Chapter 3

Both of them froze.

Edward, in particular, looked absolutely livid.

I couldn't tell whether he was furious because a female werewolf he'd always looked down on had just humiliated him in front of everyone, or because he'd suddenly realized that if I truly refused to go through with the mating ceremony, his father might actually strip him of his right to inherit the Alpha position.

But Monica, standing beside him, had a different reaction.

Her eyes lit up, gleaming with greed and ambition.

"Edward, isn't it even better that she doesn't want to go through with the mating ceremony?" she immediately leaned closer, her voice soft and urgent. "That way, you won't have to bring her home as your wife and embarrass the entire Silvermoon Pack."

Seeing Edward hesitate, as though weighing his options, Monica stepped closer and spoke even faster.

"The former Alpha was obviously just saying those things out of anger. There's no way he'd really refuse to let you inherit the Alpha position just because you won't marry some female werewolf, right?"

"You're so powerful and intelligent. The former Alpha is counting on you to take the Silvermoon Pack to even greater heights."

Her words hit exactly where Edward was most vulnerable.

His expression instantly brightened, and the tension left his brow.

"But the invitations have already been sent to all the packs. If we announce the cancellation now, it might be too late."

Monica giggled, tracing circles on his chest with her finger. Her voice turned sickeningly sweet.

"What's the problem? You still have me, don't you? I was the one who was supposed to marry you in the first place."

Edward's eyes darkened. He took her hand, his voice turning husky.

"You're right. The one I should be marrying is a stronger werewolf like you."

"Someone like her should be thanking the Moon Goddess just for getting to meet me. If my father hadn't forced her on me, she wouldn't even have gotten that chance."

I'd reached the absolute limit of my patience.

I raised my hand and pointed toward the door, my voice icy cold.

"Since the mating ceremony is canceled, you and Monica can leave now. And have these werewolves tear down every last bit of this funeral-hall decoration."

The werewolves watching from the sidelines burst into laughter.

"Does she actually think she's still getting this house now that the mating ceremony is canceled? This is premarital property. The marriage never happened, so of course the house belongs to Alpha Edward!"

Monica immediately slipped into a coquettish tone.

"Edward, don't give her this house. Now that you've canceled the mating ceremony, I don't want her taking even the slightest advantage of you."

"Fine. Then I'll take it back."

Edward lifted his chin and spoke as though issuing an order.

"I don't care what the old man gave you, but I'm taking this house back. Now get out. Immediately."

I was utterly speechless. I couldn't help reminding him.

"Edward, this house was personally approved by the Alpha King as my wedding gift. It wasn't given to me by the Silvermoon Pack."

Edward sneered and pulled a check from inside his jacket, tossing it in front of me.

"Enough with the lies. You just want money, don't you? Fine. Consider this payment for the house."

I glanced down at the check before looking back up at him.

"Edward, let me explain one more time. This house was given to me by the Royal City. I'm not handing it over to you. And it's not something you can simply buy with money."

My words sent Edward and Monica into fits of laughter. Even the werewolves gathered outside doubled over, laughing.

"Typical country bumpkin! The house may be nice, but it's been sitting empty for years. Nobody even wants it. Edward is offering her all that money, and she still isn't satisfied!"

Edward gave a mocking snort.

"Did you hear that? Be smart for once. Take the money and get out."

But I met his gaze without flinching.

"Edward, I won't let you do whatever you want. This house isn't yours to buy or sell. Your money can't buy you everything."