I had just returned to the hotel when I received a text message from an unknown number. The message read:

“I heard you went to the event. Come back to the Crystal Blood Pack. Your mother and I will be waiting.”

I immediately recognized the sender as Jeremy Pierce, my foster father. I replied,

“How did you get my number?”

His response was:

“You forgot who I am? Getting your number is no problem, Natalia. Stop asking questions and come home.”

I scoffed. ‘Home? What does he mean by my home? He adopted me, but never showed me any real affection,’ I thought. I assumed he’d gotten my number from the attendee list at today’s party. To ensure everyone's safety, every…

I texted back, “I will never go back there. Forget about me.” I threw my phone on the bed, showered, and put on my pajamas.

Emerging from the bathroom, I noticed my phone was constantly illuminated, receiving notifications. While drying my hair, I checked my phone and was shocked by the flurry of social media activity. Many people in the Crystal Blood Pack considered me cruel for refusing to see my foster family. I read comments like:

“How cheap! She’s abandoning her parents!”

“I heard she ran away with an old guy; that’s why she won’t come back.”

“This is so embarrassing for her family.”

I had no idea how they knew about my conversation with my foster father. I anonymously commented on a post: “What if she’s not a bad person? You should try to understand her.”

A few people liked my comment and agreed, but others called me a disrespectful child who abandoned her parents to enjoy her life elsewhere. I ignored them. I didn't care; I wasn't going back to that life. My foster parents were wealthy enough to…

Although drowsy, I couldn’t sleep. I needed to talk to my children. I video-called them.

“Hi, my babies. What are you doing?”

Noah waved, and Aria blew me a kiss.

“Mom, when are you coming back?” Noah asked.

“Very soon, baby.”

“Mom, please bring me a big candy,” Aria demanded.

“Of course. Where’s Uncle William?” William was the butler who cared for them, assisted by a couple of maids.

Noah pointed. “He’s here.”

William appeared on screen and bowed. “Madam Natalia, don’t worry. I’ll take care of them.”

“I’ll be back in a few days. Stay with them until then,” I told him.

Noah pouted. “Mom, we want to see you.” He looked just like his father. I feared Adrian might one day find out about him and Aria. What would I do then? I couldn't lose my children; they were the only reason I was still alive.

“Baby, Mom will be back soon,” I replied.

We talked for an hour. They told me about their day. I told them to spend time with their grandparents…

After our call, I was about to sleep when a knock startled me. Assuming it was Atlas, whose room was next to mine, I opened the door, saying,

“What happened, Atla—”

I stopped dead. It was Adrian. He looked furious, his dark eyes glaring at me.

“You?” I mumbled.

In a flash, he grabbed my hand, pulled me inside, and closed the door. Before I could react, he pressed me against the door and asked,

“Atlas, huh?”

I was stunned. “What’s wrong with you? Why are you here?” I tried to push him away.

He held my arms firmly. “What were you saying to my dad? You have to go to the Blue Blood Pack? Because of that Beta Atlas?”

His jaw was clenched. His rage was terrifying.

“Alpha Adrian, stay within your limits. Leave me.”

“Leave you? So you can go to Atlas?”

“What do you want?” I asked. I knew he hated me more than anyone. His rage didn’t lessen.

“Are you with him now?” he asked, his voice low, trying to control himself.

“Why do you ca—?”

“Yes or no.”

I considered lying; it might be the only way to escape him.

“Yes. I am with Atlas,” I replied.

I thought he’d leave, but he growled, making me tremble. I’d never experienced such submission before any alpha. Then why only in fro…

My eyes widened as he gripped the back of my neck and kissed me.