The moment Trent saw Wesley buried in the flowerbed, looking ridiculous, he couldn't help but tease, “What’s this? Wesley, since when did you start liking flowers?” Wesley stood up, gritting his teeth. “Raelynn! Why the hell did you do that to me just now?” I shrugged, watching his furious face with amusement. “What? Didn’t you insult me first?” Wesley glared at me like he wanted to rip me apart, but with someone else present, he held back, stomping the ground in frustration. “All right, don’t make a fuss with a girl. I actually came here to ask you something.” Wesley withdrew his death glare and turned to Trent. “What is it?” “There’s a wine tasting in a few days. Want to come? I heard there’ll be a special event…” “Not interested. Sounds boring.” Wesley didn’t hesitate. Trent didn’t press, just smiled faintly as he looked at Wesley’s annoyed expression. “They say the grand prize is that antique wine glass you’ve been hunting for. You sure you’re skipping it?” Wesley’s eyes lit up. Sure, his temper sucked, but he was a hardcore collector through and through. “I’ll think about it,” he said. I wasn’t interested in their conversation. I asked plainly, “Where’s Mr. Greg?” Trent narrowed his eyes and gave a teasing smirk. “Who’s this? Wesley, is this the secret lover you’ve been hiding away, finally bringing her home to meet the family?” Wesley’s brows instantly furrowed. “As if. This is the cousin I told you about—the one who was missing. We’re finally reconnecting.” “Oh!” Trent clapped his hands. “So this is the famous Ms. Raelynn. Pleasure to meet you.” I gave him a simple nod. “Hello, Mr. Trent.” Trent chuckled. “I didn’t even say my name yet. You recognized me already? Am I really that famous?” I grinned. “Yeah, rumor has it Mr. Trent loves hanging out with Wesley. You two are practically inseparable. People say your bromance is off the charts.”I deliberately emphasized “bromance.” Trent didn’t get offended at all. Instead, he burst out laughing. “Wesley, your cousin’s hilarious.” “Yeah, yeah.” Wesley shot Trent a look. “I’m taking her to see Grandpa. Go wait for me by the lake—I’ll catch up with you.” Trent nodded and strolled away. As soon as he left, Wesley shot me another glare. “Let’s go. When we get to Grandpa’s, keep your mouth shut.” I rolled my eyes. “Don’t need you telling me what to do. I know how to handle myself.” “Whatever.” He didn’t bother arguing and led me straight to the main hall. The room was filled with werewolves, young and old, seated in clusters. I strode in casually through the front doors. The second they saw me, every single werewolf’s eyes widened, mouths parting in surprise. Their expressions were pure shock. I was used to it. I was naturally stunning, after all. With poise, I smiled at them all, scanning the room. My eyes stopped on the elderly werewolf seated at the highest chair in the back, his hair fully gray, eyes filled with tears as he stared at me. No doubt—that was Mr. Greg, the Alpha of the Imperial Pack. My grandfather. His gaze never left my face. He wiped at his eyes, voice hoarse with emotion. “You’re Raelynn, right?” I nodded calmly. “That’s right. Hello, Mr. Greg.” Maybe because I’d never had any real connection to the Imperial Pack, I didn’t feel even the slightest bit of family bond with these people. Even Mr. Greg, seated high and proud, felt like a total stranger. My cool tone made something flicker in his eyes—disappointment. “Mr. Greg? Raelynn, you should call me Grandpa. Come, let me get a better look at you. You’ve grown up to be so beautiful.” He stretched out a hand, motioning for me to approach, but I didn’t move an inch.“What’s wrong?” he asked, confused. I swallowed my discomfort and answered plainly, “We only just met. I’m not used to being physically close with strangers.” Mr. Greg sighed and nodded. “I understand. We’ve been apart for twenty years. It’s natural you don’t feel close to me. But Raelynn, our Imperial Pack is one of the most powerful in Capital City. Whatever you need—whatever you’re missing—just say the word. I’ll have the steward get it for you.” The message was clear: he wanted me to stay. I shook my head immediately. “I came here today because Mr. Goldberg invited me to visit. That’s all. I don’t want to be part of the Imperial Pack, and I hope you’ll allow me to leave.” My words were blunt. Every werewolf in the hall froze. Mr. Greg’s smile stiffened on his face. “What did you say?” I bit my lip and repeated, “I don’t want to be part of the Imperial Pack. I’m asking you to let me go.”