Chapter 4

Two weeks later, the Nightfall pack hosted a crucial trade summit.

Jack had received word that Austin Blackwood, Alpha of the Silvermoon pack—the strongest pack in the north—would be attending the meeting himself.

He was convinced that if the Nightfall pack earned the Silvermoon pack's support, their strength would double.

…

Early that morning, I was organizing the meeting materials when Jack walked over.

"Your only job today is to take minutes," he said. "Don't say a word in the conference room. Grace will present the proposal."

He stared straight into my eyes, his voice heavy with warning as he added, "Don't offend Alpha Austin of the Silvermoon pack. This isn't the place for you to throw tantrums."

I didn't argue, but a cold, mocking smile tugged at my lips.

…

At 10:00 am, two werewolves pushed open the conference room doors.

Dad strode in, and Jack rushed forward, grinning obsequiously. "Honored Alpha Austin of the Silvermoon pack, we welcome you to the Nightfall pack."

Dad didn't even spare Jack a glance. Instead, his gaze settled on me.

I sat there, pale-faced. Then, I lifted my head and met his gaze.

Before long, the meeting began.

Grace confidently launched into her pitch as she outlined the Nightfall pack's trade advantages. Yet, less than five minutes later, Dad cut her off, "Do you take me for a fool? Is this pathetic proposal your idea of sincerity?"

In an instant, Grace's face turned ashen, while cold sweat broke out across Jack's forehead.

He quickly jumped to his feet and forced a smile. "Please calm down, Alpha Austin. This is Grace's first time at such an important occasion. She's probably just nervous. The proposal actually—"

Before he could finish, the projection screen suddenly flickered violently. Then, a video began playing.

The sound of splashing water and indecent moans filled the entire conference room at once. It was footage of Jack and Grace entwined in the thermal spa.

The room erupted in chaos. The Alphas from other packs gasped, contempt written all over their faces.

At that moment, Grace shrieked and lunged toward the screen, desperately trying to block the images with her body.

Jack whipped his head around, and his eyes locked onto me. In the next instant, he charged over like a mad wolf.

"Ivy Blackwood! Have you lost your mind?" he bellowed as he grabbed my collar and slammed me hard against the wall. "This is an important occasion! Is this really the time and place for your jealousy? How dare you tamper with a video to slander Grace!"

He pointed a finger in my face and roared, "You've ruined the pack's reputation and offended our honored guest! Get on your knees right now and apologize to Grace! After that, get the hell out!"

Just then, a loud bang echoed through the room. Dad had shattered the table before him with a single strike, and a terrifying wave of Alpha presence flooded the room.

Jack's legs went weak, and he nearly dropped to his knees.

Dad strode toward Jack, step by step. "Who do you think you are? And who exactly were you telling to leave?"

Jack wiped the sweat from his forehead, yet he still stubbornly refused to back down. "Sorry you had to see that, Alpha Austin.

"This is just a private matter. This she-wolf is petty and small-minded. She's always been jealous of Grace."

Dad walked to my side and helped me up from the floor. Then, he shielded me behind him before turning to glare at Jack.

"You idiot! She's my daughter! The heir of the Silvermoon pack—Ivy Blackwood! You're the one who's out of line!"

The moment those words settled, the entire conference room went deathly silent, and Jack's expression faltered.

Grace, on the other hand, collapsed onto the floor in terror.

Moments later, Dad reached into his coat and took out a crystal vial filled with silver liquid.

I reached out and took the potion. Without the slightest hesitation, I pulled out the stopper.

Then, I watched as Jack's expression shifted from shock to sheer panic. "Jack, it's over between us."

He lunged toward me like a mad wolf, as if something suddenly dawned on him. "No! Ivy! Don't drink it! I was wrong!"

But I tilted my head back and drained the potion in one gulp.

It felt like my soul was being torn in two, and I spat out a mouthful of blood that stained my clothes crimson.

As my vision went black, I collapsed into Dad's arms.

In the final second before I lost consciousness, I saw Jack clutch his chest as the backlash of the mate bond tore through him. He dropped to his knees, screaming in agony.