Chapter 2

Although Damian was the oldest, he was widely considered the least qualified to inherit the werewolf Alpha position.

Because he was Karen's grandfather's illegitimate son.

Everyone called him trash.

He spent all his time hanging around bars and women, changing girlfriends faster than fashion magazines came out.

No one in the family respected him. They all thought he was just a playboy who only knew how to waste money and have fun.

Damian looked at me coldly.

I took a deep breath.

"I want to make a deal with you."

"The old leader's will states that whoever can complete the bonding with me will be the next Alpha and inherit 70% of the family shares."

Damian's expression changed instantly, "Do you know what you're saying?"

I nodded firmly, "I'm very clear. It's just a temporary bond. After it's done, the shares are yours. I only want the family to be safe."

"Deal."

Half an hour later, Moon Temple.

This wasn't an official mate mark, but an ancient blood contract.

The priestess chanted ancient prayers in a low voice, and Damian stood behind me.

I smelled cedar—the distinctive Alpha pheromone—but he seemed to be deliberately suppressing it.

"Bear with it," he said in my ear.

He bit his fingertip and smeared a drop of warm blood on my neck, then rubbed moonstone powder into it.

After a sharp sting came a tingling sensation that spread quickly.

A faint pink mark appeared on my neck. Outsiders would hardly notice it, but it was enough to pass the Council of Elders' inspection.

Walking out of Moon Temple, I got into his beat-up jeep.

I pulled out a pre-drafted Asset Division Agreement and handed it to him.

"This is what we agreed on..."

Without even looking, Damian tore the agreement to shreds.

"What are you doing?" I looked at him in shock.

In the cramped car, he suddenly leaned close. The intense pressure made it hard to breathe.

"If we're going to put on a show, we do it right."

"Ella, I don't want some agreement. I want you."

"Give me seven days to handle everything, and I'll give you a grand ceremony."

Before I could process the fact that Damian liked me, he dropped me off at my door.

"Rest well these seven days and just wait for me."

I watched Damian's old jeep quickly disappear into the night.

Suddenly, a Maybach screeched to a halt in front of me.

Karen got out, slamming the door. Sophia sat in the passenger seat.

"Ella! How long are you going to keep this up!" Karen strode over, demanding answers.

"Running around in the middle of the night—are you deliberately trying to make me worry, trying to force me to give in?"

Looking at his self-righteous attitude, I didn't feel sad. I just felt ridiculous.

"I don't have time for that."

"Stop pretending! Sophia says her heart is uncomfortable. You're a pure-blood wolf—your presence can calm her. Sit in the back with her."

I laughed coldly, "Is she still a baby? If her heart is uncomfortable, she should go to the ER. What good am I?"

Karen's face immediately darkened.

"Ella, you're too selfish! You're the family's young lady. Everyone revolves around you."

"But Sophia is different. She's an orphan, and her health has always been weak. I'm the only one who can protect her."

He stepped closer and continued, "You have so much. What's wrong with sharing a little patience with someone weaker? Don't be so mean."

In his eyes, my strength became a reason why I deserved to be sacrificed, while Sophia's weakness became her privilege.

"I don't have time for your games."

I turned to leave when suddenly whistles came from the shadows around us.

"Well, if it isn't Mr. Karen Windsor! And the noble Ella."

It was a group of rogue wolves expelled by various families, who specialized in kidnapping and extortion.

"Last time, your family ruined our business. We can settle that score today!" The lead wolf laughed as he closed in, swinging weapons as they charged.

Karen kicked away the person rushing at him, then quickly ran toward the still-running Maybach.

Seeing he was about to escape, the rogue wolves split up—half went to block the car door while the other half came at me with knives.

"Karen!" I called out instinctively.

Karen had already opened the car door, planning to escape with Sophia.

"Ella! You got perfect scores in combat—stall these guys, I'll come back to save you later!" With that, he drove off.

I stood there, my heart turning cold.

I knew how to fight, but I was still flesh and blood. I could still get hurt.

"One guy got away, but the one left behind is the real prize."

The lead wolf licked his blade, leading his men closer step by step.