-Bella-
When we finally arrived, the car seemed to park in slow motion. Mary was already outside the pack’s main house, eagerly waving at us and practically standing on her tiptoes with excitement.
Aiden stood beside her, keeping a gentle hold on her to prevent her from running in front of the car. As soon as the vehicle stopped, I nearly leapt out and rushed over to Mary, who Aiden finally released. My cousin opened her arms wide and enveloped me in a tight hug.
“I missed you!” she exclaimed.
“I missed you too,” I replied.
She pulled back, but her bright smile slowly faded.
“Bella... you look—” Before she could finish her sentence, my aunt approached and pulled Mary close to her, though Mary’s eyes remained fixed on me, her concern evident. Did I really look that bad?
“Are you not
