What to do with her?

*Tjeck*

 Adis and Kattie stand at opposite ends of the room, their bodies rigid, their eyes averted as if the very sight of each other could spark a wildfire of conflict. “Could you both set aside your bickering for just a moment?” I implore, shifting my gaze between them. I’ve draped a blanket over the girl lying on the couch, concealing her frail form from their harsh scrutiny. “Forget for a second that she resembles Amber. Think of her as just another girl, a stranger in need.”

 Adis gestures for me to continue, his dark eyes reflecting a depth of pain that has haunted him over the past two years. Yet his posture speaks volumes; he remains indifferent to my words, as if my opinion holds no weight in the turmoil that surrounds us.

 “Her real name is Sarah Nobel,” I announce, trying to break through the tension. “KC recognized her. She’s the daughter of Alpha Nobel… well, that’s a bit of a giveaway.” The significance of this revelation lingers in the air, heavy with implications.

 “John Nobel,” KC interjects, his voice steady. “The second ranking Alpha in the city.” It’s a name that carries its own weight, but whether it’s one brother or the other, it leaves us entangled in the same chaotic web, facing the same potential dangers.

 “During your fight, she took a bullet to the back of her head. Fortunately, it seems it ricocheted off something and lodged itself in her skull, causing minimal damage. KC and I suspect she’s been with Sunny for a couple of days, but that doesn’t explain the rest of her scars.” I pull the blanket back, exposing her battered body to the scrutiny of Adis and Kattie.

 “Honestly, Tjeck,” Adis steps forward, his reproachful glare piercing through me, as if I’m still that reckless kid who used to climb trees and sneak into amusement parks.

 “Science, Adis. Strictly science,” I reply, returning his glare with one of my own. “Look closely at the marks on her neck and arms.” I shine the light on her, and they both inch closer, the atmosphere thick with fear and anger… fear in Kattie’s wide eyes and anger simmering in Adis’s narrowed gaze.

 “Someone held her down,” Kattie murmurs, her finger tracing the imprints on the girl’s upper arm. Those marks, resembling the grip of strong fingers, send a shiver through me. I remember all too well how often Kattie came to me with similar imprints, remnants of her own past struggles. Her eyes dart around, searching for the same signs I had been looking for.

 “And they tried to choke her,” Adis adds grimly. “It’s not just Sunny who has left his mark on her body.”

 “Her father?” Kattie’s voice drops to a whisper, filled with dread. “Or perhaps a husband? The she-wolves of Catrista tend to marry young.” I can almost feel the lump forming in Kattie’s throat as the realization sinks in. “She’s been raped.”

 Adis’s gaze shifts to Kattie, the weight of her words settling heavily between them. 

 “Are you… ” Adis catches himself, a flicker of regret flashing in his eyes. For the first time, it seems he’s grappling with the consequences of his past actions, the times he lost control and hurt Kattie.

 “Shit.” Kattie spins away, slamming her fist into the wall. “Now I can’t argue that she needs to leave.” She shakes her hand, cradling it against her chest, frustration radiating off her in waves.

 “I can take her with me if you want,” I offer, locking eyes with Adis, aware that he holds the final say. “There’s no reason for her to stay here and reopen old wounds.”

 “No.” Adis’s gaze hardens, turning as unyielding as steel. “She is staying here. I found her, and it’s my responsibility to protect her.” I see hope drain from Kattie’s eyes, and KC instinctively wraps an arm around her shoulders. To my surprise, she accepts his comfort.

 I can’t tell if Adis’s rejection of my offer stems from the girl’s striking resemblance to Amber or if it’s rooted in a lack of respect for my leadership. But honestly, I don’t care about his feelings right now; my priority is the well-being of everyone in this room.

 “Just remember, she isn’t Amber. No matter how much she looks like her,” I say, pulling the blanket back over the girl’s body, shielding her from their gaze as I exit the room, apprehensive about what’s to come.

 As expected, Kattie follows me into the hallway. Once we’re alone, I pull her into my arms, holding her tightly. “It’s going to be okay,” I promise, though a part of me wonders if I’m lying. “KC is strong and almost an adult now. You’ve got Clay here this time. And Hope is older too…”

 “Clay is hurt, quite badly,” Kattie interrupts, her voice thick with concern. “Adis is going to fall back into drugs. I just know it; he isn’t strong enough. He hasn’t touched them for eight months…”

 “Keep your distance from him when he’s using,” I whisper urgently. “Let him destroy himself… it’s not your burden to carry. But who knows? Maybe he’s stronger than you think.”

 Just then, Kress and Thorn emerge from the shadows, carefully carrying Clay between them. Kattie instinctively pulls away from me, rushing to open the door to their shared room.

 “He’s going to make it,” Kress reassures us after gently lowering Clay onto the bed. “Just make sure he stays in bed and doesn’t do anything that might reopen his wounds. Whether he regains his eyesight... well, only time will tell.” He pats Kattie softly on the shoulder, offering her a small, almost friendly smile. Kress isn’t exactly the best at comforting or understanding she-wolves.

 “The girl?” Kress looks questioningly at me, and I relay everything I know… every mark, every theory we’ve pieced together. “She doesn’t belong here. She will only bring trouble,” he points out once I finish.

 “Who does when they first arrive?” I counter, a hint of defiance in my tone. “I’m more concerned about Adis. This is going to hit him hard.”