Chapter 2

The Mate Ceremony concluded in an eerie silence.

Victor took me straight back to his mountain estate.

Throughout the drive, the silence inside the car was deafening.

Several times, I wanted to speak, to ask about the rumors of his feelings for me. But looking at his profile—colder than a glacier—the words died in my throat.

Maybe that wolf wasn't entirely right.

A secret crush on me? How could that be?

An Alpha like Victor, standing at the very top of the food chain, could have any woman he desired. Why would he waste his time on an unwanted foster daughter?

His estate was vast, designed in minimalist, chilly tones. It felt hollow and devoid of warmth, much like its master.

"Your room is over there," Victor said, pointing toward a guest room at the end of the hallway, his voice devoid of warmth.

"Our marriage is strictly contractual, for one year. Keep your head down and don't cause trouble. After a year, I’ll give you a settlement, and our slates will be wiped clean."

My heart sank, inch by inch.

The tiny ember of hope that had sparked during the ceremony was thoroughly extinguished by his icy words.

Of course. I had been delusional.

"Understood," I murmured, turning toward the stairs.

"Wait," he called out.

I looked back, carrying a thread of hope I hadn't even realized was there.

He pulled a black card from his pocket and tossed it onto the console table by the entryway.

"No limit. Spend whatever you want."

With that, he headed straight for his study without sparing me another glance.

I stood there, feeling like a commodity with a clear price tag.

Humiliation, shame, and an inexplicable pang of disappointment washed over me.

Right then, my phone buzzed. It was Margaret.

I pressed answer, and before I could utter a sound, a barrage of vitriol came crashing down.

"Allison, you think you’re all grown up now, don't you? Get your ass back here tomorrow morning!"

"Margaret, is something wrong?" I gripped the phone tighter.

"Is something wrong? Your sister hasn't touched food or water because you married Liam! As her older sister, shouldn't you come back and comfort her? Let me tell you, if you hadn't stolen Sophia's life for eighteen years, she would never have suffered like this!"

Every single word felt like a poisoned needle plunging into my chest.

"Sophia is Alpha Robert's true daughter! Liam belonged to her in the first place! A fake like you should be thanking the heavens for marrying Victor! Don't you dare act ungrateful!"

"I..." I bit my lower lip in humiliation, on the verge of submitting.

Suddenly, a large, well-defined hand reached from behind me and took the phone away.

Startled, I turned to meet Victor's stony face.

I hadn't even heard him leave his study.

He brought the phone to his ear, his voice dropping into a dark, commanding growl.

"The Crimson Pack does not grovel, nor do we apologize to anyone."

On the other end, Margaret went completely silent before scrambling into a fawning tone.

"Alpha Victor... that’s not what I meant! I just wanted Allison to visit—"

"She is my Luna," Victor cut her off ruthlessly. "From this day forth, her only responsibility is to take care of her health. As for comforting anyone else, she doesn't have the time, and I won't allow it."

He ended the call and shoved the phone back into my hand.

Throughout the entire exchange, his expression never wavered.

Then, turning toward Beta James waiting nearby, he ordered, "Prepare late-night snacks for the Luna."

Without looking back, he marched upstairs.

I stood frozen in place, my heart hammering against my ribs.

[Told you so! This Alpha is so emotionally stunted. He cares about you to death, obviously.]

[Acting so cold with his words, but his body betrayed him completely. He didn't read a single word in that study; he had his ears perked up the whole time listening to us. The second you were bullied, he charged right out.]

[He's shy. He’s totally blushing on the inside.]