Chapter 2 I Won’t Regret It.

I looked at her calmly and said, "Beth, do you think I don't know the truth? I'll be back sooner or later. When I'm back, my wolf will bite your neck with its teeth!"

"You—!" Beth's eyes widened in shock, probably because she didn't expect me to say anything like that. I had never challenged them like this in the past year.

I should thank them for giving me the chance to escape from here.

Ignoring Beth, I walked towards the main hall and politely greeted the man. He looked at me, and under his mask were deep emerald eyes.

With just one glance, I felt drawn to them—irresistibly pulled in by the charm and mystery they held. It was enough to leave me momentarily lost in thought.

"This is Raymond, your betrothed," Joseph's voice interrupted my thoughts.

"Are you Lily's daughter?" Raymond asked, looking directly at me.

My heart tightened. Lily... my mother.

"Yes," I answered quickly, trying to keep my composure.

"Come with me." Raymond wasted no words, turning his wheelchair towards the door.

No wedding ceremony. No promises. No family blessings. I quickly followed Raymond, pushing his wheelchair.

Raymond didn't refuse. When I left the Pack, I felt a strange sense of freedom, something I hadn't experienced before.

As I glanced back at the place, I'd called home for over a decade, I had never thought I'd leave it like this.

"Is that all your belongings?" Raymond asked, looking at the box in my hand.

"Yes, I don't have much," I replied.

"I'm a Rogue. I don't have a Pack. If you mind my status, or if you're having second thoughts…" Raymond's voice gradually faded away.

I had to admit, his voice was pleasant, like smooth, intoxicating wine—rich and seductive.

"I won't... I won't regret it," I said, my voice steady despite the uncertainty swirling inside me.

Raymond didn't seem surprised: " Let's leave."

Raymond drove a black car with a dedicated driver. He didn't seem like the typical rogue wandering aimlessly. 

He felt more like a lone wolf. But lone wolves usually lived alone because of the inconvenience, so why would he hire someone?

"How old are you?" Raymond asked me.

"19..." I replied.

He paused as if surprised by my youth age. "I'm 25, a bit older than you. I'm sorry about your parents. Mine also left me a year ago."

 

"About the wedding..."

"It’s okay!" I replied quickly, not wanting to cause any trouble. "Even if we don't have a wedding, I won't mind.”

After all, escaping that place was the best thing that could happen!

"No… the wedding should still happen," Raymond said, his voice calm. "It just might take place where humans live. Can you adapt?"

The Fang Pack had always lived deep in the jungle, and since my parents have avoided contact with humans, we rarely ventured into human territories.

I didn't expect him to understand this. "It's okay! I don't mind."

Raymond nodded, then asked me a few more questions and briefly introduced his situation.

Undeniably, Raymond was nothing like I imagined. He had a certain gentlemanly grace about him, with manners and courtesy that felt almost effortless.

After about an hour’s drive, we arrived at a seaside city—my first time seeing the sea. I couldn't help but marvel, rolling down the window to feel the salty sea breeze against my skin.

I had always lived in the jungle and had only seen the sea on my phone.

"Do you like the sea?" Raymond asked, glancing at me.

I nodded, unable to hide my awe. "It's my first time seeing the sea. It's so beautiful."

The sunlight shimmered on the azure waves, reflecting a gem-like radiance.

"Then you'll probably like the new house I've prepared," Raymond said, offering a faint smile.

Though his mask covered his face, his lips and chin hinted at a handsome man underneath. Raymond's villa was secluded from human eyes but close to the sea. He pressed a button on his wheelchair, signaling for me to follow, and pointed to a room on the second floor. "This is your room."

I blinked, surprised. "And where will you be?"

"I'll be in the room opposite yours. In between, there's a study and entertainment room. If you need anything, feel free to ask the servants. We don't have many rules here. Also, if you're ready, the wedding will be in three days," he said, smiling before wheeling away. I stood on the balcony of the second floor, waving as he left.

He returned my wave with a faint smile, then wheeled away.

Leaning against the balcony, I let the sea breeze wash over me, listening to the sound of the waves. Everything felt surreal, like a dream.

