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Chapter 2

Three long years had gone by, yet the world still seemed just as chaotic and unfair as it had always been. Bella stood silently at the edge of another pack event, feeling out of place and uncomfortable as she looked around at the extravagantly dressed elites.

The Moonlight Howl Hotel sparkled under the bright lights, its grand design and luxurious decor making everything feel even more overwhelming. The elites, dressed in their expensive gowns and tailored suits, mingled with ease, their laughter and polite chatter filling the air.

Bella’s unease grew as the relentless flash of cameras from the eager press outside added to the tense atmosphere. The media’s attention was fixed on the powerful wolves attending the event, their every move captured and scrutinized. Bella felt like a small, insignificant shadow among a crowd of giants, wishing she could disappear altogether.

This event wasn’t just another gathering—it was one of the most important and exclusive nights for the pack’s highest-ranking wolves, a spectacle meant to display power and influence. Only the top wolves from the Alpha Territory were allowed to attend, which made the press even more eager to catch every moment. Reporters and photographers crowded the entrance of the hotel, their cameras raised and ready. They whispered amongst themselves, speculating about who would arrive next and what drama might unfold.

The anticipation was like a heavy cloud hanging in the air, and it finally broke when, at exactly eight o’clock, a sleek, black luxury car rolled up to the curb. The reporters sprang into action, their cameras clicking frantically as they pushed closer to get the perfect shot.

“It’s Alpha Trevor! Alpha Trevor has arrived!” someone shouted from the crowd, their excitement contagious as the reporters surged forward. The entrance became a whirlwind of activity, with voices shouting questions and flashes of light illuminating the scene like fireworks.

The door of the black car opened smoothly, and Carl Trevor stepped out with an air of confidence that demanded attention. His white suit was spotless and perfectly tailored, every detail carefully chosen to reflect his power and status. He smiled, but it wasn’t a warm or genuine smile; it was calculated, designed to charm the cameras and the crowd. From the other side of the car, Alice emerged, and her appearance was just as striking. Her shimmering gown seemed to catch every bit of light, highlighting her beauty and sophistication. She moved with elegance, her every step deliberate and controlled, as if she belonged on a stage.

Carl and Alice joined hands and posed for the cameras, basking in the attention and admiration. Together, they looked like the perfect couple, their polished image only adding to the awe of the crowd.

Meanwhile, Bella sat quietly in the backseat of another car, her arms crossed as she stared out the window with a sour expression. She had been brought here as Carl’s assistant, though she couldn’t understand why. Events like this were far beyond her usual duties, and she felt entirely out of place. The glamorous world of the elites was not hers, and being here made her feel small and out of her depth. She wondered why Carl had insisted on bringing her along. What could she possibly contribute to a night like this? To her, it felt unnecessary and degrading, as though she were being dragged along just for show.

“Miss Moonshadow, you need to get out of the car. Alpha Trevor won’t like it if you’re late,” the driver said sharply, his tone leaving no room for argument.

With a sigh, Bella reluctantly opened the car door and stepped out. Her movements were stiff and hesitant as she clutched a briefcase close to her chest, almost like it was a shield. Her eyes followed Carl and Alice as they confidently walked toward the grand entrance of the hotel, their heads high as if they owned the place. Bella quickened her pace to follow them, her resentment growing with every step. She hated being here, hated feeling like a tagalong in their perfect world. Just as she approached the entrance, another wave of excitement rippled through the crowd.

“Alpha Xavier has arrived!” someone shouted, their voice cutting through the noise like a bell.

The mention of his name made Bella stop in her tracks. Her heart skipped a beat, and she turned instinctively, unable to stop herself from looking. She saw him immediately—Alpha Xavier—stepping out of a sleek black car with the same commanding presence he had always carried. His tailored suit fit him perfectly, accentuating his broad shoulders and strong frame. Even after three years, he hadn’t changed. He was still magnetic, still someone who could draw every eye in the room without even trying. The sight of him brought a rush of emotions Bella had thought she had buried long ago.

The car door opened again, and this time Samantha stepped out. Her fiery red dress hugged her figure, its bold color making her stand out even more. She smiled brightly, her expression full of confidence as she walked over to Xavier and slipped her hand into his. Together, they were the image of perfection, their presence captivating everyone around them. Reporters couldn’t stop gushing.

“What a beautiful couple!” one exclaimed excitedly.

“A strong Alpha and the Beta’s daughter—such a perfect match,” another added.

Bella’s chest tightened as she watched them. Her hands balled into fists at her sides. The hypocrisy of it all was almost too much to bear. “A cheating Alpha and his mistress? Perfect match indeed,” she thought bitterly, her anger bubbling beneath the surface. She forced herself to turn away before her emotions overwhelmed her. She couldn’t afford to dwell on the past or let her feelings show, not when she had a part to play tonight, no matter how much she hated it.

