_

I waited anxiously for someone to answer the door.

Finally, the old thing creaked open and my brother, Caleb, peeked his head out.

When his eyes landed on me, his face lit up with a smile as he opened the door fully.

"By the moon, Phoebe!" He screeched, pulling me into a hug. "It's been way too long, big sis. Why couldn't you visit us, huh?"

My heart melted just then as I hugged him back, caressing his head tenderly. "Gosh, Caleb, it's been hell back in that mansion. I've been so busy that I couldn't make time to visit and–"

"You don't have to explain anything to me." He pulled out of the hug, shoving me playfully on my shoulder.

But then he placed his hand beside his mouth, whispering. "I can't say the same thing about Mom and Dad though."

Crap... Exactly what I was afraid of.

I sighed, accepting my fate and hoping they wouldn't ask me any questions about the news flying around that I cheated on the Alpha.