Chapter 3

Before long, it was time for the annual Alpha Summit.

Soren didn't seem very happy after returning from the summit.

Every time I went over to check on Goldie, I saw the same thing.

He was always frowning over the documents in his hands.

Through the barrage, I learned the reason.

Although Soren's pack was powerful, it was consistently outperformed by his rival, Callum.

The summit had been no exception. Callum had easily secured collaborations and investments from the major packs. At this rate, the gap between their two packs would only keep growing.

More importantly, Soren and Callum had both fallen for the same person.

That gave me pause. "Aren't I supposed to be Soren's fated mate? Why would he fall for someone else?"

The barrage explained. [Being his fated mate is correct, but the fated bond can be dissolved. Young people nowadays all want to choose for themselves. Hardly anyone follows the destined path anymore.]

My expression darkened.

"What a hassle. I really should just cast a curse, sign a soul contract, bind our spirits for eternity after death, and pickle our bodies in formaldehyde..."

[Stop, stop, stop...]

The barrage was startled by my train of thought. [Remember what you are now. You're a werewolf, not a witch. And if anyone finds out that you're a werewolf who knows witchcraft, they'll burn you at the stake.]

I nodded and sighed.

The barrage told me that Sophie would be returning to Callum's pack in a few days.

Later, Soren would neglect his pack's affairs in his pursuit of Sophie, causing the pack's economy to plummet.

Eventually, crises would emerge both within and beyond the pack. While Soren scrambled to manage them, Sophie and Callum would hold their mating ceremony.

After that, Soren would spiral deeper into depression, eventually losing the ability to lead.

His pack would later be destroyed by a larger pack, and Soren would be sent to the executioner's block.

I let out a long sigh after hearing all this.

"If only he'd been a little more flexible and found a powerful witch to cast a curse..."

[Stop, stop, stop—]

The barrage cut me off again.

[Why do your ideas always go to such dangerous places?]

I gave a sheepish laugh. "Sorry, occupational hazard."

Still, when in Rome. I needed to use the werewolf way to win Soren over.

After a brief moment of thought, I reached two conclusions.

First, confidence was important. I needed to build up Soren's confidence.

Second, happiness was important. I needed to make Soren happy.

I staked out the entrance of Soren's office building for ages, finally spotting him leaving work at dusk.

When he saw me, he barely spared me a glance from the corner of his eye.

Then he walked right past me without turning his head.

I simply stepped into his path.

Soren's brow furrowed.

"I'm in a bad mood. Can you not bother me right now?"