I flopped down onto my hard mattress. I was unbelievably exhausted. After playing with Sam for an hour, I had to cook and clean before doing my homework. I was hoping to let sleep overtake me, but I guess I was wrong.

Someone knocked on my door, making me jump up into position. I walked towards the door cautiously. When I opened it, Ethan was standing there smiling.

I arched an eyebrow at him, confused. Why was he all happy?

“Ari, I know how tired you are right now but I need to tell you something important,”

“Sure Ethan, what’s up?” I sat down on my bed, patting the side next to me for him to sit on.

“Okay,” he stated, settling down next to me, “so you know how I was gone all day?”

I nodded my head, lying down on the bed, my feet still hanging off the side. Ethan mirrored my move.

“Well, I went to check on Olivia, and guess what, she’s pregnant!” I shot upright, looking at Ethan for any sign that admitted he was joking. His face was serious and his grin stretched to either side of his face.

“Ethan I’m so happy for you guys! I can’t believe I’m gonna be an aunt!” I smiled at him. He stood up, grabbing my hands and circling them around his waist. He pulled me into a hug and kissed the top of my forehead. 

This was one of the reasons why I was glad my brother didn’t treat me badly like the rest of my pack. Sam and Ethan were all I had left. I hugged him back, inhaling his masculine smell with a mix of light cologne and Olivia’s perfume.

“Hey you two,” a soft feminine voice interrupted us.

I looked towards the door. There stood Olivia with her arms outstretched. I ran towards her, greedily accepting the hug. 

“Congratulations, Olivia. I’m so happy for you two,” I told her. She smiled back at me and kissed my forehead. 

“Thanks Ari. You look tired. Ethan and I are just going to head up to our apartment. Goodnight sweetie,” she said kissing my forehead lightly and hugging me.

“Night,” I whispered as they headed out the door.

Walking back towards my bed, I snuggled into the thin sheets. I just lay there, thinking about life.

How could Ethan and I be remotely related? Here he was, total jock, handsome, smart, caring, funny, protective and most of all, he had a mate that he loved. They were going to be a family soon and live happily ever after. Me, well...I guess fate has never sided with me. 

I began to drift off to sleep when I heard the door open a crack. A blonde head of hair stuck in. 

“Ari,” Sam’s blubbery voice said.

I rushed over to the door and held him. I let him cry on my shoulder, wetting the t-shirt I was wearing. 

“Shhh, it’s okay Sammy. I’m right here. Shhh, it’s alright. Do you wanna sleep here tonight?” I murmured into his ear.

He nodded, gripping his teddy bear tightly. I picked him up and carried him over to my bed. Laying him down softly, I planted a kiss on his cheek before snuggling in myself. Wrapping a protective arm around him, I snuggled him closer to me. I knew it was one of Sammy’s bad dreams about mom and dad. He always had them. I’m surprised he still remembers the death all these years, considering he was only 2 when mom died.

I drew in a breath, inhaling Sam’s scent. It immediately calmed me, helping me fall into a dreamless sleep.