Chapter 4

By the second evening of the Hunt Festival, the bonfire gala was in full swing.

"Cross Elena Smith's name off the guest list tonight."

Alexander stood at the entrance of the venue, giving cold instructions to Beta Derek.

I stood in the shadows not far away, hearing every word.

"But Alpha Alexander, Miss Elena usually helps arrange the venue..." Beta Derek hesitated.

"We don't need her tonight," Alexander snapped. "Bella is my date. Having Elena here will only make things awkward."

"Tell the guards if they see her, bar her from entering."

I watched him turn and walk into the grand hall. I didn't even have the energy to confront him anymore.

Barring me from my own pack’s event just so his mistress wouldn't feel awkward?

"Tell Alpha Alexander," I said, stepping out of the shadows to look Beta Derek in the eye, pronouncing every word clearly. "He will pay a price he cannot afford for today's decision."

Without waiting for a response, I turned on my heels, my stilettos clicking against the pavement, and left without looking back.

The large screens outside the venue began broadcasting the party inside.

Alexander held Isabella’s hand as they walked under the spotlight.

"Everyone, I’d like to introduce Isabella Martinez, daughter of the Ridgecrest Pack Alpha." He looked at her with pure warmth. "She will be the future Luna of the Iron Ridge Pack."

The crowd erupted in cheers and applause.

I stood in the cold wind, watching the screen, and severed the last remaining tie in my heart.

I walked toward a black Bentley parked by the curb.

Benjamin opened the door and respectfully handed me a file.

"My lady, the yacht is ready. We can leave anytime."

"Let's go. To the Seattle port."

Meanwhile, halfway through the gala, Alexander suddenly felt an overwhelming wave of anxiety.

He instinctively looked toward the corner of the room, expecting to see a familiar figure, but found nothing.

"Elena didn't show up?" He grabbed Beta Derek.

"Alpha Alexander, you ordered the guards to block her, remember? They said she left half an hour ago."

"Where did she go?"

"It seems... she went to the Seattle port."

Alexander’s heart dropped.

Elena was a wolf-less human. Where would she get the money to go to the Seattle port, let alone travel?

Then he remembered my words from last night—canceling my flight and booking a yacht ticket.

The cold, final look in my eyes when I said "Suits me perfectly" flashed through his mind.

Was she really leaving him?

He pushed Isabella aside, ignoring her protests, and ran out of the venue like a madman.

My wolf spoke in my head: *The boat is waiting. He’ll see the Silver Creek flag soon.*

The ocean wind howled.

Alexander ran to the dock, panting heavily, desperately searching the crowd.

"Elena!"

At that moment, I was standing on the deck of a massive yacht bearing the Silver Creek Pack crest, looking down at him.

Alexander froze, his face filled with sheer disbelief.

Standing next to me was an imposing, powerful middle-aged man.

My father, Alpha Richard of the Silver Creek Pack.

"Alpha Alexander, I believe your Iron Ridge Pack still owes my family a massive debt."