreaded it too. He wasn't ready for that conversation, not here, not now.

"Felix, stop looking like someone just stole your dessert." Calvin's voice cut through his thoughts as he approached, a smirk on his face.

Felix shot him a glare. "Not in the mood, Cal."

Calvin raised his hands defensively. "Whoa, chill. Just trying to lighten the mood. You look like you're about to murder someone."

Felix sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. "It's Olivia. We... had a fight."