Chapter 1

After my failed confession to Charlie Walker, I was sent abroad by the Walker family, a clear and deliberate attempt to sever any lingering ties between us. They feared my presence would forever remind the Walker Pack that I—a little wolf adopted by the Walker family—wanted to be Luna of the Walker Pack.

The day I returned to the country, all the members of the pack were nervous, everyone was afraid that I would get close to Charlie again. Charlie, my stepbrother, the Alpha of the Walker Pack. Even he himself said, "the biggest stain in my life is being like by my adopted sister."

Charlie's indifference was sharper than I could have ever expected. It stung, because I know he's not just said it, this is how he truly felt.

The pack members introducted different girls to Charlie to prevent me. Charlie accepted them all without hesitation, wrapping his arm around their waists and pinching their chin to kiss them. He was the Alpha of the pack, so naturally there were many girls who were willing to fall for him.

"If Emily Green can put away her improper feelings, I wouldn't mind her coming back." He said. It seemed like he thought I was still secretly in love with him.

But this time, I wasn't here for him. I was here for marry someone else.

As I stood at the door of the private room, the room went still. The girl who had just been rejected by Charlie and lost her courage, attempting to kiss him. Charlie was lazily leaning on the sofa, relaxed and sumg. But then the moment was shattered by someone's loud curse.

"Damn, why is Emily back!"

In an instant, they all shifted. They moved instinctively, to protect their Alpha. They stepped forward together, forming a protective barrier around Charlie. Just like years ago.

I stood there, not moving. My eyes swept to the doorplate of the private room, and smiled slightly. "No, I came to the wrong place," I said, my voice calm but firm.

The few members blocking the door were visibly relaxed, but my wolf could still feel the underlying tension. Just as I was about to find an excuse to leave, a mocking laugh sounded in the air.

Charlie's voice, smooth and indifferent, came from inside the room. "Take a breath. How can we let a girl ask for a kiss?"

The girl in his arms blushed deeply as he kissed her chin, her emotions shifting from nervousness to joy in an instant. "Charlie, I... I... can I be your girlfriend?"

Charlie didn't respond at first, his eyes sliding up to mine, then he deepened the kiss.

The girl was thrilled, and the others in the room cheered, celebrating the bond that had formed between their Alpha and the girl.

My wolf seemed to feel something and urged me to leave. I looked down at the time, turned to leave, but someone behind me called my name. It was Charlie.

"Emily."

I instinctively turned around and saw Charlie coming out. It had been three years since we last met, but he hadn't changed at all. He held a cigarette between his right fingers and spoke in a calm and nonchalant tone.

"When did you come back?"

"Yesterday."

"Why didn't you go home?"

I didn't respond, instead glanced at the watch on my wrist, my expression tinged with impatience, "is there anything else?" I asked.

Charlie's eyes followed my gaze to my wrist, and he frowned slightly. "Where is the bracelet?" he asked.

Charlie's question reminded me of something, and a sarcastic smile appeared on my face. Three years ago, after a wolf in the pcak confessed to me, Charlie gave me a bracelet—a family heirloom of the Walker family.

At that time, I thought it was a promise, a token of wanting to possess me, until my confession was severely ridiculed by him and them.

"I put it away." I said.

Charlie's gaze softened, his jaw tightening as he fought to hide his emotions. "It's just a small thing. No need to treat it as precious."

"Next time..." His words trailed off, interrupted by a bright, high-pitched voice from behind.

"Charlie!"

The girl from the private room ran out, linking her arm with Charlie's, then extended her hand toward me, smiling brightly. "You must be Emily, right? Hi, I'm Sarah Robinson, or... Sister-in-law." She hesitated before saying the last words, looking shyly at Charlie.

I really didn't have enough time, and if I stayed any longer, that man was going to get angry.

A low growl echoed in my mind, my wolf urging me to leave.

