Chapter 1 1

I spent most of my savings—500 thousand dollars—to book a luxurious European trip for the whole family. But my parents asked me to give up my top floor cruise room to their biological daughter and ordered me to sleep out in the snow during our northern excursions. I was born into a poor, low-ranking family in our pack. My parents barely made any income and wanted me to drop out of high school to work and support the family. But through my own determination and hard work, I managed to rise to the position of Gamma in our pack. My parents told me they were getting old and wanted to see the world before their eyesight failed them. So, I used most of my savings—500 thousand dollars—to book a luxurious European trip for the whole family, including a special northern lights cruise. The money was a reward from our Alpha after I nearly died protecting our pack during a rogue wolf attack. The injuries I sustained were severe, but I survived, and the Alpha recognized my sacrifice. I spent three months carefully planning the perfect trip for our family. My parents were aging and needed special accommodations for their comfort. I also had a 15-year-old brother, Sam, who was on school break, so the trip needed to be scheduled during his vacation for convenience. Ever since I started college, my parents had relied completely on my income to survive. I worked at a local diner while attending university to pay for my tuition and cover the living expenses for my parents and brother. I had been financially responsible for my teenage brother Sam since he was ten years old. I didn't mind supporting all of them. Seeing my family happy made any effort worthwhile. My fighting skills had earned me the Alpha's favor. Wolves from all territories respected and admired me, especially those who needed protection. And then there was Alexander, my mate. We found each other when I turned 18, recognizing the bond immediately as the Goddess intended. For three years we'd been together, planning our formal mating ceremony for this year. He wasn't high-ranking like me—just an ordinary wolf warrior—but I loved him deeply and had been helping him financially while he trained. I spent another three months handling all the trip bookings. To ensure my family's comfort, I personally managed all the reservations and itineraries. While I handled everything, the rest of my family just stood back and watched. When Sam mentioned he had never seen the northern lights before, I used my extra savings to upgrade our regular European trip to include a premium northern lights cruise. The additional $50,000 was worth it to meet their needs. Then, just days before we planned to leave for our trip, my parents told me, "Sophia heard about our plans and wants to join too, along with her adoptive parents. All the rooms and bookings are now reassigned, so you'll have to sleep outside in the snow during our northern excursions. We've already arranged it." They showed me the revised itinerary where they had removed my name from the luxury accommodations. When I saw this arrangement, my blood froze—I have a rare condition where extreme cold could trigger my wolf to shift uncontrollably and I could possibly die from the exposure. "What do you mean? This is our family trip, and you're inviting some strangers who appeared out of nowhere?" I asked, barely containing my anger. "She's not a stranger. She's our biological daughter. She wants to join us, so naturally, we're bringing her along," my mother replied with a smile that didn't reach her eyes. My blood ran cold. "She's your biological daughter? What do you mean?""You're just our adopted daughter. Sophia is our biological child. We've raised you all these years, which was already kind enough. You've been occupying Sophia's place for too long—it's time to give it back to her." My wolf stirred angrily deep inside me. "What about her adoptive parents? Last week when I wanted to invite my friend to join us for the trip, what did you say? You said only family members could come, no outsiders. But the moment she makes a request, you immediately accommodate her?""Her situation isn't like your friend's. Her adoptive parents raised her for so many years. In our hearts, they're our family too." I could feel my claws threatening to emerge. "Then why do I have to sleep outside in the snow? I'm also a family member, and those booking arrangements were finalized months ago.""With Sophia and her adoptive parents joining us, we don't have enough rooms. We had to free up your room for her. Your wolf is strong—you can handle sleeping in the snow by yourself." I double-checked the new trip arrangements. Among all accommodations, they had chosen to leave me without a room, even skipping the option to book an extra standard room for me. "So she gets the top floor cruise room that costs $5,000 a night, and I have to sleep outside in the snow when you