Twelve

I stared at Dad, suddenly feeling kind of ill. I could see the hurt and frustration in his face, but also the worry. "Dad.. I.." I started, not really knowing what to say, but Sam jumped in, "It's not her fault, Dad, any of it," he started. Dad just shook his head, "I appreciate you looking out for your sister, Sam, but she needs to start explaining all of this to me herself."

I gave Sam a grateful smile, then looked at Dad, biting my lip and wondering where to even begin. "I.. Sarah, she.." I tried, but he cut me off, "From the beginning, please, Laila," he said sternly. I sighed, burying my face in my hands a moment.

"My ankle," I said slowly, glancing at him, and he waited for me to continue, "I hurt it running back from the river. I go there sometimes, to the springs.." he swore under his breath, shaking his head, but listened still. I explained everything, from first meeting the Lycan, to seeing Cole and Finn, the necklace and the truth about the ointment, and everything else s