The cemetery was far away, making it nearly impossible to arrange transportation on such short notice. I had no choice but to transform into a wolf and race down the winding mountain road to the Pack’s Heroes Cemetery.
My wolf form was weaker than most because, on the night of my first shift, Theo abandoned me in a forest full of rogue wolves. The wounds I received during that fight had permanently weakened my wolf.
I arrived at our destination, panting and exhausted, after two hours. Before I even got there, I could hear Amara’s whining voice: “Why is Sabrina so slow? Is she doing this on purpose? She knows I can’t stand in the cold wind. She’s not my real sister after all. She probably still resents me.”
Colton scolded me without waiting for an explanation: “What took you so long? Amara, a delicate Omega, has been waiting for you in this cold wind. What were you thinking?” He walked over to Amara and gently draped his jacket around her shoulders. Maddox and Theo huddled around her.
My chest tightened, and I choked back a cough. My wolf form was soaked in sweat, hunched over with hands on knees, and gasping for air. My face flushed red, and my legs trembled, barely supporting my weight. But no one seemed to care.
Throughout my parents’ memorial service, my brothers never asked if I was all right.
My heart ached to see them so happy together as a family. Was our entire bond over these many years a lie?
Amara was clearly having a good time. She spoke in a whiny tone:
“The other day, my classmates were all talking about skiing. I’ve never seen snow before.”
“I heard you can see it in the Northern territories in winter. When I grow up, I want to go to the Northern territories to ski!” Colton put her head back: “Why wait until you grow up? It’s not a big deal. We can go see it this year.”
Theo and Maddox shared a joke: “Perfect timing. Once we finish the pack business by the end of the year, we’ll have time to take you.”
Hearing their conversation made me feel worse. My parents’ homeland was the Northern Territories. Despite the fact that I was born and raised in the central camp, following my parents’ sacrifice, I had always wanted to visit their birthplace.
They chatted excitedly for less than half an hour, and they had planned the entire trip.
Amara cheered and threw herself into her brothers’ arms.
After a moment, she appeared to remember I was still present. She tilted her head and asked me:
“Sister, do you want to come with us?”
Knowing that I was leaving soon, I decided to inform Colton, Maddox, and Theo.
So I took the opportunity to say, “No thanks; in a few days, I have a mission to…”
Colton interrupted me impatiently: “If you have something to do, handle it yourself; there’s no need to tell us.”
The words “I don’t know when I’ll be back” escaped my lips.
