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The agreement stopped her for half a second.

“I know what hypocrisy looks like,” I said. “I also know what avoidance looks like. I’ve done both.”

Her hand lowered.

“My parents hurt me by withholding love, refusing accountability, and expecting me to accept whatever scraps they offered. I spent years explaining it away because admitting the truth would mean acknowledging they were choosing to treat me badly.” The words came easier than they once would have. “That doesn’t make me an authority on healthy families, but it does mean I recognize excuses.”

Karen sent an incredulous look Hilary’s way. “Are you going to allow this?”

Hudson’s mother held her gaze. “I am listening to what Sloane has to say.”

“This outsider is accusing me of abuse,” Karen said.

“I’m saying you treat Patty badly,” I replied. “And everyone who claims to love Patty allows it because asking her to endure you is easier than asking you to change.”

Patty covered her mouth.

The sight made my anger cleaner.

“She is expected to be patient,” I continued. “She is expected to understand that you have concerns. She is expected to ignore comments about her latent wolf, her future, and whether she belongs.”

“That’s pack business,” Karen snapped.

“It’s bullying.”

Karen stepped closer. “You have no idea who Patricia is. You’re a stranger.”

Patty flinched.

“I know exactly who Patty is,” I said. “She is loyal, funny, kind, and brave. She stood by me when doing so could cost her this family. She tells people the truth even when they don’t want to hear it.”

Patty let out a wet, startled sound.

“She also makes terrible decisions involving ribs,” I added.

A few people laughed despite the tension.

Karen looked around at the family. “This is unbelievable.”

“No,” I said. “What is unbelievable is that this pack welcomes strangers, forgives mistakes, rescues children, shares food, and treats every problem as communal until the problem is you.”

The sentence landed harder than I intended.

Karen’s mouth opened. Nothing came out.

I took a breath. “I love these people,” I said. “I know I might not be part of this family anymore. That’s not my decision. But all of you say you love Patty too, and I can’t understand why you keep allowing one person to harm her in the name of peace.”

Karen drew in a breath. I knew the rant was coming. Her shoulders lifted. Her hand rose.

Hudson spoke before she could. “Sloane’s right.”

Karen turned toward him. “What did you say?”

Hudson stopped beside me. He looked exhausted, but nothing in his posture suggested uncertainty. “She’s right.”

Karen stared.

Hudson continued. “We have let you speak to Patty in ways we would never accept from anyone outside the family.”