Chapter 8 Chapter 8 Ella's POV

I stood there nervously, watching Thomas run off. Now it was just me and Oliver in the police station, and he was standing real close.

He gently took my hand and led me toward the parking lot.

The driver who brought us here had already disappeared at some point. Oliver just went ahead and got into the driver's seat on his own.

He took off his jacket and tossed that sharp-looking coat into the back.

I sat in the passenger seat, kind of dazed, watching him roll up his sleeves and reveal his toned arms-yeah, definitely hot.

But it wasn't his muscles that caught my eye. It was the watch on his wrist.

I stared at it for a few seconds, then it hit me-I knew exactly what it was.

He had checked the time earlier in the day, and I hadn't noticed it then. But now, I took a better look.

It was from a legendary Italian watchmaker, totally one-of-a-kind luxury.

Jackson had wanted it badly back then, so I actually flew to Italy to try and buy it for his birthday-was hoping to surprise him.

Too bad someone had already bought it.

The watchmaker looked pretty sorry when he told me, "Sorry, miss. I get it though. If you want, I can give you the buyer's info. He's American too. Maybe he'd consider selling it."

He handed me this stiff card with a number on it. I kept it, tucked it away in my bookshelf at home.

In the end, I couldn't get the perfect gift, but I still gave Jackson another nice watch.

And guess what? Turns out, the one I missed out on is now resting on Oliver's wrist.

I must've been staring too long because suddenly Oliver asked, "You really like it?"

I quickly shook my head and buckled my seatbelt. "Nah, just thought I saw it in some fashion magazine."

"I see. Makes sense. That maker's been featured a few times."

He nodded like he understood. Then, almost under his breath, he said, "I stumbled across it while I was in Italy. Wasn't planning to buy it at first, but then..."

He started the car, glanced over at me, and added, "Before I left, someone told me the name of the watch. The maker called it 'Coisíní'-that's what made up my mind."

Coisíní. Love at first sight.

I was stunned, turning to look at him.

Oliver smiled a little. "Kind of a cute name, huh?"

"But if you like it," he added, "I'll take it off and give it to you."

"It's a men's watch, though. Probably wouldn't suit you. I can get a designer to custom-make one for you instead. Tell me, what color do you like, sweetheart?"

"No need for all that. It looks great on you," I quickly replied, flustered by his sudden endearment.

Oliver kept both hands on the wheel, glanced over, raised an eyebrow, and teased, "Ohh, so you're not into the watch-you're into me wearing it? That's adorable."

I paused.

Oh god. he's totally flirting with me.

And worse-I was definitely falling for it."Oliver!" My cheeks burned as I muttered, "Thomas isn't here now, it's just the two of us. No need to keep up the sweet talk!"

"I almost fell for it! You really sold it back there!"

"Acting?" Oliver asked, lifting a brow.

I smiled sincerely. "Yeah. You're amazing, Oliver. No wonder you're the youngest Alpha prodigy-you even act like a pro."

Oliver rested both hands on the steering wheel, quietly waiting for the red light.

The smile vanished from his face, and something about that made my chest tighten.

Leaning back, he stared straight ahead, his voice completely flat. "You're right, darling. That's what geniuses do."

Hearing that hit me like a punch. I clutched my chest, feeling a wave of disappointment and hurt rise out of nowhere.

Then, Oliver turned toward me again, the warmth back in his expression. "But I'm not."

I blinked, stunned, locking eyes with him.

"What?" I tried to keep my voice steady, even if I was kind of hoping for more. "You're not what?"

He didn't answer. Just faced forward again and tapped his fingers on the wheel, like he was trying to work something out.

I couldn't read him-his striking blue eyes were glazed over, focused on something way off.

I couldn't even use his scent to guess how he was feeling... all I could catch was the crisp cologne he always wore.

His Alpha pressure filled the car, and it made me shut up real quick.

I couldn't tell what he meant, so I just looked away.

This wave of disappointment hit me hard, dragging me right out of whatever fantasy I'd been clinging to a few minutes ago.

Oliver still gave off that can't-get-close vibe. I couldn't believe I actually thought he might be upset because of me.

Alphas like Oliver? They care about big-picture stuff-tribal progress, rogue attacks. Definitely not petty emotional things.

I dug my nails into my thigh, trying to keep my head clear.

Get it together, Ella Miller.

Don't go getting ideas. You're just an Omega.

Just because Jackson didn't want you doesn't mean you should start catching feelings for another Alpha.

Even if Oliver held me last night, kissed me, said he loved me.

That could've just been about chemistry. Nothing deeper.

For the rest of the drive, I stared out the window and did everything I could not to look at him.

When we finally pulled into the garage, I spotted a lineup of flashy cars. Not surprised, really.

Alphas had access to the whole pack's wealth. What did catch me off guard was Oliver's taste-wasn't expecting this kind of style from him.

"My place, sweetheart," Oliver said with a sigh. "Right in the heart of the Claw Pack territory. Feel free to look around. If you like it, we can stay here. If not, I've got other estates. Just tell me what's not working."

I stepped out behind him, shoes crunching on the well-trimmed lawn, eyes wide at the breathtaking view.

He reached out, laced his fingers through mine, and led me to the front door.

Was this where I'd be living with Oliver once I became Luna?

Soldiers were stationed around the grounds, servants quietly tending the gardens, and a butler waited to greet us at the entrance.