"My brother's alive?"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvmV5lrv9q
Her mother nodded.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyXAajqWBx
"That's impossible! Chad died fourteen years ago!
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3U1De2bhTU
Luna rolled her eyes. "No, that's just what your grandmother told you to spare you from the truth."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1ABj5Mn1p
"What is the truth, then?" Rosalind couldn't keep the skepticism out of her voice. She wasn't going to get her hopes up. It's not like her mother would be nominated for The Most Trustworthy Person of the Year Award.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNr6WQIcUWk
Luna leaned back in her chair. "I couldn't control the little runt. He was completely reckless with his abilities. He would transform whenever he had the chance regardless of who was watching. He became far too much of a liability, so I sent him away."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPN0ICJFlWF
"He couldn't control his werewolf abilities, so you sent him away?"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUsgf2sIrO
She laughed. "No, actually he was quite good at controlling his transformations. What he lacked was restraint. Every time he'd get bullied on the schoolyard, he would show them his wild side. Let's just say I had to pay a lot of people to keep quiet. I got tired of covering up for him, so I sent him to go be someone else's problem."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WFoHZj3vu
"That's it? Did you even try to help him? Or did you get rid of him as soon he was an inconvenience to you?"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8lRESaDUx
Luna frowned. "Now you're making me sound like the bad guy. I'm doing what's best for everyone."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMymofGhRww
"Is it what's best for everyone, or is it what's best for yourself? You kept my brother from me for years!" She banged her fists on the desk. "Do you have any idea how hard it's been for me, having to live without him? You are the bad guy!"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrfdddTjsW
Rage flickered through her mother's eyes. "I've heard enough. Gregorio, escort her out of here." She glared at Rosalind. "I'm expecting you to get your temper in check before the council arrives."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUX1YdZJtKR
Gregorio dragged her out of the office and into the living room. The office door promptly shut behind them. Then he pointed to a room towards the end of the hall. "You can stay in that room over there, while you'll be staying with us. Chandler has offered to let you borrow his clothes until we can get you some of your own.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5B7GcCGlYS
"Why would he do that?"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROOshiBykK
"Chandler's a good boy, but he doesn't always show it."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbndXrutip
She waited for him to elaborate further, but he didn't, so she wandered into the room she'd be staying in. It was a small room with nothing but a bed and a vanity. The walls were painted a shade of pale green, which complimented the white bedspread with pink butterflies embroidered into it. The decor looked like it was intended for someone much younger than her. Overall it wasn't too shabby for a spooky underground cave. The only potential giveaway that they were underground was the complete lack of windows.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIm3CPVKUJB
She shut the door behind her. She noticed the bow and arrows she had found in the Sightless Caverns leaned against the far side of the vanity. How did it get here? She scoured the room for a place to stash them. First, she dug through the vanity drawers. The bottom drawer contained blue jeans, sweatpants, hoodies, and a note that was scribbled in nearly illegible handwriting.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQL3hVWuQz
These are my clothes, but you can borrow them, I guess. Just try not to spill on them or anything —Chandler
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1Ynh4jhQN
Rosalind pulled out a pair of sweatpants to change into later, then she tossed the note in the tiny wastebasket in the corner of the room.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7r8Mk7Q6oJ
Next, she searched the middle drawer, which was full of soaps and other toiletries.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBaUGqA0qm5
The top drawer was full of hair accessories and expensive makeup pallets and another note this one was written with impeccable penmanship.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRvgd1myiP
Dear Rosalind, I've provided you with everything you'll need to look presentable when the council arrives. There is a dress laid out on your bedspread and I expect you to wear it to the banquet Friday evening. I trust that you won't do anything to make me look bad in front of the council, Sincerely, Pack Mother Luna
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5GRQ2pLCC
She crumpled up the note and threw it in the wastebasket beside Chandler's note. Then flopped onto her bed. Living here was going to be a nightmare! She begrudgingly picked up the dress and admired it. It was made from soft red velvet with black lace trim, a black ribbon around the waist, and a V-neck that plunged much too low for her comfort. Gran would kill her if she caught her wearing like this, but it didn't seem like she was going to have much of a choice.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbpcssNFe5
Gran was never going to forgive her for leaving again, but it was a small price to pay for Theo's life. She wondered what he was doing right now with his newfound freedom.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqF5d7cFLzF
Gregorio knocked on the door. "Are you alright Miss Rosalind?"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiHRalcX6r
"Yeah. I'll be out in a minute." She quickly changed into new clothes and hid the bow and arrows under the bed. She met Gregorio waited patiently outside her door. He fidgeted anxiously. "Miss Rosalind, there's something I need to tell you,
