Chapter 3

A month later, one of the city’s most exclusive business galas lit up the heart of Manhattan. The Jenkins Pack had been clawing their way to dominance over a high-stakes project called 'Starry Sea Ark.' Winning it would grant them control over the industry’s future for the next decade. Every powerful pack was quietly plotting, unaware I’d already cleared countless obstacles to secure the upper hand.

Chris Gray, the Beta of the Jenkins Pack, swaggered in with his usual charm, effortlessly mingling with guests, his amusement park venture the hot topic. Aurora Jenkins, his mate, lingered beside him, delicately nibbling on a slice of honey spice cake. Her face twisted the moment she spotted me.

'What are you even doing here? This isn’t your scene,' she snipped, her venom dripping the second Chris was out of earshot.

I brushed her off, casually raising my coffee cup to my lips.

Playing innocent, she added, 'Oh, did you hear? Dad just handed me five million for my work with Chris on the South Bank project. Too bad you got nothing, huh?'

'Don’t sweat it. I’ve got a special role for you in our project,' she went on, her tone sweet but mocking. 'The amusement park’s grand opening needs entertainment. How about a blindfolded obstacle course? I’ll make sure you’re compensated—'

Before she could finish, I swung my hand, landing a sharp slap across her cheek. A bright red mark bloomed instantly. Chris charged over, fury blazing in his eyes.

'Well, Nellie, hitting rock bottom, are we?'

Aurora crumpled to the floor, clutching her stomach and wailing, 'Chris, my stomach… our pup…'

Chris froze, stunned. 'Pup? You’re pregnant with my child?'

I raised an eyebrow, unimpressed by her theatrics.

Chris spun around and slapped me back. 'If anything happens to Aurora or the pup, you’ll pay!'

Even after the blow, I kept my composure, my expression unreadable. Aurora clung to Chris, playing the perfect victim.

'Chris, don’t blame Nellie… she’s just jealous of our happiness. I get it… Nellie’s still your mate, but you only love me.'

Chris jabbed a finger at me, barking, 'Get out of this venue now. Maybe then I’ll let you stick around our territory to care for the pup.'

'Do you even know what this event is? It’s for the elite! You think loitering here will land you a partnership?'

I chuckled softly, knowing tonight wasn’t about chasing deals.

'You want me to leave?' I drawled, deliberately slow. 'But if the owner of the Starry Sea Ark isn’t here, who’s going to negotiate partnerships?'

Chris burst out laughing. 'You own the Starry Sea Ark? Are you blind and brainless?'

'I’ve always said your judgment was flawed; now you’re just delusional.'

He tapped his temple mockingly. 'If you’re not well, get help. Can’t book a healer? I’ll arrange one for you.'

The surrounding guests were already glued to the drama.

'Is Beta Gray really that harsh, talking to Nellie Jenkins like that?'

'I heard after Alpha Abram died, she was pushed aside, losing everything to Chris…'

Chris, growing angrier by the second, barked at the pack warriors to escort me out. The guards eagerly stepped forward.

Just then, a deep, commanding voice filled the room, radiating undeniable authority. 'Beta Gray, who gave you the authority to command my warriors?'

Chris stopped mid-step, turning impatiently. 'And who are you?'

The newcomer ignored him, tipping his head toward me. 'Ms. Jenkins, I’ve reserved a seat at the main table. Shall we?'

I nodded, accepting his outstretched hand. He led me through the crowd, straight to the center of the grand hall—the most coveted spot at the event, one even the mayor couldn’t claim.

Whispers erupted among the attendees.

'The main table? Who is this Alpha?'

'Ms. Jenkins must hold serious influence to be seated there.'

Chris stood frozen, disbelief etched across his face. He watched as I walked, arm-in-arm, with the tall Alpha whose presence alone exuded power. The Alpha’s voice boomed, commanding attention and sending a wave of submission through the room.

'We invite the head of the Starry Sea Ark—Ms. Nellie Jenkins—to say a few words.'