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.

As I was contemplating how to deal with the two of them, Ariella arrived with Jalen in tow.

They came with the air of victors, masking their words of concern with subtle jabs meant to undermine me.

“Sister,” Ariella began, her voice dripping with faux sympathy, “your character has always been questionable, and now your reputation is in ruins. What will become of you?”

“If Jalen were to reject you completely,” she continued, her tone sweet yet cutting, “Father would surely rush to silence the rumors by hastily arranging a mark ceremony for you.”

“At that point,” she added with a smirk, “even the omega from the outskirts could come asking for your scent, and Father might just agree.”

I stared at her coldly, waiting for her to finish before speaking. “Ariella,” I said, my voice steady, “do you truly enjoy sharing a mate with someone else?”

Ariella met my gaze without flinching, her smile widening. “I don’t care,” she replied sweetly, “as long as I’ve bested you.”

I couldn’t help but feel a bitter amusement at their twisted bond. Ariella wanted to surpass me, and Jalen was all too willing to push me into submission to make her happy. Together, they were relentless in their pursuit of their goals.

Her words weren’t an empty threat. They had already gone to my parents, whispering lies and half-truths, successfully planting the idea in Father’s mind to hastily arrange a mark ceremony for me. Their actions were despicable, and my hatred for them burned brighter than ever.

Until my plans came to fruition, I had no desire to see their faces again. But the deltas and omegas in the pack house held Ariella in higher regard than me, and they wouldn’t dare stop her or Jalen from entering.

Determined to take control, I used my own wealth to replace the deltas at my residence. I gave them strict orders: under no circumstances were Ariella and Jalen to be allowed into my home.

This small act of defiance was a step toward reclaiming my independence, and I refused to let them trample over me any longer.

After a few days of peace, Ariella showed up at my doorstep again. This time, she brought my mother as her reinforcement.

Luna Zelda Hughes, forever poised and composed, spoke with a voice that carried nothing but disappointment and reproach, her Alpha tone sharp and commanding.

"**Sofia Watson**, with your standing, what more could you possibly ask for by entering the Blue Moon Pack? Do you think Reed Palmer, a Gamma of the Silver Fang Pack, would truly consider someone like you?"

I rubbed my temples, the pressure building as I retorted, "I can grow rare herbs and earn my own wealth. Why do you all act as though I’m worthless, only fit for someone like Jalen Nelson, an Omega?"

"What use is your money? A Luna is judged by her grace, beauty, and the strength of her aura. I hired so many tutors for you, yet you never mastered anything. How could I have birthed such a dull daughter?"

Mother sighed, clearly exhausted, and gestured for me to pour her tea. I didn’t move. Instead, Ariella, ever the dutiful daughter, stepped forward and placed my expensive teacup in front of her, filling it with tea.

My inaction earned me another disappointed look from Mother, who clicked her tongue in disapproval before turning her adoring gaze to Ariella. Just as she reached for the cup, I covered it with my hand, ignoring her startled expression.

"**Mother**, I earn my own money, which means I can escape your control whenever I choose. The guards at my residence are paid with my funds. The expensive teacup in your hand? I bought it myself. You’ve been so focused on Ariella and the pack that you haven’t noticed my estate hasn’t drawn from the pack’s treasury in three years."

"Ariella and I are different. Without your affection, she might struggle to survive. But I’ve thrived without your care for years. **Mother**, I don’t need you, and I won’t grovel for your approval."

I watched calmly as the color drained from her face, a small sense of satisfaction bubbling inside me. She had always been so haughty in front of me, but for the first time, she looked defeated.

Ariella, seeing her ally falter, grew anxious and tried to fan the flames, her scent—a mix of lavender and something sharp—prickling the air.

"**Mother** has worked so hard, and yet you treat her like this. Have you forgotten all the kindness she’s shown you?"

I smirked at her theatrics, my own scent—rosemary and cedar—filling the space as I spoke. "Of course you think she’s kind—because all her gentleness has always been reserved for you."