Triplet Alpha’s Regret

On the day of my first shift, my Alpha triplet adoptive brothers weren't by my side for the first time ever, because their long-lost birth sister Scarlett had returned.

My doting third brother Hunter abandoned me in a forest crawling with rogue wolves and made me walk back alone.

My gentle second brother Ethan slapped me across the face for Scarlett, demanding to know why I was being so vicious.

Even my usually level-headed oldest brother Mason told me to get out and never come back for his birth sister's sake, without even bothering to hear my side of the story.

Scarlett's sweet facade fell away when we were alone. "So what if your parents sacrificed themselves to save my brothers? They are my biological brothers. You're just a mongrel with no blood relation. Even if I drive you out, my brothers will definitely take my side."

I didn't say another word. I just grabbed my bags and left.

They thought I was just throwing a tantrum and would be back in a few days.

The three brothers even postponed their busy pack affairs to accompany their birth sister to patrol the Northern territories – to see the snowy tundra I had always dreamed of visiting.

Many days later, when they returned to the pack, they suddenly learned that I had joined a Beta Wolf Enhancement Program that would last ten years, with no contact with the outside world.

When they knew that I could never come home again, they fell apart.

1

On the day of my first shift, my Alpha triplet adoptive brothers weren't by my side for the first time ever, because their long-lost birth sister Scarlett had returned.

They even told me to get out and never come back for his birth sister's sake.

To fight again Rogue wolves，The Alpha King had gathered the most elite warriors from each pack for a Beta Wolf Enhancement Program—a secret project that would last ten years, with no contact with the outside world.

The day I volunteered for this research project happened to be the anniversary of my parents' death.

My parents had once been the pack's most outstanding warriors, but fifteen years ago, they died in battle protecting my brothers' parents—the former Alpha and Luna—during a rogue wolf attack.

From that day on, my brothers adopted me, saying I would be their little sister forever.

Before, my three foster brothers would always stay by my side on this day. But since their birth sister returned, we never mourned my parents together again.

The research project director escorted me out of the institute and gently reminded me:

"We depart in seven days. Olivia, say proper goodbyes to your family. You won't be able to see them for a very long time."

The central camp where we lived was spring-like year-round, but my heart was frozen solid.

I stood on the street for a long time.

After all, we had been siblings for over twenty years.

Surprisingly, they blocked our mind link connection.

I had to swallow my pride and contact Mason through our housekeeper.

But when Mason heard my voice, he impatiently demanded, "Why can't you just get along with Scarlett? She's just an Omega. You shouldn't be conflicting with her."

I defended myself, saying I hadn't done anything wrong. It was Scarlett who mocked me for not having parents and for stealing her brothers' affection.

Mason clearly didn't believe me. "If you keep telling lies like this, you can leave forever and never come back. Scarlett was separated from us before and had a terrible life. We should all make it up to her, especially you."

I felt even worse, but thinking about the significance of today, I still wanted to be with my brothers.

I unconsciously sped up my words:

"Today is the anniversary of my parents' death. Could you brothers accompany me to pay respects to them? We've always done it together before."

I carefully added:

"I won't argue with Scarlett anymore. She can have whatever she wants."

Scarlett was my brothers' birth sister after all.

His tone was cold and impatient: "Thanks to you, Scarlett's eyes are swollen from crying. How dare you even mention her?"

I pretended not to hear his disgust: "Please, just this one last time?"

Perhaps out of guilt toward my parents, or perhaps moved by the desperation in my voice, Mason relented.

I had never begged like this before.

Since Scarlett arrived, I had argued with the brothers for years.

Even during our worst fights, I had never been willing to bow my head.

But this time...

Perhaps after this goodbye, no one would know when we'd meet again.

The other end went silent.

After a while, it was Scarlett's childish, soft voice that broke the deadlock:

"Go ahead. After all, they were our parents' lifesavers."

I immediately responded: "Then I'll come pick you all up."

After saying this, afraid they might refuse again, I hurriedly ended the call.

2

After hanging up the phone, the wind stung my eyes.

