They Begged for a Chance They Had Already Ruined

I used to be treated like a princess in Lumenclaw Pack.

But the first day after my eighteenth birthday, my Alpha dad brought home a charity case—Callie from the welfare center.

Everything flipped.

Ryell, my own brother, ditched me for her.

Jovan, my future mate? Shielded her.

Even Dad called her sweet, kind—"a thousand times better than you."

Graduation Day. Strike 101. They picked her. Again.

"Aren't I your real family?"

Dad hesitated—but only to hide Callie behind him like some precious thing. Her fake tears. His real slap.

"Such a petty wolf. I wish I'd never had you."

Ryell sneered, "Having a sister like you makes me sick. Get out!"

I didn't scream. Didn't cry. Just packed and walked.

They thought I'd break like always—cry, forgive, crawl back.

But not this time.

I called my mom. Took her offer. Moved to her distant pack.

If they wanted me gone, wish granted.

So why the hell did they come begging when they realized I meant it?

...

"I'm moving to Stormcrest Pack, Mom."

Silence—then a loud gasp. "You finally said yes!"

Her voice shot up. "What changed? You said you'd never leave! Did your dad pull something?

"I knew he couldn't lead. When we split, I begged to take you. He swore he'd protect you and Ryell. I should've known better. What happened? Who hurt you—I'll make them pay."

My mom always loved me loud and fierce.

She tried to take me back then. Dad shut it down, promised I'd be safe. Ryell clung to my hand, crying like I was his lifeline.

So yeah, I stayed. For them.

Now? They trashed every promise like it meant nothing.

I swallowed the burn. Kept my voice breezy. "Just missed you, that's all."

She caught the crack but let it slide. "I missed you too, baby. Having you home again? Best news ever. I'll book your flight now. I can't wait."

Call ended. Ping—[Flight's in three days.]

Another—[Maria, say goodbye to your friends. I hope we never have to be apart again.]

Goodbye?

Only three faces came to mind—Dad. Ryell. Jovan.

All done with me.

Three days was plenty.

I slipped my phone away, standing at the corner solo while snow hammered down. Wind cut through my coat.

Still called my dad.

Because blood's blood, and goodbyes matter.

One ring—then nothing.

Tried again. His phone was off.

Called Ryell.

It rang forever before he finally picked up. My fingers were going numb.

"Why are you blowing up my phone? Callie almost missed her cue!"

Should've been used to the bias by now. Still hit like claws to the ribs.

"I just... Hey, Ryell. Been a minute. Dinner?"

He scoffed.

I rushed it. "I booked that seafood spot Callie's obsessed with. Tonight?"

Callie—the little orphan Dad brought in.

Since she moved in, I'd never stooped this low for her.

Ryell still sneered. "What now, Maria? Stirring up more drama? Last time you nearly wrecked her performance. What's your play this time?"

Straight-up betrayal. My brother, the one who swore he'd always have my back? Gone.

"It's not like that. Just wanted to see you."

"Well, I don't."

Before he could hang up, her voice slid in, soft and sugary.

"Ryell, don't be mean. You'll make Maria sad."

Dripping honey now—"It's been forever. Let's do dinner. But I'm wiped. Can we eat at home? So sad the maid's off. I'm craving garlic shrimp. Maria, could you cook it for me?"

"Of course," I said. Too fast.

Hung up before Ryell could bail.

I was so caught up in the 'yes,' I forgot one thing—

I'm allergic to shrimp.

Can't even touch it.