“Don’t act pitiful in front of me.”
My brother had discarded me, and I couldn’t find my way home.
“What drama are you causing now? After a year inside, you’re still this stubborn?”
My brother rushed into the Pack Patrol outpost, frowning at my drenched body as he launched into a tirade.
“Selene is sick today, that’s the only reason I didn’t pick you up. You’re an adult now, you can shift into a wolf, can’t you even find your way home? Did you have to make such a scene, expecting me to coddle you?”
“I’m sorry, brother. I didn’t mean to—I’m just so tired. I couldn’t cross Shadow Valley alone to get home.”
My legs trembled. Just hearing his angry voice reminded me of my days at the center. A biological fear washed over me, my already shivering body growing even colder.
Seeing my brother’s displeased silence, I dropped to all fours at his feet.
“It’s my fault, all my fault. Brother, please forgive me. Don’t—don’t send me back there. I’ll be good, brother.”
The Beta guards were stunned. One helped me up, gently advising my brother, “She’s barely an adult wolf. Crossing the valley alone is genuinely dangerous. Try to be understanding of your pack mate.”
“Let’s go home. Stop embarrassing yourself here,” my brother said, his face ashen as he turned to leave.
I followed close behind him, matching his every step.
Before getting in the car, I carefully placed my jacket on the seat.
“What are you doing?” he frowned at me.
Eyes downcast, I whispered, “I’m dirty. I don’t want to soil your car.”
My brother’s brows were tightly knit. I could tell he was upset, so I lowered my head further, trying to avoid his attention.
After a long pause, I heard his impatient command: “Get in!”
