"Sorry," Sadie said, her voice soft and serious again. "But I had to know. You don't belong in a brood."

"What? Why? This was just a test?!" Melissa was becoming very agitated, and the unfamiliar sight of tears touched her eyes. "You're just playing --"

"I'm not playing with you," Sadie said. "At least, not yet and not unless you want me to. Sweetheart, you're terrified of getting bitten. That doesn't mean you couldn't handle it, but you need someone who's only thought would be you. Someone who can work you through it while making sure your other needs are met. You join a brood, and you're just one of...