Chapter 3 What Is He Doing Here

• Gregory was also there, much to Charlotte's surprise. What is he doing here?
• The look on his face was far from welcoming, tinged with irritation. It seemed his displeasure stemmed from having to wait for her, which had evidently soured his mood further. In a dismissive tone, he commanded, “Go change your clothes.”
• Charlotte's expression turned puzzled as she questioned, “Why?”
• “Given that you're soon to be part of the Thunderstorm Pack, you'll inevitably have to meet their alpha,” Gregory explained, eyeing her appearance with disapproval. “Are you truly considering greeting him in that pathetic state? Do you intend to shame me?”
• What does pain feel like?
• Charlotte thought she had already endured the worst by betraying herself and losing her brother, leaving her numb. Yet, Gregory's callous remarks cut through, sparking a fresh, sharp pain that suggested she was far from numb.
• Gregory had abandoned her and her mother years ago, never looking back or providing for them. Where did he think she acquired the means to survive?
• Noticing her clenched fists at her sides, Gregory's expression briefly flickered to one of discomfort. “Let's go,” he urged. “The delegation from the Thunderstorm Pack is likely already here, and it would be improper to keep them waiting.”
• “Lottie...” Hazel interjected, her voice laden with concern, attempting once more to persuade Charlotte to rethink her decision.
• “Mom,” Charlotte responded with a reassuring look, offering her mother a small, comforting smile.
• “Quickly, now,” Gregory pressed, his impatience evident as he slightly pushed Charlotte, fearful she might reconsider.
• His inability to feel any genuine affection toward his daughter, who was a half-blood, was palpable. Likewise, Charlotte felt no familial warmth toward Gregory, the father who had forsaken them.
• Seven years had passed, eroding any last remnants of kinship.
• Recognizing the inappropriateness of Charlotte's attire for an introduction to the prestigious Zovkic family, Gregory decided to take her shopping for more suitable clothing.
• Upon entering a high-end women's store, they were immediately greeted by an attentive staff member. Gregory, taking the lead, nudged Charlotte forward, indicating to the staff, “Find something for her.”
• The staff member sized Charlotte up quickly and motioned for her to follow. “This way, please.”
• She presented her with a light blue maxi dress, suggesting, “You should try this on in the fitting room.”
• As Charlotte made her way to the fitting rooms, a conversation from the adjacent room caught her ear.
• A woman's voice, laced with a hint of distress, reached her. “Rick, must you really marry that woman from Moon Shadow Pack?”
• Charlotte paused, turning toward the source of the voice. Through the slightly open door, she saw a woman with her arms around a man's neck, pleading, “Could you promise not to marry another woman?”
• Hendrick Zovkic, the alpha of Thunderstorm Pack, appeared resigned yet helpless. His marriage had been arranged since his youth due to a family curse, locking him into a destiny without room for change. Recalling a particularly painful memory, he asked the woman, “Did it hurt a lot that night?”
• A month prior, Hendrick had been poisoned during an overseas trip. The potent witch's poison required an unusual antidote—intimacy with a virgin, or he faced an agonizing death. When he awoke, he realized it was Vivian Ballard who had become his antidote.
• Aware of his own lack of control that night, he reflected on the severity of the experience. People often say that a woman's first time is quite painful, and I was far from gentle, he acknowledged, realizing the extent of pain she must have endured. Yet, she bore it silently, merely trembling within his embrace.
• Despite Vivian's long-held affection for him, which he was aware of, he had never reciprocated. But that night, something changed, and he was inexplicably drawn to her scent, wondering if perhaps she was his destined mate.
• Even now, the vivid memory of that night haunted him.
• As he contemplated the forced marriage arranged by his mother, his expression hardened, reflecting his inner turmoil.
• Vivian, leaning into him, gave a shy nod, her feelings clear—she was deeply smitten and hoped to become his Luna.
• Despite her history as his secretary and no longer being a virgin, she had spent a significant sum to procure a virgin for Hendrick's antidote that night and sent her to his room.
• What she hadn't anticipated was the girl's pheromones bewitching Hendrick. Could it be that the girl is his destined mate?
• As a precaution, Vivian had someone administer the witch's potion on the girl to conceal her pheromones, and once the girl had left, Vivian took her place in the room to create the illusion that she was the one who had been with Hendrick that night.
• “Feel free to purchase more if you like what you see here,” Hendrick remarked, his typically distant demeanor softening as he gently ruffled Vivian's hair with a hint of affection.
• “The VIP room is currently off-limits, please use the fitting room to your right,” the attendant directed Charlotte.
• The clothing store boasted private rooms designated for trying on garments. The VIP area was notably more lavish, equipped with fitting areas and a lounge space for companions to relax.
• “Okay,” Charlotte acknowledged, clutching her selections as she headed toward the indicated room on the right.
• As she changed outfits in the fitting room, Charlotte's thoughts lingered on the conversation she had accidentally overheard, seemingly concerning Moon Shadow Pack and the Lanning family.
• Could it be that the man I overheard was...