Chapter 153 Poison in the Water


    Third Person POV


    With Alpha Henry’s firm grip on her hand, Aubrey walked toward his parents and her own father under the watchful eyes of countless werewolves.


    —


    For a brief moment, it felt surreal the diamond–studded gown, their sped hands, the pack’s witnesses… everything was far more like a mate–bond ceremony than a formal adoption of a foster sister.


    —


    Her gaze dropped instinctively to the wolf fang ring on her thumb the Luna’s symbol of authority – glinting coldly under the light. Though skillful craftsmen had repaired it, the fine web of cracks remained, stark and unmissable, like the irreparable break between her and Alpha Henry.


    There was no going back…


    She closed her eyes briefly. Her thickshes cast shadows over her cheeks, hiding the turmoil she forced down into the darkest corners of her heart.


    Down in the viewing seats, Aurelia and Bailey’s expressions were as sour as if they’d bitten into rotten meat.


    The Miguel family had invited only Jax to the stage, making it clear they didn’t acknowledge the rest of the Mary family. It was obvious to anyone paying attention – Alpha Henry had no fondness for the Lynn family. In the future, the Lynn family’s business in Shadowmoon Pack territory would likely face many obstacles.


    To make matters worse, Hudson was still digging for “treasure” on that worthless piece ofnd, refusing to listen no matter how Aurelia tried to dissuade him. The Lynn family’s finances were already on the brink.


    “Mom! Why does that bitch get this kind of honor?!”


    Bailey had originally been pleased. The alpha was finally rid of Aubrey, and this “foster daughter” title should have been nothing more than a hollow constion prize from the Miguel family.


    But reality was the exact opposite. The Miguel family had gone all out to give Aubrey face, hosting avish event attended by numerous powerful werewolves. There were even four or five alpha leaders from other packs present.


    And the alpha himself was attending to Aubrey as though she were a rare treasure in his hands. This was nothing like what Bailey had imagined.


    Seeing Aubrey so radiant made Bailey grit her teeth in fury.


    That was the adopted daughter of the most prominent family in Shadowmoon Pack. She might still be an omega, but in status she now outshone Bailey, the Mary family’s beta daughter.


    “Herte mother did save Adelyn’s life, didn’t she?” Aurelia said coldly. “But this could work to our advantage. Aubrey’s half a Miguel now – and as her sister, you’ll have more opportunities to move in their circles. Now that the alpha’s engagement is broken, if you can win him over, Aubrey’s foster daughter status will mean nothingpared to you.”


    Bailey’s expression eased at that, and she turned her eyes toward Alpha Henry. In her view, even the most extravagant décor paled beside him. If she could capture the alpha’s favor, her life would be a true sess.


    Mariana’s eyes held the same bitter jealousy.


    After Alpha Henry had coughed bloodst time, she had been ced in istion for a week. When she was finally released, she was forbidden from approaching him


    – even the Miguel family’s main house was off–limits to her.


    —


    In her mind, Aubrey had plotted this from the start. Bing part of the Miguel family meant being perfectly ced to monopolize the alpha’s attention. How calcting!


    But Mariana had no intention of letting that lowly omega have her way.


    Her eyes glinted as she slipped quietly outside. With no one around, she sprinkled a generous amount of wolfsbane into the swimming pool, then returned to the banquet hall as if nothing had happened.


    By then, the music in the hall had changed. Alpha Henry bent slightly, making a gentlemanly gesture toward Aubrey under the envious stares of countless female wolves.


    “My beautifuldy, may I have the honor…”


    He didn’t get to finish before an unwee voice cut in.


    “Henry! Are you feeling better?”


    Mariana appeared in a white puffed dress, all sweetness and purity, her long chestnut curls framing round, doe–like eyes.


    The moment she spoke, the atmosphere shifted. Former fiancée and childhood sweetheart, side by side – people had long whispered that the alpha treated Mariana differently, and she truly was fresh–faced and lovely. Some even suspected Henry had rejected Aubrey because of her.


    But this was Aubrey’s recognition banquet. If Alpha Henry chose to dance the first dance with Mariana, it would be a very public p in Aubrey’s face.