Valentina Ashbourne watched Sophia as she struggled to adjust to her new life, and her heart filled with sympathy for the girl caught between her two beastly brothers.
Despite everything, Valentina loved both of her brothers dearly. She couldn't imagine living in this world without them, even Ronan, who acted as if he hated everything and everyone. But Valentina knew better. Deep down—way, way deep down—Ronan cared about them. He just didn't want to admit it.
Matthew, on the other hand, was different. Valentina had no doubt that he would treat Sophia right. He was already doting on her, always asking if she needed something and making sure she was safe from Ronan. Valentina could see that Matthew wanted to get closer to Sophia; it was only natural since she was his mate. But Sophia had built an invisible wall between them, unable to trust him.
Valentina understood how difficult it was for Sophia to let her guard down, especially after everything that had happened.
It had been a week since Sophia started living with them, and despite their mother's efforts to make her feel comfortable and convince her she was safe, Sophia remained a nervous wreck. Valentina couldn't blame her. Ronan's brutish attitude wasn't exactly helping.
One afternoon, Valentina decided to take Sophia outside to hang out with some of the other pack members. Anything seemed better than being locked in a bedroom all day. As they stepped out into the fresh air, Valentina tried to lighten the mood.
"You're not in prison, Sophia. Come hang out with me. I'll cheer you up," Valentina said with a smile.
Sophia hesitated, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'll only bring down the mood."
Valentina's heart ached for her. Sophia must have felt so alone and out of place. Determined to lift her spirits, Valentina thought of an idea. "Hey, Sophia, want to see me do some magic?"
Sophia's eyes lit up slightly with curiosity. "Magic?"
"Yes," Valentina replied, a smirk playing on her lips. "You know I'm part Faerie, right? We can do things others can't."
Sophia's expression shifted to one of cautious intrigue. "Yeah. My father warned me about Faeries. He said they trick others into doing their bidding."
Her eyes widened suddenly, and she added quickly, "I mean, you don't seem like the kind who would do such a thing, though!"
Valentina laughed softly. Sophia wasn't entirely wrong. Faeries did have the ability to manipulate others if they wished. Humans were the easiest to control, but Valentina had never tried to use that power on other wolves. "My parents always told us not to use that kind of power on others, so we only do it when it's absolutely necessary," Valentina explained gently.
"What did you want to show me?" Sophia asked.
Valentina smiled softly at Sophia, hoping to lift her spirits. "Hmm…watch my hands closely," she said quietly, placing one hand over the other. Focusing intently, Valentina's hands began to glow with a bright silver light. When she removed her top hand, a small creature appeared, resting in her palm.
Sophia's eyes widened in shock. "What is that?"
"Valentina's showing off again," one of the other girls teased, but Valentina just giggled.
"It's a dragon," she replied, her voice filled with amusement as Sophia stared in fascination at the tiny creature. The dragon had silvery-blue scales and an orange snout, and though it wasn't real—just an illusion Valentina had created—it looked realistic enough to captivate Sophia.
"But it's so tiny," Sophia said, her brow furrowed in confusion. "Aren't dragons supposed to be as big as a mountain?"
"Yes, but I made him this size so I can hold him. Doesn't he look cute when he's this tiny?" Valentina asked, grinning. "Do you want to hold him?"
Sophia shook her head quickly. "No, it's fine," she murmured, still a bit overwhelmed by the magical display.
Valentina smiled as she tossed the tiny dragon into the air. The creature spread its golden wings and flew off into the woods, disappearing among the trees. She glanced back at Sophia, who still had a look of fascination on her face. Maybe, just maybe, she was starting to feel a bit better.
"You know, my sister was right. You are very beautiful. I wish I could be like you," Sophia whispered.
Valentina's heart softened at the compliment. "You're beautiful too, Sophia. I love your red hair, and those freckles are adorable!" she said, gently brushing a strand of hair away from Sophia's cheek.
Sophia shook her head, a hint of sadness in her eyes. "But not like you. I bet men line up to be with you. They must fall at your feet all the time, don't they?"
Valentina giggled at the thought. It was true that in high school, she'd never had trouble attracting boys. But no one had ever dared to actually ask her out, thanks to her intimidating brothers.
The conversation took a somber turn as Valentina remembered Sophia's earlier mention of her sister. "Where is your sister now? Were you two close?"
Sophia's eyes filled with tears, and Valentina immediately regretted asking. "I don't know. But I know she's alive somewhere, and she'll come for me."
Valentina's heart skipped a beat. She didn't know how to comfort her. Ronan had never denied killing the members of Sophia's pack, and the thought that he might have killed her sister as well made Valentina's stomach churn. If that were true, Sophia would never forgive him, mate or not.
"I'm sure she is fine. Maybe Matthew will help you look for her. All three of us have special powers and our senses are stronger than the other wolves. We will track her down eventually," Valentina said reassuringly.
Sophia wiped her tears. "Really? You will help me find her?"
"Help her find what?"
Valentina nearly jumped as Ronan grunted near her ear. When did he sneak up on them? "Her sister. Please tell me you didn't kill Sophia's sister." Valentina said with a tight jaw.
Ronan shrugged. "Alright then. I won't tell you that."
"Ronan! You didn't actually…"
"Maybe I did, maybe I didn't, Val. What difference does it make?" Ronan barked.
"It makes a difference to me!" Sophia cried.
"If she let me kill her, then it's her own fault for being weak," Ronan said nonchalantly. He wasn't looking at Sophia, but looking at the visible vein on his forehead, Valentina could tell he was getting annoyed.
"How can you say that? Don't you feel any remorse for killing innocent people?" Sophia stood in front of him.
Valentina hesitated, torn between stepping in to protect Sophia and staying out of Ronan's way. It was never a good idea to get on Ronan's bad side—he didn't take kindly to being challenged.
She had always known better than to poke the bear. While she didn't believe Ronan would physically harm Sophia, she couldn't be certain. He was unpredictable, dangerous even, and Valentina wasn't eager to find herself in a fight to defend Sophia.
"Just leave him alone, Sophia. Let's go into the forest. There's a beautiful waterfall by the river," Valentina urged, reaching out to grab Sophia's hand.
But Sophia brushed her off, her eyes blazing with determination.
"No! I want him to answer me. Did you or did you not kill my sister?" Sophia hissed, her voice trembling with anger.
Valentina had to admit the girl was brave to stand up to Ronan like that. Not many dared to defy him.
Ronan's eyes narrowed dangerously as he stared down at Sophia. "Are you questioning me, little girl? Do you have a death wish? I don't answer to little runts like you. I guess you'll never know whether she's dead or alive. Or maybe I turned her into a little mouse and fed her to a cat," he sneered, his laughter echoing cruelly.
Valentina's heart pounded in her chest as she saw Sophia's hand rise. It was too late to stop her as she swung at Ronan with all her might.
Oh no…
Everyone fell silent as her palm smashed against his cheek and it sounded louder than thunder. The others in the Pack gasped quietly, but everyone was too scared to comment on the slap.
Sophia, you are toast, Valentina thought.