know perfectly well about my condition?" I asked, struggling to keep my voice steady. "You always say you want the family to be happy. Now's your chance to prove it," my father said dismissively. I looked at my parents, whom I had supported for years. Father turned away. Mother approached with a placating smile. "Darling, she was separated from us against our will when she was little. We have so many shared memories, and she has none. Of course, she should come with us. You just need to sacrifice a little comfort, but we'll always be family." Sam chimed in, "Sis, Sophia is very delicate. She can't sleep outside in the cold. You're strong and capable—you'll manage." I smiled bitterly. "Who is real family here? I paid for this trip, and now these outsiders are being treated better than your Gamma, your provider. The person who grew up with you counts less than someone you just found!" My parents' eyes flashed gold with anger. "This is just a different sleeping arrangement. Don't make such a fuss. She's our family—she's been separated from us since she was little. We can't be apart again and let her stay behind. You just need to make this small sacrifice—show what real family means!" Just then, Alexander walked in. I thought he would support me—my mate, the one chosen for me by the Goddess herself. Instead, he stood with my family. "Sophia seems very nice," he said, avoiding my eyes. "And your parents are right—you're strong enough to handle a little cold. We shouldn't exclude their real daughter from this trip." His betrayal stung worse than my parents'. My wolf howled in pain inside me. Just then, the front door of our house opened. Sam rushed to greet her. Sophia walked in wearing designer clothes that cost more than my parents' annual salary. "I've been waiting so long! Come in, come in!" Sam helped her with her enormous Louis Vuitton travel bag. "I've missed you so much! If only you hadn't left our territory—you're my real sister and should have been living with us all along!" Mother grabbed her perfectly manicured hand. "Exactly! I've been looking for you forever. You're my biological daughter. In my heart, no one compares to you!" They said this right in front of me, without an ounce of guilt. Alexander moved to stand beside them, smiling at Sophia. "Welcome to the family. I've heard so much about you." I watched as my mate—the wolf who was supposed to stand by me through everything—betrayed me for a stranger he'd just met.

Chapter 2 2

Sophia was my parents' biological daughter, but when she was three years old, my parents faced a financial crisis. After their house was seized by creditors, Sophia ran away from home. She went to an orphanage on her own, using her orphan status to secure placement with a wealthy family. She didn't even say goodbye. Just disappeared one night. My parents were devastated. They had planned a surprise birthday party for her that month. Until recently, her adoptive parents went bankrupt. When she heard that we were planning a luxury European trip, she reconnected with my parents, claiming that she had been kidnapped back then. After my parents moved to the slums, they found me. I was only 3 years old but already showing signs of an early shift, suggesting I had the potential to become a Gamma. I proved their instincts right with my impressive combat record. I was the one who paid off the family's $500,000 debt, earning continuous rewards from our Alpha for my exceptional fighting skills. My parents only accepted me as their daughter because they found me useful. Other warriors mocked them, calling them dependents. But I didn't care. I thought as family, we shouldn't calculate who gives more—kinship was supposed to be our bond. In the end, this family owed me everything. I had been responsible for taking care of Sam since his birth. I cooked for him, washed his clothes, and drove him to training. After I started college, I began working at a local diner to pay for his tuition. When I became a Gamma, I covered all his living expenses. His private combat training alone cost $5,000 per month, and that was just for extra lessons. I bought him designer clothes so he wouldn't feel inferior to other young wolves in the pack. Now he was 15, and I'd been raising him for five years. By rank, I might be his sister, but I was more like his mother. As for my parents—I gave them everything. They had no savings. Their income was pitiful. So I gave them $5,000 every month from my combat earnings. I bought them a luxury car for everyday use. I paid for their medical bills—mother's rheumatism, father's heart condition. I handled all household expenses and three meals a day. Along with planning this European trip, I arranged for premium healthcare options abroad and special accommodations to make their travels more comfortable. Just the travel insurance expenses were enormous. I never complained. Rather than being their