Chapter 2

I arrived at the pack territory early, a habit I’d maintained for three years. The crisp morning air carried the faint scent of pine and dew, the kind of scent that always reminded me of the freedom I once thought I had.

The first time I spent the night in Alpha Hill’s quarters, he told me I didn’t have to adhere to the pack’s strict schedule anymore. I could come in late, leave early—whatever I wanted. He called it a privilege.

But I never took advantage. I told him I was used to the routine of early mornings and couldn’t sleep in. In truth, I felt that relying on such privileges meant losing the last shred of dignity I had left. It was something I clung to, even as the walls of the Hill Pack closed in around me.

“Morning, Freya,” greeted Lucia Snyder, her voice sweet but laced with something I couldn’t quite place. She was impeccably dressed, her hair perfectly styled, and her scent—a mix of vanilla and something floral—was deliberately alluring. She had clearly spent a significant amount of time on her appearance.

I didn’t dislike her. In fact, I felt a vague sense of sympathy for her. Being with Alpha Hill might seem glamorous, but it was exhausting. I had spent years proving I was more than just a mate prospect by excelling in my role as Beta, and even then, it had never been enough.

“Morning,” I replied, just as I was about to leave. Suddenly, I turned back and handed her a neatly folded note. “Alpha Hill has a meeting with Mr. King this afternoon at the Italian restaurant. I’ve made the reservation. Can you handle it for me?”

“Me?” Her excitement was obvious, her eyes lighting up in a way that made me feel a pang of something I couldn’t quite name. She seemed thrilled at the chance to get closer to him.

“Yes, you. It’s important, so make sure everything goes smoothly.” Alpha Hill wanted me to play along because I hadn’t been the clingy type. He just wanted to watch me squirm. Honestly, I couldn’t care less.

I had long stopped being the good person I used to be.

I turned toward the pack hall, only to come back when Alpha Hill sauntered in, fashionably late. Grabbing a stack of files, I followed him into his office.

“Alpha,” I began, my voice steady despite the tension in the air, “as per your instructions, you’re having lunch with Mr. King today. I’ve asked Lucia to manage the details.”

He flared up upon hearing that, tossing his phone onto the table with a sharp clatter. “Oh? You’re so eager and efficient, someone might think you’re in a hurry to escape.”

I sighed. Even if he was right, I had to play along. Acting was second nature to me after three years.

With slightly reddened eyes, I looked at him. “Marshall, what more do you want from me? Haven’t I distanced myself and complied enough?”

Feigning emotional pain had become a routine.

Seeing my vulnerable demeanor, his tone softened immediately. “She’s not capable of handling situations like this. You should take care of it yourself.”

“Alright.”

“Wait, take her along too. She needs to learn.”

“Okay.” I handed over the stack of documents. “These are the internal approval papers you’ve already reviewed. Just need your signature.”

He glanced through them absentmindedly. “You’re free this afternoon, Beta. You can make your own plans.”

I was hinting that he could focus on his personal life.

Trusting my professionalism, he signed the papers without a second thought.

As I left his office, papers in hand, I finally exhaled a sigh of relief. Among the papers, I’d slipped in my resignation letter.

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I felt a tinge of guilt as I guided Lucia through the pack’s main hall. I asked her, “What do you think of Alpha Hill?”

She was visibly excited, her scent spiking with anticipation. “I had no idea he’d be so commanding and strong before I joined the pack! Can you imagine being his Luna? That would be the ultimate happiness.”

Then she asked, “Freya, you’ve been with Alpha Hill for so long, he must really trust you, right?”

“It’s just a working relationship, trust doesn’t really factor in,” I smiled but couldn’t resist advising her, “Lucia, this is just a role in the pack. If something makes you uncomfortable, you’re allowed to say no.”

“What do you mean, Freya?”

Alpha Hill didn’t like being refused. If someone turned him down enough times, he’d lose interest.

“Nothing.” I saw Marshall and Mr. King approaching from afar and couldn’t continue. “Just don’t force yourself.”

That lunch felt painfully long. Not just because of Lucia.

Mainly because she wasn’t even remotely a match for Marshall. It took only moments before she subtly leaned toward him, her scent mingling with his in a way that made me want to gag. It allowed me to relax a bit, knowing he’d be distracted.

After the luncheon, Marshall and Mr. King were deep in conversation a short distance away.

Lucia, her cheeks slightly flushed, turned to me. “Freya, now I understand why you advised saying no.”

“What?”

Her excitement was tangible as she leaned close to my ear. “Alpha Hill just whispered to me that he’s interested.”

“So, do you want to turn him down?”

She suddenly laughed, the sound sharp and a little too loud. “Why would I? Being the Luna of the Hill Pack, I’d be over the moon.”

I nodded, uninterested in her further musings.

Alpha Hill began walking toward us, and just as I was about to step aside, Lucia’s hushed voice reached my ears.

“Freya Ferguson, are you involved with Alpha Hill? Are you afraid I’ll take your place?”