Chapter 2

I turned, shutting the room full of family joy behind the door.

Walking to the deserted balcony, I dialed Marcus Collins, the Alpha King's assistant.

"Marcus, seven years are up."

The other end of the line was silent for a moment, then a sigh came through.

"Miss Ava, the Alpha King has prepared everything. With just your word, all funds injected into Arthur Hayes's and Jason's companies will begin to withdraw within twenty-four hours. We expect all funds to be pulled out in six days. Afterwards, the Alpha King will send warriors to reclaim most of the Silverfang Pack and Stoneclaw Pack territories."

"Good, begin."

Hanging up the phone, I felt the shackles that had bound me for seven years finally loosen.

Jason had walked over at some point, frowning as he looked at me.

"Who are you on the phone with so mysteriously? Ava, I'm warning you, don't take my money and waste it outside."

He lectured me as if it was his right, completely forgetting that I was the one managing all his companies.

I ignored him and walked straight to the dining room.

The long dining table was laden with dishes, all of them Rebecca's favorites.

Jason meticulously deboneed fish for Rebecca, completely oblivious that I hadn't even touched my forks.

Alpha Arthur Hayes was red-faced from drinking.

"Ava, transfer all the company shares under your name to Rebecca's child. Consider it a welcoming gift for the future Alpha."

I looked up at his calculating face.

I nodded.

"Okay."

My immediate agreement surprised them all.

Jason was the first to react, a satisfied smile on his face.

"I knew Ava was the most reasonable. The shares in my company that you hold, transfer those too. For our child, I'm sure you'll be willing."

Rebecca leaned into Jason's embrace, feigning worry as she tugged on his sleeve.

"Jason, don't be like that, Ava will be unhappy."

Alpha Arthur Hayes scoffed.

"How could she be? She's very happy! Right, Ava? Come on, propose a toast to Becca and say a few words of blessing."

Jason picked up a glass of red wine and handed it to me.

"Propose a toast to Becca and say a few words of blessing." His tone brooked no argument.

I looked at the glass of wine but didn't take it.

Jason's face instantly darkened.

"You don't want to? Before, to fight for territory, you led the charge, how many scars did you get, how long were you unconscious? Why didn't you say 'no' then?"

Alpha Arthur Hayes chimed in, his tone mocking: "Exactly. Back then, when you were carried back gravely wounded, we thought you were done for. Now, for the continuation of the bloodline, we ask you to say a few words of blessing, and you're unwilling?"

All these years, one of them, though weak in character, tried to maintain an Alpha image, while the other, though weak in strength, still projected an Alpha's authority.

Tasks that required risking one's life to defend the Pack naturally fell to me.

Six days left, I counted in my mind.

Then, I took the wine glass Jason had practically shoved against my mouth, and turned to Rebecca.

Her face held an ill-concealed triumph.

I raised the glass, speaking each word clearly.

"I wish you, may all your wishes come true."