Chapter 40 They Want Me Dead

• Eryx escorted me into the dining hall as Saint walked ahead of us. I predicted what was coming, preparing myself for the sting against my pride as my pack turned, standing for Saint. The moment I entered, they gave me their backs before sliding into their chairs. This was their response to the fact that they didn't believe Saint had punished me enough.
• My attention slid over the pack, knowing that without me informing them of what I'd endured, they wouldn't see it from my side. Showing them my side though, terrified me. What if they thought less of me, knowing I'd been too weak to defend myself against my sick father? Would their pity stares shred me deeper than their sense of betrayal? I hated the idea of them ever looking at me as less than I was. I wanted them to see me as someone who had survived hell and hadn't allowed my tormentor to win. Starting forward, I groaned, watching the alpha females form a line on both sides of the walkway between tables. Swallowing down the uneasiness, I smiled at them.
• "We challenge you," Katie snarled, her eyes alight with excitement. "Challenge me for what?" I asked, crossing my arms over my chest to stare her down. "Your mate," she smirked, flipping her copper-colored hair over her shoulder.