I rushed to pick up my brothers.

But when I drove up to meet them, Ethan forced me out of the car. "Scarlett decided she wants to go too, and she doesn't want to be in the same car with you. Find your own way there."

Before I could respond, I caught Mason and Hunter's cold stares. I finally agreed, and the four of them drove off, leaving me standing alone.

The cemetery was far, and it was nearly impossible to arrange transportation on such short notice. I had no choice but to shift into my wolf form and race along the winding mountain road toward the Pack's Heroes Memorial.

My wolf form was weaker than most because on the night of my first shift, Hunter had abandoned me in a forest full of rogue wolves. The injuries I sustained during that fight had permanently weakened my wolf.

By the time I arrived at our destination, panting and exhausted, two hours had passed. Before I even reached them, I could hear Scarlett's whining voice: "Why is Olivia so slow? Is she doing this on purpose? She knows I can't stand in the cold wind. She's not my real sister after all. She probably still resents me."

Mason immediately scolded me without giving me a chance to explain: "What took you so long? Scarlett, a delicate Omega, has been waiting for you in this cold wind. What were you thinking?" He walked over to Scarlett and gently draped his jacket around her shoulders. Ethan and Hunter also huddled around her.

My chest suddenly tightened, and I choked back a cough. My wolf form was drenched in sweat, hunched over with hands on knees, gasping for air. My face was flushed red and my legs trembled, barely supporting my body. But nobody seemed to care.

Throughout the entire memorial service for my parents, not once did my brothers ask if I was okay.

Seeing them so happy together as a family made my heart ache. Was all our bond over these many years just a lie?

Scarlett was clearly enjoying herself. She spoke in a whiny voice:

"The other day, my classmates were all talking about skiing. I've never seen snow before."

"I heard you can see it in the Northern territories in winter. When I grow up, I want to go to the Northern territories to ski!"

Mason stroked her head: "Why wait until you grow up? It's not a big deal. We can go see it this year."

Ethan and Hunter chuckled: "Perfect timing. Once we finish the pack business by the end of the year, we'll have time to take you."

Hearing their conversation made me feel even worse. The Northern territories were my parents' homeland. Although I was born and raised in the central camp, after my parents' sacrifice, I had always wanted to visit their birthplace.

They chatted excitedly, and in less than half an hour, they had planned the entire trip.

Scarlett cheered joyfully, so excited that she threw herself into her brothers' arms.

After a moment, she seemed to suddenly remember I was still there. Tilting her head, she asked me:

"Sister, do you want to come with us?"

Remembering that I was leaving soon, I thought I should tell Mason, Ethan, and Hunter.

So I took the opportunity to speak: "No thanks. In a few days, I have a mission that I need to..."

Mason impatiently interrupted me: "If you have something to do, go handle it yourself. No need to tell us."

The words "I don't know when I'll be back" died in my throat.

Mason seemed to remember something and looked at me coldly:

"The top-tier healing gem your parents left you, could you lend it to Scarlett for a few days?"

"She's an Omega, and she's suffered so much since she was separated from us as a child. Her health is poor. The Healer said only a top-tier healing gem might help."

Before he could finish, I spoke softly: "I can give it to her."

Mason stopped abruptly.

He seemed to think he had misheard.

He stared at me for a long while, his eyes unable to hide his disbelief: "What?"

3

After a moment of stunned silence, Mason's brows furrowed.

He seemed uncertain about my quick agreement and wavered slightly:

"Scarlett just came home, so she might not accept you right away. You should be more understanding with her."

"I know this gem is your parents' precious heirloom. Once Scarlett recovers, we'll definitely find a way to compensate you."

I looked at them earnestly: "It's fine. I'll agree to whatever she wants. I know she doesn't like me, and I can move out so she won't have to see me anymore."

"Her health is poor, and she needs care."

"Besides, I haven't been home much these past few years, so moving out makes sense..."

"Tch."

The abrupt sound made my voice halt.

Mason's expression darkened. He probably thought I was just putting on an act.

