Chapter 2 Who Are You Looking For?

Chloe's POV: Tears wouldn't stop falling as I stood there, frozen. I watched as my father walked away without saying a single word. All he left me was his back. I didn't bother trying to explain anymore. I quietly pushed myself up, legs shaking, and made my way upstairs to the pack. The moment I reached the top of the stairs, Cassandra stood in my path, her arms crossed. "Leave! You're nothing but an eyesore in this house. There'll never be room for you here." Anger boiled in me. I balled my fists, glaring at her smug expression. "Oh, planning to hit me now?" she sneered, turning her face slightly, daring me. "What a joke! A wolf-less woman like you thinks she can teach me, a beta, a lesson?" She laughed mockingly. I shut my eyes for a moment, trying to calm myself, but my hands were shaking with rage. I'd had enough. Since they kicked me out, I wasn't part of the pack anymore. The rules no longer applied to me. Smack! I slapped her across the face without a second thought. Cassandra hadn't turned 18 yet, so her wolf wasn't fully developed. Even though she was a beta, I wasn't scared of her. She shrieked, "You hit me ... Dad! Mom! Chloe hit me!" and dashed down the stairs, crying. From above, I saw Jennifer holding her tight, her face twisted with fury. She pointed at me and shouted, "How dare you lay a hand on my daughter, Chloe? I'll rip your throat out!" As soon as she said that, Jennifer shifted into her wolf form—a massive black beast with bared teeth, ready to strike. But my father stepped in and blocked her. No matter what, I was still his daughter. And as the alpha, he wouldn't let someone hurt me right in front of him. "Dad, it hurts so much ... " Cassandra wailed, throwing herself into his arms, sobbing like she was the true victim. "Chloe, I'm warning you—get out now!" my dad shouted, his anger flaring again because of her fake tears. I stood there, frozen. I didn't even bother finishing my packing. I grabbed my passport, made my way downstairs, and paused at the bottom. Seeing him hold Cassandra like she was the most precious thing in the world, something inside me shattered completely. He didn't care what had happened to me the night before. He never asked. All he did was listen to her side. It was obvious where I stood in his heart. Ever since I failed to awaken my wolf, I'd been nothing but a disgrace to him as an alpha. How could a daughter without a wolf ever be seen as fit to inherit the pack? After my mother died, he brought Jennifer and her daughter into our lives. The moment Jennifer became Luna, I was pushed aside and treated like an outsider. My mother never got the chance to know he'd betrayed her. They were supposed to be true mates—chosen by the Moon Goddess. I began to question whether our mates were truly any different from human couples—some faithful, some not. Perhaps it was because we'd spent so much time observing humans, copying their mindset, their money, their transactions, and their behaviors. Ever since we started blending into human society, our traditions and values have changed. I saw more wolves cheating on their mates, following their urges instead of their bond, chasing pleasure without guilt. My father was no exception. Now, even after being cast out and becoming a lone wolf, I no longer cared. Two warriors dragged me to the gates and threw me out. I turned back one last time. At the window upstairs, Cassandra stood watching, a cruel smile stretching across her face. She looked satisfied. Being born without a wolf spirit made survival nearly impossible for someone like me. That way, Cassandra could rightfully claim the alpha position of Thunder Pack and seize control of all its resources. I clenched my hands so tightly my nails dug into my skin. I made a promise to myself—if I ever came back, I'd make Shania and Cassandra regret what they did. ... The day I was cast out of the pack, I believed my life was over, either by a witch's curse or the claws of a rogue wolf. But I was fortunate. I crossed paths with someone who completely changed my fate. Thanks to him, I've been living in Meadowmere, Sableland, for five years now. My wolf has finally awakened. I have a wonderful son, and I've established a thriving career as a designer. Life had turned around in a way I never expected. One afternoon, while I was lost in my work, the doorbell of my apartment rang. Slightly irritated, I stood up and opened the door. Two men in suits were waiting outside. "Who are you searching for?" I asked, furrowing my brow and speaking in Sableian without thinking. "Are you Ms. Chloe?" one of them asked in my language. "Yes, that's me. And who are you?" "We were sent here to find you. The woman who saved our leader's life was your mother, Eugenia Taylor. Our madam would like a word with you." I blinked in confusion. "Who is your madam?" "She is the matriarch of the Evans," the man answered respectfully. The Evans? I repeated the name under my breath, and then it clicked. She was the head of the most influential wolf clan in North Ultaria. Her grandson was the one my mom had rescued long ago. And now, that man—Vincent Evans—had become the Alpha King.