Chapter 2

I slipped my phone back into my pocket and flinched back instinctively.

"I've already told you, I have a mate. Keep pushing me, and you might just end up with a broken leg."

Since my Luna bloodline awakened, my physical abilities had improved dramatically. Dodging his touch was effortlessly easy.

Caleb's hand missed its target, and his frown deepened.

Then, his gaze landed on the necklace around my neck.

"I knew it." Caleb's voice softened instantly.

"Elena, you claim not to care, but you're still wearing the gift I gave you."

I nearly choked back a laugh.

The gift he gave me? He'd given me a moonstone necklace full of flaws all those years ago. After I bonded with his uncle, though, it had been unceremoniously tossed in the trash.

My Alpha was notoriously jealous. That night, he held me close and grumbled, "Don't keep anything from him. I'll get you something far better."

The next day, he personally put this seven-figure moonstone necklace around my neck.

It was a symbol for Lunas, reserved only for the Queen of the entire wolf pack.

Since when did Caleb possess this kind of wealth and status?

Just as I was about to clarify it wasn't the necklace he'd given me, I was interrupted.

"I want it." Ivy eyed the necklace with longing, clinging to Caleb's arm and cooing, "Brother Caleb, I'm not feeling well. Moonstone energy can help stabilize my wolf spirit. Can you give it to me?"

"Nonsense." Caleb looked at her disapprovingly. "This is a token of my affection for Elena. I can't just give it away."

Ivy's eyes immediately welled up. "So, in your eyes, I'm just an outsider?"

Caleb quickly dabbed at her tears, then turned to me apologetically.

"Elena, you've always loved dressing up since you were little. You have plenty of similar jewelry at home. How about you let Ivy have this necklace?"

"Her father died when she was young, and I'm her only brother. Once you're my mate, she'll be your sister too. Think of it as a welcome gift for her, won't you?"

Watching this farce unfold, I suddenly found it utterly boring.

"You want it?" I reached up and unclasped the necklace.

Ivy's eyes lit up instantly.

"Not giving it to you." I pulled my hand back and said calmly, "This is a gift from my mate. If you've got what it takes, once Caleb marries you, have him buy you one yourself."

Provoked by my cold attitude, Ivy immediately burst into tears.

She threw herself into Caleb's arms. "Brother, look at her! She's not even marked by you yet, and she won't return your things. Unlike me, I only care about you..."

I couldn't be bothered to waste another word on them and turned towards the company entrance.

My lunch had already been handed over to the secretary. Damian would know I'd been here anyway.

Just as I stepped outside, a stretch Lincoln pulled up in front of me.

Usually, when I came to drop off food, Damian would send the driver to pick me up so we could eat together in the car.

This time, the Beta driver leaned out the window. "Ma'am, Sir said he won't be coming down for lunch today. Shall I drive you home?"

I shook my head, about to mention I'd driven myself today.

Then I heard Ivy's excited voice. "Wow, Caleb, this car is huge and so luxurious!"

I turned back to see Ivy had already opened the door and climbed in. "The leather seats are so soft!" she exclaimed, running her hand over the interior.

"And there's a fridge and a wine cabinet! Caleb, your uncle treats you incredibly well."

Caleb also got into the back seat, looking in my direction with a smug expression. "Elena, do you need a ride home?"

Ivy covered her mouth, giggling. "Don't you have a mate? Why would you need to bum a ride with Caleb?"

I shook my head. "No thanks, I have my own car."

I waved my car keys at them and walked to the side, opening the door to my Maserati.

Seeing me drive away, the Beta driver took out his phone and made a report, then sat expressionlessly in the driver's seat.

"Let's go." Caleb knocked on the back of the front seat. "Back to the estate."

The driver didn't move.

"Are you deaf?" Caleb said impatiently. "I said drive."

"Waiting for the Boss," the driver finally replied, his voice calm.

Caleb froze for a moment. "Didn't my uncle send you to pick me up?"

The driver answered truthfully. "Sir didn't make any such arrangements. I was originally here to pick up him and his mate."

"Sir's meeting is delayed, so I need to wait for his further instructions."

"If you need a ride, I can call you a car."

The air suddenly grew heavy.

Caleb's expression shifted from confusion to stiffness, and finally, he gritted his teeth and sheepishly pulled Ivy out of the car.