Invite

Yet everything still felt the same, just like it had been before my father died, which meant I had been doing a great job.

My fist clenched. Even though things looked calm and safe on the surface, I knew there was a lot to do because danger was creeping in, and the balance I had kept might soon tip.

If I wasn’t careful, I might lose my home and the pack I grew up in to the enemies.

I unclenched my fist and made a solemn declaration inwardly that I would never let that happen.

“Alpha.” The pack members, who had been chatting with each other, suddenly called, already realizing my presence.

I intended to wave my hand and tell them that they could continue doing their things because I was only passing by, but before I could…

The pack members flocked to my side, and their voices filled with concern invaded my ears. "Alpha, we heard about your health. How is it? How have you been doing?”

Seeing the concern and happiness on their faces made a surge of relief overwhelm me. I nodded and cheerfully spoke with them.

At least, I was still able to maintain the pack’s happiness for now.

I swore that I would do everything to keep the pack in this state—joyful.

I played with the pack members for a while before returning to my room. I crashed on the bed, tucked my pillow carefully, and exhaled.

At least I had done a lot of work today, and I realized that there was still a chance for my pack, so that was enough to make me hopeful about the future. I hoped things really went as well as I wanted.

I didn’t know if I had dozed off because a sudden knock on my door snapped me awake.

I wrapped the blanket around me tighter, knowing that it could only be Solace or Beta Eric, so I said, “Come in.”

Solace opened the door and stepped into the room, stopping next to my bed. She bowed while pointing an envelope that contained a letter to me. “Your Highness.”

My brows arched, and I sat up. Invitation card? “What’s with the invitation card?”

Just because I had attended the Alpha King’s meeting didn’t mean that I would be going to another one. Not especially with the way things ended that day.

From now on, I could only go out in Elsher’s image. Doing this meant having a lot of focus on me.

After all, the rejection of my mate had spread around the pack, so everyone would want to know what was going on.

Even reporters would be interested in running after me to get information if it weren’t for our identity.

“Your Highness, the Red Moon pack invited Princess Elsher to their annual Alpha and Luna ceremony,” she uttered.

My carefree expression disappeared. I sat up and collected the card to take a look at it.

My heart pounded against my chest, and my hand trembled upon hearing that it was from the Red Moon pack.

The Red Moon pack was inviting me? Me, Elsher? I couldn’t believe it.

I looked again to confirm if Solace was wrong or not, and indeed the invitation letter was directed to Elsher. This meant that Verlice was inviting me instead of my father. How could it be?

I fell back on my bed, suppressing the urge to smile. The Red Moon pack had a strong influence on me even though it shouldn’t.

I rejected Verlice, and I should have forgotten about him already, but even though I tried, I couldn’t. Not only was the pain bare, but everything somehow kept reminding me of him.

Still, I couldn’t believe that after what happened, Verlice Mintz still dared to invite me. I couldn’t believe my ears and my eyes.

I took a deep breath and threw the invitation card on the bed. I huffed.

What’s with the Alpha and Luna occasion?

Did he find his Luna already? That’s so quick. Was that the reason he invited me? To show off?

Or did he always have one? My expression changed. Did that mean he’s a jerk?

I snorted and casually uttered, making sure that not even a tinge of excitement appeared in my voice. “Alpha and Luna’s occasion? We went to Swift Pack for the Alpha King’s meeting; don’t tell me every pack holds this stupid occasion.” I couldn’t appear eager to go and see what Verlice Mintz was planning.

Solace bowed to me and responded, “Yes, Your Highness. Every pack holds this meeting even when the—”

Although I already knew this—after all, the Starry pack also held this occasion in the past—I didn’t expect Solace to try explaining it to me.

“It’s okay.” I quickly interrupted Solace because I knew she was about to mention my father again. It seemed it had spread around that using my dad would always work, because why was everyone using it against me lately?

In fact, I was only pretending to be uncooperative. I knew that this was just a ceremony that was held to promote the pact and to gather alliances, and it wasn’t about any Alpha and Luna.

I picked up the invitation card and casually waved it in the air, catching the masculine scent of Verlice that whiffed out of the envelope. Had he given it to the bodyguard and personally instructed that it be delivered to me?

“Did Beta Eric mention that it was important?” I asked.

Solace nodded eagerly. “Beta Eric told me to emphasize that it was really important. He said the attendance could clear all the grudges that could lead to war between the two packs.”

I sprawled back on the bed and feigned disinterest. “Tell him I understand.”

Solace bowed to me and left my room. Immediately, I picked up the silver-colored invitation card. The writing on it was exquisite.

It made me recall Verlice’s thick and unique voice and his warm embrace, and I couldn’t help wondering how he was doing.

I wondered if Verlice would still remember me. After all, he was such a handsome man, which meant he likely had his own harem of ladies. But he must have remembered me for him to send the envelope specifically to me, right?

Shut up. I shook my head. I couldn’t keep thinking and acting like a fangirl over the mate I rejected.

“Should I go or not?” I bit my lips and stared at the invitation card while contemplating.

But in the next second, I came to a decision. Acting as Elsher would give me the chance to explore the Red Moon pack properly and see Verlice’s capabilities.

Most especially, I could socialize, have fun, and be far away from the old faces I saw daily.

“Your Highness???” My contemplation must have been loud because Solace pushed the door open and poked her head in.

I smirked and glanced at the door. “Tell Beta Eric he doesn’t need to worry about convincing me. I’ll be attending the meeting or party or whatever.” I snickered, only to hear a loud chuckle which undoubtedly belonged to Beta Eric.

Solace minded and shut the door, leaving me in the room.

My eyes fell on the letter. Verlice Mintz! I’ll be there soon, like you wanted.

And it made me wonder what attitude he’d have toward me. Would he make me pay for the humiliation I caused him, or was it just to have his mate at all costs?

I would do anything to know.