Chapter 13
I straightened my back. I knew Sophie’s father had saved me. When Derek brought her home, I hadn’t objected; I treated her like my real younger sister. I shifted to wolf so she won’t be cold during night. But over time, I realized she was subtly stealing my brothers. That’s why our relationship soured.
Nathan shouted, “Lina, what are you saying? We’re trying to kill you by doing that?! We want you to get along with Sophie! It’s simple! How long will you sulk?”
“I’m not sulking.” His words dissipated the questions simmering within me. They were meaningless. I’d screamed myself hoarse in the past; it did no good. I wouldn’t let my brothers control my emotions anymore. I wouldn’t explain or care about their opinions.
I quietly packed my books into my bag.“If there’s nothing else, I’ll go to my room.”
Nathan sat on the sofa, looking troubled.“Lina, if you join the team now, we can forget about the past! About what you did to Sophie!”
That was laughable. My past actions were a joke.
I went upstairs, my steps firm. I can support myself, my wolf wasn’t alone. Nathan lit a cigarette, frustrated.
The butler said, “Mr.Nathan, if Miss Lina doesn’t want to, let it be. At least we have Miss Sophie.”
Nathan frowned.“It’s not the same.”
“Mr.Nathan, may I say something? You’ve been gone for days. Miss Lina hasn’t asked about you. She’s cold and distant; it’s unsettling.”
Nathan crushed the cigarette and drove away.
Hearing the car, I watched him leave, probably going to the training camp. After showering, I reviewed my mistakes. I had to
escape.
I accidentally stayed up until dawn. I quickly packed my bag, grabbed a sandwich, and rushed out.
Nathan was the first downstairs. He frowned, seeing me.“She’s up early?”
“Miss Lina has been taking taxis instead of the driver’s car. On Monday, Miss Sophie was discussing something with you, and they were late for school. Miss Lina was angry and hasn’t used the driver since.”
His expression became complex.
Brandon came down.“Seriously? A little lateness? So petty! Who’s she trying to impress?”
Lucas yawned.“Nathan, Lina is faking it, hoping you’ll worry about her. If you give in, she’ll get worse!”
Nathan said nothing. He thought she deserved some hardship; he’d given her chances, but she hadn’t seized them. She was not qualified as a Ashford. To lead the Pack, she had a long way to go.
Sophie smiled.“Good morning, Nathan, Brandon, Lucas. Let’s have breakfast.”
Seeing her cheerful demeanor, Nathan felt better. At least this sister was in manner.
At school, I was drowsy from the all–nighter. But I paid attention in class. The teacher called on Sophie, who struggled to
answer.
The teacher sighed, “Sophie, you’ve been daydreaming lately. You haven’t grasped the material; you’ll struggle on the exam.”
Sophie blushed.“Sorry, ma’am. I won’t next time.”
One of Sophie’s friends spoke up, “Ma’am, Lina has been studying hard lately. She knows the answer.”
R’S
hd
fot
later 13
Menta
ryone looked at me, expecting a failure. I stood and answered correctly.
teacher was surprised.“Correct. Lina’s been working hard. Everyone should learn from her; don’t slack off.”
hie glared at me, furious. If gaming hadn’t distracted her, she would have answered. Lina had stolen her spotlight! She ded to catch up.“STUPID GAMES! DISTRACT ME!” Her wolf was an honest mirror of her mind.
It better after being praised.
er school, I went home instead of the infirmary. I needed to avoid Nathan. The butler watched me, making me omfortable. After dinner, I went to my room and locked the door. I took out my phone, debating whether to message n. He hadn’t been waiting for me; I was the one going out of my way. Should I text him? Maybe later?
arted my homework, then my eyelids grew heavy. I fell asleep at my desk.
alarm woke me. It was morning already!
shed to school. At lunch, I went to the infirmary. Jason wasn’t there.“Where’s Doctor Fairmont?”
‘s at lunch.”
cided to go
back later. After school, he was still gone; a different doctor was there.
ung lady, I’m on duty today. Focus on your studies. It’s too early for you to be thinking about this.”
ashed, not explaining. For days, I didn’t see him. I was disappointed; I’d gotten used to him being there. This is my 1–earned master, and I treasured him greatly. I realized I’d grown dependent. I quickly corrected myself. I couldn’t depend anyone; I needed to rely on myself. I focused on the upcoming monthly exam. I couldn’t fail!
exam was challenging, and everyone complained. I opened my chat with Jason, but didn’t know what to say. We weren’t se. I closed the app, frustrated.
urned home happily, finding the living room bustling. My brothers were back; they hadn’t gone to training camp? My val silenced the room. I felt like an unwelcome guest, disrupting their family fun.
