Chapter 1

Seeing my silence, Cora scoffed.

"What? Cat got your tongue? Scared of my brother's rank? If you're scared, then approve this shipment! Now."

"And throw in an extra two thousand kilos of S-grade raw Moonstone, like I asked for last time."

Her arrogant demands were background noise. They couldn't stir a single ripple in my pure-blood Alpha veins.

Cora took over the trade route a month ago.

I was fresh from the mines, still covered in dust and grit. The moment I walked into the trade hall, I ran into her.

She frowned, glancing at me before instinctively taking a step back.

Everyone in the pack keeps a respectful distance from me, so I thought nothing of it.

But the next day, as I prepared to hand over the goods according to the contract, Cora picked up the inspection sheet and spoke with an air of arrogance.

"You're in charge of this trade route, right?"

"This batch of Moonstone is decent quality. But I want you to add a little extra to the count."

I froze.

Me. The sole heir of the Red Rock Pack. The future Alpha.

It was the first time anyone had dared to order me around so brazenly.

Before I could speak, she was already picking through the cargo, her tone cold.

"Hurry up. I'm in a rush."

Then she pulled out her communicator and started a call, ignoring me completely.

She was new to the Silver Moon Pack. I decided to let it slide.

It was a small amount. I gave her the extra.

After the deal, she left without a word of thanks. She didn't even look back.

I figured she was new and ignorant of inter-pack politics. I didn't give it a second thought.

I thought that would be the end of it.

I was wrong. Cora was relentless.

After that, every single time she finished her inspection, she’d start making demands.

"From now on, prepare more of the high-grade stuff. I like having options."

"I don't like this packaging. I know it's your standard, but use something nicer for me."

"I was three minutes early today. Don't make me wait again."

"I don't like the drinks in your trade hall. Get me some expensive fruit juice for tomorrow."

"Your transport hovercrafts are an ugly color. Change them to silver."

I could never understand it. How could someone be so greedy, yet act so entitled? As if she were doing me a favor.

Now I knew.

It was all because her brother was a Delta.

Cora grew impatient with my silence. "Why aren't you talking?" she asked.

"Listen to me! You have to get me what I want!"

I couldn't be bothered. With a small yawn, I turned my back on her. "That's your problem."

I hadn't taken two steps before she lunged, blocking my path again.