Chapter 6

Erin's POV

He laughed meaningfully. "Blood issues. In Black Stone, pure bloodlines matter. And I, honestly, don't meet their standards. I was born from a human." He quickly changed the subject. "But today isn't about me. Tell me, how did you become Sophia's foster daughter?"

I gave vague answers, not wanting to reveal much personal history. Marcus seemed to sense my discomfort and tactfully didn't press further.

"Is that the main ceremonial area?" I pointed to an elaborately decorated stone platform in the distance, changing the subject.

"Yes." He said, "Victor likes to display his power and wealth. Your foster mother seems the same, from what I've seen."

"You know Sophia?"

"My father's new mate? Of course." He said casually, "Met her at the family dinner yesterday. She's... shrewd."

My heart skipped a beat. Father's new mate? This meant he was Victor Ravenclaw's son.

He noticed my expression change, a glint of cunning in his eyes. "What, she didn't mention me? I bet she didn't tell you about the other family members either? About the legendary firstborn son?"

I shook my head, suddenly realizing Sophia had revealed almost nothing about the family she was marrying into.

Marcus leaned closer. "The future heir of Black Stone, Victor's pride and joy, who's been running the family business in Chicago." His tone mixed with complex emotions. "But today, he'll make an appearance too."

"Is he special?" I asked, intrigued by Marcus's mysterious tone.

"Special?" Marcus let out a short laugh. "He's one of the most powerful werewolves in the pack, and simultaneously excels in human business affairs. The perfect heir candidate."

Suddenly, a powerful scent wafted from nearby, interrupting our conversation. A tall werewolf appeared on the path, clearly searching for something.

"Marcus!" he called, anxiety in his voice. "Your father is looking for you. The bonding ceremony is about to begin!"

Marcus sighed and stood up. "Want to head back together? Or would you prefer to stay here a bit longer?"

I hesitated, but thinking about how missing the ceremony might anger Sophia, I stood up too. "I should get back as well."

We followed the werewolf back to the main venue, with him constantly eyeing me suspiciously.

"Don't worry, George," Marcus noticed this. "She's Sophia's foster daughter, a guest today."

When we returned to the main venue, guests were taking their seats, though the formal ceremony hadn't begun. Marcus was called away by several elders, likely to prepare for the ceremony. Before leaving, he blew me a kiss. "See you later, sister."

I grabbed a glass of champagne and stood at the edge of the crowd, observing. Nearby, two middle-aged men who'd clearly had a few drinks were quietly discussing the Ravenclaw family. Pretending to admire the flowers, I edged closer.

"I heard old Ravenclaw called his eldest son back from Chicago to take over pack affairs. Have you seen him?" asked a man in a gray suit.

"No, but I hear he's extraordinary," the other replied. "Showed remarkable leadership skills during his time in Chicago, later becoming the youngest business school professor while secretly managing the eastern region's business."

"A Ravenclaw teaching? That's surprising," the first man looked astonished.

"The public identity is just a cover, my friend," the second man lowered his voice. "They say he trains future business elites in Chicago, cultivating them as potential human allies for the pack. Smart strategy—in modern society, wolf packs need strong networks in the human world."

"The eldest son? You mean the future heir, Alexander?" His companion leaned in closer. "I hear he already has considerable influence in the pack."

"Who'll be the heir isn't certain yet." The man in the gray suit mysteriously curled his lips. "Old Ravenclaw has more than one capable child... see that second son Marcus handling affairs for him? Cold, smart, and particularly cunning. He's no simple character."

"Don't forget Victor's daughter recently returned too." The other added in a hushed tone. "Her mother was the daughter of a Northern European Alpha wolf, quite a powerful background."

Following their gaze, I saw a young woman in an elegant purple dress. Several tall wolf warriors stood around her—clearly bodyguards. As if sensing my stare, she suddenly turned to look at me, her lips curling into a meaningful smile, her eyes somewhat scrutinizing. My heart skipped a beat, and I immediately looked away.

"Speaking of succession fights," one continued whispering, "I heard after the Alpha of the Pine Tree pack was established, his brother who lost the competition was found to have committed suicide the next day."

Suicide? That word hit me like ice water. I couldn't help but shiver—this succession competition was more dangerous and deadly than I'd imagined.

Suddenly, drums sounded in the distance, vibrating the ground—the signal for the ceremony to begin. Everyone turned toward the entrance. Lisa appeared, wearing an exquisite silver-white dress. Behind her was Sophia, my foster mother dressed in a traditional red robe with black stones adorning the collar and cuffs—clearly symbolizing loyalty to her new pack.

Lisa led Sophia along a path strewn with pine needles and wildflowers, taking a seat right next to me.

"Erin, long time no see!" She looked me up and down. "You actually came."

"Long time no see," I answered calmly.

"Oh, Mom said you returned to Seattle from Chicago? Found a job? Moved back to the old house?"

Even on this occasion, she couldn't resist hinting at our social gap.

"Yes, I moved back," I answered simply, not wanting to give her more opportunities to belittle me.

She smirked condescendingly. "I'm now the manager of the Ravenclaw Foundation," she deliberately displayed the diamond bracelet on her wrist. "Appointed by Victor himself."

Of course, I mocked inwardly, Sophia's new husband arranged a cushy job for her daughter. But I just nodded. "Congratulations."

The ancient tribal drums grew more solemn, joined by deep horn sounds, and everyone stood. Victor Ravenclaw walked toward the central stone platform, giving me my first close look at this legendary Alpha wolf.

His appearance differed greatly from my imagination—sparse gray hair, slightly hunched back, wrinkled face, looking at least seventy. But when he surveyed the crowd, I noticed the dignity and power flashing in his eyes—an aura only true Alphas possess.

"When I first met Sophia," Victor announced in a booming voice, his gaze sweeping across every guest, "I knew she was the destined mate I'd been waiting for. Her beauty captivated my eyes, but what truly won my heart was her unlimited loyalty to the pack and her resilience."

Yeah, she's loyal alright. Loyal enough to abandon her pack at the first opportunity. I inwardly sneered, but maintained a polite smile on my face.

When Sophia exchanged vows with Victor and completed the marking ritual, the ecstasy and worship on her face almost made me believe she'd genuinely fallen in love with this old man. Such a performer.

After the ceremony, guests raised their glasses in celebration, the clinking interspersed with undercurrents of various power plays.

Seeing no one paying attention to me, I decided to slip away and avoid this hypocritical social occasion. But just as I was about to leave, Sophia approached with a fake smile, accompanied by an overweight middle-aged man.

"Erin, darling," she called out warmly, "come, I'd like to introduce you to an old friend."