"Should a mate who betrays the bond be given a second chance?" The question buzzed around the table as the women passionately debated it.
When it was my turn to respond, my answer was greeted with disbelief and mocking laughter.
"Carla, did you just say you wouldn’t give him a chance? Seriously?"
Their laughter rang out, making me the butt of their joke.
I just smiled along. The truth was well-known to everyone there.
In our pack, I had the reputation of being too forgiving.
Reflecting on this later, they would shudder at the realization that my version of a "second chance" was unlike theirs.
As I stood up to leave, their snide comments followed me, unabated.
"Can you believe she claimed she wouldn’t give him a chance? It’s ridiculous!"
"Exactly! She has no family, didn’t even complete her studies, yet she became the Luna of the Jensen Pack, and after five years still hasn’t borne the Alpha an heir. Does she really think she can deny George Jensen anything?"
"She’s practically out of the pack already! George doesn’t even pretend to care about her. If it weren’t for Alpha Francis’s obsession with appearances, she’d have been cast out ages ago!"
"The only reason she’s still here is because she knows how to stay out of trouble. That’s why they call her the Mud Buddha!"
They didn’t worry about repercussions if I overheard.
This was a Jensen Pack event, after all. I was the Luna present.
Their mates all relied on George’s favor. Yet they perceived themselves as superior to me.
Because everyone knew: my mate George didn’t love me.
I ignored their words, maintaining the decorum expected of the Jensen Pack’s Luna, smiling politely at every guest.
Today marked the groundbreaking of Jensen Pharmaceuticals’ new facility, drawing many loyal clients and business partners.
Alpha Francis had made it abundantly clear: nothing was more important than the pack’s reputation. Anyone who damaged it would face serious consequences.
Yes, even in the modern world, the powerful Jensen Pack of Frost City adhered to its own strict internal hierarchy.
Just then, a ripple of greetings from the doorway caught my attention.
My mate, George Jensen, had arrived.
His Beta, Jazlyn Carpenter, was with him.
The two were dressed in matching white outfits, adorned with ceremonial corsages.
Together, they strolled into the room, side by side, like a newly bonded pair at their celebration.
"Beta George."
"Beta Jazlyn."
The room echoed with greetings, all eager and respectful.
"Beta Jazlyn, it’s been a while!"
The women nearby stood, beaming, inviting her over.
Jazlyn acknowledged them with graceful poise, her smile as charming as ever.
As she approached me, she paused, her voice laced with polite condescension:
"Luna Carla, I apologize. Beta George was delayed speaking with city officials. I should have given him a reminder earlier; sorry for any inconvenience."
I shook my head quickly, smiling.
"No, no, pack matters come first. You both must be exhausted. Are you hungry? I can get you something to eat."
"We’ve already eaten, no need to trouble yourself," she responded sweetly, then added, "Oh, there’s one thing... I parked in a hurry and blocked the exit. I don’t trust just anyone to move my car. Could you do me a favor and park it for me?"
She looked at me, her smile perfectly poised.
