Fern's Perspective
I wasn't sure what to expect from dinner. Both Galen and his son Silas made me uncomfortable, and I'd have preferred to spend the evening alone in my room. However, it wasn't up to me.
The large, formal dining room was adorned in red, black, and gold. A band played soft music in the background, and a beautiful fireplace at the far end of the room made the space warm and inviting.
The room was already packed with guests—men in suits and women in evening gowns—scattered around and socializing in small groups.
"Alpha," Tobias said, leading me directly to Giovanni.
Giovanni's blue eyes locked onto mine. I saw a flash of surprise, but it quickly disappeared, leaving no discernible emotion.
At this point, I had changed into a black, glittery fishtail dress, and my hair was carefully curled into large waves. Was he displeased with my appearance?
"Alpha..." I said softly, then, noticing the others in the room, quickly bowed my head to him, then did the same to Alpha Galen beside him and his son, Silas.
"Why, don't you look stunning?" Silas said with a smile, stepping forward. "Absolutely stunning."
His words were complimentary, but I still felt very uneasy around him. As a woman, I could certainly tell the difference in the way he was looking at me. A shiver of fear crept up my spine, causing me to hesitate.
Giovanni glanced at Silas, then back at me. "The conversation can continue over dinner."
"I agree. I'm not willing to let such a lovely woman have a cold dinner because of us. Let's sit down," Galen added, smiling at me.
"After you," Giovanni said to Galen, then gestured for me to follow.
I followed Giovanni as he pulled out a chair for me. As I took my seat, I realized he had asked me to sit near the head of the table—next to him.
I lowered my gaze, placing my hands in my lap and waiting for the others to take their places. Tobias sat on the other side of me, and Vivian took the seat next to him.
"Alpha Giovanni, thank you again for your hospitality. We've thoroughly enjoyed our stay here, and I look forward to working with you." Galen raised his glass. "Cheers."
"My pleasure," Giovanni replied, nodding.
I noticed Silas's gaze shift towards me.
"I'm glad you could join us, Ms. Fern." Silas's words were polite, but I couldn't shake the uneasy feeling he gave me.
Then I saw Silas turn to Giovanni and ask, "No offense, but I'm really curious—have you parted ways with this lovely lady? The last time I was here, she was still your Luna. What is she now? A servant in your bed?"
I felt my breath catch.
"It doesn't matter what she is," Giovanni said emotionlessly, his gaze shifting to me.
What was I to you, Giovanni?
I quickly answered my own question—just a tool for revenge, of course. In reality, I was not much different from a servant.
"She's really beautiful. I wish I had someone like her around me. If you've already break the Bond with her, then... it's been a while since I've been with a pretty woman. Do you mind?" Silas asked with a smile.
My eyes widened—what did this man mean?
I was shocked and stood frozen.
Giovanni turned to look at me, his eyes narrowing.
I couldn't read any emotion on his face. The room seemed eerily quiet, and I could hear my heart pounding.
Was he not offended? Would he expose me?
What would he say?
Giovanni turned back to face Silas.
"Even if she is just a toy, I won't share her... I'd rather kill her before she's with another man," Giovanni said casually, as if discussing the weather.
My eyes widened. Would he really... kill me?
His response elicited a chuckle from Silas, who nodded. "Totally understandable."
Galen smiled at Giovanni's words before his gaze slid over to me once more.
"So, Fern... How did you find yourself with the Dark Howl Pack?"
His question caught me completely off guard. But, drawing on my experience as an Alpha's daughter, I smiled politely.
"I was... saved by Alpha Giovanni. He was kind enough to let me stay with his pack until I was well enough to leave."
I wasn't exactly lying, but I also didn't want to reveal anything I shouldn't. I lowered my head and took a sip from my glass, using the moment to mask a relieved exhale.
"So, Fern, given your current situation, have you thought about leaving? Perhaps I could help you find a way out, if you'd like."
Shock surged through me again, and when I looked up at Silas, I found myself at a loss for words. There was a dark intensity in his gaze that made me uncomfortable. I glanced instinctively at Giovanni, wondering what he would say.
"She's not," Giovanni replied, a hint of annoyance in his tone.
"I don't mean to be argumentative, but I'd like to hear what the lady has to say, Giovanni. Besides, you've kept her away from us in that room the entire time we've been here. I'd like to know more about her—and why you're so protective."
I turned to Giovanni as all eyes shifted back to me. His expression was hesitant, but he nodded slightly, giving me permission to speak—even though I wasn't eager to do so.
"I—well... Someday, I do hope to leave and live the life I've always dreamed of. But for now, I have other priorities."
The icy atmosphere returned immediately. I knew it was coming from Giovanni and didn't dare look at him this time. The questions were becoming overwhelming, and I felt increasingly uncomfortable. I wished I could retreat to my room.
"Silas, it's impolite to question an Omega like that," Alpha Galen interjected, taking a sip of his drink.
I couldn't argue with that. What could I say? Should I admit that I'm also an Alpha's daughter? That I had been tricked into coming here by Giovanni?
"Fern is not an Omega."
Vivian's voice rang out from the other end of the table.
"She is an Alpha's daughter and deserves to be treated with respect."
I was taken aback by Vivian's words. Even Tobias looked at her with disapproval. But Vivian showed no remorse and merely shrugged.
Alpha Galen seemed momentarily surprised before saying, "Is that so? Tsk, tsk, poor guy..."
He didn't need to say anything more. Although I'm the alpha's daughter, I've been relegated to the status of an Omega in another pack—essentially, I've been cast aside by my own people.
How pathetic...
I bowed to the crowd and then to Giovanni. "Alpha, may I leave now? Please?"
I had no desire to spend another minute here, continuing this tedious conversation with these uninteresting people.
He nodded, and I seized the opportunity to quickly exit the dining area and make my way up the stairs.