Chapter 1

My fated mate, Alpha Alexander, banned me from attending the Iron Ridge Pack’s annual Hunt Festival.

His excuse? "You don’t even have a wolf, Elena. Going there would only ruin the mood for everyone."

I didn’t argue. Instead, I quietly booked a plane ticket, planning to take a solo vacation to clear my mind.

But then, he took Isabella instead.

Isabella is the daughter of the Ridgecrest Pack’s Alpha. Standing next to Alexander, she looked perfect—like she belonged there.

On the very first night of the festival, someone anonymously sent me photos of them together.

So, I canceled my plane ticket and booked a yacht ticket instead.

By the time Alexander returned from the festival campground, I was already packing my things.

He stood in the doorway, looking surprisingly guilty for once. "Where are you going?"

"Home."

"Your home is right here—"

"No, it isn't."

I zipped my suitcase, walked right past him, and didn't look back.

He had no idea what "going home" actually meant.

He had no idea that my last name is Smith. And the Smith family of the Silver Creek Pack is the biggest creditor his Iron Ridge Pack has in the entire state of Washington.

"Elena Smith, how long are you going to play these hard-to-get games?"

Alexander kicked my suitcase out of the way, his eyes flashing with irritation.

"Canceling your flight and booking a yacht? You think changing your travel plans is going to force me to beg for your forgiveness?"

I stopped and looked at his arrogant, self-righteous face.

"I told you. I'm going home."

"Your home is right here!"

"It’s not." I looked him dead in the eye. "Let go of me."

He didn't expect that look in my eyes.

There was no begging, no desperate questioning, and no tears. There was only the cold, piercing indifference you’d show to a piece of trash.

For a second, he looked guilty, but his Alpha pride quickly covered it up.

He let out a cold laugh and snatched my identity token straight out of my purse.

"You’re a wolf-less orphan. Besides my pack, what home could you possibly go back to?"

I looked at my empty palm. I didn't scream. I didn't try to fight him for it.

"Give it back."

"I’ll give it back when you learn how to behave."

He carelessly tossed my token into the highest drawer of the foyer cabinet and locked it.

"I took Bella to the Hunt Festival because her father agreed to a long-term alliance between Iron Ridge and Ridgecrest."

"You’re a wolf-less useless human. Aside from holding me back, what can you actually do for me?"

"I’m playing a part for the future of our pack. My feelings for you haven't changed. Why do you have to throw a tantrum right now?"

I looked at the man I had loved for seven years. Suddenly, he looked completely repulsive.

Playing a part? Is that why he brought another woman in front of his entire pack, letting her act like she was the future Luna?

"Alexander, do you honestly think I have no self-respect? That you can just walk all over me whenever you want?"

Alexander frowned, clearly thinking I was being unreasonable.

"You don't have a wolf! What would you even do at the Hunt Festival? Watch everyone else hunt while they laugh at me for having you?"

Just then, the doorbell rang.

Isabella stood at the door, wearing a high-end designer dress and a sweet, perfect smile.

"Alexander, is Elena mad at me?"

She walked in, naturally wrapping her arm around Alexander’s.

In that instant, it felt like an invisible needle pierced my chest.

My fated mate instinct screamed, and my dormant wolf growled low inside my mind, warning me: *Another female is touching him.*

I forced down the rising wave of nausea and kept my composure.

"I just thought the balcony view of this apartment was so beautiful, so I wanted to borrow it for my birthday party. I didn't know it would make Elena run away from home," Isabella said.

I stared at them coldly.

This apartment was bought with my own money. Alexander’s name wasn't even on the deed.

Every piece of furniture, every plant, was handpicked and arranged by me.

And now, without even asking, he was just giving my home to another woman for a party.

My wolf was quiet now. But I could feel her resentment.

She had once truly believed he was our fated mate. Now, she didn't even want to look at him.

"She’s just petty and small-minded. She doesn't know how the world works," Alexander said, patting Isabella’s hand gently.

"It’s just an apartment. You’re the daughter of the Ridgecrest Alpha. Use it however you want."

He turned to me, his eyes instantly turning cold.

"Elena Smith, Bella is doing you a favor by even wanting to use your place."

"Be generous for once. Don't make me look at you like you're some crazy, hysterical woman."

I stared at their linked arms.

"Fine. She can borrow the apartment."

My voice was dead calm.

Alexander blinked, caught off guard by my sudden compliance.

"Glad to see you finally have some common sense."

"But if anything is broken, you pay the full price," I said, locking my eyes onto Isabella.

Isabella giggled, covering her mouth.

"Oh, Elena, you're so funny. A place like this? The cost of these things is pocket change to me."

"Good."

I turned to grab my spare bag, getting ready to leave.

"What are you doing now?" Alexander stepped forward, blocking my path.

"Since you're using my apartment for a party, I’d hate to be an eyesore. I'll stay at a hotel."

"Elena Smith, I'm warning you. Don't push your luck." He lowered his voice, his tone dripping with condescending grace. "I canceled my business dinner tonight just to come home and be with you. Don't spit on my generosity."

I walked right past him and headed for the front door.

"If you walk out of this door tonight, don't ever think about setting foot in the Iron Ridge Pack territory again!"

"Suits me perfectly."

***