Elena
"No," I say again, my voice a little stronger. "You're not saving me, Mom. You never were."
My mother's face crumbles. She reaches for me again, her voice sugary sweet. "Oh, sweetheart. You don't know what you're saying. These... people have confused you."
I step back, shaking my head. "I'm not confused. I know exactly what's going on."
"Elena, darling," she coos, "you're tired. You're stressed. You're not thinking clearly. Let Mommy take care of you."
Her words make my stomach churn. "Stop it. Just stop."
She blinks, feigning innocence. "Stop what, sweetie? I'm only trying to help you."
"No, you're not!" My voice rises. "You're lying. You're pretending. Why can't you just tell the truth?"
My mother's eyes dart around, taking in the watching pack members. She lowers her voice
