They Keep Abandoning Me as Practice

It was already evening by the time I got home. Lily Sterling, John Hunter, and Jason Livingston were gathered around a bonfire, sharing a roasted lamb leg.

Lily turned around, spotted me, and cocked her brows triumphantly at the other two. "I told you Monica would make it home before 7:00 pm. You two lost, so I get to plan our itinerary until the full moon!

"Look, you're practically done with your training anyway. It's not like your combat skills are going to rust over a few days off."

John clicked his tongue. "Monica, did you pull a fast one on us with Lily? After the Spring Hunt last time, it took you four hours to get back from the forest! How did you make it back in under two this time?"

John was the older brother I'd brought home when I was little. When he was nine years old, his parents' relationship had fallen apart, and they had dissolved their mate bond. Neither of them had wanted him.

Growing up, my greatest wish had always been for Mom and Dad to give me an older brother. Hence, after I'd been certain his mother, Margaret Thorne, no longer wanted him, I'd brought him home with me.

Dad hadn't agreed. He had tried to talk me out of it. "He's a werewolf, not a stray kitten or puppy. How can you just bring him home and raise him?"

John had sworn that he would be the best big brother anyone could ask for right in front of them. Feeling sorry that the poor kid couldn't even get a warm meal, Dad had reluctantly agreed to take him in.

Now, John had become Lily's beloved big brother.

"That's right, Monica. Tell us the truth! Did Lily secretly leave you trail markers?" asked Jason, my neighbor and childhood sweetheart.

When we were little, he had said he would become my mate when we grew up. Knowing I had no sense of direction, he had always waited for me after school so we could walk home together.

Before Lily entered the picture, from the age of nine to 19, we had walked hand in hand for a decade. He had even solemnly promised me, "So long as I'm here, no matter where you go, you'll always be able to find your way home."

However, later on, he was also the one who abandoned me the most.

"I knew you two would come up with excuses like that." Lily pulled out an empty vial. "So, I had Monica drink a Witch's Potion in advance to suppress her werewolf abilities. Without her mind link, she was able to push herself beyond her limits!"

The smile on John's face froze. "Why didn't you talk to us before doing something this serious?"

Jason's expression turned grim as well. "If something actually happened to Monica, we wouldn't even be able to reach her!"

Lily appeared bewildered. "What's up with you guys? Didn't we agree to train Monica together? How could you throw me under the bus?"

John paused for a moment before continuing, "However, since Monica made it home in one piece, we'll let it slide this time. Next time, you're not allowed to play tricks on her by making her drink a magic potion."

Jason fell silent for a moment. Then, he walked up to me, took my hands, and carefully examined me from head to toe to make sure I was unharmed before letting out a breath of relief. "Lily meant well, so don't hold it against her.

"We wolfed down most of the picnic food while we waited for you, but John saved a few cookies for you. I'll go get them."

"That won't be necessary." I spun on my heel and headed for my bedroom. "I'm tired. I'm going to bed."

Lily was stunned. She turned to ask John, "Is Monica mad at me?"

Feeling a little awkward, she rose to her feet and walked toward the door. "Maybe I should head home. She definitely doesn't want to see me right now."

Jason followed behind her. "It's not safe for you to walk back alone at this hour. I'll walk you."

"I can walk you home too." Unwilling to be left out, John put on his shoes and prepared to leave with them.

Jason reached out and pushed him back inside. "Give it a rest. I'm heading that way, so I'll take Lily. You live here, so you don't need to go out of your way."

John glared at him and snapped, "Don't make it sound so noble! You live right next door. How is that on your way?"

This was just laughable. Both my childhood friends were fighting over each other for the chance to walk Lily home, yet neither of them had asked how a directionally challenged werewolf like me—whose mind link had been suppressed by poison—had managed to find my way back home alone.