Chapter 2

Before I could finish explaining, Emma interrupted with a mocking laugh.

"Oh please, Sylvia. Did you really get pregnant just to gain access to this auction house?" She playfully stuck out her tongue, feigning innocence. "I'm just concerned, that's all."

Alice, my sister-in-law, immediately exploded. "My sister-in-law has a proper invitation! Who do you think you are?"

Emma's eyes instantly reddened as she turned to Derek. "Alpha Derek, I'm just worried about you being taken advantage of by a she-wolf using pregnancy to manipulate you."

Derek immediately pulled Emma into a protective embrace. "Shameless," he spat at me. "How many Alphas did you seduce to get pregnant this fast?"

His eyes burned with disgust. "My relationship with Emma these past three years was unavoidable - she has a rare wolf blood disorder. How could you be so intolerant of a sick omega? What kind of upbringing did your pack give you?"

Emma whimpered softly. "I'm not wronged as long as Alpha Derek is by my side."

Her triumphant gaze made me sick. I remembered the countless photos and videos she'd sent over three years - pack celebrations, intimate moments, kisses under moonlight. Each came with messages thanking her "Luna auntie" for giving up Derek.

I turned to leave with Alice, but Derek blocked our path.

"Don't make a public spectacle," he said condescendingly, extending his hand like offering charity. "I know abandoning you to rescue Emma was wrong, but you need to accommodate this timid young omega."

His next words revealed his complete lack of remorse. "That pup we lost was replaceable. We could have had more. I'm even willing to keep your current bastard as a plaything, though it'll never bear my pack name."

Alice slapped his hand away furiously, nearly pointing at his nose. "How dare you! After what you did these past three years-"

"Shut up!" Derek's face darkened. "You're worthless. Sylvia, control your pack sister before I do it for you."

That crossed a line. "Don't you dare threaten my sister-in-law," I said coldly. "And for your information, I'm mated again. This pup belongs to my mate, not some random Alpha."

Derek laughed mockingly. "You? Accept another mate bond? Someone who loved me so desperately could never move on that easily."

He threw his business card on the ground arrogantly. "Get rid of both the bastard pup and that cheap she-wolf beside you, and I might give you one last chance. Living under another Alpha's protection isn't pleasant."

After he left with Emma, I reflected bitterly on his hypocrisy. I owned sixty percent of this auction house - his threats were laughable.

Alice excitedly handed me my phone. "Ethan's calling!"

My mate's warm voice immediately comforted my wounded heart. "I'll be there in ten minutes, sweetheart. Bid on anything you like."

Just as I reached for an emerald necklace that caught my eye, another pale hand snatched it away first.