I let out a cold laugh. “So that’s it? I only matter because I’m tied to Jake?”
“Dad, I started at the bottom. I clawed my way up to becoming a manager without anyone’s help. I don’t need the Olsendreich Pack’s support. And how many times do I have to say it – I already ended things with Jake.”
Philip’s tone turned sharper. “That agreement affects both our packs. The Mistbane Pack isn’t going to let you walk away on a whim.”
I smirked. “If you’re that eager to partner with the Olsendreich Pack, maybe you should marry Jake.”
“You – ” His voice shot up. “Are you trying to send me to an early grave? Fine. I’ll give you a bit more time. But if you still can’t secure the funding, I’ll drag you over there myself to make things right.”
With that, the line went dead.
I stood there for a moment, staring at the blank phone screen.
I didn’t doubt him. For the sake of the Mistbane Pack, he would absolutely force me to grovel. Again.
He’s done it before.
Back before I turned eighteen, I’d been raised like a normal human – no combat training, no real connection to my wolf. I was weak and unprepared.
When I finally returned to the Mistbane Pack, I had to start from scratch. I trained for ages to awaken and strengthen my wolf form.
One day, I sprained my wrist during a sparring drill and went to the hospital.
Unfortunately, Peggie was there too.
She lured me into her room, waited for the perfect moment, then flung herself onto the floor just as Jake walked in.
He didn’t ask questions.
All he saw was Peggie, crumpled on the ground, fake tears running down her cheeks.
His face darkened.
He rushed over, shoved me out of the way, and scooped her up into his arms.
My shoulder slammed into the wall. The force jolted down to my wrist, and I heard the crack before I felt the pain.
My face went ghost-white, and sweat drenched my back.
I clenched my jaw and forced the words out. “I didn’t touch her. Peggie threw herself down. She framed me.”
Jake’s expression darkened. “Seriously, Deanna? That’s the best you’ve got? You think anyone’s going to buy that she just tripped? You’re unbelievable. She’s already not well, and you’re still picking on her.”
In that second, the guy I had adored for five years felt like a complete stranger.
Behind him, Peggie clung to his arm like some delicate flower, weeping like she was in a drama. “It’s okay… I deserved it. I made Deanna upset. Jake, please don’t be mad at her.”
Jake turned and walked over to me, his tone sharp and final. “Apologize to Peggie.”
“I didn’t do anything wrong. I’m not apologizing.”
And just like that, I bolted, hot tears spilling down my cheeks as I ran.
That injury? It should’ve healed in a week. But because of that hit, my wrist took two months to recover.
Eventually, Philip forced me to apologize to Jake.
At the time, I was head over heels for Jake – completely spineless.
So, when Philip offered to go with me and smooth things over, I stupidly agreed. I tagged along like some love-struck fool.
He gave this long-winded speech, basically begging Jake to forgive me for having a “bad attitude.”
Jake looked me over, then gestured with his hand. “Come here.”
Eyes rimmed red, I shuffled over.
He pulled me into his arms. “No more tantrums, alright? Don’t act out like a spoiled kid. I hate girls who can’t control themselves. Deanna, I’m only taking care of Peggie because I feel responsible for her. Don’t let that make you insecure.”
Thinking back on it now, I seriously wonder if I had been hit in the head back then.
How was I ever that girl, so obsessed with him that I thought I’d die without him?
But here I was. Still breathing. Still standing.
Deanna’s POV:
Snapping out of my thoughts, I pulled myself back to reality.
Priority number one right now: track down Luis and pitch this investment plan.
After thinking for a minute, I decided to call my best friend, Violet Astor.
Our friendship probably came from surviving similar hellish upbringings.
Violet’s mom used to scream at her nonstop and even tried to sell her off to some seventy-year-old creep.
She didn’t take it lying down. She ran.
Some talent scout saw her by chance, and next thing you know, she was in showbiz. Three years later, she had a household name.
Her assistant picked up the phone.
A second later, Violet’s bubbly voice came through.
“I just wrapped a shoot, Deanna! Want to grab dinner tonight? It’s been forever – I miss your face.”
I laughed. “Let me get through this chaos first. If I went out with you now, I’d need to wear a mask.”
“Ugh, that just proves how famous I am.”
“Sure, sure, Ms. Celebrity. Hey, do you know anyone who can connect me with Luis?”
“You’re trying to reach Luis?”
“Yep.”
“I wish I did. If the Mooncrown Pack funded my show, I’d be global by now. But there is this second lead on my set – Sarah Wilde. Total show-off. Keeps bragging about how she’s from some elite pack and name-drops that alpha every five minutes.
“She did say he’s often at Hollyvale Estate.”
Hollyvale Estate… must be that gated place up
Emson Rise.
All those mansions belong to the mega-rich, but I remember one villa sitting alone up top.
That had to be the Mooncrown Pack’s turf.
“Thanks, Violet. Next meal’s on me.”
I ended the call and headed straight for Hollyvale Estate, crossing my fingers.
My car cruised through a long tunnel, then out into sunlight. A sprawling, castle-like mansion slowly came into view.
At the entrance, a werewolf guard flagged me down. “State your name.”
I rolled down the window. “I’m here to see your alpha. Deanna Wiley.”
Trying to play it smart this time, I added, “We’re close friends.”
The guard raised an eyebrow. “Everyone says that. Some claim they’re his girlfriend. You’ll need a better story.”
For a moment, I was speechless.
Okay, fair enough. I forgot just how hot Luis is – and how much attention he attracted as a pureborn alpha.
Suddenly, a blur of fluffy white fur tore toward the gate.
Woof! Woof! Woof!
A middle-aged woman chased after it, red in the face and panting hard.
“Puddy! Slow down! Someone stop him! He never runs this far – he usually just does a few laps around the garden. What’s gotten into him today?”
The guards forgot all about me and rushed to help.
That was when I finally got a clear look.
A massive wolfhound – practically up to my waist – was barreling forward.
It looked older, but it still had power in every stride.
The dog barked wildly, zigzagging like a rocket straight for me.
Weirdly, I didn’t feel scared.
In fact, the closer it got, the more… familiar it felt.
Have I seen it before?
I always liked animals, especially cats and dogs.
I even snuck home a stray once – poor thing was hurt.
Dorothy wasn’t having it. She tossed it out.
Now, this wolfhound came to a sudden stop about six feet from me.
It barked non-stop, tail wagging like crazy, eyes locked on mine.
The guards and maids nearby looked surprised.
A dog this majestic had to be someone important’s pet – probably Luis’.
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