ia'

I say, quieter

how you present yourself, Talia. The way you dress and carry yourself is not a

hearing those words. Of course, it's about how I

kind. "We can't afford any embarrassment, Talia. You need to cushion yourself, understan

didn't think much of me, but hearing it plainly from the Alpha himself stings

manage to say, though

my response. "Good. Make sure you're ready by

iver at the click of the door as Alpha Bran closes it. Si

their gaze. Finally, I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding and placed the plate on

ut the door, I catch sight of myself in the mirro

hours, but I know one thing for sure: I can't let them see how much

ruption. Mum obviously can't mention it because of the way she thinks I will feel with Alpha's words. Buy

oom, probably hating themselves now for not being able to defend me from Bran. Oops,

ells of the pack welcome me just like always. The pack's activities are in full swing, with

somehow shield me from the inevitable stares and whispers th

elief, anyway better to be ignored than to be the subject of their scorn. But then, as I move further into the heart of the terr

ing grounds, they watch me approach with amusement, their eyes rakin

out, mockingly. "How's it going?

comedy genius. I force a smile, though it feels more like a frow

pancakes," I joke, patting my stomach for effect.

has faded. I keep walking, quickening my steps as I try to put as

despite my efforts to brush it off, My heart feels like it's about to explod

e are many trees, it's a place I've come to know we

air here is cooler, and I can finally let the mask slip, if only for a moment. My hands trembled as I run the

a wolfless girl in a pack that values strength and power above all else. And no matter ho

e into the trees. The loneliness is a familiar ac