Chapter 39: Ivy's Dilemma

Ivy’s POV  

How did he even get into our company?

I tried to ignore him—tried to convince myself that walking away was the only way to keep my sanity intact. But the moment Connor’s hand wrapped around mine, pulling me into him, everything shifted. It was as though the storm raging inside me suddenly stilled, and for the first time since last night, I could breathe properly.  

I fought the urge to lean into him, to draw strength from his presence, but it was futile. Deep down, amidst all the chaos surrounding Leo and me, a dangerous thought crept in: Connor was someone I could trust. He was my mate, after all… right? Could the past repeat itself? I didn’t want to leave Leo, but the nightmare I had—it felt so real. What if it wasn’t just a dream?  

I shook my head, trying to snap out of it. Yet, the feel of Connor’s hand on mine sent a warmth through my body that made me weak. My resolve crumbled beneath the weight of exhaustion, and before I could stop myself, I stumbled. Sleep threatened to take over, and I barely registered Connor’s arm sliding around my waist to steady me.  

The world around me faded into darkness. I must have fainted—or maybe I just dozed off—because when I opened my eyes again, I found myself in a room I had only entered twice before. Both times, it had been to clean it. 

Connor's room

Through hazy eyes, I scanned my surroundings. The scent of pine and cedar filled my nostrils, a scent unmistakably Connor’s. The room was spacious, minimally decorated, but everything about it screamed him.  

My heart raced as conflicting emotions swirled inside me. What I wouldn’t have given to feel this peace years ago, when everything between us was simple. What I couldn’t afford to feel now. All I could think about was Leo.  

Connor appeared by my side, his gaze filled with an intensity that left me breathless. He leaned closer, his lips mere inches from my face. I tried to turn away, but it felt as though I was drugged, my body too tired to resist. My eyelids grew heavy once more, and I drifted back into sleep.  

This time, I dreamt—a dream so vivid and beautiful it almost hurt. It was a life I could have had if everything hadn’t gone so wrong. If I hadn’t killed Oliver. If fate had played out the way it was supposed to. I saw myself standing beside Connor as Luna, leading the pack with strength and grace. We were happy. At peace.  

When I stirred again, the scent of something familiar and comforting pulled me fully back to reality. Leo. How could his scent be here? I sat up, my eyes darting around the room. That’s when I saw it—a massive black wolf standing by the window, its golden eyes locked onto mine.  

“Leo?” I whispered, my voice trembling. The wolf whimpered, a sound so full of pain and longing that it made my chest tighten.  

But something about this didn’t make sense. How could a wolf be this big? Panic set in, and before I could stop myself, a scream escaped my lips.  

Connor burst into the room, his eyes blazing with worry and confusion. I backed away instinctively, moving closer to him as memories of the nightmare flooded my mind—the feel of Leo’s fangs piercing my neck, the fear, the pain. But when I turned back toward the wolf, I froze.  

He shifted.  

In mere seconds, the massive wolf transformed into Leo, standing tall in his human form, completely bare. My eyes betrayed me, flickering downward before I forced myself to look up. A blush crept up my cheeks, but I didn’t have time to dwell on it.  

Connor’s hand around my waist suddenly felt cold—like poison. The warmth I had felt moments ago vanished, replaced by a deep unease. Why was I afraid of Leo again? Without thinking, I ran straight into his arms, as though drawn by an invisible force.  

The moment his arms wrapped around me, I felt safe. The warmth of his skin, the steady beat of his heart—it was everything I needed. Everything I had been craving. But then my gaze fell on the necklace hanging around his neck.  

It was mesmerizing. Intriguing.  

Something inside me stirred, a primal desire to touch it. To have it. I didn’t understand why, but the thought of the necklace around my neck filled me with a strange sense of calm and longing.  

Leo noticed my fixation and, without hesitation, slipped the talisman off his neck and placed it around mine. The moment it touched my skin, a wave of serenity washed over me, easing the tension that had gripped my heart.  

“Wait outside,” he whispered gently. “I need to speak with Connor.”  

I didn’t want to hear them argue, so I nodded, offering a small smile. “Don’t blame him. It’s my fault.”  

With one last glance at Connor, I stepped into the hallway. I wanted to explore, to see what the pack looked like now, but my feet felt rooted in place. Memories of the past threatened to overwhelm me—memories of the abuse, the unfair treatment, the betrayal.  

“What’s taking Leo so long?” I muttered under my breath after waiting for what felt like hours.  

Minutes later, just as I was about to go back in, the door opened, and Leo emerged, still naked, still…

Desirable.

I shook the thought away, but when his eyes softened at the sight of me, I couldn’t help but smile. I mouthed an apology, and he sighed, pulling me into a tight embrace.

My cheeks flushed as I felt his dick, settling between my thighs like they belong there. Focus Ivy. Focus!

“You know what I said about my wolf being big enough to carry you and our pups?” he asked playfully, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.  

Excitement bubbled inside me despite myself. I giggled, feeling like a child who had just been handed her favorite toy. Except Leo wasn’t a toy—he was a man. My man.

Still, the thought of other she-wolves seeing him like this made jealousy flare within me. I stepped in front of him, spreading my arms wide as if to shield him from view. He threw his head back and laughed, the sound rich and full of life.  

“Possessive much?” he teased, grabbing my chin and turning me to face him. His eyes darkened, and for a moment, I feared he might kiss me right here.  

“Get it together, Leo. We’re outside,” I whispered urgently, pinching him.  

“That won’t stop me from taking you right here, right now,” he murmured against my ear. “Say the word, Ivy.”  

Before I could respond, a voice called out, “Aria?”  

I froze. My blood ran cold as I turned toward the source of the voice.