Chapter 4

The stinging pain on my cheek burned with pure humiliation.

Tears welled in my eyes, but I kept my head held high.

I was the daughter of Central City's Alpha, who also served as the Werewolf Chairman. Elegance and decorum were expected of me.

If I caused a scene at my own birthday party, I would become the laughingstock of the entire city.

Nestled in Kaelen's arms, Lily shot me another provocative glance.

Kaelen looked at my swelling cheek, his outstretched hand trembling.

It seemed he realized he had gone too far. A flicker of worry crossed his eyes, and he opened his mouth as if to say something.

Sensing that, Lily let out a timely sob. "Kaelen, I don't have a grand background like Kristin. I'm just an adopted daughter. If I had really fallen into that glass, I would have been disfigured and thrown out to become a Rogue."

Kaelen's attention snapped right back to her. As he looked down at Lily, his expression softened instantly.

The surrounding werewolves grew righteously indignant. All of them turned to scorn me.

"Princess Kristin, bullying your adoptive sister like this only brings shame to our werewolf race."

"Targeting your sister over a male? How is someone like her fit to be Kaelen's mate?"

"Kaelen is right. You're a malicious woman! Apologize to Princess Lily right now!"

When Kaelen looked at me again, the guilt in his eyes vanished, replaced entirely by disgust. "Did you hear them, Kristin? Apologize to Lily!"

The wave of insults rushed over me.

Taking a deep breath, I couldn't help but remember everything I had ever done for Kaelen.

As a princess who had never stepped foot in a kitchen, I had endured blisters and burns just to make him maple pancakes.

I stayed up late and pricked my fingers more than once, stitching the sweater he wore once and then threw away.

I had thought devotion could buy love. Instead, it bought me nothing but humiliation.

With that thought, I looked Kaelen in the eye and said calmly, "I did nothing wrong. I will never apologize to her."

Kaelen was stunned for a moment, then let out a cold scoff. "Whatever. Your father is about to announce our bonding anyway. Kristin, this is the last time I will tolerate your behavior. After our bonding ceremony, don't hurt Lily ever again."

Just as I opened my mouth to reply, Father's Beta walked in. "Princess Kristin, the party is about to begin."

Behind him followed a cold, imposing figure dressed in a white-and-gold suit, his buttons fastened all the way to the top. He had a scepter in hand.

He carried the crisp scent of cedarwood, standing so straight he looked like a sword drawn from its sheath.

It was Ethan Olson, the most powerful warrior in Central City and Kaelen's uncle, who was rumored to be cursed to lose his brides and be impotent.

The crowd's mocking laughter froze instantly. Their eyes widened in disbelief as they looked at him.

Even Lily shrank further into Kaelen's embrace, not daring to look Ethan in the eye.

Yet, under the collective gaze of the room, he walked elegantly toward me.

He raised a hand, wanting to touch my cheek, but stopped short out of gentlemanly respect. His voice was deep and laced with a gentle concern. "What happened to your face? Does it hurt?"

The moment I heard his familiar yet distant voice, a wave of sorrow hit me.

In my last life, Kaelen had stood by and allowed my death.

But Ethan had stormed the palace, gathered my cold body into his arms, and even launched a coup to bring me justice.

I gently patted the back of his hand to reassure him. "I'm fine."

The moment was tender, but Kaelen ground his teeth, cutting in to shatter the atmosphere.

"Uncle Ethan, Kristin and I are about to become mates. She doesn't need your concern."

"Oh?" Ethan turned and cast a half-smile toward him before ignoring him completely.

"Your father invited me. Your birthday party is a momentous occasion. Let's head inside, Princess Kristin. Don't let irrelevant people ruin your mood."

I nodded and walked straight toward the inner banquet hall.

Kaelen held Lily in his arms, but his mind was replaying the interaction between Ethan and me moments ago.

He gritted his teeth as he stared at my retreating back. "Once we're bonded, I'll teach Kristin some proper manners."

Unfortunately for him, his little plan was about to fall apart completely.