I shook my head, resisting the urge to throw the offending package back in his face. " I have no intention of going to your mother's party," I retorted, my voice rising with frustration. "How many times do I have to tell you that before it sinks in?

"Okay now, you're being unreasonable," he said, his tone clipped. "This dress is a gift, and I expect you to accept it and wear it tonight. It's the least you can do, after everything I've done for you."

I scoffed, the absurdity of his demand nearly overwhelming me. "Everything you've done for me?" I echoed, my voice dripping with sarcasm. "You’ve done nothing but make my life a living hell. I'm not going to wear some fancy dress to your family's party just because you demand it."

His jaw tightened, and I could see that his temper was beginning to flare. "Selena, you're being incredibly stubborn," he growled, his fingers flexing as if he were itching to grab me.

"Newsflash, I didn't speak Spanish when I wrote that message to you. I meant every word – I want nothing to do with you, your pack, or your family members."

He wasn’t still getting what I was saying. I didn’t even know if he was deaf or just trying to be difficult as usual.