Chapter 5
Erin's POV
The accusation cut through me like a knife, my fingers trembling involuntarily.
"You're being ridiculous, Sophia," I challenged loudly. "I never tried to seduce Richard. He was the one who—"
"Spare me your lies! I know what you did!"
I bit my lower lip, my stomach churning. On that horrific night when Richard barged into my room, claiming he couldn't resist my "scent," I'd tearfully told Sophia what happened, and her response was—
"You worthless bitch! How dare you seduce my mate! Get out of my territory!"
So I left that so-called "home" without looking back.
I took a deep breath, exhaustion drowning my anger. "Think whatever you want. Just transfer the money today and I'll show up at your wedding."
"It's a bonding ceremony, not a wedding," she corrected me with that superior tone. "I'll transfer a thousand dollars—enough for a plane ticket and something decent to wear. Remember, Erin, don't embarrass me."
"Wouldn't dream of it," I muttered, thinking: I'll never have to see these people again anyway.
The old house in Seattle looked exactly as I remembered—a three-story wood and stone structure surrounding a central courtyard.
I used the spare key hidden under the gargoyle statue base to let myself in. Familiar scents greeted me—lemon cleaning solution and Sophia's favorite rose perfume. The Red Maple pack emblem that once hung on the wall had been replaced with the Black Stone pack's wolf-head insignia.
My old bedroom had been converted into a storage room, boxes piled high, my bed and desk long gone. Of course they wouldn't keep a room for me, I thought bitterly. Unlike Lisa's room, which is probably immaculate, waiting for her return anytime.
Unwelcome memories flooded back—how I'd desperately done chores trying to win her approval; how I'd endured foster father Richard's inappropriate touches while she looked the other way; how I'd watched her shower her biological daughter Lisa with affection while treating me like I was invisible.
Exhaustion suddenly weighed on me like a physical burden. I cleared a space on the living room couch and lay down. As sleep and fatigue intertwined, my consciousness faded. In my dream, I was once again that helpless seventeen-year-old girl, with Richard's hands reaching for me, his alcohol-reeking face coming closer, unable to scream, unable to move...
"NO!" I jolted awake, drenched in sweat, heart pounding. My phone was ringing sharply, the screen displaying: Sophia.
"You ungrateful little bitch!" she screamed through the phone. "I've called a dozen times! Are you deliberately ignoring me?"
"I'm sorry, I was exhausted," I explained, fighting to control my anger. "I just woke up."
"Woke up? At this hour?!" she screeched. "What can you do besides cause trouble? I KNEW you'd be nothing but problems when you came back!"
I rolled my eyes at the phone. "Did you need something?"
"Listen carefully. My bonding ceremony will be held at the Black Stone territory the day after tomorrow," she commanded. "Be there on time. DON'T mess this up!"
"But I haven't prepared anything, don't have proper clothes—"
"Clothes and jewelry have been delivered to the house!" she interrupted. "Make yourself presentable! Don't embarrass me in front of Victor and his pack! I will NEVER forgive you if you do!"
After hanging up, I noticed two large packages by the doorway. Opening the first revealed a champagne-colored floor-length gown; the second box contained a set of jewelry centered around a yellow sapphire—the pendant stone was the size of a pigeon's egg!
My eyes widened. God! How much did this cost?
On the wedding day, I carefully prepared myself. First, a thorough cleansing with specially formulated scent-neutralizing body wash; then meticulous makeup; finally, my hair in an elegant updo with a few loose strands framing my face.
When I put on the champagne-colored dress, I marveled at its perfect tailoring. The deep V-neckline tastefully showcased my collarbone, while the cinched waist design accentuated my curves. With the exquisite yellow sapphire jewelry, I felt like a star headed to the Oscars.
A punctual doorbell announced the arrival of my car. A black luxury sedan waited outside, the driver respectfully opening the door for me.
Seated in the spacious leather interior, I watched Seattle's scenery gradually change through the window—from the bustling downtown to suburban forests, then to a vast, pristine valley domain.
Finally, the car entered a small road flanked by ancient pine trees, revealing a massive stone archway carved with the black tribal totem. Even through the car window, I could sense the powerful territorial marking—pure, primal, oppressive Alpha energy enveloping the entire area like an invisible barrier.
As we passed through the archway, the full view of Black Stone territory gradually revealed itself—
"My God..." I caught my breath.
The Black Stone territory stunned me. This wasn't just a wolf pack territory; it was a private kingdom! A massive main lodge built from dark stone and natural timber dominated the center, surrounded by dozens of clan residences. In the distance, a crystal-clear natural lake reflected the sky, with bonfire areas and ritual grounds along its shores. Ancient wolf totem poles stretched toward the clouds.
The entire territory covered hundreds of acres with clearly defined areas—tribal gathering places, training grounds, hunting fields, ceremonial sections, and several patches of pristine forest, presumably for wolves to run in their shifted forms.
So this is Sophia's new life... no wonder she's so anxious for me to appear presentable.
The bonding ceremony hadn't started yet. While most guests headed to the main venue, I sneaked toward the catering area. Having grabbed a raspberry mousse cake, I was about to find a quiet corner when a voice came from behind.
"Try this chocolate truffle," he said, offering me a small black dessert. "It's the chef's special, only available to those in the know."
I looked up to see captivating light blue eyes and caught my breath. He was young and handsome, his tall, lean frame perfectly wrapped in a tailored suit. A charming smile played on his lips as he held a plate of various desserts.
"Thanks," I accepted the truffle and took a careful bite. "Wow, this is really delicious."
"I can spot someone who appreciates good food," he smiled. "You're new here, aren't you? I've never seen you in the territory before."
"I'm the bride's foster daughter," I answered simply, not wanting to reveal too much. "What about you? Are you a guest too?"
His smile turned somewhat self-mocking. "I'm half a guest, I suppose. I'm Marcus." He gestured around. "These formal occasions are so boring, aren't they? Everyone wearing masks and complimenting each other."
"The ceremony won't start for at least another hour," he glanced around, lowering his voice. "Want to do something more interesting? The bride is surely busy accepting congratulations and won't think of you."
Checking my phone, I saw Sophia hadn't messaged me. She was too busy enjoying being the center of attention to remember me.
"Why not?" I shrugged. "Nobody cares where I am anyway."
He smiled. "Then follow me. I promise it'll be more entertaining than the fake pleasantries over there."
He led me along a secluded path away from the noisy main venue. At the end was a hidden viewing platform with an expansive view—the entire Black Stone territory spread before us.
"This is my secret spot," Marcus sat on a flat rock, gesturing for me to join him. "From here, you can see the whole pack without being discovered. As someone who's not exactly popular, I find this place perfect for avoiding annoying stares."
"Not popular?" I asked curiously. "Why? You seem... charming."