Chapter3

Cecilia shot me a covert, triumphant smirk, her eyes seeming to say: You'll never beat me, you pathetic woman. "Fine. Then I'll leave the Pack." I threw the badge symbolizing my rank onto the table. Harvey's face paled instantly. He knew the Pack could survive without him, but not without me. I was the one who fought beside him through the bloody muck to carve out this territory. "I didn't mean it like that..." I cut him off impatiently. "Harvey, I hope you understand. The moment you slept with Cecilia, we were over." Under my threat, Harvey finally backed down. "Cecilia, Lois has a point. The appointment was poorly considered. Go back now." Harvey looked apologetic. Cecilia shot me a venomous glare before leaving, humiliated. "Alpha, aren't you leaving too?" I dismissed him. Harvey didn't move. His gaze fell on my office trash can. His pupils contracted sharply. "Lois... you threw this away?" Following his stare, I saw a crudely carved wooden wolf lying there. "So? I never liked such rough trinkets. It's garbage. What's the problem?" Harvey looked up at me sharply. "You... you really don't remember?" I sighed wearily. "Alpha, what should I remember?" Even though I said nothing, Harvey panicked. He walked over and rummaged through the trash. Besides the wolf, there were various cheap, ugly little ornaments. I didn't know who'd left this junk in my office. I'd tossed it all when I saw it. But... why were Harvey's eyes reddening? He seemed disbelieving. "Lois... you don't remember? These... these were gifts. From me." That qualified as a gift? "Harvey, for the last time," I enunciated clearly, "I don't like you. I don't remember you. And I certainly don't remember this trash." After this argument, the whole Pack knew my wolf was dormant. I remembered everyone, except Harvey. Even the Pack warriors started betting pools on whether I'd regret it if my memories returned. Regret? For a man like this? Ridiculous. After that, Harvey and Cecilia became even bolder. They often "bumped into each other" on the training grounds, walking arm-in-arm, intimately close, right past me. Gossip updated daily with their "touching" love story. I didn't care. But Cecilia's supporters, angered by my refusal of her appointment, began attacking me. At first, it was just pointed whispers during Pack gatherings. "Lois is just jealous! She can't have the Alpha's love, so she takes it out on poor Cecilia!" "She's a madwoman, utterly unworthy of our powerful Alpha! Cecilia is so gentle and kind!" "A woman's jealousy is terrifying! Just because you can't be loved, you have to destroy others?" Cecilia's supporters weren't numerous, but they made a huge fuss. She personally "explained" before the crowd: "Everyone, please stop attacking Lois on my behalf. Even if my appointment was revoked, I won't feel wronged. The Alpha has the right to choose anyone. Thank you for your concern!" This wasn't an explanation. It was throwing me into the fire. Making everyone believe I was a jealous, vindictive woman. Because of this, the Pack convened an Elder Council meeting. "Honored Elders," I stood at the meeting table, my voice calm and firm, "I believe you know in your hearts that Cecilia lacks the capability to be Head Medicine Woman. Not appointing her is a blessing for this Pack. Furthermore, I have a far more suitable candidate." I stated a name: Damon, the legendary White Wolf medicine man. The Elders exchanged doubtful glances. "Lois, securing Damon would be incredible. But at his level, why would he come to our Pack? Are you dreaming?" I didn't argue. I slowly unfolded a letter. When Damon's strong, distinctive signature appeared, all doubts vanished. The matter was settled swiftly. Damon would arrive next month. His joining would elevate our Pack's prestige immensely. Throughout the meeting, Harvey stayed silent, watching me with a complex expression. After it ended, he stopped me. I thought he'd defend his beloved Cecilia again. Instead, he asked, "How do you know Damon?" I looked at him, suddenly finding him pathetic. "Alpha, shouldn't you be tending to your Cecilia? Why meddle in my affairs?"