Chapter 3

The Grand Hall of the main pack house was filled with the scent of roasted meats and sweet fruits, a huge feast had been prepared in honor of the return of the Lennox Alpha Twins, Theodore and Xander and their engagement to the princess of the Lycan kingdom. 

It was a way to tie the two kingdoms together, and put a stop to the skirmishes that were happening between the two kingdoms before it became a full blown war. 

It was supposed to be a merry celebration for the return of the young men but Zara didn't feel like it.

Every clink of wine glasses and laughter that echoed through the room felt like a huge reminder of the trust that had been betrayed by Jackson. No facade could cover up how she really felt.

Gerald, the Alpha king was seated on his throne with his mate right beside him, David, his beta occupied his left hand. Her mother was nowhere to be found, her seat next to Beta David glaringly empty, which was probably for the best. Zara didn't know what she'd do if she saw the woman again that soon. 

To the Alpha King's right sat his three sons, Theodore and Xander, the elder twins just returned from a mission and next to them, their younger half-brother, Jackson the traitor.

Zara's hands trembled as she carried a huge tray filled with bread and fresh wine across the hall. She had been placed on a mini serving duty to serve the pack royals. 

During festivities, everyone in the pack had to contribute in one way or the other and this was Zara's way of contributing.

While she usually wouldn't have minded, tonight made it seem more like a punishment. 

She fought to keep her emotions in check. This wasn't just a family event….. It was a pack event.

Such an important gathering of the pack could not be taken for granted. But as she passed by familiar faces, she couldn’t shake the feeling that everyone was watching her and judging her quietly. 

Like they knew what happened between her and Jackson and were somehow blaming her for it. 

Her eyes kept glancing over at Jackson where he sat with his brothers. There was an air of arrogance and entitlement about him.

He caught her eyes a few times and had a cruel grin on his face each time, as if he could feel the emotional turmoil within her and was enjoying it. 

It was infuriating that he could just sit there nonchalantly while she crumbled slowly inside of her. She wanted to scream loudly, to throw the tray at him with all her might but instead she swallowed her rage and focused on serving. 

As Zara passed the table of the twins again, her eyes met that of Theodore Lennox.

He was the older of the twins by a few minutes, and his bright gold eyes and pure blue black hair were the only way to differentiate the two of them by appearance. 

However, by personality according to what she'd heard, Theodore was more disciplined and calm which set him apart from his brother. 

This was her first time meeting them face to face, ever since she moved to their pack with her mother six months ago, although she'd seen them from afar before.

As she passed he gave her a small nod, and accepted a drink. 

Then, there was Xander.

Xander Lennox, with his charming smile and a generally more approachable look, was a close opposite of his twin.

While Theodore showed a sense of authority and distance, Xander radiated warmth and charisma making those around him feel instantly at ease.

His gaze swept over Zara with a playful glint and when their eyes met, he flashed her a teasing smile.

“Zara, right?” Xander asked, his voice light and teasing. “I didn’t expect to find you so far from the dance floor tonight. Have you lost your passion for the art, or is it something else that’s keeping you from your usual spot?”

Had he been watching her? She didn't know he knew she loved dancing. 

She'd only found out Jackson was her mate three months ago, which made her become closer to the Alpha family and during this period, the Alpha Twins were already on their mission in the Lycan kingdom. 

Zara could feel her cheeks get warm at the attention. “I’ve been… distracted” she murmured instead, her voice hinting at a slight quiver she couldn’t suppress. 

She swept an angry glance at Jackson who was still seated smugly. “There’s been a lot going on.”

Xander’s playful smile faded for a moment, and his gaze followed hers. When he saw Jackson’s expression, something darkened his eyes but it was gone in an instant. 

He turned back to Zara, his gaze a bit more serious but still gentle, “I understand,” Xander said softly, leaning in slightly. “You just moved to the pack, recently. It'll take some time to settle in, but it should get better soon,”

Zara felt a strange warmth at his words, but she quickly pushed it away. 

Before she could respond, the sound of Jackson’s voice cut through the air loudly.

“Zara!” Jackson called out, his tone mocking and full of pride. “Bring me a drink!” He commanded. 

Zara felt the heat of anger spread through her at Jackson’s words. 

The bastard. 

But she walked closer to him, and stretched out the tray. 

“Serve it on your knees,” He added, a cruel glint in his eyes. She knew he was angry that she'd rejected him first.

People like Jackson were too prideful, and felt that they should be the ones to do the discarding and not the other way round. 

Zara felt a surge of satisfaction go through her. Good. 

Staring at Jackson, she refused to knee, and instead kept the tray of drinks still outstretched. 

If he wanted a drink he should damn well take it by himself. 

By now they were garnering the attention of other pack members. 

“ You see, no matter how much you pretend to be something special we all know who you truly are,” Jackson stated, then whispered into her ear “The daughter of a slut,” 

Raising his voice, he continued “You're so weak, and it's why I rejected you. I just couldn't bear your weakness anymore,” He announced, which obviously shocked the whole pack.

They erupted into more murmurs, and Zara's green eyes sharply met his, hatred and anger tumbling through her. 

How dare him turn this on her when she was the one who rejected him first for his betrayal?! 

Jackson stared back at her, his mouth pulled into a mocking sneer, his eyes daring her to tell the truth. 

He knew she couldn't expose her mother like that. No matter how horrible the woman was, she was still her mother and the fall out would be hers to bear too. 

Instead of them to feel sorry for her, it would only cause them to keep calling her the daughter of a slut. 

Zara swallowed her anger with difficulty, and went back to her serving, while the pack watched on, their eyes judging her. 

She couldn't let this go just like that. No. 

If she didn't do something, the anger and hatred inside her would erupt into something ugly. 

Feeling intense burning on the back of her neck, Zara looked behind her to see the Alpha twins watching her closely, their faces closed off. 

As she caught their eyes before swiftly looking away, a plan began to form in her mind. 

The perfect payback plan.