were curious, lively, and seemed to thrive in this new life she had built for them at Seacrest. But behind their appar

d to her, looking serious. "Mom, why don't we have a family like other kids? Ever

a tender hand through her son's hair, and looked at Luna, who was watching her si

tell you because I thought you were still too young. I wanted to protect you,

knees, fully attentive. "But now we're g

er, I met someone who became very important to me. He was strong, courageous... but he also carr

laced a hand on her mother

g her throat tighten. "Yes,

frowned, as if trying to put the pieces of

es love is not enough. Sometimes adults make mistakes and make decisions they regr

trained him with a hand on his arm. "It's okay, Ryker. Mom will tell us everything when she

ace where she could forget, if only for a few hours, the incessant questions and the memories that constantly resurfaced. But that morning, whil

an intensity that made her shiver. She hesitated for a moment,

o be neutral, although she felt annoyance rising within her. She wasn't re

oor behind him. "We need to talk. About th

the place nor the time, Victor. We made our choices ye

filled with the same determination she once knew, "you came back. Don't you

Victor, do you think it's that simple? That I'm just going to let you into their lives without say

" I know. And I regret it, believe me. But I'm

say to each other. Olivia looked at him for a moment, searching for the man she had once loved

d at last, "maybe it'

as she recognized him, she felt her heart race. It was Elijah, an Alpha from a neighboring pack and one of the suitors who

Victor's presence. "I was passing by and thought I

cken around her. "Elijah, I...I'm a little busy right now," she replied, sear

ghtly. "I see that I'm disturbing, but I wanted to tell you, Olivia, that you are not

ia knows very well that she doesn't need you to protect her.

en. She turned towards them, a look of determination on her face. "Stop, both of you.

his eyes. She had changed, and he seemed to realize it for the first time. She was no longer the young woman he had

calm, but firm voice. Then, she turned to Victor, challenging him with her gaze. "As for you, Victor, if you want

they knew. After a moment, Elijah nodded, accepting her refusal without further insistence. As for Victor, he remain

and apprehension. She knew that nothing would be easy, but she promised herself to never forget the promise she h