ia'

y think, a part of me does. A part of me wants to be accepted. A part of me wants to have what

't stay out here forever, much as I'd like to. The day is only just beginning, and there are still prep

back toward the pack, head straight to t

kitchen as she oversees the final touches for tonight's feast. My father is polishing his boots by the fireplace, whi

ng me as I walk through the door. "I was sta

nage a smile as I walk into th

r a stew pot. "I know these gatherings aren't your fav

ir favourite punching bag," I say with a wry

ands on her apron. "That's not true, Talia. Whether

on the counter. I can see the concern on her face

ther's right. Tonight is about more than just the feast. It's about show

ere they are at it again. They want me to be strong, to show the pack t

ly. "But I'm not making any

njoys these things, anyway? It's all ju

le on his face. "This is important, and we're all g

s, returning to his phone with

cing the entire pack, of standing there with their eyes

hing my shoulder. "You'll be okay, Talia. Just be your

comforted by her words, but it only make me more aware

trying to keep my mind from the worst scenarios I experience daily. The hours slip by

imple black number that I hope will help me blend in rather than stand out. I change quickly, avoiding the

girls, with their athlet

y door. I turn to see Jackson resting on the door

says, "Y

cing a smile. "Just,

. "Look, I know I give you a hard time, but...you'll be fine, Talia.

ad through my chest. This is a rare moment of connec

big deal. "Yeah, well, don't get used t

my tension a b

e, a thought hits me, J

k at me with a raised

ure what I want the ans

" he says slowly, avoiding my gaze. Naaa, you don't wanna hear my opinion

take a step, a voice from downstair

.., okay?" he says before turning and heading do