Meeting the mother...

Astrid's POV:

After I woke, I went downstairs to see if Colin had returned. I wanted to tell him about Alpha Dominic and my nightmare of a memory. Instead of Colin, I found an older lady, probably in her fifties, sitting in the living room sipping what appeared to be hot milk.

She had eyes similar to Colin’s and Casey’s, and a similar facial structure too. I guessed she must be their mother, so I politely stood beside her and offered a bow. She rose from the sofa, setting her cup down. Then she surprised me by taking me in her arms. While hugging me, she said, “We don't do that here. Nobody is inferior to anyone.” She released me with a smile. “I’m Evelyn Willow, Colin's mother.”

“Sorry,” I said. “Nice meeting you.”

“You have nothing to be sorry for. How are you feeling?” she said, resuming her seat on the sofa and patting the spot next to her.

“Better than I felt at the hospital.” I glanced toward the dining area where Colin and Casey were arranging plates on the table. “Both of t