Emma Pov

　　"I just got curious, Dan," I confess sincerely. "But your help is indeed very welcome. I need some new men's clothes," I inform Daniel in a more serious and firm tone. "New unfortunate families have joined the pack, I still don't know all the details of their story. But I need new clothes for them. I was going to buy them with Amelia, but with the construction underway, I need to stay here and supervise the entire process," I explain, and Daniel nods.

　　"I can go to the mall and do the shopping, no problem, Alpha Emma," Daniel declares seriously.

　　A joyful smile appears on my lips at Daniel's response. I get up to hug him again. "Thank you so much, Dan, really!"

　　Before I can pull away, my phone vibrates in my pants pocket, forcing me to step back and answer it.

　　"Emma speaking… who is this?" I ask as I answer the call.

　　"Hi, little sister, it's me," James's voice comes from the other end, startling me.

　　I stay silent for a few moments, and Daniel looks at me with a worried frown at my astonished expression. "Is everything okay?" he whispers, and I nod.

　　"Emma? Can you hear me?" James calls from the other end, and I shake my head, regaining my composure.

　　"Yes, yes, I can. Just a minute…" I respond to my brother, moving the phone away from my face and placing it on my shoulder. "Daniel, could you leave me alone? It's an important call."

　　Daniel stands up quickly, "Sure, I'll be going now, and I think I'll be back with the shopping by late afternoon. If anything, call me," Daniel declares seriously and quickly. I nod to him and turn my attention back to the phone.

　　"Hi, James," I say curtly and quickly. "What do you want?"

　　"I want to meet with you, to talk. It's been months since we last spoke, Emma," James replies, his voice calm, and I struggle to understand the true meaning of his words. "Can we see each other now? I'm here in the center, and I'd really like to see you, little sister."

　　"I don't know, James. I'm busy with the construction here at my Stonehaven Pack. There's a lot to be done today," I declare with suspicion. The memories of the last time I saw my brother come back to haunt me.

　　"I swear I won't take much of your time, little sister. I know you're an awesome Alpha now. I just want to fix things with you, Emma," James declares, his voice becoming softer.

　　I let out a long sigh and tilted my head back. I don't want to relive the horrors James put me through, the harsh words he said, but if he wants to apologize, I owe him at least that opportunity.

　　"Okay, but it needs to be quick. Where should I meet you?" I agree reluctantly.

　　James gives me the address of a café downtown that's not too far. After giving instructions to Faylen about the wolf pack, I head to the location by car.

　　My emotions are conflicting about the whole situation. It had been, indeed, many months since I last talked to my brother after he kidnapped me. It was when I met Daniel, my savior and protector. The memories whirl in my mind like a top. I drive cautiously yet hurriedly. The faster I resolve this situation with James, the quicker I can return to my new family, my Stonehaven Pack.

　　The café is a few blocks away from the avenue, with only a few people outside at the tables. I spot my brother at the last table in the open-air lot. He waves at me, and I do the same. My breathing quickens, along with my anxious heart.

　　On the table, there are two full glasses of juice. "I took the liberty of ordering your favorite drink. Lemon tea with honey, right?" James suggests, offering it to me.

　　He still remembered my favorite drink from when I was younger, forcing me to smile kindly at him. "Thank you, James," I say before sitting across from him.

　　"It's the least I can do for you, Emma, after all the horrible things I did to you," James responds, his voice downcast, his hands holding his glass. I notice his nervousness and shame.

　　Unfortunately, I have nothing to say to him that can comfort him, so I take a sip of my tea. The taste is sour and sweet at the end, just how I like it.

　　"You hurt me a lot, James," I state sincerely.

　　"I know, Emma! And I'm so sorry for that. I was immature and overprotective, thinking that was the right thing for you. I thought you'd be better off with Michael, safe with him," James responds anxiously. His hand stretches across the table towards me, and though a bit hesitant, I take it. "I don't know how to make you forgive me, other than what I'm doing now, Emma."

　　James holds my hand gently, his thumb caressing my palm. His brown eyes shine with compassion, and I sigh in response. Trying to process my brother's words better, I drink a bit more tea. The sugary taste helps.

　　"James, I…" I feel my tongue go numb and my vision blurs slightly. "I…"

　　"Yes, Emma?" James asks worriedly. "Emma, are you okay?"

　　I shake my head, trying to clear the dizziness that's starting to set in.

　　"Drink a little more, little sister," James offers the tea, and I drink some more. "Have you been eating properly, Emma?"

　　"I have to…" I try to say, but I feel tired and drowsy. Until everything fades away completely.