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.

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.

After the argument with Jalen at the pack gathering, rumors about me began to spread like wildfire.

Whispers circulated, painting a scandalous picture of my past with Jalen. The stories claimed that we had been inseparable since our inner wolves first awakened, implying that our relationship had been anything but innocent. Every time someone tried to defend me, someone else would produce "evidence"—secrets only Jalen and I had shared, twisted and distorted into something shameful.

It didn’t take much to figure out who was behind these rumors. Jalen and Ariella were making it abundantly clear that they no longer saw me as a threat, let alone someone worthy of respect.

The audacity of it all was almost laughable. They didn’t even bother to hide their involvement.

My wolf, Selene, stirred within me, a low growl of frustration echoing in my mind. *They’re trying to humiliate you,* she murmured, her voice tinged with anger. *They think they’ve won.*

I clenched my fists, forcing myself to stay calm. Let them talk. Let them spread their lies. I had nothing to hide, nothing to be ashamed of.

But the damage was done. The pack’s eyes were on me, their judgmental gazes weighing heavily on my shoulders. I could feel their curiosity, their pity, and their disdain all at once.

Ariella, of course, played her part perfectly. She clung to Jalen’s arm, her sweet, innocent smile masking the venom beneath. She didn’t need to say a word—her scent alone was enough to fuel the rumors.

Jalen, for his part, didn’t bother to deny anything. He stood tall, his Alpha aura radiating dominance as if daring anyone to challenge him. His silence spoke volumes.

I turned away, refusing to let them see how much their betrayal hurt. They thought they could break me, but they were wrong. I was stronger than they gave me credit for.

*Let them have their moment,* Selene said, her voice firm. *They’ll regret underestimating you.*

I nodded, steeling myself for what was to come. This wasn’t over—not by a long shot.