Chapter 3

Harley’s P.O.V.

“Ahh, my head!”

The golden rays of sun shining brightly in the surroundings yanked me out of my deep slumber, jolting me awake. The intense pain in my head made me feel dizzy as I tried to open my eyes.

“Where am I?”

That was the first query that popped into my mind, forcing me to check my whereabouts. The softness beneath me suggested I was lying on a comfortable soft mattress. I grabbed my head and sat up, trying to recall the events of yesterday. A tsunami of memories flashed across my mind as I jumped uncontrollably.

“Shoot! What the hell did I do last night?”

My eyes flew open as I looked around, searching for the man from the bar. I could only remember seducing him for a one-night stand shamelessly.

Goddess! What had I done?

In my twenty-one years of life, I didn’t even look at any man besides Xander, saving myself for him. Just one night and a couple of drinks made me break my rules as a sensible woman.

I was really done for sure!

Darting my gaze from one corner to another, I found myself in a luxury hotel room alone. The other side of my bed was empty. My heart thumped as I cautiously moved my legs and checked my clothes, only to be startled by my current state. The white bathrobe wasn’t something I was wearing yesterday.

Shoot!

An involuntary scream spilled from my lips as my hand flew to my mouth, clasping it shut. I was about to have a heart attack when I spotted a piece of paper on the pillow beside me.

Breathing heavily, I picked the paper and read it. “Dear, princess.

Don’t be alarmed, nothing happened between us last night. You lost consciousness after ranting about your cheater husband. And for your clothes, a maid changed them for you. Your stomach couldn’t handle alcohol for long.”

Bloody hell!

I felt instant respect for that stranger as he respected my boundaries and helped me rest, hiring a housekeeper clean my mess. I threw up on him despite the promises of sex.

The sudden rush of embarrassment burned my cheeks as I read further and gasped.

“You aren’t divorced yet, so it’s not appropriate for us to be together now. But we will tie up your ex and then have sex in front of him as we agreed last night. This will be your ultimate revenge against him.”

Oh, my Goddess!

Clutching the paper in my hand, I cursed myself. Like, the stupidity of broadcasting my personal life before a stranger wasn’t enough that I vowed to have coitus in such a way, breaking all the records. I was on the verge of losing my mind after reading that message.

My fight and flight mode activated as I got up at a lightning speed and went to the bathroom. Thankfully, my clothes were hung in the cupboard there. I wore my dress and left the room, covering my face. Getting spotted outside a hotel building was scandalous enough for divorce.

It was daytime and there weren’t many guests in the lobby. So, I came out safely and hailed a cab to the mansion, thinking inwardly.

“Xander will kill me!”

My heart dropped to my stomach as I thought about Xander’s reaction. He would be hell pissed about my sudden disappearance. However, the ringtone of my cell phone diverted my attention. The call of my lawyer reminded me of other pressing matters.

“Where are you, Harley? We have a court hearing at ten.”

My lawyer, Mr. Johnson, got the urgent hearing for our divorce case and called me. I panicked to see the time and assured him.

“Please wait for me, Mr. Johnson. I’ll be there on time!”

...

After a fifteen-minute cab ride, I reached the tall building of the family court. Xander’s BMW parked outside touched a sliver of dread to my spine. He was here, ready to tear me apart with his rage. I had to face him once to close this chapter of my life.

Feeling determined, I walked inside and found Mr. Johnson in the hallway. He had bad news for me.

“Alpha Xander has called a full court meeting for this case, Harley. The elders are waiting for you in the room.”

The law department was under the rule of pack elders. They had the duty to resolve the subject’s legal issues. Instead of presenting our case before one of them, Xander called them all. He must be hoping for their support.

However, I wasn’t scared at all. The proof of his cheating was enough for a divorce certificate. Holding my head high, I entered the room and greeted everyone. Xander scoffed defiantly.

“Here she is! The most noble lady alive on earth.”

He eyed his lawyer, Mr. Greg, to speak first, garnering sympathy from elders.

“Alpha Xander is here to seek justice, honorable elders. His wife, Harley Cooper, broke her vows and humiliated him publicly, tainting the good name of the Ledger family. Her publicity stunt has cost him a fortune ...”

Overlooking the content of the video, Mr. Greg accused me of destroying Ledger’s family reputation. I was the reason behind the low stock prices of their company. He started from Xander’s unfortunate losses and covered the topic of my shortcomings, speaking fiercely.

“Harley Cooper is an omega who got the honor of serving the Alpha bloodline of Crystal River Pack. But instead of being grateful, she misused her title, conspiring against her husband. Her actions yesterday were proof of her disobedience.”

I heard his presumptuous speech, waiting for my turn to explain. Xander couldn’t prove me wrong when he was at fault. But to my dismay, the elders didn’t give me a chance to speak. Elder Harold announced,

“After causing irreversible damage to the Ledger family, omega Harley can’t escape the penalty. The council thinks she should be punished severely to make her an example for flagrant women. They have forgotten their true place.”

What?

A prickling sensation shot up my spine as I witnessed this new definition of justice, utterly baffled. Xander’s venomous tone sprinkled salt over my injuries as he smirked coldly.

“I really appreciate your profound understanding, honorable elders. Even after her misdeeds, I am willing to take Harley back if she kneels and apologizes sincerely.”

“That’s right!” Elder Harold agreed to him, “Then her apology will be played on every TV channel for a lesson!”

Sitting beside Xander, Ella glanced at me with a provoking smile, wiggling her brows mockingly. She pointed at the floor and mouthed,

“Kneel, Harley!”

Struggling to keep my emotions under wraps for any longer, I protested openly.

“This is wrong. I am here for divorce; my husband has cheated on me!”

“Silence!” Elder Harold roared in fury. “How dare you raise your voice in front of your superiors, omega?

Apologize now!”

The power of his command buckled my knees, weighing me down under an invisible weight. I couldn’t resist that forceful blow and collapsed helplessly. It seemed like my legs had lost all of their bones, refusing to bear my weight anymore.

I was about to hit the ground when a pair of strong arms held me, saving me from free fall. A familiar Alpha tone reverberated in the room, prickling goosebumps over my skin.

“Someone who needs to apologize is Xander, not Harley. He has broken the werewolf laws!”