Chapter 152
No time to waste–I shifted into my human form, quickly changing clothes before heading to the nearest Silvermoon Pack trading post to examine Smith Clan’s latest designs.
In my past life, I knew of the Smith Clan’s artistry, but I was too preoccupied to study their current trends.
I stood before the glass display, studying the newest collection. A young she–wolf, a member of the pack, brought out brochures, even catalogs from past seasons.
Word from the higher–ups in the Smith Clan had reached the pack; the she–wolves were cooperative, their scent betraying no hint of resistance. My wolf felt a slight unease, a prickling at the back of my neck that warned of hidden intentions.
Suddenly, a familiar, melodic howl cut through my focus.
“Linda, do you think this necklace complements my ceremonial headdress?” Emily’s clear voice rang out nearby.
I turned to see her by the jewelry stall, her paws gently caressing a sparkling diamond necklace. The moon’s reflection made it gleam.
My wolf growled low in my chest.
This was more than just jewelry; it was a blatant display of status.
I frowned, ready to leave, but Emily and Linda approached. Emily’s face stiffened momentarily when her eyes met mine, then
smoothed over, a practiced mask of cordiality replacing the initial tension.
My own wolf bristled – I wouldn’t back down!
–
Linda, admiring Emily’s necklace, said, “Wearing that to the Moonstone Festival gathering? I envy you; you attend every year; your brothers always provide! I wish I had brothers so generous!”
Before Emily could reply, Linda looked up and saw me. Her demeanor changed instantly.
“Isabella, what are you doing here! Everything here is valuable; you, a she–wolf cast out by your family, can’t afford anything here!”
Her voice dripped with disdain, her scent a mix of arrogance and spite. My wolf snarled, her claws extending slightly.
Emily smiled sweetly.“Linda, don’t be so blunt; Isabella is the heiress of the Smith Clan now.” Her tone held a subtle edge.
Linda scoffed.“Heiress? Everyone knows Grayson took her in to spite your brothers. A dependent heiress–what kind of heiress is
that?”
My wolf throbbed with indignation; the sting of her words was sharp.
“Some she–wolves are fortunate. Emily is the heiress of the Miller Clan; she purchases with her clan’s credit.
Others, in the Smith Clan, work part–time during the Blood Dormancy Period to support themselves.”
The undercurrent of passive aggression was unmistakable.
Emily subtly put a paw on Linda’s shoulder, silencing her with a silent gesture.
Her scent shifted; a delicate floral note – a tactic to soothe and control.
She then said sweetly, “Isabella, are you shopping as well?”
I held the brochures, surrounded by a chaotic display of items–looking more like I was simply examining than buying.
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The scent of these items overwhelmed me, a powerful mix of leather, silver, and various herbs.
Menu
I remained silent, my gaze falling on the necklace in her hand. My wolf focused on the intense scent of power emanating from it. It was a symbol of control and dominance.
She noticed my gaze and touched the necklace, her touch lingering, possessive.“Alexander brought this back from the Whispering Woods. He said it’s a unique artifact; one of a kind.”
She displayed it, flaunting it before me.“But if you like it, I can give it to you. Alexander won’t mind; you’re his sister, too.”
The sweetness in her voice was nauseating, a blatant attempt to provoke me. My wolf thrummed with anger. Alexander gifting her this, knowing I’d want it, was a personal slight! It was a display of power.
If I took it, I’d risk angering Alexander, a formidable alpha.
But this feigned generosity was infuriating.
But I extended my paw.“Alright, then give it to me.”
My voice was even, controlled, but my wolf’s heart pounded, fueled by a mix of anger, pride and a desire to match her arrogance.

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