Sixteen Years Waiting, Still Below the Dog Chapter 02

Sixteen Years Waiting, Still Below the Dog Chapter 02

I stood there.

Muffled coughing came from inside the house, one after another.

The tears finally broke free, falling to the ground.

I knew Gran didn’t mean it.

She loved me the most.

On Brackenfield’s freezing winter nights, when my feet cracked from the cold, she’d hold them all night.

When I ran a fever in the middle of the night, she carried me miles on her back to see a healer.

The last few eggs in the house were always boiled for me.

She just couldn’t stand it anymore.

She’d watched me wait year after year, and that’s why she played the villain—to force my parents to take me.

At the gate, a neighbor passed by, craning their neck to look, murmuring under their breath.

My father couldn’t take the gossip. His face darkened, and he finally caved.

Fine. Bring her. Or people will say we’re heartless.

No welcome. No tenderness.

Just the reluctant concession of people who couldn’t stand the whispers.

My mother shot me an annoyed glare.

She walked over and grabbed my wrist, her grip hard enough to hurt.

Look at you. So difficult.

You must’ve been a handful, that’s why your grandmother won’t keep you.

Let me tell you—once you’re in Everden, you behave. Keep your hands busy.

Otherwise, I’ll send you right back to Brackenfield.

I bent down to pick up my backpack as she dragged me forward.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the door crack open.

Gran stood behind it, her lips moving.

The wind was too loud; I couldn’t hear what she said.

But the little wolf in my chest let out a soft whimper.

At the car, my mother got into the passenger seat.

I opened the back door. Silas, Brielle, and Brisk each had a spot.

I bent down to squeeze in with my bag when Brielle suddenly covered her nose and screamed.

She stinks!

Mom, she smells like a barn. I’m not sitting with her!

I instinctively sniffed my sleeve.

Just laundry soap.

I’d washed my clothes three times yesterday when I heard they were coming—scrubbed until my hands were raw.

Silas frowned too.

Mom, make her sit in the trunk. Dad just had the car cleaned. Don’t let her dirty the seats.

Besides, Brisk gets carsick. He has to sit in the back.

My mother looked at me, then at the dog.

Sunny, the trunk’s plenty big. You can sit there.

I opened my mouth, saw the disgust in her eyes, and swallowed my words.

When the trunk lid slammed down, the last sliver of light vanished.

The engine started.

Laughter drifted in from the front.

Silas was talking about Everden Pack School. Brielle was complaining about her private tutor being too strict.

The dog barked twice, and my mother cooed softly. Don’t be scared, Brisk. We’re almost home.

I curled up next to the spare tire, my knees pressed to my chin.

The car rattled over the potholed back roads, the trunk bouncing so hard my head cracked against the metal.

A loud thud. No one in the front heard—or maybe they did and just didn’t care.

I don’t know how long it took, but the car finally stopped.

The trunk opened, and blinding light flooded in.

We were finally home. My mother pushed open the door, revealing a bright, sparkling interior.

A spacious living room. Brand-new furniture. Every corner pristine and polished.

I stood at the entrance, stunned.

Silas let out a derisive snort, his face full of mockery.

Country pup.

Brielle covered her mouth and giggled, her tone cutting.

Of course she’s impressed. She’s from the sticks.

I lowered my head, gripping my backpack straps, afraid to look anymore.

Because it was true.

I’d never seen anything like it.

In all my years growing up, my parents had never once brought me to Everden.

Every summer break, Gran would send word asking if they could take me for a visit. They always said it wasn’t convenient.

My mother kicked off her shoes and glanced back at me, her tone casual and dismissive.

Alright. Put your stuff down.

I stood in the entryway, looking at the spotless living room, not sure where to put anything.

Mom, where do I sleep

My mother hesitated, her eyes flicking toward the room on the left.

Silas instantly bristled. He sprinted to the door and planted himself in front of it.

No way. She can’t stay here. This is Brisk’s room!

I looked inside.

A plush pet bed. Fancy food bowls. Toys. Little blankets. All meticulously arranged.

My mother immediately softened her voice, soothing Silas.

Okay, okay, she won’t stay there. Nobody’s touching Brisk’s room.

She turned to me, her gaze cold and flat.

There’s no extra room in the house. You’ll take the sunroom.

She pointed to the glass-enclosed porch at the end of the living room.