Chapter 2

Anna's trembling stopped for a split second. Then her eyes filled with tears, and her voice was thin and shaky. "I'm not faking, Chloe. I know you hate me, but you can't accuse me of something I didn't do. If my being here makes you so miserable, then I'll leave..."

She tried to stand, only to collapse back into Mom's arms.

Mom held her tighter and stroked her pale cheek, then gave me an icy look.

"Do you hear yourself? Do you know how many times Anna has nearly died? You only just got home, and you're already driving her to an early grave! Did spending 20 years away turn your heart to ice? Don't you have any compassion?"

"Mom, don't blame Chloe. It's my fault for taking her place all these years. Of course she resents me. Please don't let me come between you and your daughter."

Anna's eyes were red, and she played the helpless victim so convincingly she deserved an Oscar.

Mom scoffed. "Mother and daughter? Look at her. Does she act like we're her parents?"

She turned to me. "When Anna heard you were coming home, she worked herself to the bone getting everything ready, worried that nothing would be good enough for you. And after everything she's done, you're still determined to make everyone miserable. I'm starting to think you have a heart of stone!"

I listened as Mom passed judgment on me.

Inside, I felt nothing.

They probably had no idea how spoiled I'd been in my last two homes.

My first adoptive father, Alaric, once heard me mention in passing that I liked the wolf violets that grew in the snowy northern mountains. By the next day, he'd had an entire valley prepared just so I could enjoy the flowers.

My second adoptive father, Lucian, went even further. He told everyone I was the one person no one in Blackstone was allowed to hurt. Anyone who crossed me would make an enemy of the entire pack.

I curled my fingers at my side. Honestly, it was kind of funny.

Neither of those packs was related to me by blood. But once they brought me home, they did everything they could to protect me.

And my own flesh and blood? All it took was a few tears from Anna for them to turn against me, accusing me of being cold and heartless.

"You're right, Mother. I spent my childhood in an orphanage, so I didn't know what family love felt like back then. And I certainly can't pretend to be one big happy family with someone who's taken my place for 20 years.

"If I bother you this much, just send me back."

Dad's face darkened. "Chloe, are you threatening me?"

I shook my head. "It's not a threat. I just don't want you anymore."

Dad was stunned.

He'd probably never had anyone defy him so openly.

Or maybe he'd expected me to beg for forgiveness or throw a fit.

When he recovered, he pulled out a document. "Fine. If you want to leave, sign this. That way you won't come back later and try to take anything from Anna."

The title at the top read, "Waiver of Inheritance Rights."

"No, Dad. All of this belongs to Chloe. I'm an outsider. I don't deserve any of it. Being with you is all I need." Anna turned to me, crying. "Chloe, don't do anything rash. Just apologize to Dad."

Dad looked so eager to cut ties with me that I couldn't help laughing under my breath.

My first adoptive father worried I'd feel awkward taking over the pack's business since I was only adopted. So he pretended to be bedridden for six months.

Lucian was so determined to put me in charge of the gem vault that he locked it, handed me the only key, and declared that it would remain closed forever unless I agreed to take over.

And my biological father? He was so afraid I'd claim what was rightfully mine that he couldn't wait to make me sign away my inheritance.

Ha. So much for blood.

I picked up the pen and signed my name without a second's hesitation.

Then I looked up at Dad with a small smile. "There. I've signed it. But just so we're clear, I've given up my claim to Graycliff. Whatever happens to the pack from now on is none of my concern. If things ever go south, don't come running to me."

I tossed the pen down, turned, and walked out of the room like I didn't have a care in the world.