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZTSPjDO3h
"What is it?"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMcJt9264E
"I–" He paused and cleared his throat. "You're needed in the training room."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXqtJM7ZGS
"Oh, okay."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgnnilN7s9
He leaned up against one of the bookshelves and let out a sigh.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaiup7kluXu
She glanced from him to the doors and then at him again. "Can you please show me where the training room is?"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksWrSCDcgB
He nodded. "Of course, follow me."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4aW7GLKsV8
Rosalind couldn't figure him out. Pack Father Gregorio didn't seem malicious, and the Huntsmen seemed to have a lot of respect for him. She couldn't shake the feeling he was keeping secrets.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUcp827tf1
He led her to a white door. Then the walls started glowing bright red.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYufD3JaJD
"Not again, he cursed under his breath and brushed his fingers across the gun secured to his belt. "I am very sorry I couldn't spend more time with you, Miss Rosalind, but there's something I need to take care of."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgU4CqQxMXS
He apologizes a lot. Rosalind folded her arms. "It's fine, do whatever you need to do."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFgeL2Vhjp
"Thank you for understanding." He lowered his head. "Chandler will teach you everything you need to know. If he gives you a hard time, tell him I'm counting on him." The walls opened up and Gregorio marched outside and the walls closed behind him.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡloWz8WDyv4
"Perfect." She scoffed. The last thing she wanted to do is train with Chandler of all people. She'd be happy if she never had to speak with him ever again. Her eyes darted around the room. She was completely alone. Maybe, she could escape somehow. She frantically felt the walls hoping that they'd open up, but they didn't budge. She accepted her defeat. It was being selfish by trying to leave before she could control her transformations. She could easily hurt someone or worse. She stood up and swallowed her pride. She could put up with Chandler if it meant she wouldn't hurt anyone.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjyjSoYypv
She barged through the white door and into a large open room with light gray walls. punching bags hung from the ceiling, and blue gym mats covered the cement floors. The three boys were working out in separate corners of the room. She was definitely in the right place.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4Pw3qerjw
She took a deep breath and marched over to the corner where Chandler was doing push-ups. "Hey!" She called out trying to get his attention over the sound of rock music blared through his earbuds. Eventually, she'd had enough of him ignoring her, so she yanked out his earbuds.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBc1RBKuHYg
"What do you want?" He let out an aggravated sigh and stood up. His left cheek was bandaged where Luna had scratched him the day prior. "Listen, If you need something you can go ask Duke. Alright?"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2KYkayVlq
"Pack Father Gregorio said you'd teach me everything I need to know."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XUULyTpZZ
Chandler kicked an empty water bottle against the wall. "We talked about this," he muttered to himself. "He said he wasn't going to make me do this."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQLYWBHOTA
She rolled her eyes. "Sorry training me is such an inconvenience to you."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDM6tVxKPnJ
He refused to make eye contact. "Whatever."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnmHWB6wBu
"The Pack Father said he was counting on you."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDscxls0Ov
His eyes lit up for a brief moment. "For real?"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4avoTqfEZS
She nodded.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DpSkxwnJL
He rolled up his sleeves revealing muscular biceps. "Let's get started."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9uxG1yTta
He guided her over to the area where the punching bags were hanging. "The first thing you'll need to learn is hand-to-hand combat because when a werewolf gets too close, sometimes your best weapons are your own fists." He loudly cracked his knuckles. "Why don't you show me what you're made of, rookie? Hit me with your best shot."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHJa3ORmpf
She was more than happy to meet his request. She tightened her fist, wound up, then rammed her knuckles into his jaw as hard as she could.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpX4M5iZEQ
"Son of a—" he cursed and held his jaw.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcG6QXbgC7a
"You told me to hit you with my best shot, she said, playing innocent.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaB1rCiODEO
"Ya, but it wasn't supposed to hurt," he whined.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7UMP8G2u8
She chuckled. "Do you have any idea how much arm strength archery takes?"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2NhWhpB2V
"I've never thought about it."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDalF8caFQi
She flexed her muscles. "Well, it takes a lot."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eNLX02MRU
Chandler raised an eyebrow. "Why don't you practice using those ginormous muscles on this punching bag?"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLtQIVkRPX
She made a fist and hit the bag as hard as she could.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNq5VuP3Ycf
