Ophelia stamped her foot in frustration and snapped, "Are you trying to pull that move where you dump your mate, get rich, and then rub it in his face? That ridiculous bag of yours is clearly a knock-off. Real ones have two metal clasps, but yours only has one. How dare you flaunt it!"

"Being away from Zaiden must have been rough for you. There's no need to pretend you’re someone you’re not. If you need cash, just say so. At least my Zaiden is now a Gamma in the Ortiz Pack. After all the time he's spent with you, it’s only fair to offer some payback."

"Seven years, right? How about seven hundred bucks? That should buy about ten of those cheap handbags."

I’m not one to waste my breath explaining things to clueless Omegas. The handbag on the market usually has two clasps, but this limited edition, custom-made one only has one. People outside our social circle would never recognize it.

Just then, my phone rang. I looked down; it was a video from my mate showing him playing with our son. I accidentally tapped on it, and the sound blared through the speakers.

"My Luna, when will you be done? Reed wants you to bake cookies for dinner."

I quickly muted the phone. To my surprise, Zaiden's jaw dropped in disbelief.

"Jasmine, what do you mean 'mate' and 'son'? Who is that guy?"

Ophelia sneered, "Oh my Goddess, Jasmine, have you sunk so low as to become a step-Luna? By the sound of it, this guy's probably some old rogue. You must be desperate. Does he smell like mothballs? How do you handle that?"

Zaiden’s face turned crimson with anger. "You’ve stooped too low! Are you really trying to make me jealous with some other guy? We’re adults now; this childish stunt is for pups. How immature can you be?"

"You’ve spent years out there, and this is what you picked up? Dirty tricks!"

At that moment, a group of pack members approached, chatting on their way to the meeting hall for the bidding meeting.

"I heard the Alpha of the Kelly Pack is incredibly handsome, but he’s never shown up in public. I wonder if he’ll attend in person for such a big deal."

"Looks like you’ll be let down. Word has it he’s staying home with his pup; his Luna is the one showing up today."

"Wow, I’ve heard she’s incredible, too. Their mate bond is legendary. Seeing her will be just as exciting!"

After they went inside, I turned to Zaiden and Ophelia. "The man in my video is my mate and that’s our son. My mate is Alpha Hugo Kelly of the Kelly Pack. Got it now?"

"I’m here to oversee the bidding for the Kelly Pack. If you don’t move aside, this bidding meeting is off!"

Ophelia Brooks burst into laughter, her Omega status doing nothing to temper her arrogance. "This is priceless! You've got a real knack for spinning tales. You overhear a bit and weave it into a whole story!"

Zaiden Ortiz, a Gamma from the Ortiz Pack, shook his head, his smug expression unwavering. "Jasmine, your fixation on me is getting out of hand. Let's not turn this into a spectacle. I promise I'll speak with you once the auction is over."

"You should really leave," Ophelia added, her tone dripping with condescension. "This isn't a place for just anyone to wander into. It's confidential, and you could get in serious trouble if someone reports you."

I was done with their games. When they didn’t move, I pushed past Ophelia, striding toward the entrance. I didn’t expect Zaiden to grab me, his grip tight enough to bruise, before he slapped me across the face.

"Why’d you shove Ophelia? Apologize to her!" he barked, his voice sharp and commanding.

The commotion drew a crowd almost instantly, the tension in the air thick enough to cut through. Security guards, all Delta warriors from the hosting pack, closed in on us quickly.

I held my cheek, the sting of his slap burning into my skin as I glared at him. "Zaiden, do you have any idea what kind of trouble you're in for hitting me?"

Hugo Kelly, my mate and the Alpha of the Kelly Pack, is famously devoted to me. He might appear calm and composed, always flashing that charming smile, but beneath it lies a ferocity that only those who’ve crossed him truly understand. The last time a Delta in our pack disrespected me, Hugo had them run perimeter patrols in wolf form for an entire week under the harshest conditions. Now, if he hears about someone striking me, the consequences would be unpredictable.

Zaiden really asked for this one—it’s on him.

Ophelia sneered, her confidence unshaken. "Still so defiant, huh? What, you want your Alpha to come and get revenge on Zaiden? He’s so weak, Zaiden would chew him up and spit him out!"

By then, the security guards had reached us, their postures stiff and alert. "What’s happening here? What’s with the commotion?" one of them demanded, his tone sharp and authoritative.

Ophelia immediately pointed at me. "This woman is trying to disrupt the auction. You need to escort her out immediately."

The guards glanced at me, their expressions uncertain but their hands already moving to grab me.

I addressed them firmly, my Beta status lending weight to my words. "I’m the organizer of this auction, Beta of the Kelly Pack. These two are blocking me from entering and causing a disturbance. I want them removed!"

The guard’s hand paused, hesitating as he glanced between me and Ophelia.

"May I have your name, please? I’ll have my colleague verify it on the registration list," he said, his tone more cautious now.

Since this event was hosted in a neutral territory, it made sense that the guards didn’t recognize me on sight.

Just as I was about to give my name, Ophelia interrupted, her voice shrill and demanding. "What’s taking you so long? Open your eyes! Do you really think this washed-up hag is a Beta? She’s out of her mind! If you don’t get her out, I’ll report you!"

She shoved her and Zaiden’s entry badges into the guard’s face. "We’re here for the auction. Do you think we don’t recognize the organizer? Quit stalling and get her out!"

The guards’ hesitation vanished, their grips tightening on my arms as they started to drag me away.

Then, a young man pushed through the crowd, his voice cutting through the chaos like a knife. "Hold it!"