Chapter 2

I never imagined I'd end up with someone living under my roof without ever being invited. That someone was Peggy.

She linked her arm through mine as if we were close friends and said, "Giselle, the Full Moon Festival is only a few days away. Have you decided who you're going to choose?"

The Full Moon Festival was the most sacred and important ceremony for werewolves. It was the night we chose our mates.

I noticed that when Peggy asked me that question, Dean and Harvey both looked away. I knew exactly what they were trying to avoid.

In the past, seeing them act this way would have hurt me. After all, they had spent 15 years by my side, protecting and caring for me.

When my wolf first awakened, I couldn't handle the power and fell into a coma for seven days. Dean stayed by my side, barely getting any sleep as he took care of me.

To help restore my health, Harvey braved a blizzard alone to pick Pureflame Grass and nearly fell off a cliff.

Sometimes, I wished I'd never agreed to let them go into the mountains two months ago.

That was when we first met Peggy.

Back then, her pack had abandoned her, and she had been cornered by rogue wolves. Dean and Harvey had driven the rogues off and were impressed by how bravely she'd stood her ground.

Seeing that she had no one to rely on, they had brought her back to our pack and started taking care of her.

At first, I thought I had gained a new friend. But then Peggy started hunting with them and even joined the Wolf Warrior alongside them.

One day, I went to meet them when they returned from a hunt. I heard Harvey talking about something funny that had happened during the hunt, while Dean gently wiped the blood from Peggy's face with his handkerchief.

They were laughing and chatting. It took them several minutes to notice me.

Harvey joked, "Giselle, I didn't expect an Omega she-wolf like Peggy to be this brave. Looks like you've really been spoiled."

He had forgotten that I wasn't spoiled. I was simply born weak.

Besides, I was one of the best healers in the academy, not some helpless she-wolf who needed to be protected all the time.

Thinking of that, I shook my head at Peggy and said softly, "I'm not choosing anyone."

Dean and Harvey were both stunned.

Harvey let out a cold snort. "Enough, Giselle. Do you really think I would choose a delicate she-wolf like you as my mate?"

Dean frowned and stared at me in silence.

I looked at both of them. "This is my house. Please leave."

Harvey's eyes widened in shock. "Giselle, what are you talking about? Have you forgotten? Your father begged us to move in here to protect you until you find your mate!"

I took a deep breath and said, "I don't need your protection anymore. Please leave my house within three days."

In three days, I'd be leaving for the marriage alliance anyway.

I ignored Harvey's angry protests and went upstairs.