Scarlett called Mason's name from a short distance away, asking him to come tell her a fairy tale. He immediately went to her, leaving me standing alone.

I prepared to leave, my throat aching as I spoke: "I'm going now."

No one responded.

Mason, Ethan, and Hunter were still attentively tending to Scarlett.

As I walked past Mason, I caught fragments of the story he was telling to soothe Scarlett: "And so, Snow White was driven from her home..."

Suddenly, I remembered many years ago, when my parents were abruptly killed, leaving me all alone.

Mason had embraced me, his eyes red with tears.

With the same gentle voice, he had trembled as he comforted me:

"You still have us. From now on, you're our real sister."

"As long as your brothers are here, Olivia, you'll always have a home."

Liar.

For some reason, my nose suddenly stung with tears.

I gathered my emotions and hurried back to the military camp that night, busying myself with preliminary preparations for the body transformation program

I worked through almost the entire night.

Early the next morning, I rushed back home.

I planned to give Scarlett my parents' precious healing gem and pack my things to move out.

Our housekeeper helped me pack while expressing her indignation:

"When you were born, your mother was attacked by rogue wolves. You were so weak at birth, and your parents went through hell to find that top-tier healing gem to keep you healthy. How can the Alphas let you give it to Scarlett? And this has been your room since you were little—why do you have to move out?"

As I placed books and clothes into my suitcase, I replied:

"It's okay. I won't be staying for long anyway."

Behind me, a cold voice suddenly spoke:

"Where do you think you're going?"

4

I turned around.

And saw Mason standing behind me, though I had no idea when he'd gotten there.

His expression was ice-cold, his gaze fixed on my newly packed suitcase.

Ethan leaned against the doorway of my bedroom, also looking at me with an equally frigid expression.

Scarlett, who had followed them in, hid behind Hunter, secretly eyeing my luggage.

Being young, she couldn't hide the anticipation gleaming in her eyes.

For a moment, I considered telling the truth.

But then I remembered Mason's impatient words: "These things, no need to tell us."

Suddenly, I didn't dare speak up anymore.

This way, when I left, I could at least lie to myself.

They just didn't know. It wasn't that they didn't care.

My hand slipped into my coat pocket, my knuckles aching from how tightly I clenched them.

I pretended to be casual: "Just packing my things. As agreed, I'm moving out."

Mason's expression softened slightly.

But he quickly spoke in a stern voice: "Can't you just get along with Scarlett? You're both my sisters."

Always the same argument. I had to step aside for Scarlett. I was used to it by now.

I reflexively responded: "Then I'll move to the military camp. I won't ever come back."

Mason's face, which had just softened a bit, turned completely dark. "Do you actually feel wronged?"

I truly hadn't meant to provoke him.

It's just that, with me leaving, I didn't want them to feel torn between Scarlett and me anymore.

Scarlett put on an innocent face: "This is your home too, sister. I'm the newcomer. I should be the one moving out."

I replied flatly: "Don't worry. Once I move out, I won't come back."

Scarlett immediately couldn't help but lift the corners of her mouth in a smile.

Realizing her mistake, she quickly lowered her head in guilt.

Mason shouted angrily: "Who are you threatening? If you can't live harmoniously with Scarlett, then just go!"

Ethan also sneered: "If you want to move out, then move. Who's begging you to stay?"

I didn't say anything more and continued packing my luggage.

Having lived in this home for over twenty years, I had accumulated too many belongings.

I couldn't take everything with me, so I only picked the essentials and things my parents left me.

I filled two suitcases to the brim and wheeled them toward the door.

In my ears rang Hunter's furious voice: "If you're so capable, then never come back!"

I struggled to drag the suitcases downstairs and out through the front door.

Behind me, Hunter's voice was angry and sarcastic:

"If it weren't for your parents saving our lives, I wouldn't have let Scarlett tolerate you for so long."

"Don't come crawling back home in three days because you can't handle it!"

I froze when I heard those cutting words. The servant Scarlett had bribed shoved me roughly out the door, causing me to stumble and fall hard on the ground.

My foot slammed against the stone steps, sending a searing pain shooting up my leg.

