I was about to enter the classroom when a group of Deltas from the rival pack blocked my path. Rosalina Barnes, their ringleader, stepped forward with a smirk that made my wolf bristle in the back of my mind. She had always been the type to assert dominance, especially over someone like me, who she considered beneath her station.

"Angelina," Rosalina sneered, her tone dripping with condescension. "Why did you just call Jimmy outside? What’s your angle? Trying to worm your way into his good graces again?"

I didn’t respond, attempting to slip past them, but Rosalina’s hand shot out, grabbing my arm with a grip that would have left a bruise on a human. Her strength, typical of a Delta, was meant to intimidate, but I stood my ground. My wolf growled faintly, a low rumble in my chest, but I kept her silent.

"What are you hiding?" Rosalina demanded sharply, her other hand already rifling through my pockets before I could react. In an instant, she pulled out a silver bracelet, holding it up for the others to see.

"Oh, what’s this? Some thrift store junk?" she mocked, her smirk widening as the other Deltas laughed. "Looks convincing, though."

The bracelet passed from hand to hand, each Delta adding their own venomous commentary. "Is this all you’ve got, Angelina? Flashing this cheap stuff—no wonder no one ever notices you," one of them chimed in, her scornful laugh echoing down the hallway.

"How much is this bracelet worth anyway? You think this will make Jimmy fall for you? So naive!" another sneered. "You’re lucky he even acknowledges you—that’s a stroke of luck!"

"I bet Jimmy’s only pitying you, letting you stick around for a while. Otherwise, you wouldn’t even be worth the scraps," Rosalina added, her voice sharp enough to cut through steel.

I watched them pass the bracelet around, listened to their biting jeers, yet inside, I felt strangely calm. This idolization of Jimmy while belittling and sidelining me was something I had grown accustomed to. In my previous life, I’d foolishly thought that sponsoring Jimmy’s education was the best thing I’d ever done. I’d come across his plea for help, claiming his parents had passed away early, leaving him in the care of his uncle and aunt, and life was tough. My heart had softened, and I’d decided to help him.

Jimmy had taken my resources and started masquerading as a privileged werewolf, using my money to host lavish gatherings and win the admiration of the pack. I’d thought he just wanted to prove himself, but I never imagined he’d use his fake persona to isolate me while everyone else adored him.

Just like now, one of the Deltas tossed the bracelet back to me, sneering, "Are you hoping Jimmy will take you to Amy’s birthday party tonight? Take a look in the mirror and see if you’re even cut out for that kind of event."

Her words triggered another wave of laughter, but as I picked up the bracelet and saw their ridicule, a wry smile crept up inside me—not just for them but also for myself. In my past life, I’d secretly begged my father, the Alpha, to arrange a position for Jimmy in our pack, helping him climb the ranks and earn more respect. Jimmy had feigned humility but secretly embezzled funds, leading our pack to ruin, and my father ultimately couldn’t bear the pressure and took his own life.

What’s even more ridiculous is that Jimmy spread rumors among the pack, saying I’d forced him into the mate bond and ruined his life. I’d been utterly let down and had taken the evidence to the Elders, but on the way, I’d been killed by his new mate in a calculated attack.

"Go ahead and laugh," I said calmly, my voice steady despite the storm brewing inside me. "But I’m definitely not going to the birthday party tonight."

With that, I turned on my heel and walked away, leaving them in silence, unsure how to continue their mockery. My wolf growled faintly again, a reminder of the strength I’d buried deep within. This time, I wouldn’t let them break me.

That evening, I made plans to meet Vanessa at a bistro for dinner. Vanessa, my loyal Gamma and best friend since childhood, had always stood by my side, even during the darkest times when my father’s pack fell into ruin. Though I had distanced myself from her during my infatuation with Jimmy, she never abandoned me. Now, having learned from my past mistakes, I only wanted to surround myself with those who truly cared for me.

As we stepped into the bistro, the scent of roasted meat and fresh herbs filled the air, mingling with the low hum of conversation. The place was packed, and I immediately noticed Jimmy, surrounded by a group of Deltas from rival packs, throwing a birthday celebration for Rosalina. The moment I entered, Rosalina’s voice cut through the room like a sharpened blade.

“Oh, if it isn’t Angelina,” she sneered, her tone dripping with mockery. “What brings you here? Looking to mooch off someone else’s celebration?”

Her words were laced with venom, and I could feel the weight of their stares. Rosalina had always been one to flaunt her status, especially when she had an audience. I let out a quiet, sarcastic laugh internally, keeping my expression composed.

Vanessa, ever protective, frowned beside me, her hand twitching as if ready to lunge. But I subtly tugged at her sleeve, signaling her to hold back. This wasn’t the time for a public confrontation.

“I’m here to meet a friend for dinner,” I replied calmly, my voice steady despite the tension. “So, my presence here is none of your concern.”

I turned to find our seats, but Jimmy’s voice stopped me in my tracks. “Well, since you’re here, why not join us?” he called out, his tone loud enough to draw the attention of everyone in the bistro.

The Deltas around him chimed in, their taunts sharp and cutting:

“The food here isn’t cheap. You might struggle to foot the bill alone. If you’re here to freeload, just admit it instead of pretending. It’s embarrassing.”

“Jimmy’s so generous, inviting you to eat with us. You act like you’re uninterested, but I bet you’re secretly thrilled.”

I watched the scene unfold, my mind racing. Jimmy was desperate to maintain his facade, basking in their admiration, but I could see the flicker of unease in his eyes. He was worried that I might actually be able to cover the expensive tab myself, which would raise questions among his followers.

“Well, since you’re all so inviting, I won’t hesitate,” I said, suddenly smiling as I accepted his offer. I pulled Vanessa to sit down with them, ignoring her confused look. She trusted me, and I needed her to play along.

Jimmy was visibly taken aback by my response. A flicker of discomfort crossed his face, but he quickly masked it and turned to the waiter. “Bring out several bottles of the finest wine and the top dishes,” he ordered, his voice commanding.

Then he turned back to me, his smirk returning. “Angelina, Amy mentioned wanting some coffee earlier. I ordered it for everyone. It’s coming soon; could you go pick it up?”

I agreed without hesitation, though Vanessa shot me a questioning glance. I gave her a slight nod, signaling her to stay calm. This little drama was far from over.

As I stood to leave, one of the Deltas piped up, “Jimmy, what extravagance! This place is expensive, and that coffee isn’t cheap either. Angelina’s lucky to have a mate like you.”

“Exactly,” Rosalina added, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “With Jimmy around, Angelina doesn’t have to worry about anything.”

I forced a polite smile as I walked away, my mind already plotting the next move. Jimmy’s little charade wouldn’t last long, and I was determined to expose him for the fraud he was.