Page 14 of Pack to the Wall

Olivia's green eyes darkened, something wild flickering behind them. "That's abuse, Chrissy. Plain and simple."

"I know. I just...got used to it, I guess."

"You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to." Olivia's voice was gentle but firm. "But I want you to know something right now. You are worthy of love and respect, not the abuse you went through."

Chrissy nodded, tears still falling. There was something freeing about Olivia's approach—no pressure to share more, no forced conversation, just space to feel her emotions.

"Thank you," Chrissy whispered. "For letting me choose what to say. For not pushing me."

"On this island, your choices matter," Olivia said simply. "Especially to Zev."

Chrissy took a deep breath, pushing away the remnants of tears. The spa attendant had tactfully disappeared, giving her time to collect herself.

"Sorry about that," she murmured, dabbing at her eyes with the back of her hand. "Guess I'm carrying more baggage than I realized."

Olivia squeezed her shoulder gently. "Don't ever apologize for healing. That's what this place is for."

They moved from the thermal pool to the mud treatment area, where two attendants waited with clay masks and brushes. The grotto opened to the sky here, sunlight filtering through the natural skylight to illuminate the smooth stone chamber.

"This mud is sourced right from the volcanic deposits on the southern end of the island," Olivia explained as the attendants began applying the warm, mineral-rich clay to their skin. "Zev's grandmother discovered its healing properties decades ago. It's one of our most sought-after treatments."

Chrissy closed her eyes as the clay was brushed across her shoulders. "Speaking of Zev, I've barely seen anyone except you and the staff since I arrived. Is the resort usually this... empty?"

"Actually," Olivia said, looking slightly sheepish, "Zev cleared this entire section for you—the spa grotto, the beachfront near your villa, everything. There are no other guests anywhere near you. He wanted to ensure your privacy after everything you've been through."

Chrissy's eyes flew open. "The whole section? But that must be costing him a fortune in lost revenue."

Olivia shrugged. "Money isn't really an issue for Zev. Your comfort and safety were his primary concerns."

"Well, that was really thoughtful of him." Suddenly, a strange heat pooled low in her belly. She quickly cleared her throat. "So, all the people I've seen here..."

"Are employees. They live on the island—actually, they're the only people who live here permanently."

Chrissy tilted her head, considering this. "So that means they're all wolf shifters? Members of Zev's pack?"

Olivia hesitated, her expression cautious.

"I get it if you can't tell me," Chrissy added quickly. "I understand the secrecy. A lot of the celebrities I've met this past year were shifters who keep it under wraps from the public. I can relate to wanting parts of yourself protected and private—something I haven't been allowed to have for a year now." She gave a rueful smile. "I understand why Zev and his pack would think it's important to remain hidden."

Relief softened Olivia's features. "Yes, all employees are residents, and all residents are pack members. Though not everyone is a wolf shifter. Some married into the pack—other animal shifters, and a very few humans."

The attendants finished applying the mud and discreetly stepped away, leaving them to soak in the mineral properties. Chrissy wiggled her toes, feeling oddly comfortable covered head-to-toe in clay.

"Did Gerri say anything else to you during your travels here?" Olivia asked casually. "About mates, perhaps?"

Chrissy shook her head. "No. Actually, that was the one thing that didn't add up. Her business card said 'Founder and Owner of the Paranormal Dating Agency,' but I was too focused on escaping Marty's clutches to really dig deeper."

"Gerri Wilder is a renowned paranormal matchmaker," Olivia said, watching Chrissy's face carefully. "She has a perfect track record matching shifters with their fated mates. Any time she brings someone new—especially a human—to a shifter pack, well..." She raised her eyebrows meaningfully.

"Wait, you think she brought me here because I'm someone's mate?" Chrissy laughed nervously, feeling heat climb her neck that had nothing to do with the mud. "I don't even know what being a fated mate means. I know nothing about shifter instincts or traditions."

"Well then, is there anyone in particular who's caught your eye since you've been here?" Olivia's lips quirked in a knowing smile. "Maybe someone who might possibly be your mate?"

Zev's intense blue eyes and powerful presence immediately flashed in Chrissy's mind, sending a shiver of awareness down her spine. The way he'd looked at her like she was the most fascinating creature he'd ever encountered.

"That's—there's no way," Chrissy stammered, trying to laugh it off. "Gerri didn't bring me here for that. It must be a coincidence. I'm only here to escape my situation..." she trailed off, not wanting to delve further into her problems.

"Well, whatever the reason," Chrissy added, changing the subject, "I really appreciate everything you and the others are doing for me."

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