I was shocked by his sudden proposal. Everyone knew that every alpha wanted an alliance with our pack; that's why some had tried to contact me. However, Alpha Leo's pack was already allied. Why, then, did he ask for my hand?

I slowly turned to my brother to see his reaction, praying he wouldn't say anything foolish. Last time, he nearly arranged my marriage to Eric—and now this, with Alpha Leo. I wanted to refuse, so I began to speak:

"Alpha Leo, I—"

"I can't accept your offer, Alpha Leo," my brother interrupted.

I looked at him. He nodded, and I felt relieved. But the other men overheard; some alphas gasped at Jason's direct rejection.

"But why?" Jason asked, a hint of anger in his voice.

"My sister doesn't want to marry now. She has dreams to fulfill, and wants to live life fully first. We'll consider it later."

Jason's voice was gentle, his words polite.

"Then what about an engagement? She can do as she pleases afterward. I won't stop her from anything; she can continue her business."

Then, someone spoke from behind: "Our apologies, but she has a boyfriend."

I turned to see Eric approaching.

Alpha Leo raised an eyebrow. "Who is he? You?"

Eric stood beside me and nodded. "Yes. She's my girlfriend. I wouldn't appreciate someone proposing to her."

I stared at Eric, who glanced at me before I looked away. I couldn't scold him for his lie. Without my permission, he'd told everyone we were dating.

Alpha Leo glared at Eric, then at the calm, indifferent Jason. "Is he telling the truth, Jason?" he asked loudly, attracting more attention. What's wrong with this man? Why is he making a scene? I thought.

Jason dismissed me, implying he'd speak with Alpha Leo. I left, eager to return to my children.

Leaving the hall, I glanced back. Jason was talking to the offended Alpha Leo. Alpha Leo's eyes met mine, and his scrutiny made me uncomfortable. I quickly looked away.

"Pervert!" I muttered, leaving the party.

I returned to the pack house in Jason's car. I didn't tell him I was leaving, but I knew he knew. I went to my twins' room; they were delighted to see me.

After changing, I had dinner with them and slept in their room, hugging them.

"Young Miss."

I opened my eyes to my maid's bow. My twins clung to me, asleep. I kissed their heads, then turned to the maid.

"What is it? Is it time for the office?" I asked, gently moving away from my children.

"It's the weekend, Young Miss."

"Then what's happened?" I asked, getting out of bed.

"Y-your parents have returned," she replied, head bowed.

I smiled—good news. I'd missed them.

"No, Young Miss. There's bad news. Alpha's downstairs with them. I thought I should tell you."

Confused, I rushed downstairs. My father looked upset; my mother cried in my brother's arms.

"Mom? Dad? What happened?"

They turned. I rushed to my mother, who broke from Jason's embrace.

"Your uncle is dead."

Shocked, I didn't know how to console her.

"He died yesterday. He was all I had left. How will I live?"

I understood my father hadn't told us; if Jason and I went to the funeral, who would watch the children?

I stayed by my mother's side all day, comforting her. That night, I persuaded her to eat before returning to my room, where someone waited.

"What are you doing here?" I asked.

"Natalia, how long will you be angry?"

Sighing, I looked at Eric, considering him family. I couldn't stay mad.

"Eric, let's talk," I said, closing the door. He looked nervous—unnervingly so. I had a bad feeling.

He took a deep breath. "I love you, Natalia."