daughter, I was their financial pillar—an ATM that also cooked and cleaned. Even the office building that the Alpha gave me supplemented the family's income. My tenant list included some of the most powerful wolves from three territories. Each combat victory brought substantial financial rewards. I pushed myself to improve my fighting abilities to support this family. And then there was Alexander, my mate. When we first recognized each other at the Moonlight Ceremony three years ago, he had nothing. His family was even poorer than mine. I bought him his first proper fighting gear. I paid for his combat training. I supported him while he tried to rise in the pack ranks. Every month, I gave him $3,000 to help his family. His mother's medical treatments were all covered by me. I even put a down payment on a small house for them last year. All because he was my mate, chosen by the Goddess. I never complained about supporting him. I thought that's what mates did—they took care of each other. After everything I had done for this family and for Alexander, they still treated their biological daughter better than me. Sophia smiled as she approached me. The bracelet she wore probably cost more than what my parents earned in two months. "I'm sorry, sister. If I had known my arrival would force you to sleep outside in the snow, I might have declined. I was going to step back, but our parents insisted they had a solution." She continued. "I offered to take the standard cabin myself, but they wouldn't let me stay in the cold northern air because I'm more fragile. I hope you understand." Sam hung on her arm like a hungry puppy. This was the same Sam I had raised and spoiled with my own hands. "Of course! That freezing weather is dangerous. What if you had an uncontrolled shift? Unlike my sister—she looks fierce, like an angry she-wolf. Even rogue wolves run from her." They all laughed. They knew perfectly well that I was the one with the cold-triggered condition. Yet they didn't hesitate to assign their Gamma, their provider, to sleeping arrangements that could expose our entire kind. Alexander stood there silently, not defending me. The man who had promised to protect me with his life just three months ago during our pre-mating ritual. My parents saw my expression darken and softened their tone. "Listen, I know this isn't ideal, but we had no choice when we assigned you to sleep outside. That high-end combat course you've been eyeing—go ahead and take it. Don't worry about the cost." I held out my hand. "Fine, give me the registration fee. $50,000. Now.""That much! You should be grateful we're letting you spend your own money. Don't push it!" I sneered, "Since when do I need your permission to spend my own money? How much do you contribute to this household each month?" My parents' faces reddened. "Is it necessary to talk about this as a family?" They contributed $3,000 per month. I contributed $50,000. They didn't even get me a shifting gift. I paid off $500,000 in debt for our family and booked a luxury European trip. The trip alone cost $5 million. This family's comfortable lifestyle came from my combat earnings. Other pack members saw it. They whispered that this family lived on their daughter's money. Since they all loved their biological daughter so much, perhaps she should support them. Let's see how long they could maintain their lifestyle on the income of a non-shifting Omega. Alexander stepped forward, putting his arm around Sophia's shoulders in a gesture that made my wolf snarl. "Maybe I could help with the tour arrangements," he offered, smiling at her. "I know some great spots in Europe that aren't in the regular tourist guides." I stared at him in disbelief. The training gear he was wearing—the one I had bought him last month—cost more than he had ever earned in his life. Soon, Sophia's adoptive parents followed her in, already discussing which tour options wouldn't be "good enough" for their standards. "We'll need to upgrade these accommodations," Sophia's adoptive mother said, wrinkling her nose at the 5-star hotel bookings I had carefully selected. "It's so... common." My father nodded eagerly. "Whatever you want! This is your family trip now." I cleared my throat. "Actually, this is my trip. My name is on all the bookings." Everyone froze. They hadn't considered that small detail. Mother recovered first. "Well, about that... We think it would be best if you transferred all the reservations to Sophia. After all, she is our true heir." I couldn't believe what I was hearing. "You want me to give her my 500-thousand-dollar trip? The trip I nearly died for?""It's the least you could do after all we've done for you," my father said, not meeting my eyes. Alexander stepped forward, his eyes avoiding mine. "Think about it, Alexa. It would mean so much to everyone." Sam joined in, his expression earnest. "Sis, please? For the family?"

