Chapter 2

Isabella Brooks POV:

"I will not fail you, Father," I sent through the Mind-Link later that night, my voice resonating with a confidence I hadn't allowed myself to feel in years. "I am your daughter. I carry the purest bloodline. I am your best heir."

His mental presence felt like a storm gathering on the horizon-immense, powerful, and unforgiving. "Prove it. Words are meaningless. This test you set for yourself, and for him, is the first of many. Do not disappoint me."

"I won't."

"My Beta, Walter, is now at your disposal. He will handle the logistics. Do not contact me again until it is done." The connection snapped shut, leaving me alone in the silence of my small apartment.

A moment later, a new Mind-Link message slithered into my thoughts. It was Eva. This time, it wasn't an image, but an audio recording. Her soft moans, and Richard's voice, rough with passion.

"She's just an Omega, Eva," he was panting. "Her blood is weak. It's you... you're the one who feels right. You're the one who could carry a strong heir."

The words were meant to shatter me. Instead, they forged my resolve into steel. I contacted Walter.

"The ceremony is in one week," I told him. "The live broadcast. That is the stage."

"Understood," Walter's reply was crisp and efficient. "Alpha Brooks has also given you your first task as heir-apparent. He requires you to pass his test. The Silver Moon Kingdom is hosting a charity ball tonight. You will attend as the representative of the Shadowfen Pack."

My heart gave a small jolt. The Silver Moon Kingdom was the ruling body of all packs, led by the Alpha King himself. This was a major political event.

"I understand," I replied.

Just then, Richard's voice entered my mind, laced with false regret. "Isabella, my love. I'm so sorry. This pack meeting is running late. I won't be able to make our dinner tonight."

"It's alright, Richard," I sent back, my tone soft and understanding. "Pack business comes first."

"You're the best, Bella. I'll make it up to you."

Liar.

At the ball, I was a ghost from another life. Dressed in a gown of midnight blue, I moved through the crowd of powerful Alphas and their Lunas, a silent predator in their midst. When the time came for donations, I stepped forward.

"The Shadowfen Pack pledges ten million dollars," I announced, my voice clear and steady.

A wave of murmurs rippled through the hall. The Shadowfen Pack was notoriously reclusive and powerful, their wealth legendary. No one knew who I was, but the name of my pack commanded instant respect.

Then I saw him.

Across the glittering ballroom, Richard stood with a glass of champagne in his hand. And clinging to his arm, wearing a ridiculously revealing red dress, was Eva.

My blood ran cold.

He was laughing, introducing her to the Alpha of the Crimson Fang Pack. "...and this is Eva Marsh," I overheard him say as I drew closer. "She's the brilliant mind behind our new flagship project, AO3. A true asset to Black Creek."

AO3. My project. The one I had poured my heart and soul into for the last two years. The project that was supposed to secure Black Creek's financial future and prove my worth to his parents.

He had given it to her.

I glided towards them, a serene smile fixed on my face.

"Richard, darling," I said, my voice sweet as honey. "What a surprise to see you here. I thought you had a pack meeting?"