Jolie pov
"Don't what? Don't point out that I only matter now because I'm powerful?" The words tumbled out in a rush, unstoppable. "That if I was still the weak little runt, none of you would look twice at me?"
"That's not true." Luna's voice came from the doorway, and I realized she must have arrived while I was lost in my spiral. "We claimed you before the moonfire showed up, before any of us knew what you could do."
"Because Ryder wanted me as his mate." I closed my eyes again, unable to look at any of them. "Not because I was worth anything on my own merits."
"Stop." Ryder grabbed my chin gently but firmly, making me look directly at him. "Stop talking about yourself like that, like you're disposable."
"Why?" Tears burned behind my eyelids, threatening to spill over. "It's the tr
