Chapter 2

The next morning, I had a fever.

Because Caleb didn't like me, none of the servants at the estate respected me either.

I could only drag myself up and go to the fridge for ice water. The burning in my throat eased slightly.

Just as I was about to crawl back to bed for a nap, the door was kicked open violently.

Caleb stormed in with a group of people and yanked me off the bed.

"Mia, hand it over!"

I was confused. "Hand what over?"

Caleb looked at me with disgust. "Give back Elizabeth's ring. It's a keepsake from her mother. You're crazy to even steal that!"

Elizabeth stood beside him, her eyes red.

"Mia, I know you're jealous that Alpha Caleb loves me, but that ring is very important to me. Please give it back."

I found this absurd.

"I don't know anything about any ring. I didn't steal it."

Seeing me deny it, Caleb's face turned completely dark.

"You kept staring at that ring at the dinner party. It must have been you who stole it!"

I recalled last week's banquet. I thought it was an engagement ring Caleb had given Elizabeth, so I couldn't help glancing at it a few times.

Just because of that, he was certain I stole it?

I drew a sharp breath, swallowing the sting behind my nose.

"I'll say it one more time. I didn't take it."

Caleb's friend let out a derisive snort. "Why waste words on a wolfless Omega? Just search her."

Caleb's glare bore into me, cold and final. "You brought this on yourself. Search her."

I was still feverish and couldn't stop them.

Soon my room was turned upside down.

I didn't have much-just a few changes of clothes and the wedding dress Grandma had sewn for me before she died.

Before I came to Dubois pack, she'd held my hand and said, "You'll be the most beautiful bride in the world in this dress. But I probably won't live to see you wear it."

When they pulled out my wedding dress, they immediately started mocking it.

"Typical low-class Omega. She hasn't even been on a date with Alpha Caleb and she's already prepared a wedding dress."

"This sloppy handiwork looks like my maid's apron. How embarrassing to treasure something like this."

I wouldn't let them insult what Grandma made for me!

I lunged forward to grab it. "Give it back!"

But they tossed the dress back and forth, toying with me like a cat.

Just as I was about to touch the hem, Caleb grabbed my arm roughly and stopped me.

"If you want the dress, hand over the ring!"

I trembled with rage and slapped him across the face. "I told you I didn't take it! Why won't you believe me?"

Meeting my reddened eyes, Caleb's movements paused, and a flicker of doubt crossed his expression.

At that moment, Elizabeth suddenly began sobbing softly. "It's all my fault for being useless and losing Mom's keepsake. Mom in heaven must be blaming me too."

The doubt in Caleb's eyes vanished instantly.

He held up the wedding dress and threatened me. "Hand over the ring, or I'll tear this dress to shreds! And I'll kick you out of Dubois pack and make you a rogue!"

"Dubois pack won't shelter a thief."

I knew he meant every word.

But I'd never even seen that ring. Where could I possibly find one to give him?