My Songs, Her Fame, My Revenge

The next morning, Derek showed up at the door of my villa, his expression grim.

"Aurora, I'll be your mate."

I wasn't sure if Matthias had pressured him or if he'd lost a fight with Nathan and Marcus, but either way, Derek sullenly declared he would be my mate.

Seeing his sullen expression, I had to stifle a laugh.

Scarlett emerged from behind Derek, casually looping her arm through his.

"Aurora, it's so good to see you again."

"Scarlett?"

I feigned surprise and took a few steps forward. I deliberately stumbled on the steps, and the recording device in my hand tumbled to the ground.

When Scarlett heard the familiar music clips playing from it, her eyes widened in panic.

"Oh dear! My device! Those are songs I wrote a long time ago. I heard this style is popular lately. I was planning to put together these old tracks and release them."

I bent down to retrieve the device.

Scarlett grew anxious, her fingers gripping Derek's sleeve tightly.

"Aurora, don't embarrass yourself with that little hobby of yours. People will laugh at you. You think you can be like Scarlett?"

Derek shot me a contemptuous look and sent the device skittering across the floor with a kick.

"Are you belittling me, Derek? Don't you want to be my mate?" I looked up, my eyes brimming with hurt.

"If it weren't for Alpha Matthias, which of us would volunteer to be your mate!" Derek crossed his arms, glaring at me scornfully.

"Are you so sure no one wants me?"

I clenched my fists, glaring back at him.

"You're just an unwanted weakling, yet you're so arrogant! Only I am willing to stoop to be your mate. Ugh! What rotten luck!"

Derek didn't even bother looking at me, just grumbling as he turned away.

"Derek! Aurora is still recovering. Don't say things like that to provoke her."

Suddenly, Scarlett raised her voice at Derek, once again playing the part of the concerned friend.

"What did he just say?" I feigned disbelief, my eyes welling up.

"It's nothing, Aurora. I know the latest trends. That style is so dated; nobody's going to listen to it. Why don't you try another genre?" Scarlett tried to distract me.

"Oh? Alright then. What a shame. I poured my heart and soul into those songs."

Scarlett breathed a sigh of relief and quickly helped me inside.

"You just need to focus on your recovery and prepare for your bonding ceremony with Derek. You don't need to worry about anything else."

"But I want to keep composing. It's always been my dream to be a musician."

Seeing my hesitation, Scarlett grew nervous again.

"Well... I can help you. I know a lot of record producers who can help you organize your work," she said, but her feigned support was betrayed by a flash of greed in her eyes.

"Aurora, you're so lucky. Scarlett is the most popular young singer right now. People are dying for her guidance. You'd better not throw a fit. Don't be so ungrateful!"

Before I could speak, Derek warned me not to disrespect Scarlett.

I wanted nothing more than to slap these two shameless hypocrites across the face. But since I had to maintain the pretense of my weakness, I would let them have their moment of triumph for a few more days.

I couldn't wait to see the look on Derek's face when he found out the hit songs he so admired were stolen by the very woman he adored.

"Sign here." Derek handed over a parchment scroll.

I glanced at it and saw "Mate Bond Agreement" written at the top.

Derek had agreed to be my mate only because he craved Matthias's support. And Matthias just wanted someone to be my guardian and help me take over the Pack.

Despite that, every clause in the agreement was outrageously unfavorable to me.

After becoming my mate, Derek even wanted to become the Alpha of the Moonfire Pack. If I were to terminate the agreement, he would have the right to kick me out of the Pack and choose a new mate.

His shamelessness was beyond my imagination.

"Oops! I'm so sorry, my hand slipped."

I took the parchment, pretending to look for a pen. As I stood, I feigned a stumble over the sofa. The coffee in my hand sloshed all over the scroll, blurring the ink instantly.

"Aurora, you—" Derek's face went purple with rage.

"I didn't do it on purpose," I explained pitifully. "I'm just not fully recovered yet and lost my balance."

Seeing his plan ruined, Derek slammed the door and stormed out in a huff. Scarlett immediately ran after him to comfort him.

The moment they left, the innocent mask I wore fell away.

I contacted Matthias using the communication crystal. "Alpha Matthias, I think I have my answer. Those men... they're not worthy."