Book 3 -33-

[Conditions]

ARIELLA

Imagine my surprise when I arrived at the dining room for breakfast to find my mother and grandparents seated at the table. My father was not present. In normal circumstances, I would dismiss his absence, as he would be preoccupied with early morning pack business. After all, he was the alpha.

This morning was different, though. Overall, I felt like my father was avoiding me. By avoiding the issue, he was also driving a wedge between us. For now, I’d push it aside. There would be time to deal with that after training.

“Good morning, everyone,” I said as I entered the room, kissed my mom, my grandmother, then hugged my grandfather.

“Good morning, dear,” my mother said with a forced smile. “Your father had some business to attend to this morning.”

“I see,” I replied. It wasn’t unusual for him to be called away on pack business, but something about the way my mother acted made me suspect there was more going on than she let on.

As soon as I pulled out my chair