Chapter 2

　　On the way to the study, I tried to figure out why Gerardo wanted to see me. Was it because I came back late? If so, he should have beaten me in the sitting room. He didn't seem to be very angry at that time. I had no clue. Frida and I arrived at the study. She knocked on the door and then opened the door. 　　Kaylie was also in the study, standing next to the desk, while Gerardo was sitting behind the desk. Seeing me, Kaylie released a smile. "Cora, come in and take a seat." I had a bad feeling. Every time Kaylie smiled at me, something bad would happen to me. 　　I walked into the study, but I didn't sit down. I knew that Kaylie didn't really mean it. So I just stood in front of the desk and kept silent. 　　Gerardo cleared his throat. "Cora, you are a grown-up now. It’s time to let you know about the situation of the pack.” 　　I was confused. He never told me anything about the pack's business. Why did he suddenly want to tell me? 　　“The economy is not good, and our business is affected too.” 　　Actually, I didn’t know. But I did hear Gerardo and Kaylie had more fights recently. 　　“The pack is now experiencing a great financial crisis. It concerns the whole pack.” 　　I stared at Gerardo and didn’t say anything. 　　Seeing me have no response, Kaylie added, “Cora, don’t you care about the pack?” 　　Of course I cared. But I just thought that Gerardo meant more than that. But since she said so, I had to say something. 　　“I do care,” I answered. 　　“Good. Do you know how much we have spent raising you? Now it’s time for you to contribute to the pack.” 　　They hadn't spent any money on me at all! Since my parents died, they forced me to work and called that practice to me. They took away all the money I earned. I also had to do the housework when I didn't go to work. 　　But what came out of my mouth was, "I appreciate it. I’ll work hard to pay back the money." 　　Gerardo seemed to be satisfied hearing it. "It's good that you know to appreciate it. But it’s a lot of money. You can’t pay back even if you work for twenty years.” 　　He stopped for a second and continued, “But now there’s an opportunity to pay back all the debt.” 　　Gerardo stood up, walked around the desk, and stood in front of me. 　　I had to force myself not to standstill and lowered my head, not daring to look at his face. 　　“You know the Alpha of Mercado, right? He wants you.” 　　“What?” I suddenly raised my head and looked at Gerardo with my eyes widened. What did he mean the Alpha of Mercado wanted me? Did he refer to the ruler of the most powerful pack of Redstone? It was said that he had killed many people to become the ruler of the pack, including his father. No one dared to be against him. He would directly kill those who didn't listen to him and showered with their blood under the full moon. Even his wolf was said to be a monster with red eyes. It would stare at its prey and tear them into pieces. 　　I suddenly shivered. 　　“Don’t be shy, Cora,” Kaylie chunked, “you’re a big girl. And you’re pretty. Many girls would die for such an opportunity.” 　　“Then why don’t you ask Frida to do it,” I said in a cold voice. 　　Gerardo slapped me on the face. My cheek felt like burning, and my head felt dizzy. I could barely stand. 　　“Don’t take yourself seriously. The Alpha of Mercado just wants a breeder. You should be glad that your pretty face still has some use.” Kaylie’s tone was full of disdain. 　　I looked at her in disbelief. Was she still the aunt who used to hold me in her arms and call me sweetheart? When I learned that my parents had died, I was freaked out and completely didn't know what to do. My world was ruined, and I didn't know how to live by myself. But Kaylie and Gerardo adopted me. They comforted me and promised they would look after me and forever give me a happy life. 　　But their promise didn't last long. Gerardo blamed the economy and others for his failure in investment. Sometimes, even just a cup of coffee would irritate him, and he smashed everything in the study. And because of the loss in investment, Gerardo couldn't afford Kaylie's luxurious life as before. Kaylie was dissatisfied with it. Their quarries became more and more frequent. And all their anger finally came to me. They thought that I brought bad luck to them. I was scared at that time and could only shrink at the corner and cry. I began to undertake all the housework to prove that I was useful. I believed that it was my fault that they had quarries. I hoped my hard work could make them forgive me and become happy again. But I was wrong. They scolded me and beat me more and more fiercely. Rangel and Frida also joined them in humiliating me and asked me to do things for them as a maid. 　　“You can’t do this to me. I won’t be anyone’s breeder,” I cried out. 　　"I’m not asking your opinion!" Gerardo roared. 　　"If my parents were still alive..." Before I could finish, Gerardo grabbed my throat and raised me into the air. "Don't you dare to say that!" he roared. 　　He threw me at the wall. My back hit the wall, and the pain almost made me pass out. 　　I missed my parents so much. My father, the Alpha of our pack, would never allow others to do this to me. He always said that I was his pride and treasure. When he was the Alpha, my life was peaceful, and everyone was happy and full of smiles. But after he died, everything changed. 　　I stood up and rushed out of the study. My mind was black, the last thing I heard was Kaylie saying, "Don’t be angry. We still need her face. They will be here anytime."