Chapter 7

Following Maxwell's specific instructions, I donned a plain white dress and headed to The Rose Yard for the wine ceremony. The venue was sparsely adorned. I found a spot and waited for the proceedings to begin.

Soon after, Maxwell made his entrance, his presence as imposing as ever. Predictably, he wasn't alone. The ever-ambitious Lady Sophia was at his side, clad in an opulent emerald gown.

I suppressed a groan, my eyes rolling as Maxwell, ever the perfect gentleman, carefully escorted her to the seat next to mine.

"Alpha Maxwell selected this dress for me—" She started, her voice dripping with arrogance.

I'd had enough. "Oh, be quiet, will you?" I interjected, cutting her short.

Sophia's jaw dropped slightly, but she remained silent.

Unaware of the tension between us, Maxwell took center stage, holding a wine bottle and beaming widely. He warmly greeted the pack, his voice strong and authoritative as he addressed them.