3

The dark car halted in front of Eden's Castle, its engine growling to a stop. Alpha Kilian, a captivating and mysterious figure, leaned over towards Shadow. With nimble fingers, he effortlessly unbuckled her seat belt, causing her heart to race. As their eyes met, Shadow's mind became tranquil, like a calm lake. She couldn't help but blush at his alluring face, yet confusion clouded her glassy eyes.

There was no denying Kilian's attractiveness; he had the ability to ensnare any woman he desired. Regardless of age, they would all succumb to his enchantment. However, these thoughts vanished from Shadow's mind as she remembered his actions from the previous day. Kilian was nothing more than a spoiled rich kid who coveted his sister-in-law, a selfish child craving what he couldn't have.

Straightening her posture and adjusting her glasses, Shadow's face displayed little emotion as she declared, "I'm getting out."

Kilian's eyes narrowed, anger simmering within them. He reached out and caught her hand just as she was about to open the car door. It felt as though he was enclosing her in an embrace. Through her glasses, he stared deep into her clear eyes and deliberately stated, "I took you home. Don't I deserve a 'thank you'?"

Shadow's head drooped slightly, her voice a mere whisper. "Thank you," she reluctantly responded. She hoped that Alpha Dominic and the rest of the Eden family would leave her be. After all, she was supposed to be engaged to Kilian, not his cousin. She needed to give her husband-to-be some respect, whether she liked it or not. As for Alpha Dominic, he could go find trouble elsewhere because he clearly lacked proper manners.

Kilian examined her partially concealed pink lips, his expression darkening. Softly, he murmured, "Seems your gratitude is insincere. I suppose I'll have to take that 'thanks' for myself."

Despite her blotchy complexion, there was something about Shadow's lips that captivated him. With that thought in mind, he leaned in and kissed her. Why should he hide his desire for his legitimate wife?

Shadow couldn't comprehend what was happening. Just moments ago, she wanted nothing more than to berate him, and now an icy sensation pressed against her lips. She gazed at his magnified face in confusion, attempting to push him away. However, her hands remained firmly clasped in his grip.

Kilian was pleased with her reaction, reaching out to remove her glasses and reveal her bright eyes. Without her glasses, she appeared even more enchanting. Her face heated up from anger, her hands clenched at her sides. She couldn't believe this man had the audacity to treat her this way right outside her family's home. Didn't he feel any shame? Did he not care about his cousin's feelings?

As the kiss ended, Kilian yearned for more. He thought to himself, "That was delightful. I'll have to try it again when the opportunity arises." Coming back to his senses, he commanded, "Don't wear glasses anymore. Otherwise, I'll kiss you every time I see you." He purposely lowered his voice, scanning her entire body without reservation. He resembled a beast marking its territory and sizing up its prey.

Before Shadow could voice her frustration, a female voice pierced the quiet of the car.

"Shadow?"

Startled, Shadow turned her head and peered out of the half-open car window. Her eyes widened in shock as she noticed Lisa. Her mother's gaze held a mix of surprise and anger. "What are you doing here?" she demanded.

Shadow's hands clasped tightly together, anxiety flickered in her eyes. Of all people to catch her in this situation, it had to be her mother! On the first day of her mating bond, she found herself in a precarious position with a stranger right in front of their house. It would be hard to defend herself.

Maintaining her composure, Lisa gestured for Shadow to come closer. Knowing she had no other choice, Shadow stepped out of the car. While her face remained impassive, her swollen lips reminded her of their recent encounter. Her cheeks stayed flushed with embarrassment.

As Shadow exited the car, Lisa wasted no time in pulling her into the safety of the Castle. Unexpectedly, Kilian leaned out of the car window and wickedly rubbed his lips, nonchalantly announcing, "My sister-in-law, I'll be waiting for your return."

...

As soon as Lisa heard the word "sister-in-law," her face turned dark and she gave Shadow a stern and cold look.

If looks could kill, Shadow would already be buried six feet under with no way out. Not even the richest man in the Pack could help her out of the mess "Alpha Dominic" had created.

Was this man trying to get her killed?