A year ago, I had been severely injured saving Hunter from a rogue wolf attack. My leg had been torn open, the wounds so deep they still hadn't fully healed despite my werewolf healing abilities.

Mason's raised voice continued behind me: "From now on, whoever dares to open the door for her can get out with her!"

5

I silently pulled myself up from the ground, enduring the stabbing pain in my leg as I limped away one step at a time.

I hadn't gone far when I heard Hunter speaking tenderly to Scarlett behind me, "Scarlett, don't come outside. Stay in the house where it's safe."

"But Olivia left," Scarlett replied, her voice carrying a calculated tremor. "Is it because I came back and stole the brothers' affection? That's why she's leaving so determinedly? But I finally reunited with my brothers after so long... why can't she just let me have this?"

"It's not your fault," Hunter responded immediately. "Olivia is just too petty."

"Then can we decorate the house in red? That's my favorite color," Scarlett asked sweetly.

"Of course we can," Ethan and Mason called out in unison as they followed Hunter outside.

"And those paintings on the walls... can I replace all those things?" Scarlett pressed, her voice growing bolder. "I hate those things so much. They're ugly and tasteless. "

All three brothers agreed without hesitation, not a moment's doubt in their voices.

Red had once been the color we all hated most because it reminded us of blood—of the day we lost our parents. Those decorations she called " tasteless " were items I had carefully chosen for our home.

While my brothers were busy with pack duties and rarely home, I had spent countless hours trying to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere in the place we shared.

The physical pain combined with this emotional betrayal made me dizzy. I struggled to stay upright, fighting not to collapse, when a strong hand suddenly steadied me.

I looked up with effort, taking a moment to recognize Derek, the pack's most formidable warrior. He had also signed up for the secret enhancement mission.

Without a word, he took my luggage from my hands and placed it in the trunk of his car. Mason laughed coldly behind me.

"Is this your mate?" he sneered. "Are you planning to bond with him? Is that why you're leaving home, because you met some wild man from outside? We raised you since you were a child—are we really less important than this stranger?"

Derek looked at my wretched state and angrily defended me:

"What kind of brothers are they? Why do you still recognize them as such? Your parents sacrificed themselves to save them, and this is how they treat you. That Scarlett, she's not even—"

"We're leaving in a few days anyway..."

I hastily cut him off in panic: "Master Derek!"

Derek finally fell silent.

He opened the car door and forcefully ushered me inside.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Mason's face darken instantly:

"Derek, what are you implying?"

Derek looked at him with disgust and scoffed: "What am I implying? In a few days, you'll know."

My heart suddenly jumped to my throat.

Mason stood frozen in place, as if stunned.

After a while, as the car was about to leave, he rushed forward, trying to open my door.

Derek had already gotten in and swiftly locked the car.

Through the window and the curtain of rain, I could only vaguely make out Mason's lips forming the words:

"Olivia, get out of the car!"

His expression was furious, yet seemed to be mixed with other strange emotions.

I couldn't understand it. I only knew that, by now, my departure was probably of little importance to the Paine family.

I closed my eyes, no longer looking at him.

As the car drove away, the rearview mirror showed Mason still standing there.

Derek continued to rage: "They took your healing gem and then threw you out in the pouring rain. I really don't understand why you came back to suffer this abuse."

I turned my head to look out the window at the torrential rain.

After a long silence, I spoke softly: "They used to be very good to me."

Derek didn't believe it.

He had only met me after I joined the Beta Wolf Enhancement program and had never seen the Paine family treat me well.

My eyes misted over, and I seriously repeated: "Really. They used to be very good to me."

6

For as long as I could remember, my parents were rarely home. They were the pack's elite warriors, always protecting the former Alpha family, accompanying the former Alpha and his mate on various conquest missions.

They would often be gone for a year or more at a time.

So I grew up alongside the Alpha's triplet sons.

Afraid I'd be lonely, Hunter would risk being scolded by the former Alpha to skip classes and keep me company.

Knowing I was interested in healing arts, Ethan would venture deep into the Mist Forest to find rare healing herbs for my experiments.

