Chapter 3

No one in the room expected me to actually go toe-to-toe with Alpha Kennard.

Everyone here was either an Alpha or an elite from powerful packs. Even Alpha Kennard had only received his invitation thanks to the financial support from the Blood Moon Pack—my pack—over the past few years.

"Everyone, let me make something clear," Alpha Kennard announced, his voice cutting through the murmurs like a blade. "This woman, although she holds the title of my Luna, has no place in my life."

A low growl rumbled in my throat before I could stop it. The audacity of this man. But I kept my posture relaxed, leaning back slightly in my seat, fingers drumming idly against the table.

"If she can't come up with the money later, the Silver Fang Pack will not be held responsible."

my wolf let out a sharp, amused chuff. Oh, that's rich. He really thinks he's untouchable.

I tilted my head, considering him, then let a slow, knowing smile stretch across my lips. "Alpha Kennard,I'd suggest you don't distance yourself from me just yet."

His eyes darkened with irritation, but I pressed on. "After all, you're the only one here who's made the ceremonial bid for that necklace." I leaned forward, letting my voice drop just enough to make sure he—and everyone else—caught my next words. "If you can't pay up, you might end up begging me to bail you out."

The moment the words left my mouth, a hush fell over the room, broken only by a sharp intake of breath from someone in the crowd.

Before Alpha Kennard could snap back, Beta Joanna shot to her feet.

"Luna Queenie," she sneered, "are you daydreaming?"

My fingers twitched, itching to shift just long enough to put her in her place.

"You, a housewife, thinking you can go up against the entire Silver Fang Pack?" Joanna continued, her voice dripping with condescension. "You really don't know your place."

I shook my head and looked at her with a calm expression. "It might be hard for you to believe right now, but it's the truth."

"If you don't believe me," I added, turning my attention back to Alpha Kennard, "you can always test it out."

Beta Joanna scoffed. "Well, if you wants to, let you try." She crossed her arms, smugness radiating off her in waves. "How could someone who doesn't even know their own worth stand in front of me and act like they're some big shot?"

The laughter that rippled through the crowd was cold and sharp, meant to cut. But I didn't flinch. If anything, I was enjoying myself now.

"Sorry to disappoint you," I said, smiling just enough to show teeth, "but I'm not like you. Queenie Bennett doesn't need to rely on a man to buy what I want."

A few murmurs flickered through the crowd. Those who recognized my name—the ones who actually knew what I was capable of—exchanged wary glances.

"Oh please," someone scoffed. "Anyone can talk big. If she really had that much power, why would she be okay with being a housewife?"

"Exactly," another voice chimed in. "Alpha Kennard is worth billions. And what exactly is she? Nothing but a trophy Luna."

"She's just a clown trying to get attention."

I exhaled slowly, then rose to my feet, my gaze sweeping over the entire room. "Let me make this clear," I said, my voice steady, unwavering. "I don't just look down on the Silver Fang Pack. I look down on every single one of you sitting here."

Since I stepped into this auction, all I've heard from these so-called Alphas and elites has been less about charity and more about how to flatter Alpha Kennard.

The air shifted. The smug grins faltered. Even the auctioneer—a middle-aged man who had clearly seen his fair share of power plays—looked a little uneasy.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he said finally, clearing his throat, "we don't welcome people like this at our auction."

I turned my gaze to him, expression unreadable. "Oh?" I said, voice deceptively light. "And what kind of person do you think I am?"

Before he could fumble for an answer, Beta Joanna stormed up to the stage and ripped the microphone from his hands.

"Queenie Bennett, you're nothing but trash!" she shouted, her voice echoing through the hall.

My wolf bared her teeth. Let me handle her. Just for a second. One good bite—

I didn't move. Didn't blink. Just watched as Beta Joanna reveled in her outburst, her chest heaving with righteous anger.

Even Alpha Kennard, who had remained silent up until now, looked at me with an expression of smug satisfaction.

At that moment, it hit me—how foolish I had been to ever agree to help the Silver Fang Pack in their time of need.

After a long silence, Beta Joanna assumed I'd backed down. She raised the microphone again.

"Hey, Queenie Bennett," she sneered, lifting the microphone again, "do you understand now why Alpha Kennard doesn't want to sit with you?"

Then, she raised the volume, as if to deliver her final blow.

"Because… you're simply not worth it."