Brielle's Pack

"Hey, Brie," Nolan called, poking his head through my doorway. I snorted at his bed hair, the light brown strands jutting every which way. Clearly, he'd only just gotten up. He paid my laughter no mind and tossed me the phone. I snagged it easily. "Asher's on the line." "Okay, thanks, cous," I yelled after him as he headed down the hallway. Lifting the phone to my ear, I smiled. "Hello?" "Hey, Brie," Asher answered, breathless and worried. "What, Asher? This has to be the third time you've called today. I get that you miss me and everything, but be real, you're turning into a total overprotective mess. I'm okay. I'm way stronger now. Quit getting your panties bunched and stop stressing over me. I miss — " "Cut it out," he growled, dead serious. My mouth clicked shut because I knew whatever came next mattered. "Ash, everything okay?" I asked, pushing myself upright on the bed. A door slammed on his side, followed by low whispers. "Asher, what's happening?" I asked again, louder this time when the voices there rose. "Brie, listen to me and listen good," he said as he moved somewhere quieter. "Mason was attacked, and he's in critical condition. He asked for you. You're his best friend. Honestly, we all need you here. So start packing and catch the next flight back." That time I shot to my feet and started pacing my room. "What? What happened?" I gasped, dragging an unsteady hand through my dark hair. It was way too much to take in. My mind immediately jumped to the worst things possible. "Is Mason okay?" "None of us are okay," Asher said, his voice shaking on the last word. I gripped the phone harder, certain whatever he said next would be even worse. After a beat of silence, Asher broke with a sob. "Mom's dead."