Chapter 4

On the tablet screen was a draft of a fireworks design, and the pattern was designed around my name.

"Do you like it? I'll set them off for you in a few days."

"Yes." I nodded, sending a copy of the design file to my phone. Then I groggily fell asleep.

The car rolled to a stop at the entrance to the Shadowstar pack.

While this banquet was considered a family dinner, it was actually an occasion for my mate to officially meet my parents.

I was a little anxious. Even my palms were starting to sweat.

Edwin patted the back of my hand to comfort me. Just as he was about to lead me inside, his men appeared and began whispering to him.

"Go ahead. I can handle it on my own," I said.

Edwin's golden eyes darkened. "Give me ten minutes. Please wait for me."

So, I waited in the hall, chatting with the adults. Soon, one of the pack members came to inform me that my mate had arrived.

But the one who showed up wasn't Edwin—it was Matthew.

I scowled when I saw Matthew approach, holding Kylie's hand. Before I could even react, he led her toward Mom and Dad and plopped down in the seats meant for Edwin and me.

"I'm sorry we're late." After greeting my parents, Matthew turned to me, his expression darkening instantly. "Queenie, you're my lover, remember? Is this how you handle such an important occasion?

"Didn't you learn any manners? Kylie was kind enough to attend your family banquet. Why didn't you think of preparing extra seats?"

Upon hearing Matthew telling me off, my family looked puzzled. "Queenie, what's going on?"

I massaged my temples, looking at Matthew in annoyance. "Matthew, I've said this many times—I don't want to be your lover, and you're not invited to my family banquet. My mate will be here soon. Could you please leave so we can have our seats?"

Matthew cut into the steak on a plate and let out a disdainful chuckle. "Queenie, stop kicking up a fuss. Aside from me, what other man would even want you? Since I'm here for the banquet, I promise I'll help your parents look after you."

I rolled my eyes. I was about to get security to kick Matthew and Kylie out when the door suddenly burst open.

Matthew looked around the packed hall and said in puzzlement, "All the seats are taken. Who else are you expecting?"

The echo of steady footsteps rang through the hall as boxes of gifts were brought in, one after another.

Upon seeing Matthew seated at the table, Edwin asked mockingly, "You're the successor to the Sunpeak pack, right? You've already stolen my bride, and now you've taken my seat?"

The sight of Edwin left Matthew momentarily stunned. After hearing Edwin's words, Matthew immediately looked up at him with a scowl.

"What do you mean, I took your seat? This was mine to begin with. You're the Moonbeam pack's Alpha. What are you doing here?"

Edwin took off his leather gloves before turning to bow to Mom and Dad. "Naturally, I'm here to meet my mate's parents."

Matthew's heart started racing out of nowhere, making him uneasy. As he spoke, even his voice sounded shaky. "What did you mean when you said I took your seat?"

Without waiting for Edwin's answer, I stood up. "He's my mate."

"You're lying!" Matthew's face had gone deathly pale. He immediately rose from his seat, his usual composure completely gone.

Matthew stepped forward to try and grab me, but Edwin stopped him.

Matthew glared at me, his eyes bloodshot. He seemed to have reached his breaking point. "Didn't you say I was the one you loved, and you wanted a mate bond with me? How could you go back on your word?"

It turned out that Matthew still remembered our vow. He was the one who broke it, yet he was putting the blame on me.