Chapter 2

The news of Jake Sullivan's rejection spread like wildfire through the pack.

Some pitied me, some argued for my dignity, and others simply reveled in my downfall.

But the most prevalent gossip was about how Jake doted on Vanessa Cooper, spoiling her with the resources of the Sullivan family.

Even Rosie Rivera, Jake's mother, adored her, going so far as to gift Vanessa the family’s ancestral silver pendant.

I ignored the rumors.

I was an orphan, taken in by the Burns pack after my father, Kane Burns, a respected Healer, died defending the pack against a rogue attack.

Since then, I’d been on my own, but my father had left me prime hunting territories and trading posts within the pack lands, ensuring my independence.

What I hadn’t expected was the audacity of the Sullivan family, especially Rosie.

When I stepped out of my home, Rosie was standing at the gate with a group of Deltas.

During the three years Jake had been away leading the rogue-hunting mission, I’d visited her often, acting as her future daughter-in-law.

Each time, I’d brought expensive gifts, even extending my generosity to her other family members.

Seeing me, Rosie’s sharp eyes narrowed, and she sneered.

“I heard you accepted my son’s rejection. He acted rashly, didn’t he?”

Her tone was sugar-coated, but I knew her visit wasn’t out of concern.

Sure enough, her expression darkened, and she added, “Even though the mate bond is broken, those hunting territories and trading posts should be transferred to Jake’s name.”

Melany Lewis, my personal guard, bristled and looked ready to snap, but I stopped her with a raised hand. Calmly, I asked Rosie for her reasoning.

“A lone she-wolf like you, holding onto such valuable resources—it’s like a child parading around with a treasure chest. These past years, it’s the Sullivan family that’s kept you safe. Handing over those territories is only fair. Don’t worry, we’ll still protect you as we always have.”

Her crimson lips moved with practiced ease, her words dripping with entitlement. Did she really think I, Journi Burns, was so easily intimidated?

Just as she reached the peak of her tirade, I unleashed a surge of my alpha aura, a dominant force that left her trembling and her skin pale.

“You—”

She choked on a gasp before collapsing in a heap.

I thought that would be the end of my dealings with Jake, but fate had other plans. We’d cross paths again sooner than I expected.