Im Sorry Amber
+25 BONUS
I’m Sorry, Amber
(Victoria’s POV)
April Fool’s Day had arrived, and with it came an unusual thery of tivity at the Chase Pack House, I watched as omega servants scurried about, polishing silverware and arranging fresh flowers with meticulous care.
This wasn’t for me, of course. It was all for Amber and her new husband, Dominic Blacovond.
I smoothed down my carefully selected dress, a deep emerald that complemented my eyes and logged my curves in all the right places. The house hadn’t been this spotless since the last time we listed the Alpha King himself.
“Make sure those crystal glasses are spotless,” my mother ordered a nervous–looking omega. “And check that venison again— it needs to be perfect.”
My wall growled inside me, bristling with jealousy. Just months ago, Amber was the family disappointment, the stubbor daughter who refused to follow pack protocols. Now, simply because she’d managed to snag Dominic Blackwood–the heir to the Alpha King throne–everyone was falling over themselves to please her.
“What a waste,” I muttered, checking my reflection in the hallway mirror.
Dominic Blackwood was too good for Amber, With his striking blue eyes, powerful presence, and the respect he commanded throughout the Northern Territory, he deserved someone who understood pack politics and hierarchy. Someone like me..
I’d tried to catch his attention before, of course. At pack gatherings, I’d worn my most flattering outfits, engaged him in conversations about territory management, showed him I was the perfect candidate for Luna But he’d barely acknowledged my existence, his eyes always scanning the room as if looking for someone else
Now I knew who he’d been looking for all along
I applied another coat of lip gloss, determined to present my most retined image. Amber might have won the first round, but mate bonds weren’t unbreakable. History had proven that
“Victoria, come help me with these place settings,” my mother called.
With one last glance at my reflection, Theaded toward the dining mom, already planning how I would impress Dominic tonight
Walking past my father’s study, Loverheard a conversation that made me pause.
“This dinner is crucial,” Harrison was saying to Henry. “With Dominic’s help, we can recoup the losses from the Lunar Heights
disaster”
1 pressed closer to the partially open door, careful to remain out of sight.
“But what about Amber’s demands?” Henry asked. “She’ll use this opportunity to squeeze more out of us.”
Harrison chuckled, a sound that held more calculation than humor “I’m prepared for her schemes. She wants the territorial rights, but she’ll have to earn them. In the meantime, we’ll use this dinner to strengthen our connection to the Blackwood Pack
“She’s already asking about my collection,” Henry complained. “Said she needs artifacts for her new studio”
“Give her whatever she wants from your collection,” Harrison replied dismissively. “Consider it a housewarming gift. It’s a small price to pay for Doinink’s goodwill.”
I retreated silently, my wolf snarling in disgust inside me. Once again, everything revolved around appeasing, Amber and, by
extension, Dominic.
Back in my room, I applied the finishing touches to my makeup, determined to outshine my sister. Amber’s mate bond with Dominic was still new, possibly fragile. If I could show him that I was the superior Chase daughter–more refined, better educated, more suited to pack leadership–perhaps he would see what he was missing
I’m Sorry, Amber
+25 BONUS
My wolf scoffed at this fantasy, reminding me of the times Dumine had politely but firmly rejected my advances. But I silenced
her doubts.
Tonight would be different. Tonight, I would show Dominie Blackwood exactly what Victoria Chase had to offer.
At precisely 5:30 pm., the doorbell rang. My heart raced as I made hry final preparations, smoothing my hair and checking my Appearance one last time,
When I descended the stairs, they were already in the foyer–Amber looking irritatingly beautiful in a cream–colored dress that highlighted her amber eyes, and Dominic towering beside her, handsome and powerful in a tailoredblack suit.
My carefully chosen outfit suddenly felt inadequate next to Amber’s effortless elegance. The way Dominic’s hand rested protectively at the small of her back sent a surge of jealousy through me.
“Victoria,” Amber acknowledged me with a nod, her eyes gleaming with something that looked suspiciously like triumph.
“Amber, Dominic,” I responded, injecting warmth into my walce. How wonderful to have you both here.”
Dominic nodded politely but said nothing, his attention never straying from Amber. The devotion in his grze made my stomach
twist.
“Dinner is almost ready, I said, gesturing toward the dining room “Father has been looking forward to this all week
As we walked, I positioned myself where Dominic could appreciate my figure, subtly highlighting my achievements as we made
small talk
“The Chase Pack Territory reports have been exceptional this quarter, I mentioned. “Father has been letting me handle more of the management responsibilities,”
Amber’s smile tightened slightly. “How nice for you.”
