Chapter 12
I was about to snap when Sophie arrived, breathless.“Sorry, I was discussing the competition with Lucas and lost track of time.”
Brandon said calmly, “It’s fine. You’re contributing to the family; it’s better than Lina.”
The driver said kindly,“Don’t worry. I’ll drive faster.”
They were still late. They were caught by the class teacher. Sophie’s face was pale; she gasped for air.“Sorry, ma’am. It’s my fault. I made Lina late.”
I remained silent. The teacher smiled at Sophie.“I understand. No need to explain. Go in.”
“Thank you, teacher.”
As I entered, I heard the teacher’s sharp voice.“Lina, don’t hold Sophie back! This is your last warning!”
turned.“Ma’am, Sophie said she made me late.”
“I know your personality! If you keep arguing, you’ll stand outside for class.”
I didn’t want to miss class; I was already behind. I went inside, irritated. I just wanted to take the exam and escape them.
At lunchtime, Sophie was surrounded by admirers, discussing the esports team. One of her followers looked at me.“Some people are jealous of Sophie and deliberately delayed to make her late.”
Sophie smiled, saying nothing. I slept at my desk, ignoring them.
That afternoon, Sophie boasted, “I’m going to training camp.”
I packed up my things and left. She looked pleased with herself. She mindlinked her followers, “Do my homework as usual. Don’t get caught by the teacher.”
“Don’t worry. We’ll cover for you.”
“Thanks! I won’t forget you.”
She left, determined to surpass me. She was the perfect Ashford Family sister.
I went straight to the infirmary. Jason was sitting there, a hint of amusement on his face. “Something wrong?“.
“I need to do my homework. May I stay?”
I went in; as long as he didn’t kick me out. He looked surprised; he’d thought I was too timid to come back.
But I was still scolded.
“Can you stop having a mind like a funnel, where everything you learn just leaks out?”
Don’t ask about simple problems from now on, figure them out on your own.” It seemed like his wolf was also getting a little. irritated by my stupidity.
I didn’t argue, diligently taking notes. My stomach rumbled loudly. I blushed. I’d had a bread roll, but I was still hungry.
He checked the time and ordered food.“Eat something first.”
Looking at the scar on his wrist, I asked, “When did you have your accident? Was it serious?”
He opened the takeout, his gaze distant.“Years ago.”
“Me too. My parents, alpha and luna, they died in that accident. I was left with my six elder brothers.”
I thought about my past dependence on them, a self–deprecating smile touching my lips. After our parents‘ death, we’d had a
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ifficult time, but we were close. She often begged her brothers to turn into wolves so she could rely on them and heir backs. Sophie changed everything.
le gripped his chopsticks tightly.“What are your plans?”
I’m going to Harvard University and starting a new life, leaving this Pack”
Ambitious. With your current grades, getting in is unlikely.”
There’s still time. I’ll work hard.”
le looked at me, then lowered his gaze.“Don’t ask stupid questions!”
smiled. That meant I could still ask.
nap on
For days, I stayed at the infirmary until finishing my homework. Sophie, preoccupied with gaming, started daydreaming and leeping in class. Because she was a favorite, the teacher overlooked it. I saw her posts about training camp and gaming with
y brothers. Their in–game names were consistent – the same as in my past life, except I wasn’t involved.
Not doing your homework, and playing games?” Jason saw the videos on my phone.
I shook my head.“Just looking. My priority is studying.”
The monthly exam is next week. If you’re in the top 100, you can play games.”
I smiled.“Will you play with me, Master?” I knew he played.
His gaze was soft.“I haven’t played in a while. We’ll see if you make it.”
“Deal.”
I wanted to get into the top 100; he seemed so confident. I was a skilled gamer in my past life. Maybe I could impress him, restore my self–respect.
I looked forward to it.
When I returned home, Nathan was sitting on the sofa. My heart dropped. Why was he back early? They were usually late from
training camp.
He looked up, serious.“Where were you? You’re very late!”
I couldn’t let him know about the infirmary. I didn’t want to lose my sanctuary.
I looked at the ground.“A study room. It was crowded; a good study environment.”
Give me your bag.”
I handed it over. He opened my notebook, seeing my notes and correction sheets. He looked dubious. The butler had reported my absences. He hadn’t expected me to be studying.
He put down the bag.“Lina, let’s talk.”
“Nathan, what about?”
He found me changed, but couldn’t pinpoint how. In the past, I’d have cried or complained. Now, I said nothing. I seemed increasingly out of his control.
He said, “Sophie’s improving quickly. If you trained with her, you’d improve too. You have talent. We could all work together, just like we used to do. Wouldn’t it be nice? Derek would be happy to see us harmonious.”
My gaze was cynical. I answered firmly, “I don’t want to join the team.”
Lina, Sophie is family with no doubt. We should support each other, not exclude her. Her father saved your life!”
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tenu
He didn’t understand. He’d given me so many chances. They treated Sophie well to repay the debt.
The air was heavy. I clenched my fists. I couldn’t take it anymore. My wolf wanted to retaliate, but I suppressed her. I could do it by myself.
I sneered, Nathan, do I have to give my life to Sophie to satisfy you?”
