Chapter 6

Camellia's POV

Spotlights burned into us from every direction. I could practically taste the curiosity dripping from their stares.

I opened my mouth, but Esmond grabbed my hand first. "We're working on it, okay?"

His voice went two octaves higher than necessary. He was trying to project confidence and control in front of everyone.

"The kid thing is already in the plans." His shaky delivery completely ruined the "confident future Alpha" act.

My fingers twitched to pull away, but his grip turned vise-tight.

Fine. If he wanted to play dirty...

I tilted my head just enough to expose the faded bite mark.

"We're not true mates," my calm voice cut through the tension. "Never completed the bond. And lately? Our connection's been... glitchy."

The crowd erupted like someone dropped a grenade in the punch bowl.

Murmurs rose from the crowd. The gazes turned more surprised and puzzled.

Esmond's grip on my hand tightened abruptly. His face darkened considerably.

Sensing the pain in my wrist, I frowned.

Lionel's gaze lingered for a second on Esmond's hand, which was tightly clutching mine with veins bulging, then indifferently shifted away.

Aunt Mira from the Ironclaw Pack leaned forward, her smirk poison-coated.

"Sweetheart," she purred, "if you couldn't lock down a proper mating bond in all these years? That's on you."

"Back then, if it weren't for Esmond insisting on choosing you as his mate, given the Shadowfang's status in Los Angeles, could they have allied with our Ironclaw Pack? It was a great honor for you."

"As Esmond's mate, bearing offspring is your duty. If you keep putting it off, your position will be in jeopardy," Mira said, lightly tapping the armrest of her chair with her finger. Her eyes were filled with arrogance.

Luna Chelsea frowned and looked at Mira with displeasure. "Shut up."

Mira pursed her lips but fell silent.

Luna Chelsea then turned to Esmond, her eyes full of questioning. "Explain. Now."

Esmond's ears turned beet red. "I-I wanted to wait until becoming Alpha! To give Cam the perfect—"

His voice grew quieter as he noticed the mocking looks on everyone's faces.

Everyone knew he was basically the pack's glorified errand boy.

Luna pinched her nose. "You can multitask, boy."

Esmond nodded, and Chelsea didn't pursue the issue further.

When attention shifted, Esmond dragged me through the gymnasium doors into the empty courtyard.

Jasmine's perfume hung heavy in the air, completely wasted on this dumpster fire.

"What's your problem?" He shoved me against the brick wall. "Gonna air our dirty laundry at homecoming too?"

"Newsflash - I want out." My voice stayed steady despite my racing pulse.

You're thinking it too simply!" His laugh came out harsh. "Try leaving, and I'll call your dad. See how the Shadowfangs like dealing with the consequences."

It was a threat. He was using my father and the Shadowfang Pack to force me to compromise.

My nails bit into my palms. "How dare you? You slept with Hazel! In our bed!"

Dad's health had tanked since Mom died - the last thing he needed was Ironclaw drama.

That's why he got injured in the rogue attack. He was poisoned, making his wolf even weaker.

I didn't want anyone to disturb him.

Esmond's fist, hanging at his side, clenched unconsciously. A flash of guilt crossed his eyes, but it quickly turned into impatience.

"I said I'll fire her!" Esmond's grip softened, voice turning syrup-sweet.

I felt it was pointless to communicate with him. "I don't want to argue with you here."

"C'mon babe, you know I only want you." His breath hit my neck. "Let me make it up—"

How could this man be so shameless?

He said he loved me, yet it didn't stop him from sleeping with another woman.

"Esmond, you're disgusting me!"

His pupils suddenly contracted, and he grabbed my chin, forcing me to look at him.

"Cam, I understand you're angry, but I don't want to hear such words again."

"Let go of me!"

"Sure, as long as you stop saying those hurtful things."

"Impossible!"

"Then I'll have to make you shut up my way."

He held my chin and kissed me fiercely.

Just as his lips were about to touch mine, a light cough suddenly sounded from behind.

"Bad timing?"