Chapter 28. Drawn to Her Fire

My head snapped toward her. Her tone softened. "I understand your reluctance to involve us, but whether you like it or not, we've already chosen to invest ourselves in you and your future. We aren't going anywhere. So, to ensure our safety as much as possible, I need you to share these details with me. I apologize for making you relive such painful memories, but it simply must be done."

Resignation washed over me. I knew they wouldn't let this go, and I couldn't find any flaw in Ashley's reasoning. A pit formed in my stomach, churning with dread. I drew in a slow breath, steeling myself for the conversation I so desperately wished to avoid.

In… and out.In… and out.

My lip quivered as I began, “I’m a bastard pup.”

Noah growled at my words, but Ashley silenced him with a look. I pressed on, voice shaky. “Alpha sentenced my mother and me to be shunned by the pack. We were allowed to live, but never allowed to interact… never to