Natalia's POV

I sat on the bed, my palm pressed to my forehead. I hadn't given much thought to the pack's opinion—until I saw that photo of their Alpha with me. It created a major problem. They were calling me a shameless woman. I scolded Adrian silently.

"It's all your fault, you and your Lynda," I muttered angrily.

My phone rang; it was my brother. Though tempted to answer, I resisted. He probably knows about this mess, I thought.

I ignored the call and prepared to leave. As I walked out of my hotel room, Jason called again. This time, I answered. Before I could speak, he said,

"Did that man do something to you?"

I debated whether to tell Jason what happened.

"Brother, it was just a conversation. Nothing else."

"That bastard! How dare he touch you? Where did he take you? I saw the picture!"

"Brother, relax. Eric is here with me."

"I know. But where was he when that bastard took you somewhere? Tell me if he did anything to you, or was impolite—"

I listened silently, swallowing hard.

"Are you there?"

"I'm listening."

"Then answer me."

"Brother, it's a misunderstanding. I'm fine. I'll be back soon."

"It's my fault. I should have gone with you."

"It's okay, brother."

"What about Doctor Max? Did you meet him?"

"Yes. He said he'd invite me sometime."

"Are you happy about it?" Jason asked, trying to ease my stress. He'd always looked out for me; he knew I'd be stressed.

"Of course. That's why I came here. By the way, did you hear the announcement?"

"Yeah. We'll discuss it when you get back."

"Okay."

Jason hung up, and I left my room. As I walked down the hallway, people stared, as if they'd already seen the picture. They whispered.

Despite trying to ignore them, I thought about Adrian's actions the night before—how he'd barged into my room, questioning me as if he still had a right. I remembered our marriage; he'd never given me the right to question his whereabouts, always claiming he was with Lynda, that I was a third wheel. So what was wrong with him now? I felt his ego was bruised because I was thriving without him.

Sitting in the hotel's lounge, I reflected. A young woman approached.

"Ms. Natalia, congratulations."

Confused, I asked, "Sorry?"

She seemed surprised by my response, then chuckled, realizing my unawareness.

"We saw Beta Eric's posts. Congratulations to both of you."

I was dumbfounded. She seemed like a noblewoman, perhaps Eric's girlfriend?

After she left, I checked my phone. Numerous notifications stunned me. Eric had publicly announced he was my fiancé, and we'd be marrying soon. It was unexpected, but a way to protect my reputation. People were commenting on how fortunate I was to have such a supportive partner.

I shook my head, murmuring, "Eric, you're remarkable. How can I repay you?"

Lynda's POV

I was at the spa when my omega maid rushed in.

"Madam, bad news."

I removed cucumber slices from my eyes, displeased.

"What?"

"Beta Eric announced Natalia is his fiancée."

I was baffled. How could anyone support that woman? She had nothing to impress a man. How could a handsome, respected Beta fall for her?

"Show me," I said.

My maid handed me my phone. Beta Eric had gone all out to save her. I envied her. Because of her, Adrian hadn't declared me his future Luna, never proposed. I'd been so happy when she divorced Adrian and left the pack. But now she was back, maybe plotting to seduce him. She might regret leaving the most powerful Alpha. If she'd known Adrian would become like this

I was humiliated when Adrian left me for her last night, not even introducing me to the other Alphas or their families. His eyes never left her; I saw a different Adrian. He'd never looked at me like that.

I couldn't lose him. It took years to win him. I wouldn't let him go.

Staring at Eric's post, I muttered, "Natalia, you whore! Just wait. I'll take everything from you."

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