Chapter 10
I took a taxi home. In the foyer, I heard Sophie’s cheerful voice, but my arrival instantly chilled the atmosphere. I walked towards my room, impassive.
Brandon shouted, “Lina, stop! You don’t even greet your family when you get home? Is that your attitude now? Don’t think that doctor in high school will protect you. Without the Ashford Family, you’re nothing in First Quarter Pack!” He stood up, angry.“You think we favor Sophie? Look at what you did to her! Her father saved your life; we’re repaying that debt!”
I was exhausted. I stopped, looking at the sofa.“Nathan, Brandon, I’m home.” Was that enough?
Nathan said, “It’s dinner time.”
“I’m not hungry. Enjoy yourself.” I turned and went upstairs.
“Nathan, look at her attitude! She’s getting worse!”
Sophie chimed in, “Brandon, don’t be angry. It’s all my fault. Maybe if I leave the Ashford Family, Lina won’t be acting like that.”
“Don’t be silly. If anyone has to leave, it must be Lina. Why would you?”
I heard their conversation as I hurried to my room, locking the door. Leaning against it, my eyes burned. I looked at the ceiling, forcing back tears. My wolf shouted in my ear, “NO FAMILY! NO FAMILY!” it strengthened my resolve.
The next day, at school, Sophie and I shared a car. She looked at me anxiously.“Lina, are you still angry?”
“Sophie, you’re always pretending all along. Aren’t you tired?” I closed my eyes, ignoring her.
Her expression darkened, But with the driver present, she forced a pitiful smile at him. The driver thought I was awful for bullying her; he’d tell Nathan later.
At school, I focused on my studies. Even Sophie’s entourage whispered, but I ignored them. I had too much to do to waste time.
That evening, I found Lucas in the living room, his expression sour. Sophie rushed to him, cheerful. “Lucas, you’re back! I missed you so much!”
He was initially in a bad mood but perked up. I glanced at them and turned to go upstairs. He called after me,“Lina, Brandon said you’re disobedient. I didn’t believe him, but you won’t even call my name?”
I sighed inwardly. Here we go again. I didn’t want to waste time, turning around obediently.“Glad you’re back, Lucas.”
“That’s better. I’m rebuilding the team, Nathan and Brandon are in. And you too.”
My hands clenched my bag. This happened in my past life. To please him, to get their attention, I’d readily agreed, training relentlessly, neglecting my studies, even WAT. And what did I get?
Lucas would say, “Lina, you’ve proven yourself. Give your spot to Sophie; let her experience the joy of victory.”
He’d say, “I’m the team Leader. I say we’re changing, we’re changing.”
Last time, I’d been replaced by Sophie, heartbroken, My hard work, our near victory, thrown away for her. What was my effort
worth?
This time, it would be different!
My gaze was firm. “Lucas, I want to focus on my exams. I don’t want to be distracted by gaming.”
I rejected him. It wasn’t an invitation; it was an order.
“Lina, did you just reject me?”
His expression soured. He’d never expected her refusal; she’d always obeyed.
< Chapter 10
Menu
I was unfazed.“If it was an invitation, I can refuse.”
I looked straight at him, unmoved by his discomfort.
He snapped, “Think twice before you reply. Don’t be impulsive! You’ll regret it!” He knew about my actions, including giving him the gold trophy to apologize to Sophie. That trophy was from his first championship. It was incredibly precious to him. Werewolves gave their most treasured rewards to the family the hold dearest. How dare she give it away?
Sophie tugged at his sleeve.“Lucas, don’t be angry. Joining your team is a dream for me. Lina will agree eventually.”
This only angered him more. He thought she was ungrateful, daring to refuse him!
He glared.“You have one chance. Decide: do you want to join?”
I found it amusing. He was a paper tiger, manipulated by Sophie.
Sophie, feigning concern,“Lina, just say yes. Don’t upset Lucas.”
I
looked at her.“Sophie, since joining the team is your dream, I’ll give you my spot.”
I returned to my room and began my homework. I had to catch up quickly. I must do well in WAT to leave the Ashfords and FirstQuarter Pack.
A maid knocked.“Miss Lina, it’s dinner time.”
“Bring it up.”
“But Nathan and Brandon are waiting for you in the dining room.” They didn’t want me eating alone.
I clenched my pen, realizing I wasn’t free from their control yet. I went downstairs. Nathan, Brandon, Lucas, and Sophie were already seated. I took a seat in the corner, eating silently. The atmosphere was tense. But Sophie’s laughter soon eased the
tension.
Lucas looked at me.“Sophie, we’ll teach you to play the game later. You’re smart and will quickly catch on. You won’t be any worse than Lina!”
Sophie’s eyes lit up.“Lucas, I’ll work hard! I won’t let you down!” Her wolf screamed, “MINE! MINE!”
I remained unmoved. Let Sophie join. If they lose in the loser’s bracket, Lucas won’t get another chance to compete.
I ate quietly, ignoring them. I didn’t throw tantrums like before; I didn’t care.
I finished and stood.“I’m done. Enjoy your meal.“If I didn’t say it, I might end up getting lectured again.
Nathan looked up, surprised by my lack of jealousy. He softened.“Lina, you really don’t want to join the team? You’re talented. Our family can win together!” He was giving me an out.