I gave Sarah a short nod. "Hi," I said, before turning on my heel and walking quickly out of the room.

Before I could reach the corner, I noticed someone standing by the door. It was Lucas White—his tall figure seemed to block out the dim lighting. He was the Alpha of the White Pack, a figure I could not ignore, and yet... he was my mate.

His scent hit me immediately—cedar, earth, and something primal. His gaze met mine, there was a bond between us that I couldn't ignore, it tugged at my heart and made my wolf surge with recognition.

Then I quickly stepped forward, pulling a small gift from my pocket and offering it to him. "Happy birthday," I said, my voice soft.

Lucas' gaze lingered on me for a moment, then his lips curved into a faint smile. "You're late," he murmured, his voice low and rich with authority.

I glanced at my watch, seeing the hour had passed midnight. I had been delayed too many times by others, their presence distracting me from what truly mattered.

Lucas didn't say another word. Instead, he pulled me into his arms, lifting me with ease. I felt the warmth of his body against mine, the strength of his wolf thrumming in his body.

The temperature between us was rising, he suppressed the emotions in his eyes, and carried me out of the private room.

It was a bit chilly outside, and Lucas wrapped his coat around me, the scent of cedar filling my senses, and my wolf responded.

He was mine, and I was his. The bond between us was undeniable, and I felt it pulling at me, stronger than the gravity of the full moon on a werewolf's soul.

Chapter 2

The low-key yet luxurious Maybach was parked by the roadside, its sleek body gleaming under the dim streetlights. As we approached, a familiar voice interrupted the quiet of the night, filled with surprise.

"Lucas, when did you get back?"

Not far away, Charlie was walking toward us, his arm casually draped around Sarah's waist. The moment I heard his voice, my wolf started to circle anxiously in my head, it seemed to be even more tired of seeing Charlie again than I was.

Charlie's tone was full of surprise. I could even feel his curious gaze through Lucas's coat..

Lucas glanced at him indifferently.

"Just got back," Lucas said flatly.

"Good buddy, you've come to your senses? Let me see what kind of goddess you've got." Charlie teased.

Saying this, Charlie took a step forward and tried to pull the coat off my head.

I leaned against Lucas's shoulder and instinctively grabbed the collar of his jacket.

Lucas looked at Charlie with an unapproachable coldness in his eyes, and Charlie eventually withdrew his hand.

"Alright, alright, I see how tightly you're holding on to her. I won't mess up your good thing. Next time, remember to bring her out so we can meet properly."

Lucas didn't respond. He simply turned and carried me into the back seat of the Maybach, his arms strong and reassuring around me.

Lucas, a well-known heir in the country. He was Alpha of the White Pack—the oldest, most powerful, and most respected pack in the region. He was also Charlie's closest friend, but because of me, their relationship has become increasingly straine.

The night after my failed confession to Charlie, when the Walker family had sent me abroad, Lucas had followed me. He is very considerate to me, caring about me and taking care of me. It was then that I realized Lucas wasn't just a bystander in my tangled lives—he was a key player. And he was my mate.

The car slowly moved toward Lucas's villa, the soft hum of the engine is the only sound filling the quiet space between us. I leaned against Lucas's shoulder, feeling his warmth, his scent, and the unmistakable power of a dominant Alpha. The partition between the front and back seats slowly rose, creating private space around us.

Lucas's hand moved up my arm, a chill spreading where his fingertips brushed my skin. The touch was deliberate, almost possessive. His fingers traced my skin slowly, sending an involuntary shiver down my spine. His breath quickened as my hair brushed against his face, and I could feel his eyes darken, his gaze now fixed on me.

The air in the car grew heavier, warmer as the temperature rose. I bit my lip, trying hard to keep my composure, to keep my focus. My wolf was eager, but I kept it in check.

Lucas's voice, low and dangerous, broke the silence. He whispered in my ear, his voice sending a thrill through my body.

