Chapter 13

VALENTINA The party was arranged in the pack's hall, which was adjacent to the pack house. Approaching the hall, I was startled by a diverse array of aromas. It's clear my father invited the entire pack to the event. My sensitive sense of smell was overwhelmed before I even entered the hall. As a more solitary person, this isn't my ally. Despite being groomed to succeed my father and despite my parents' efforts to socialize me, I embraced a quieter life after marrying Atlas, as he preferred a more private existence for his ‘wife’. To be frank, that was the one thing I didn't mind from his whole list of demands; I happily agreed, only to see how toxic it was afterward… “Ready girls?” Papa's gentle tone broke my thoughts, and staring at the entrance, I inhaled sharply. Perhaps noticing my distress, Papa chuckled softly and kissed my head. “It’ll be fine; they’re all your people.” I smiled at him and nodded, “I know, I can do it.” “Shall we?” Papa asked. I, however, shook my head. "Can I