Chapter 7
The Scent of Betrayal and the Howl of Departure
Leaning against the wall, I clutched the healing balm, my hand covering my mouth and nose, trying to avoid the lingering scent of river fish. Before I could catch my breath, Benjamin’s accusation exploded.
“Do you hate Qiana that much? She made breakfast for us, and you ruin it like this?”
Adam followed, his voice laced with anger.
“Lanie, you’re unbelievable! What’s gotten into you?”
A surge of bitter resentment flooded me. My wolf, usually subdued, snarled low in my chest, its usually perceptive senses dulled by a wave of profound sadness. Trembling, tears welling, I opened my mouth to explain, to express my frustration and anger.
But all that came out was a choked sob. 5
“I’ve changed? I have changed? Or have *your* hearts changed?” I choked out, my voice thick with emotion.”I’m allergic to river fish! Have you both forgotten?
When I had reactions before, how did you both treat me? And now… this?” My voice was raspy and weak, yet each word was a sharp blade, piercing Benjamin and Adam’s hearts.
They used to be so protective. Every time I’d had a severe allergic reaction, they’d be frantic, dropping their patrols, rushing to my side, red-eyed and anxious, tending to me. No one could get them to leave. And now… they’d forgotten something this crucial.
Benjamin’s face paled. His Guardian Wolf’s usually calm demeanor faltered. After a moment, he murmured, “Sorry.” His voice was low and heavy.
Adam’s brows furrowed, images of my past allergic reactions flashing through his mind.
His Shadow Wolf seemed to slink back, ashamed. They’d been there countless times, witnessing my suffering and helplessness. He stepped forward.”Are you… are you okay now? I’m sorry. That porridge… Qiana said she picked out fresh river fish… it was her way of showing her kindness, so I was just…”
I remained silent. Once my breathing eased after applying the balm, Benjamin and Adam quickly removed the offending bowl.
For the next few days, they were like shadows, their dens dark and silent. I didn’t care. I was busy packing my belongings.
Once most of my things were packed, I really looked around the longhouse, a place once filled with laughter. I’d bought it, and Benjamin and Adam had bought the longhouses on either side, connecting them to create a large home, so we could live closer together.
Now, only a third of it felt like mine.
Selling it would be complicated. But I was determined to leave the past behind.
Benjamin and Adam finally returned, just as a realtor arrived to discuss the sale of the longhouse.
Seeing a stranger in their territory, Benjamin’s face darkened.”Who are you? What are you doing here?”
The realtor, visibly intimidated, stammered, “Gentlemen, I’m a realtor. The homeowner wants to sell the property.”
Sell the longhouse? Benjamin and Adam exchanged shocked, bewildered glances. They were about to order the realtor away when I came down the stairs.
“I’m selling the longhouse. I was about to discuss it with you both,” I said calmly.
My wolf felt a strange mixture of sadness and relief; a final shedding of skin.
Benjamin and Adam’s hearts sank. They asked in unison, “Why? Everything’s fine here, isn’t it?” Adam, remembering the incident with the porridge, felt a sense of foreboding.”Are you still upset about the porridge? We didn’t mean to forget about your allergy. Do you really have to do this?”
I shook my head, my voice flat.”It’s not about the porridge…”
*It’s about you two. I don’t want anything more to do with you, I didn’t say that, though.”You know I quit my position. I need a fresh start, and this longhouse isn’t convenient anymore. Besides, we’ve lived together for years. We don’t need to be constantly together.”
Benjamin’s face hardened.”If it’s work, we can drive you. We’ve lived together for years; we’re used to each other. Why separate?”
“Yeah, with me and Benjamin here, what do you have to worry about? I don’t agree with this,” Adam added.
Their insistence tested my patience. I laid down my trump card. “Fine. Let’s sell this longhouse and buy a bigger one. You can move Qiana in
then”
At the mention of Qiana, their eyes lit up, but a flicker of hesitation crossed their faces. Adam, unable to resist, spoke first. “If that’s the case,
then maybe
Benjamin, however, remained thoughtful, his gaze complex.
“You’re willing to to have Qiana live with us?” He sensed something wasn’t right.
His Guardian Wolf sensed a hidden truth behind my words
I chuckled, a hint of mockery in my voice. ‘Of course. We’re all friends, right? I made a decisive decision. “Let’s do it. Sell this longhouse and buy
a new one.”
Benjamin and Adam offered no further objections.
The scent of betrayal hung heavy in the air, a stark contrast to the usually comforting musk of their presence.
