Mr. Henderson nodded. His eyes stayed on me too long. I did not like it.
When the meeting ended, I slowly walked to where the children sat.
The girl looked at me with curious eyes.
Hello, I said softly. What is your name?
She looked at her mother first.
Go ahead, Isabella, Mrs. Henderson said.
My name is Isabella, the girl said. That is my brother, Gabriel.
I smiled even though my heart hurt. Those are beautiful names.
We are two and a half, Isabella said proudly.
You are so big, I said.
Gabriel looked at me. You smell nice, he said. Like flowers and rain.
My wolf stirred inside me. He felt our bond even if he did not understand it.
Thank you, I whispered.
But Mr. Henderson spoke sharply. Children, come here.
They said goodbye and held their parents' hands.
I stood there, tears running down my face.
They do not know me, I whispered. They do not know I am their mother.
Not yet, Luna Elena said softly. One day they will.
I wiped my face and tried to stay strong.
We should go, Daniel said quietly. People are watching.
Just one more minute, I said. I watched them laugh and eat cookies. They looked happy. That is what mattered. They were safe.
But I promised myself. I will bring them home.
Then I saw him.
Adrian.
He walked in with a fake smile. My heart turned cold.
Ariana, he said. How nice to see you.
Stay away from me, I said.
Now, now, he said, pretending to be friendly. No need to be rude.
You are a monster.
His smile faded a little. Strong words from a weak woman.
Kyle stepped in front of me. Leave. Now.
Adrian laughed. Will you attack me here, in front of everyone?
Alpha Marcus came forward. You were not invited, Adrian.
Oh, but I was, Adrian said, holding a letter. The Council asked me to come.
I froze. The Council was still checking him, but now he knew we were behind it.
He looked at the Hendersons. What a lovely family, he said. Such beautiful children. It would be sad if something happened to them.
His eyes met mine. Unless some people help me.
My heart stopped. He was threatening my children.
Get out, Kyle growled. His eyes turned gold.
Adrian smirked. You have until the end of this gathering, Ariana. Come with me or I will take your children, and you will never see them again.
Then he walked away.
I could not breathe. My whole world broke.
Kyle, I whispered. We have to protect them.
I know, he said. We will tell my father now.
We ran out of the tent. My head was spinning. Adrian had power, money, and people with him.
But I had something stronger. A mother's love.
I looked back one last time at my children. Still safe. Still laughing.
I will never let him take you, I whispered. I will die before I let him hurt you.
And I meant it.
We ran to Alpha Marcus's private tent.
My heart was beating very fast. My hands were shaking. My whole body was shaking.
Adrian said he was going to take my children. He said it in front of everyone.
Sit down, Ariana, Luna Elena said softly. She pushed me into a chair. You look like you will fall down.
I can't sit, I said and stood up again. My children are out there. Adrian is out there. He wants to take them.
No one will take anyone, Alpha Marcus said firmly. His voice was strong, and it made me feel a little safer. Kyle, get the guards. Tell them to watch the Henderson family closely. No one should go near those children.
Kyle nodded and ran out quickly.
Daniel was there too. He looked very worried. Alpha Marcus, Adrian has Council protection. We can't touch him. If we do, the Council will say we attacked him and punish our whole pack.
Then what can we do, I shouted. Just let him walk around and threaten my children.
No, Alpha Marcus said. We will be smart. We will keep your children safe and find proof of what Adrian has done. Then we'll show the Council the truth.
But that will take time, I cried. Adrian said I have until the end of the gathering, only a few hours left.
Luna Elena came closer and held my shoulders. Ariana, listen to me. We will not let anything happen to your children. I promise you. Guards are already watching them. Adrian can't get close.
I wanted to believe her, but fear was eating me up. What if Adrian found a way? What if I lost my children forever?
I need to see them again, I said. Please. I need to see they're okay.
You just saw them, Daniel said gently. If you go back now, people will notice. That could make things worse.
I don't care, I said, crying. They are my babies. I must protect them.
The tent door opened. Kyle ran back in, breathing hard. The guards are in place. Six of our best warriors. They're watching from all sides. No one will get near the Henderson tent.
Good, Alpha Marcus said. Then he looked at me. Ariana, I know you're scared. But trust us. We'll protect them.
I nodded, but my wolf inside wanted to run to my pups and take them far away.
There's something else, Alpha Marcus said. Adrian threatened you in public. People will be watching. They'll want to see what you do.
I will never surrender, I said quickly.
I know, Alpha Marcus said. But Adrian will try again. He might try to kidnap you or hurt someone to get to you.
Then how can I stop him, I asked.
Kyle stepped forward. His face was serious. You can stop him if you complete the mate bond with me.
The tent went silent.
What, I said softly.
If we complete the mate bond, Kyle explained, you become the future Luna of this pack. Then Adrian can't touch you. If he tries, it means war.
But… we barely know each other, I whispered.
I know, Kyle said gently. You don't love me yet. But this isn't about love. It's about keeping you and your children safe.
He's right, Alpha Marcus said. The mate bond is sacred. If Adrian touches you after that, every pack will fight him.
I looked at Kyle. He was offering to protect me even if it meant tying his life to mine.
Kyle, I said, crying. You deserve someone who truly loves you. Not someone scared and broken like me.
Kyle touched my face softly. I'm choosing you, Ariana. Maybe one day you'll choose me back. But for now, let me keep you safe.
Tears ran down my face. I don't deserve you.
Yes, you do, he said, smiling. You deserve every good thing.