Chapter 2

##Chapter 2

As always, Harrison leaned over to fasten my seatbelt. Noticing my red-rimmed eyes, his voice was low, carrying a hint of comfort yet an undeniable controlling force.

"The video was an accident. I'll handle it. You're not in good shape today—I'll take you home to rest."

I pressed my lips tightly together, refusing to look at him. But his voice, his scent—that mixture of cedar and beast—still wrapped around my throat like an invisible chain, preventing me from breathing freely.

When the car stopped at a pharmacy, he said to me: "Wait here, I'm going to buy something."

The moment the car door closed, I caught his lingering scent on the seat, mixed with a cold metallic smell. Looking down, I noticed he'd somehow left his communication stone in the cup holder.

Almost without thinking, I picked it up and entered Linda's birthday—the screen unlocked instantly.

The top chat box displayed her name. Their messages were filled with sweetness.

Harrison begged her to come back quickly, his tone humble.

"I've missed you so much while you've been away."

"Victoria looks similar to you, but she's just a fake."

"Don't worry, I'll make her pay double for all the pain you suffered."

The pain in my chest clawed at my heart like talons. I forced back the burning in my nostrils and scrolled up.

Reading these records, I finally understood: I had never truly known Harrison. The tenderness, protection, and presence he gave me were just illusions derived from his love for another she-wolf.

The car door opened again. Harrison returned with a small bottle of potion, uncapping it and handing it to me.

He bent down, stroking my hair, his voice gentle like coaxing an obedient little she-wolf. "Last night was too rushed—I didn't take proper precautions. Drink this, just in case."

His gaze fixed intently on me, as if he wanted to personally watch me drink the medicine.

I could only swallow the potion in one gulp. This contraceptive was highly irritating—instantly I felt my uterus being gripped tightly, the pain making me break out in cold sweat.

Harrison held me, stroking my back as if comforting me.

But I felt not a trace of emotion.

After I recovered, the car stopped in front of the Stone family estate. Harrison leaned over as usual, wanting to kiss me goodbye. I turned my face away, clumsily trying to unbuckle my seatbelt.

His expression instantly darkened. The next second, his arm clamped around me like a wolf's claw, pulling me into his embrace. "Still angry about the video?" His voice carried impatience.

I remained silent.

"I didn't film it," he said quietly. "The temple administrator has been expelled." His fingers lifted my chin, his tone like casting a spell: "I never meant to hurt you. Our anniversary is coming up—I'll make it up to you then."

This lie cut deeper than the truth.

I pushed him away, saying quietly: "I'm going in."

As soon as I entered, I ran into Jamie—my father. Before I could speak, his hand was already swinging toward me, full of oppression.

"Victoria! I really underestimated you!" His voice was sharp and grating. "You want to mate, fine. But you actually embarrassed yourself during the sacred ceremony and let the whole clan see? You've truly brought me shame!"

"Get out of the territory now and never come back!"

Hearing his words, I only felt it was laughable. But I surprisingly felt a sense of relief.

"Fine, but I want to take my mother's ashes," I answered calmly. "That way, I'll never come back."

Jamie was stunned, clearly not expecting me to agree so readily.

He snorted: "Linda's coming back this weekend. I'm hosting a welcome feast. You must attend. The video has spread everywhere—if you don't show up, the rumors will only get worse. After it's over, I'll let you take your mother's ashes and leave."

I looked up at him, my voice emotionless: "Understood."

Then I took out my communication stone and contacted someone I hadn't spoken to in a long time.

"I want to leave the Shadow Pack."

"Princess, you've finally seen the light?" The person on the other end sounded delighted. "We'll come get you right away."

Next, I began dealing with all the gifts Harrison had given me in the past. I burned them all in one fire.

On the day of the moon festival, Linda returned. It was the family welcome feast during the moon festival—all clan leaders and academy elders would attend. Her first public appearance after returning to the territory, while I was the protagonist of the mating video scandal.