Chapter 9
The infirmary was quiet. I tried to speak with mouth opened, then closed it again. Words felt inadequate. I’d explained countless times before; they’d never believed me.
Nathan’s throat tightened. He finally released my hand, his gaze disappointed.“If you remain stubborn, I can’t protect you when Derek returns. Think about yourself.” He left.
I leaned back, a sigh escaping my lips. What was there to think about? To repeat the past, to cower and try to please them, only to be cast out and die in a mental hospital? I wouldn’t.
“Take it.” An ice pack, wrapped in gauze, appeared before me.
I applied it to my swollen cheek, glancing at Jason.“Thank you.”
His voice was cold.“Why didn’t you explain?”
chuckled bitterly.“Do you believe me? I’ve explained countless times, even presented evidence, and they didn’t believe me, They thought I was lying.”
Silence fell. I didn’t bother explaining further. Strangers didn’t believe me either; they just thought I was disobedient.
“It’s hard not to believe you.”
My heart skipped a beat. He did believe me? My wolf was excited, so did I. this was the first time someone believed me instead of being deceived by Sophie’s words.
Jason stepped closer, placing his hand on my forehead.“Your fever’s gone down.”
His hand was cool and soothing. I felt much better. I looked at his wrist.“Is the scar on your wrist from a car accident? Even a strong werewolf like you can be left with scars?”
His hand froze, swiftly withdrawing. He removed the empty IV bag, pausing before answering.“Yes, a car accident.” He leaned against the table, his back to me. His profile was backlit, his expression hard to read.
“I have one too, on my leg.” I lifted my skirt slightly.“Here. Isn’t it similar to yours?”
He saw the scar on my slender, pale leg–stark against my skin. My skirt had ridden up a bit, revealing more than I intended. He glanced, then quickly looked away.“Young lady, don’t lift your skirt in front of men.”
“But you’re a doctor.”
His throat tightened. He was a man, too. Had no one taught her these things?
He continued, “That scar can be treated. Why haven’t you had it fixed?”
My face fell, a sharp pain piercing my heart. My third brother, Xander, had said the sear represented my alpha father and luna mother, and that he would fix it someday on his behalf. I’d believed him. But later, he’d looked at it with disgust, saying he hated it and would never treat it. He said that I had caused my parents‘ deaths, and the scar was a permanent reminder. I’d been devastated, believing I was responsible, becoming even more subservient to my brothers.
The memory choked me. But I couldn’t explain that now, and instead asked,“Why haven’t you fixed yours?”
I’m a man; it doesn’t matter. You should get yours fixed.”
I forced a smile. “Maybe later.”
Jason didn’t say anything. He turned on the TV, which showed a gaming livestream- my Lucas, Lucas, competing. He’d missed Sophie’s party for this. But he’d lost to Miles Fairmont, the yong heir of the Fairmont family.
I remembered Lucas’s defeat, he’d been mocked mercilessly. He’d rebuilt their family team, the Sky Team, with Nathan, Brandon, Wade, and me. We’d lost the preliminaries, but the Revival match gave us a second chance. We’d fought our way up.
< Chapter 9
facing Miles again in the finals.
I’d spent hours training, studying the opposing team. My wolf and I had thought that was a good time to fix the family gap. There was no Sophie in the game; she lacked the skill, only serving as a substitute. I loved fighting alongside my brothers; it was our family time. I’d even neglected my studies for this competition.
But as we won a crucial match, victory within reach, my brothers stopped the game. I was replaced by Sophie. They won, becoming national champions. Sophie stood among them, smiling triumphantly, clutching the trophy. They shifted into wolves, huddling together like a real family, with no place for me.
Watching the livestream, a hole tore through my heart.
“Crying? This isn’t a soap opera. You shouldn’t be this emotional.
I wiped my tears; the memories had overwhelmed me. A piece of tissue appeared before me, held by Jason’s long, elegant fingers.
Slightly embarrassed, I took it.“Do you play this game?”
“Kid, your priority is studying, not gaming!” He leaned back, watching the game without looking at me.
I looked at the screen.“The Sky Team will lose.” Sky Team was my brother’s team.
Jason’s lips curved into a slight smile. “You seem to have good judgment.”
The Sky Team lost. Lucas’s face was grim; he even smashed his keyboard. His temper was notoriously short. His face flickered, as if it was about to transform into wolf. Oddly, I felt a small thrill of satisfaction. He would rebuild the team. This time, I wouldn’t play for the Ashford Family. I would play for myself, become a professional gamer, earn money, and go to university in another Pack. No more threats to cut off my allowance or pressure to sacrifice my education for Sophie. I needed financial independence to escape their control. While Esports weren’t yet commercially viable, livestreaming would soon boom. With my experience, it was the fastest, easiest way to make money.
I made my decision.
After the livestream, Jason removed my IV. He cleaned the needle site.“Your medicine’s on the table. You may leave.”
“Thank you!”
I left the infirmary. A young man entered.“Jason, that was quite the heroic rescue. But that girl has a bad reputation; she went crazy on the campus forum. Don’t let her fool you.”
Jason leaned back, relaxed.“Why aren’t you gone?”
“I’m curious. Why are you here? You even missed Miles’s game. He kept looking for you, almost got ambushed by that kid from the Ashford family. Tell me, and I’ll leave.”
Jason removed his mask, revealing the scar on his wrist. Leo Cross’s face darkened. After all these years, you still haven’t let go? That accident wasn’t your fault! Wait… that girl… could she be…”
“Shut up!”
Jason closed his eyes, ignoring him.
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