Thea’s POV

I sat rigid in the hard plastic chair, the scent of grief and antiseptic burning my nose. Mom’s sobs had quieted to occasional whimpers, but her pain still filled the waiting room like a physical presence. My throat tightened.

The image of Dad’s mangled body haunted me. His throat had been torn open, dried blood caking the savage wounds that even his Alpha healing couldn’t repair. The mighty Alpha Sterling, reduced to bloody scraps by those Rogue bastards. I’d never seen him look weak before – not once in my life. And now here he was, destroyed by the very creatures he’d spent his life fighting.

“Here.”

I jumped at Sebastian’s voice. He had arrived about an hour ago after hearing the news, and now he was standing next to my chair, holding out a paper cup of coffee. Why was he being… nice?

“Thanks,” I muttered, taking the cup. The warmth seeped into my cold fingers. Sebastian sat down beside me, his familiar scent – sandalwood and rain – – wrapping around me immeditely. Every time I caught his scent, it just reminded me of all the nights I’d lain awake wondering why I wasn’t enough.

“Are you okay?” he asked softly.

I almost laughed. Seven years of marriage, and now he asks? “I’m fine.”

“Thea-”

“Don’t.” I cut him off. “Just… don’t pretend to care now.”

He stiffened beside me, that familiar wall slamming back into place between us. Good. This, at least, was familiar territory.

“Mom already called Aurora.” Roman’s voice cut through the tension. “She’s on her way.”

I watched Sebastian’s reaction from the corner of my eye. His whole body tensed, jaw clenching as he sucked in a sharp breath. I bet his wolf stirred just beneath the surface. My chest ached. Seven years, and he still acted like a lovesick puppy at the mere mention of my sister.

“She doesn’t know about Dad yet,” Roman continued. “Mom thought it would be better to tell her in person.”

Of course. Aurora deserved the gentle approach. Heaven forbid anyone upset the golden daughter.

“Thea.” Mom’s voice was sharp. “I expect you to be civil when your sister arrives.”

The coffee turned bitter in my mouth. “Civil? Like you’ve all been to me?”

“This isn’t about you.” Her eyes flashed. “Your father is dead, and you’re still being selfish. Just like seven years ago-”

“Don’t.” My voice shook. “Don’t you dare bring that up now.”

“Why not? Nothing’s changed. You’re still the same selfish girl who-”

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