Chapter 2: Locked Out in the Pouring Rain

When I walked out of the town hall, it was pouring rain.

Derek's call came through. His voice dripped with sarcasm. "Chloe, you've been in the private vault long enough. How much more do you plan to take?"

I was quiet for a moment. My voice came out rough. "What do you want?"

"What do I want?" He let out a cold laugh. "We have important guests coming to the villa tonight. Get your ass back here and prepare the banquet. Since you're taking the Thorn Pack's money, at least do your job as Luna."

Even though I'd already made up my mind to leave, his open contempt still cut deep.

It took me a moment to swallow the bitterness. "Fine."

But my obedience didn't satisfy him. If anything, it made him angrier.

"Of course. As long as there's money involved, you'll do anything, won't you?"

"Let's see how long you can keep up this little act."

He hung up.

By the time I got home, I was soaked to the bone.

There were guests coming tonight. I didn't want any drama. I just wanted to get through this banquet quietly and leave.

But when I pressed my fingerprint to the smart lock, an error flashed.

[Unauthorized entry.]

I froze. It took me a moment to understand.

They'd revoked my access.

I let out a bitter laugh, then knocked on the door. No answer.

I rang the bell a dozen more times. Still nothing.

In that downpour, wearing nothing but a thin soaked dress, I huddled in the corner by the door for two full hours.

Finally, the villa door swung open.

The butler stepped out, his face cold as stone as he looked down at me.

"Luna, you may enter. The Alpha said that since you're taking the pack's money, you should follow the pack's rules. Two hours is just a small punishment. He hopes you'll behave yourself in the future."

I was shivering, pale as death, but I understood.

Derek had made me stand in the rain on purpose.

I let out a hollow, bitter laugh and stumbled inside.

Dizzy and sick, I somehow managed to get everything ready for the banquet.

That night, the villa blazed with light and laughter.

Camilla stood at the top of the stairs in a silver gown I'd never seen before. And around her neck hung my Luna necklace.

She walked toward me with a wine glass, her voice soft and sweet where everyone could hear.

"Luna, I hope you don't mind. I asked Derek if I could borrow this necklace to try on."

My head was spinning. I didn't answer her. I just turned to leave.

Then she grabbed my wrist.

"Luna, you really can't forgive me, can you?"

Her voice suddenly shot up. "Ah! Luna, why are you pushing me—"

Before she even finished, she was falling backward, tumbling down the stairs.

"Camilla!"

A blur of motion. Derek caught her, pulling her close to his chest.

The whole hall gasped.

Camilla trembled in his arms, her voice shaking with fear. "Derek, I know Luna didn't mean to. She just doesn't like me. I don't blame her..."

Derek slowly lifted his head. His eyes were bloodshot, fixed on me, burning with rage.

"Chloe, I didn't think you'd sink this low."

I stood frozen. "I didn't push her. She fell on her own."

"You didn't push her?" He tightened his grip on the trembling woman in his arms and let out a bitter laugh. "Everyone in this room saw you grab her wrist."

"Camilla is too kind to even say a harsh word about you, and you still can't leave her alone."

"Is that what you do? Tear down anyone who's genuine, just to get my attention?"

There was no point in defending myself.

In his eyes, everything I did was wrong.

Derek looked down at me, his voice cold as ice.

"Since you refuse to change, you'll stay in the basement storage room until you've reflected on your behavior. You'll come out when you understand what you did wrong."

The butler hesitated. "Alpha, the Luna is terrified of the dark..."

Derek didn't even blink.

"I know."

"That's exactly why she'll remember this."