When other pack children bullied me because my parents weren't around, Mason would stand in front of me as my shield, fighting off all those kids.

They would gather around me and promise, "We're family. We'll always spoil you like real brothers."

For many years when my parents were absent, they were both brothers and father figures as I grew up.

Until I was twelve, when my parents told stories about the snowfall in their homeland.

The Paine brothers promised to take me to see it at Christmas, and even booked the flights.

But the next day, rogue wolves suddenly attacked our pack, and my parents sacrificed themselves to save the former Alpha family.

Before the incident, our pack's Alpha and Luna were rallying the entire werewolf alliance to form a research team to Beta Wolf Enhancement program that could wipe out the rogue wolf groups that frequently waged war. This was an extremely important mission.

Fearing information leaks that would incite revenge from the rogue wolves, my parents continued guarding the Alpha family. But they were outnumbered when desperate rogue wolves deployed massive armed forces in a sneak attack on our pack. My parents died heroically protecting the Paine brothers. I never even got to see my parents one last time.

To this day, I still find it hard to remember what their faces actually looked like.

Scarlett went missing during that same attack, her whereabouts unknown.

The Paine brothers exhausted all pack resources searching for Scarlett, finally locating their little sister in the neighboring Ironwood Pack.

Life has strange coincidences.

Seven months after seven-year-old Scarlett was brought to the Paine family, I traveled to Ironwood Pack for a task organized by the Wolf Alliance. There, I accidentally overheard the Ironwood Alpha talking with a subordinate Beta.

I learned that the real Scarlett had died at the age of three in Ironwood Pack due to a weak constitution.

The "Scarlett" who had been sent to us was actually a spy carefully groomed by Ironwood Pack. They hoped to use her to disrupt the Alpha triplets and seize our pack's resources.

When I rushed home, I caught Scarlett destroying my belongings again.

She had thrown my parents' medal—which contained their photographs—into silver powder. Within seconds, the medal was completely corroded.

Just like countless times before, Scarlett crouched down, pretending she was about to reach into the silver powder to retrieve it, causing the Paine brothers to rush over to stop her.

I was furious. I yanked her away and, losing control of my emotions, shouted: "You're not even Scarlett! You're not the brothers' real sister! Get out!"

Ethan glared at me for the first time.

Even the usually gentle and quiet Ethan showed a disappointed expression.

Hunter roared at me, "Olivia, your arrogance and willfulness has gone too far! You can't speak to our sister like that!"

I told them everything I'd heard.

Then I saw Scarlett's panicked expression.

I thought at least an impostor shouldn't continue to occupy my home and brothers, shouldn't keep destroying my things.

But what answered me was Mason's angry voice:

"Olivia, why can't you just accept Scarlett?

"She is our real sister.

" Don’t you feel guilty about making up these lies?!"

7

Ethan coldly said, "I know you're worried Scarlett's return will take away our love and attention from you, but you can't question her identity like this."

Hunter added, "Scarlett has suffered so much while lost outside our pack, and now you're slandering her? I really misjudged you, Olivia."

After that, things were never peaceful between us again.

A month ago, Scarlett used her old tricks again and destroyed a new gem I had just developed.

I chased her to the staircase, losing control and slapping her.

She deliberately fell down the stairs. When I tried to grab her, I fell down with her.

My arm was injured, and I struggled to get up.

Before I could say a word, Mason slapped me across the face for the first time.

The usually gentle and quiet Ethan exploded in anger:

"Olivia, did you do this on purpose? You know perfectly well Scarlett can't shift, yet you deliberately hurt her. If you can't live with us, then get out!"

They took Scarlett to the hospital, abandoning me despite my injuries.

The snow they had promised to take me to see—ten years had passed in the blink of an eye, and now they were taking Scarlett instead.

I pulled myself out of these memories.

Derek, driving beside me, handed me a tissue.

I was stunned for a moment, only then realizing my eyes were already wet.

When I agreed to join Alpha King's 10-year closed Beta Wolf Enhancement program I thought I had moved on.

