Chapter 2

"No need," I said bluntly.

Leon and Lucas frowned at the same time.

"Amelia, the Shadow Wastelands are harsh. There's sulfur and magma everywhere, and yet you still want to stay here?

"We're mates. If you just back down, I'll mark you again," Leon said.

I couldn't help but scoff at his ridiculous words.

So, he did know how harsh the wastelands were?

When we first arrived six years ago, the climate was harsh, and the guards were strict. After finishing the grueling labor, I couldn't even get a sip of hot soup. With my delicate constitution, I quickly fell ill.

A few Rogues wandering the wasteland snuck into my stone hut that night. They laughed nastily, threw off my blanket, and tore my clothes.

"Of all the she-wolves sent here, you're the prettiest. Be good and let us have some fun..."

In that moment of hopeless despair, I suddenly thought of Leon and Lucas. They were probably with Mila, gathered around a fire, enjoying fresh prey and each other's company.

I closed my eyes, unwilling to watch. That was when a blood-curdling scream sounded.

The weight on me suddenly lifted, and a strikingly heroic person appeared before me, radiating a powerful Alpha presence.

"Get lost! Who gave you permission to do this in my territory?" he growled to the Rogues.

He then touched my forehead and said, "You have a fever. I'll find a healer to get you some medicine."

I gripped his leaving hand tightly, as though I were a drowning wolf clutching a piece of driftwood. With a hoarse voice, I pleaded, "Please… Mark me."

I refused to be bullied forever. I had to rise up and clear my family's name.

The person I grabbed was the lord of the Shadow Wastelands—the Alpha, Kane Frost.

He was the most powerful ruler of the wasteland. He had no mate or pups, spending his days eating and living alongside his warriors in the territory.

I never thought he would actually accept an exiled she-wolf like me.

The conditions in the wastelands were harsh, so there was no grand ceremony—just a rough piece of animal hide, a few plates of coarse dried meat, and a simple mark. Just like that, Kane and I became mates. The occasion was nothing compared to when I married into the Black family.

Kane was a rugged warrior, and he lacked Leon's refined elegance. Still, he not only took me out of the wasteland, but he also settled my frail parents and family in the valley of his territory.

He believed my father was innocent and promised he'd find a way to clear our name.

From then on, I focused entirely on Kane. I never thought about Leon or Lucas ever again. Then, a year later, I gave birth to my and Kane's son—Sean Frost.

Six months ago, Kane said he'd gathered evidence of Mila framing loyal pack members and even secretly conspiring with vampires. He decided to go to the pack himself and report her to the Elder Council.

Sean had never been to the pack where I grew up, so he pestered his dad until he got to go along.

A few days ago, Kane sent word saying that things were looking good. He told me to follow the convoy he'd arranged and come back to the pack so we could reunite as a family.

With Kane and Sean on my mind, I had no patience left to waste words on the people before me.

"Yes, there's no need. I've had nothing to do with you for a long time. You should leave now," I said flatly.

Unable to contain himself, Lucas cried out with tears in his eyes, "Mother, why can't you see how hard Father and I have tried?"

Leon, having grown more composed, paused in thought before saying, "Amelia, I know you're just angry right now. Lucas and I will wait for you.

"If you change your mind, just come to the second SUV at the town entrance."

I ignored him, then turned around and went home to pack.

The next morning, I carried my bag to the convoy. When Leon and Lucas saw me coming, they both smiled with relief.

Lucas sneered. "Looks like even after six years, Mother still hasn't outgrown her habit of saying one thing and meaning another!"

Leon smiled and reached for me. "I'm glad you came to your senses. Let's go home."

In the past, when we traveled, he always took my hand to help me into the car.

Right in front of them, I walked straight to the vehicle a short distance away, one marked with the crest of the Shadow Wastelands.

Leon's and Lucas' faces fell at the same time.