Lisa took Shadow's hand and pulled her into the hall of the Castle, then let go with a cold expression.

She looked at Shadow icily, "Did the man just call you 'sister-in-law'? Is he Alpha Kilian's cousin?"

"Yes," Shadow replied truthfully.

Slap!

Lisa slapped Shadow in the face with all her strength.

Shadow's face swung to the side and her ears began to buzz. If she hadn’t balanced herself, she would’ve collapsed to the ground from the force.

"You have no shame, do you? What were you thinking, getting involved with your husband's cousin on the first day of your mating bond!" Lisa clenched her jaw. "If you want to die, just go and kill yourself! But don't you dare take us with you!"

When Lisa turned away, Shadow reached out to touch her throbbing cheek. She looked up at Lisa coldly and said, "Really? Do you think I was the one who kissed him first? You can't even ask what happened?"

This was always the case. Every time something went wrong, Shadow was the first to be blamed, no matter what actually happened or who was at fault. Her mother never bothered to ask for an explanation; instead, she resorted to insults and physical violence.

'Worthless,' 'good-for-nothing,' 'wretch' - all of these words had already escaped her mother's lips countless times. If Shadow had received a dime for each time her mother had said them, she would be a billionaire by now.

"One is an impotent and disfigured piece of garbage, the other is a normal and healthy man. I have eyes and you have eyes. It would be clear to everyone who to choose. You haven't already spent the night with this 'cousin', have you?"

A soft and malicious voice came from the stairway.

Seeing Jessica descend, Lisa rushed over to greet her. "Jessica, do you feel better? Do you need me to fetch you a cup of tea? Or would you like me to adjust the AC?"

Lisa addressed her daughter so carefully, as if she were a delicate porcelain cup just picked up from an auction.

"Thanks, Mom. I feel much better," Jessica smiled innocently, but there was a glint of malice in her eyes.

She turned to Shadow and said, "Shadow, I can understand how you feel. But you should think about our family and show some restraint. Do it for us."

Jessica had seen Shadow and a man kissing in a car from an upstairs window. It didn't surprise her that Shadow was kissing a man who couldn't have been her husband, but the fact that her ugly sister was kissing someone!

Jessica then looked at Lisa and asked innocently, "Mom, am I right?"

Lisa smiled and replied, "Of course, my Jessica, you are right."

Shadow clenched her hands tightly and pursed her lips, choosing not to say a word.

It was hard to remember which girl was Lisa's biological daughter. After all, who would treat their own blood like trash?

Over the years, Lisa had always tried to gain a foothold in Eden's house, doing everything she could to please everyone. But her daughter was simply a burden to her, someone she would put last even if it meant sacrificing her own blood.

A soft and malicious voice came from the stairway.

Upon seeing Shadow, Lisa's smile vanished and she looked at her with a stern face. "Shadow, since you've married into the Lances family, you must fulfill your duty. Don't bring shame to our family. We're only doing this because we care about you."

Care about her? Had she ever?

Shadow lowered her eyes, hiding her disdain. She still appeared as docile as a doormat. With a calm voice, she replied, "You've reminded me that if you do something to piss me off, I might do something stupid in front of the Lances. I'm not sure if that would provoke them to harm our family, but I wouldn't test me. Got it?"

Jessica didn't expect Shadow, who had always been silly and rebellious, to speak up like this. She frowned and asked, "What do you mean by that?"

"Just what you heard," Shadow looked up, her eyes slightly closed, as dull as usual.

Did they really think she would still allow herself to be insulted like a servant?

That used to be the case. Shadow had pretended to act humble in order to please and gain favor with Lisa. After all, wasn't blood supposed to be thicker than anything else? However, after Lisa forced Shadow to marry into the Lances family on her sister's behalf, the fear of displeasing her mother disappeared.

"What?" Jessica gritted her teeth. She was used to bossing Shadow around, but this was the first time she saw that woman fight back.

She was so angry that she glared at Shadow before turning to Lisa. "Mom, how could she say that?"

Of course, Lisa could sense the threat in Shadow's words. But assuming that Shadow would always compromise with her like in the past, she maintained a motherly air and sternly said, "Shadow, apologize to your sister!"