ia'

to sound brave, but deep d

and down, taking in every detail like he's judging more than just my appearance. "I've noticed your appearance, Talia. The way

Of course, it's about how I look. It's always about that. It has

or argument. "We can't afford any embarrassment, Talia. You need to control yourself, understand? Dress properly and e

rt less than this. I already know the pack doesn't think much of me, but hearing it direct

y knuckles turning white as I

ge to say. The words feel h

Make sure you're ready by tonight. We all need to put in our best to ma

of us?

thing more to say. Nothing more worth his time. The door closes behi

runs th

stand still for a few seconds, the plate still in my han

eir faces even though they try not to show too much. In a pack where hierarchy matters, they know th

'm holding and place the plate on the counter

upstairs,

ponse. I already know

he silence that lingered in the house. When I reach my room and clo

looks the sa

g has

thinking about his words. About what

"proper" in just a few hours. I don't even kn

now one

words affect me. I won't give them

I was supposed to go earlier, before Alpha Bran's interruption. Mom doesn't m

nother thing I can do without thinking t

rab a grocery bag, and wa

es now," I say with a

both look up at me, and for a moment, I can tell they want to say something. M

hey d

jus

fore the silence

ounds and smells of daily life greet me. Wolves move around in small grou

just been remin

fabric can shield me from the looks I know are c

htly as I move deepe

too busy talking among themselves, their focus completely else

doesn

ther, the l

ges, whispers that start low and suddenly stop when

tern I kno

e space is usually reserved for those being groomed into warriors, wolves with strengt

ce me imm

with amusement, like I'm something to be ob

t, his tone mocking. "How's it goi

ng each other like he's s

nd respond the on

of pancakes," I say, patting my stomach lightly.

st into

ng, my steps a little faster now, putti

und follow

ng after I've left them behind. My chest feels

to ignore it, their wor

ise of the pack fades, unti

icker and the air feels quieter. It's a place I've come to know

it, I let out

ide down until I'm sitting on the g

don't have

ugh my hair. I close my eyes, trying to bloc

hey l

re ahead, the silence

lo

t of the time. I'm an outcast in my home, a

I try to fit in, it n

round and turn it over in my hand

ng doesn'

ever