Chapter 4

Adrian had hired a professional photographer and we left the pack to take photos at the most scenic spot by the forest edge.

Sophia, wearing the wedding dress, took many photos with Adrian. The photographer kept praising how well-coordinated they were and how beautiful the pictures turned out.

"I haven't seen such a well-matched couple in a long time," the photographer praised.

It was only then that Adrian realized what was happening. He pulled me, who was dressed in regular clothes, to his side and introduced me to the photographer. "Sorry. She's actually my mate. Could you please take some mate photos of us?"

The photographer froze in place, too embarrassed to even look at me.

He raised his camera, but immediately lowered it again, his face red as he stammered an apology, "I'm sorry, the memory card's full."

This was probably the most awkward experience of his entire career.

I consoled him understandingly, "It's okay. It doesn't matter whether I have photos taken or not."

Adrian's expression was grim, but he said nothing. On the way back, he handed me a train ticket.

"This is a train ticket to the southern territories. I don't mean to abandon you. It's just that we need to go settle in first, then have you join us later."

The ticket was for four days from now, but the train journey from White Moon Pack to the southern territories took three days and two nights, and he had not even bothered to buy me a ticket with a seat.

Moreover, each warrior in the unit only had one companion slot. Even if I went to the southern territories, I would not have anywhere to stay.

However, I did not ask any questions and silently accepted the train ticket.

As Adrian saw me take the ticket, his expression softened. "Don't worry. Even though you won't be living with me, you're different from Sophia. She's just like my sister, but you're my only mate. I'll treat you well from now on."

My expression softened slightly, and my heart felt bittersweet. In my previous life, I had never heard him speak such gentle words to me.

Just as I was about to respond, Adrian's face suddenly changed, and he looked toward the forest with alarm.

A large pack of rogue wolves was charging toward us aggressively. They bared their gleaming white fangs and their powerful paws left deep holes in the ground with every step.

"Oh no, the leader is a rogue alpha! Run!"

The photographer cried out in terror, grabbing his equipment and running toward the pack.

I was startled. This fierce wolf pack had appeared in my previous life too, but later, several nearby packs had joined forces to drive them deep into the forest.

Why were they appearing so early this time?

While I was distracted, my foot suddenly stung with pain. Even while fleeing for her life, Sophia had not forgotten to trip me. She then ran off screaming for Adrian's help.

I fell hard to the ground. The rogue wolf pack was already catching up behind me — I could even hear their deep growls.

I reached out toward Adrian in terror, but in the blink of an eye, Adrian had scooped up Sophia. They had escaped the wolves' encirclement in a few swift movements.

My heart sank. Just as I opened my mouth to call for help, sharp pain shot through my back.

Several rogue wolves surrounded me, tearing and biting. Their razor-sharp claws left deep gashes across my body.

The pain made my vision go dark as I desperately screamed Adrian's name.

My gaze pierced through the wolf pack and landed on Adrian in the distance. He was holding Sophia, standing in a safe place far from the wolves, completely oblivious to my situation.

Sophia was pale with fright, trembling as she buried herself in Adrian's embrace. Adrian looked down at her comfortingly, his eyes full of concern.

His entire heart was with Sophia. He did not care about my predicament at all.

So this was what he meant by "treating me well from now on."

I smiled bitterly and completely gave up struggling, allowing the wolf pack to drag me into the forest.