I was about to have my bonding ceremony with Julian, the heir of the Grey Pack.
However, at the celebration party the night before, I received a personal wolf-fang accessory infused with his potent scent.
The accessory was a gift from the she-wolf who had always been "one of the guys" with him, Kendra Shaw.
Not only that, ignoring my darkening expression, she announced loudly:
"Vera, you'd better be careful."
"That guy looks self-disciplined and restrained, but he's incredibly wild during his Frenzy."
"When I was at his place at the beginning of the year, his power went just a little out of control."
"I couldn't take it. I ended up in the healing ward for half a month just to recover!"
Then she threw an arm around Julian's neck.
"As his best friend, let me give you some advice. You need to learn to hold back after you're bonded."
"Not everyone can take a hit like I can."
"Vera looks so delicate. You can't treat her the way you treat me."
"Remember that time my internal injuries had just healed, and you dragged me into a sparring match that lasted two days and two nights? I almost ended up back in the healing ward!"
The smile fell from my face.
Seeing my expression, Kendra covered her mouth in an exaggerated gasp.
"We're just friends joking around. You're not angry, are you, Vera?"
Everyone waited for me to explode.
But instead, I let out a soft chuckle.
"Why would I be angry?"
"I should thank you for helping my future mate relieve his urges."
"After all, how often do you find a stray so desperate for attention she's willing to sell her body and scent?"
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1
The moment I finished speaking, Julian Grey, whose expression had been detached, finally glanced up.
He said coldly, "Kendra meant well. What are you implying?"
I shrugged.
"Whatever she was implying, I'm just saying it out loud."
"Since she's so willing to risk her life helping you unleash your wolf, you should at least reward her properly."
The room fell silent.
Tears instantly welled in Kendra's eyes.
Julian's face grew even darker.
He shot to his feet, his chair scraping harshly against the floor.
"Vera, what kind of person do you take Kendra for?"
"Is this how the Stonewell Pack teaches its heir?"
"Words like that are beneath someone of your standing."
I leaned back in my seat, a cold smile on my lips. "She started it."
"If anyone is dishonoring their status, it's not me."
The atmosphere crackled with tension.
Julian glared at me.
Just as he was about to speak, Kendra started to sob.
"Don't fight with Vera, Julian. Not for my sake."
"It's all my fault. I'm so used to joking with you guys, I forgot Vera was here."
Then she raised her hand and slapped herself across the face.
Though it was a light slap, Julian's anger immediately faltered.
"Who told you to hit yourself?"
Kendra, tears shimmering in her eyes, kicked him playfully. "How dare you yell at me?"
Julian lifted her chin, carefully examining her cheek.
Only after confirming she was unharmed did he turn his glare back to me.
"Our friends are here to celebrate with us."
"If you can't handle our pack's sense of humor, you should head home early."
All eyes were on me.
Some didn't even bother to hide their disgust.
I, however, feigned ignorance, asking Kendra with faux curiosity, "Just your sense of humor? So you weren't actually hurt by his power?"
"Are you going to keep this up, Vera?" Julian slammed his hand on the table, demanding an answer.
His friends moved to hold him back as Kendra kicked him again.
"I just told you to be gentle with Vera. Why won't you listen?"
I scoffed and rose to my feet.
"This touching display of pack camaraderie is turning my stomach."
"I've lost my appetite. You can keep this token for yourself."
"After all, it's tainted with your scent. It's filthy."
Then I strode out of the room, ignoring the furious growl that erupted behind me, a sound thick with his inner wolf's suppressed rage.
