The Lightning Wolf Chronicles (Evelyn and Nadia) novel Chapter 13

Chapter 13: Where Did You Go Tonight?

Evelyn’s POV

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The walk home felt different with Elliot beside me. Silver Pines looked almost magical under the moonlight, their branches catching the

silver glow. But my brother was unusually quiet, like he was wrestling with something.

‘I really enjoyed dinner tonight,” I said, trying to break the silence.

“Yeah.” He stopped suddenly. “Evie, I need to tell you something.”

I turned to face him, confused.

“Dad wasn’t there tonight because I asked Alpha Adam not to tell him.” Elliot’s voice was barely above a whisper. “I know how he treats

you. I wanted you to have one night without worrying about his reaction.”

My stomach dropped. “You knew?”

“Of course I knew.” He looked away toward the forest. “You think I’m blind? I’ve watched him tear you down for years.”

The admission hung between us like a weight.

“I bet you’re wondering why I never said anything, right?” His laugh was bitter. “Why I just stood there and let it happen.”

I stayed quiet, but he was right. That question had burned in my chest for years.

Elliot took a shaky breath. “Remember when we were little? Your fifth birthday when I snuck you that cake I made?”

I nodded. That tiny vanilla cake was still one of my only good birthday memories.

“Dad found out and lost his shit. Locked me in the training room for a whole day, said if I ever ‘betrayed’ him again, he’d strip me of the Beta position.” Elliot’s hands clenched into fists. “I didn’t give a damn about being Beta, but after that, he got even worse with you. I knew

it was punishment for what I did.”

“Elliot…”

“So I convinced myself that staying away would protect you. That if I just kept my distance, maybe he’d ease up. He finally looked at me, eyes bright with unshed tears. “But I was wrong. I was just a coward who chose the easy way out.”

“You were a kid,” I said quietly. “We both were.”

“That’s not an excuse.” He shook his head. “All these years, watching you eat alone, watching you train until you collapsed, watching you shrink into corners… I hated myself for it. But I was too scared to do anything.”

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11:33 Thu, Jan 8 34 …

Chapter 13: Where Did You Go Tonight?

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He reached out and squeezed my shoulder. “That changes now. I don’t care what Dad thinks anymore. You’re my sister, and I should ve been protecting you this whole time.”

My throat felt tight. “Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me. This is what I should’ve done years ago.” He started walking again. “Come on, let’s get you home.”

The moment I pushed open our front door, a voice cut through the darkness.

“Where did you go tonight?

My blood turned to ice. Dad sat in the living room shadows, only the glass in his hand catching any light.

“I…” The words stuck in my throat.

Elliot stepped in front of me immediately. ‘I took her out, sir. Alpha Adam hosted a welcome dinner and invited Evie as Nadia’s friend.”

“I asked her, not you.” Dad’s voice could’ve frozen hell over.

I forced myself to meet his glare. ‘I went to dinner at Alpha Adam’s house.”

“Who gave you permission?”

“Alpha Adam and Luna Isabella invited me personally.” I tried to keep my voice steady.

Dad stood up slowly, his massive frame even more intimidating in the dim light. He walked over until I could smell the whiskey on his

breath.

“You think putting on some pretty dress changes who you are?’ His voice was deadly quiet. “You think they really want you there?’

“Dad! Elliot tried to step between us.

“Shut the hell up!” Dad roared, then turned back to me. ‘Let me remind you of something, little girl. No matter how you dress up, you can’t change one simple fact – your existence cost her life.”

Each word hit like a physical blow. I’d heard this accusation a thousand times, but it never stopped hurting.

‘If I could’ve chosen, I heard myself say, my voice eerily calm, ‘I would rather it was me who died instead of her.”

Dead silence.

Dad’s face went darker, but he didn’t respond. Just turned and headed for the stairs.

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