Now I realized that recalling those memories still brought tears to my eyes.

It's okay, it's okay.

People just need more time to forget and let go.

I returned to the military camp, moved into the dormitory, and continued focusing on my body enhancement research.

The next day, while I was packing with Derek, I ran into the Paine brothers again.

They were with Scarlett, probably because she had suddenly wanted to visit our pack's military camp.

The Paine brothers were now the Pack Alphas, with potential to compete for the next Alpha King position despite their young age.

Their visit to the military camp wasn't surprising.

I pretended not to see them and continued organizing my luggage.

But Scarlett dragged them to sit not far from me.

From time to time, I could hear the girl's giggling voice.

Mason seemed uncomfortable and tried to stop her several times, but she kept chattering.

Ethan gently reminded her: "Behave yourself."

My mind suddenly recalled how Ethan used to sigh and tell me when I was little: "Next time, behave yourself."

After packing everything, especially placing all my parents' belongings in a box, I felt I couldn't breathe and stepped out for some water.

When I returned after collecting myself, the box containing my parents' mementos was in Scarlett's hands.

The Paine brothers were discussing development plans with the research director.

Scarlett, alone with my parents' belongings, quickly threw the box into the military camp's incinerator.

I couldn't react fast enough. I knocked her to the ground, but I was ultimately too late—the fire had already consumed my box.

She immediately fell to the ground dramatically, screaming and crying loudly.

Everyone in the military camp turned to look.

I didn't care about them. With trembling hands, fighting my primal fear, I tried to salvage my parents' belongings from the incinerator.

But everything was gone. The growth journals my parents had prepared for me, their letters, everything related to my parents had been destroyed by the fire, leaving only ashes and debris.

My head was buzzing.

The Paine brothers rushed over at the commotion and immediately demanded without investigating:

"Olivia, why did you push Scarlett!"

8

Ethan helped Scarlett to her feet, his face showing annoyance.

More and more people gathered around.

Derek rushed over when he heard the commotion.

He looked at me, then at the nearby incinerator, and quickly understood what had happened from my expression.

"She destroyed your parents' mementos!" he exclaimed.

Hunter's angry expression froze instantly. He walked over and looked at me.

After a long moment, he frowned: "That's impossible. Scarlett wouldn't..."

"Let's go," I interrupted him, calmly looking toward Derek.

How strange.

I should have been furious. I should have lost control like countless times before, yelling at Scarlett or even getting physical.

Then, amid the brothers' bias and indulgence toward Scarlett, I should have lost control and had a huge argument with them.

But at this moment, I just wanted to leave.

I had been arguing with them for four years.

In those four years, countless times, the result was always the same.

Now, I didn't want to argue anymore.

After all, in just a few days, I would be gone.

I walked out of the military camp cradling the ashes of my parents' belongings.

Behind me, Mason followed.

I heard his voice, detached as usual, yet somehow carrying a hint of discomfort:

"Scarlett went too far this time, but don't blame her. She's just jealous that you get to be with us while she was lost outside the pack."

I ignored him, which made him anxious.

"Olivia, what... what's going on with you lately?"

His voice seemed to reveal a trace of unease.

But I didn't turn around.

I just reached out and gently pushed his hand away.

As I entered the elevator, Ethan and Hunter caught up and blocked my way.

"Scarlett is just young. She went too far this time, and she knows she was wrong. Don't hold a grudge against her. We'll make it up to you."

I tugged at the corner of my mouth, finding myself ridiculous.

I reached out and pressed the elevator's close button.

The heart that had always refused to give up was finally growing calm, eventually becoming like stagnant water without ripples.

It seemed I no longer felt sad.

As the elevator doors closed, I softly said: "It's fine. Don't worry about it."

Hunter desperately reached out, probably trying to stop the closing doors, but it was too late.

In my final glimpse, I thought I saw panic and helplessness in their eyes.

A fleeting image before the elevator completely closed.

It was probably just my imagination.

The next day, after finishing up at the military camp, I did a final check of my luggage.

