Chapter 3

03

Silas didn't get to decide where I went.

Two weeks later, I was back in the capital.

I wasn't there for the Vancrofts.

I was there to visit the Elder Alpha of the High Council.

It was his birthday, and he was the one who taught me how to hunt.

I sat by his feet, and the old man patted my head affectionately.

"You stayed away for so long. I thought you were waiting for me to kick the bucket!"

"Don't say that, old man! You're going to live forever," I joked.

We laughed together, but then he looked behind me.

I turned my head and saw Silas walking in, holding Shae's hand.

The Elder Alpha motioned for me to move to a private room, but I refused.

"Child, won't it hurt to see them?"

I took a sip of expensive bourbon and sighed.

"Why would I be sad? A toxic man left my life. I'm celebrating."

"Besides, I'm already married."

The Elder Alpha froze. "To who? Is he a pack leader?"

I was a bit tipsy. "He's the best man in the world."

The old man laughed and raised his glass to me.

Others in the ballroom heard the news and came over to congratulate me.

I smiled and thanked them, but then Shae appeared in front of me.

She held a glass of wine, her eyes filled with fake pity.

"Elena, Silver Creek is such a wasteland. Who could you possibly have found there?"

"Don't tell me you got scammed by some low-life rogue."

"Marriage is for life. If you just did this to spite Silas, you're throwing your life away."

"And technically, you're still cuckolding Silas since the contract isn't officially void."

She was so incredibly fake.

I leaned back and listened to her "advice."

"Who I marry is none of your business. Shouldn't you be happy?"

I leaned in closer.

"Stop the cheap tricks, Shae. I see right through you. I just don't think you're worth the effort."

"A man like Silas? Only someone like you would think he's a prize."

Without Silas, Shae wouldn't even be allowed in this building.

She had played the victim for years to squeeze money out of the Vancrofts.

Did she really think that would work forever?

Looking at her face made me sick.

I reached out, took her wine glass, and poured it onto the floor.

"I don't drink with trash."

Shae grit her teeth, her eyes welling up with tears.

Right on cue, Silas walked over.

He saw the wine on the floor and lost his temper.

"Elena, you've gone too far!"

He raised his hand to slap me.

Suddenly, a steak knife flew through the air.

It pierced Silas's palm, pinning his hand to a nearby wooden table.

Blood sprayed everywhere.

"Mr. Vancroft, I've heard you have a temper, but you shouldn't yell at my wife."

A tall, dangerously handsome man stepped out of the shadows.

He looked like a god, but his eyes were like ice as he stared at Silas.

"Isn't that General Sterling? The one who just destroyed the rogue uprising?"

"Who did you say is your wife?" Silas gasped, clutching his bleeding hand.

I stood up and stood next to the newcomer.

"Malachi Sterling is my husband," I announced.

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