Chapter 3

At 10 AM, I went to the pack's office.

My father, Alpha Marcus, was already there waiting for me.

A month ago, he'd been injured and needed a blood transfusion. By chance, the blood bank matched my blood type.

Five years ago, when I still hadn't awakened, my family cut off my living expenses. I'd had to sell blood just to survive.

After we were reunited, I became a member of the Frostspine Pack.

Through training and a series of trials, I'd eventually beaten out the other heirs and become the future Alpha of the Frostspine Pack.

Before the official announcement, there were still documents to sign.

My father handed me a stack of papers. "I've organized everything for you. Just sign."

I flipped through them. "Why is Shadow Pack in here too?"

“Shadow was your mother’s pack,” he said. “By blood and by trial, it belongs to you too. After tonight, you won’t just inherit Frostspine. You’ll lead them both.”

As he reviewed my documents, he said casually: "You have that class reunion tonight, right? Clara Morgen did a lot of awful things to you back then. Do you want me to step in?"

My phone buzzed just then.

Clara had posted a photo of the private dining room in the group.

My high school uniform was hung right in the center, next to a digital scale and two chairs pushed together.

A piece of paper was taped to the back of the chairs:

[Evelyn's Exclusive Extra-Wide Seating.]

The chat exploded with laughter.

"Clara's so thoughtful."

"Are two chairs enough? Want to add another one?"

"Don't add more—then we'd have to charge her extra."

Clara tagged me.

"Evelyn, we're all ready. Don't disappoint us."

I didn't reply. I just saved the photo.

These people mocking me had no idea that I was about to become Alpha of two of the most powerful packs. Their queen.

That afternoon, the pack's makeup artist came to the office to do my trial look.

The black velvet dress hugged my figure perfectly, the hem falling to my ankles.

When I walked out of the fitting room, everyone went quiet.

The makeup artist snapped out of it first and immediately raised her phone.

"Don't move—I have to get a picture of this."

My father crossed his arms, giving me an approving once-over. "Excellent."

"Tonight, you don't even have to speak. Just stand there and watch them all have a collective meltdown."

He had a few photos taken, chose one, and sent it to the pack's PR department.

In the photo, I stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, the black velvet dress sharpening every line of my body.

The announcement copy was ready as well:

[Evelyn—Future Alpha of the Frostspine Pack and Shadow Pack. We look forward to her leading both packs into a new journey.]

Release time: 8 PM sharp.

As I was reading the copy, Elias suddenly messaged me.

"Evelyn, are you coming or not?"

"My mate's already here."

He followed up with a photo.

In it, his mate wore a white mini dress, leaning against his shoulder. Her figure was slim.

Elias added: "Ella's pretty straightforward. Don't be too sensitive."

I laughed in disbelief.

I hadn't even shown up yet, and he was already making excuses for his mate's potential hostility.

I didn't reply.

Soon, a video popped up in the group.

Clara was laughing openly:

"When Evelyn gets here, we'll have her weigh herself first."

"If she still hasn't awakened and weighs more than she did in high school, Elias doesn't have to hug her. Wouldn't want to risk his life."

The camera swung toward Elias.

He was holding Ella, giving a lazy laugh.

"Then I thank her for her mercy."

Ella covered her mouth and giggled.

"Don't say that."

"She had a crush on you for three years. She'd crawl here if she had to tonight."

The room erupted in laughter.

I saved the video and put it in the same folder as Clara's recording.

My father saw it and his expression went cold.

"Are you sure you don't want me to send someone with you?"

"No."

I picked up my earrings and put them on slowly.

This reunion, I'd waited five years for.

I wanted to see with my own eyes what those wolves who'd cornered me in the bathroom would look like when they recognized me.

At 6:50, the driver texted that the car was waiting downstairs.

My father draped my coat over my shoulders.

"The top-floor banquet starts at 7:50. Don't take too long."

I stepped into the elevator in my heels.

Just as the doors began to close, Clara sent another group message.

"Evelyn, the seat we saved for you is still empty."

I glanced at it and didn't reply.

Forty minutes left.

Laugh while you can.

The clock was ticking on their little party.