Chapter 1
I was Erevan’s Beta.
I had fought off rogues to save him from bites, endured wolfbane brewed by witches, and even during his in heat, I had even played the role of his mate.
Even when his new lover was kidnapped by enemies, it was me he sent as the hostage for the exchange.
Everyone thought I was hopelessly in love with Erevan.
After all, our wolves had recognized each other the moment we met. But he loathed such primal instincts and refused to
acknowledge me as his mate. Still, I chose to stay by his side–without a name, without a title.
Even as one lover after another came and went, I remained. My daily job was to manage the chaos they left behind.
And the first time he truly looked at me was when that delicate Omega sobbed.
That was when he ordered me to go in her place for the exchange, tossing out a casual promise that he’ll mark me as
compensation.”
But after I returned, broken and bleeding from seven days and nights of torment, his first words weren’t about my injuries.
He just ordered me to get back to work.
Erevan stood shirtless, each breath tightening his abs, like something savage and caged just beneath his skin, ready to break
free.
He was pressing Virelle against the floor–to–ceiling window of his office, whispering the sweet nothings lovers share.
“Sweetheart, I bought you that pink diamond necklace you liked. Just a hundred million–no big deal.”
I stood at the door, face calm. Inside, I felt nothing.
For seven whole days, not even ten million could be scraped together for my ransom.
So it was Erevan deliberately had let the captors torture me longer on purpose.
My knee had only just been reattached by healing magic. The whip marks on my back, the knife scars on my hands–new skin had barely grown over them. They still stung.
But it was fine.
I was about to quietly retreat when I heard his voice, sharp and commanding.
“Stop.”
Erevan glanced at me.
“There’s a new café downstairs. Virelle wants coffee. Now that you’re back, go get her some. You’ve got ten minutes.”
He gave the order with practiced ease. I nodded with the same mechanical grace.
9 minutes, 42 seconds.
I returned carrying ten different flavors of coffee, pale from the effort.
Virelle had dressed, though her blouse hung open to reveal a trail of hickeys she flaunted with pride.
Chapter 1
0.89%
98%
And my arm, lifting the coffee bags, showed scabbed–over wounds beneath the sleeve.
“It took you long enough. They’re cold now.”
Virelle pouted.
After I reheated them, she grabbed a cup, pretended to fumble, and spilled it on me–right on my open wounds.
She covered her mouth, gasping in feigned horror.
Erevan rushed over when he heard the commotion. His eyes skimmed over me, then softened with concern for Virelle.
“Did it burn you?”
She nodded pitifully.
”
442
A
And Erevan grabbed the rest of the coffee and poured it over my head.
My white shirt soaked instantly, clinging wetly to my skin.
“You can’t even handle this? Liora, this is your punishment.”
The liquid dripped down my bangs, stinging my eyes, blurring my vision.
That made me could barely make out his furious face.
Two seconds later, I bowed my head actively.
“I’m sorry.”
I’d apologized, but instead of softening, his expression turned colder.
That night, Erevan had a formal banquet.
In the past, I had always been the one to accompany him to these business functions. But this time, he brought Virelle too.
He must’ve really liked her.
When choosing my dress, I picked a long–sleeved gown that covered all my wounds.
Erevan frowned. “Why are you wrapped up like that?”
Before I could explain, he added, “Whatever. You’re just Virelle’s background tonight anyway. I don’t need you making an impression like you used to.”
The banquet hall buzzed with laughter and clinking glasses. Many guests came to toast Erevan.
Virelle shrank into his arms, shy and helpless.
“Erevan, I can’t drink…‘
He caressed her gently. “It’s okay, baby. Someone else can drink for you.”
I said nothing, silently accepting glass after glass of red wine and champagne from his business partners.
Once, I only drank for Erevan. Now, I drank for Virelle too.
My stomach burned, cramps twisting inside me.
I barely winced from the pain, but Erevan sharply noticed.
Chapter 1
0.89%
“What’s the matter? I thought you could handle your liquor. Only a few dozen glasses and you’re already tapping out?”
An older Alpha across the table laughed. “Come on, Liora’s known for her drinking. Don’t tell me you’re disrespecting me?”
Erevan’s gaze was icy.
“Liora, apologize to Mr. Gideon. If he’s not pleased tonight, don’t bother showing your face at the Rosenoir Pack tomorrow.”
Mr. Gideon’s greedy eyes dropped to my chest.
“Erevan, you’ve already got a beauty by your side. Why not lend Liora to me for one night?”
