The chatter in the lobby grew louder, the whispers laced with doubt and ridicule.

“How can a human have a mate?”

“She’s lying, obviously!”

“She’s just saying anything to get a reaction from him.”

Liam stared at me. “Elena, do you think you can provoke me by making up a lie?”

“You’re a human who can’t even awaken her wolf. You don’t have a pack scent. What werewolf would ever claim you as his mate?”

He took a step forward, his Alpha’s dominance flaring. “Or did you shack up with some random human and have the audacity to call him your ‘mate’?”

I didn’t answer, just clutched the moonstone tightly. My son was waiting for me upstairs; I didn’t want to waste any more time here.

Seeing this, Seraphina’s lips twisted into a malicious smile. “Since Elena wants to be an Alpha’s mate so badly, why don’t we let her stay and make herself useful?”

She looked around the room, her voice sweet but every word laced with poison. “All of you here today are Alpha leaders, and you’ll need someone to serve drinks. Elena, this is a wonderful opportunity. Perhaps you’ll manage to seduce one of them.”

“It’s more dignified than begging for protection, isn’t it?”

The surrounding werewolves burst into laughter. To them, making an “Alpha’s ex-human girlfriend” into a serving girl was a delightful bit of sport.

“Great idea! Let her do some menial work. It suits her kind!”

“Humans are meant to serve our kind!”

“How kind of Seraphina, to even offer her the chance. I’d have just thrown her out!”

I laughed, furious. “Are you deaf? I said, let me go!”

My refusal made Seraphina’s face darken. “Elena, you’re truly ungrateful. I’m offering you the honor of serving our kind, and you dare refuse?”

Liam’s expression grew even uglier. “Elena, what the hell do you want? Money? Status? Or do you want me to take you back? I’m telling you, it’s impossible! My mate will only ever be a pure-blood wolf like Seraphina. Get that through your head!”

Just then, several uniformed pack guards strode over.

The guard immediately pointed at me. “Captain, this human contaminated the hotel fountain and is refusing to leave!”

The captain’s expression turned grim. “An extremely important guest is attending the summit today—the Alpha King of the Midnight Moon Pack. He brought his Luna and their heir. This is their family’s first public appearance.”

“Therefore, there can be absolutely no incidents!” His gaze landed on me, sharp and venomous. “Especially from you, you inferior human. Your very presence is an insult to the esteemed Alpha King!”

Two guards stepped forward, preparing to drag me away by force.

Just then, Liam spoke up.

“Wait!”

Liam’s gaze was locked on the moonstone in my hand. His body was trembling slightly, his voice raspy.

“Elena, why don’t you understand… I stopped needing tokens from the weak a long time ago.”