Raymond's POV

Today was the day I fulfilled my engagement. Though I didn't want to, I had to honor the blood oath my parents had made. I met my fiancée—her golden-brown hair and striking beauty were hard to ignore. Her eyes, like those of a mischievous fox, were captivating, while her straight nose and full lips reminded me of a blooming white lily in spring.

Innocent beauty.

As I took off my mask, the driver asked, "Leaving Caitlyn's alone in the villa, is that okay?"

"Return to the pack," I replied curtly, no longer interested in pretending.

My pack was on an island. I stood up from my wheelchair, masking my pheromones with a special perfume. It wasn't to deceive the girl but because I didn't fully trust her yet.

Seeing me, the pack's beta, Allen, quickly approached. I instructed him, "Prepare a wedding gown..."

Once again, thoughts of the girl lingered. Despite being an omega in the weak wolf, there was something in her eyes—pure, intelligent, determined.

Preferring to hide her true thoughts, though the deception seemed childish... and maybe even cute?

"Extravagant, expensive."

"The wedding should be... simple."

Caitlyn's POV

For two days, I hadn't seen Raymond, and it had been the most peaceful time I'd had in ages. No endless chores, no putting up with Beth's abuse and mockery.

I could sleep in as long as I wanted.

Oh, Moon Goddess, only you know how I survived the past year.

It felt like living in hell.

But I couldn't sit idle. With my newfound freedom, it was time to start investigating my parents' deaths.

The only one left in the villa was Shay—the maid Raymond had assigned to look after me.

I hoped she could become a friend, I felt incredibly alone.

Now that I was no longer the alpha's heir, my old friends have distanced themselves from me.

Even my only real friend had been absent for a long time, as I hadn't returned to school in ages.

"Shay, I’m going for a walk by the sea at noon! You don't need to prepare lunch for me," I said happily to Shay in the bustling dining room.

"Understood, Miss Caitlyn," she replied.

As I opened the door, I froze. Raymond was sitting outside in his wheelchair, still wearing his golden mask.

"Oh... Mr. Raymond," I said nervously.

"Are you going to the beach?" he asked.

"Yes, sir."

"Then let’s go together," he said gently, his tone polite.

"Allow me to push your wheelchair."

"Of course."

There were hardly any humans or other werewolves around here—only the rustle of coconut trees in the wind and the rhythmic sound of waves lapping against the beach.

"Are you getting used to it?" he asked me.

"It's wonderful here," I replied sincerely.

"I'm glad you like it. I hope you're ready for the wedding tomorrow."

Honestly, I didn't care much about the details of the wedding. But I couldn't help asking, "Will Joseph and his daughter be there too?"

"Who?"

"The alpha of the Fang Pack and his daughter."

"They'll need to be present," Raymond said, seeming to sense my unease. He reassured me, "Don't worry, nothing unexpected will happen."

"Okay." I nodded, feeling more at ease. After all, I had escaped the Fang Pack! What else was there to worry about?

When we returned to the villa in the evening, Shya had prepared dinner, enough for two.

It was even my favorite: salmon.

I could hardly contain my joy.

Late into the night, I found Raymond hadn't left. "Sir, are you staying here tonight?"

"Yes, preparing for tomorrow's wedding," he replied, holding a book and nodding.

I felt a bit uneasy. It was the first time I had spent time with Raymond. After all, we were still strangers who had only met two days ago.

"Don't worry, get some rest," he said, gently stroking my head.

After he went to his room, I breathed a sigh of relief. Raymond was different; he didn't seem like a rogue at all.

Late at night, unable to sleep, I decided to go downstairs to get some water.

"Still awake?" Raymond's voice, steady and unexpected, startled me from behind, nearly making me drop the glass in my hand.

"Sorry if I scared you," he apologized.

He was sitting in his wheelchair, apparently downstairs for water, still wearing the mask.

Had he been wearing it at home the entire time?

I couldn't help but feel a little concerned. It must be uncomfortable, but I wasn't sure how to bring it up. When Raymond had the mask on, it was easy to imagine he was a handsome guy. But after his face was damaged, perhaps he didn't want others to mention it.

In the end, I didn't say anything.