Chapter 2
After Dad introduced Aurora to our pack, his first decree was for me to move to the servants' quarters, arguing that the future Beta Female shouldn’t endure any discomfort.
On my birthday, despite being aware of my strawberry allergy, she insisted on a strawberry cake. After my severe allergic reaction landed me in the hospital, Chris dismissed it as mere imagination.
Aurora tampered with my eye drops, resulting in my blindness, yet Chris consoled her, accusing me of feigning sympathy to oust her from the pack.
In a moment of despair, I reached my lowest point and leapt from the hospital rooftop.
Upon waking, I found myself reliving the day Aurora was first brought home.
Reviewing the past, I recognized that my rivalry had pushed Aurora to extreme measures. This time, I resolved to take control.
I discreetly arranged for the pack healer to produce a false certificate of my blindness and committed fully to the role of the sightless.
Yet, in this altered timeline, Chris didn’t decline the mating proposal from the Elliott pack. Initially thinking he had changed, I later discovered they had orchestrated this switch from the beginning.
It dawned on me that Chris had always felt like an outsider in our pack, believing I looked down on him. This empathy extended to Aurora, whose plight mirrored his own.
My years of affection and loyalty to him went entirely unrecognized.
Enough was enough. This time, I would demonstrate what it truly feels like to be at another’s mercy.
With a firm voice, I declared, “Let’s review the security footage.”
Chris retorted, “Checking the cameras implies distrusting Aurora. She’s candid and blameless—incapable of deceit.”
How absurd.
As I prepared to counter, a guest interjected with a grin, “Beta Gray, I hear you’ve developed a theme park by the lake? Quite lavish!”
Chris responded with a faint smile, “Aurora has adored merry-go-rounds since childhood, so I aimed to fulfill her dream.”
I was stunned—the lakeside territory?
Instinctively, I replied, “Chris, I’ve already negotiated with the South District Pack to construct a high-tech facility there. Our territory’s future hinges on it this year…”
He cut in, “Nellie, you’re a blind woman of no use, yet you aspire to manage a facility? Is territorial expansion all you care about?”
He motioned towards Aurora, mingling and laughing with the guests, “Unlike you, Aurora is untainted and adores amusement parks. I’ll dedicate that land to preserving her childhood joy, regardless of the expense.”
Bold indeed, to use my pack’s territory for her whims.
“I’m not cruel,” he added. “Since you’re still legally my mate, I’ll concede some managerial rights. Cease playing the martyr—it’s truly pitiful.”
Never had I seen such blatant thievery masquerading as benevolence.
“Mate?” I echoed, “Haven’t you already bonded with Aurora?”
He sighed with impatience, “I know you’re envious of Aurora.”
“Don’t fret over your engagement to the Elliott pack. With Alpha Elliott absent, I can simulate your demise and keep you close. How does that sound?”
“But I’ll grant you the title. My heart is Aurora’s alone.”
Calmly, I inquired, “Are you so certain I desire any title from you?”
Chris’s expression hardened, “What do you imply? If not me, whom do you intend to mate with?”
“Are you truly drawn to the Elliott heir’s wealth?”
I smirked, “Certainly more sophisticated than a rogue like you.”
Chris’s face darkened. “Nellie, I once thought you merely obstinate, but now I see you’re a shallow woman, easily swayed by wealth and power!”
“Is that all you value? Do you believe Alpha Elliott would take an interest in you? In your state, he wouldn’t even glance your way!”
“Truthfully, Aurora was intended to mate with him, not you.”
As he concluded, Aurora burst into tears.
She rushed over and clung to him, “Chris, cease... I’m not worth conflict with my sister…”
Through tears, she looked at me, “If my presence truly distresses you, I’ll depart the Jenkins pack forever, if it pleases you…”
As she began to kneel, I remained unmoved, simply stating, “Fine, then leave.”
Aurora’s tears halted abruptly, her facade shattered by my blunt response.
Moments later, Chris struck me across the face, “You’re intolerable! Aurora is merely a young wolf, who are you to banish her?”
“I assure you, regardless of your actions, you’ll never replace Aurora in my heart. She is the rightful future Luna of the Gray pack.”
I laughed, “You mentioned the Gray pack? Very well. Take her and vacate our Jenkins pack immediately.”
The entire celebration became a spectacle before all the guests.
Yet, it unveiled the true allies and Chris’s conspiring followers.
Chris pointed at me furiously, “Fine! We’ll see who ultimately exits the Jenkins pack!”
Uninterested in a retort, I turned to depart.
In merely a month, Alpha Izaiah would return to the city.
The notorious heir rumored to have outlasted three mates—I’d be dishonest if I claimed no fear.
But remaining with Chris was untenable.
Even if Alpha Izaiah was as cursed as the tales suggested, I was prepared to risk it.
The worst outcome was death.
But prior to that, I must ensure Chris and Aurora’s expulsion from the Jenkins pack.
Time was fleeting.
I placed a call, “Regarding that project…”