Chapter 2

My wolf was furious.

I took a deep breath to fight back the howl threatening to escape me.

Judging by Drew's behavior, he had no idea that during his three-year absence, he ended up with a younger brother who constantly needed financial support. His name was Leo Bruce.

I stared at Drew. "You've never truly understood all I've done for you. Do you know—"

A flicker of impatience crossed his eyes as he cut me off. "Haven't I already thanked you enough for everything you've done? Right now, I want to be with Sherry. She's the one who matters most to me."

I looked into his eyes as the crushing weight of betrayal came over me. "You've never truly valued the bond we shared, Drew."

I forced myself to calm down. Drew told me all that while I was out submitting Leo's enrollment form for the Intermediate Wolf Cub Academy.

He didn't seem to know that the residence Richard and Talia lived in was mine.

I watched him walk away, but I didn't go home immediately. Instead, I headed straight to the foundation to sort through my assets.

Over the past three years, I spent hundreds of thousands in cash and also provided his family with a house to live in.

Fortunately, the storefronts and land hadn't been touched.

I refused to believe Richard and Talia felt no gratitude for everything I'd done these past three years. I gathered the stack of contracts and headed home.

I came home, carrying warmth in my chest, only for my heart to go cold the moment I saw who was inside.

The table was lavishly set. The whole family was laughing happily with a woman seated among them.

No one had waited for me to eat.

The laughter stopped abruptly as I entered, and everyone turned to me. Drew was also frowning.

In my mind, my wolf howled in fury.

I had always assumed Drew's parents were in the dark about his intentions. It turned out they knew exactly what was going on.

Leo was the first to react. He came dashing into my arms like a cannonball.

I stroked his fur—sleek from my care—and said nothing.

Talia stood up and guided me to the table.

"Drew is home, Jenny." She was beaming from ear to ear. "You've held this home together on your own. If it weren't for you, we would have starved to death. Richard and I always knew you were a blessing to this family."

She spoke in a breezy tone, but her eyes never once settled on me. Instead, her gaze stayed locked on the roasted antelope.

"I know things have been tough for a few years. You didn't have anyone to help you. But now that Drew is back, you should relax. With a man around, you won't have to worry about all those menial tasks. You don't have to manage the finances either. Isn't doing all that tiring?"

She took Sherry's hand and placed it on mine. "This is Sherry, an exceptional physiotherapist.

"She grew up on the battlefield. She's rough around the edges and isn't quite as meticulous as you are. Try to get along with her, alright?"

Rage surged through me in an instant. What was Talia trying to say?

I coldly pulled my hand away. "Among wolves, it's always been one male and one female forming a pair. When did it become acceptable for three to live together?"

Talia's smile didn't falter. "Why would you think that way? Richard and I have always treated you like our daughter. Let Drew and Sherry work out their affairs. From now on, you'll live with us. No need to concern yourself with them."

I was appalled by her audacity.

She was in favor of Drew and me breaking off our mating bond, but didn't want me to leave.

I knew it was because I had no family of my own. I could also financially support this entire household on my own.

Pack wars were a constant occurrence, and wolves without family support had a hard time surviving.

But that didn't include me. I was wealthy enough to hire powerful wolves for protection at any time.

They assumed a lone she-wolf like me was vulnerable. That was why they used such agreeable language to claim my wealth.

A sarcastic laugh escaped me.

"I have parents of my own. And they don't treat me like a maid or an ATM." I swept my gaze across the table.

The centerpiece was the antelope—the largest one hunted by the pack's warriors before winter. I paid 3,000 dollars to acquire and save it for the lean winter months.

When it was delivered, Talia sang its praises.

She had never tasted antelope this good. Drew's meager salary couldn't possibly afford it.

She hid the antelope away that very night. Not even I knew where she had stored it. But now, it was out in the open to entertain the mistress.

Talia flushed at my words. Her breaths grew uneven and labored.

Sherry stood up and supported Talia. "So, you're Drew's useless mate?"