Before I could respond, my father appeared in the doorway, his face alight with an enthusiasm Trarely saw directed at anyone but me
“Dominic! Amber! Welcome, welcome!” he exclaimed, embracing Amber with surprising warmth. “Come in, dinner is ready!”
My chance to impress Dominic was slipping away already, and we’d barely begun.
The dining room gleamed with our finest silver and crystal. Harrison led Dominic to the seat o
tof honor at his right hand, with Amber beside her husband. I was placed directly across from them, giving me a perfect view of their interactions.
“Dominic, my boy,” Harrison said, pouring a glass of his special reserve red wine for our guest. “How are things at the Blackwood Pack?”
“Productive,” Dominic replied simply, his deep voice commanding attention despite the brevity of his response.
Harrison nodded enthusiastically. “Excellent, excellent! And Amber, honey, how are you finding married life?”
Honey? I nearly choked on my wine. I couldn’t remember the last time my father had used a term of endearment with Amber.
“It’s wonderful, Father,” Amber replied, her hand finding Dominic’s on the table. “Dominic has been incredibly supportive of my photography studio,”
Tattempted to redirect the conversation. “Speaking of business ventures, Father and 1 have been reviewing the territory financial reports. The northern sector shows promising growth potential ”
Before Harrison could respond, Amber interjected, “Yes, I’ve noticed that too. My new studio is perfectly positioned to capitalize on that growth.”
Her amber eyes gleamed as she continued, “Dominic gifted me two buildings for the studio, you know. Such a thoughtful housewarming present.”
She turned to Harrison and Henry with a sweet smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Which reminds me–1 should pick out my
Im Sorry, Amber
+25 BONUS
housewarming gifts from both of you while I’m here. Perhaps that Moonlight Tea set you’ve been hiding, Father? And Henry, I’ve had my eye on those ancient werewolf paintings in your collection.”
I watched in disbelief as both men nodded, seemingly resigned to Amber’s demands. My wolf howled with frustration inside me
The rest of dinner proceeded in much the same way, with Amber skilfully maneuvering the conversation to highlight her achievements while everyone–even my mother lavished her with attention and praise.
By the time dessert arrived, my patience had worn thin, and my wat was practically clawing to get out.
(Dominic’s POV)
After dimer, Harrison and Henry led me to a private den, leaving Amber with Victoria and Melanie. The rich scent of aged leather and moonlight cigars filled the room as Harrison gestured for me to take a seat in one of the plush armchairs.
“Dominic, Lean’t tell you how pleased we are about your marriage to Amber,” Harrison began, his tone warm but calculated. She’s always been strong–willed, passionate qualities that make her a perfect Cana for someone of your… stature,”
I remained silent, watching as Henry handed me a glass of expensive moonshine and lit one of his imported cigars.
“She’s truly her father’s daughter,” Harrison continued, pride evident in his voice. “Fierce, determined, excellent at getting
what she wants.”
I took a slow sip of my drink, recognizing the careful dance Harrison was performing. This wasn’t about family bonding–it was
about business.
“Speaking of getting what one wants,” Henry interjected smoothly, “we’ve heard about your upcoming amusement park project in Silvercrest. Quite ambitious.”
“Construction begins next month,” I confirmed, keeping my expression neutral
Harrison leaned forward, his amber eyes so like Amber’s gleaming with interest. “The Chase Pack would be very interested in partnering with you on this venture. Our resources combined with your vision could create something truly spectacular.”
Before Henry could elaborate further, I raised my hand, stopping him mid–sentence.
“I’d like to speak with Harrison alone,” I said, my tone making it clear this wasn’t a request.
Henry’s eyes widened slightly, but he nodded and left the room without protest.
Half an hour later, I emerged from the study, any wolf still bristling with anger beneath my skin. The conversation with Harrison had gone exactly as I’d expected–initial resistance followed by reluctant capitulation when he realized the extent of my resolve. “Excuse me,” I asked an omega maid passing through the hallway, “Do you know where Amber is?”
Before she could answer, Victoria appeared at my side, her perfume too strong and cloying.
“Amber and Mom went upstairs to talk,” she told me, stepping closer.” is there anything you need?Tcan help you.”
I gave her a look and didn’t say anything as I walked towards the yard. Luckily Amber wasn’t there, I hadn’t thought about telling her about the den.
I was in the garden lighting my cigar and feeling my anger ease when that nasty woman came back. She was carrying two plasses of moonshine and said, “Too many cigars are bad for you, why don’t you join us for a drink?”
All that heartiness of hers was obvious to me, “Get outta here, per qutta here.” I lit a cigar again.
