Chapter 10 Meanwhile , Xavier had already collected Vivian and her kin . Menu He'd cleared his entire schedule to personally escort Vivian's family on a shopping spree . In the back of the sleek , black Shadowcat , Mr. and Mrs. Bennett's eyes were practically glowing . " Alpha Xavier , this Shadowcat must be worth a small fortune , yes ? " " It certainly doesn't look cheaply made . Alpha Xavier is a powerful leader , after all ; his transport certainly cannot be anything less than magnificent . " It was their first time riding in such extravagant luxury . The soft , breathable fur lining the seats was a far cry from the hard , scratchy pelts of the public transports they were accustomed to . But Vivian felt a surge of embarrassment , the coarse behavior of her family grated on her . She turned her head , giving them a sharp , warning glare . " Dad , Mom , don't ask such presumptuous questions . It is rude to pry into the affairs of an Alpha . " Mr. and Mrs. Bennett instantly lowered their heads , their ears drooping in submission . They knew their daughter was in the favor of a powerful Alpha , and they couldn't afford to displease him . " It's nothing at all , " Xavier said smoothly , his voice laced with Alpha charm . He turned the steering wheel , smiling indulgently as he added , " Uncle and Auntie are simply curious ; I understand . " He seemed the epitome of a gracious , considerate Alpha , patient and understanding . Vivian clung to his hand , her eyes brimming with admiration and possessiveness . She absolutely could not afford to lose a mate like him , her claws held firmly on him . But the ensuing events quickly spiraled out of her control . Xavier first took them to a renowned Shadowlands eatery for a five - figure luncheon , then led them to a series of exclusive dens to acquire clothing , satchels , and adornments . As soon as Mr. and Mrs. Bennett glimpsed the price tags , their initial exclamations of awe transformed into stunned silence , then into bewildered stares . One dish cost a thousand Blood Shards , clothes cost tens of thousands , and satchels and adornments cost hundreds of thousands . Any single item was enough to secure their social standing in their village for a lifetime . The two of them were like pups lost in the Alpha's Great Hall , awestruck and out of place . They wandered aimlessly , attempting to sample complementary sweets or procure small tokens . Such behaviors were frowned upon in these sophisticated establishments , these territories of the social elite . They reeked of the countryside , their ignorance broadcasting their humble origins . Xavier frowned slightly , his Alpha demeanor shifting imperceptibly . He also couldn't help the comparison that sparked in his mind , contrasting the crude behavior of Vivian's parents with the impeccable sophistication of Celeste's parents , whose breeding and refinement were unquestionable . Sensing his displeasure , Vivian quickly intervened , deliberately curbing her parents ' behavior , and eventually suggesting they return to the sanctuary for the evening meal , hoping to avoid any further embarrassment . 20:56 3.49 < Chapter 10 Menu Back at the lavish sanctuary , Mr. and Mrs. Bennett became even more audacious , emboldened by their surroundings . They had never imagined their daughter lived in such opulent comfort . Had they not made this journey , who knew how much longer this deceitful pup would have kept her good fortune a secret . A heated argument erupted in the kitchen , their voices escalating with each accusation . " Mom and Dad , you're leaving first light . " Vivian leaned against the door frame , casually devouring imported white stormberries while ordering them to depart . Hearing this , the older couple was immediately incensed , their disappointment quickly escalating into rage . " You ungrateful wretch , now that you've sunk your claws into a powerful Alpha , you no longer care whether your parents live or die . " " Exactly , you heartless pup . We were just a bit curious and a little starstruck , you didn't have to get so angry . " You have no idea ! Unless we are bound by the ancient mating rituals , I have to tread carefully . If I jeopardize this connection , I'll be forced to return to poverty with you both . " " Very well , you are leaving come first light , " Vivian reiterated , her tone final , brooking no further argument . She reluctantly extracted tens of thousands of Blood Shards as travel expenses , only then did the elderly couple begrudgingly acquiesce , their anger slowly subsiding at the sight of the wealth . Outside , Xavier was engaged in a MindLink call . His brother had encountered them at the marketplace and couldn't risk inquiring directly , so he'd secretly established contact . " Bro , are you serious about this ? Taking care of this couple for such a long time ? " " Would I jest about such matters ? I haven't had enough entertainment . Only by keeping the little she - wolf content can I keep the part of the sentence . pleasure in my bed . This is called ' invest first , reap later , " He snickered as he delivered the last After all , there were still many positions they hadn't unlocked . Recalling Vivian's lithe form , Xavier's lower abdomen immediately tensed , and he felt a surge of desire , his senses heightened . The next morning , Vivian's parents departed before the sun breached the horizon . Xavier returned to the Pack office and discovered a package on his desk the moment he entered . It appeared to contain official documents . < Chapter 11 Chapter 11