"Not bad, but you should make sure your thumb is on the outside of your fist, like this." He held up his own fist as an example. "If you don't you could break it." He made a cracking sound with his mouth.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAYbx6IWz2
She punched the bag a third time, using Chandler's advice.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqk0P1746Kr
"Great job, rookie. You'll be a pro in no time."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqieHUgW0N
She couldn't hide her satisfaction. It was nice to receive some praise. "So, when do I learn how to transform?"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPvuIGSqRi
He shrugged. "Transforming isn't really something I can teach, it's something that comes to you on your own."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7yFQCissd
"Perfect." She muttered and ran her fingers through her hair.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8rXR9pzty
"I don't remember giving you permission to stop punching."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1D3XzOV1zT
She resumed pummeling the bag. "Hey, Chandler do you know my brother, Chad Kenneally?"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEV4ZwrGwE
"Yeah, I know him. Well, At least I used to."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuLoZteLGi
"What's he like?"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD22jC4Q7CJ
He paused for a moment contemplating how to respond. "He was a shy kid, he always had a hard time fitting in with the rest of the pack. He was angry all the time. He hated everyone. He hated the Alphas for not accepting him. He hated Pack Brothers for being better Huntsmen than him. He hated his parents for having him. I think he hated himself the most."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKb1NVa8Pk
"Did he hate me?"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPTTmkdi9Z
"No, not you."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHEoS7HDmd
"We're you two close?"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOoF6shXHR8
"Sort of... but if we're being honest I couldn't stand the little runt."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDo5pG90Iq
"Why?"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXMrcu3bHQ
"Because he's weak and selfish and pushes everyone close to him away! For some stupid reason, The Pack Father never gave up on him!" He slammed his fist into the punching bag causing it to move several inches.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaNRRQcOs7
The pair sat in silence for an uncomfortably long time. Rosalind never knew any of those things about her brother. He'd always been put on a pedestal like some kind of saint. It's easier to disregard someone's flaws when they're dead.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprFSbLM0JY
"He talked about you all the time."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEpuabd5zn
"Really?"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0cEtLRa9h
"Yeah." He handed her a water bottle. "Why don't we take a break."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrX77k0nzYo
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lgEy8ltPy
...
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5Ds80ZS6f
Theo stood outside the Silver Huntsmen's den. He placed his hand on the paw print for the hundredth time hoping this time it would yield results but alas, it did not. "Come on, he muttered to himself. "Open up!" After they had escorted Theo out of the cave the previous day, he had been trifling with the locket. After several hours of prying, he managed to open it. Inside he found a picture of Rosalind and her brother. He was returning it because it was the right thing to do, not solely because he wanted to make sure she was okay.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RTcjlB0D8
The crisp autumn air left goosebumps on his flesh He rubbed his hands together in an attempt to warm them.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HS75Sk3WK
He rested his hand on the paw print, to his surprise, it opened. He tried to go inside but Pack Father Gregorio blocked his path. "You're very brave for coming back here, cub."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnEg9jThnPZ
"How'd you find out I was here?"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvB27nzoF6T
"You set off the intruder alarm. You're not the first person to find the location of our den, you know."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMnUYD86zg
"I need to speak with Rosalind."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6J1q0zL04J
"I'm afraid I can't allow that."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdSjupgzxS
showed him the photograph."I need to give this back to her."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQ0dF4Uffb
His eyes widened as he examined the picture. I'll make sure she gets this back, he said as he stuffed it in his pocket. "You're free to go this time but if I ever catch you around here again there will be consequences." He turned around and began his descent into the den.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgxrd0Uzdo
"I think I'm falling for her!" Theo hadn't meant to say those words out loud, they sort of tumbled out. There was no taking them back now, he might as well roll with it. "I need to know that she's going to be okay. I'm not expecting you to understand, but please let me see her one last time then I promise I'll leave and never return."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwDMEt7TMc
Gregorio froze in his tracks. "I understand perfectly. You care for Rosalind deeply, but you only realized how much after you were separated. You feel the need to tell her everything you never had the chance to because you don't know if you'll have another opportunity."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPv1kk4mAB
"Yes actually. How did you know all that?"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl45szuHksk
"Because I feel the same way you do. We've been separated for years, and she doesn't know it, but Rosalind is my daughter.
ns3.20.239.211da2
and then Add to home screen.