Chapter 3 3

I looked at each of their faces—people I had sacrificed everything for, people I had loved unconditionally. Now they wanted to cast me aside for a stranger with the right blood. Mother quickly broke the silence, "Of course Alexa will give the trip to Sophia. After all, she loves her family the most." Before I could protest, mother continued, "Alexa, go prepare dinner. You need to make a feast today to celebrate our upcoming trip." I couldn't take it anymore. I stood up to leave. "Celebrate without me. I'm going out to eat.""We're leaving tomorrow. Where are you going? Have you packed your things?" my father growled. "What, are you Omegas so weak now that you can't pack your own bags?" I snapped. Alexander tried to follow me. "Alexa, wait—" I turned on him, my wolf's eyes flashing. "Shut up." My father and Alexander stood there dumbfounded as I walked out. I went to a spa alone and spent $1,000 on a beauty treatment, then loaded $10,000 onto a gift card. Without a large family to support, this she-wolf had money to splurge! I stayed out until the moon was high before returning to the house. When I got back, everything was quiet. There wasn't a single pack-mind message, call, or text while I was out—they were all sleeping without a care in the world. The moment I pushed open the door, my wolf snarled angrily inside me. Some of my clothes, shoes, training equipment, Gamma medals, and battle trophies had all been thrown into the yard like garbage. I went to my room. Sure enough, Sophia was sitting at my vanity. She was wearing my most expensive silk robe, trying on my various healing gem necklaces in front of the mirror. Seeing me push open the door, she gave me an arrogant, challenging smile. "Sister, you will be sleeping in the snow on this trip. Why don't you go out and sleep in the yard now so you can get acclimated for the trip ahead of time?" She continued, "Your clothes and jewelry are really nice. Your premium travel bookings are great too. I've let you enjoy them for so many years—it's time to give them all back to me, don't you think?" My blood wasn't just boiling—my wolf was howling for blood. All my combat training about anger management flew out the window. Before I could even think, my claws were out, striking her face, leaving an instant bloody scratch. "Ah!" she screamed, glaring at me fiercely. "You dare hit me?" She lunged at me to strike back. But the instant my parents pushed open the bedroom door, she pretended to fall to the ground, covering her face and crying. "Sister, I'm sorry, I didn't mean it. Mom said I could use your room tonight.""If you're unhappy, I'll go sleep in the yard now." She covered her face, pretending to be upset. Mom went over to comfort her lovingly. Dad looked at me accusingly. "Alexa, what's wrong with you! Apologize to Sophia right now, then go to sleep in the yard! " He continued. "This is for your own good! When we get to Europe, it will be very cold for you to sleep in the snow. Sleeping in the yard will allow you to adapt in advance!" I stood my ground, releasing my Gamma aura, making Sophia and my parents' wolves tremble. I said firmly, "I'm not the one who needs to leave." Sophia whimpered on the floor, covering her face. "It hurts so much. I'm sorry, Mom and Dad. It's my fault—let me go." Playing the victim. Typical behavior. Mother was almost whimpering with concern. "Let me get you some healing herbs." Just then, Alexander appeared in the doorway. He looked between us, his eyes lingering on Sophia's face. "What happened?" he asked, his voice oddly distant. "Your mate attacked poor Sophia," my father growled. Alexander looked at me with disappointment in his eyes. "Alexa, how could you?" So that's how it was going to be. My own mate taking their side. As soon as they left, I sealed my bedroom with magic stones and activated the security lock. A $10,000 security feature. Money well spent. I stripped off all the bedding that carried her scent and threw it in the trash. Then I used herbs that block scents before going to sleep. The next morning, mother came knocking at my door. "What was that about? I spent hours trying to get into your bedroom! You woke up everyone in the house!""Wasn't I being considerate? Giving you more time with her. You should thank me.""Are you crazy? She's your sister!""Oh, now you remember I'm family? I thought her return meant I would be completely replaced." Alexander stood behind my parents, his expression unreadable. "Alexa, we need to talk.""I have nothing to say to a mate who doesn't stand by me," I replied coldly. Sophia played the peacemaker role. "Please don't fight. This trip should be happy. Don't let me ruin it—I'll feel terrible.""See how understanding she is? Unlike you who's just jealous!" my parents growled. Mother chimed in. "Your behavior is getting worse. Just let her have your booking! Don't let this happen again—we'll let it slide this time." Father growled. "We've spoiled you! A daughter of the pack should know her place—no daughter dares to refuse her parents entry! Such defiance should be punished. That would teach you respect!" Sam chuckled. "Sis, with your jealousy and temper, our parents might refuse to have you as their daughter." That brother I raised and spoiled. Sophia looked at me with triumph in her eyes, already imagining herself in my position. My parents dragged their luggage in front of me. "Hurry up, we need to leave soon or we'll miss our luxury airport transfer. Sophia's adoptive father is waiting for us at the terminal.""Our luggage is in the hallway," mother said. "You'll stay home today and organize our things, making sure everything is packed properly. After you're done, come pick us up at the airport lounge." I looked at the ten massive designer suitcases, five of which belonged to Sophia, each weighing over fifty pounds, and smiled. "Of course. You go ahead. I'll come get you after I settle everything." Alexander hesitated before following my parents. "Alexa, don't be long." As they all filed out, I watched them go. Let them wait. I already knew what I was going to do.