Ember's Pov

I made my way to where the other Alphas registered their names, and had to endure their questioning gazes.


It didn’t matter so much at first, but as I walked away, I heard the voices that might have made a weaker woman doubt.

"what does she think she's doing?" I heard one say,

"Apparently, what the rest of us are trying to do." another replied in a mild tone. But he too sounded somewhat cynical.


"I heard she only just started working in her company, and already she's trying to gain an upper hand. Some people can be ambitious. It's distasteful as a woman if you ask me." the first one said.

"go big or go home." someone else said dryly and I wrinkled my brow.


I was confused. Did they think I wasn't a werewolf and could not hear them? Or perhaps they simply did not care whether I heard them or not.

Well, I wasn't going to let them stop me. In any case, their words only fueled my fire and increased my desire to win.

My father found me when I had meandered outside to pass away time as we all waited for the competition to start. Inside had become suffocating for me and I felt that if I stayed surrounded by all those people who tried to make me doubt myself I simply would bend to their discouragement.

"Ember." he said cheerfully when I bumped into him, "Why are you out here?"

"I should be asking you the same thing, King Henry," I said playfully. He was indeed the very last person to be taking a walk while something so important was about to start.

"Well, I was looking for you, lass."

I drew my brows together, "for me?" I was surprised. My father and I made it a point to not interact in big gatherings like this until we both were ready for my true identity to be known,

"for you, girl. I hear you entered into the Alpha's competition."

I had not told him. So perhaps some of the things those other alphas had been saying had found a way to his ears. I looked away from him and bit my lower lip. The last thing I wanted to do was give him a reason to worry. Then I nodded, and looked back at him,

"I thought it would be a good chance to help our kingdom grow. The income that will bring will help us so much." I was trying to give him reasons to trust me, but I hadn't expected him to break into a smile.

"I see. Do you have a winning plan?"

"A.. What?" of all the things I thought he would say. That had not been it.

" a winning plan. A plan to win."

I thought for a moment and shook my head. I did not have a plan. I was just bullheaded on the point that I had to win,

"Would you like some help?" he asked gently, and I felt tears hit the corner of my eyes. Of course, my father would be on my side. Even if all of those Alphas had something else to say.

I fought my tears and shook my head, "Thank you, Daddy. But I want to do this myself. I know I don't have a plan. But I need to try and do this myself. "

He nodded slowly, and stretched out his hand, ran a hand up and down my left hand as though offering comfort,

"permit at least, to cut off the mouths of those Alphas that dared to say rubbish about your abilities."

My lips wobbled, but I steadied them and smiled, "No need. I hope my win will be mouth-closing enough. Please, trust me."

He nodded once. All I had to do was say the word, and all those alphas would be sorry. I knew that. But that wasn’t what I wanted tonight.

"I trust you, baby girl."

By the time I got back into the hall, the competition had just begun and all the Alphas were gathered in different clusters. My eyes found my father and he smiled and winked at me before returning to whatever conversation he was having with my brother Axel.

And then my eyes found paris. He was holding a piece of paper and reading it intently. A couple of Alphas were also doing the same and I took that as my signal that the competition had begun .

PARIS's POV

It was a bidding competition and after Ember slipped away earlier, I had not seen her since. Not even when the host announced a few minutes ago that we were about to start.

Had the bull crap the other Alphas said gotten to her?

A piece of paper containing the rules of the game had been distributed to everyone and I was trying to read it when Kate popped up out of the blue. I swear the woman could drive the devil to insanity.

"Paris, I've been looking for you," she said tugging at my sleeve, and I barely looked at her before returning my attention to the rules in my hand,

"I'm a bit busy Kate," I said and tugged my hand free of her hold. I wasn't really trying to be rude, but the woman wore me out.

"You never give me the time of your day. Why do you think I have to go through the wrong means to get it?" she said sounding petulant, and I turned to her,

"Later," I said and stalked off to join the other Alphas. The host was making an announcement about the start of the game and I refused to be left behind.

"I believe you've all read the rules and it is somewhat simple. But if you have any questions, please ask. And so, without further ado, let's proceed to the most important part. May all starting bidders come forward."

I had already put in my first thousand dollars and started to make my way forward when I felt a presence at my side. I turned and found Ember beside me. When she looked up, she had a wicked smile on her face and I might have smiled too if she didn't just stagger me.

"good to see you." I found myself saying, glad the other Alphas hadn't made her change her mind,

"thanks. Can't say the other Alphas feel the same. Nevertheless, may the best man win."

Ember's pov

I found that the paper Paris held and read so intently was actually the rules of the game and just as the rule instructed I put in some money for my starting bid.

But when the host announced that the first bidders came forward, that was when I felt my anxiety take root. A bunch of the guys who I had heard say some stupid things about me also stepped forward and I forced myself to stand firm. The future of my kingdom depended on it.

It was a hectic one hour of bidding. Safe to say it was nerve-racking as the game unfolded. But as the minutes ticked by, I felt a bit sure of myself. At the very least, I was glad that I had partaken in the game to help my people.

"Alright fellas." the host announced, and made to wipe off non-existent sweat from his forehead, "you all put in your best in there. You all sure didn't come here to play. You all are winners in your own right. It is mandatory that I emphasize that. But nevertheless, only one can win this investment scheme, and the winner will be announced at the close of today's event. So you all stay tuned." there were a few murmurs, but it all quieted down when the host waved his handkerchief,

"Please do enjoy your evening while the results are being accumulated," he said and went off the stage, and the music picked up right after.

I blew out a breath and wrapped a hand around my tummy. I turned and found Paris walking toward me, and I sighed when he got closer,

"you put in quite some fight back there," he said casually and I shrugged,

"So did you, if I care to admit." and he nodded,

"Ember, about earlier-" but I shook my head to cut him off.

"it's the past Paris. Leave it there." I said and walked away.

I did my best to enjoy the party just as the host had said, I found my father and Axl's eyes a couple of times and they both smiled at me reassuringly each time. Whatever the outcome of the night was, I was very grateful they had let me fight this battle to the best of my capabilities. Without getting involved.

Toward the end of the event, the host got on stage again, an envelope in his hand. And I suppose the moment of truth had arrived.

"Alright ladies and gentlemen. As I said earlier, it is necessary to emphasize the fact that you are all winners. However, tonight, only one can be the investor. And so, the winner of tonight's competition is none other than," he turned to the musical band team, "drum rolls please." and they obliged him, making us all laugh, lightening the heavy mood,

"Alright, alright. The winner of tonight's competition is," he opened the envelope that had the Lycan king's seal, and read the name printed on it, "Ms. Ember Macgregor."