Chapter 2

I dragged my suitcase out of the checkpoint lobby, one heavy step at a time.

Behind me, Julian’s lazy, mocking voice echoed. "A filthy Omega thinks she belongs in my territory? What a joke."

I didn't look back, but his words stung like a whip.

I walked to the curb, pulled out my phone, and dialed the Moon Shadow Pack's headquarters.

The moment the call connected, a barrage of angry questions blasted through the speaker.

"What is taking you so long?!"

"The entry window closed ages ago! I checked the arrivals list, and your name isn't even on it!"

It was Beta Finch. His voice was dripping with arrogance and irritation.

"The Moon Shadow Pack went through hell to hire you. We even wired you a massive deposit, and now you're playing hard to get? Who do you think you are, keeping us waiting?"

"If you weren't somewhat decent with herbs, do you honestly think an Omega like you would ever have the privilege of meeting Julian?"

I replied calmly, "If you want to know why I didn't cross the border, go ask your precious heir, Julian. He personally ordered the guards to throw me out."

There was a dead silence on the other end of the line for two seconds. Then, Beta Finch’s voice grew even more hostile.

"Listen to me, Evelyn. Julian's poisoning is critical. If you don't show up at the pack's healing pool before sunset, you will face the full wrath of the Moon Shadow Pack!"

"You took our money. If you try to back out now, I'll make sure you're blacklisted from every pack in North America!"

*Click.*

He hung up, leaving the dial tone buzzing in my ear.