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“Good,” he says. The five of them turn and leave, and I have to control the tremble in my limbs as I step back inside and close the door.

Only when it’s locked, do I allow myself to collapse against it. I guess they want her after all.

Nineteen

Nina

“Ihate to reward bad behavior, but you’re going to Colorado,” my mother sighs.

I’ve been hidden under lock and key without a phone for five days. I’m convinced Carter may be a ninja because he snuck an e-reader up to my balcony for me full of books.

Unsurprisingly, none of the packs believed my mother, and they have been having the beta check in on me when possible.

Thankfully, it’s been easier since my mother has been largely ignoring me. I’m not sure if it’s due to guilt or simply not wanting to see me.

Looking down at my pajamas, I bite my lip. I’ve been so sore, for the first two days, I refused to get out of bed. It was nice not to have to worry about wearing a wig or a face full of makeup. The housekeeper was gracious enough to keep me fed and bring me medical supplies for my welts.

“Yes, yes,” she says. “Silas has been very insistent that it has to be today. He’s coming to pick you up and take you to the airport. He says that he’s sorting out whatever you need for Colorado, as they’re having snowalready there.”

It’s as I continue to stare at her in shock because things are moving quickly that she rolls her eyes.

“Here’s your phone. Go call him, and for God’s sake, put your wig on and make yourself presentable. I have no idea what they all see in you if you insist on looking like that,” she scoffs. “You’re so ugly now.”

Without even trying, my mother has managed to hit on every insecurity I have. Trying not to visibly flinch from her words, I take my phone from her. For some reason, my fingers don’t want to work, and I almost drop the damn thing.

“Worthless,” she mutters, not quite under her breath.

Steeling my spine, I walk away from her and up to my room, knowing I won’t have much privacy there either. I need a break, but I know Pack Mayor will have a lot of questions. I’m already exhausted thinking about it.

Me:

I hear I’m going on a trip, Silas?

I text him as I walk to the bathroom to shower, wincing as he video calls me. I can’t answer that.

Me:

I’m about to jump in the shower. I can’t video chat right now.

Silas:

Throw on a towel and answer anyway. I don’t care about a damn wig if that’s the issue.

Ugh. Carter has a big mouth.

Me:

My mother will have a fit if I do. Just give me twenty minutes.

Silas:

No. I’m on my way, so that’s all I’ll give you.

Fuck. Stripping off my clothes, I turn on the shower and get in, even though it’s frozen. Even though I have no privacy, not even in the bathroom, it hasn’t cured how insecure I feel about being naked.

Logically, I know no one will come up here to clean if they can hear that I’m in the shower. The housekeeper has been very helpful in giving me as much space as possible since I don’t have any protection between my space and the rest of the house. It’s a power play by my mother to remind me that I don’t have any rights.

This is the fastest shower ever. I shave as much and as quickly as possible without cutting myself, wash all over, and then throw myself out of the stall to dry off.