"Why aren't you talking? Are you uncomfortable?"

I opened my mouth, but before I could respond, I was jolted by a sudden movement from Lucas. His lips found mine, blocking any words. It wasn't a gentle kiss—it was urgent, hungry, as though he were claiming me. His kiss was possessive, raw, and I responded without hesitation, the bond between us pulling me closer, urging me to give in.

I don't know how long it lasted before Lucas stopped, his breathing was shallow, his face illuminated by the dim light of the car, satisfaction written all over his features. He gently wiped a strand of hair from my face, then I reached for my phone, which had been tossed carelessly aside. I checked the screen and saw two new messages from Charlie.

The first message was a video. I opened it and saw Charlie drinking with others. He held a cigarette between his fingers and put it in his mouth, blowing out a smoke ring casually. "My greatest stain in life is being liked by my foster sister," he said, his voice mocking. "If Emily can put away thoughts she shouldn't have, I wouldn't mind her coming back."

The words were sharp, venomous, but they didn't affect me as they once would have. If I had seen this three years ago, it would have broken my heart. But now, my wolf barely reacted. He couldn't hurt me anymore, and I no longer cared about the Walker Pack, even if Charlie didn't realize it yet.

I glanced at the second message.

"Little sister, I heard you have the bracelet that the Walker family left for the daughter-in-law, right? When you have time, return it. Don't covet things that don't belong to you. It should go back to its rightful owner."

It wasn't Charlie's tone and it was clear who sent me these two messages.

Apparently the Walker Pack knew about my return, and on Charlie's mother's birthday, she had called me, asking me to come home.

I paused for a moment, taking a deep breath. I have no reason to escape anymore, it's time to face the consequences.

By the time I arrived at the Walker family's house, many guests had already gathered. The news of the Walker family's foster daughter—the one who had loved their only Alpha unrequitedly—had spread throughout this country like wildfire three years ago. The air was thick with judgment when I entered the room. Eyes turned toward me, their gazes filled with surprise, curiosity, and disdain.

Sarah hovered around Charlie's mother, doing her best to gain favor. But Mrs. Walker was indifferent to her attempts. When I entered the room, however, everything changed. Mrs. Walker's cold demeanor melted away as she linked arms with Sarah, she smiled happily.

"Emily's back! Come to Mom!" she called, her voice dripping with feigned warmth. "Let me introduce you to your brother's girlfriend."

I smiled faintly, my hands tight around the gifts I had prepared.

I took two boxes from my bag: one containing the Walker family's heirloom bracelet, and the other—a birthday gift for Mrs. Walker. As I handed over the gifts, my emotions swirling.

"Mom, happy birthday," I said softly, the words strained but sincere.

Mrs. Walker grabbed my hand and chattered for a while, but the smile never reached her eyes. She accepted the bracelet, but barely acknowledged the other gift, casually placing it aside as if it was nothing. There were too many guests today, and she didn't have the energy to focus on me.

I could feel the tension building, my wolf pacing inside me.

Chapter 3

I cleverly slipped away from the banquet hall, seeking peace in the back garden of the Walker family estate. It had been three years since I'd last been here, and everything had changed. The garden, once lush with life and warmth, now appeared colder and more restrained.

I stood there, lost in my thoughts, I suddenly felt a sharp sensation—my inner wolf stirred. My senses heightened, and I could feel the presence of someone nearby, watching me. I looked up, and there he was. Lucas.

My pulse quickened, and my wolf reacted instinctively, responding to the pull of my mate. But the desire to run towards him mixed with confusion. Wasn't Lucas supposed to be on a business trip today? Why was he here?

He stood a few feet away, surrounded by a group of people, including Charlie. He stood next to Lucas, leaned in, his voice light but carrying an edge.

"So, who was the woman you were holding yesterday?" he asked.

Lucas didn't respond, but I saw the way his fingers absently traced the ring on his finger—the one I had given him yesterday. The ring he had forced me to put on him, and I have another identical one here. I could feel the bond between us stronger than ever.