Ahead of her, Carl and Alice had already stepped into the elevator. The doors were beginning to close, and Bella broke into a sprint, her heels clicking loudly against the marble floor. She reached out just in time, shoving her hand between the doors to force them open.

Carl’s cold eyes narrowed as he watched her stumble into the elevator. “Miss Moonshadow, must you always make such a spectacle of yourself?” he sneered, his voice dripping with disdain.

“I-I’m sorry!” Bella stammered, bowing her head quickly in apology.

Carl scoffed dismissively, his expression unimpressed. “Next time, keep up. If you embarrass me again, I’ll leave you behind.”

“Yes, Alpha Trevor. I’ll do better,” Bella replied quickly, her voice low and submissive.

Satisfied with her response, Carl said nothing more. The elevator ride continued in tense silence, the air heavy with unspoken tension. When they finally reached the 18th floor, Carl stepped out with Alice on his arm, his aura of self-importance impossible to miss. Bella followed closely behind, gripping her briefcase as though it was the only thing grounding her.

As they neared the entrance to the grand hall, Carl turned to her with a curt expression. “Wait in the lounge. Stay available. If I need you and you’re not there, don’t expect to see your full bonus this month,” he said sharply.

“Yes, Alpha Trevor,” Bella replied, her tone polite despite the frustration bubbling inside her.

Carl and Alice strode into the brightly lit hall, disappearing into the sea of glittering lights and laughter. Bella, left behind, retreated to the lounge as instructed, her steps heavy with resentment.

Bella sank into one of the lounge chairs, her shoulders slumping as she placed the briefcase on the table in front of her.

The room was quiet, far removed from the lively energy of the grand hall. The soft hum of the overhead lights and the faint echo of distant music only made her feel more isolated. Her stomach growled faintly, a sharp reminder of how long it had been since her last meal. She sighed, running a hand over her face, trying to fight off the weariness that had been building all evening. It wasn’t the first time Carl had treated her like this—dragging her to an event only to leave her waiting on the sidelines, forgotten. Still, the sting of being dismissed so easily never seemed to dull. She clenched her jaw, trying to push the bitterness away. Complaining wouldn’t change anything. This was the reality of her life right now.

The minutes stretched into an hour, and Bella’s hunger was starting to make her lightheaded. She could only imagine the kind of feast being served in the grand hall—delicate appetizers, rich entrees, and desserts that looked too perfect to eat. She pictured Carl and Alice laughing, clinking glasses of expensive wine, while she sat here, invisible and unimportant. The unfairness of it all sat heavily on her chest. She had worked tirelessly for Carl, doing everything he asked without question, yet he treated her as nothing more than an afterthought. She sighed again, leaning back in the chair and staring up at the ornate ceiling, wondering if this was all her life would ever be.

Finally, the intercom on the wall crackled to life, jarring Bella out of her thoughts. Carl’s voice came through, sharp and commanding, as it always was. “Go to the hall and get yourself something to eat. Don’t linger. Once you’re done, return to the lounge immediately,” he ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument.

“Yes, Alpha Trevor,” Bella replied, her voice flat. She didn’t bother to hide her lack of enthusiasm. She was too tired, too frustrated to care.

Pushing herself out of the chair, Bella straightened her clothes and made her way out of the lounge. The hallway leading to the grand hall was long and quiet, her footsteps echoing against the marble floor. As she approached the entrance, the noise from the hall grew louder—laughter, the clinking of glasses, and the hum of animated conversation filled the air. When she stepped inside, the sheer opulence of the room hit her like a wave. The chandeliers above sparkled like clusters of stars, while the tables were adorned with fine linens, crystal glasses, and elaborate floral arrangements. The room was alive with energy, the pack’s elites mingling and laughing as if they didn’t have a care in the world. Bella kept her eyes down, not wanting to draw attention to herself, and made her way toward the buffet table.

The spread was as extravagant as she had imagined. There were trays of perfectly arranged hors d’oeuvres, steaming platters of roasted meats, and desserts that looked like miniature works of art. Bella poured herself a glass of juice and selected a small plate of food, careful not to take too much. She didn’t want to give Carl another reason to criticize her. With her plate in hand, she scanned the room for a quiet spot where she could eat without being noticed.

But before she could take a step, a deep, commanding voice rang out from behind her, stopping her in her tracks. “Bring me some food, Bella!”

Her body froze, the plate in her hand trembling slightly as she gripped it tightly. That voice—it was unmistakable. Slowly, almost unwillingly, she turned around, her heart sinking as her eyes met his.

Alpha Xavier stood there, his piercing gaze locked on her, his presence as overwhelming as ever. He was just as she remembered—tall, broad-shouldered, and utterly magnetic. His tailored suit only added to his commanding aura, and the intensity in his eyes made it impossible to look away. For a moment, it felt like the air had been sucked out of the room, the weight of three years of unresolved emotions pressing down on her.

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