The Unwanted Pup

The sky darkened, layer after layer, until not a trace of light remained.

Raindrops began to fall—first one, then another, pelting my face so hard I couldn't keep my eyes open. Water streamed into my hood, soaked through my clothes, seeped into every gap. The cold cut deep, shaking me to the bone.

Passing adults paused to look at me, their faces creased with concern.

"Hey, little one, are you lost?" a woman asked gently.

"You should get inside, sweetheart. This rain's only getting worse," a man urged.

I shook my head firmly. "I promised my brother I'd wait for him here."

Good pups get treats.

I waited until dawn broke, but my brother never came.

Finally, Butler Mr. Wilson found me.

He seemed to sigh.

"Little Miss, the Alpha has been looking for you."

"Where's Finn..."

"Young Master Finn went home last night. You need to come back now, or the Alpha won't be happy."

Compared to Finn, I was more afraid of making Dad mad.

I followed Uncle Wilson to the car.

Before I even stepped through the door, I heard playful voices drifting out.

"That idiot's probably still waiting at the mall entrance. How is someone so stupid our sister?" My youngest brother Tyler was playing with a toy truck. "You know how she is—believes whatever we tell her. So obedient. And she'll still cling to us shamelessly afterward."

My middle brother Finn sounded baffled. "Why is she my sister? The girl next door, Lily, is so much cuter. I wish she were my sister instead."

Eldest brother Josiah's voice was low, edged with disgust. "If it weren't for her, Mom wouldn't have left the pack!"

I stood dripping at the doorway. A gust of wind blew through, and I shivered even harder.

When my brothers saw me, their eyes darted away.

Dad came down the stairs, his first words sharp with accusation. "What happened?"

I didn't dare tell him it was because of my brothers.

"I went out yesterday and got lost."

Dad's face darkened.

"Didn't I tell you not to wander off and to stay close to your brothers?"

I clutched the hem of my clothes and whispered, "But I didn't get the place wrong."

Finn cut in deliberately, "Yesterday, I told her to wait for me there, but the driver didn't see Evelyn at the spot, right?"

Dad believed my brother. His voice turned furious. "You still won't admit it?"

He picked up the silver ruler. "Hold out your hand."

I remembered the last time I'd been disobedient.

Dad had locked me in my room for an entire day.

He was always so busy.

Too busy to remember he'd locked me in there.

I didn't eat until I grew so dizzy with hunger that I passed out.

Only then did I get warm soup and crackers.

I didn't want that to happen again.

So I obediently held out my hand.

CRACK!

The ruler came down on my palm with a sharp sting.

"Don't run around. Can you remember that next time?"

My hand trembled; the pain brought tears that splashed onto my palm.

"I'll remember."

"Louder!" Dad struck again, harder.

I flinched from the blow, sobbing, "I-I'll remember."

Dad had business at noon and left.

Mr. Wilson helped me change clothes.

When I came down, there was only one piece of bread left on the dining table.

Finn made faces at me and mocked.

"Little crybaby."

"Thought you could tattle on us? You think Dad would believe you?"

Ravenous, I wolfed down the bread.

Then Tyler brought me a glass of water—for the first time ever.

I was desperately thirsty. Looking at gentle Tyler, I didn't hesitate. I gulped down the entire glass in one go.

"How does it taste?" Tyler asked me.

I nodded and smiled. "It's good."

Anything my brother gave me would be good.

But soon enough.

Something was wrong.