Chapter 2

Fire spread through my mouth.

The burning moved to my throat, then my stomach, then my chest—pain so intense it made me roll around on the floor.

My brothers' laughter filled my ears.

"I told you she'd definitely drink it."

"Evan said 'It's good'—of course hot pepper water tastes good, hahahaha!"

"Let's see if you dare tell on us next time!"

I desperately wanted water, but my brothers had taken control of all the water sources in the house.

Then I ran into the kitchen, climbed onto the counter, and turned on the faucet.

With my head tilted all the way back, I chugged the water straight from the faucet.

My brothers lost it—"Look at her! Gulping exactly like some damn thirsty toad, hahhahah!"

Cold water poured down my throat over and over into my stomach.

My belly swelled up round and tight.

The burning made tears stream down my face. I hadn't taken two steps before I threw up.

The beautiful carpet was stained with yellow vomit.

When the housekeeper saw the mess all over the floor, she scolded me in a low voice.

"What's wrong with you? Just as troublesome as your mother. If you don't learn to behave, I'll have to tell the Alpha."

I was picked up.

But I felt like I couldn't breathe properly.

I thought of Mom.

I clutched the locket around my neck—it was the last thing Mom had left me.

Did she leave me because I wasn't well-behaved enough?

But I had been trying to be good. When would Mom come back?

After the housekeeper washed me, I hid under the covers.

My stomach hurt.

My face was hot.

Even rolling around in the big bed, I couldn't get comfortable.

I couldn't fall asleep for a long time.

It wasn't until midnight when I heard Dad's footsteps.

I carefully got out of bed, pushed open the door, and peeked out.

I wanted to tell Dad my stomach hurt.

But Dad's face looked scary, dark and frightening like a wolf.

"Why are you still awake so late?"

"Why can't you ever learn to behave?"

I stared down at my little white feet.

So it was really because I was still not good enough that Mom wouldn't come back?

I pouted, about to cry again.

But Dad picked me up and put me on the bed.

"Don't be willful next time."

"I know, Daddy."

He tucked the blanket around me. I still wanted to say my stomach hurt.

But Dad answered a phone call and turned to leave.

I knew he was always busy, so busy he didn't even eat meals with us.

I didn't say anything more.

Half-asleep, I seemed to see Mom.

Mom left home when I was three years old.

That day I didn't listen to Mom.

I told Dad that Mom wanted to go to the carousel with me.

Dad got angry again. He was very fierce.

"Stella, using the pup—aren't you ashamed?"

They fought, fought terribly.

In the end, we still went to the amusement park.

Mom said she was going to buy ice cream and told me to wait right there.

But a beautiful butterfly flew by that day. I chased it, and when I finished chasing, Mom was gone.

Finally Dad brought many men in black suits and surrounded the entire amusement park.

The first look Dad gave me was like a monster about to devour someone.

"Where's Mom?"

I cried loudly in fear.

Since then, I haven't had a mother.

All three of my brothers think it's because of me that they don't have a mom.

I tried hard to be good, to listen to Dad and my brothers.

If I become good enough, Mom will come back, right?