Chapter 4 What about me?

I huffed as I pried open the window. My face was red from the effort it took.

I jumped from the third floor, holding the rose brooch in my hand.

I landed heavily on the lawn, gritting my teeth in pain. I tried to stand, but my feet gave out, and I fell back down.

Damn！ I broke my leg when I jumped!

My ankle rapidly became red and swollen, and a stabbing pain crept up from it.

The appointed time with Lionel was almost up. I gritted my teeth and got up, dragging my injured leg on my way.

I did my best and finally arrived at the Blue Moon River. However, Lionel wasn't there. Looking around but I still didn’t find him.

He didn't come... Or had he already left?

No! He wouldn't!

Perhaps he was tripping over some trouble, just like I was. 

I decided to wait a little longer...

I waited up till midnight, but Lionel never showed up. I sat on the lawn, clenching my hands in dismay.

I looked down at the rose brooch in my hand. I couldn't help but wailed.

Had I been abandoned once more?

Taking a deep breath, I limped back home. When I pushed open the door, I saw my parents and Jenna sitting on the couch.

Why were they still up this late?

"Where have you been?" Father asked, giving me a condescending look as he stood.

"..."

I couldn't get any words out.

He sneered. "You think I won't know what you did if you don't tell me? Your foolish."

I couldn't help but tremble at the way he spoke.

"You're getting bolder, Hum? You disobeyed your father in front of everyone, made our family ashamed, and even sneaked out of your room at late night to go on a secret date. You are always such a lousy bad child! Do you think Alpha Lionel would really choose you to be his Luna? Do you know why he didn't show up?"

I shook my head, tears breaking out as a bad feeling came over me.

"It's because I told Alpha Lionel who you really are! I told him what a terrible rebel girl you have been! So he regretted everything, and he didn't show up. Jenna is way much better than you. If he hadn’t fallen for Jenna, he's even less likely to choose you!"

My father's words were like knives stabbing into my heart repeatedly.

Mom gave me a sad look. "Dear, stop being stubborn and let your sister be Lionel's wife. She's more capable and knowledgeable than you, her personality is also better than yours -- intelligent, cheerful, and good at dealing with people. She must make a qualified and decent Luna, which is good for both of our two Packs. Rylee, be a good girl and listen to your father, okay?"

Jenna threw herself in front of me and cried. "Please, Rylee! Give Lionel back to me! I really can't live without him! You have a second chance, don't you? You can wait a bit more..."

...

Father, mom, Jenna... each of them kept trying to make me give up my mate.

They kept hurtling harsh, hurtful words at me. I started to feel dizzy from their continuous battering.

Why? Why would they do this to me? They're my family, aren't they?!

Was I really not as good as Jenna?

Or did they think Jenna was their only daughter？ 

I turned around, stumbled, and ran out.

I was going to find Lionel. I was going to ask him in person if he wanted Jenna or me!

However, before I could step outside, I felt a sudden sharp pain in the back of my neck.

I blacked out and fell unconscious the next instant. The rose brooch also fell from my hand and rolled to the ground.

***

I woke up to the strong smell of disinfectant. Groaning, I opened my eyes and was shocked to find two doctors in surgical coats standing by the side of my bed.

One of the doctors was holding a small, thick syringe while the other was applying medical alcohol to my arm. There were also belts restraining my entire body.

"What are you doing?!" I asked in a panic, but the doctors ignored me and remained silent.

Fear coursed through me, and I began to struggle.

I called out for my parents, hoping they would come to rescue me. Amid my screaming, when my voice started to turn hoarse, I finally heard footsteps.

Mom entered the room.

"Mom! Help me! Tell them to let me go!" I anxiously pleaded for help.

But mom ignored me and said to one of the doctors, "We're ready with Jenna. How are things here?"

"We're good to go. Everything's ready for the operation," the doctor replied.

Mom nodded. "Good."

Terror rushed through me as I heard them talking. Goosebumps spread all over my body, and I asked shakily, "Mom, what are you talking about? What operation?"

"Don't be afraid, my dear. It'll all be over soon."

Mom came over and stroked my head. "We'll exchange your blood with your sister's. From now on, Jenna will have your scent. She'll go to the Blood Shadow Pack in your place and become Lionel's Luna."

My eyes widened as I listened to her.

I couldn’t believe this!

That was ridiculous! Jenna would replace me?!

"No! I don't agree with this!" I screamed in tears. "What about me? What will happen to me?!"

"Your father has made his decision. There's no room for backing out now," Mom said. 

"You're too ordinary, too quiet, my dear, so you can't be a good Luna. Lionel will eventually get bored of you, and it will also affect the relationship between our two Packs. But Jenna is different. She's born a leader. As for you, Rylee, just stay with mom and dad, okay? Mom will protect you."

"No!!!" Tears broke out from my eyes. "Please, Mom, just let me go! If you think I’m not good enough, I can change! I'll be good! I'll listen and try to be a good child! Please don't give my blood to Jenna! Don’t let her replace me! Please!"

 "Then, are you willing to give up on Lionel?" Mom asked, softly touching my face.

I was willing to give up everything, but Lionel...

Mom sighed. She turned around and told the doctor to start the operation. No matter how much I cried or begged, she never looked back at me again.

I felt the thick, cold needle piercing my veins.