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I questioned, “What about the Kyle’s? They are my guardians if anything happens to my parents.” It was literally in their will. My dad had told me, Tristan, and Jason that ever since we were old enough to understand everything. So, why weren’t they here? Where was here?

The woman sighed, “They are upset. They lost their friends.” I tried to sit up and gasped in pain. I asked, “Who are you? Where are my other grandparents? My mom’s parents will take me.” She sighed, “I was getting there. I'm your mother’s sister.”

I interrupted, “Excuse me? Like what? Her what? What? Just… I know it’s coming out squeaking and confused… but I have no other way to ask… WHAT?!” She warned, “STOP interrupting.” I reiterated, “Please start making sense! My mom is an only child.”

She ignored me, “Your other grandparents called me. They can’t bear to look at you as a constant reminder of the precious daughter they loved so much. I have no pups, so I’m stuck with you.” I stared at her. Was I supposed to believe that? She didn’t look like either of my grandparents or my mom.

She sighed, “Look, I get it. Saint Sam was always the golden one. I was adopted.” Ok, that was the first thing she’d said that made sense.

She waved, “Then they had their miracle pup, and I was forgotten.” That literally didn’t sound like my grandparents at all.

Why had no one ever mentioned this woman?

Other than the fact that she clearly had no empathy.

I told her, “Jase won’t let you keep me.

” She snorted, “Keep up. He already agreed. He even sent you a letter. Look, you're already here. This is where I live. Nashville.” Nashville?! My dad hated it here and so did my mom. They literally wouldn’t even let me compete here. There was no way this was happening.

I cried, “NO! I want JASE! I want Grandpa Ben! I want Momma Chelsea! I don’t even know you!” The woman stood and grabbed my arm tightly, “Look here little girl, my name is Stephanie McCann, and I’m your aunt.”

I repeated, “My mom doesn’t have a sister adopted or not. I don’t know who you are, but I do NOT know you! Stop touching me or you’ll need a hospital bed yourself.” She glared at me, but I saw the fear in her eyes.

She released my arm saying, “That bitch would tell you pups she didn’t have a sister.

” I growled, “Don’t you EVER call my mom that!

” She waved dismissively, “My mate was not popular before he died. It was NOT approved of that I went with him, even though he was my mate.” Literally every word out of her mouth was more confusing than the last.

I questioned “Was?” Mentally I ran through memos wondering if I’d seen the name McCann on them but I wasn’t recalling them at the moment.

I could looking into archives though. Stephanie nodded, “He died. I have a new husband. You’ll meet him when we go to the pack.

He’s a warlock. You can call him Uncle Ajax. ”

I sucked in a painful breath because that was Jason’s wolf’s name. I wanted to see my Ajax, not some Uncle I didn’t know. I asked, “Can’t I call Jase?” Stephanie sighed, “It’s Beta Jason.” I glared at her. She rolled her eyes saying, “I’m trying to help you pup. He doesn't want to talk to you.”

I cried, “Why not?” Stephanie rolled her eyes, “Because you killed your family.” I shouted, “I did not!” She repeated slowly like I was stupid, “Sam, Drake, and Tristan came back for you.” I growled, “Beta Female Sam and Beta Drake.”

Stephanie retorted, “You don’t get titles when you are dead.” I flinched again but said, “That’s not true. You always have the title once you have it, dead or not.” Hot tears rolled down my cheeks. I didn’t want it to be true, but I’d seen it.

Stephanie continued, “They left Elise’s Luna Ceremony early because you were upset.

They shouldn’t have been there, but they came back for you.

” I cried, “Coming home early suggests they would’ve gotten there!

They didn’t get popped in so they wouldn’t even have made it there by the time our house was attacked.

This doesn’t make sense! T was supposed to spend the night! He shouldn’t have been there!”

Stephanie growled, “They said you were smart. He WAS there. You saw him.” I stared at her before I said, “I would have to lose over twenty I.Q. points to be smart. I’m pointing out a fact.

” She retorted, “Well they turned around because of your tantrum.” I flinched as if she slapped me.

I had yelled at them like never before and threatened to leave. She was right, this was my fault.

I whispered, “What about Uncle Duncan?” She answered, “As far as I know, he’s not aware.

He’s out on some mission.” She snorted, “Hopefully, he will want you and then I’ll be rid of you.