Thinking about what happened yesterday under his gaze made me feel a little embarrassed and shy. I was about to turn away, trying to escape this feeling. Suddenly, I was blocked b a figure.

It was Sarah.

She stood in front of me, her expression dark and furious, her body language stiff and aggressive. Her eyes narrowed with venom when she spoke, her voice low but cutting.

"Didn't you see the message I sent?" she hissed, stepping closer. "Why are you so shameless, following Charlie wherever he goes?"

My wolf was irritated and kept growling, but I suppressed it.

I opened my mouth to speak, to defend myself, but Sarah didn't give me a chance. Her fingers dug into my wrist painfully as she stepped forward, her voice raised for everyone to hear.

"Emily, I know you like Charlie, but we're really in love now. Could you please not break us up?"

The words hit me like a slap, My wolf reacted violently. It was furious, snapping, urging me to push her away. But I still stood there, silent, trying to keep control.

The crowd around us was watching, their eyes filled with disdain and mockery, just like three years ago. I could hear their whispers, feel their judgment like cold daggers.

Sarah's grip tightened on my wrist, and my wolf growled louder, responding to the pain and the humiliation. I frowned, my body tense, I tried to free myself.

"Let go," I whispered, my voice colder than I intended.

But Sarah's grip only tightened, and she leaned closer, her voice pleading but still laced with malice.

"Emily, I'm begging you. Charlie and I have finally gotten together. Could you please just let him go?" Her words were coated with false sweetness, but I could feel the venom underneath.

Her nails dug deeper into my flesh, and the pain was sharp, pushing me past my limits. My wolf's anger flared, the primal need to protect myself overhelmed my senses.

Without using much strength, I twisted my wrist free. But Sarah screamed, and a slap landed across my face.

Silence swept over the garden, I wiped the blood from my mouth. Mrs. Walker appeared in front of me, her face twisted in fury, trembling with anger. She pointed at me, her voice harsh and shaking.

"Emily, I raised you for so many years, and this is how you repay me?" she spat. "If I knew it would end like this, I shouldn't have taken you in!"

I felt the sharp of her words. My mother passed away when I was young, and my father, a Beta, died saving our ex Alpha—Walker's father when I was ten. The Walker family took me in after that. They raised me for ten years. But now…

This slap broke the relationship between me and the Walker family, and also broke the bond between me and the Walker Pack.

I took out a card from my bag. Inside was one million euros, carefully calculated and prepared for this moment. I handed it to Mrs. Walker.

"Mrs. Walker, this is the money you've spent on me over the past ten years, with interest. I'm returning it all now."

Mrs. Walker froze for a moment.

"What did you just call me?" she demanded, her voice faltering.

Everyone around us was watching, their eyes trained on me.

Charlie stepped forward, his expression frustrated, his voice commanding.

"Emily, stop causing trouble."

Trouble?

Charlie's words reminded me of ten years ago. When I was brought to the Walker family, they said that I was the only daughter of the Walker family and no one in the pack could look down on me. They protected me, took care of me, and loved me. I have always been grateful to them and have always believed that the Walker family is my real family. Until I confessed my feelings to Charlie, everything had changed.

The betrayal of the family I had loved hurt far more than any slap.

The tension in my chest was unbearable, but my wolf whispered to me—calming me, urging me to move forward. You're no longer one of them. Move on. They can't hurt you anymore.

I opened my mouth to speak, to say everything I had bottled up inside, but when I looked at Charlie and his mother, no words came.

Forget it. There was nothing left to say. The bond I once had with them was shattered beyond repair.

I turned away without another glance at Charlie or his mother. I walked away from the Walker family—my past, my pain—and with each step, I could feel the weight of my wolf's approval. You're free now, it whispered.

And for the first time in years, I felt that freedom take root deep inside me.