2

Chapter 2

A tall man in a fitted black suit approached, his Alpha aura radiating power so thick the air itself seemed to bow. He was undeniably handsome, with sharp amber eyes that glowed faintly with wolf dominance.

Damon Blackthorn—the Alpha of Shadowcrest Pack.

I gave him a once-over. My mother hadn't lied about his appearance.

Kira immediately clung to his arm. "Alpha... she hurt me... I was only trying to help—"

"Enough," Damon said, frowning. "Don't whine here. It's disgraceful to the pack."

Kira shut her mouth instantly, but the smug, taunting look she cast at me said everything.

Damon turned to me, his eyes sweeping me from head to toe with open disdain. I kept my tone polite. "I'm Selene Nightshade. I—"

He raised a hand, cutting me off impatiently. "No need. I've seen you. Our families arranged this meeting, you showed up, fine. Now you can leave."

For a moment, I wondered if I'd misheard. I had traveled through three territories under Council protection just to attend, and before I even finished one sentence, he was dismissing me?

Kira quickly added, voice dripping with artificial sweetness, "What Alpha Damon means is, he's not interested. So run along now before things get ugly."

I looked at the two of them—the arrogant Alpha and the sycophantic assistant—and couldn't help raising an eyebrow. "Alpha Damon, you're sure you understand my bloodline's position?"

He scoffed, clearly offended. "Of course I do. And I also know I don't mate with pretty faces who have no real power. Wolves like you are nowhere near worthy of Shadowcrest."

Kira covered her mouth dramatically. "She really thought she had a chance. Cute."

I laughed lightly. "Great. Saves us both time."

That caught him off guard; his expression stiffened. I gestured toward my assigned seat in the VIP section. "And for your information, this invitation was granted by the Council of Elders. Not something anyone can just override."

Kira snapped, "Who do you think you are? This entire gathering belongs to the Shadowcrest Pack! You don't deserve to be here!"

Damon said coldly, "I'll compensate you triple for the invitation. Take it and leave."

Wolves nearby gasped.

I said calmly, "Not interested. Power doesn't solve everything."

I turned to walk away, but Kira leaned close to Damon's ear and whispered something. His expression shifted instantly.

He spun back toward me, eyes sharp. "Why did you attack her?"

The accusation sounded like a verdict.