At noon, I treated a few lab mates to lunch as a farewell.

As I left the restaurant, Ethan suddenly called.

I answered, but he was silent for a long time.

I thought he might have called by accident.

Just as I was about to hang up, he finally spoke: "When are you coming home?"

I was stunned.

I couldn't help wondering if he had meant to call Scarlett.

But I still replied: "The military camp is busy lately, so I won't be coming back."

Ethan wouldn't let it go: "What about tonight?"

I didn't understand what he was suddenly getting at.

But I still made up an excuse: "I have plans with classmates tonight."

There was another long silence.

After a while, he awkwardly said: "Today is Christmas."

I was momentarily speechless. Since we all lost our parents, we had spent every Christmas together. Mason was always busy handling pack affairs, Ethan was occupied with training warriors for the pack, and Hunter had a carefree personality—none of them ever cared much for ceremony. I was the only one who prepared gifts in advance every year and made time to be with them.

But this year...

I had truly forgotten.

I didn't know what to say. After thinking for a long time, I only managed: "Sorry."

A very formal and polite word.

There was another lengthy silence.

When Ethan spoke again, his voice was a bit hoarse: "Come home for dinner. We've all made time to come back. All of us together."

I didn't really want to go.

He continued: "Scarlett was taken by the healer for a physical examination. She won't be home tonight."

The cold wind on the street stung my face.

Finally, I replied: "Okay."

This time, it really would be the last meal together.

When I arrived home, Ethan was cooking in the kitchen. Hunter was preparing Christmas gifts.

In the early evening, Mason stood at the iron gate of the front yard waiting for me.

As I approached, he awkwardly greeted me.

I truly had nothing to say to him anymore.

As I entered, Ethan, holding dishes and utensils, poked his head out of the kitchen and said: "Wash your hands. Dinner's ready."

My eyes suddenly reddened.

At the dinner table, Mason brought up the skiing trip to the Northern territories.

"You should come with us. I remember you've always wanted to see the snow."

9

My hand, reaching for food, suddenly froze.

Hunter peeled several shrimp for me and placed them in my bowl.

His voice was gentle: "We promised you long ago.

"But we've been busy with pack affairs, as you know."

I lowered my head, tears almost falling.

After all these years, they still remembered.

I spoke in a muffled voice: "Our military camp is visiting another pack this Saturday. I probably won't make it back in time."

Hunter continued peeling shrimp for me, the oil staining his fair, slender fingers.

He replied: "Then we'll go before Saturday and come back early. It won't affect your work."

I wanted to refuse, but the words stuck in my throat.

In the end, it seemed there was still a bit of hope I couldn't dispel.

After all these years,

I could never forget that promise. It wasn't that I really wanted to go to the Northern territories or see snow. That would only remind me of my parents and how alone I was now.

I just missed the happy life we once had together with the Paine brothers.

Hunter continued talking to me:

"Olivia, we'll always be your brothers."

I didn't know how to respond and remained silent for the rest of the gathering.

Finally, Mason asked, "Are you staying home tonight?"

I declined, but I didn't tell them, "I won't be coming back to stay anymore."

Not surprisingly, the next morning, Ethan called.

He seemed hesitant: "Scarlett doesn't want to go to the Northern territories with you, and you're busy with the lab work anyway..."

Ethan's voice continued, uncharacteristically apologetic:

"After you finish your work and come back, early next year, the three of us will take you there separately."

I softly replied: "Mm-hmm."

Ethan was silent for a while, then suddenly asked: "Olivia, are you doing okay lately?"

What a strange question.

Suddenly, I heard Scarlett's startled cry in the background.

Then Mason's voice, immediately concerned: "I told you not to go into the kitchen. Let me see where you got burned."

The call was hastily ended.

I listened to the "beep-beep-beep" sound, and after a moment, my phone screen went dark.

Everything returned to silence.

Derek stood beside me, embracing me sympathetically. "I'll make her pay for this."

But I truly didn't care anymore.

Three days later, the plane climbed to 30,000 feet as Derek and I left for our secret research mission, leaving all the past behind.