Chapter 15
Third Person’s POV
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“I’ve already decided to reject her tonight, but rest assured, I won’t take her wealth. I’m not bullying her–she’s gone too far,” Ulrik said, stroking the silver wolf–head pendant at his throat, a symbol of his Alpha status.
Velda’s fingertips traced the oak table, leaving faint claw marks in the moonlight.
“This isn’t about disrespect–it’s outright elder endangerment!”
“So you agree with rejecting her?” Ulrik pressed.
Velda’s pearl earrings gleamed in the night air.
She weighed the consequences.
Rejecting Adelaide posed risks to their future.
But whenever she pictured Adelaide’s striking face, a nameless agitation stirred within her.
With that beauty and Frostfang’s Alpha bloodline, there was no guarantee Ulrik wouldn’t revert to old feelings.
After all, their mate bond was still very much intact.
If Ulrik exiled Adelaide and severed the mate bond, Velda would be Bloodmoon’s sole Luna, Ulrik’s only mate.
She’d always seen Adelaide as a tough opponent. Better to eliminate the threat once and for all.
“Given her malice, proceed as planned. As for pre–nuptial assets…” she paused, “under the Werewolf Accord, exiled parties.
forfeit claine Returning her wealth is grace, not taking it is right. But I’ll stay out of it.”
“I won’t take a penny,” Ulrik insisted.
Velda’s gaze softened, “I know you’re above her wealth. Besides, Bloodmoon’s vast holdings make it irrelevant.”
Ulrik, heartened, blurted, “I’ll also refund the pack funds she’s covered this year.”
Velda’s smile froze. “She subsidized the pack?”
Ulrik’s wolf ears twitched beneath his hair. “Rosemary’s meds are expensive. The pack’s finances are strained–she’s helped.”
“Doesn’t Bloodmoon own three lakes?” Velda’s nails bit into her palm “My father mentioned royal shop grants last year!”
“True, but poorly managed–they’re sold,” Ulrik said.
Velda reeled. “So Bloodmoon’s accounts are nearly empty?”
“Yes, but it’s temporary. Our future merits will bring more,” Ulrik said.
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Ulrik was filled with visions of a shared future with Velda, convinced that their current struggles were but a fleeting phase,
He held firm in the belief that Velda would stand by his side through these trials.
Velda’s thoughts darkened.
She never imagined the once–mighty Bloodmoon Pack could fall so far. It made sense, though. Ulrik’s father and uncle held no significant positions, and his brother was unremarkable. The entire pack had relied on Ulrik’s past military merits.
Recalling the grandeur of Ulrik and Adelaide’s bonding ceremony, Velda had assumed both packs were equally powerful.
Now, it seemed Frostfang had bankrolled their bonding ceremony.
If that were true, Adelaide’s wealth must be substantial.
Her stance shifted subtly. After a moment’s hesitation, she said, “Returning all her assets would make you seem at fault.”
Ulrik was taken aback. “So you’re saying?”
Velda averted her gaze, her voice muffled. “I just think returning half is already generous.”
Ulrik froze. “How can I take her wealth? As Alpha, how can I fund the pack with an exiled mate’s assets?”
Velda met his eyes, her gaze softening. “Luna Rosemary needs costly medication. Our military merits won’t yield rewards soon. Even our salaries might not cover pack expenses.”
She paused, then added hurriedly. “And even if we keep amassing merits, it won’t happen overnight. We can’t let Luna Rosemary’s condition worsen.”
Ulrik felt a mix of disappointment and helplessness.
But deep down, he knew Velda was considering his position.
“Velda, I’ll handle it,” he said, warming to her support.
“I support whatever you decide,” she said.
Ulrik embraced her. “I promise you’ll never suffer.”
Velda rested her head on his shoulder, sighing inwardly–she’d swayed him to keep some of Adelaide’s wealth.
This wasn’t greed, she told herself, gazing at the bloodmoon.
Adelaide’s blackmail deserved punishment.
Let her learn a lesson.
As their pheromones mingled, Velda unclasped her silver chain.
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