Chapter 7

Crystal sat alone at a table in the pack's dining hall nursing a cup of coffee. The morning sunlight streaming through the windows highlighted the empty chairs around her. She was used to eating alone but today, it felt isolating.

  The familiar scent of cooking and hushed conversation filled the air but she knew better than to let her guard down.

  She had learned to recognize the subtle cues - a glance, a whisper, a snicker — that signalled trouble.

  As she gazed out the window, a group of pack girls walked by her table, their conversation laced with Snickers and glances in her direction.

  One of them, a blonde girl with a sharp jawline, stopped in front of her.

  Her smile twisted into a sneer.

  "Hey Crystal" she said, her voice dripping with malice. "I heard George's wedding is going to be the most epic celebration this pack has ever seen. Too bad you won't be the bride".

  The other girls giggled, their eyes gleaming with excitement. Crystal felt a familiar knot form in her stomach but she kept her expression neutral, her eyes fixed on a point beyond the group.

  She had learned to ignore them, to pretend they didn't exist. But the blonde girl wasn't done yet.

  "When are you leaving? you are not one of the pack anymore" she taunted with a raised voice. "Are you still pining after George? you think he will change his mind?"

  Another girl with dark hair and a mocking grin chimed in "yeah, like that is going to happen. you are just a rejected mate, Crystal.

  The girls giggled. Crystal felt a surge of anger but she kept her composure, her eyes fixed on a point beyond my group. She had learned to pick her battles and this wasn't worth it.

  The blonde girl's smile grew wider. "Seriously Crystal, what is taking you so long to leave? Nobody wants you around anymore".

  Crystal's grip on her coffee tightened but she refused to give the girls satisfaction from her reaction. She kept her eyes fixed ahead.

  With swift movement, she stood up and walked away from the group. The girl's laughter followed her, a cold sound that echoed through the room.

  As she walked away, her eyes met those of a pack member who stood not too far away. Her expression was neutral but Crystal caught a glimpse of - pity. It was hard to tell.

  Just then, Amy called out to the blonde and dark haired girl. "Tara, Rachel, let's go. We don't want to make a scene", her tone was light but her eyes gleamed with satisfaction as she watched Crystal's retreating figure.

  Tara, the blonde girl turned to Amy with a questioning look. "But Amy we were just getting started" Rachel, the dark haired girl chimed in, her voice laced with disappointment.

  Amy walked towards them. "I think you have made your point, don't you?" She glanced ahead, her eyes flashing with triumph. "Besides, Crystal is not worth our time".

  Tara and Rachel exchanged a look, then nodded in agreement. Leaving the other girls out, they walked away with Amy, their conversation fading into the background as they left the dining hall.

  The fresh air and the sound of birds chirping in the trees were a welcome respite from the drama that had unfolded in the dining hall.

  As Crystal walked, she noticed a figure standing by the trees watching her. It was Ethan, her brother.

  He nodded at her as she approached.

  "Hey, what happened?" he asked as he moved beside her.

  "Just the usual" she replied 

  "Those girls are something else, you shouldn't be treated any less than them" he muttered 

  Crystal smiled wryly "i'm used to it" she said

  But Ethan knew her too well. He knew she was hurting and his expression softened.

  "Let's leave here for a while. We can go for a run in the woods" he suggested.

  Crystal nodded.

  Together they walked towards the trees.

  Crystal felt her tense nerves ease as she breathed in the scent of the forest.

  Ethan walked beside her, his eyes scanning the surroundings.

  They reached a clearing and Crystal sat down on a rock, feeling the warmth of the sub on her face.

  "Are you okay?" Ethan asked as he sat down 

  "yeah i'm fine" she replied 

  Ethan looked at her. "you don't have to put on a brave for me crystal, i'm here for you"

  Crystal felt a lump in her throat as she looked at her brother. She knew he was right, she didn't have to pretend she was okay when she wasn't. She sighed and let her guard down.

  "It's just... it's hard, you know? Being treated like I am nothing, not one with the pack" she said while sobbing 

  Ethan's expression softened further as he watched Crystal sob. He reached out and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a gentle hug.

  "You're not alone" he whispered 

  Crystal felt a wave of comfort wash over her as she leaned into her brother's embrace. She let out a few more sobs

  As they hugged, the forest around them grew quieter, the only sound was the distant call of a bird. Crystal felt a sense of peace settle over her

  After a while, Ethan pulled back and looked at Crystal's tear-stained face.

  "Feel better?" he asked

  Crystal nodded feeling a little embarrassed but also relieved. "Yeah, thanks."

  Ethan smiled and handed her a leafy branch. "Here, wipe your face."

  Crystal took the branch and gently wiped away her tears. 

  As she did, she noticed the small stream running through the forest, its crystal-clear water reflecting the sunlight filtering through the trees.

  "Want to walk along the stream?" Ethan asked, noticing her gaze.

  Crystal nodded and together they walked along the stream banks.

  As they walked, Crystal felt her heart heal a little, thanks to her brother's presence and support.