Chapter 3
The auction hall’s large screen flickered to life, displaying personal photographs that exposed the most private corners of my life. My chest tightened as I realized Rowan had installed cameras to capture every intimate moment, every vulnerability. My eyes locked onto his, but he turned away, his voice cutting through the silence like a blade.
"If you’ve got the funds, place your bid," he said, his tone dripping with condescension. "If not, you’ll be groveling under the Alpha’s desk. Don’t come crying to me when that heirloom bracelet ends up on Blair’s wrist, claiming I never gave you a chance."
The room fell into a hush, the weight of his words pressing down on me. Every eye in the hall turned to me, the Alpha of the Adams Pack, waiting for my response. I raised my paddle, signaling a temporary hold on the auction. My wolf stirred within me, a low growl of defiance echoing in my mind.
Blair’s laughter rang out, sharp and mocking. She tossed the black card Rowan had handed her to the floor near my feet. "Stop the charade, Hayden. Since Rowan’s been grooming you to resemble me about seventy percent, I’ll give you a hand."
I pressed my lips together, refusing to let her words cut deeper than they already had. I turned and walked out of the hall, my head held high despite the turmoil raging inside me. In that moment, I finally understood why my father had gripped my hand so urgently on his deathbed, warning me to be wary of the Scotts. He had seen through Rowan long before I fell for him, knowing he wasn’t someone to trust. Unfortunately, I had realized it too late.
As I stepped into the cool night air, Kalani, a longtime acquaintance and an Omega within the pack, hurried after me. Her expression was conflicted, guilt etched into her features. She hesitated briefly before speaking, her voice trembling. "Alpha Hayden, when you and Beta Scott first became mates, he had the auction house search for that heirloom bracelet. When I saw the photos, I realized it was your family’s lost piece. I thought he was planning it as a surprise for you, so I kept quiet. I’m truly sorry... If you need funds, I have about twenty thousand you can use."
Breaking confidentiality rules wasn’t easy for an Omega, and I was deeply grateful for her honesty. How could I blame her? I gently placed a finger over her lips and shook my head, signaling her to stop. "Kalani, thank you. I’ll handle the rest."
When my parents were alive, the Adams Pack’s name was synonymous with honor and strength. Now, as Alpha, I couldn’t allow our name to be tarnished by scandal or betrayal. My wolf growled in agreement, urging me to take action.
After a moment of careful thought, I dialed a number stored on my phone but never used. The moment the call ended, a notification appeared: a significant deposit into my account. Staring at the dizzying sum, I made another call. "Zachariah," I said, my voice steady, "I’ve decided to purchase the files on Rowan’s infidelity you mentioned. I need you to watch things for me and send updates."
Steeling myself, I walked confidently back into the auction hall, my presence commanding the room’s attention. I signaled for Felix, the auctioneer, to resume the proceedings. He exchanged a glance with Rowan before continuing his account of the heirloom bracelet.
Rowan’s eyes flicked over me, his fingers absentmindedly toying with Blair’s hair as he murmured, "The show’s starting, Blair. I promised you a spectacle, and I’ll deliver."
His words, laced with malice, no longer had the power to wound me. My gaze remained steady on the auction stage, my wolf’s resolve burning within me. As Felix initiated the bidding, I gave the table’s tassel a sharp pull, calling out, "Lights on!"
The room erupted into brightness, illuminating the faces of those who had doubted me. My wolf surged with pride, a silent reminder that I was the Alpha, and I would not be broken.
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