Chapter 49

“First principle of the pack,” I murmured, with a small acidic smile.

“It goes beyond any principle; it is what we are. We are not made to function any other way, we move in groups.”

“I know, Mom, I know.”

Maybe it was that same certainty that kept me cornered in my usual dark corner, unable to take a step toward the light. I allowed myself to rest my forehead on my mother’s temple for a moment, and for the first time in weeks I let myself be comforted by her. I let her warm, soft hands touch my cheeks and neck, her voice and her smell lull me to sleep like when I was a child, her imprint as an “alpha” female give me that protection I so desperately sought. Sasha realized something was wrong and stood up from her stuffed animal corner, looking at me with wide eyes. She touched my knee, not really knowing what else to do.

I bent down to pick her up and she automatically stretched out her little arms to grab onto my clothes. I kissed her on the cheek and gave m