Chapter 3

Three months ago, when I arrived, Ethan had arranged a temporary entry permit for me using his Beta status.

"So what do I do now?"

"You need someone from the Pack to sponsor you and vouch for your identity before you can buy a ticket. Next."

I stepped aside to let the next person pass.

The crowd surged forward, quickly blocking the window.

I stood there, completely lost.

So, I couldn't even leave this place without Ethan's permission.

Leaving the terminal, I found the transit authorization office run by the Silver Creek Pack.

The person in charge was Mrs. Thompson. I knew her.

She was a regular at the bar where I worked. Last time she got drunk, I was the one who walked her home.

It was during that walk that I got the chance to enter the Packhouse and saw Ethan's other home.

When I walked into the office, Mrs. Thompson was sitting behind her desk, scrolling through TikTok.

"Mrs. Thompson, I wanted to ask, what documents do I need to leave this place?"

Mrs. Thompson looked up, her face lighting up in recognition. "Oh, I know you! If I remember correctly, your mate is the Pack's Beta. As a Beta's mate, you should have the proper documents. Why don't you ask him?"

Then, leaning in, Mrs. Thompson lowered her voice, asking in a gossipy tone, "Mrs. Miller, if you don't mind me asking... are you and Beta Ethan really mates? I mean, he hasn't marked that weak she-wolf either... but that Zara girl joined the pack under the status of a Beta's dependent."

I kept quiet.

Even though my wolf was absolutely howling with rage.

"And..." Mrs. Thompson whispered, "I heard you actually passed the pack assessment, but Beta Ethan held back your results..."

I paused. "I see. Thank you, Mrs. Thompson."

I stood on the street corner for a long time.

In the end, I realized there was only one solution—

I needed Ethan to authorize my departure.

Simple.

He just needed to say the word.

But how could I ask?

Should I say, "Since your mate is someone else, can you let me leave now?"

If so, wouldn't we have to settle the score for the past three months as well?

I went back to that so-called "home."

Ethan wasn't back yet, and the door was still locked.

I didn't wait. I broke the lock.

After packing up my things, I headed back to the Packhouse.

Mrs. Thompson had convinced the guards to let me in.

I walked straight to Ethan's office, only to hear voices coming from inside.

"Ethan, can I really join the pack's patrol team?"

It was Zara's voice, laced with a whiny, flirtatious tone.

"But my rank is too low, right? This job is much better suited for Grace. She still doesn't even have official pack status."