Author's pov
The grand hall of The Frostwood Pack House gleamed with brilliant lights as pack members and invited Alphas from other territories gathered for Alpha Jonas's welcome ceremony. After four years at the prestigious Alpha Academy, the entire pack eagerly anticipated their Alpha's return.
Freya Gilbert stood in line at the entrance, nervously adjusting her red dress, her palm unconsciously pressing against the stain on the side of the dress. It was her only decent dress; she had no other options.
She watched guests ahead of her enter effortlessly while her anxiety mounted, afraid they wouldn't let her in. As her turn approached, her palms grew sweaty, her heart raced, and panic surged through her.
"Freya, calm down," her wolf, Vicki, warned in her mind. "The more nervous you are, the more likely you'll mess things up."
Freya knew she should remain composed, but it felt impossible.
Tonight was her last chance.
A month ago, returning home from art school, she had discovered several vehicles parked outside, with strangers bustling around her front door.
"I'm sorry, Miss Gilbert, this house will be repossessed and auctioned," one of them informed her.
"What? There must be some mistake!" Freya was frantic as she watched the workers post the auction notices. "My father is just away on a business trip. He'll be back soon to take care of this."
The court officer gave her a pitying shake of his head, handing her a property seizure notice. "Mr. Gilbert emptied all accounts and fled with the money. We've notified the police. According to investigations, he left with your stepmother and sister."
In that moment, Freya's world collapsed entirely. She stared at the document in disbelief, each word piercing her heart like a dagger.
Gut-wrenching agony twisted within her. For the first time in her twenty-two years, she realized how utterly alone she was in this world. Her father had chosen her stepmother and half-sister, discarding her like garbage. All he left her were mountains of debt and a house about to be seized.
"Miss, you have 30 days to vacate. However, if you can clear all debts during this period..."
"How much?" The words tasted bitter on her tongue.
"Including principal, interest, penalties, and court fees, the total is $2.8 million."
Freya's stomach churned and she nearly lost her balance hearing that figure, the room spinning as if she might faint.
$2.8 million! It was astronomical to her. But she knew she had to keep this house.
As a senior art student yet to graduate, she couldn't even complete job applications without a permanent address. And as an Omega in the pack, good jobs were basically impossible to get.
Now only three days remained until the deadline. Alpha Jonas's return was her only hope. They had grown up together, and when she was downgraded to Omega because she was too weak, Jonas was the only one who still cared about her. Perhaps, just perhaps, he might be willing to help.
"Take a deep breath, Freya," Vicki gently guided her in her mind, pulling her back from painful memories.
It was her turn next. Freya lifted her dress, preparing to enter the hall.
"Excuse me, miss." A burly security guard blocked her path, looking her over with contempt. "This event is restricted to pack members and invited guests only."
"I am a pack member," Freya lifted her chin. "My name is Freya Gilbert."
"Oh, Beta Matt's daughter, the downgraded one." He sneered. "Sorry, but Omegas can't come to high-class events like this. So. Fuck. Off."
Freya felt blood pound in her temples, humiliation and desperation mingling within her. "I have to get in! I have to talk to Alpha Jonas!"
"Talk to him?" The guard scoffed. "What's an Omega got to say that matters? Everyone knows your father ran off with debts. Trying to latch onto our Alpha now? Fat chance."
Passing pack members began whispering and pointing.
Freya heard their cutting remarks,
"That's her, Beta Matt's pathetic daughter..."
"I heard she's actually homeless now..."
"Karma's a bitch, isn't it? Especially with a dad who screwed everyone over..."
The humiliation stung, her dignity trampled in public, but she couldn't afford to care.