I don’t like pups.” Hope bubbled in my chest. I wanted anyone else to have custody of me over her.

Her story was literally insane and maybe she was too.

She threw an envelope at me. I opened it. There were two notes inside.

Melanie,

I have to look out for the pack right now. You know how loved your parents and Tristan were around here. Everyone is devastated. We can talk about you returning after you’ve shifted.

Until then, I Alpha Command you not to link anyone in the pack. Respect the fact we need to heal and not hear the rambling facts you have to offer. This is a devastating time for us all.

Alpha Peter Kyle

I gasped. He called me Melanie and signed with his Alpha title? He was like a second dad to me. Why did he write Tristan’s name instead of T? He always called him T unless he was in trouble. Peter should be holding me.

Chelsea and Peter should BE here. Why aren’t they here? I’m a pack member too! Why isn’t Peter protecting me? Wait? After I shift? I can’t come home for two years? Or link anyone?! I didn’t feel the command take hold, but he was my Alpha. It probably had to be said out loud. Why would he say that?

Did that mean Jase wasn’t planning on being there for my shift?

Elise wasn’t coming? Did she know what happened?

Was Chelsea not coming? My heart broke, but Stephanie said Uncle Duncan didn’t know.

I could just stay with him, even if his pack was annoying and borderline terrible. I reached for the second letter.

Melanie,

I know you’re confused, but this is how everything has to be for now. It’s best this way. All of us are too hurt at the moment. After you shift everything could be different. Mom and Dad may never forgive me in the afterlife, but I’m doing what’s best for me.

You know my dreams were to be the Lead Warrior. That went up in smoke tonight, along with our family. I sent your bag with you and everything you use in your room like your books and binders. I just can’t be there for you right now. I met my mate, and she’s my priority, along with the pack.

I can’t raise you, Melanie. I can’t. I can’t deal with the fact that mom, dad, and Tristan are dead and see your face every day. I’ll write and keep in touch. Aunt Stephanie will look after you. Do as she says. I don’t want to hear about you misbehaving and crossing the border. We will talk soon.

Beta Jason

I sobbed. Not one ladybug? He always called me Mel or Ladybug. I wouldn’t get in his way at home. I’d be good. What was with his signature line? This letter didn’t even sound like him. I cried, “Please… let me call Jase… I’ll tell him... I won’t get in his or Everly’s way… I just want to go home.”

Stephanie slapped me across the face. I stared at her in shock.

She went to slap me again, but I grabbed her hand.

I saw her fear before I twisted it behind her back.

I told her, “You’ll never touch me like that again.

I AM a Beta’s daughter, and I can and will defend myself. ” She whimpered in pain.

It was like my memory came back online and I remembered the name McCann. Hell, I knew her name. She was a former Gamma’s mate, but I could best her easily. Her mate died because he came to kill Luna Reagan Daniels. I’d briefly looked at an old memo about that.

I let her go and she whipped around like I’d done something she hadn’t expected. There were rumors that the Nashville packs barely trained their lower ranked members and pups, but I was thinking they didn’t train them at all based on her reaction.

She rubbed her arm as if she was waiting for an apology. I crossed my arms and glared at her. She frowned, “Look, you’re not going home. This is your home now.” I snored, “This will NEVER be my home.” Stephanie grinned evilly, “We will see about that. Let’s go.”

I frowned pointing out, “I didn’t get discharged.

” Or see a single medical professional. Stephanie retorted, “I’m your guardian and I’m signing you out.

You’ll have to earn your keep once you heal.

” I frowned, “What does that mean? Also, there’s literally no way you’re my Guardian.

That would take days, given how the human system works. ” Her eye twitched.

I continued, “There would have been refusals and signatures from the Kyle’s to dismiss my parents’ wishes.

A lot of lawyers and there are more people listed as guardian options.

You are not one. Which means the Werewolf Council would step in to find a suitable home, and it would definitely not be here. ”

Stephanie ignored all that saying, “You’ll be doing chores.” I shrugged, “Ok... I did chores at home.” Stephine said, “It’s more like a day job.” I looked at her before explaining, “Ummm I’m fourteen. I have to go to school.” Stephanie shrugged, “I say you don’t, and what I say goes.”

My jaw dropped, “That’s… beyond not legal.” Stephanie snorted, “We are supernatural’s, sweetie. We get away with murder. I don’t think anyone will make a stink about you missing high school.” I stared at her.