Chapter 15
Dealing with someone like Jalen, indifference is the best approach.
The more heated he becomes, the less I should respond.
Jalen, with his fragile pride, tends to spiral into chaos when ignored, flailing like a desperate rogue.
The Silver Fang Pack’s beta, who’s been managing the gathering, finally steps in, using his alpha tone to firmly urge Jalen and Ariella to leave.
Surrounded by my pack sisters, I’m gently pulled back to my seat.
The event’s program is meant to be dazzling, but after everything that’s happened, I can’t seem to focus.
No matter how captivating the performances, my mind remains unsettled.
One of the girls beside me notices my distraction and tries to lighten the mood, pointing discreetly to a man seated by the waterfall.
“Sofia, look,” she whispers, her voice tinged with excitement. “That’s Reed Palmer, the Gamma hosting this gathering.”
I follow her gaze.
Reed’s features are calm, his presence understated yet commanding, much like the elegant handwriting on the invitation I received.
I’ve always been grateful to him for offering me a space of dignity when I became the pack’s omega.
I want to thank him in person, but I hesitate.
Our earlier confrontation must have been heard by everyone, including him.
I’m not sure where he stands in all of this.
The thought makes me shrink back, my courage wavering.
Yet, as I glance at him again, I can’t help but feel a flicker of hope—that perhaps, in this world of rigid hierarchies and betrayals, there’s still someone who values respect over power.
Chapter 16
The man noticed my gaze, his eyes calm yet piercing as they settled on me.
Just as I hesitated whether to approach him, he stepped forward, closing the distance between us.
He inclined his head slightly, his voice low but firm. “Miss Sofia Watson, I’m Reed Palmer, Gamma of the Silver Fang Pack.”
His words were measured, yet there was an undeniable authority in his tone, the kind that made it clear he wasn’t someone to be dismissed lightly.
“Given everything that’s happened,” he continued, his gaze steady, “I imagine you’re not in the mood to linger. Allow me to escort you home.”
The mention of Ariella’s scent flashed in my mind, and I took an involuntary step back, my throat tightening. “No, that’s not necessary,” I stammered, shaking my head.
Reed didn’t press, but his expression didn’t waver either. “Very well. But I do have something to give you,” he said, his voice leaving no room for argument.
Before I could protest further, he turned on his heel and started walking, leaving me no choice but to follow.
I hurriedly bid farewell to the pack sisters around me, their whispers fading into the background as I struggled to keep up with Reed’s long strides.
He stopped beside a sleek black SUV, the kind that spoke of understated power rather than flashy wealth. Without a word, he handed me an old, weathered book, its leather cover worn but sturdy.
“This belongs to you,” he said simply, his tone leaving no room for questions.
I took the book, my fingers brushing against the rough edges, and for a moment, I felt a strange sense of calm settle over me. Reed’s presence was quiet yet commanding, and though I didn’t fully understand his intentions, I couldn’t deny the strange comfort it brought.
“Thank you, Gamma Palmer,” I murmured, clutching the book to my chest.
He nodded once, his expression unreadable, before gesturing toward the car. “Let’s go.”
I didn’t argue this time. Something about the way he carried himself—calm, composed, and utterly in control—made it clear that this wasn’t a man to be trifled with.
As the car pulled away from the pack gathering, I couldn’t help but glance at Reed, his profile sharp against the passing city lights. There was something about him—something that made me feel both safe and unsettled at the same time.
And though I didn’t know it yet, that moment would mark the beginning of something far greater than I could have imagined.
Chapter 17
It was the Blue Moon Pack’s financial records.
After reading through them, I finally understood why Alpha Callahan and Luna Loretta were so insistent on pushing Jalen and Ariella’s mate bond. Why Jalen, who clearly didn’t care for me, still refused to let me go completely.
The Blue Moon Pack was on the brink of collapse. Without the wealth of Ariella’s family, they would crumble soon enough.
I closed the records and nodded to Reed, my voice steady but filled with gratitude. “Thank you.”
Reed’s expression was grave, his aura calm yet commanding. “You’re a smart woman, Sofia. Even without this information, you wouldn’t have gone back to them.”
He was right.
But knowing your enemy’s weakness made it easier to strike the fatal blow.