450 Going Home
Selma Payne’s POV:
Due to a slight change in the route plan, we did not pass by the Shadow Pack this time. That was why, in the face of the video call from Rhode and my adoptive parents, I could only use my acting to pretend everything was fine and pray that they didn’t notice anything strange.
Fortunately, I managed to fool my adoptive parents from this phone call. Unfortunately, I didn’t fool Rhode.
“What happened? Do you know that you frown when you pretend to be happy?” Rhode confirmed his suspicion.
Sometimes, your family knows you better than you do. This time, I’d fallen into Rhode’s hands.
I tiredly rubbed my head and brows before vaguely saying, “Something did happen, but you know, in my position, it would be strange if nothing happened.”
“Can you tell me? However, from the perspective of a family member, if it’s something confidential, then forget it. Don’t make things difficult for yourself.”
“Alright… I’m sorry.”
I didn’t say anything in the end. Like Rhode said, most of what I was going through had to be kept a secret. There was no need to reveal the parts that didn’t need to be kept a secret as it would only add to Rhode’s troubles. He was already very busy managing one pack, and there was no need to be distracted by other things.
“Alright, I know I probably can’t help, but you must remember that I’ll always be here. Mom and Dad will always be here, okay? If you’re looking for someone to talk to.”
“Thank you, Rhode. I know you’ll always have my back.”
I skipped these sad topics and mentioned the current development of the Shadow Pack.
“I saw the newspaper, Rhode. ‘The dark horse leader that emerged from the commoners’ in the Moon Economic News praised for its authority and sharp words. Using an entire article to praise a region and its leader is rare. How does it feel to be the new star of the werewolf pack?”
Rhode smiled shyly. “Don’t tease me, Selma. I just did what I should do. I can’t take so much praise.”
“Don’t be so modest. This means that what you’re doing now is right, and you’ve received good results and the people’s support.
Rhode didn’t want to talk about the article that praised him. So, I asked, “What’s wrong?”
“I don’t know.” Rhode hesitated. “In fact, I don’t know if it’s completely correct. I’ve just taken office and only done a few insignificant things…”
Alright, seeing how he was hemming and hawing, I understood everything.
“I can swear that neither I nor the palace played any role in this matter. My dear brother, don’t worry about other factors affecting people’s judgment of you. In fact, if you want to worry, you can worry about something else. Others may not praise you because of me, but many people mock you, despise you, and even slander you because of me. ”
I was consoling Rhode, but as I spoke, I became depressed.
“I’m sorry for putting you through this, Rhode. But I don’t know what to do…”
“Hey, hey, you were talking about me. Why are you suddenly blaming yourself?” Rhode didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. He interrupted me, “Don’t think about this nonsense. I was ready to accept everything the day I chose to become an Alpha. Do you think I wasn’t criticized when I was a Beta of the previous Alpha? Some media outlets like to write nonsense to boost readership. I’m already used to it. Even mosquitoes can annoy me more than they do.
“Anyway, it’s very late now, so I won’t disturb your rest. If you have time, we’ll reach out to each other when you return to the Lycan pack.”
I had a feeling that something was about to happen. “Why? Did you prepare something in the Lycan pack for me?”
“You’ll know when you get back.” Rhode smiled. “Don’t expect too much. There’s no gift. That’s all. Good night.”
He hung up before I could say anything.
Sometimes, I felt that Rhode hadn’t changed at all. He was still that annoying teenager in his adolescence!
However, this also gave me some hope. I’d be arriving at the Lycan pack tomorrow. What was waiting for me?
News of what had happened to the elves had long since reached the werewolves. As a ‘hero’ who had helped a friendly neighbor resist the demons, the welcome I received on my return this time was more than all the other times I had returned.
I knew many people were in Lycan pack, but the number of people surrounding the streets was beyond my expectations. There should be fewer people on the streets, even during the Moonlight Festival!
My parents gave me a big hug as soon as they saw me. They didn’t hide the pride in their eyes, which comforted my heart that was riddled with holes.
However, no matter how hard I tried to pretend to be okay, my parents could still tell I was deeply uncomfortable. I didn’t want to face so many people, even if they were here to welcome or bless and cheer for me.
However, when I saw the sea of people, I couldn’t help but think of the massacre at the city wall. So many people! There were so many people!
