Chapter 7

(Evelyn’s POV)

I’m not interested in the mate ball, but out of respect for my father’s insistence, I agree to it.

Since I returned home, he’s been so patient with me, never pressuring me to recover faster or making me feel weak for what I endured. Still, I know why he’s pushing for this.

He hopes I’ll find my second chance, someone worthy, and step fully into my role as the next Alpha.

My brother, Artemis, has made it abundantly clear that he has no desire to inherit the throne.

His passions lie elsewhere, far from politics and pack leadership, and deep down, I know he was never meant for this life.

But I was.

I’ve made peace with my decision. I no longer care about men or the illusions of love.

My focus is on my responsibilities. I wasted three years trying to win the heart of a man who never saw my worth. That’s over now.

From this moment forward, my life is about fulfilling my duty as the royal princess and future Alpha.

Still, my father and I agreed to delay revealing my identity as the princess.

“You’re the royal family’s only heir,” he reminds me as we sit together in his office. His voice is calm, but there’s an edge of worry beneath it. “If anyone were to target us, they’d come straight for you.”

Over the years, our family has faced countless enemies—political rivals, rogue uprisings, and shifter factions that would love to see our kingdom fall. Revealing my identity too soon would only paint a target on my back.

All the pack Alphas have confirmed their attendance, eager for the chance to strengthen ties with the royal family.

Gifts have already started arriving, piling up in the grand hall like a treasure trove.

Some are extravagant—golden artifacts, rare jewels, and handwoven silks. Others are simpler but still meaningful, tokens of goodwill from allies seeking favor.

I try not to think too much about the ball as the date approaches.

When my best friend Laney arrives unexpectedly, it’s a welcome distraction.

She bursts into my room without knocking, her arms laden with shopping bags and her face lit up with a bright smile.

“Evelyn!” she exclaims, dropping everything onto the floor before pulling me into a tight hug. “I’ve missed you. And I’ve missed complaining about your useless ex-husband!”

Her words catch me off guard, and before I know it, I’m laughing—really laughing—for the first time in weeks.

Laney pulls back, grinning as she studies my face. “There it is,” she says. “I was starting to wonder if I’d ever see that smile again.”

We settle onto the couch, sipping tea as she starts unpacking the bags she brought with her.

“Look,” she says, pulling out a small velvet box and handing it to me. “Limited-edition jewelry. I thought you could use something that screams ‘I’m over him.’”

I open the box to reveal a stunning necklace adorned with emeralds.

The jewels catch the light, sparkling brilliantly, and I can’t help but smile as I run my fingers over the delicate chain.

“It’s beautiful,” I say softly. “You shouldn’t have Laney.”

“Of course it is,” she replies, waving me off. “But you can thank me by letting me pick something out at the mall. I saw this handbag the other day, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since.”

I laugh again, shaking my head. “Alright, fine. Let’s go.”

When we arrive, the mall is bustling with activity, filled with well-dressed shoppers moving between luxury boutiques. Laney and I wander through the stores, laughing and chatting as we browse.

In the luxury clothing section, I find myself drawn to a dress hanging in the display. It’s deep emerald green, the fabric shimmering under the boutique’s soft lighting. I pick it up, holding it up against myself as I glance at the mirror.

“It’s perfect,” my friend says immediately. “You have to get it.”

I suddnely freeze. A familiar voice cuts through the air, sharp and dripping with disdain.

“Well, look who decided to come out of hiding.”

I turn slowly, my gaze landing on Emma.

She’s standing a few feet away, dressed in a sleek designer outfit that practically screams wealth and privilege. Her arms are crossed, and her lips curl into a condescending smirk as she looks me up and down.

“Do you even have money?” she sneers, her voice loud enough to draw the attention of nearby shoppers. “How dare you come here? Do you even know where you are?”

I try to stay calm, refusing to rise to her bait. The less attention I attract to myself, especially before the match ball, the better.

Instead, I look to Laney, who looks like she, too, is heavily biting her tongue. I waved over a sales associate. “I’ll take this dress please,” I say, handing it to the startled woman. “And everything else in the store. Wrap it all up.”

Emma’s smirk falters, her eyes widening as she processes my words. “What?”

“You heard me,” I reply, my tone cool and steady.

The sales associate nods quickly, hurrying off to start packing up the items.

Emma’s face turns red with anger. “You must be selling yourself now, huh?” she snaps. “How else could you afford this?”

Before I can respond, a familiar figure steps around the corner.

Logan.

He freezes when he sees me, his eyes widening slightly. For a moment, he stares, as if he doesn’t recognize me.

“Evelyn,” he says finally, his voice low and laced with something I can’t quite place.

I meet his gaze evenly, refusing to let him see any sign of weakness. “Logan,” I say, my tone cool and detached.

His eyes flicker over me, taking in my appearance. I can see the surprise in his expression, the way his jaw tightens as if he doesn’t quite know how to react.

“What are you doing here?” he asks, his voice sharper now.

“Shopping,” I reply simply.

He frowns, his gaze moving to the sales associate, who is still busy packing up the items. “What are you trying to prove?”

I raise an eyebrow. “I’m not trying to prove anything.”

“You’re making a scene,” he says, his voice low and annoyed. “Once you’re done here, go home. Or have you forgotten that you’re still spending my money?”

I laugh, the sound sharp and bitter. “Your money?” I repeat. “Logan, I haven’t touched a single penny of yours since the day I left.”

I meet his gaze without flinching. “I don't owe you anything.”

“Is there a problem here?” Laney steps beside me, her tone casual but her stance protective. My best friend has always had perfect timing.

Logan's attention flicks to her. “Your friend here seems to think our store policy doesn't apply to her.”

“Funny how that policy only kicked in after you saw my name,” I say coolly.

Laney links her arm through mine. “Come on, Ev. We're done here.”

I don't respond to Logan. Instead, I turn on my heel and walk out of the store with Laney, my head held high.

“What a complete jerk,” Laney mutters as we push through the doors. “Did you see how quickly he changed when he recognized your last name?”

“Same old story,” I sigh. “Thinks I'm some broke nobody until something suggests otherwise.”

Outside, the luxury car is waiting for us. Its sleek black exterior gleams under the sunlight, the royal emblem on the door catching the light. Laney slides into the passenger seat as I climb into the back.

“Your grandfather would find this hilarious,” Laney says as the driver closes my door.

I glance out the window just in time to see Logan step outside.

He stares at the car.