Chapter 5 5

Mindy

I rolled down my window and leaned out toward the guard at the gate. "Open the gates right now," I ordered in a sharp voice. "And the car right behind me is with me. Let him through-no questions."

The guard bent down to peek at Derek's car, then looked back at me with a nervous expression. He leaned in closer and spoke in a low, shaky whisper. "Miss Mindy... Alpha Duncan gave very strict instructions. No strangers are allowed into this party without a personal invitation from him. He was really clear about it."

Of course he was. My brother had the build and aura of a complete monster-tall, muscular, powerful, the perfect mix of sexy Alpha and ruthless businessman. Everyone feared him. That was honestly the nicest way anyone ever described Duncan.

But to me? He was my whole world. He never made me feel small or worthless. He never left me crying alone in my room. He always tried his hardest to make me feel safe, loved, and protected-no matter what.

I tilted my head and stared the guard down. "He's my invited guest. Duncan will know exactly who he is."

The guard swallowed hard, looking even more uncomfortable. "Miss Mindy, please forgive me, but... could you maybe call Alpha Duncan first? Just let him tell me himself? You know how strict he gets about security. He made it very clear-"

My patience snapped. "I said he's my guest. Can't you hear me?" I raised my voice, almost yelling. "If you don't open these gates right now and let him in, I swear I'll make sure my brother kicks you out of the pack-and out of the whole damn country while he's at it."

I knew I was worse than Duncan sometimes. Way worse. If I asked Duncan not to punish someone, he'd listen to me. He'd back off. But if I told him to get rid of someone-even if they hadn't done anything wrong-he'd do it in a heartbeat. No hesitation. No second thoughts.

Yes, I broke rules constantly. And Duncan always let me get away with it. Always gave me what I wanted.

Right now, all I wanted was one thing: Duncan. All to myself. Forever.

The guard nodded fast, bowing his head. "Yes, of course, Miss Mindy. Just... please don't let Alpha Duncan use me as a punching bag. I'm only doing my job."

I laughed a little and nodded to reassure him. "He won't. Thank you."

I waved Derek forward. He followed me through the now-open gates. We parked side by side in the huge driveway. Inside, the place was packed with luxury cars and limos-rows and rows of them. Ministers from different packs, Alphas, the richest businessmen in the country. Typical Duncan party crowd.

Derek stepped out and stared up at the house with his mouth open. "Wow! What can I even say? This place is massive. Unreal."

I slammed my car door shut and smirked at him. "Yeah, thanks for noticing." He didn't say a single word about my dress, my hair, my makeup-nothing. Not one compliment. All he cared about was getting inside and meeting my brother.

Everyone was the same. Every single guy I dated, every person who got close to me-they all wanted Duncan. They wanted his power. His connections. His fame. His money. His influence. Duncan was too big, too important. He'd turned our pack into something close to paradise. And every man who ever showed interest in me only wanted to use me as a stepping stone to reach him. I hated it more than anything in the world.

All I wanted was Duncan. Just him. All mine.

I'd asked him a million times if he planned to get mated soon. He always gave the same answer: he was living for me. Only me. No one else.

But I worried. Deep down, I knew he couldn't stay single forever. Alphas needed Lunas. Needed heirs to carry on the line. One day he'd have to choose someone. And when that day came... I didn't know if I could survive it.

"Stop staring at the house like you've never seen one before," I snapped, linking my arm through Derek's. I was pouting, huffing, annoyed.

"It's not a house," he said, still gawking. "This is a full-on palace! I'm so jealous you live like this."

I sighed dramatically. "Jealous of me being rich? Please. You're just as loaded as I am."

"No, I mean jealous of this insane place... and having such a powerful, rich brother!" He pulled me closer to his chest and gave me an awkward smile.

I narrowed my eyes at him. "What's wrong with you? Do you have a crush on my brother Duncan or something? Are you gay and trying to get to him through me?"

He burst out laughing so hard he almost tripped. "Of course not! I'm not like that. I just want to meet him, get to know him, maybe do some business with him after college. You know my dad's an Alpha and a businessman, but I want my own path. I don't want to ride on his name forever."

I didn't believe a single word. Not even a little.

So tonight would be his last night pretending to be my boyfriend. I'd get rid of him for good after this. I hated people who used me-especially anyone who tried to use me to get close to Duncan.

"Shut up and stop wasting time," I said with a fake, overly sweet smile. "Let's go inside and introduce you to my brother."

I walked into the party with confidence, swaying my hips side to side, letting the short white dress do its job. Derek didn't seem bothered at all by how rude I'd been. He just kept smiling like I'd said something cute.

The pool area lights flared on as we stepped in. Music pumped. Laughter filled the air. Guests everywhere-Alphas, ministers, businessmen, beautiful she-wolves in expensive gowns.

Then my heart dropped straight into my stomach.

Duncan was standing near the center, holding hands with a stunning she-wolf. Right in front of everyone.

She was gorgeous-perfect hair, perfect body, perfect smile. Everything I wasn't.

And it wasn't just her. The whole place was packed with powerful people. Alphas from other packs. High-ranking officials. Everyone who mattered.

Okay... what the actual fuck is going on here?

My plan-my whole stupid, jealous plan-was already falling apart.

I forced a smile anyway. Gripped Derek's arm tighter.

But inside? I was panicking.

This wasn't going to be funny anymore.

This was war.

And I had no idea if I was ready to fight it.