Chapter 2

2.

I watched my parents' car drive away, then turned back toward the territory.

Aiden was looking down at his phone. A photo Chloe sent from the competition made the corners of his mouth lift in a smile.

When he saw me return, a flash of guilt flickered in his eyes, barely noticeable.

"Clara, Chloe won the gold medal. I have to go celebrate with her."

He turned to leave immediately.

"Aiden," I called out. My voice was soft, but every word was distinct. "I told you, that was the last time. So now, you are free."

He paused, then let out a laugh. "Are you throwing a tantrum? Clara, don't be like that."

He thought I was just playing hard to get. He reached out to ruffle my hair, his tone carrying that undeniable Alpha authority.

"Just wait two more weeks. Once the Blood Oath expires, I will make her attend. I promise."

With that, he strode away, his steps hurried.

He didn't even notice me freezing in place.

He had taken my final ultimatum as just another petty mood swing he could brush off with a promise.

My wolf let out a low, mournful whimper.

Three years. She had waited three years, and couldn't even get a complete ceremony.

Like a ghost, I followed him.

I watched him get out of the car at the concert hall.

Chloe, dressed in a pink dress, fluttered into his arms like a butterfly.

Aiden immediately bent down to catch her, a smile blooming on his face. It was a tenderness I had never seen, softening the sharp edges of his Alpha features.

I watched in a daze. It felt like an invisible hand was squeezing my heart.

My wolf paced restlessly in my chest, growling in pain.

Chloe pulled him onto the award podium, forcing him to wear a cartoon headband and take selfies.

Aiden said, "This is too silly," but he still threw up a peace sign for the camera.

I bit my lip until I tasted blood, staring at the massive contrast between this and his usual stern demeanor.

In the past three years, whenever I suggested wearing matching outfits, watching a rom-com, or having a less serious ceremony...

He would frown and refuse. "That doesn't befit the status of an Alpha."

But now, he was doing all the things he claimed were "undignified" for Chloe.

It turned out he wasn't rigid. He just wasn't willing to break the rules for me.

Or perhaps, in his heart, his guilt toward Marcus and fear of the Blood Oath had long surpassed his love for me.

I don't remember how I left.

I only know that when I returned to the pack entrance, the scent-based security system denied me access.

I stood there for a few seconds, stunned.

Then I remembered. Last time, Chloe’s cat clawed up my cherished photo album―the one with pictures of my first date with Aiden.

I scolded the cat. Chloe ran crying to Aiden, claiming my attitude made her "feel unsafe."

That phrase triggered the Blood Oath clause.

To soothe her and avoid the backlash, Aiden temporarily removed my scent signature from the trusted list on the security system.

When I questioned him, he dismissed it lightly. "You always come back with me. The system recognizes my scent on you. It won't matter."

I laughed bitterly and decided to wait at the coffee shop across the street until Aiden came back.

But the moment I stepped onto the crosswalk, a black SUV sped toward me from behind and sent me flying.

In an instant, I slammed onto the pavement like a kite with a broken string.

My wolf let out a desperate howl, trying to force a transformation to heal me.

But the injuries were too severe. Her power was suppressed.

In the final moment before my consciousness faded, through a blur of bloody vision, I saw the driver.

It was Chloe.

She looked panicked as she threw herself into the arms of Aiden, who had rushed over at the sound of the crash.

Aiden held her tight, his face full of heartache, as if she were the one who was hurt.

He didn't even look at me.