19.

"They have apples in them."

"Apple pie filling, Winnie."

"Eh," I mumbled shrugging while pulling out a sausage sandwich. I took a huge bite and already had one out and ready for Alexis because no wolf could resist the delicious smell of my dad's homemade sausage patties.

"Okay, so they're good."

"I know. Fresh sausage. Dad uses his own mixture of spices and stuff in them. They taste so good." She pulled up to one of the gas pumps to fill up her car while I pulled out my wallet.

"I get gas this time and you get snacks?"

"Sounds like a plan," I said.

"You know what I want?"

"Of, course, Lexi. Spicy Doritos, Zingers, and a diet Dr Pepper."

"Righteo!"

"You eat weird food."

"But you love me!"

"I do, you weirdo."

I went into the store and grabbed a little basket loading it up with everything I thought we could possibly want to eat until we reached the next pack territory.

I heard the door ding while perusing the drink selection, choosing juices, sodas, and bottles of water to add to my growing basket.

"Looks like you're going somewhere?" A voice asked behind me. I spun on my heels coming face-to-face with Alpha Cain.

"Alpha. Hi. Um, goodmorning. Yeah. Just a little ride."

"A lot of snacks for a little ride." I chewed my lip while staring at the basket.

"Oh, uh, yeah. I guess we'll have stuff left over."

"I know you're leaving, Winnie."

I looked down at my shoes. "Dad?"

"Mm-hmm. He told me after the meeting ended."

"I figured he'd tell you but after we left."

"Is it because of Liam?"

My cheeks flushed. "Partly."

"I've heard about the terrible way he and Summer have been acting. I am sorry."

"It's not your fault, sir."

"I raised him better than that. He shouldn't have marked your sister the way he did and he should have known to give you space."

I pursed my lips and looked down. Talking about it felt like just reopening the wound and rubbing salt into it over and over again.

"I want you to know, you have our blessing to go on this trip."

"Sir?"

"The Luna and I talked about it and we feel that this could be good for you. You are a smart girl. We could maybe use what you learn to help our own pack." I smiled at the Alpha.

"Now, when you get to the royal city, I'll send word to King Allen to let him know that our Beta's daughter is visiting. He'll be able to help you with anything you may need."