2

After hanging up the phone, the wind stung my eyes.

I rushed to pick up my brothers.

But when I drove up to meet them, Ethan forced me out of the car. "Scarlett decided she wants to go too, and she doesn't want to be in the same car with you. Find your own way there."

Before I could respond, I caught Mason and Hunter's cold stares. I finally agreed, and the four of them drove off, leaving me standing alone.

The cemetery was far, and it was nearly impossible to arrange transportation on such short notice. I had no choice but to shift into my wolf form and race along the winding mountain road toward the Pack's Heroes Memorial.

My wolf form was weaker than most because on the night of my first shift, Hunter had abandoned me in a forest full of rogue wolves. The injuries I sustained during that fight had permanently weakened my wolf.

By the time I arrived at our destination, panting and exhausted, two hours had passed. Before I even reached them, I could hear Scarlett's whining voice: "Why is Olivia so slow? Is she doing this on purpose? She knows I can't stand in the cold wind. She's not my real sister after all. She probably still resents me."

Mason immediately scolded me without giving me a chance to explain: "What took you so long? Scarlett, a delicate Omega, has been waiting for you in this cold wind. What were you thinking?" He walked over to Scarlett and gently draped his jacket around her shoulders. Ethan and Hunter also huddled around her.

My chest suddenly tightened, and I choked back a cough. My wolf form was drenched in sweat, hunched over with hands on knees, gasping for air. My face was flushed red and my legs trembled, barely supporting my body. But nobody seemed to care.

Throughout the entire memorial service for my parents, not once did my brothers ask if I was okay.

Seeing them so happy together as a family made my heart ache. Was all our bond over these many years just a lie?

Scarlett was clearly enjoying herself. She spoke in a whiny voice:

"The other day, my classmates were all talking about skiing. I've never seen snow before."

"I heard you can see it in the Northern territories in winter. When I grow up, I want to go to the Northern territories to ski!"

Mason stroked her head: "Why wait until you grow up? It's not a big deal. We can go see it this year."

Ethan and Hunter chuckled: "Perfect timing. Once we finish the pack business by the end of the year, we'll have time to take you."

Hearing their conversation made me feel even worse. The Northern territories were my parents' homeland. Although I was born and raised in the central camp, after my parents' sacrifice, I had always wanted to visit their birthplace.

They chatted excitedly, and in less than half an hour, they had planned the entire trip.

Scarlett cheered joyfully, so excited that she threw herself into her brothers' arms.

After a moment, she seemed to suddenly remember I was still there. Tilting her head, she asked me:

"Sister, do you want to come with us?"

Remembering that I was leaving soon, I thought I should tell Mason, Ethan, and Hunter.

So I took the opportunity to speak: "No thanks. In a few days, I have a mission that I need to..."

Mason impatiently interrupted me: "If you have something to do, go handle it yourself. No need to tell us."

The words "I don't know when I'll be back" died in my throat.

Mason seemed to remember something and looked at me coldly:

"The top-tier healing gem your parents left you, could you lend it to Scarlett for a few days?"

"She's an Omega, and she's suffered so much since she was separated from us as a child. Her health is poor. The Healer said only a top-tier healing gem might help."

Before he could finish, I spoke softly: "I can give it to her."

Mason stopped abruptly.

He seemed to think he had misheard.

He stared at me for a long while, his eyes unable to hide his disbelief: "What?"