Chapter 29: The Warmth of Friendship

Olivera raised her index finger, halting Jeremy’s outburst before he could voice his concerns about the Alpha’s impending visit. The urgency in his voice was clear, but Olivera knew that no amount of protest would change the grim reality of the situation. She needed to finish her story before any more interruptions could cloud the evening. “Hold on, Jeremy. I’m not done yet,” she said firmly. Her gaze held a steady resolve as she continued with her recount. She began with the advice the doctor had given her, an admonition to project strength and confidence despite the challenges she faced in the palace. “He said I had to be like King Kong— powerful and unyielding,” Olivera explained. “It’s to protect myself, to shield my dignity and sanity from being trampled on, to prevent being tossed around like a rag doll.” Olivera shifted her focus to a different topic. “Nick also gave me a bag of clothes. They’re in the stalls, in my lockers. I’ve given you the spare key to one of them. If the